Abstract: A spray applicator cleaning system and a method includes a valve and control means for discharging air and solvent in alternating bursts to shaping air nozzles, a coating supply conduit and a dedicated cleaning nozzle on the applicator.

Abstract: This disclosure discusses cleaning of semiconductor wafers after the Chemical-Mechanical Planarization (CMP) of the wafer during the manufacturing of semiconductor devices. Disclosed is an alkaline chemistry for the post-CMP cleaning of wafers containing metal, particularly copper, interconnects. Residual slurry particles, particularly copper or other metal particles, are removed from the wafer surface without significantly etching the metal, leaving deposits on the surface, or imparting significant contamination to the wafer while also protecting the metal from oxidation and corrosion. Additionally, at least one strong chelating agent is present to complex metal ions in solution, facilitating the removal of metal from the dielectric and preventing re-deposition onto the wafer.

Abstract: A vehicle washer of the rollover type especially suitable for washing large vehicles such as buses and trucks. The washer includes an overhead carriage moving along an overhead guide rail structure and including opposed L-shaped spray arms adapted to wash top and side surfaces of the vehicle as the carriage moves along the guide rail and move in butterfly fashion as the carriage reaches a respective end of the vehicle whereby to wash that end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A car washing appliance has first and second cotton sheets which are joined together about their respective edges to cooperate to define a cavity therewithin. An opening in one of the sheets enables access to the cavity in which is deposited a quantity of detergent. Preferably, the detergent is a dishwashing detergent. The present invention further contemplates disposing a grid-like member or screen within the cavity onto which the detergent is deposited which, in turn, acts as a time release for the detergent. Preferably, the detergent is a dishwashing detergent or gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rib structure of a two-layer cover umbrella, which mainly includes an elastic rib having an inner folded end. A connector of a related primary rib of the umbrella is provided with an aperture, for that the inner folded end of the elastic rib is penetrated into the aperture and connected with a lateral rod of the connector. The elastic rib will be then extended outward alone the upper surface of the primary rib smoothly for connecting the upper cover and providing a utilized umbrella with two covers.

Abstract: A venting system for a temporary shelter that includes one or more vents that are positioned in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter. Each of the one or more vents may include a membrane that is moisture vapor transmissive and resistant to liquid penetration. The membrane may have a moisture vapor transmissive rate of at least 4,000 g/m2/day. The membrane may be expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The one or more vents may have a size such that there is approximately 4 m2 of vent surface area in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter per 20 m3 of interior space within the temporary shelter.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible enclosure comprising, a plurality of structural support beams, a hub having a plurality of attachment means and a pressure plate positioned below the attachment means to which one end of the structural support beams are attached and a cover disposed upon and traversing between the structural support beams. The top portion of the cover having means for receiving the plurality of structural support beams and the bottom portion having adapters for receiving the other ends of the plurality of structural support beams. The cover may have one or more openings and one or more flaps to secure the one or more openings.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device comprises a plurality of semiconductor elements comprising a first set of semiconductor elements and a second set of semiconductor elements, which include dissimilar electrical properties. The semiconductor elements are oriented in a substantially hexagonal array that includes rows in which semiconductor elements of the first and second sets of semiconductor elements alternate.

Abstract: A solar cell unit is provided that has a substrate having a first end and a second end, where at least a portion of the substrate is rigid and nonplanar. The solar cell unit has a plurality of photovoltaic cells linearly arranged on the substrate, including a first and second photovoltaic cell. Each photovoltaic cell in the plurality of photovoltaic cells comprises a back-electrode circumferentially disposed on the substrate, a semiconductor junction layer circumferentially disposed on the back-electrode, and a transparent conductive layer circumferentially disposed on the semiconductor junction. The transparent conductive layer of the first photovoltaic cell in the plurality of photovoltaic cells is in serial electrical communication with the back-electrode of the second photovoltaic cell in the plurality of photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element has a Schottky electrode, a light-receiving semiconductor layer in contact with the Schottky electrode, and a transparent electrode in contact with the light-receiving semiconductor layer, wherein the Schottky electrode has a periodic concavo-convex structure; the light-receiving semiconductor layer is placed in contact with a face of the concavo-convex structure of the Schottky electrode; and the concavo-convex height of the concavo-convex structure of the Schottky electrode ranges from 1/20 to ? of the periodic distance of the concavo-convex structure.

Abstract: A Schottky contact photovoltaic energy conversion cell. The Schottky contact photovoltaic energy conversion cell comprises a flexible substrate and a first array of a plurality of closely-spaced microscale pillars connected to a first electrical cell contact. The pillars and the contact are formed of (or having a top) layer of a first Schottky metal material with a work function selected for efficiently collecting photogenerated electrons. The Schottky contact photovoltaic energy conversion cell further comprises a second array of a plurality of closely-spaced microscale pillars connected to a second electrical cell contact. The pillars and the contact are formed of (or having a top) layer of a second Schottky metal material with a work function selected for efficiently collecting photogenerated holes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a front contact for use in an electronic device such as a photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the front contact of the photovoltaic device includes a low work-function transparent conductive oxide (TCO) of a material such as tin oxide, zinc oxide, or the like, and a thin high work-function TCO of a material such as oxygen-rich ITO (indium tin oxide) or the like. The high-work function TCO is located between the low work-function TCO and the uppermost semiconductor layer of the photovoltaic device so as to provide for substantial work-function matching between the low work-function TCO and the high work-function uppermost semiconductor layer of the device in order to reduce a potential barrier for holes extracted from the device by the front contact.

Abstract: An intermediate film is provided between the front contact and an absorbing semiconductor film of a photovoltaic device. The intermediate film may be discrete or refractive index graded in certain example embodiments of this invention. The refractive index (n) of the intermediate film is tuned to satisfy one or more of: (a) reduce optical reflection of solar radiation from the TCO/absorber interface thereby enhancing the amount of radiation which penetrates the absorber and which can be converted into electrical energy, (b) increase the amount of radiation trapped within the absorber, (c) reduce cross-diffusion of elements between the TCO of the front contact and the absorbing semiconductor film, and/or (d) form a high resistivity buffer layer (HRBL) between the front contact TCO and the absorber film.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to photovoltaic (PV) devices comprising silicon (Si) nanowires as active PV elements, wherein such devices are typically thin film Si solar cells. Generally, such solar cells are of the p-i-n type and can be fabricated for front and/or backside (i.e., top and/or bottom) illumination. Additionally, the present invention is also directed at methods of making and using such devices, and to systems and modules (e.g., solar panels) employing such devices.

Abstract: Optical systems and methods that concentrate light from a distant source, such as the sun, onto a target device, such as a solar cell. Light impinging from the distant source, is focused or imaged by a plurality of primary reflective segments of a primary mirror element onto a plurality of corresponding secondary reflective segments. The secondary mirror segments image the corresponding primary segments onto an exit aperture such that the exit aperture is uniformly illuminated. A target cell may be located proximal to the exit aperture, or an entry aperture of a non-imaging concentrator may be positioned proximal the exit aperture, wherein the concentrator concentrates the reflected light onto the target cell.

Abstract: A combination tank valve apparatus providing fluid flow control, overfill protection, and fluid level gauging for use on a storage tank for liquefied gas, the storage tank having an internally threaded outlet port. The apparatus includes a service valve having a body defining a tank connection, a valve seat, a valve outlet, and a pair of wrench flats. The apparatus also includes an overfill protection device mounted to the tank connection of the service valve and including a float, a shaft, a overfill valve, and a shaft magnet. The apparatus also includes a dial mounted on the body of the service valve and having a body, a dial magnet, and a pointer, the pointer being mounted on the dial magnet to rotate with the dial magnet and provide a visual indication of the liquid level within the tank.

Abstract: A vapor delivery system for delivering a steady flow of sublimated vapor to a vacuum chamber comprises a vaporizer of solid material, a mechanical throttling valve, and a pressure gauge, followed by a vapor conduit to the vacuum chamber. The vapor flow rate is determined by both the temperature of the vaporizer and the setting of the conductance of the mechanical throttle valve located between the vaporizer and the vacuum chamber. The temperature of the vaporizer is determined by closed-loop control to a set-point temperature. The mechanical throttle valve is electrically controlled, e.g. the valve position is under closed-loop control to the output of the pressure gauge. In this way the vapor flow rate can be generally proportional to the pressure gauge output. All surfaces exposed to the vapor from the vaporizer to the vacuum chamber are heated to prevent condensation. A gate valve and a rotary butterfly valve are shown acting as the upstream throttling valve.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a first reservoir to receive a first fluid, a second reservoir to receive a second fluid, and a main channel coupled to the first and second reservoirs through one or more branch channels. A first one-use pump generates a pressure difference to move one or both of the first and second fluids when a container in the first one-use pump is broken. A second one-use pump generates a pressure difference to move one or both of the first and second fluids when a container in the second one-use pump is broken.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.

Abstract: A pressure relief check valve system includes a valve body, a flapper, a magnet, an electromagnet, and a pressure sensor circuit. The flapper is rotationally mounted on the valve body and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The magnet is coupled to the flapper, and the electromagnet is coupled to the valve body. The pressure sensor circuit is adapted to sense one or more fluid pressures and is operable, based on the one or more sensed fluid pressures, to selectively supply or interrupt the electrical current to the electromagnet. The electromagnet is coupled to receive the electrical current and, upon receipt of the electrical current, either magnetically attracts or does not magnetically attract the magnet, to thereby hold the flapper in the closed position or allow flapper rotation to the open position, respectively.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus (1) adapted for delivering fluid against pressure. The pumping apparatus has a plurality of metering devices (3,5) adapted for metering a plurality of different fluids, and has a booster device (7) adapted for increasing the pressure of the fluids metered by the plurality of metering devices (3,5) to said high pressure, and has a damping device (9) adapted for compensating fluctuations of the fluids metered by the plurality of metering devices (3,5). Each device (3,5,7,9) has an inlet (41) and an outlet (43). The outlets of the metering devices are coupled to the inlet (41) of the booster device (7), and the outlet of the booster device (7) is coupled to the inlet of the damping device (9).

Abstract: A vacuum breaker having a housing with an inlet for connection with the wall hydrant, an outlet for connection with the hose, and a central cavity. A drain valve is disposed within the housing between the central cavity and the inlet to permit drainage of fluid from the hydrant to the outlet end of the housing when the hose is not connected thereto. A first check valve is disposed within the housing between the central cavity and the inlet to control flow between the inlet and central cavity. A second check valve is disposed within the housing between the central cavity and the outlet to control flow between the central cavity and the outlet, and the first and second check valves have an arcuate sealing surface.

Abstract: A multifunctional two-way fluid check valve includes a hollow sleeve internally defining a first and a second chamber, and an inclined stop shoulder; an inflation-valve connecting head located below the hollow sleeve and having a gas mouth mounted therein; a first and a second valve body elastically movably located in the first and the second chamber, respectively; and a gas inlet connector mounted to an upper end of the second chamber. The second valve body has an external inclined section with a first airtight gasket thereon in contact with an inner inclined shoulder section on the second chamber, and a lower outer surface with a second airtight gasket thereon in contact with the inclined stop shoulder on the hollow sleeve. At least one release port is formed on a wall of the second chamber below the inner inclined shoulder section and above the beveled stop shoulder.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing drag in a fluid stream involves admixing the components of a drag reducer to form an incipient drag reducer and injecting the incipient drag reducer into the fluid stream wherein the drag reducer components are admixed at the site of the fluid stream.

Abstract: A yard hydrant with a head casting having an inlet and an outlet with a conduit extending from the inlet to the outlet where a check valve is mounted within the conduit.

Abstract: A valve packing assembly for a control valve includes a seal assembly, a loading assembly, and a packing retainer. The seal assembly has a seal component to provide a fluid seal around a valve stem and an anti-extrusion component to substantially prevent extrusion of the seal component about the valve stem. The loading assembly is configured to advantageously provide a predetermined packing stress to the seal assembly that is in the same direction as a process stress applied to the seal assembly by a process fluid, thereby substantially reducing packing friction and packing wear in the control valve assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus includes a valve case, a spool, a control orifice, and a pilot valve. The valve case includes a hydraulic fluid input port, a hydraulic fluid output port, a pilot fluid supply port, and a pilot fluid discharge port, and the valve case internally has a pilot fluid supply chamber and a pressure control chamber communicated with the supply port and with the discharge port. The pilot valve is connected to the discharge port to allow and prohibit discharge of pilot fluid through the discharge port. The spool prohibits communication between the supply chamber and the pressure control chamber when the spool is actuated in accordance with a drop in pressure of pilot fluid in the pressure control chamber. The spool allows the communication when the spool is actuated in accordance with a rise in pressure of pilot fluid in the pressure control chamber.

Abstract: A regulator for gas having a diaphragm rod held at the center of a diaphragm of which rim is sandwiched between a body and a cover via diaphragm retainers, and a valve element capable of seating itself at a valve seat fixedly placed in the body with a valve hole opening at the center provided in an intermediate portion of a valve axis having its one end detachably coupled to the diaphragm rod and its other end slidably fitted in a guide opening provided on the body side, wherein the body (34) is equipped with a valve action unit (120) formed by assembling in advance a valve seat member (100) having a valve hole (111) and the valve seat (112) provided thereon, a guide member (106) having a guide opening (105) and pressed into the valve seat member (100), and a valve axis (114) having a valve element (113) provided thereon in a state of having one end of the valve axis (114) projected from the valve hole (111) and the other end of the valve axis (114) slidably fitted into the guide opening (105).

Abstract: A pressure regulator is disclosed wherein multiple valve stages are used to accommodate low flow rates and to maximize a turn-down ratio of the regulator.

Abstract: A valve system includes a valve body arranged in a valve housing and actuatable via a shape-memory element that is movable from an undeformed rest state to a tension deformed state and is again transferred to the rest state. The valve system is improved by a force deflecting device that enables the shape-memory element to actuate the valve body exclusively during the transfer thereof to the tension or rest state.

Abstract: In the check valve according to the invention, the wear on the valve closure member is reduced in that after the opening of the check valve, the closure member assumes a position that is spaced sufficiently apart from the valve seat. A region with a constant throttle gap is provided upstream of the throttle-reduction region.

Abstract: A MEMS device is disclosed having a single microvalve actuator for controlling multiple microvalves.

Abstract: An energy attenuation device for a system adapted to convey pressurized fluid through tubing of the system, comprising a multi-part conduit section for receiving fluid from, and returning fluid to, the tubing, the conduit section including a central portion, two intermediate portions respectively disposed at opposite ends of the central portion, and two end portions respectively disposed at an end of an intermediate portion remote from the central portion. The central portion has at least one aperture in a peripheral surface and a first diameter that is less than a second diameter of the intermediate portions. The end portions have a third diameter that is less than the second diameter. The end portions are received at least partially in the tubing sections. A hose section is disposed about the central portion and at least part of each intermediate portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in repairing an underground conduit, such as a sewer pipe. A tubular bladder is filled within a selected portion of the length a conduit to occupy a large part of the interior while a sealant material in a fluid state is forced into the conduit to flow along the bladder to plug and seal defects in the conduit and at least partially fill voids in adjacent soil. A slender object such as a smaller tubular bladder extends along the bladder to provide a passageway for flow of sealant to defects in the conduit. A special plug may be used to direct the sealant into a selected portion of the conduit.

Abstract: A long-length hose spliced from two or more hoses containing an inner sealing layer, at least two spirally laid reinforcing plies, and a cover. A liner forming the inner sealing layer is formed by leak-tight splicing of liners of hoses to be spliced and the reinforcing plies are embedded into filling/adhesive material inside of a rigid outer sleeve, at the location of the splicing.

Abstract: A flexible hose or pipe (42) is reinforced by means of at least one flattened steel wire (10, 20) with natural edges. The steel wire has a thickness-to-width ratio t/w below 0.95, a tensile strength Rm exceeding 3500?2000×d, where d is the diameter of a circle having the same cross-sectional surface and where Rm is expressed in MPa and a permanent elongation at maximum load Ag of at least 0.70%. The flattening of the steel wire (10, 20) allows to recuperate ductility which has been lost as a result of the drawing until the final tensile strength Rm.

Abstract: An air handling system with ductwork components comprising a tubular, foamed plastic layer integrally formed with a thin, non-metal outer layer. The layer is a closed cell foam, with the ductwork components being formed as part of a rotational molding process. The ductwork components can assume a wide variety of forms, such as a duct, pipe, elbow, boot, tee, plenum, reducer, register, wall stack, take-off, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.

Abstract: This invention is a manually driven pump used to transfer a liquefied gas such as nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide between containers. The pump is designed to minimize friction, can be directly attached to a mother bottle, and has an automatic piston return on the pumping stroke, all of which optimize operator use for the particular gas which is being pumped. The pump is small, portable, and requires no additional power source in its operation, making it ideal for field use. The pump can be used to fill nursing bottles from a mother bottle or to raise the pressure of a nursing bottle to a desired operating level.

Abstract: A shallow pan to capture fluid from a supported object. The pan is generally circular and includes a sealable radial slot to receive the shaft of a jack supporting the object.

Abstract: A funnel in combination with a commercial appliance, such as a refrigerator or icemaker, that will allow a product, such as water or ice, to be redirected and dispensed into a container that would otherwise be too large to fit into a recessed dispensing cavity typically allotted for smaller containers. To accomplish this, a sleeve member is operably coupled to the appliance in either a friction-fit arrangement or a mounting arrangement at or around an optimal deflection angle of 30°, thus allowing the water or ice to overcome a lip on the dispensing cavity and be redirected into a larger container.

Abstract: The aim of the method is to achieve a higher penetration depth of the diffusion element coupled with a greater depth of case hardening and a higher case hardening degree, whilst preventing an excessive enrichment of the case, thus obtaining an increased fatigue limit for the component. To achieve this, the full hardening of the component and the plasma-ion hardening of the case of the component are carried out in a common working step. The component is heated to a common hardening and diffusion temperature TH+D lying above the upper transformation temperature AC3, the component being held at the common hardening and diffusion temperature TH+D until the carbon in the component has fully austenitized and dissolved and until the case has been enriched to the desired degree by the diffusion element. The component is then quenched.

Abstract: The invention provides a rolling-sliding part which can attain more prolonged service lives even when used in rolling bearings which are exposed to contaminated lubricating oil. Rolling-sliding parts are made of steel which contains C: 0.7 to 0.9 wt. %, Si: 0.05 to 0.7 wt. %, Mn: 0.05 to 0.7 wt. %, Cr: 3.2 to 5.0 wt. %, Al: 0.04 wt. % or less, P: 0.03 wt. % or less, S: 0.03 wt. % or less, Ti: 0.005 wt. % or less, O: 0.0015 wt. % or less, at least one of Mo: less than 1.0 wt. % and V: less than 0.50 wt. %, and Fe and unavoidable impurities: balance, and which has a carburized layer in the surface. The precipitated carbide content of the layer is adjusted to 9 to 30% in terms of area ratio. At least 50% of the precipitated carbides present in the layer are of M7C3-type and/or M23C6-type in terms of area ratio. The average particle size of the carbides present in the layer is adjusted to 0.2 to 0.4 ?m and the residual austenite content of the layer is adjusted to 35 to 60%.

Abstract: A copper alloy, containing: Ni and/or Si, and at least one or more of B, Al, As, Hf, Zr, Cr, Ti, C, Fe, P, In, Sb, Mn, Ta, V, S, O, N, Misch metal (MM), Co, and Be, with a balance being Cu and inevitable impurities; the copper alloy having a precipitate X composed of Ni and Si; and a precipitate Y composed of Ni and/or Si, and at least one or more of B, Al, As, Hf, Zr, Cr, Ti, C, Fe, P, In, Sb, Mn, Ta, V, S, O, N, Misch metal (MM), Co, and Be, in which a grain diameter of the precipitate Y is 0.01 to 2 ?m.

Abstract: A heavy wall seamless steel pipe for line pipe with a high strength and increased toughness, which has a chemical composition, by mass %, that consists of C: 0.03 to 0.08%, Si: not more than 0.25%, Mn: 0.3 to 2.5%, Al: 0.001 to 0.10%, Cr: 0.02 to 1.0%, Ni: 0.02 to 1.0%, Mo: 0.02 to 1.2%, Ti: 0.004 to 0.010%, N: 0.002 to 0.008%, and 0.0002 to 0.005%, in total, of at least one selected from Ca, Mg and REM, and the balance Fe and impurities, optionally including V: 0 to 0.08%, Nb: 0 to 0.05% or Cu: 0 to 1.0%, and that P and S among impurities are not more than 0.05% and not more than 0.005% respectively. It may contain 0.0003 to 0.01% of boron. A manufacturing method thereof is characterized by cooling rate, heating condition for piercing, and heat treating after pipe making.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a metal gasket including a base plate having at least fluid passage holes and circular beads surrounding the fluid passage holes, the base plate being formed by providing a rubber coating layer on a surface of a metal plate with a base coat and an adhesive interposed therebetween. A metal plate having low-temperature age-hardening characteristics is used as the metal plate of the base plate. After the base coat is applied to the metal plate and dried at a temperature lower than a low aging temperature of the metal plate, press-working of the circular beads is performed on the metal plate. Thereafter, the metal plate is age-hardened while burning the base coat at the low aging temperature of the metal plate. A metal gasket having excellent durability and circular beads which are hardly broken even when crushed, is obtained.

Abstract: A method of protecting a stringed musical instrument is accomplished by providing a stringed musical instrument of the type having a body and an elongated neck extending from the body. The stringed musical instrument is provided on a stand so that the instrument is supported by the stand in a generally upright position, with the neck extending upward from the body. An instrument cover is provided and is formed from a flexible fabric material having a neck portion and a body portion configured as a continuous sleeve that is open at the end of the body portion for receiving and generally conforming to the stringed instrument supported on the stand without binding to facilitate removal of the instrument cover from the instrument. The instrument cover is positioned over the musical instrument and the stand as the stringed instrument is supported on the stand so that the cover generally conforms to the musical instrument when in a fully covered position.

Abstract: There is provided a holding sealer comprising a mat base member including inorganic fibers and a protective sheet provided on a surface of the mat base member, in which the holding sealer is formed as a rectangular shape, wherein the protective sheet is extended in a different direction inside the surface of the protective sheet, and the protective sheet is placed on the surface of the mat base member such that a direction showing the maximum extension of the protective sheet is arranged at an angle except zero to a long length direction of the holding sealer.

Abstract: A head cover for protecting golf heads includes a first edge defining a slit for access to an interior of the head cover, a second edge further defining the slit, and the first edge and the second edge are magnetically releasable connected and a tag magnetically releasably connected to the head cover. A rain cover for a golf bag includes a first arm to attach to a first cover for covering the golf bag, a second arm to attach to a second cover for covering the golf bag, the second arm is snapped releasable connected to the golf bag. A towel includes a magnet integral connected to the towel, the towel being adapted to be a magnetically releasable connected to a golf related item, and a tag magnetically releasable connected to the towel.

Abstract: An improved tire provides an air-flow restrictor that may be installed inside a tire. The air-flow restrictor may restrict or prevent the flow of air in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the tire. Also, a method for saving fuel by inserting or retrofitting tires with air movement restricting inserts.