Abstract: The invention provides a filter cleaning apparatus having a driving force generating module, a driving force delivering module, and a cleaning module. The driving force generating module is for generating a driving force, the cleaning module is for cleaning a filter, and the driving force delivering module is coupled to the driving force generating module and the cleaning module for delivering the driving force from the driving force generating module to the cleaning module. In this way, the cleaning module is capable of moving on a surface of the filter to achieve the objective of cleaning the filter without dismantling the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-contained and wireless monitoring device (10) for use in a washing machine (1) to indicate shortage of detergent in said washing machine. The monitoring device comprises a sensor (13) arranged to monitor detergent concentration in washing liquid (5) of said washing machine and to provide an alarm signal (A) when said monitored detergent concentration is below a target value. The monitoring device is capable of floating in said washing liquid and comprises signalling means (11) for indicating said shortage of detergent in response to said alarm signal. The invention further relates to a package containing such a monitoring device and a method for indicating shortage of detergent.

Abstract: A dishwasher is disclosed which includes a rack disposed inside a washing cabinet, a rack and at least one shelf which is rotatably connected to the rack so as to be rotated to a raised upright position and then to a lowered upright position and held, and which is rotatable to the raised upright position and then rotated to a substantially laid down position. Space utilization is increased as a height of the shelf extending above the shelf is reduced and a size of another rack assembly which may be positioned above the rack assembly may be increased.

Abstract: A dishwasher is disclosed which includes a rack arranged inside of a washing cabinet, a plurality of shelves arranged on the rack, and a shelf holder installed on the tack. The shelf holder may include a plurality of shelf fixing parts that fix the shelves together. The dishwasher so configured is capable of minimizing the number of shelf holders needed to fix a plurality of shelves to a rack and, therefore, simplifies the assembly process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stick for trekking, mountain climbing and sports activities in general, comprising a rod element coupled to a handle. The main feature of the invention is that the stick comprises, on the handle, a display device operatively associated with a quantity measurement instrument.

Abstract: A support unit for supporting a user's leg upon a walker includes a support body which is configured to engage and retain a portion of a user's leg and an attachment system for affixing the support body to a walker.

Abstract: A kit of parts for an erectable shelter is provided. The kit of parts includes a floor, an at least semi-rigid wall portion with an entrance, and an at least semi-rigid roof portion. The wall structure is connectable to the floor without tools. The roof portion is connectable to the wall structure without tools.

Abstract: Semiconductors bits, ultra-violet-light photons or nanocrystals are formulated with a polythiophene conductive polymer in a paint finish for the outer surface of a hybrid automotive vehicle to gather energy as a large solar collector for its included storage batteries.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device that includes a plurality of elongated nanostructures disposed on the surface of a substrate and a multilayered film deposited conformally over the elongated nanostructures forming a plurality of photoactive junctions. A method making such a photovoltaic device includes generating a plurality of elongated nanostructures on a substrate surface and conformally depositing a multilayered film forming a plurality of photoactive junctions. The plurality of photoactive junctions are designed to capture different wavelengths of light. A solar panel includes at least one photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A solar panel apparatus includes a set of electrically-interconnected photovoltaic modules. Each module is elongated along an axis and has first and second axially opposite ends. Each module further has photovoltaic surface portions facing away from the axis in different directions to receive light to generate electricity. The first ends of the modules are fixed to a first end rail.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for reducing the transmission of stress to at least one among a plurality of photovoltaic modules mounted within a solar energy collection or absorption device includes a first electrically conductive line extending between and electrically connected to at least first and second photovoltaic modules and being capable of yielding in response to stress placed upon it.

Abstract: Application of Solid Phase Epitaxy (SPE) fabrication technology to very high efficiency radiation hardened solar cells, and the corresponding system and method, are presented. The heteroepitaxial structure of ZnSe/GaAs/Ge is realizable, due to the adequate lattice matching of the component crystals. It offers several advantages compared to the other solar cell systems based on AlxGa1-xAs/GaAs/Ge/Si type of heteroepitaxial photovoltaic solar energy converters. The active p-n junction is maintained in the well-known high power conversion efficiency of GaAs. ZnSe is a direct large band gap semiconductor. Therefore, the energy integration effect of the graded band structure of the type ZnxGaySe1-xAs1-y, created at the heteroepitaxial interface, is extended, with respect to the one present in the GaxAl1-xAs system. This graded band gap phenomenon introduces a built-in potential, improving the capture efficiency of the GaAs p-n junction, placed to its close vicinity.

Abstract: A photovoltaic connection system and junction box for maximum current output and heat dissipation properties. The junction box includes a box portion, heat dissipating portion and a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB includes at least one heat emitting electrical components, each heat emitting electrical component having a heat sink element attached thereto for dissipating heat generated by the heat emitting electrical component. The junction box further includes at least one electrical contact electrically connected to the at least one heat emitting electrical component. The box portion is configured for receiving at least a portion of the PCB and having an opening disposed for receiving external power input wiring by electrical contact with the at least one electrical contact. The heat dissipating portion being made of a thermally conductive material covering at least a portion of the heat sink.

Abstract: A solar cell unit comprising a substrate and a plurality of photovoltaic cells is provided. The substrate has a first end and a second end. The plurality of photovoltaic cells, which are linearly arranged on the substrate, comprises a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell. Each photovoltaic cell in the plurality of photovoltaic cells comprises (i) a back-electrode circumferentially disposed on the substrate, (ii) a semiconductor junction layer circumferentially disposed on the back-electrode, and, (iii) a transparent conductive layer circumferentially disposed on the semiconductor junction. The transparent conductive layer of the first photovoltaic cell in the plurality of photovoltaic cells is in serial electrical communication with the back-electrode of the second photovoltaic cell in the plurality of photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A solar panel apparatus includes a set of photovoltaic modules. The modules are configured to photovoltaically generate electricity from light. Each module is elongated along an axis and has first and second axially opposite ends. An end rail has a groove into which the first end of each module is potted in place with potting material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a photovoltaic frame assembly comprises a photovoltaic module and a frame having a plurality of air vents. The air vents allow air to flow into the frame and thereby cool the photovoltaic module. The frame may be installed in-line with another such frame to allow air flow between frames. The air vents may be located within a perimeter of the frame to allow for structural integrity while remaining aesthetically pleasing. The frame may include an inner lip, an outer lip, or both to provide different mounting options to accommodate different sites. The frame may comprise a plurality of frame members, such as extrusions including the air vents.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to the field of photovoltaics or solar cells. More particularly the invention relates to photovoltaic devices using metal oxide nanostructures in connection with photoactive nanoparticles including nanoparticles of different size and composition to form a photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A simple device is used to make the temperature in an apparatus even and improve the state of being in contact with reactant gases, selenium, and sulfur. A fan 3 as a device for atmosphere homogenization is disposed in an apparatus, and the work is disposed in the manner which enables a reactant gas to circulate smoothly. Namely, flat platy works 2 are disposed apart from each other at a certain distance parallel to the direction of the major axis of the apparatus while keeping the plates vertical so that the apparatus has passages within the group of works and has gas passages over and under the works and on both sides thereof. Thus, each work is apt to come into contact with the reactant gases in the apparatus and the temperature in the apparatus is even. The state of being in contact with the reactant gases, selenium, and sulfur is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a novel dye for a photoelectric device and a photoelectric device comprising the dye. More particularly, the dye for a photoelectric device incorporates different quaternary ammoniums into a carboxyl or phosphoric acid-substituted bipyridyl ligand of the dye, and a photoelectric device comprising the same. The dye for a photoelectric device as disclosed herein exhibits improved photosensitivity and light absorbing characteristics, thereby making it possible to fabricate a highly efficient photoelectric device when the dye is included in the device.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To develop metal microparticles useful in dye-sensitized solar cell, etc. and to provide a photoelectric transducer capable of exhibiting enhanced release voltage in dye-sensitized solar cell. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] There are provided modified titanium oxide microparticles comprised of titanium oxide and one or two or more types of nontitanic metal oxides (including silicon oxides) selected from the group consisting of periodic-table group IB oxides, group IIA oxides, group IIB oxides, group IIIA oxides, group IIIB oxides, group IVA oxides other than titanium oxides, group IVB oxides, group VIA oxides, group VIII oxides and vanadium oxides. Further, there is provided a photoelectric transducer making use of the modified titanium oxide microparticles.

Abstract: ABSTRACT A photovoltaic cell can include a nitrogen-containing metal layer in contact with a semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor material structure includes at least one region capable of generating electrons and holes each having an associated mean kinetic energy during operation. A material layer in proximity to the region provides an associated potential energy larger than the mean kinetic energy associated with the generated electrons and the mean kinetic energy associated with the holes.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for the splitting or sequencing of fluid flow includes a plurality of upstream and/or downstream chambers coupled via microfluidic channels. For splitting fluid, a substrate is provided that includes a main chamber and a plurality of downstream sub-chambers. Each sub-chamber is associated with a sealable vent hole. Fluid is selectively moved into the desired sub-chamber of interest by unsealing its associated vent hole. Fluid is then pumped into the sub-chamber, for example, by rotating the substrate. For flow sequencing, a substrate is provided that includes a plurality of upstream chambers coupled to at least one downstream chamber. Each upstream chamber has an associated vent hole that can be selectively opened. The substrate is then rotated and fluid contained in the upstream chamber with the valve in the unsealed state will then pass to the at least one downstream chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to an explosion pressure relief device with a wall and a framework fixing the wall. In the case of an explosion in a container to which an explosion pressure relief device is attached, such explosion pressure relief device serves to allow the pressure wave to escape at best greatly weakened.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a water faucet having a water temperature retaining feature. The water faucet includes a hot water control, a cold water control, a mixing chamber for receiving the hot water and the cold water, a first flow control cartridge operationally coupled with the hot water control for regulating the flow of hot water, a second flow control cartridge operationally coupled with the cold water control for regulating the flow cold water, an outlet for dispensing a mixture of hot and cold water received from the mixing chamber, and a master control for controlling the dispensing of water through the outlet, wherein the master control is capable of stopping the dispensing of water through the outlet while either of the hot water control and the cold water is in an open position.

Abstract: A cut valve preventing fuel overflow from a fuel tank to a fuel gas passage includes a float moving upward and downward corresponding to a surface of the fuel, a cone formed to an upper surface of the floater to move with the float, at least one link formed to an upper surface of the float to move with the float, and a cap disposed to intercept a fuel gas passage by a movement of the cone when the surface of the fuel moves upward and comprising at least one rod inserted to the at least one link.

Abstract: A modular membrane filtration system (5) includes a number of banks (6) of membrane modules (7). Each module (7) includes upper and lower modular manifolds (8) and (9), respectively which are connected to one another to form upper and lower common manifolds (10) and (11) for each bank (6). The upper and lower manifolds (8) and (9) are used for delivery of feed and removal of filtrate and waste liquid from the modules (7). A gas feed manifold (12) runs along the top of the module banks (6) and feeds gas to lower gas manifold (13) through drop lines (14). A further manifold (15) runs in parallel with the common upper and lower manifolds (10) and (11) and is connected thereto at connections points (16) between the manifold banks (6).

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments describe a water reservoir tank used to temporarily supply a building in the event that the municipal water supply is disrupted. The municipal water supply, the tank, and the building are connected in series, so that any draw of water from the building will cause water in the tank to circulate. As water is drawn from the tank, the municipal water supply will refill the tank so long as the municipal water supply has available water pressure. In the event that the municipal water supply is disrupted, the building may continue to draw water from the reservoir tank temporarily. Once the municipal water supply becomes active again, it refills the tank. The regular circulation of water within the tank provides for a clean, hygienic, and potable back-up water supply for the building.

Abstract: A flow control device is provided comprising: a housing (19) including a first chamber (21) communicated with an inlet port (11) and a second chamber (22) communicated with an outlet port (12); a cylindrical portion (25), which extends in the second chamber, for communicating the first chamber with the second chamber; a valve seat (61) provided at a forward end portion (25a) of the cylindrical portion; and a valve body (32) for opening and closing the valve seat, wherein at least one of the valve seat and the valve body is made of a material, the heat deformation of which is smaller than that of material composing the cylindrical portion. Due to the foregoing, it is possible to stably adjust the flow rate of a fluid of a high temperature and pressure. A pressure chamber (29), which is communicated with the second chamber and provided with a pressure port (18), may be arranged in the housing.

Abstract: A check ring is mounted around a shaft of a screw tip that is mounted on a front part of a screw, whereby a resin is prevented from flowing back from ahead of a conical portion toward the screw. Projections are provided on a front end surface of the check ring. In measurement, a rear end surface of the conical portion of the screw tip and respective end surfaces of the projections are brought into contact with one another, whereby gaps are created between the screw tip and respective root surfaces of teeth of the check ring. By doing this, resin passages can be secured around contact surfaces between the rear end surface of the screw tip and the respective end surfaces of the projections of the check ring.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body, a poppet, and a pin. The valve body includes an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow passage therebetween. The poppet is disposed in the valve body, and is moveable between a closed position, in which the poppet at least substantially restricts fluid from flowing through the fluid flow passage, and an open position, in which fluid is allowed to flow through the fluid flow passage. The pin is disposed in the valve body, and extends at least partially into the poppet. The pin is configured to guide poppet movement in the valve body between the closed position and the open position. In this configuration, the ratio of the poppet length to diameter can be less than one.

Abstract: A load sense valve assembly includes a first valve in flow communication with a pump discharge line, a second valve in flow communication with the first valve, and a third valve in flow communication with the first valve. The first valve can be a solenoid actuated directional control valve. The second and third valves can be hydraulic pilot actuated directional control valves.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve comprises an inlet valve member which is disposed to close in response to fluid pressure at an inlet port. A venting valve member is disposed relative to the inlet valve member so that closure of either valve member lifts the other. The valve includes at least one coil within which is a tubular assembly that forms a chamber with an operating space for the venting valve member and contains an armature for striking a rear part of the venting valve member when the coil is energised. The chamber includes a flux tube which provides a path for magnetic flux in parallel with the armature, the flux tube terminating before a region where the armature strikes the rear part of the venting valve member. A non-magnetic ring surrounds this region so that the density of the magnetic flux is increased in this region to increase the force with which the armature can strike the rear part of the venting valve member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a faucet device for dispensing of a pressurised fluid, for example water, comprising an outlet member, preferably a spout, and a shut-off mechanism, said outlet member having an initial position (A) in which the flow of fluid through the outlet member is shut off, said shut off mechanism being arranged such that said outlet member, when subjected to an external force in a certain first direction enters a self-closing open position (B) allowing flow through the same, and when said force is no longer applied said outlet member returns to its initial position by self closing means, wherein said shut-off mechanism (20; 110; 210; 310) further is arranged such that when the outlet member (10; 100; 200; 300) is subjected to a force in a second direction different from said first direction it is releasably held in a certain position (C) allowing flow through the same. The invention also relates to a method for dispensing of pressurised fluid by means of a faucet device.

Abstract: A faucet assembly is provided having a cylindrical body with a base, a rotatable top, a housing and hot and cold tubes entering the housing. Two plates are positioned in the housing, a stationary plate and a top rotatable plates, the stationary plate having one aperture for cold water, a second aperture for hot water and a third aperture for flow of the water mixture from the housing through a discharge tube connected to the housing. A plastic figurine mounted on top of the cylindrical housing is operatively associated with the rotatable plate to partially or completely open the apertures and control the amounts, and hence, the temperature of the water. Functional parts of the assembly are uniquely formed by integrally molding a plastic onto the metal parts thus also enhancing the appearance of the assembly.

Abstract: A torque motor (10) includes a support (20), a jet tube passage (42) in the support having a first end opening (43) and a second end opening (45), a jet tube (30) extending into the jet tube passage (42) through the first end opening (43) for directing a flow of fluid into a chamber (40) in fluid communication with the jet tube passage second end opening (45), and a flexible, convoluted, seal (46) hermetically connected to the jet tube passage (42) and the jet tube (30) for sealing the jet tube passage first end (43) while permitting at least a portion of the jet tube (30) to move relative to the jet tube passage (42).

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel tank system capable of suppressing stagnation of fuel between check valves arranged in a fuel filling path. The fuel tank system has the fuel filling path which supplies fuel to a fuel tank through a filling port, and at least two check valves arranged in series in the fuel filling pat. The valve opening pressure of one check valve arranged on the fuel tank side is set to be smaller than that of the other check valve arranged on the filling port side.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: A check valve and method for manufacture of the check valve. The check valve comprises a substrate and a channel in the substrate. The channel has an anchor region, a channel corridor and a valve seat region. There is an elastomeric valve mechanism in the channel. The valve mechanism has an anchor portion anchored in the anchor region, an elastomeric web portion in the channel corridor and a valve plug in the valve seat region. The elastomeric web portion interconnects the anchor portion and the valve plug. The elastomeric web portion is in a stretched state such that the valve plug is forced by the elastomeric web portion against the valve seat region to seal the valve seat region. The force of the elastomeric web portion can be overcome by operative fluid pressure within the channel to separate the valve plug from the valve seat region and thereby open the channel at the valve seat region to allow the fluid to exit the channel via the valve seat region.

Abstract: A baffle for an automotive fuel tank that can be firmly fixed in the fuel tank and prevent flow noises effectively. The baffle is established in a fuel tank in which touching portions are formed in such a manner that a predetermined portion of an upper wall protrudes down and inward and a predetermined portion of a lower wall protrudes up and inward in the corresponding position. A fixing baffle plate and a pressing baffle plate are provided including fixing portions formed on both sides of plate portions having a plurality of holes. A baffle filter is disposed between the plate portions of the baffle plates and fixed as the baffle plates are assembled with each other. The baffle is fixedly established by suspending the fixing portions of the two baffle plates on both sides of the touching portions such that the baffle stands vertically in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A gas conduit is shown that provides a fully interlocking metal inner core and a flexible outer jacket. The fully interlocking nature of the inner core prevents or minimizes leaks in the event that the outer jacket is damaged or destroyed, for instance from exposure to an open flame. Interlocking end fittings are used, which do not depend on any rubber or thermoplastic for retention to the tubing/core. Thus, even when exposed to an open flame, the fittings remain in place and relatively leak tight. An indoor version is also shown, which additionally comprises a flexible inner tube disposed within the metal core.

Abstract: A thin walled cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe having a reinforcing material disposed around an exterior wall thereof is provided. As the PEX pipe passes through an extrusion die, a thread guide applies a plurality of reinforcing threads in a particular pattern to the exterior surface thereof to allow for uniform three-dimensional (axial and radial) tensile properties so as to achieve optimum reinforcement of the pipe wall while maintaining its flexibility and without significantly increasing the thickness of the wall or the weight of the PEX pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heald frame comprising at least one frame part (10, 14nd at least one heald carrying rod (16). A multitude of projections (25, 26), which are arranged one behind the other while being situated essentially in a row, are formed from the heald carrying rod (16) while projecting therefrom by means of plastic deformation and are held inside a recess (28) or the like of the frame part (10,14).

Abstract: A food storage device includes a housing defining an interior area accessible through a door coupled to the housing. The food storage device includes a vacuum pump in communication with the interior area for selectively removing air from the housing. A pressure activated switch is in communication with the vacuum pump and interior area for selectively actuating the pump. A humidifier is also positioned relative to the interior area for maintaining that area at a predetermined humidity level. A humidity sensor communicates with the humidifier for selectively actuating the humidifier to add moisture to the interior area so as to maintain a desired humidity level. The food storage includes a pressure equalizing valve in communication with the housing interior area and with an area external to the housing for equalizing a pressure inside the interior area with a pressure outside the housing.

Abstract: An inspection machine for inspecting the volume of liquid contained by a bottle filed to its defined fill height. A head is lowered and has a sealing plate which seals the open finish of a bottle. A fill tube assembly is part of the head and continues to be lowered until a level sensor is located to sense liquid at a pre-fill level. High and low pressure water lines which are a part of the fill tube assembly are operated to fill the bottle to the pre-fill level. The sealing plate is released and then the process is repeated lowering the sensor to the post-fill level and operating only the low-pressure line to fill the bottle to the post-fill level. The total liquid filling the bottle is then computed.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for mixing a substance with a liquid pumps the liquid into a container of the substance to produce a solution. The container may be part of a container assembly including a port assembly for coupling with the container to produce an inlet and/or and outlet port for the container. The container assembly may be received within a receiving chamber for causing the coupling. The solution may be permitted to flow out of the outlet port when the solution rises within the container to a level of the outlet port so that the substance is partially diluted before flowing out of the outlet port.

Abstract: A fuel oil supply nozzle includes a cylindrical discharge pipe and an anchor spring mounted on an outer circumference surface of the discharge pipe. The anchor spring is a spring wire in a spiral shape in a state in which a contact portion having a width and formed on one side in the direction of an axis is situated inside, and is mounted on the discharge pipe in a state in which the contact portion is pit into close contact with the outer circumference surface of the discharge pipe by a contracting force reducing the inside diameter of the spring.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a rotary disc chipper apparatus includes an axially displaceable shaft attached to a chipper disc, at least one gear disposed in relation to the axially adjustable shaft and a drive member engageable with the at least one gear to produce axial movement of the axially displaceable shaft and the chipper disc.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fixation structure for a blade body of a planing cutter, wherein the planing cutter comprises a cutter body, a blade body, and a plurality of screw connectors. The cutter body is provided on its outer peripheral surface with a cutter seat used for mounting the blade body on which a blade of hard alloy is welded, a cooperating and positioning structure is provided between the joint surfaces of the blade body and the cutter seat, and the blade body is directly threadedly connected on the mounting seat of the cutter body through a plurality of screw connectors. Such fixation structure is simple and the replacement of the blade body is convenient, and is adapted for flat planing cutters and spiral planing cutters.

Abstract: A circular saw with a dust-collecting hood is to provide a circular saw structure with high dust-collecting efficiency, excellent safety and convenience in operation. By designing the dust-collecting hood and its location, the dust-collecting hood has surrounding wings to snugly attach to a main body of the circular saw and to further close two sides of a saw sheet so that small pieces and dust do not disperse and can be conducted into the dust-collecting hood by the air current when sawing. Moreover, an outer current is provided to suck the small pieces and dust out of the dust-collecting hood to significantly improve the dust-collecting efficiency. Because the structure is simple, the circular saw has low manufacturing cost and other advantages such as long lifetime and stable safety.