Abstract: An apparatus for reading out storage phosphor plates (2) for storing X-ray information with one or more rotating conveyance rolls (11 to 14) for conveying the storage phosphor plate (2), an alignment edge (19, 22) to which the storage phosphor plate (2) can be aligned, and a read-out device for reading out the X-ray information stored in the storage phosphor plate (2).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) includes a drive (5) for producing a relative movement between the storage phosphor layer (2) and the radiation source (8), the storage phosphor layer (2) lying or being moved in a holding plane (7), and a reflector (11) for reflecting radiation. The reflector (11) is arranged and designed to reflect erasing radiation reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2) in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2). A width (14) of the reflector (11) in the direction (6) of the relative movement is at least ten times as great as a smallest distance (15) between the reflector (11) and the holding plane (7).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) includes a radiation source (8) for producing and emitting erasing radiation, a drive (5) for producing a relative movement between the storage phosphor layer (2) and the radiation source (8), the storage phosphor layer (2) lying or being moved in a holding plane (7), and a reflector (11) for reflecting radiation. The reflector (11) is arranged and designed to reflect erasing radiation reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2) in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2). A further reflecting surface (31) is provided for reflecting erasing radiation which is positioned opposite the reflector (11), as considered in a direction at right angles to the direction (6) of the relative movement.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) with a holding plane (7) in which the storage phosphor layer (2) lies or can be moved, a radiation source (8, 9, 10) for irradiating the storage phosphor layer (2) with erasing radiation which is suitable for erasing the storage phosphor layer (2), and a reflector (11; 29, 30) for reflecting erasing radiation in the direction of the holding plane (7). In order to increase the erasing efficiency, provision is made such that the reflector (11; 29, 30) is arranged and/or designed such that it reflects erasing radiation, which is reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2), in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2), and the radiation source (8, 9, 10) is disposed on a base (33; 48, 49), the base (33; 48, 49) being disposed closer to the holding plane (7) than at least part of the reflector (11; 29, 30).

Abstract: Valve arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid through a conduit and comprising a valve body with a first and a second valve port which serve, alternately, as input and output, and a valve cone arranged in the valve body which connects in its open position the valve ports with each other, and is actuated by a holding force which is greater than the force acting on the pressurized fluid side of the valve cone (46) and dependent on the medium pressure in the input port.

Abstract: An oil pressure relief valve for use in the lubrication system of an internal combustion engine is controlled by both pump outlet pressure 3 and pilot pressure 2. The action of the valve reduces the start-up pressure spikes associated with known pilot-operated valves, while also permitting a fuel economy benefit.

Abstract: Actuators and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators offer efficient, fast, flexible control with large forces. In an exemplary embodiment, an fluid actuator includes a housing having first and second fluid ports, an actuation cylinder in the housing defining a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends in first and second directions, an actuation piston in the cylinder with first and second surfaces moveable along the longitudinal axis, a spring subsystem biasing the actuation piston to a neutral position, a first fluid space defined by the first end of the actuation cylinder and the first surface of the actuation piston, and a second fluid space defined by the second end of the actuation cylinder and the second surface of the actuation piston. A first flow mechanism controls fluid communication between the first fluid space and the first port, whereas a second flow mechanism controls fluid communication between the second fluid space and the second port.

Abstract: A valve control device (1), in particular for control pods or similar equipment used in the mining and/or production of mineral oil/natural gas, comprises a valve housing (2), in which hole or boring sections (3, 4, 5, 6) are arranged, and a valve slide (7) movable relative to the hole sections, with at least a first and a second flow hole (8, 9) for the alternative connection of a feed line (10) from a fluid pressure hose with at least one actuator (11) or of the actuator to a return line (12) for leading the fluid away, wherein in each case one of the connections is made and the other is interrupted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve actuator comprising a support member for supporting a rotatable positioning element operatively connected to a valve rod. The valve actuator further comprises a track follower adapted to follow at least part of a track provided in the positioning element. The track follower is biased against at least part of the track by a resilient member. The rotatable positioning element comprises a curved outer portion arranged in an associated bearing formed in the support member.

Abstract: An elbow fluid flow valve exhibiting reduced flow loss and including a body having a specified shape and size and defining a short radius associated with an elbow shaped fluid passageway characterized by a first fluid flow inlet and a second fluid flow outlet. A cover secures over the valve body, and such that a generally sleeve shaped annulus is defined therebetween. A light-weight and linearly translatable sleeve is mounted exteriorly of the valve body and within the intermediately defined annulus. The sleeve is operable to be displaced between a first location permitting fluid flow to the outlet and a second location interrupting fluid flow.

Abstract: A sensor and powered valve actuator assembly adaptable to fit on and operate a manual valve, the sensor for detecting a valve operating trigger event such as a fluid leak, the actuator for automatically operating the manual valve in response to the triggering event. The assembly includes a motor, motor control circuit, operating shaft, and manual valve engaging member, in a housing mountable to a manual valve body. A sensor which may be remote to the housing is connected to the motor control circuit. When mounted, the valve engaging members extend from the shaft into flexible, rotational engagement with the manual valve shaft, such as with tines spanning or piercing the valve handle. The control circuit controls the motor based on a signal from the sensor, or other control means, such that the motor can actuate valve operation.

Abstract: A valve cartridge includes a housing having a bore. A fixed control disc and a rotatable control disc are provided in the bore. A shaft extends through the bore, and rotation of the shaft serves to rotate the rotatable control disc relative to the fixed control disc. The shaft is seated in said bore using at least one bushing. The at least one bushing serves in spacing the shaft from the housing, and provides for the smooth rotation of the shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: A method for rebuilding a flow control valve, may be performed by first providing a flow control valve having a rotor positioned in a chamber of a valve body. The rotor has a valve stem. A top cover plate is mounted to the valve body above the rotor and has a first bore through which the valve stem protrudes. The top cover plate is removed so the rotor can be removed from the valve body. A seal is positioned on the top cover plate along the first bore so that when the rotor and top cover plate are placed in or on the valve body, the flow control valve is sealed at the interface between the top cover plate and the valve stem.

Abstract: A bearing assembly comprises an inner ring and an outer ring assembly having an upstream face and a downstream face. The outer ring assembly comprises an outer ring rotatably coupled to the inner ring, and a plurality of rolling elements that resides between the inner ring and the outer ring. At least one flow bypass channel extends through the outer ring assembly.

Abstract: A shut-off valve of the flow rate of a fuel pump for an internal combustion engine; the shut-off valve is provided with: a tubular cylindrical body, which is closed on top, displays a cylindrical seat, the lower portion of which performs the function of fuel pipe, and comprises a number of radial through holes to allow the introduction of fuel within the cylindrical seat; a lower plate, which is arranged within the tubular cylindrical body and underneath the radial holes and has a central through hole which defines an outlet opening of the fuel; and a cylindrical shutter, which is coupled to the lower plate and is mobile between an open position, in which the outlet opening is in communication with the radial holes, and a closed position, in which the outlet opening is isolated from the radial holes.

Abstract: A valve actuator comprises a housing, a lever, and a positioning device.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film producing method of producing cellulose acylate film by casting dope containing cellulose acylate and solvent is provided. The cellulose acylate film producing method includes adding a magnesium salt to the dope to satisfy a condition of a value of M2/M1 being equal to or more than 1×10?6 and equal to or less than 1×10?3, where M1 is a weight of the cellulose acylate, and M2 is a weight of magnesium in the magnesium salt. If the dope contains a calcium ion, the magnesium salt suppresses creation of insoluble precipitate of a calcium salt of a fatty acid from a fatty acid ion in the dope. Preferably, the magnesium salt is magnesium sulfate. A value of M3/M2 is equal to or more than 1×10?3 and equal to or less than 10, where M3 is a weight of calcium contained in the dope.

Abstract: There is disclosed a piezoelectric/electrostrictive body in which a polarization direction of a domain indicates reversible conversion in an electric field and a strain ratio increases, a manufacturing method of the same, and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive body includes a matrix phase represented by a composition formula ABO3, and an additional, material phase included in the matrix phase, having at least a crystal structure of tetragonal system, represented by a composition formula ABO3 and having a composition different from that of the matrix phase. For example, an alkali-niobate-based material of the tetragonal system, BaTiO3, PZT, PbTiO3, or (Bi0.5, Na0.5)TiO3 is added as an additional material forming the additional material phase to an alkali-niobate-based matrix material forming the matrix phase to form the piezoelectric/electrostrictive body.

Abstract: A heat transport fluid includes a solvent, particles dispersed in the solvent, coating agents attached to surfaces of the particles, and organic components dispersed in the solvent. The heat transport fluid can be used for a heat transport structure that includes a first member having a first temperature, a second member having a second temperature higher than the first temperature, and a circulation device for circulating the heat transport fluid through the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A deicer comprises a mixture of a deicing agent and a radiation absorber. The radiation absorber results in an increased ice-melting capacity than using the deicing agent alone. The deicer can include a deicing salt such as sodium chloride, and the radiation absorber can include a dye, which can be water soluble. The deicer can also include a corrosion inhibitor and/or wetting agent. Further, a method of making a deicer includes mixing a deicing agent and a radiation absorber. The radiation absorber can be dissolved in a liquid, such as bittern, which can be sprayed on a solid deicing salt.

Abstract: A de-icing and anti-icing composition in the form of an aqueous solution which includes sugars, and an inorganic freezing point depressant in the form of a chloride salt.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles using in-line solvent extraction. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixer. The emulsion is combined with an extraction liquid in a blending static mixer. The outflow of the blending static mixer is combined with additional extraction liquid. The additional extraction liquid and the outflow of the blending static mixer can be combined in a vessel, or through the use of a static mixer manifold that includes a plurality of static mixers.

Abstract: Nanoplatelet forms of metal hydroxide and metal oxide are provided, as well as methods for preparing same. The nanoplatelets are suitable for use as fire retardants and as agents for chemical or biological decontamination.

Abstract: Provided are a scintillator and a scintillator plate fitted with the scintillator exhibiting high emission luminance even though a heat treatment temperature of CsI columnar crystals is high, and also capable of exhibiting high emission luminance since these crystals can be formed on each of various kinds of evaporation substrates. Also disclosed is a scintillator comprising columnar crystals formed via vapor deposition of cesium iodide and an additive comprising a thallium compound, wherein the thallium compound has a melting point of 400-700° C., and has a molecular weight of 206-300.

Abstract: Complex salts, based on ionic liquids, which exhibit at least one light emitting property selected from (a) fluorescence, (b) phosphorescence, and (c) electroluminescence when in the solid state; and which have a melting point below 250° C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process to prepare a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide by performing a partial oxidation on a hydrocarbon feed using a multi-orifice burner provided with an arrangement of separate passages, wherein the hydrocarbon flows through a passage of the burner, an oxidiser gas flows through a separate passage of the burner and wherein the passage for hydrocarbon feed and the passage for oxidiser gas are separated by a passage through which a moderator gas flows and wherein the exit velocity of the moderator gas is greater than the exit velocity of the oxidiser gas.

Abstract: A circuit-connecting material which is interposed between circuit electrodes facing each other and electrically connects the electrodes in the pressing direction by pressing the facing electrodes against each other; the circuit-connecting material comprising as essential components (1) a curing agent capable of generating free radicals upon heating, (2) a hydroxyl-group-containing resin having a molecular weight of 10,000 or more and (3) a. radical-polymerizable substance. Also provided are a circuit terminal connected structure and a circuit terminal connecting method which make use of such a material.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell which comprises a solid polymer electrolyte sandwiched between a cathode to which an oxidizing agent gas is supplied and an anode to which a reducing agent gas is supplied, wherein at least one of the electrodes has an electroconductive organic polymer which has an oxidation-reduction function as an electrode catalyst. The invention further provides a fuel cell in which the electrode catalyst comprises a mixture of an electroconductive organic polymer and an inorganic oxidation-reduction catalyst, and has a higher output power.

Abstract: A fast curing composition that comprises a polymeric resin, a conductive filler and one or more near-infrared absorbing additives and optionally an oxygen scavenger or corrosion inhibitor or both, and other additives such as reactive or nonreactive diluents, inert fillers, and adhesion promoters. The composition may be conductive, resistive or anisotropically conductive. In another embodiment, this invention is a method for improving the cure speed of a composition by exposing the composition to a near infrared energy source.

Abstract: Adding at least one non-silicon precursor (such as a germanium precursor, a carbon precursor, etc.) during formation of a silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride or silicon carbide film improves the deposition rate and/or makes possible tuning of properties of the film, such as tuning of the stress of the film. Also, in a doped silicon oxide or doped silicon nitride or other doped structure, the presence of the dopant may be used for measuring a signal associated with the dopant, as an etch-stop or otherwise for achieving control during etching.

Abstract: To provide an electrically conductive material excellent in electrical conductivity and capable of exhibiting p-type electrical conductivity. An electrically conductive material containing Sn, W and oxygen, characterized in that when its chemical composition is expressed as Sn(x)W(y)O(z), x, y and z satisfy the following formulae (1) to (4): 0.7?x?1.3??(1) 0.7?y?1.3??(2) 3.2?z?4.5??(3) 0.001?(x?y)?0.1 or 0.001?(y?x)?0.

Abstract: Intumescent fire retardant paint includes an insecticide. The paint can be a latex. Another active agent, for example, a mold inhibitor, may be included. The insecticide may be, for example, a termiticide.

Abstract: A heat and fire resistant planar unitary shield formed of heat and flame resistant fibers and voluminous bulking fibers. The shield material has a heat and flame resistant zone with a majority of the heat and flame resistant fibers, and a voluminous bulking zone with a majority of the voluminous bulking fibers. The fibers are distributed through the shield material in an manner that the heat and flame resistant fibers collect closest to the outer surface of the shield with the heat and flame resistant zone, and the voluminous bulking fibers collect closest to the outer surface of the shield material with the voluminous bulking zone.

Abstract: Process technology for producing very pure reaction-derived decabromodiphenyl oxide is described. Diphenyl oxide or partially brominated diphenyl oxide or a mixture of either or both of these is fed substantially continuously over a period of about 2 to about 12 hours into a reactor containing an excess of refluxing bromine containing Lewis acid bromination catalyst, and substantially concurrently reducing the content of hydrogen bromide present in the reactor whereby a decabromodiphenyl oxide product having a purity of over 99%, preferably 99.5% or more, is formed in the reactor.

Abstract: A nonflammable resin composition comprises (A) at least an epoxy resin with biphenyl unit or naphthyl unit; (B) at least a phenolic resin used as a hardener, wherein the phenolic resin has a skeleton formed by phenyl rings bonding directly each other without interruption, and is in an amount of 30 to 100% by weight based on total hardeners; and (C) a curing catalyst. The said nonflammable resin has an excellent flame retardancy, a good heat resistance, and an improved moldability and reliability.

Abstract: A conductor supporting assembly includes a pair of yokes having a pair of cables extending therebetween in spaced parallel array. Actuators tension the cables so as to selectively draw the yokes toward each other along the cables. Grips cooperate with yokes for mounting the yokes in spaced apart array to and along a conductor segment of a conductor to be serviced so as to extend the conductor segment along and substantially medially between the yokes. The drawing of the yokes toward each other thereby de-tensions the conductor segment to allow for repair or service.

Abstract: Flexible textile innerducts are provided with multiple longitudinal chambers. A conduit is formed with the flexible textile innerducts disposed internally. After the conduit is formed with the flexible textile innerducts therein, the conduit is positioned in the use position by burying the conduit or locating it within a body. A cable is disposed within the longitudinal chambers of the flexible innerducts with the use of a pull line or by blowing the cable into the longitudinal chamber.

Abstract: A rope winch has at least one bearing support and a rope drum supported on the at least one bearing support so as to be rotatable about a drive axis. A drive motor and a gear connected to the drive motor are provided, wherein the drive motor drives the rope drum about the drive axis through the gear. At least one sensor that senses a load acting on the rope drum is provided. An exchangeably secured component that is exchangeable without dismounting the at least one bearing support is provided. The at least one sensor is arranged on the exchangeably secured component.

Abstract: A hoist apparatus for positioning and supporting a load includes an elongated hollow tubular post extruded of aluminum and formed with a plurality of substantially circular holes formed in certain of the walls adjacent a hollow interior of the post. The holes extend throughout the length of the post and have only a short end section thereof adjacent the end edges of the post tapped to provide internal threads for receiving threaded fasteners for mounting the post on a support base and for securing a drive screw end cap plate on the top of the post.

Abstract: Automatic-locking hydraulic jack of the type that includes a piston (1, 30) that slides into a cylinder (3-2, 32), in which the locking of the piston is achieved by elastic deformation of either the inside wall (2) of the cylinder or of the outside wall of the piston (30) so as to ensure that the one is tightly clamped over the other, characterized by the fact that the locking of the jack is achieved permanently by way of pressure that causes the elastic deformation of the inside wall of the cylinder (3-2) or of the outside wall of the piston (30), whereby the unlocking of the jack is achieved by neutralizing this permanent deformation.

Abstract: A guardrail defined by a number of vertical supporting posts fixed successively to the ground along the edge of a road, and by one or more longitudinal members fixed successively and substantially horizontally to the vertical posts to form a longitudinal transverse retaining member extending along the edge of the road, at a predetermined height off the ground; each of the longitudinal members being defined by a rigid, controlled-deformation strip of composite material, which is bent back on itself to form a substantially S-shaped first longitudinal portion and a substantially C-shaped second longitudinal portion adjoining and covering the first longitudinal portion, so as to form a tubular, complex-section body extending from one vertical post to another and substantially parallel to and a predetermined height off the ground.

Abstract: An improved safety fence for constructing a flexible workcell is provided with a fence end having at least one T-shaped post including a plurality of elongated support pins mounted along a first flange on the post and at least one cam lock mounted along a second perpendicular flange on the post for securing a panel member to the fence end. The fence can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled, such that the workcell is portable and extremely flexible. The adjoining edges of the panel members are secured and sealed together using an H-shaped extrusion member. The fence includes stiffening ribs between posts to mount part bins and receive cabling, wiring, and tubing for work functions within the workcell.

Abstract: A rail for a railing system includes a proximal member extending lengthwise of the rail and securable to ends of balusters; a cover member extending lengthwise of the rail and disposed adjacent the proximal member; and a reinforcement member disposed between the proximal member and the cover member. The reinforcement member includes a first attachment element coupled to a first one of the proximal and cover members, and the other one of the proximal and cover members is coupled to at least one of the reinforcement member and the first one of the proximal and cover members.

Abstract: The present invention provides switching elements having a readout margin suitable for data storage units of nonvolatile memories, which are obtained by improving the resistance ratio of metal oxide thin films having reversible variable resistance properties. The present invention provides switching elements having a metal oxide consisting of a transition metal and oxygen formed between a first electrode and a second electrode, by modifying one or more of the crystal structure, ionic valence number of metal element, and nonstoichiometricity of a stoichiometric compound consisted of the transition metal and oxygen.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a phase change memory device includes an insulation structure over a substrate. The insulation structure ahs an opening defined therethrough. A first layer pattern is formed on sidewalls and a bottom of the opening. A second layer pattern is formed on the first layer pattern and substantially fills the opening.

Abstract: A memory device includes first and second electrodes and a phase-changeable material region disposed between the first and second electrodes and including first and second portions contacting respective ones of the first and second electrodes and a third portion interconnecting the first and second portions and configured to preferentially heat with respect to the first and second portions responsive to a current passing between the first and second electrodes. The first and second portions of the phase-changeable material region may contact respective ones of the first and second electrodes at respective first and second electrode contact surfaces and the third portion may have a cross-sectional area that is less than areas of each of the first and second contact surfaces. For example, the third portion may include a filament portion extending between the first and second portions.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a contact plug connected to a diffusion layer of a cell transistor, a heater electrode connected to a phase-change film, and a buffer plug connecting between the contact plug and the heater electrode.

Abstract: The semiconductor layer structure includes a superlattice (9) composed of stacked layers (9a, 9b) of III-V compound semiconductors of a first (a) and at least one second type (b). Adjacent layers of different types in the superlattice (9) differ in composition with respect to at least one element, at least two layers of the same type have a different content (cAl, cIn) of the at least one element, the content (cAl, cIn) of the at least one element is graded within a layer (9a, 9b) of the superlattice (9), and the layers (9a, 9b) of the superlattice contain dopants in predefined concentrations, with the superlattice (9) comprising layers (9a, 9b) that are doped with different dopants. In this way, the electrical, optical and epitaxial properties of the superlattice (9) can be adapted in the best possible manner to given requirements, particularly epitaxial constraints.

Abstract: An optical semiconductor device such as a light emitting diode is formed on a transparent substrate having formed thereon a template layer, such as AlN, which is transparent to the wavelength of emission of the optical device. A variable period variable composition superlattice strain relief region is provided over the template layer such that the composition of the strain relief region approaches or matches the composition of the regions contiguous thereto. For example, the Al content of the strain relief region may be tailored to provide a stepped or gradual Aluminum content from template to active layer. Strain-induced cracking and defect density are reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A device having an optically active region includes a silicon substrate and a SiGe cladding layer epitaxially grown on the silicon substrate. The SiGe cladding layer includes a plurality of arrays of quantum dots separated by at least one SiGe spacing layer, the quantum dots being formed from a compound semiconductor material.