Abstract: A washing machine and a washing control method of the same that is capable of controlling laundry to be effectively washed with bubbles depending upon load of the washing machine. The washing control method includes supplying wash water and detergent into a water tub, heating concentrated detergent liquid including the wash water and the detergent mixed with each other, generating and supplying bubbles into the water tub when the temperature of the heated concentrated detergent liquid reaches a predetermined bubble generation temperature, and washing laundry with the supplied bubbles.

Abstract: A washing machine and a washing control method of the same that is capable of controlling laundry to be effectively washed with bubbles depending upon load of the washing machine and types of the laundry. The washing control method includes detecting the amount of load depending upon the weight of laundry, controlling the amount of wetting water according to the detected amount of load to wet the laundry, and generating bubbles to wash the laundry.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum bag may be used to collect both wet and dry debris without destruction of the bag and without loss in performance.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method for cleaning a semiconductor fabrication chamber component having an orifice is provided. The method includes (A) placing the component into a bath having a cleaning solution; (B) flowing a fluid into the orifice thereby maintaining at least a first portion of the orifice free from cleaning solution while the cleaning solution cleans the component; and (C) withdrawing the fluid from the orifice such that cleaning solution enters into the first portion of the orifice and cleans the first portion of the orifice. Numerous other aspects are also provided.

Abstract: The portable, compact, silverware-only washing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is manufactured so as to easily mount on top of a kitchen countertop or to be easily portable to other locales. The appliance is designed so as to not be connected to a water supply within a home or apartment, but rather rely upon the user to pour in water in a manner similar to a home coffee maker. The device includes a motor and pump assembly to spray pressurized water and detergent against the silverware loaded therein and automatically drain the water and waste after completion of the washing cycle The appliance is configured with a specialized basket for holding the silverware in individualized compartments.

Abstract: Method of Using an Anti-Stick Coating to Reduce Dirt Accumulation The present disclosure is directed to a method of reducing dirt buildup on a machine surface. The method involves applying a sacrificial layer of an oil-based liquid on the surface and allowing dirt accumulation on the surface. The accumulated dirt along with the oil-based liquid is then removed.

Abstract: Cleaning a liquid sample probe with a cleansing station having sources of air, cleansing solution, bath and shower water in a two-well cleansing body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instantaneous mixing device for injection/extraction cleaning machines and in particular to an instantaneous mixing device with a pre-spray functionality of the type equipped with at least one washing accessory (13) and/or at least one pre-washing accessory (30) connected at the outlet to a hydraulic circuit (20), the device (10) comprising: at least one spray pump (12) connected to the hydraulic circuit (20); at least one tank for water (15) and at least one tank for a chemical product (16), connected to the hydraulic circuit (20); at least one mixing element (14) with a Venturi effect connected downstream of the at least one water tank (15) and at least one tank for a chemical product (16). The at least one pre-washing element (30) preferably comprises a spray hole having greater dimensions with respect to the hole of the spray nozzle of the at least one washing accessory (13).

Abstract: A dishwashing machine is provided having a door pivotable around the horizontal axis thereof and a switch arranged on the door. The switch is operable to generate an electric signal when a predetermined pivoting angle of the door is reached as the door is being opened. The dishwasher also includes a light source that illuminates the interior of the dishwashing machine, the light source being disposed in the interior of the dishwashing machine and being operably connected to the switch such that the light source is activated into an illuminated condition in response to the receipt of the electrical signal from the switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a play structure assembly comprising a flexible sheet having a plurality of loops attached thereto. The type and location of the loops are described, as well as their use in forming a play area having multiple shapes and sizes.

Abstract: An umbrella pole assembly for inserting and holding an attached beach umbrella in the ground includes: (a) an auger assembly on a first, lower, auger end of the pole assembly; (b) a cylindrical main pole extending from the auger assembly; and (c) a drill attachment member at an opposite, upper, drill bit end of the pole assembly, the drill attachment member being detachably attachable to a rotatable chuck of a separate, portable, handheld tool for rotating the auger assembly; wherein the pole assembly does not include a motor. The auger assembly includes a lower, cutting section attached to an upper, anchoring section, which is attached to the main pole.

Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, a wiring harness, and a connection subsystem. The plurality of photovoltaic cells are electrically interconnected to form a positive node for supplying current to a load and a negative node for receiving current from the load. The wiring harness includes a plurality of flexible electrical conductors, each electrical conductor being electrically isolated within the wiring harness. The connection subsystem is operable to selectively connect the positive node to one of the electrical conductors of the wiring harness. A plurality of flexible photovoltaic modules may be connected to form a photovoltaic array.

Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into an electric current includes a plurality of electrically interconnected flexible photovoltaic submodules monolithically integrated onto a common flexible substrate. Each photovoltaic submodule includes a plurality of electrically interconnected flexible thin-film photovoltaic cells monolithically integrated onto the flexible substrate. A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into an electric current includes a backplane layer for supporting the photovoltaic module. A first pottant layer is disposed on the backplane layer, and a photovoltaic submodule assembly is disposed on the first pottant layer. The photovoltaic submodule assembly has at least one photovoltaic submodule, where each photovoltaic submodule includes a plurality of thin-film photovoltaic cells. A second pottant layer is disposed on the photovoltaic submodule assembly, and a upper laminate layer disposed on the second pottant layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell module comprising an encapsulant layer formed of a polymeric sheet comprising an acid copolymer, an ionomer derived therefrom, or a combination thereof and having a thickness greater than or equal to 50 mils (1.25 mm).

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a single crystal silicon solar cell comprising the steps of: implanting hydrogen ions or rare gas ions into a single crystal silicon substrate through an ion implanting surface thereof to form an ion implanted layer in the single crystal silicon substrate; forming a transparent electroconductive film on a surface of a transparent insulator substrate; conducting a surface activating treatment for the ion implanting surface of the single crystal silicon substrate and/or a surface of the transparent electroconductive film on the transparent insulator substrate; bonding the ion implanting surface of the single crystal silicon substrate and the surface of the transparent electroconductive film on the transparent insulator substrate to each other; applying an impact to the ion implanted layer to mechanically delaminate the single crystal silicon substrate thereat to leave a single crystal silicon layer; and forming a p-n junction in the single crystal silicon layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a single crystal silicon solar cell comprising the steps of: implanting at least one of hydrogen ions or rare gas ions into a single crystal silicon substrate through an ion implanting surface thereof to form an ion implanted layer in the single crystal silicon substrate; closely contacting the single crystal silicon substrate and a transparent insulator substrate with each other via a transparent electroconductive adhesive while using the ion implanting surface as a bonding surface; curing and maturing the transparent electroconductive adhesive into a transparent electroconductive film, to bond the single crystal silicon substrate and the transparent insulator substrate to each other; applying an impact to the ion implanted layer to mechanically delaminate the single crystal silicon substrate thereat to leave a single crystal silicon layer; and forming a p-n junction in the single crystal silicon layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a single crystal silicon solar cell comprising the steps of: implanting hydrogen ions or rare gas ions into a single crystal silicon substrate through an ion implanting surface thereof to form an ion implanted layer in the single crystal silicon substrate; closely contacting the single crystal silicon substrate and a transparent insulator substrate with each other via a transparent adhesive while using the ion implanting surface as a bonding surface; curing the transparent adhesive; applying an impact to the ion implanted layer to mechanically delaminate the single crystal silicon substrate thereat to leave a single crystal silicon layer; forming a plurality of diffusion regions having a second conductivity type at the delaminated surface side of the single crystal silicon layer, in a manner that a plurality of first conductivity-type regions and a plurality of second conductivity-type regions are present at the delaminated surface of the single crystal silicon layer;

Abstract: A device is provided having a first electrode, a second electrode, a first photoactive region having a characteristic absorption wavelength ?1 and a second photoactive region having a characteristic absorption wavelength ?2. The photoactive regions are disposed between the first and second electrodes, and further positioned on the same side of a reflective layer, such that the first photoactive region is closer to the reflective layer than the second photoactive region. The materials comprising the photoactive regions may be selected such that ?1 is at least about 10% different from ?2. The device may further comprise an exciton blocking layer disposed adjacent to and in direct contact with the organic acceptor material of each photoactive region, wherein the LUMO of each exciton blocking layer other than that closest to the cathode is not more than about 0.3 eV greater than the LUMO of the acceptor material.

Abstract: A method for controlling a dome-operated pressure regulator is disclosed. The pressure at a dome side of the pressure regulator is measured. The operation of the pressure regulator is controlled based upon at least a received command signal and the measurement. A proportional control valve may be used to control the pressure on at the dome side of the pressure regulator. A controller and a system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for holding fluids at high pressures. One embodiment of the present invention features a fluid containing conveying device for receiving and discharging fluids. The device comprises a housing having a chamber for containing a fluid. The housing has a first gasket receiving surface for receiving a gasket. A gasket formed of a deformable material and having a first abutment surface and second abutment surface. The first abutment surface received on the first gasket receiving surface and the second abutment surface for receiving a chamber closing piece. The chamber closing piece having a second gasket receiving surface, the chamber closing piece for closing the chamber. At least one of the first gasket receiving surface of the housing and the second gasket receiving surface of the chamber closing piece having a retaining grove, having at least one edge.

Abstract: A gas shutoff valve having a ball normally residing in a first seat, wherein sufficient disturbance of the valve causes the ball to escape the first seat and settle into a second seat wherein a flow of gas is blocked. The first seat is on an upper surface of a seating ball held in a base portion of the valve. The seating ball is held in place by a plate and is adjustable to compensate for gas line angles away from vertical. Adjustments to the seating ball may be made using a leveling tool inserted through a tool port in the base portion and inserting into a tool seat in the seating ball.

Abstract: A gas shutoff valve having a sensor in cooperation with a magnet to hold a seal mechanism in an open position allowing a flow through a valve body, wherein sufficient disturbance of the valve causes the sensor to sufficiently separate from the magnet to release the seal mechanism to block the flow of gas through the valve. The sensor resides in a sensor housing and means are provided to level the sensor housing to provide consistent operation of the valve when the valve body is not level.

Abstract: An emergency shutoff valve is provided that includes a housing defining a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid flow passage extending therebetween. The valve includes a valve element disposed within the housing and releasably latched in an open position by a latching mechanism. An expansible member defines at least a portion of a sealed expansible chamber that is sealed at locations downstream and upstream of a weakened portion of the housing. The emergency shutoff valve defines a failure mode wherein the structural integrity of the housing is compromised to an extent wherein fuel can flow into the expansible chamber when a predetermined load is applied to a portion of the housing, wherein the expansible member is operable for uncoupling the latching mechanism so that the valve element moves from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A water pumping system for irrigation or the like uses a suction pump attached to a suction hose that has supporting ribs that may be inflated to hold the hose open against suction for use and deflated to allow the suction hose to be folded or collapsed for storage and transportation.

Abstract: Fluid storage and leak containment comprising (a) a fluid storage vessel comprising at least one vessel having an interior, an exterior, and an outlet opening between the interior and the exterior; (b) a fluid flow fitting sealably connected to the outlet opening and adjacent the exterior of the at least one vessel, wherein the fluid flow fitting is adapted for withdrawing reactive gas from the interior of the vessel; and (c) a containment enclosure having an interior, an exterior, an open end, and an extraction port adapted for the withdrawal of gas from the interior of the containment enclosure, wherein the open end is adapted to fit over and around the fluid flow fitting such that the containment enclosure surrounds the fluid flow fitting and is adapted to collect any reactive gas leaking from the fluid flow fitting.

Abstract: A rotatable wedge cartridge valve has a cartridge body defining a cartridge chamber of a defined internal width having flow ports in communication with the cartridge chamber. A rotatable wedge valve cartridge assembly is removeably positioned within the cartridge chamber and has a controllable width. A core member defines a flow passage and has a spherical outer surface portion. A valve seat is located within the cartridge chamber. A rotatable wedge valve member is mounted for rotation relative to the core and has a concave surface portion in rotary guided relation with the spherical outer surface. The rotatable wedge valve member also has an external convex surface that is positioned for sealing engagement with the valve seat and has a geometry developing a non-uniform wall thickness along the rotatable wedge valve member.

Abstract: A mechanical tapping tee assembly and a method for fluidly connecting to a conduit include a body defining a conduit recess for receiving the conduit and further defining a main passage having one end adjacent the conduit recess. A plug is disposed in the main passage preventing fluid communication between at least a portion of the main passage and the conduit recess. A cutter received in the main passage and threadedly engaged with a threaded region of the main passage is selectively advanced and retracted within the main passage upon rotation relative to the body. The cutter includes a cutting edge that taps the plug to fluidly connect the conduit recess and said at least a portion of the main passage and to tap the conduit to fluidly connect the conduit and the main passage.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention consists of a flexible enclosure component with a top, a bottom, at least one side and an interior space. Fill element is contained in the interior of the enclosure component and is conformable to the shapes and contours the flexible enclosure component assumes. The method of the invention consists of employing one or more of the apparatus as described in a the cavity dedicated to encasing valve and control mechanisms and filling the space in the cavity to the exclusion of any other material that may otherwise fill the cavity.

Abstract: A fuel system for a mobile platform is provided. The system includes a crossfeed fuel transmission assembly having a single crossfeed valve that controls fuel consumption from a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank. The system additionally includes a balancing fuel transfer assembly fluidly connected to the crossfeed fuel transmission assembly. The balancing fuel transfer assembly includes a plurality of fuel balancing valves for controlling a transfer of fuel to the first and second fuel tanks. The fuel system further includes a fuel balancing controller for automatically controlling the fuel balancing valves to automatically control the transfer of fuel to the first and second fuel tanks.

Abstract: A drain plug (300) for a fluid passage (506), the drain plug (300) including a head portion (302), a shank portion (304) connected to the head portion (302), a threaded portion (306) that is connected to the shank portion (304) and includes a solid segment (312) that is located adjacent to the shank portion (304), and a partial portion (314) having at least one cutout (316), and a lead-in portion (308) that is connected to the threaded portion (306) and located adjacent to the partial portion (314). A fluid path is defined between the fluid passage (506) and the at least one cutout (316) of the drain plug (300) when the drain plug (300) is partially removed from the fluid passage (506).

Abstract: An adjustment valve includes a first diaphragm integrally formed from an attachment section engaged with and fixed to the bottom of a rod, a joining section to which a valve body is fixed, a thin film section radially extending from a shoulder section, a thick wall section continuous with the thin film section, and a seal section provided at the peripheral edge of the thick wall section. The second diaphragm has a central hole, and includes an integrally formed thin film section radially extending from a thick wall section at the center hole, and a seal section is provided at the peripheral edge thereof. A diaphragm hold-down member penetrates the central hole at the shoulder section of the rod, causing the second diaphragm to be sandwiched and fixed. The rod is disposed with play in the through-hole in the bottom of the cylinder, and is supported by a spring engaged between a step section of the cylinder and the bottom surface of the shoulder in a state such that radial movement is prevented.

Abstract: A gas valve includes a valve body and a valve member disposed within the valve body. In one illustrative embodiment, the valve body includes a valve seat that has a lower seat portion and a side seat portion. In some cases, the valve member may include a shutoff disk and an elastomeric sealing bead disposed on the shutoff disk. The valve member may be axially movable between an open position, a just-closed position in which the elastomeric sealing bead contacts the lower seat portion, and an overtravel position in which the elastomeric sealing bead contacts and exerts a radial force on the side seat portion of the valve body.

Abstract: To provide a drain trap which can simplify maintenance operations by allowing effluent to flow to a discharge unit properly. The drain trap has a main body equipped with a communicating path which communicates a receiving unit and a discharge unit; a storage unit which, being installed in the communicating path, stores effluent received by the receiving unit; and a normally-closed check valve which, being installed in the communicating path, floats up to allow the effluent in the storage unit to flow to the discharge unit when the effluent reaches or exceeds a set amount, in which the storage unit is installed in such a way as to communicate with a part right under the normally-closed check valve, and the discharge unit is installed in the lowest part of a discharge-side communicating path so that no effluent will be stored in the discharge-side communicating path, which is that part of the communicating path which runs between the normally-closed check valve and the discharge unit.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes first and second conduits having respective first and second flanges in abutment with each other, a stopper in the second conduit, and a valve body secured between the first and second flanges. The valve body includes a body bore in communication between the first and second conduits. The body bore defines a circular opening in one end of the valve body. The valve body also includes a circumferential notch that substantially insulates the circular opening from distortion arising from securing the valve body. The stopper snuggly seats against the circular opening to prevent fluid flow from the second conduit to the first conduit, but unseats to permit fluid flow from the first conduit to the second conduit. An o-ring may surround a portion of the valve body and be energized as the valve body is secured. A lip may surround the circular opening to provide a seat for the stopper.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir includes a tank from which a hydraulic fluid inlet extends and a breather cap removably coupled to the hydraulic fluid inlet. An air filter is coupled to the hydraulic fluid inlet and abuts the breather cap to filter air entering the breather cap.

Abstract: A directional hydraulic valve has a feed chamber, two user connection chambers, two discharge chambers connected to a discharge tank, and a control spool. The hydraulic valve also has two intermediate chambers which are connected together, each adjacent the feed chamber and one of the user connection chambers. The intermediate chambers are adapted to be places in fluid communication with a flow regulating device which regulates the flow of fluid originating from the feed source and directed to the feed chamber in relation to the pressure value of the fluid present in the intermediate chambers. The valve has a valve mechanism for connection between the intermediate chambers and one of the discharge chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve includes a valve body and a spool. The valve body includes at least one fluid inlet port, at least one fluid outlet port, an upper cavity, and a lower cavity. The spool is disposed within the valve body. The spool includes a first end and an opening. The opening allows the lower cavity to be in fluid communication with the upper cavity.

Abstract: A faucet control system comprises a valve apparatus, sensors or a motion detector to be activated by a user, and a controller that controls the valve apparatus. A first sensor may start fluid flow and a second sensor may alter the proportion of fluids delivered from two fluid sources. The sensors may be activated without being touched and may include infrared and/or photodiode sensing elements. In a sink embodiment, when a user approaches the sink to wash hands, water flow is activated. Optionally, the initial water flow may be cold water, to prevent energy wastage. A second sensor may be placed elsewhere on the sink, such as on the left hand side of the faucet spout. Consequently, when the right hand, for example, is placed below the faucet spout, the water flow is activated with the first sensor.

Abstract: A faucet with a water outlet controlled by a central pull stick capable of being installed easily comprises a valve body consisting of a main body and a head portion connected together by screw threads. The valve body further comprises a main body and a head portion connected to the main body by a screwing mechanism. A stopper on the main body and a retaining part on the head portion are coupled together upon the screwing so that the retaining part will be fixed on an attached object after the valve body penetrated through the object. Thereby, idle rotation between the head portion and the main body can be prevented. Further, the valve body can be locked onto the attached object by screws applied through the upper surface of the object, facilitating quick installation of the valve body.

Abstract: A linear voice coil actuator is described, specifically applied to a fluid power valve. The valve includes at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port. A spool controls fluid flow between the inlet port and outlet port. At least one counter-acting spring asserts a force on the spool. The valve also includes a linear voice coil to regulate movement of the spool. The linear voice coil responds to a pulse width modulated signal, wherein the pulse width modulated signal is based on a determined current in the linear voice coil. Electromagnetic interference filtering may also be used. A controller, system and method are also described.

Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a faucet housing including at least one rotational limit feature positioned with respect to an axis. A spout assembly includes a spout, the spout having attached thereto a stop member positioned to engage the rotational limit feature when the spout is rotated about the axis.

Abstract: A splitter valve comprising an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve both having orifices. The relative position of these elements determines the split of the flow. The orifices are configured so that the relative split between the two streams has a linear relationship with the relative position of the inner element and outer sleeve. A perforate plate is provided across at least one outlet to laminarise the flow.

Abstract: A surge tank is sized to retain a volume of fluid. A fluid inlet/outlet port is attached to the tank, and an elastomeric bladder is disposed within the tank and separates the fluid from a volume of gas. A nozzle system is disposed within the tank and has a nozzle member comprising a first plurality of axially elongate perforations, and a second plurality of perforations. The nozzle member can extend a partial or complete distance with tank. The tank body includes a throat that extends outwardly from a portion of the tank adjacent the port, and a portion of the nozzle member comprising the first plurality of perforations is disposed within the throat. An annular space exists adjacent the nozzle member in the neck to facilitate the flow of solid constituent within the fluid from the tank and into the nozzle member.

Abstract: A water saving device for use at or near a water outlet has a first water flow regulating element; a second water flow regulating element disposed downstream of the first regulating element; and a chamber formed between the first and second regulating elements. All of one or more water flow regulating parts of the second regulating element are made from substantially solid material.

Abstract: A reed drive of a loom comprises a reed shaft (3) connected to the reed (1). A conversion gearing (7, 8) each having a respective input element (11, 12) and a respective output element (13, 14) is located at the ends of the reed shaft (3). The input elements (11, 12) are coupled to the driven shafts (23, 24) of electromotive rotary drives (19, 20) for effecting a common rotational motion of the same rotational speed. The conversion gearings (7, 8), alone, serve to convert the rotating motion of their input elements into a motion of the output elements (13, 14) whose direction of rotation can be reversed. To this end, the output elements (13, 14) are coupled to the reed shaft (3) in a rotationally fixed manner.

Abstract: A floating island and its method of manufacture, said floating island comprising: warp strands; and weft strands, said weft strands being woven with said warp strands to produce a single-layer woven body having inter-strand spaces; wherein each of said strands is a first strand that is comprised of a plurality of nonwoven polymer fibers that are packed into a rectilinear or a curvilinear cross section, a second strand that is comprised of a closed-cell polymer foam that contains closed-cell pores, a third strand that is comprised of an open-cell polymer foam that to contains open-cell pores, a fourth strand that is comprised of a bi-cellular polyester foam that contains both closed-cell pores and open-cell pores, a polymer foam strand that is comprised of a closed-cell thermosetting foam comprising a polymer fiber additive, or a polymer foam strand having closed-cell pores and comprising protruding fingers.

Abstract: A method of determining the gas return rate at filling stations is carried out at filling pumps with two filling points, a first filling point and a second filling point. Each filling point is assigned at least one fuel flow meter of its own and both filling points are assigned a common gas flow meter, which is arranged downstream of a meeting point of the gas streams of the two filling points. The measured values obtained from the two fuel flow meters and from the gas flow meter are recorded at short predetermined time intervals in assignment to one another. In the case of at least partially simultaneous refuelling operations at the two filling points, the information determined from the measured values of the fuel flow meters concerning the progression over time of the two refuelling operations is used for breaking down the measured sum of the gas flow of the two filling points into a gas flow assigned to the first filling point and a gas flow assigned to the second filling point.

Abstract: The present invention is a recyclable oil drain pan intended to encourage proper disposal of used motor oil. The recyclable oil drain pan generally consists of a stiff outer container and a flexible inner container. The stiff outer container has a recessed upper surface that can be sloped towards an opening that passes through the upper surface. The opening of the outer container connects to the opening of a flexible inner container that receives the used oil. The opening can be sealed via a cap or plug to effectively contain the used motor oil. Preferably the entire apparatus would be recyclable.

Abstract: Apparatus that manually slides over building and construction forms that redirects the direction of liquid building materials such as concrete into building forms. The apparatus breaks down the speed of the incoming material with the specially designed back wall. The front wall lower constructed part of the sliding funnel makes an easier access for cement truck chutes and or wheel barrels. The bottom part of the sliding funnel fills and simultaneously levels the height of the liquid concrete. The storage area of the apparatus (when to much concrete is poured towards the form) can store a large amount of material that normally would have gone over the building form edge as spill.

Abstract: A weight for supporting a funnel in an upstanding orientation, the weight comprising a periphery defining an internal void, the void receiving the neck of the funnel, and also having a filler housed within the periphery, the filler providing mass to the weight. Other embodiments include a funnel with a weight incorporated therein, and a funnel system comprising a funnel, a removable weight and indicator means operatively coupled with the funnel.