Abstract: A system for supporting a breathing passage of a patient may include a cannula and an insertion apparatus. The cannula may be configured to be at least partially inserted into a breathing passage of a patient for supporting the breathing passage during sleep. The cannula may include an insertion end configured to be inserted through a nasal passageway portion of the breathing passage. The insertion apparatus may include a nasal applicator operable to guide the cannula through the nasal applicator and into the nasal passageway, and a support frame coupled to the nasal applicator and configured to be releasably coupled to the patient to position the nasal applicator proximate to the nasal passageway.

Abstract: Lubricating gel compositions manufactured from water-soluble polymers and distilled water can prevent not only pregnancy but also sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including AIDS due to their roles as physical blocking walls and spermicides. Colloidal silver, which has germicidal effects in a wide range, can be added to these compositions. These lubricating gel compositions, which are harmless and non-irritating to the male urethra, can be called “Urethral Condoms” because they act like condoms when injected into male urethras, and are easily eliminated from urethras by urination. They can also be called “Liquid Female Condoms” because they act like female condoms when injected into vaginas, and are easily eliminated from vaginas by vaginal irrigators and the vaginal scrubbing sponge of this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for abducting a debilitated patient's legs. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus operates in a scissor-like manner to abduct a patient's legs. Two arms each support at least one cuff for holding a patient's legs. The arms pivot about a joint intermediate the ends of the arms. The cuffs preferably pivot about a ball joint. The apparatus may be locked in a variety of positions so that a medical practitioner may gain access to the patient's perineal area. In an alternative embodiment, the two arms are pivotally connected to a frame about their ends, and the arms are actuated by a worm gear thereby abducting a patient's legs.

Abstract: A support assembly for the head and neck of a patient. The assembly includes a concave shaped, conformable (e.g., a resilient foamed plastic) cushion, a holder for the cushion and a conformable, curable (e.g., thermoplastic) cover sheet. The cover sheet is heated to soften it, whereupon it can be disposed over the cushion so that the patient's head and neck can be impressed into it to conform to the contour of the head and neck. The cover sheet is then cured to permanently retain its shape. A conventional conformable mask can be used to conform it to the face of the patient whose head and neck is supported on the support assembly, thereby resulting in a combination that immobilizes the head and neck.

Abstract: A patient's obstructive sleep apnea is treated by identifying a patient with sleep apnea attributable at least in part to movement of a base of a tongue of said patient toward a pharyngeal wall of said patient. The method includes identifying a region in the tongue extending from a mandibular-geniohyoid interface to the base of the tongue and stiffening a tissue of the tongue throughout the identified region.

Abstract: A patient's obstructive sleep apnea is treated by identifying a patient with sleep apnea attributable at least in part to movement of a base of a tongue of the patient toward a pharyngeal wall of the patient. The tongue is stiffened by an implant sized to be placed within the tongue. A distal portion of the implant is sized to extend within the tongue from a first end near a mandibular-geniohyoid interface to a second end near a base of the tongue. A proximal portion is attached to the first end and adapted to be secured to a jaw bone of the patient following a period of healing after placement of the implant in the tongue.

Abstract: An adhesive composition having dispersed therein a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for use in medical applications, such as an adhesive for surgical drapes, wound dressings and tapes, is provided. The adhesive is composed of acrylic polymers, tackifiers and a preferred antimicrobial agent, diiodomethyl-p-tolylsulfone. The subject adhesive composition may be formulated as either an essentially solventless hot melt, or as a solvent based system wherein an emulsion of the antimicrobial agent and the removal of excess solvent is avoided.

Abstract: A methodology and device for inhibiting or reducing dry mouth and inhibiting or reducing snoring of a human during sleep consists of applying a lip sealer device to a human in an angular position on the head. The lip sealer device forms a flexible, elastic continuous loop. The device may be positioned in the front of the head above the chin and below the lower lip, and extends diagonally across the cheeks and over the top of each ear and across the back of the head. The device has holding force to inhibit the opening of the lips during sleep. Optional lip balm may be used to seal the lips during sleep.

Abstract: This nose-plug is unique in design while at the same time effectively prevents water from entering the nasal cavities of the swimmer. It is made of lightweight wire with a soft covering, which makes it comfortable to wear, and flexible enough to fit almost any size of person. The nose-plug is inconspicuous due to both its small size and by the fact that the covering can be made in a wide variety of skin tones. The nose-plug could be used for both casual and lap swimming, and is capable of staying on the nose even after diving in the water. This device is new to the realm of athletics because it keeps water out of the sinus cavities more effectively than the previous devices.

Abstract: A cigarette filter assembly comprises a hollow paper tube with a spaced apart solid fiber plugs inside the tube together with granular filter material in the spaces between the plugs. Energy activated adhesive is only between the solid filter plugs and interior surface portions of the tube. After the spaced apart solid fiber plugs are within the tube the adhesive is activated to secure the plugs to the tube. The energy activated adhesive is only on selected portions of the hollow tube where the solid fiber plugs are located or alternatively the adhesive is only on the exterior surface portions of the solid fiber plugs.

Abstract: A bandcast tobacco sheet for use in a cigarette includes from about 5 to 15% by weight of wood pulp, from about 15 to 40% by weight of binder and from about 15 to 40% by weight of tobacco. A humectant may be included up to 30% by weight and an additive, such as menthol, may be added to up about 30% by weight. A bandcast tobacco sheet is used in elongated strips along the outer surface of a tobacco rod between the tobacco rod and an inner surface of an outer wrap of cigarette paper.

Abstract: A comb for use in cutting hair that includes an elongated body portion having a plurality of integral macroteeth extending from the body and either or in combination a plurality of integral microteeth extending from said body at a position opposite said macroteeth and a device to determine the angular position of the comb.

Abstract: A container for holding cosmetics which has a base assembly, a cover member configured to engage the base assembly, and a receptacle retained by the base assembly. The base assembly and the receptacle are attracted by a magnetic force and a release lever extends between the base assembly and the receptacle.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a wafer after a Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) of the wafer includes: performing an ultrasonic cleaning on the wafer for time T1; cleaning the wafer with a chemical agent and then with deionized water for n times for time T2, T3, . . . , Tn+1, respectively, n being an integer; drying the wafer for time Tn+2; wherein the maximum value among T2, T3, . . . , Tn+2 is Tmax, where in the case of T1<Tmax, the ultrasonic cleaning process includes: loading the wafer in an ultrasonic cleaning module and holding the wafer without the application of ultrasonic power for T?, with T?=Tmax?T1; and then performing the ultrasonic cleaning on the wafer for time T1. The method proceeds with the next cleaning process immediately after the ultrasonic cleaning is completed. The method may completely remove defect particles on post-CMP wafer surfaces and improve the yield by 3%.

Abstract: A proximity head for generating and maintaining a meniscus for processing a substrate is described. The proximity head includes a plurality of meniscus nozzles formed on a face of the proximity head, the nozzles being configured to supply liquid to the meniscus, a plurality of vacuum ports formed on the face of the proximity head, the vacuum ports being arranged to completely surround the plurality of meniscus nozzles, and a plurality of gas nozzles formed on the face of the proximity head, the gas nozzles at least partially surrounding the vacuum ports. The proximity head further includes means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks at a leading edge and a trailing edge on the substrate by aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate a gap between the substrate and the carrier.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for cleaning turbines includes an offline cleaning nozzle and a pair of online cleaning nozzles. The offline cleaning nozzle directs cleaning fluid towards the inlet of turbine. The online cleaning nozzles direct a cleaning fluid in a fan-shaped pattern in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of air flow within the turbine's inlet air duct, and intersecting with each other. The longest dimension of the fan-shaped spray pattern is substantially parallel to the direction of air flow within the duct.

Abstract: Holes having a variety of shapes exist on a surface of a substrate. When pure water is supplied on the substrate in a rinsing process, part of the pure water enters the holes. The pure water which have entered the holes can be hardly shaken off even though the substrate is rotated at a high speed. Therefore, HFE is held on the substrate so as to form an HFE layer after the rinsing process. In this case, the HFE enters the holes while the pure water emerges from the holes to the upper surface of the HFE due to a difference in specific gravity between the pure water and the HFE. Thus, the pure water is reliably prevented from remaining in the holes.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for decreasing the process time for photoresist stripping from photomasks are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, a stripping solution and a cleaning solution are consecutively applied in an alternating manner to a photomask to remove photoresist from the mask. The stripping solution and the cleaning solution can each be applied between 6 and 12 times. The stripping solution and the cleaning solution can be applied in a predetermined time interval from about 30 seconds to about 120 seconds and from about 8 seconds to about 30 seconds, respectively. The process can include a finishing process which can include a final cleaning operation, a rinsing operation and a drying operation.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes liquid tanks, a conveyor mechanism that dips multiple semiconductor substrates, arranged with provision of spaces, collectively into liquids in the liquid tanks, and water vapor spray nozzles disposed in gaps between the multiple semiconductor substrates so as to face rear surfaces of the semiconductor substrates. Heated water vapor is sprayed out of the water vapor spray nozzles onto the respective rear surfaces of the multiple semiconductor substrates prior to dipping the semiconductor substrates into the liquid in the liquid tanks.

Abstract: A rinsing liquid (DIW) is discharged from a rinsing liquid discharge port formed in a blocking member to perform rinsing processing to a substrate surface while a nitrogen gas is supplied into a clearance space, and a liquid mixture (IPA+DIW) is discharged from a liquid mixture discharge port formed in the blocking member to replace the rinsing liquid adhering to the substrate surface with the liquid mixture while the nitrogen gas is supplied into the clearance space. Thus, an increase of the dissolved oxygen concentration of the liquid mixture can be suppressed upon replacing the rinsing liquid adhering to the substrate surface with the liquid mixture, which makes it possible to securely prevent from forming an oxide film or generating watermarks on the substrate surface.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a substrate cleaning method of discharging cleaning liquid from a nozzle above a processing target substrate to clean the substrate while rotating the substrate such that the nozzle is scanned from the center of the substrate toward an outside of the substrate while discharging the cleaning liquid from the nozzle toward the substrate to scatter the cleaning liquid toward the outside of the substrate, comprising controlling a flow rate of the cleaning liquid, a rotational speed of the substrate, a scan speed of the nozzle, and a scan start position of the nozzle such that the cleaning liquid discharged from the nozzle does not impinge on the old cleaning liquid remaining on the substrate when the cleaning liquid discharged from the nozzle contacts a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holding unit, a process liquid supplying unit, a first guide portion provided around the substrate holding unit for guiding the process liquid scattered from the substrate, a second guide portion provided outside the first guide portion for guiding the process liquid scattered from the substrate, a third guide portion provided outside the second guide portion for guiding the process liquid scattered from the substrate, a first recovery channel provided outside the first guide portion integrally with the first guide portion for recovering the process liquid guided by the second guide portion, a second recovery channel provided outside the first recovery channel integrally with the first guide portion for recovering the process liquid guided by the third guide portion, and a driving mechanism for independently moving up and down the first, second, and third guide portions.

Abstract: Paint rollers may be cleaned of water soluble paints within this apparatus which is comprised of an enclosed housing with a drain at the bottom which also contains an oscillating water manifold the length of the roller which produces a series of water jets aligned with the elongated axis of the housing which impact the paint roller starting at a tangent to the roller so as to impart a spin. The water manifold oscillates aligned with the elongated axis of the roller from the tangent to a center of roller that slows the spin of the roller which oscillates to the opposite tangent of the roller and which spins the roller in the opposite direction. The enclosed housing also contains a single jet of water aligned near the top of the roller and at a tangent to the roller which impacts the paint roller starting at a tangent to the roller so as to impart a spin.

Abstract: An automotive parts washing machine (10) having a turntable (20). The turntable (20) has sprocket teeth (26) that are engaged by pins (29) of a pinion assembly (28).

Abstract: A walker includes a universal mount adapted to interchangeably receive multiple different attachments useful for a patient using the walker. A single walker may have an array of attachments adapted to be interchangeably used by a particular user. Alternatively, a care provider may stock a single walker available for use by many different patients, because individual needs may be met by the different attachments that may be interchangeably used with the mount on the single walker.

Abstract: A compartment for a transportation device is provided. The compartment may include a one-piece basin, an inflatable wall member, and multi-directional support arms to attach the basin within the transportation device. The one-piece basin may fit through an opening in the transportation device. Methods of installation for installing the compartment within the transportation device are also provided.

Abstract: A joint structure of a fold type tent frame is provided. In the present invention the joint structure includes a plurality of pillars which support a tent, a plurality of horizontal frames which are supported by the pillars to form a roof, and a plurality of connectors which connect between the pillars and the frames and between the frames as a joint structure, includes semicircular rotators which are disposed at end portions of the frames and have bolt holes formed at central portions of the rotators, coupling parts disposed at each of the connectors to have coupling plates with bolt holes and upper coupling plates perpendicular to the coupling plates such that the rotators are coupled to the coupling parts, guide grooves or guide protrusions formed on the upper coupling plates at the inner side of the coupling parts, and guide protrusions or guide grooves formed on outer peripheral surfaces of the semicircular rotators to correspond to the guide grooves or guide protrusions.

Abstract: An industrial thermoelectric generation assembly and method are provided. A plurality of thermoelectric generation elements is provided. Each element has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a lateral surface. A thermally insulative material surrounds the lateral surface of each thermoelectric element. The first side of each thermoelectric element is disposed to contact a process heat source, and the second side is configured to be exposed to an ambient environment. At least two of the plurality of thermoelectric generation elements are wired in series. The thermoelectric generation elements, being good thermal insulators, provide good thermal insulation to the process. Withholding heat within the process (which is desired), is converted to electricity.

Abstract: A mechanical/thermo-voltaic solar power system (MeTSoPoS) that uses a thermopile generator, instead of the photovoltaic panel commonly in use today, is disclosed. The system is comprised of three major subsystems: (1) a light collector array, (2) a thermopile thermo-voltaic generator, and (3) a storage and retrieval system. At the center of the system is the light collection array comprised of solar collector elements. These collector elements are connected to optical conduits (fiber optic cables) that carry the light energy to a thermo-electrical generator, such as a thermopile or a thermo-mechanical engine couple with an electrical generator. An automatic aiming system is used to align the collector elements directly at a light source for maximum light output. Each light collector element is comprised of a set of lenses that focus a larger area of light down to a point small enough to inject into an optical conduit.

Abstract: An integrated voltaic energy system incorporates a bio-friendly DC power generator with a photovoltaic (PV) system connected to feed a main service panel and a utility grid. A plurality of inverters are connected one each, to a respective output of one of a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays. The outputs of each of the inverters are connected to a main service panel and a utility grid. A further inverter is connected to the DC power generator and in parallel with the other inverters. The DC power generator is also connected to each of the PV solar panel inverters through a switch operated at a specific time manually or automatically. When switched the DC power generator feeds all of the inverters. A resistor/capacitor structure is connected between the DC power generator and each inverter. A self-powered timer may control the output level of the DC power generator.

Abstract: Solar farms comprising solar panels and solar cells having limited efficiencies and lifetimes, but which are low cost and easily replaceable. Organic photoactive layers can be used including low molecular weight organic compounds and polymeric organic compounds including conducting polymers. Polythiophenes and regioregular polythiophenes are a preferred embodiment for the photoactive layer and can be coupled with fullerene compounds. Cost modeling can be carried out to prove the economic profitability of the solar farm. Levelized cost of energy can be calculated.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion device having a simple structure including a plurality of end-face incident type photoelectric conversion cells. A plurality of dye-sensitized unit cells are disposed on folded faces of the metal sheet that is in a folded form. In these unit cells, a light which comes from a lateral end face of a stacked structure of each unit cell is photoelectrically converted. The manufacturing process of a soar cell is simplified in comparison with the case that a plurality of end-face incident type photoelectric conversion cells are merely placed in a plane.

Abstract: A method for electrically connecting semiconductor layers using a layer less than 150 nm thick of a semiconductor material that exhibits strong piezoelectric and/or spontaneous electrical polarization to provide a tunnel junction that electrically connects the semiconductor layers. The semiconductor material that exhibits strong piezoelectric and/or spontaneous electrical polarization comprises an interface between differing (Al,In,Ga)N alloys. The tunnel junction may be between p-type and n-type semiconductor layers, or it may be between two n-type or p-type semiconductor layers. Stacked Schottky diodes or stacked photo-active junctions may be fabricated using this method.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric wire bracket for solar cells, which includes a pair of upper and lower plates respectively having adhesive layers adhered to each other and grooves facing each other so as to form insertion paths, into which a plurality of electric wires for supplying power produced by solar cells to electronic instruments are inserted, through the connection of the upper and lower plates by adhering the adhesive layers to each other, thus facilitating the connection of the wires. The electric wire bracket for solar cells includes a lower plate, an upper plate, release papers, and conductive layers, wherein at least one insertion path, into which the electric wires for solar cells are inserted, is formed by connecting the lower plate and the upper plate.

Abstract: A device for generating electricity from solar radiation is disclosed. The device includes a substrate; an insulating layer formed above the substrate; and a first electrode formed above the insulating layer. The device also includes a first doped Group IV nanoparticle thin film deposited on the first electrode; and a second doped Group IV nanoparticle thin film deposited on the first doped Group IV nanoparticle thin film. The device further includes a third doped Group IV nanoparticle thin film deposited on the second doped Group IV nanoparticle thin film; a fourth doped Group IV nanoparticle thin film deposited on the third doped Group IV nanoparticle thin film; and, a second electrode formed on the fourth doped Group IV nanoparticle thin film. Wherein, when solar radiation is applied to the fourth doped Group IV nanoparticle thin film, an electrical current is produced.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electric wire for solar cells having a bent portion, which is attached to a tape having an adhesive surface such that the electric wire for carrying electricity produced from the solar cells can be installed to a desired place without requiring any outwardly protruding fixing structure, thereby achieving a simplified installation thereof and preventing a risk of damage to other peripheral electronic devices or people. The electric wire constitutes a part of a power supply system comprising solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity and a charging battery to receive and store the electricity from the solar cells, and is used to carry the electricity from the charging battery to an electronic device. The electric wire is bent at least one time by a predetermined angle, and attached to the adhesive surface of the tape.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell in which an insulating layer is formed on exposed surfaces of a semiconductor oxide layer in a semiconductor electrode and a conductive substrate, and a method of manufacturing the dye-sensitized solar cell are provided. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a semiconductor electrode and an opposing electrode disposed to face each other, and an electrolyte solution interposed between the electrodes. The semiconductor electrode includes a conductive substrate, a semiconductor oxide layer formed on the semiconductor electrode, a dye molecule layer adhered to the surface of the semiconductor oxide layer, and an insulating layer formed on the surfaces of the semiconductor oxide layer exposed through the dye molecule layer and the conductive substrate. The insulating layer is formed of a self-assembling organic layer which is self-assembled on the surfaces of the semiconductor oxide layer and the conductive substrate by a chemical bond.

Abstract: Optimal structures for high efficiency thin film silicon solar energy conversion devices and systems are disclosed. Thin film silicon active layer photoelectron conversion structures using ion implantation are disclosed. Thin film semiconductor devices optimized for exploiting the high energy and ultraviolet portion of the solar spectrum at the earths surface are also disclosed. Solar cell fabrication using high oxygen concentration single crystal silicon substrates formed using in preference the CZ method are used advantageously. Furthermore, the present invention discloses optical coatings for advantageous coupling of solar radiation into thin film solar cell devices via the use of rare-earth metal oxide (REOx), rare-earth metal oxynitride (REOxNy) and rare-earth metal oxy-phosphide (REOxPy) glasses and or crystalline material. The rare-earth metal is chosen from the group commonly known in the periodic table of elements as the lanthanide series.

Abstract: An electronic device module comprising: A. At least one electronic device, e.g., a solar cell, and B. A polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising (1) a polyolefin copolymer with at least one of (a) a density of less than about 0.90 g/cc, (b) a 2% secant modulus of less than about 150 megaPascal (mPa) as measured by ASTM D-882-02), (c) a melt point of less than about 95 C, (d) an ?-olefin content of at least about 15 and less than about 50 wt % based on the weight of the polymer, (e) a Tg of less than about ?35 C, and (f) a SCBDI of at least about 50, (2) optionally, free radical initiator, e.g., a peroxide or azo compound, or a photoinitiator, e.g., benzophenone, and (3) optionally, a co-agent. Typically, the polyolefin copolymer is an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer. Optionally, the polymeric material can further comprise a vinyl silane and/or a scorch inhibitor, and the copolymer can remain uncrosslinked or be crosslinked.

Abstract: In the fluid mixing method, a plurality of fluids are distributed through respective independent supply flow channels to come into confluence in a mixing field in microspace to mix with each other to form a mixed fluid, and the mixed fluid is discharged from the mixing field through a discharge flow channel. The fluid mixing method includes: a dividing step of dividing at least one of fluids to distribute; a flow contracting step of contracting the fluids after the dividing step immediately prior to confluence to the mixing field; a confluence step of bringing the contracted fluids into confluence so as to intersect at one point in the mixing field to mix the fluids; and a discharge step of discharging the mixed fluid from the mixing field.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for vapor phase fluid delivery to a desired end use are provided, wherein the conditions of the system are monitored to determine when the water concentration or supply vessel surface temperature exceeds a specified value or when the low vapor pressure fluid pressure falls below a specified value for the purpose of removing a first supply vessel from service by discontinuing vapor flow from the first supply vessel and initiating vapor flow from a second supply vessel.

Abstract: A pneumatic controller for controlling a process advantageously reduces fluid consumption by providing a proportional adjustment to a feedback signal. The pneumatic controller comprises a pneumatic control stage, a process pressure detector, and a feedback proportioning device. The feedback proportioning device uses a feedback cantilever component to provide the proportional adjustment of the feedback signal, thereby reducing the fluid consumption of the pneumatic controller.

Abstract: A pneumatic controller for controlling a process advantageously reduces fluid consumption by providing a proportional adjustment to a feedback signal. The pneumatic controller comprises a pneumatic control stage such as a relay, a process pressure detector, and a rack-and-pinion feedback assembly. The a rack-and-pinion feedback assembly provides the proportional adjustment of the feedback signal, thereby reducing the fluid consumption of the pneumatic controller.

Abstract: An inflation stem having an inflation valve combined with a blow-off valve to prevent overinflation. The valves are forced open during inflation when the actuating pin is depressed by the compressor chuck head, opening a fill chamber through which fluid flows into an inflatable object, and also opening a blow-off chamber. A blow-off intake allows lower pressure fluid from the interior of the object to enter the blow-off chamber. The fluid entering the blow-off chamber is isolated from the high pressure fluid coming in from the compressor through the fill chamber by a separation fin and shield joined to the bottom end of the actuating pin. A blow-off gasket is biased upward by a blow-off spring. But as pressure in the object and the blow-off chamber increases, the blow-off gasket is forced down, until at the predetermined pressure it is pushed past a blow-off port, through which fluid then escapes.

Abstract: The aim is to devise a gas plug connector that permits a gas plug to be connected or disconnected only when an additional shut-off valve has been manually closed. To that end the housing (1) of the gas plug connector has a bearing (36) for a switching element (35) that on the one hand is fitted with a guide device (37), on which one end of a plunger (11; 12) installed in the base (2) of the housing (1) is supported, whereas the other end of the plunger (11; 12) is connected to a valve head (15) of a shut-off valve (8) positioned in the gas-carrying chamber (7) of the base (2). On the other hand, the switching element (35) is connected to a locking device, by means of which an insertion of the gas plug (57) dependent on the position of the switching element (35) can be prevented.

Abstract: A damper device may include a frame provided with an opening part, a baffle turnably supported on the frame, and a drive unit for turnably driving the baffle to open and close the opening part. The drive unit may include an output member whose tip end side is provided with an engagement part with the baffle and which is linearly advanced and retreated to and from the baffle to turnably drive the baffle. Further, the damper device includes a wall part provided between the driving part and the baffle and formed with an output hole part through which the output member is penetrated. The engagement part is located apart from a first moving extended axis which is formed by movement of the output member penetrating through the output hole part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metallic valve, characterized in that the valve disk and/or the valve seat has a ceramic coating with a layer thickness within a range of from 10 to 1000 nm.

Abstract: An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. The fill valve also includes structural elements that allow the water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate. The fill valve can be re-set for normal toilet tank operation.

Abstract: A manifolded fail-safe hydraulic control system provides fail-safe operation of a pipeline valve using no more than a total of 43 proprietary parts in the system. The system controls the operation of a spring return actuator, which in turn strokes the pipeline valve from the normal operating position to the fail-safe position, or from the fail-safe position to the normal operating position. The system enables the valve to automatically stroke to its fail-safe position without external power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic variable unit with a servo system bringing about the control of the hydrostatic unit and with a valve unit controlling the servo system, the valve unit comprising two magnetically actuated proportional pressure-reducing valves which respectively act upon one of the sides of a servo system, which sides operate counter to each other, and having a safety function which, in the event of an incident, transfers the servo system into a safety position. The safety function is realized by at least one of the proportional pressure-reducing valves being designed at the same time as a pilot valve for activating and deactivating the second proportional pressure-reducing valve.