Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microstructure wherein an aluminum member having an aluminum substrate and a micropore-bearing anodized film present on a surface of the aluminum substrate is subjected at least to, in order, a pore-ordering treatment which involves performing one or more cycles of a step that includes a first film dissolution treatment for dissolving the anodized film until a barrier layer has a thickness of 3 to 50 nm, and an anodizing treatment which follows the first film dissolution treatment; and a second film dissolution treatment for dissolving the anodized film so that a ratio of a diameter of a micropore opening “a” to a micropore diameter at a height “a/2” from a micropore bottom “b” (a/b) is in a range of 0.9 to 1.1, whereby the microstructure having micropores formed on a surface thereof is obtained. The manufacturing method enables microstructures having an ordered array of pits to be obtained in a short period of time.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an improved process for preparing a surface of substrate is provided wherein the surface of the substrate is prepared for a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process, the CMP process is performed on the surface of the substrate, and the surface of the substrate is finished to clear the substrate surface of any active ingredients from the CMP process. Also, an improved substrate produced by the method is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, particular polishing materials and procedures may be used that allow for increased quality of AlN substrate surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention polishes a lithium aluminum oxide (LiAlo2) crystal several times with three different materials and then the LiAlo2 crystal are soaked into an acid solution to be washed for obtaining a LiAlo2 crystal of film-free, scratch-free with smooth surface.

Abstract: The circuit breaker according to the present invention has first and second terminals having favorable electric conductivity and joined to each other with solder; and a heater whose circumference is insulated installed for melting the solder and supplied with electric power from the current path separate from current paths passing through the first and second terminals; wherein the first and second terminals are separated by a spring force and insulated when the solder is melted.

Abstract: In an electric discharge machining, in order to reduce damage of an object to be machined and an electrode and to achieve machining velocity enhancement and reduction of electrode wear amount by appropriately controlling a short-circuit current that flows when the electrode and the object to be machined are short-circuited, an electric-discharge-machining power supply apparatus for machining an object to be machined by interrupting every predetermined time period pulse trains that are turned on and off at predetermined timing, to supply electric power to a machining gap between a machining electrode (2) and the object (3) to be machined includes: a short circuit detecting means (11) for detecting a short circuit at the machining gap between the machining electrode (2) and the object (3) to be machined; and a pulse halting means (12) for, when the short circuit detecting means (11) detects a short circuit occurrence at the machining gap, halting generation of particular pulses in the pulse train so as to halt

Abstract: An invention is provided which contains a pressure isolation chamber coupled to a shielding gas system such that some of the shielding gas is directed to the isolation chamber and as the pressure in the shielding gas system decreases the pressure within the chamber decreases. The chamber is coupled to a pressure sensor or switch, which senses the pressure in the pressure isolation chamber. The pressure isolation chamber is blocked by a normally-closed valve such that if the system pressure increases, the pressure within the pressure isolation chamber does not increase accordingly, until the normally-closed valve is opened to allow the pressure in the pressure isolation chamber to equalize with the system pressure. The pressure switch is coupled to a control system such that when the pressure senses that the pressure in the pressure isolation chamber drops below a threshold the control system and/or the pressure switch ceases the welding operation so that a defective weld can not be created.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire-guide/nozzle assembly (11, 13) for an electric arc welding torch, comprising at least one nozzle (11) for delivering gas and at least one wire-guide system (13) for guiding at least one consumable wire, characterized in that the downstream end (20) of the wire-guide system (13) runs into the nozzle (11). The peripheral wall of the nozzle (11) has at least one cut-out (10) through which the wire-guide system (13) passes. The wire-guide system (13) is fastened to the nozzle (11). The TIG welding torch comprises a wire-guide/nozzle assembly (11, 13).

Abstract: A method of working an optical element for producing an optical element having a microscopic pattern, comprising a pattern drawing step for forming a specified pattern corresponding to said optical element on a base material including a layer of pattern drawing object, wherein said layer of pattern drawing object has a curved surface, and said specified pattern is drawn by the application of an electron beam to said layer of pattern drawing object.

Abstract: In the method according to the invention for connecting a sheet metal component (3) to a component (5) consisting of cast metal, the sheet metal component (3) and the component (5) are welded to one another by means of a pulse-welding method. In particular, a sheet metal pipe (3) can thereby be welded to the port (12) of a housing (13) consisting of cast metal. This advantage may be utilized for an exhaust system with an exhaust manifold (3) and an exhaust assembly, such as a turbocharger (5).

Abstract: In a laser welding method of varying a waveform and a frequency of a laser output in a controlled manner so as to prevent occurrence of weld defects, a time change in light emission strength of a plasma or plume generated from a laser welded portion is detected, a laser output variation condition is set so that the time change in the light emission strength is in response to the variation in the laser output during laser welding. In a laser welding method of varying the waveform and frequency of a laser output suitably so as to prevent the occurrence of the weld defects, a new laser welding method can optimize a laser output variation condition more simply and securely.

Abstract: The laser marking device of the present invention utilizes a networked distributed scalable architecture for high-speed simultaneous or sequential marking on a plurality of stationary or moving objects. A plurality of marking units and a controller are connected with one another through a network interface. The controller generates commands and data for the entire marking process and performs general flow control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser machining apparatus comprising a workpiece fixture (10) for fastening a workpiece (1), a first laser removing device (11) for machining a workpiece using first operating parameters, and a second laser removing device (12) which can machine a workpiece using second operating parameters that are different from the first operating parameters, especially regarding the quality and quantity.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a work-piece during an additive process where material is added to a first surface of the work-piece. The support has a thermally conductive heat-sink adapted to act against a reverse side of the work-piece to that to which material is added thereby supporting the work-piece. The thermally conductive heat-sink is mounted to a biasing means that in use biases the thermally conductive heat-sink against the reverse side of the work-piece.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the approximate weight of metal consumables used by an electric arc welder over a period of welding time, the system comprises a program to calculate the total energy exerted by the welder over a period of welding, a divider to divide the total energy by a number including a power of a selected non-unity factor to obtain said weight. When the energy is in mega joules the factor is in the range of 3.2-4.2 and preferably approximately 4.0.

Abstract: The present invention prevents the occurrence of damage on a small diameter portion 4a which is formed on a rear end portion of a ceramic heater fixed in a metallic outer sleeve 8. The ceramic heater 4 is fixed in the metallic outer sleeve 8 by blazing or the like in a state that a heat generating portion formed on a distal end thereof is exposed to the outside. The rear end portion of the ceramic heater 4 is positioned inside the metallic outer sleeve 8, and the small diameter portion 4b is formed on the rear end. The rear-end small diameter portion 4b of the ceramic heater 4 is connected to an electrode lead-out member (electrode lead-out wire 10) for taking out a positive electrode of a heat generating material. Granulated powder (alumina, for example) 18 made of inorganic insulating material is filled in around a connecting portion of the ceramic heater 4 in the metallic outer tube 8 and the electrode lead-out-wire 10, and in addition, magnesia 20 is sealed outside the granulated powder.

Abstract: A heating muffle for a muffle kiln for the production of a dental ceramic product containing titanium, which comprises a hollow unit, which is provided with at least one opening for the uptake of the ceramic product and has heatable inner walls, and which can form together with a pedestal a firing chamber in which the ceramic product is heated by the inner walls, wherein the hollow unit comprises at least one spirally bent tube containing a heat conductor for a uniform heat transfer to the product and in order to avoid temperature gradients.

Abstract: A method for controlling a cooking process in a cooking appliance includes determining, from a gas concentration detected during the cooking process, a set of function values corresponding to a shape of a function that depends on the gas concentration from a starting time t0 a current time tn during a cooking process. Respective sets of comparison values for a comparison at the time tn are determined from the sets of reference values. A plurality of the sets of comparison values coming closest to the set of function values is automatically selected, and a set of parameters including at least an ending time of the cooking process is generated. The selected set of parameters is used for an electrical controller of the cooking appliance until a next comparison is made at a time tn+1. The method is automatically stopped as soon as the ending time of the cooking process has been reached.

Abstract: A food box comprises a base and a cover, the cover and the base each is formed on their edge thereof with an annular engaging portion, respectively, the engaging portion of the cover is employed to be engaged with the engaging portion of the base. Each of the engaging portions of the base and the cover are a protruding structure located around the periphery of the base and is formed in its bottom with a groove, and each of the engaging portions is in such a shape in cross section that its upper part is smaller than its lower part. When two bases or covers are stacked up, the distance between the two neighboring bases or the two covers is less than the height of the engaging portion of a single base or a single cover, thus substantially reducing the required storage space of the product while improving the transportation volume.

Abstract: An anti-theft display case for manufactured products; in particular, display cases that can be opened and re-closed to contain the product to be displayed and provided with means of maintaining the case closed up to completion of sale, so as to prevent the unauthorized removal of the product. The anti-theft display case is provided with at least one first portion and one second portion, one mobile in relation to the other between an open and a closed position, and a means of locking said portions in the said closed position. The second portion is formed from at least two pieces bound one to the other and mobile one in relation to the other telescopically to increase the volume of the display case.

Abstract: A pan liner is provided, the pan liner including a first liner side panel having a first upper edge; a second liner side panel having a second upper edge; and at least one seam joining the first and second side panels, the first side panel, second side panel and at least one seam forming an interior region having an opening along the first and second upper edges, and wherein the at least one seam defines a continuously curved path along at least a lower portion of the interior region.

Abstract: A liner and method of application for use on a metal surface to protect metal structures such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, and other liquid containing vessels such as tanks from corrosion, leaks, and wear. The liner is an inexpensive apparatus and process comprising a coated metal having a second sealing and bonding layer and a third protective sealing layer. The liner method comprises applying an organic bonding layer onto the galvanized substrate, and applying an elastomeric barrier coating to the bonding layer. The barrier coating material is applied to preseal the seams between adjoining panels assembled to form the basin. The barrier coating is applied to the entire inside of the basin to form a homogenous barrier coating extending out of the basin. The liner edge is isolated from the basin by extending the liner to a point between the basin and an upper section.

Abstract: A rubbish receptacle or bin including a container with an uppermost lid which is connected to the container by a pivot connection about an axis so that it can assume, by being pivoted about its pivot connection, a closed position with respect to an otherwise open top of the container and in a further open position whereby access for introduction of rubbish into the container can be achieved, wherein there is a compactor which is located so as to be below the lid when the lid is in a closed position with respect to the otherwise open top of the container.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell having a bottom end, a base secured to the bottom end and a foot pedal assembly coupled to the base. The foot pedal assembly has a pedal bar pivotably secured to the base, and a foot pedal. The foot pedal can be separated from the pedal bar before placing the trash can assembly inside a containing box.

Abstract: An anti-twist device for a sealing cap that is located on a fixed connecting piece of a motor vehicle radiator. The sealing cap comprises an external cap part with a grip element and a sealing element, which can be connected to a counter sealing element of the connecting piece and in relation to which the grip element can be rotated. The sealing cap also comprises an internal cap part comprising a valve assembly that is configured in an excess/negative pressure combination. An anti-twist stop acts in the external cap part between the grip element and the sealing element. An anti-twist device of this type that has a no-load function instead of a locking function and yet has a simple construction and is easy to produce. To achieve this, the anti-twist stop can be actuated by means of a drive, which is controlled by the operating data in the container and is located inside said container in close proximity to the external cap part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the headset top-cap of the bicycle and more particularly for storage of location transmitters therein. The transmitters within the bicycle headset top-cap will be used to recover stolen bicycles. It can also be used as an asset tracking device. The increased area needed to contain the transmitters and respective components will be accomplished by altering the construction of the top-cap. The components within the top-cap will be accessed through a panel located on the top-cap. The top-cap will be secured to the bicycle by the use of a tamper-proof or locking bolt. An electrical connection within the top-cap will provide the transmitting ability of the device. The top-cap will maintain all rudimentary functions of previous model top-caps.

Abstract: A one-way fill valve for use in electronic enclosures is disclosed. The one-way fill valve allows an inert gas to be added to an electronic enclosure without contamination and without excessive leakage. Generally the one-way fill valve includes a membrane layer and a valve layer that restricts flow of gas in one direction but provides significantly less restriction in another direction.

Abstract: A trashcan includes a container having a base and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base forming an interior space for receipt of a trash bag therein; and a trash bag retention member disposed on the peripheral wall, the retention member defining a passageway into the interior space of the container and comprising a plurality of resilient, flexible fingers configured to receive and retain therebetween a portion of a trash bag. Each finger includes a portion thereof that extends away from the peripheral wall. Each finger is “bent” and extends away from the peripheral wall. A finger may extend away from the peripheral wall on the exterior of the container, away from the peripheral wall on the interior of the container, or both. A method of making the trashcan includes injection molding the container and the retention member separately or, alternatively, together.

Abstract: A diet serving plate and system for people who are diabetic and people who want to lose weight which has multiple pre-measured compartments with incremental measurement lines is provided along with embossed legends of compartment capacity for ease in portion selection and size. A storage lid is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe an insulation system comprising: a primary shell; a secondary shell positioned to cover at least a portion of the primary shell; a cryogenic fluid contained by the primary shell and at least one load-bearing primary insulation component disposed between the secondary shell and the primary shell. Optionally an intermediary shell is placed between the primary shell and the secondary shell along with a secondary insulation component resulting in a shell/insulation/shell/insulation/shell arrangement. In either arrangement, the primary, secondary or both insulation components comprise a material with a nanoporous aerogel optionally reinforced with a fibrous element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel for dispensing and recovering of technical and medical gases and system for delivery and recovery of technical and medical gases.

Abstract: A cargo container includes an outer aluminum shell or housing having side, rear, bottom and top walls and a front opening with a pair of hinged doors. The housing receives a molded box-shaped composite outer shell which receives a molded box-shaped composite inner shell defining a cargo chamber. Corresponding walls of the inner and outer shells and the doors confine insulation cassettes each including vacuum insulation panels forming layers, all protected by plastic sheets and plastic film. Air is circulated by blowers within the chamber through a refrigeration evaporator and electrical heating elements, and a rear portion of the housing encloses operating components including a refrigeration compressor, storage batteries and exhaust fans. A control system senses temperature within the chamber and smoke and humidity outside the container and controls the operation of the compressor, exhaust fans and other components from storage batteries or an external power source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjuster for adjusting drink temperature, including a base, a container arranged on the base, a stay bar seating fixed on the base and extending into the container from the base of the container and secured to the container, a stay bar device arranged in the stay bar seating and formed as a muff coupling with the stay bar seating without liquid leakage, one end of thereof extending out of the stay bar seating and the other end forming the driving end, and an actuating device cooperating with the driving end of the stay bar device to drive the stay bar device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container comprising a glass vessel and at least one plastic top on the glass vessel, characterised in that the glass vessel is substantially circular in cross-section and has a floor and a peripheral side wall, the upper circumferential edge of the peripheral side wall being formed as an annular bead extending outwards, and that a plurality of notches extending radially are provided on the upper circumferential edge, at least in the outer portion thereof, and that the plastic top is substantially ring-shaped with a side wall and an inner ring spaced apart from the upper and lower edges of the ring shape and having upper and lower sides, the side wall having a peripheral snap-in projection beneath the inner ring, projecting inwardly, which, when the glass vessel is connected with the plastic top, is snapped in behind the annular bead of the glass vessel, wherein rib-like lands project radially on the lower side of the inner ring in the area of the connection between the inne

Abstract: In this ventilated double-wall plastic container, each hole structure has a central hole surrounded by a solid flange extending along the inside wall of the double-wall structure. The hole structure also has a spacer portion connecting the solid flange to the outside wall of the double-wall structure. The wall segments of the hole structure between the spacer portion and the flange and between the spacer portion and the outside wall of the container define angles that are either obtuse angles or right angles. In another aspect, the mold for manufacturing the double-wall container has spaced-apart inside and outside metal walls, a plurality of openings in the outside metal wall, and hole-forming inserts mounted in the openings and projecting toward the inside wall. A projecting surface on each of the hole-forming inserts defines with the inside wall a space of even thickness surrounding a pin at the centre of the insert.

Abstract: A beverage package with a concealed straw includes a container, a straw holder, a straw, and a cover. The container is made of a laminated material containing paper, and has an opening. The straw holder is connected to a portion of the inner surface of the container surrounding the opening, and has a recessed groove with a straw hole. The straw passes through the straw hole, and has a first section and a second section connected to the first section, wherein the first section is placed in the container and the second section is placed in the recessed groove of the straw holder. The cover is connected to the straw holder for sealing the recessed groove of the straw holder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cooking utensil with protrusions from its handle. While cooking, the utensils protrusions allow it to be rested on a pot or pan in order to prevent sauces and oils from dripping on stovetops, spoon rests, or other unwanted surfaces. Also since the utensil is held on the pot, bacteria and viruses cannot contaminate the utensil or food as easily. This invention also lends itself towards being quickly and easily placed and removed from its resting spot on the container, as well as minimizing workspace clutter by aligning its own handle with the handle of the container. This invention also has the means to be secure in its resting spot, which prevents it from falling into or to the side of the cooking container. Furthermore the invention can be easily manufactured by making small changes to the mold cavities and/or metal stamps currently used for utensil production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally insulating cover for bottles, especially for baby bottles, comprising a thermal insulation 1 and an outer cover 3. It is characterised by the fact that the cover keeps the temperature of the bottle contents constant during baby feeding over the period of time needed for feeding (approx. 30 minutes), can store and release odours via its soft and tactile material surface and thus provides tactile and odour perceptions to the baby that emulate natural breast feeding.

Abstract: A removable cooking container for use with one of a pot and pan to eliminate time-consuming task of cleaning such pots and/or pans is provided. The cooking container comprises a reusable holder having a first portion capable of fitting within at least one of the pot and/or pan and a second portion capable of extending out from the pot and/or pan. A preformed heavy-duty aluminum disposable insert is provided which is capable of being positioned within and held by the holder. The insert is capable of holding food for cooking within the pot and/or pan. A handle is attached to the second portion of the holder for removing the holder and the insert from the pot and/or pan. Upon completion of cooking, the food is removed from the cooking container and the insert is simply removed from the holder and disposed of, significantly reducing the time needed for cleaning messy pots and/or pans and eliminating the chance of scratching and/or marring the surface of such pots and/or pans due to scrubbing.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a seal between an open body end of a container body and an edge of a lid which is pressable into the open end of the body in a sealing manner, both made from sheet metal, wherein at the end of the body the sheet metal is bent outward by approximately 180? with a bending radius, the lid edge, which is separated from a lid surface by a channelled bead, extending axially upward with its radially external defining edge of the bead beyond an axial position of the lid surface and being bent outwards with a radius which is larger than the bending radius at the body end, to form a rolled edge for receiving an annular sealing material filling the rolled edge and extending downwards, wherein a sheet edge of the rolled edge terminates at a radial distance before the defining edge, said distance being dimensioned such that during the sealing process the body end, with the bending radius thereof in contact with the defining edge of the lid, may be inserted between the same and the sealing mat

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing small items such as pieces of candy is disclosed herein. The dispenser includes a container having a first major side, a second major side, and a storage volume positioned between the first and second major sides. The dispenser includes a dispensing member for carrying the items from the storage volume to a dispensing opening. The dispenser also includes a maze structure within the container. At least one major side of the container includes transparent material to allow a user to view the items within the container as the user tries to move the items through the maze toward the dispensing member for discharging the items from the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A changing pad dispenser is provided for convenient dispensing of infant changing pads. A plurality of changing pads are provided in an assembly that permits storage and serial dispensing from the dispenser. Further provided is a changing pad dispenser that includes a dispenser for dispensing of wipes.

Abstract: A modular hand care system that is customizable and expandable in its design, a method of providing such a system, and a module that may be used in such a system is disclosed. The modular nature of the system allows the consumer to dispense different product, easily configure the selected modules, quickly replace or add individual modules as the consumer desires. Such a system can be used at any location of the consumer's choosing; the system may be mounted on a wall, on a movable cart, or may be installed within a frame system.

Abstract: In a dispensing system for dispensing wet wipes, a wet wipe has an aqueous solution and microencapsulated delivery vehicles including a temperature agent, and is disposed in a wet wipe container. A cartridge is held in assembly with the wet wipe container and has an activating device that facilitates rupturing of the microencapsulated delivery vehicles as the wet wipe is removed from the dispensing system to allow contact between the temperature change agent and the aqueous solution of the wet wipe to thereby dispense a warm or cooled wet wipe. In another embodiment, the wet wipe has an aqueous solution and a lotion having the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles disposed in the cartridge free from contact with the wet wipe. The cartridge also has an applicator that is operable to apply the lotion to the wet wipe as the wet wipe is removed from the wet wipe container.

Abstract: In combination, a vending machine for newspapers which includes a storage area for newspapers, a dispensing device, and an output device through and from which the newspapers fall downwards and an output chute including a lower newspaper-receiving support slot having a rearwardly angled lower wall, an upper wall extending generally parallel with the lower wall and spaced thereabove, a base wall and side walls which together form the generally rectangular box shape of said lower newspaper-receiving support slot. The lower and upper walls extend at an angle between 10° and 40° from vertical, and the lower wall has a height of between one-half inch and three inches less then the height of the newspaper such that upon the newspaper being dropped therein, a graspable portion of the newspaper protrudes whereby the newspaper is easily removable from said lower newspaper-receiving support slot.

Abstract: A vending machine including a dispensing door openable to permit removal of merchandise from the vending machine, and a one-way stopper positioned relative to the dispensing door, such that upon removal of merchandise from the vending machine, the one-way stopper is deployed to a position that prevents placing the merchandise back in the vending machine.

Abstract: A colorant dispenser for dispensing colorant is disclosed having a primary valve and a secondary, outlet control valve. The primary valve is shiftable from a closed position, whereby colorant is prevented from being dispensed from a reservoir, to an open position whereby colorant is permitted to be dispensed from the reservoir. The secondary valve is positioned downstream of the primary valve, and is adapted to permit colorant flow when the primary valve is in its open position in response to pressure from the colorant flow and to restrict colorant flow and drying of colorant downstream of the primary valve and upstream of the secondary valve when the primary valve is in its closed position.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the precise dispensation of small volumes of liquids are presented. A fluid microdispenser comprises a liquid-filled tube, an actuator coupled to the tube, and a tip at one end of the tube. When the actuator applies an actuation pressure, a precise volume of liquid is ejected from the orifice of the tip. The orifice is manufactured to control the volume of liquid ejected by each actuation and, therefore, may have a diameter smaller than that of the liquid-filled tube. The invention comprises systems, methods, and devices so that the inner diameter of the liquid-filled tube is decreased (tapered) to that of the orifice so as to maximize transmission to the orifice of the pressure generated by the actuation stimulus. This enables the volume of liquid ejected by each stimulus to be reproducibly controlled by the amplitude of the actuation stimulus.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser unit for storing and dispensing various liquids, such as soap, comprises a timing mechanism. The timing mechanism may be situated on an exterior or interior surface of the liquid dispenser unit. The timing mechanism, which may alternatively be positioned on the inside the container, is configured to alert a user that a particular time period has elapsed. This is particularly important for informing a user that he or she has performed an activity for a recommended minimum time period. The lights and/or other sensory devices of such liquid dispenser units may encourage and/or entice a user, especially young children, to perform an activity in the first place.

Abstract: A container system of this invention includes a container for holding a fluid, a follower in the container which moves in the container in response to a change in a level of fluid in the container, and a sensor assembly for sensing the level of fluid in the container. The sensor assembly is especially (albeit not exclusively) suited for viscous fluids.

Abstract: A toy water gun is provided which includes a main housing having a handle as well as a water ejection nozzle located thereon. A water supply tank is connected to the main housing which can be filled with water. A pump is located on the housing for pumping water from the supply tank to a pressure chamber located on the main housing. The pressure chamber includes a piston which defines one wall of a water containment space and can be displaced from its neutral position in the pressure chamber housing against a biasing force so that a steady stream of water is discharged from water gun through a nozzle connected to the pressure chamber.