Abstract: In a hydraulic shock absorber in which an inner tube in an axle side is slidably inserted into an outer tube in a vehicle body side, a partition wall member is provided in an inner periphery of the inner tube, a working fluid chamber is comparted on a lower side of the partition wall member, an oil reservoir chamber is comparted on an upper side of the partition wall member, and a piston rod is attached to the outer tube side is inserted into the working fluid chamber through the partition wall member. A piston sliding within the working fluid chamber is provided in a leading end portion of the piston rod, and a suspension spring is interposed between an upper spring bearing in the piston rod side and a lower spring bearing in a bottom portion side of the inner tube, within the working fluid chamber of the inner tube.

Abstract: A sporting equipment carrying bag having an integrated footwear donning stool for storing and transporting sporting equipment and aiding in the donning of footwear is provided. The bag includes a bag body having top, bottom, front, back, and a pair of side panels defining an internal compartment. A stool including top, bottom, front, back, and a pair of side walls. The front wall having a slanted wall portion which slants in a direction from front to back of the stool. The stool is positioned within the internal compartment with the top wall juxtaposed the top panel, the bottom wall juxtaposed the bottom panel, and the pair of side walls extending between the top and bottom panels. The bag body can be placed on a ground surface with the bottom panel adjacent the ground surface providing a seating surface defined by the top wall and a foot supporting surface defined by the slanted wall portion to aid in the donning of an article of footwear.

Abstract: A portable workstation and related methods of using a portable workstation in a vehicle or similar remote location. The portable workstation includes a protective case enclosing a peripheral mounting frame. The peripheral mounting frame includes a mounting sheet, a vertical support member and a peripheral support assembly. The peripheral support assembly includes a pivoting base assembly attached to a rotatable arm assembly. The pivoting base assembly has a first mounting sheet for positioning a first peripheral device. The pivoting base assembly and rotatable arm assembly provide at least three degrees of freedom for orienting the first peripheral device. An accessory support sheet is rotatably mounted to the first mounting sheet such that an accessory device can be utilized with the first peripheral device. The portable workstation can include a second peripheral support assembly for mounting a second peripheral device. The base portion can include telescoping legs providing a self-supporting workstation.

Abstract: An article of manufacture with a quick access feature designed to assist users for rapidly accessing an object in an enclosed container. The access feature may be attached to a pouch, a bag, a pocket or another item designed to carry objects, including apparel that has built-in pockets or attached pockets, such as those on shirt or pants. An article of manufacture may include an access panel attached to a base member defining a pocket. The access panel includes an access opening or eyelet. A carrier member is configured for carrying an object therein and in the pocket. In one arrangement, the carrier member is movably disposed within the pocket so that the access opening exposes a portion of the carrier member for movement between a holding position and a retrieving position responsive to a force being applied via the access opening. The base member may have a ribbed structure.

Abstract: A lockup clutch control apparatus includes a power unit, an automatic transmission, a torque converter, a lockup clutch, an input shaft connected to the power unit, a first output shaft for transmitting the driving force to the automatic transmission; and a second output shaft for transmitting the driving force from the automatic transmission. When a power unit rotation speed or a first output shaft rotation speed becomes equal to, or lower than a first rotation speed, the lockup pressure supplied to the lockup clutch is controlled at a first pressure reduction speed to a target reduced pressure value which is obtained within a range at which the lockup pressure can be controlled. When the lockup pressure becomes the target reduced pressure value, the lockup pressure is reduced at a second pressure reduction speed, which is lower than the first pressure reduction speed, until the lockup clutch starts slipping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lock-up clutch mechanism for a torque converter, comprising a lock-up piston and a front cover having an engagement surface capable of being engaged with the lock-up piston and in which a friction material is stuck to wither one of the lock-up piston and the front cover and in which engagement and disengagement are performed in accordance with a hydraulic pressure difference between the front cover and the lock-up piston and wherein the friction material includes a first flat friction surface disposed at an outer diameter side and a second tapered friction surface disposed at an inner diameter side and further wherein, when the lock-up piston and the front cover are slip-controlled, the first friction surface is engaged with uniform face pressure, and, when the lock-up piston and the front cover are substantially integrally joined with a great hydraulic pressure difference under slip control, maximum face pressure is generated at a border between the first friction surface and

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine with a takeoff shaft; an electrical machine with a rotor and a stator; a first and a second clutch, each with an input part and an output part; and a housing, which surrounds at least the clutches and the electrical machine. The input part of the first clutch is in working connection with the takeoff shaft of the internal combustion engine, and the output part of the second clutch can be connected to the drive wheels of the vehicle. A torque-transmitting device for transmitting a torque is installed between the output part of the first clutch and the input part of the second clutch, where the housing has an intermediate housing wall, on which the rotor of the electrical machine is at least indirectly supported, and where the rotor of the electrical machine is or can be connected nonrotatably to the torque-transmitting device.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An integrated slip speed sensor is provided in order to determine the output speed.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley, a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member, and anti-drainback check valve.

Abstract: A small center distance is provided between a crankshaft and a gearshift shaft disposed in parallel. A power unit is built compactly in a direction of arrangement of the crankshaft and the gearshift shaft for supporting reliably the gearshift shaft on which heavy, first and second gearshift clutches are supported. A transmission includes a main shaft, disposed in parallel with a crankshaft and rotatably supported in a crankcase, and first and second gearshift clutches. The first and second gearshift clutches change a gearshift position in a first gearshift portion and a gearshift position in a second gearshift portion, respectively. The main shaft includes an outer shaft portion that extends from the crankcase and supports the first and second gearshift clutches. The outer shaft portion is supported by a bearing portion disposed in a front cover on a side opposite to the crankcase across the first and second gearshift clutches.

Abstract: A clutch disc assembly for a friction torque device has a clutch damper assembly which includes a hub defining an axis of rotation and a concentric steel disc. The damper assembly includes a plurality of cushion elements fixed to the steel disc. First and second friction rings are disposed on opposite sides of the cushion elements and are rotatively fixed to the steel disc. First and second friction discs have an equal number of keyhole slots defining an equal number of arms. A friction pad is fixed to each arm, with friction pads on the first friction disc being in substantial alignment with the friction pads on the second friction disc.

Abstract: A linear transfer mechanism includes a guide member, a transfer carriage movable along a horizontal linear transfer path provided on the guide member, and a drive mechanism provided with a drive pulley and an output belt wound around the drive pulley for reciprocating movement in a reciprocating movement section in parallel to the transfer path. The transfer mechanism also includes a drive source for driving the drive pulley. The transfer carriage is connected with the output belt of the drive mechanism by a connecting member. Both the drive mechanism and the drive source are supported by the guide member.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to conveyor systems and methods which can accommodate negative gap between articles (e.g., cartons, packages, products, etc.) conveyed upon a sortation conveyor. Negative gap is attained by placing articles side-by-side upon a conveyor (as opposed to single file) so that the trailing edge of a leading article can lag behind the leading edge of a trailing article in the movement direction. In one embodiment, a conveyor system comprises a main conveying line providing a conveying surface configured to carry articles, a plurality of pusher elements associated with the main conveying line, a controller configured to assign pusher elements to articles being conveyed and to determine whether two articles received can be placed next to one or more of the same pusher elements in an overlapping relationship, can be placed to receive contact from immediately adjacent pusher elements, or should be spaced by one or more pusher elements.

Abstract: A conveying operation method and device that can continue an operation on a workpiece to prevent reduction in production efficiency in conveying a workpiece and performing a an operation on the workpiece even if conveyance of the workpiece is stopped during the operation on the workpiece. The workpiece is conveyed by a workpiece conveying device, a movable stand is moved in synchronization with the workpiece conveying device in operation areas along a conveying path, and an operation is performed on the workpiece by an operation device provided on the movable stand. When movement of the workpiece conveying device is stopped, the movable stand stops in synchronization with the workpiece conveying device to continue the operation on the workpiece and complete one cycle operation. When non-normal operation is performed on the workpiece, the workpiece is retracted to a position different from the conveying path while being supported by the movable stand.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus has a first conveying device for holding and conveying a transferring-work to be transferred; a second conveying device for holding and conveying a carrier work on which the transferring-work is placed; and a transfer device to receive the transferring-work from the first conveying device and transfer the transferring-work to the carrier work of the second conveying device. The transfer device has two or more end-effectors that revolve along the same circumference to convey the transferring-work, and each of the end-effectors revolves independently of the other end-effectors. Each of the end-effectors has a holding surface that holds the transferring-work, and the holding surface is able to advance and retract along a revolution axis of each of the end-effectors.

Abstract: A device and a process for transporting a sleeve, in particular for a cup or a can, in which the sleeve is transported during the production process from a first working station to a second working station. The sleeve is transported by means of a blast of air, whereby the blast of air is generated in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the sleeve. A first working station comprises a mandrel for taking up the sleeve. An air jet is provided for creating the blast of air, the mouthpiece of said air jet being directed towards the mandrel in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for frontally or tangentially dressing a conveyor belt (8) comprising a support (2), at least one scraper blade (3) which is rigidly fixed to the support (2) and provided with a cavity (6) extending along the entire width thereof and containing a device (7) for producing a pressure on the scraper blade (3), wherein said pressure device (7) is disposed in such a way that producing pressure it enables the top part (10) of the scraper blade to be rotatably movable in the direction of the conveyor belt (8), the lower part thereof (11) being connected to the stationary support (2).

Abstract: An auto-feed assembly (102) for selectively transporting containers to a marking apparatus (100) is provided. The marking apparatus (100) includes a marking device for selectively applying a mark to a container (103). The auto-feed assembly includes a staging assembly (104) for processing a plurality of containers and a singulator assembly (112) in communication with the staging assembly (104) for isolating at least one container (103) from the plurality of containers. The auto-feed assembly (102) further includes a shuttle (210) disposed between the singulator assembly (112) and a portion of the marking apparatus (100), wherein the shuttle (210) is adapted for transporting the at least one container (103) to the portion of the marking apparatus (100).

Abstract: Fixed conveyor slats (12) in the nature of beams extend over a window in a support framework (70, 72, 74, 76, 86, 88) for the movable and fixed slats (10, 12) of the reciprocating slat conveyor. The fixed slats (12) support the movable slats (10), including in the region of the window. The fixed and movable slats (12, 10) are box beams, providing them with strength and stiffness in the region of the window. The fixed slats (12) are covered by planks of bearing material (46). Side portions (14, 16) of the movable slats (10) set down on side portions (50, 48) of the planks of bearing material (46). The planks of bearing material (46) are connected at one end only to the fixed slats (12). The bearing material (46) is capable of withstanding the heat of hot asphalt concrete and protects the fixed slats (12) from contact with the asphalt concrete.

Abstract: Disclosed are conveyors and methods for making the conveyors. In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises a modular conveyor belt that includes a plurality of mat-top chains having a plurality of cavities and a plurality of first rollers disposed in the cavities of the mat-top chains. The conveyor further includes at least one second roller that operatively couples to the first rollers such that the first rollers rotate as the conveyor belt travels along the second roller. The invention can also be construed as providing the method for conveying objects. The method can comprise the steps of driving a modular conveyor belt in a direction of belt travel; rotating a plurality of first rollers disposed into the modular conveyor belt in a manner in which slippage of the first rollers is reduced; and conveying objects on the modular conveyor belt using the rotating first rollers.

Abstract: A slug-building conveyor system and method includes providing a conveying surface defined by a plurality of tandem zones, each of said zones including an article sensor and a position encoder. The encoder produces a position signal proportional to movement of articles in that zone. The article sensor senses articles in that zone. A target position is set for an article in a zone as a function of a position of an article downstream of that article in the direction of article flow. The speed of that zone is adjusted to bring the article toward its target position such that gaps between articles are adjusted during transportation of the articles.

Abstract: A unitary modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. The link section includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector may be provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure, such as a small diameter, cylindrical nosebar or the like.

Abstract: A radius belt module suitable for large radius applications such as for spiral conveyors. The module has having an intermediate section including a cross rib having a corrugated portion extending along at least a portion of the length of the intermediate section. The intermediate section also has a web extending along the length of the intermediate section and disposed adjacent to the cross rib. The module has a first plurality of link ends extending outward from the intermediate section and having a transverse opening defined therein. The link ends are formed by a pair of spaced apart link members that are connected by a end portion. The link ends have a slot or opening defined therein from the top to the bottom of the module. The slot is bordered by the inside walls of the link members. The module also has a second plurality of link ends extending outward from the intermediate section in a direction opposite the first link ends. The second link ends have a transverse opening with an elongated shape.

Abstract: A system for dividing an object flow can provide slides which are constructed and arranged to displace one or more objects at a time from the object flow toward a different location, preferably another object flow. The slides can be pivotal away from the objects being displaced, thus releasing the objects at the desired location, the slides being reusable as the slides revolve about one or more rollers to and from displacing the objects. Preferably some of the objects are displaced from the object flow at an acute angle with respect to the direction of conveyance, which can provide displacement at a lesser force.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical appliance timer for use with a 12-Volt power socket mounted within a vehicle and coupled to a vehicle's battery. The timer includes a housing having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and a timing circuit which is mounted within the housing. An electrical receptacle is also mounted within the housing and is operatively coupled to the timing circuit for operatively receiving a plug of the appliance and there is a plug which is operatively coupled to the timing circuit for operative engagement with the 12-Volt power socket. A user interface is operatively coupled to the timing circuit and is operable from an exterior surface of the housing, whereby the timing circuit is responsive to the user interface for selectively supplying and terminating supply of 12-Volt power from the plug to the receptacle.

Abstract: A safety switch plunger includes a moveable conductor which extends transversely through the plunger and protrudes from opposite sides of the plunger. The plunger is provided with a structure that is positionally fixed on the plunger. The structure is positioned such that it is arranged to come into physical contact with and affect the movement of the moveable conductor when the moveable conductor and plunger are moved relative to one another thereby providing a fail-to-safe safety switch.

Abstract: A vibration switch includes a conductive housing defining a chamber, a first electrode having a first end projecting outwardly of the housing and a second end projecting into the chamber, a moving element disposed movably in the chamber and spaced apart from the second end of the first electrode, and a resilient conductive member connected conductively to the housing and located between the moving element and the second end of the first electrode. The resilient conductive member has a contact portion that is moved by the moving element to contact electrically the second end of the first electrode.

Abstract: A knob assembly comprising a rotary knob, a rotary actuated potentiometer and an electronic display. The rotary knob has a central opening and is configured to rotate. The rotary actuated potentiometer is actuated by rotation of the rotary knob. The electronic display is located within the central opening of the rotary knob. The electronic display does not rotate with rotation of the rotary knob.

Abstract: An electronic instrument includes a rotary switch disposed to be rotated by the thumb of a user while the housing is gripped in the hand of the user. The rotary switch has a knob protruding from the front face of the instrument with a rotational axis centered approximately midway between longitudinal side walls of the housing. The rotary switch has a light rotational tension requiring a force of less than 300 grams for easy rotation by the thumb. Elastomeric over-molded side strips are attached along the longitudinal side walls and an elastomeric over-molded knob is attached along an indicator projection portion of the knob.

Abstract: A key structure is provided, which includes a plurality of contact members and a control member. Each of the contact members has an elastic portion and a fixed portion, and the control member has a pressing portion and a combining portion. The control member is selectively combined with an appropriate contact member according to actual requirements in the electrical connection.

Abstract: A keyboard comprises a plurality of key assemblies and an elastic layer. The key assembly includes a key and a base. The base includes a plurality of opening. The key includes a keycap and a key pillar connected to the keycap. The key pillar vertically moves in the opening. The key pillar includes a bottom surface and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the bottom surface. The elastic layer includes a plurality of flexible portions. Each flexible portion includes a top portion. The protrusions surround the top portion for limiting the position of the flexible portion.

Abstract: In a dual-concentric knob, an inner knob acts as a solid ergonomically functional knob for forces below a threshold and collapses into an outer knob for forces above the threshold. In some examples the inner knob also acts as a push button for forces below the threshold. A hand-operated control is mounted on a hub for axial movement between a first position and a second position relative to the hub, a mechanism axially rigidly couples the control to the hub in the first position unless a force greater than a threshold is applied to the control, and a mechanism rotationally couples the control to the hub in both the first and the second positions.

Abstract: A push-button switch includes: a shell composes of a top plate and a button plate. The button plate is made of insulated material. At least two speed-button units mount on the top plate. Each speed-button unit has a couple of conductor set at the button and each conductor set includes a conductor and a connector. The press-arm can press the conductors to move downward and touch the connectors and make the circuit connected when the corresponding speed-button unit is pushed. A lock device mounts in the shell for keeping the button in lock mode position when the button was pushed. A release-button mounts on the top plate and can be pushed to release all buttons from lock mode. A signal-conductor unit that mounts under the signal-button includes a conductor and a connector. The conductor unit forms a signal circuit when the signal-button was pushed.

Abstract: The pushing operability is freely adjustable. A switch device includes a switch including a push-in operable operation part; a housing attached to the switch; a push-in unit, turnably attached to the housing, for pushing in the operation part; a biasing unit, arranged in the housing, for biasing the push-in unit to position the operation part at a non-push-in position before being pushed in; and a biasing force adjusting unit for adjusting the biasing force applied on the push-in unit by the biasing unit at multi-levels or no level.

Abstract: The switch structure according to the present invention is obtained by interposing an elastic connection member between the circuit board provided with electrodes and a push switch fixed to a case of an electronic device. The elastic connection member has a structure in which conductive layers and insulation layers are alternately laminated. The conductive layers of a first lamination layer surface on which the conductive layers and the insulation layers of the elastic connection member are exposed abut against the electrodes so that the electric connections therebetween are established. The push switch is pushed down, and a contact portion thereof abuts against the plurality of conductive layers on a second lamination layer surface, whereby the electrodes are in a conductive state. Even if the push switch is pushed strongly, the elastic connection member deforms to absorb the force. As a result, the switch structure which hardly breaks is obtained.

Abstract: A plasma reactor is provided, which includes a discharge chamber with dimensional characteristics and configuration of dielectric and electrodes so as to enhance efficiency based on the characteristics of the corona discharge streamers generated. Upon application of a pulsed high voltage potential, the discharge chamber enables formation of plasma where surface streamers play a greater role in the overall energy density of the discharge chamber than gas streamers. The formation of gas streamers is constrained. Because surface streamers have a higher energy density, the present invention is able to achieve improved energy efficiency while preserving effectiveness for gas treatment.

Abstract: To provide a sputtering apparatus and method, and a sputtering control program which are configured simply and can secure the uniformity of the film thickness from the beginning to the end of the use of a target. There are provided: a target 15 disposed so as to face an object to be treated 19; a permanent magnet unit M which generates a high-density plasma by means of a magnetic field and deposits a material of the target 15 on the object to be treated, in the form of a film; a rotational mechanism 9 which rotates the permanent magnet unit M; and a rotation number control apparatus 7 which gradually changes the number of rotations of the permanent magnet unit M rotated by the rotational mechanism 9.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a physical vapor deposition apparatus and a method for sputtering. When sputtering from a plurality of sputtering targets, a plurality of magnetrons may be used. The number of magnetrons may correspond to the number of targets. Each magnetron may be different to control the amount of material deposited from each sputtering target and the specific location on the sputtering target that is sputtered. The magnetrons may be spaced a different distance from the backing plate and hence, the target. The magnetrons may be of different sizes. The magnetrons may have a different magnetic path. The magnetrons may have a different pitch. The magnetrons may have a different magnitude. By tailoring the distance, size, path, pitch, and magnitude, uniform sputtering and target erosion may be achieved.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a titanium separator to be used in a fuel cell. In this method, an oxide film (66) is removed from a surface (21) of a separator material (51) by sputtering. Then, separator material is heated within a range of 350°C.-500°C. in a nitriding atmosphere which includes a nitriding gas (55), and a plasma nitriding process is performed to form a titanium film (71) on the surface of the separator material.

Abstract: The invention provides improved electrodes for electrolytic cells operating with molten salt electrolytes. Nonconsumable iridium-based anodes of the invention facilitate the release of gaseous oxygen from oxide-containing melts, for example in the electro-chemical production of liquid or gaseous reactive metals from oxides. Cathode substrates of the invention are constructed of a tungsten-based alloy and enable deposition of an overlying liquid-metal cathode. Incorporation of the anode and cathode substrate of the invention into molten-oxide cells establishes a novel method for electrolytic extraction of titanium and other reactive metals.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode, a cathode and a proton conductor. The anode includes a catalyst to reform a hydrocarbon to generate hydrogen at the anode. The proton conductor is in electrical contact with the anode and cathode to receive an applied voltage to cause protons to be transferred from the anode to the cathode to produce hydrogen at the cathode.

Abstract: A device that supports a remote identifier for permanent cathodes in the electro-winning process. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a support for a proximity identification device for petmanent cathodes that, when interconnected with a remote system, provides for a record of its behavior and position in time of each cathode during its useful life in an electro-winning process.

Abstract: An analytical microchannel device that detects specimens such as allergen with high sensitivity is provided. The analytical microchannel device includes a plurality of channels, a reaction substance-holding portion disposed on or in any of the channels, an electrochemical detection-dedicated electrode disposed on a channel located on a lower stream relative to the channel provided with the reaction substance. The analytical microchannel device includes means to bend the solution flow vertically at the reaction substance-holding portion, and means to make the solution flow hit the electrochemical detection-dedicated electrode at a substantially right angle.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a nano-based sensing device (a sensor) comprising a nano-scale working electrode that can be used for the ultra-sensitive detection of blood analytes, disease biomarkers, and other target molecules. The present invention also pertains to a method for detecting target molecules using the sensor as the sensor element of a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte in a biological sample. The biosensor comprises a support, a reference electrode or a counter electrode or both disposed on the support, a working electrode disposed on the support, the working electrode spaced apart from the other electrode or electrodes on the support, a covering layer defining a sample chamber over the electrodes, an aperture in the covering layer for receiving a sample, and at least one layer of mesh in the sample chamber between the covering layer and the electrodes. The at least one layer of mesh has coated thereon a silicone surfactant. Certain silicone surfactants are as effective as fluorinated surfactants with respect to performance of biosensors. These surfactants, when coated onto the mesh layer of the biosensor, are effective in facilitating the transport of aqueous test samples, such as blood, in the sample chamber.

Abstract: A sensor system that detects a current representative of a compound in a liquid mixture features a multi or three electrode strip adapted for releasable attachment to signal readout circuitry. The strip comprises an elongated support which is preferably flat adapted for releasable attachment to the readout circuitry; a first conductor and a second and a third conductor each extend along the support and comprise means for connection to the circuitry. The circuit is formed with single-walled or multi walled nanotubes conductive traces and may be formed from multiple layers or dispersions containing, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanotubes/antimony tin oxide, carbon nanotubes/platinum, or carbon nanotubes/silver or carbon nanotubes/silver-chloride.

Abstract: An electro-chemical sensor is described having one or more redox species sensitive to a certain analyte and one or more redox species that are insensitive to that analyte, for the purpose of making measurements in a downhole environment in aquifers or oilfield reservoirs.

Abstract: A conductive shield for routing mobile ions to contact pad in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The conductive shield includes a first conductive path electrically coupled to the contact pad. The conductive shield further includes a second conductive path electrically coupled to first and second locations on the first conductive path such that when a physical break occurs in the first conductive path between the first and second locations, mobile ions in the first conductive path are still routed to the contact pad through the second conductive path.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a microfluidic device (1) for performing physical, chemical or biological treatment to at least one packet without contamination.