Abstract: A pneumatically- or electrically-actuated disk brake, in which a mounting frame supports a brake caliper and a torque plate secures the mounting plate to an axle, are arranged such that fasteners securing the mounting frame to the torque plate are oriented essentially perpendicular to the axle's longitudinal axis. Between the mounting frame and the torque plate are arranged locating features and corresponding recesses which constrain relative motion between the frame and the plate in at least two degrees of freedom. The locator features may include a shear sleeve or locator pin capable of constraining two degrees of motion, and parallel and perpendicular ridges arranged to constrain motion in at least three directions. The locator features aid in avoiding stress concentrations and distortions in the brake mount and caliper during brake application, and improve brake pad wear by better maintaining an optimum geometry of the pads relative to the brake rotor.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention includes a disc brake including a pad and a supporting member movably supporting the pad. The supporting member includes a pair of torque receiving portions adjacent to ends of the pad for regulating movement of the pad in two circumference directions of a disc rotor. A first bias member is disposed between the pad and the supporting member and is capable of biasing the pad at all times from a side of the one torque receiving portion toward the other torque receiving portion. A second bias member is disposed between the pad and the supporting member and is capable of biasing the pad toward the other torque receiving portion only when the pad moving toward the one torque receiving portion. In addition, the first bias member and the second bias member bias different portions of the pad.

Abstract: A brake caliper of a disc brake includes a housing with a bore, in which a piston is arranged in an axially displaceable fashion, a shaft for actuation, which is mounted in a rotatable and axially displaceable fashion, two ramp elements being rotatable in relation to each other, a readjusting device with a spindle, and an axial bearing that is active between the shaft and the spindle. A generic brake caliper of a disc brake includes components having a construction to withstand stress so that they are exposed to even, low stress without detrimental tension peaks. A toothing is provided on a circumference of the spindle, and a form-fit accommodation means for the toothing is provided. The accommodation means are unrotatably connected to the housing and secure the spindle against twisting. A calotte arrangement is also provided as an axial bearing, which comprises a calotte shell with a concavely curved surface and a calotte pivot with a convexly curved surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric parking brake system with one cable that has only one cable between an actuator, serving as a power generator, and parking cables and high flexibility in laying-out for mounting to a vehicle. According to an electric parking brake system with one cable of the invention, an actuator that converts torque of a motor into axial moving force to operate parking cables is manufactured into a single module, a housing that defines the whole external shape of the actuator is formed into an integral unit by injection molding, in which vibration caused by rotation in the operation of the actuator is absorbed by elastic members, so that a small-sized actuator having improved workability in mounting can be obtained and desired performance, such as reduction of operational noise caused by absorption of vibration, can be achieved.

Abstract: A transmission motor structure includes a motor, an interruption device, and a transmission mechanism; the interruption device includes a bearing positioned around an output shaft of the motor, and a pressing plate secured to the output shaft; the transmission mechanism includes a main drive wheel connected to the output shaft, and a driven wheel connected to a moving element of a moving apparatus; the pressing plate of the interruption device is tightly pressed against the main drive wheel; when the motor is running, the pressing plate will make the main drive wheel rotate together with it owing to frictional force between them, thus causing displacement of the moving element of the moving apparatus; the pressing plate will begin to rub on the main drive wheel, producing warning sound with the motor running idly, when the moving element is moved to one of its extreme positions, and the driven wheel stopped.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical braking system, especially for a motor vehicle comprising a 12V/14V on-board supply system. Said braking system comprises a brake actuator unit provided with an electric motor for generating a braking force, and a power supply for the electric motor, said power supply comprising a first electrical energy source, especially an accumulator of an on-board supply system. The power supply of the electric motor also comprises at least one capacitive energy source which is mounted in parallel to the first energy source. The invention further relates to an electromechanical braking system and a motor vehicle, especially a private car, comprising an electromechanical braking system.

Abstract: A brake actuator has a motor that provides input rotation in first and second directions. A reducer couples to the motor and reduces the input rotation into an output rotation to be applied to a brake screw of a progressive cavity pump drive. A sensor measures rotational speed of the drive shaft. In manual operation, an operator can view an indication of the rotational speed and can manually operate the motor accordingly to control rotation of the shaft. In automated operation, a controller automatically controls the motor based on the rotational speed measured by the sensor. The controller can also use a torque sensor to detect the torque applied to the brake screw, a displacement sensor to detect displacement of the brake screw, and/or a current sensor to detect the current consumption of the motor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to structures and a method for providing an air cooled rotor with ceramic-metal composite friction surface plates, and in particular to a brake rotor including a rotor hat; a ventilation disc having a plurality of cooling vanes extending therefrom; a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) friction surface plate on each side of the ventilation disc; and a fastener for holding the CMC friction surface plates and the ventilation disc to the rotor hat.

Abstract: Cycle brake cooling articles are secured at and offset from braking elements of a wheel of a cycle, each article having a Venturi-like rigid surface, including a central portion that defines a void space, which in combination with said braking element, defines an air deflection and concentration path focused upon the brake element of the cycle wheel to effect a cooling of the element and escape of heat thru the void space. A distal portion of each rigid surface is securable to a front fork of the cycle. The Venturi-like surface may include a proximal intake section and a distal focusing section.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a damper, a source of magnetic field coupled to the damper, a colloidal ferro-fluidic damping medium disposed in the damper, a sensor installed on the host structure to measure vibrations, and a vibration control circuit. The output of the sensor is fed back to the control circuit, which outputs a command signal to the source of the magnetic field applied to the damper to change the magnetic field in the damper as well as its damping curve so that the dynamic performance of the host structure installed with the damper is changed automatically to yield maximum vibration mitigation.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylinder tube, a piston fitted slidably in an axial direction in the cylinder tube and arranged to divide an inside of the cylinder tube into first and second fluid chambers, a piston rod extending from the piston to an outside of the cylinder tube, and damping force generation sections arranged to generate a damping force by making hydraulic fluid flow between the first and the second fluid chambers. Cavities are formed in at least one of the cylinder tube and the piston rod. Flowable matter having a rheological characteristic is sealed in the cavities.

Abstract: A piston is slidably displaced inside of a cylinder tube, and damper grooves are provided on both end surfaces of the piston, which extend substantially perpendicular to the axis thereof. The damper grooves penetrate along the end surfaces of the piston, and respective dampers formed from an elastic material are installed therein. On the dampers, base members thereof are inserted into first grooves that make up the damper grooves, and guide members, which are expanded in width with respect to the base members, are inserted into second grooves that lie adjacent to and are expanded in width with respect to the first grooves.

Abstract: A foldable luggage structure includes a main bag, in which two opposite movable bases are disposed at two sides. Male and female fastener members for fastening the main bag, which is folded one half, are disposed on the main bag near long sides of the main bag. Male and female fastener hooks for hooking the main bag, which is completely folded, are disposed near the outer long sides. Two wheels are disposed at two corners of the main bag. One hand strap has one end fixed to a bottom of the main bag near a middle between the two wheels, and the other end extending upward. The hand strap is fixed and positioned by at least one fixing strap disposed on a backside. Thus, the high mobility and the high convenience can be achieved and the retracted luggage structure occupies less space.

Abstract: A foldable trolley luggage bag includes a bottom support, a reverse U-shaped telescoping handle, a coupling member, and a soft bag. The bottom support is provided at two lower rear ends with two wheels to enable easy pull or push of the luggage bag. The coupling member is fixed to a rear top of the bottom support, and two lower ends of the telescoping handle are turnably mounted in two guiding ways formed below two lateral ends of the coupling member. The soft bag is compressible and foldable, and is connected at an upper side to the telescoping handle and at a lower side to a top of the bottom support. Therefore, the whole telescoping handle may be pivotally turned about the coupling member between an upright and a horizontal position without being interfered by the soft bag.

Abstract: A suitcase movable in a standing position and a suitcase undercarriage system including a first pair of wheels disposed on or adjacent to a bottom surface of the suitcase, a pair of auxiliary wheels arranged at ends of a pair of legs, a first wheel arranged at an end of a first leg and a second arranged at an end of a second leg. The legs are adjustable so as to secure into place at a deployed position and to secure into place at a stowed position. The suitcase is moveable in the standing position on the wheels and the auxiliary wheels in the deployed position. The stowed position may be adjacent to the main wheels or to a back surface of the suitcase.

Abstract: A magnetorheological clutch comprises a stationary part, a rotating primary part with primary laminated strips and a secondary part with secondary laminated strips, whereby a controllable magnetic field acts upon the magnetorheological fluid. The aim of the invention is to allow transmission of a highest possible torque in a smallest possible space and with minimal power consumption. Said aim is achieved, whereby a number of solenoid coils, each having a first yoke with a substantially radial winding axis, are alternately oppositely polarized; the first yokes have cylindrical front faces, whereby the magnetic field lines radially enter and exit said yokes, the primary laminated strips and secondary laminated strips form closed cylindrical envelopes and second outer and inner yokes are provided radially outside of and radially inside the first yokes, whereby the magnetic field lines radially enter the second yokes and radially exit said yokes in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A synchronizer device includes a first rotating member provided at a shaft, a second rotating member rotatably provided at the shaft and including a conical body on which an outer conical surface is formed a synchronizer ring having an inner conical surface contacting the outer conical surface, and arranged between the first and the second rotating members, the synchronizer ring being movable in an axial direction of the first rotating member and integrally rotated with the first rotating member, a sleeve provided at an outer circumference of the first rotating member, and the sleeve being slidable in the axial direction of the first rotating member, a lever provided at an inner circumference of the sleeve and arranged between the first rotating member and the synchronizer ring, and a retracting member including an outwardly biasing portion and a retracting biasing portion for biasing the lever away from the synchronizer ring.

Abstract: A one-way clutch (20) includes a notch plate (22), and a stamped pocket plate (24) having an annular flange (38) and a splined axial sleeve (40). Semi-pierced strut pockets (44) are stamped in the annular flange (38) of the pocket plate (24) and each includes a stamped spring pocket (46) for receiving an associated spring (28) that biases a strut (26) received within the strut pocket. Holes (48i) are initially stamped in the annular flange 38 and the spring pockets (46) are then stamped thereabout prior to the semi-piercing of the strut pockets (44). Semi-pierced pads (50) in the annular flange (38) alternate circumferentially with the strut pockets (44).

Abstract: A component surrounding an axis for directing fluid along a flow path in a transmission for a motor vehicle. The component includes a first wall having a thickness formed with an inner surface facing the axis, and a hole spaced about the axis and extending through the thickness of the wall, and a channel formed in the wall, communicating with the hole and the inner surface, including a base having a length that extends angularly about the axis, and having a depth that increases along the length as distance from the hole decreases.

Abstract: A sensor assembly (1) for a clutch device with a separate sensor component (8), comprising a mounting section (9) for affixing the sensor component to a stationary section (2), a sensor (11) for measuring on a movable component (5) and one signal line (15,16) that is connected to the sensor and to a connecting section (14) of the sensor component (8), in order to connect the signal line to a stationary device (7). The sensor component is configured in such a way that the mounting section and the connecting section are arranged in a permanent alignment in relation to each other so that the connection section is automatically connected to the stationary device when the fixing device is fixed to the stationary section. The present invention also relates to a clutch device with this kind of sensor assembly.

Abstract: An actuator linkage for imparting a rotating motion to a clutch operating shaft according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a linear actuator including an extendable and retractable arm, the arm including a pivot end, a linkage bar having a first pivot location and an oppositely-disposed second pivot location, a slotted linkage bar having a first pivot location and an oppositely-disposed second pivot location having the shape of a slot, a control link having a first end constructed and arranged to connect to the control shaft and a second end defining a pivot location, wherein the pivot end of the extendable and retractable arm, the first pivot location of the linkage bar, and the first pivot location of the slotted linkage are pivotally connected together, and the control link being constructed and arranged to move from a first slack position through a clutch operating shaft over-center position to a second slack position with movement of the extendable and retractable arm.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, a bogus note managing system including the same, and a bogus note managing method that are capable of accurately and efficiently managing a bogus note such that the bogus note cannot be used for a bad purpose, the image forming apparatus including: a read unit to determine whether an object to be read is money; a storage unit to store money registration information including identification information of the money; a comparison unit to compare money identification information, which is received so as to identify the money, with the identification information stored in the storage unit when the object to be read is the money; and a control unit to control history information of the money to be stored in the storage unit when the money identification information is identical to the identification information.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine in which a discharge merchandise holding member is operated by operation power by a handle after a coin is inserted and a piece of merchandise is discharged by an operation of the discharge merchandise holding member, the machine includes: a discharge merchandise detecting section to detect the piece of merchandise to be discharged and to output an detection signal thereof; a display section capable of displaying a total number of the discharged merchandise since a predetermined time in a manner viewable from an outside; and a processing apparatus to determine the total number of the discharged merchandise on the basis of the signal of the detection outputted by the discharge merchandise detecting section and to make the display section display the total number of the discharged merchandise at a preset occasion.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to be coupled to a vehicle comprises a conveyor and a first joint coupled to the conveyor. The first joint defines a first axis about which the conveyor is configured to pivot between a stowed orientation and a use orientation. The apparatus further includes a second joint coupled to the conveyor. The second joint defines a second axis about which the conveyor is configured to pivot from side to side. The apparatus further includes a third joint coupled to the conveyor and configured to be coupled to the vehicle. The third joint defines a third axis about which the conveyor is able to pivot.

Abstract: An escalator or a moving walkway having a plurality of steps or panels which are each guided on rails, via running rollers and idling rollers. A distance sensor is integrated in or on the rail and senses, in particular, the deviation in diameter of the running or idling roller running over it.

Abstract: A curvature-adjustable handrail length compensation device for an escalator or a moving walkway is provided. The device comprises a frame, handrail support mounted along a length of the frame, and springs mounted to the frame to elastically support the handrail support. Each handrail support includes a supporting rod movably mounted through the frame, a first supporting roller mounted to an end of the supporting rod to support the handrail, and a stopper formed at the other end of the supporting rod. The spring is provided between the frame and the first supporting roller, and biases the first supporting roller away from the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting and distributing system and to a method for transmitting power and data in a sorting and distributing system, comprised of carriages (1), which are coupled to one other to form a train (2) and which can be displaced along running rails, and comprising primary parts (5), which are arranged in a stationary manner along the running rails, serve to provide power to the carriages (1), and which can be inductively connected to secondary parts (6) provided on the carriages (1), and comprising devices for wirelessly transmitting control data for the train (2). The aim of the invention is, with the use of simple and retrofittable means, to attain a high speed and acceleration of the carriages with a low power consumption and to render a rapid and reliable data transfer possible. To this end, the invention provides that the primary parts (5) are placed at intervals along the running rails, and the secondary parts (6) can be moved past the primary parts (5) while in inductive range.

Abstract: A conveyor conveys sheets and deposits the sheets at a location to be stacked. The conveyor includes a sensor for determining the presence of a sheet before the sheet arrives at the location. A controller is coupled to the sensor and responsive to sensor inputs for controlling a movable support for projecting into a projected orientation to receive the sheets as the sheets exit the conveyor. The movable support moves to a retracted orientation to assist a stack to be withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling orientation of non-round containers at an outfield station of a container inspection machine having a rotary conveyor with pockets in which the containers are individually disposed includes a flipper arm disposed adjacent to the conveyor and a spring biasing the flipper arm toward the conveyor. The flipper arm has a cam surface disposed to be engaged by a container carried by the conveyor as the container approaches the outfield station of the conveyor to cam the flipper arm outwardly with respect to the conveyor and against the force of the spring. The flipper arm has an edge adjacent to the cam surface for engaging and rotating the container as the container moves out of engagement with the cam surface and the flipper arm moves inwardly under force of the spring. The flipper arm preferably is mounted to pivot around an axis, and the spring preferably biases the flipper arm around the axis toward the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking over singulated objects, in particular at least slightly elongated objects, wherein the objects are supplied on an endless feed conveyor (1) which is formed by two endless conveyor strips forming a V-channel, and wherein the objects are subsequently transferred to a following endless sorting conveyor (3) with transport positions at fixed mutual intermediate distances or pitch distances, wherein the apparatus further comprises an endless positioning conveyor (2), immediately following the feed conveyor, as well as a control, which controls the speed of the conveyor (1) and of the positioning conveyor (2), and hence the transfer of the objects onto the positioning conveyor (2), wherein the intermediate distances of the transferred objects on the positioning conveyor correspond to values previously entered in the control, and wherein the objects are taken over from the positioning conveyor by the sorting conveyor (3) by means of grippers (4).

Abstract: A transportation facility in which an object transported while being suspended from a hanger such as a trolley conveyor is transferred on to a carriage of a carriage-type transportation device for a certain section of a route. At the start point, there is an object receiving means at the under side of a traveling route of a traveling body. An object support device is lifted relative to the hanger of the traveling body and the object receiving means is caused to receive the object (W) from the hanger. At the end of the transportation, an object return means is provided for lowering the object support device relative to the hanger to transfer the object to the hanger. In the transportation route, the traveling body is switched to a state in which drive is released and a hanger engagement means is engaged with the hanger so that the traveling body can be pulled and moved by the carriage.

Abstract: A gapless side guard for use with a modular belt having modules connected to one another by pivot rods. The gapless side guard has a continuous strip of flexible material for retaining materials being transported on the modular belt. In one embodiment, the strip has strip openings and the strip is connected to the module with brackets. The brackets have anchors and the strip openings are positioned around the anchors such that the strip is thereafter joined to the anchors. The bracket has a stud side with studs extending from the stud side. The module has stud openings and the studs are snapped into the stud openings in the module and are thereafter joined to the module. The strip is flexible such that when the modular belt is driven over a sprocket it is capable of elongating as the distance between the brackets increases.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide an inexpensive and easy to use apparatus and method that permits a user to attach an apparatus to existing picture frames or other objects with various advantages. Such embodiments will keep a picture, object or frame in a substantially continuously level position or otherwise aligned position. Thus, using the disclosed apparatus, a user can ensure that any picture, frame or other hanging and relatively flat object will generally remain in a pleasantly horizontal or other desired aspect, without need for ongoing user inspection or manual adjustment.

Abstract: A MEM device has a movable element (30), a pair of electrodes (e1, e2) to move the movable element, one electrode having an independently movable section (e3), resiliently coupled to the rest of the respective electrode to provide additional resistance to a pull in of the electrodes. This can enable a higher release voltage Vrel, and thus reduced risk of stiction. Also, a ratio of Vpi to Vrel can be reduced, and so a greater range of voltage is available for movement of the movable element. This enables faster switching. The area of the independently movable section is smaller than the rest of the electrode, and the spring constant of the resilient coupling is greater than that of the flexible support. Alternatively, the movable element can have a movable stamp section resiliently coupled and protruding towards the substrate to provide an additional resistance to pull in when it contacts the substrate.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system switch includes a substrate and a plurality of actuating electrodes formed the substrate wherein each actuating electrode is activatable. A cantilever beam has a first end and a second end and a plurality of stops formed thereon. The plurality of stops engages the substrate between the plurality of actuating electrode. A contact area is formed in the substrate and located to engage the second end of the cantilever beam. A voltage source applies a voltage to each actuating electrode independently in a sequence from an actuating electrode located adjacent to the first end of the cantilever beam to an actuating electrode located adjacent to the second end of the cantilever beam so that the plurality of stops sequentially engage the substrate between the plurality of actuating electrodes.

Abstract: A man-machine interface embedded module with a hint function includes a main man-machine system and a socket. The main man-machine system has an operating interface. The operating interface has a plurality of function keys and a plurality of windows. The position of each window corresponds to each function key. The back of the main system has an insert slot disposed precisely corresponding to the positions of the plurality of windows, and the socket is plugged into the insert slot. The socket has a rectangular casing surface precisely corresponding to the position of the window, and a label is attached onto the casing surface. The label has a plurality of texts for describing the functions. After the socket is plugged into the insert slot, the texts on the label corresponding to each function key are shown from each window for facilitating users to identify the function of each function key.

Abstract: A rocker switch has a housing, a switch supported by the housing, a rocker supported by the housing, a switch actuator operably associated with the switch and the rocker so as to operate the switch upon rocking of the rocker, and a display supported by the housing in a position to be viewable by a user of the rocker switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extended actuating device for a circuit breaker (D), comprising a trip assistance device comprising: a first rotary device (3) integral in rotation with a control lever (M) of the circuit breaker (D), a second rotary device (4) integral in rotation with a remote control device (OD), the said second rotary device (4) being able to be driven in rotation by the first rotary device (3) as far as a first position corresponding to the tripped position (TRIP) of the lever (M) of the circuit breaker (D), a return spring (8) tending to force the second rotary device (4) towards its first position, a breakable mechanical link device (5, 6) able to release the return spring (8) when its breakable mechanical link is broken.

Abstract: A control module for selectively switching electrical power from an electrical power source to a load circuit comprises a housing. An electromechanical actuator in the housing has a movable plunger. A fixed contact is fixedly mounted in the housing and is electrically connected to a first electrical terminal. A conductive contact arm in the housing comprises an elongate bar having a turn defining opposite first and second legs. The contact arm is pivotally mounted in the housing proximate the turn and is operatively connected to the plunger to be selectively positioned thereby. The contact arm further comprises a conductor tab proximate the turn. The first leg includes a movable contact for selectively electrically contacting the fixed contact. The second leg includes a user interface operator.

Abstract: A multipole switching device for selectively switching electrical power from an electrical power source to a load circuit comprises a first control device comprising a housing, an electromechanical actuator in the housing including a movable plunger, and an electrical switch in the housing operated by the plunger. A second control device comprises a housing mountable adjacent the first control device, an electromechanical actuator in the housing including a movable plunger, and an electrical switch in the housing operated by the plunger. A tie linkage mechanically ties the first control device plunger to the second control device plunger.

Abstract: An illuminating membrane switch, including: an upper membrane sheet on which a plurality of wires are formed; a lower membrane sheet on which a plurality of wires are formed; and an electroluminescent device interposed between the upper membrane sheet and the lower membrane sheet, the electroluminescent device emitting rays through the upper membrane sheet and having a plurality of openings so as to allow the wires of the upper and lower membrane sheets to contact each other.

Abstract: When a knob is operated, operating force is exerted on an operating point Pm of the manual switch and an operating point Po of the automatic switch from a pusher, and thus the manual switch and the automatic switch are pushed and turned on sequentially. In this case, since the height H of the pusher is set ‘0.9 times’ or more of the distance Lmo from the operating point Pm of the manual switch to the operating point Po of the automatic switch, the pusher has a vertically long shape. As a result, the operating force of the knob is influenced by the friction when the automatic switch is pushed and turned on. Therefore, the manual switch and the automatic switch can be pushed and turned on sequentially while using the automatic switch having small self-holding force Fo.

Abstract: A switch system for use with a printed circuit board is provided. The switch system includes: a switch base; an anti-overstress member or feature formed in the switch base; a plurality of retention legs formed in the base for retaining a printed circuit board, wherein a first via is in electrical communication with one of the plurality of retention legs; a spring-loaded contact formed in the base for contacting the anti-overstress feature, and wherein a second via is in electrical communication with the spring-loaded contact. A printed circuit board may be mounted in and attached to the plurality of retention legs.

Abstract: In a pressure switch, a joint coupling holder is installed in a case of a housing through an opening, and a joint coupling, to which piping is connected, is connected to the joint coupling holder. The joint coupling holder includes a protective wall therein, which is arranged on a straight line with a detector that is accommodated inside the housing at a central portion of a through hole. In addition, a pressure fluid, which is introduced to the detector through a conduit of the joint coupling, flows in a bypassing manner through a pair of communication openings while averting the protective wall.

Abstract: A feed stream is fed to a first distillation stage comprising at least one distillation column (stripper) and the distillate from the first distillation stage is fed to a second distillation column (rectifier). The feed stream is sub-divided into two streams and fed to two distillation columns, in such a way that the rectifier maintains a predefined energy balance.

Abstract: Device for continuously carrying out photochemical reactions, with which exposure of small optical layer thicknesses is facilitated with a narrow residence time distribution and high throughput rates.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a carbonaceous material in which fine carbon particles structured from clumps of numerous tube-shaped graphite sheets are aggregated, wherein the carbonaceous material can be readily obtained at a high yield and having a fine carbon particle-diameter distribution that is in a relatively narrow range. The present invention comprises a carbon ablation step performed in a neon-gas atmosphere within a chamber 10; and a cooling step for using the neon-gas atmosphere within the chamber to cool a gasified carbon (plume CP) generated in the ablation step. The carbonaceous material in which fine carbon particles are aggregated is obtained by performing the ablation step and the cooling step.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for using an ultraviolet laser system to decompose selected chemical substances in water. More particularly, this invention provides methods and apparatus whereby various environmental pollutants in water are rapidly decomposed to very low concentrations, consistent with environmental discharge regulations, use requirements, and/or applicable health standards, by means of exposure to ultraviolet laser irradiation (10, 20), either with or without one or more catalysts and/or other chemical additives to facilitate or enhance the decomposition process.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating sputtering of a target to produce a coating on a substrate is provided. The apparatus comprises a magnetron including a cathode and an anode. A power supply is operably connected to the magnetron and at least one capacitor is operably connected to the power supply. The apparatus also includes an inductance operably connected to the at least one capacitor. A first switch and a second switch are also provided. The first switch operably connects the power supply to the magnetron to charge the magnetron and the first switch is configured to charge the magnetron according to a first pulse. The second switch is operably connected to discharge the magnetron. The second switch is configured to discharge the magnetron according to a second pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating sputtering of a target to produce a coating on a substrate with a current density on a cathode of a magnetron between 0.1 and 10 A/cm2 is provided. The apparatus comprises a power supply that is operably connected to the magnetron and at least one capacitor is operably connected to the power supply. A first switch is also provided. The first switch operably connects the power supply to the magnetron to charge the magnetron and the first switch is configured to charge the magnetron according to a first pulse. An electrical bias device is operably connected to the substrate and configured to apply a substrate bias.