Abstract: The present invention provides optical concentrators having one or more spot focus (point, region, area, for example), preferably plural spot foci, provided by one or more optic systems. Other aspects of the present invention provides optical concentrators having self refrigeration devices.

Abstract: The invention discloses a photovoltaic cell with a high photocurrent. The photovoltaic cell comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a photoactive layer between the first and second electrodes, and a polar organic layer between the photoactive layer and at least one of the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: A method for processing a material, which is stored in a flexible packing container, comprises the following steps: At least one material or material mixture is fed to a first material or material mixture already located inside the packing container via a filling opening situated on the packing container; the filling opening is closed; the materials inside the packing container are mixed; a portion of the packing container is detached, and; the material mixture is processed via the resulting opening in the package container.

Abstract: A fluid isolation valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port with a valve in the fluid drain port. The valve body also defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is disposed in the valve body to be communicated with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port and the fluid drain port. A flow diversion device is also provided and is disposed within the valve portion. The flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the flow diversion device is in the first configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the second fluid flow port. Consequently, when the flow diversion device is in the second configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the fluid drain port. The fluid flow can be decrease or stop by use of the valve within the fluid drain port.

Abstract: A fuel-outflow check valve includes: a casing, at least one portion of which is located in a fuel tank, the casing having a ventilation hole via which the interior of the casing and the interior of the fuel tank communicate with each other and an upper wall portion protruding inward from the inner peripheral face of the casing; a float that is disposed in the interior of the casing and is vertically movable; and a valve element that is provided on the float and can contact a valve seat formed at the casing.

Abstract: A tire valve having a valve body engaging in a rim bore of a rim, in particular vehicle rim, which valve body forms a lower valve body section arranged on a side of the rim, in particular in the rim interior, in the assembled state, and an upper valve body section projecting from the rim bore, and in the region of the upper valve body section is designed to cooperate with a union nut, wherein the lower valve body section forms a ring shoulder offering an abutment for a flat edge section of the rim bore, and in which a ring groove which is open to the edge section is moulded, and against which the edge section can be gripped by tightening the union nut, and a moulded seal made from resilient material is provided to seal the rim bore with respect to the valve body, so that in the assembled and gripped state, an annular chamber section of the moulded seal engages in the ring groove and rests in sealing manner on the edge section of the rim bore, and a preferably hollow-cylindrical vertical section of the moulded

Abstract: A durable water heating system providing rapid hot water delivery includes a water heating unit connected to a water source. A hot water line connects the water heating unit to at least one water delivery fixture. A return line of substantially the first cross-section connects to the hot water line adjacent the water delivery fixture located at a greatest distance from the water heating unit. A flow velocity reduction device has a first end, a second end, a first cross-section, an aperture and that extends from the first end to the second end. The aperture and has a second cross-section smaller than the first cross-section. Attachment fittings are provided adjacent the first and second ends. When the device is installed in the return line, velocity of water circulating through the system will be substantially reduced, thereby reducing wear on the system while providing rapid hot water delivery at the fixture.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the processing of a citrus juice for packaging in which the juice is sparged with numerous small bubbles of nitrogen gas at one or more locations during the processing to reduce the levels of dissolved oxygen in the juice and the levels of oxygen in the packaging head space to improve the taste and sensory qualities of the citrus juice and/or to introduce turbulence to the juice. The resulting citrus juice has a dissolved oxygen level less than 0.45 ppm.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure regulating valve, the opening of which can be automatically changed in a pressure-related manner, including a control diaphragm that is subjected to a reference pressure, to the gas pressure as well as to a governor spring, wherein a change in the differential pressure causes an adjustment of the control diaphragm and the latter itself or a closing element actuated by it changes the opening through an outflow cross-section, and wherein a structure that is arranged adjacent to the outflow cross-section on the diaphragm side forms a stop for the control diaphragm or for the closing element in the closed position of said control diaphragm.

Abstract: A safety flow guide protection device comprises a body having a flow guide device through which high pressure air flows; the flow guide device coated with a protecting layer; a safety releasing section formed at a surface of the flow guide device, the flow guide device being a hollow structure; a rear side of the flow guide device being formed as a combining opening; an air grid unit being received in the flow guide device at a side opposite to the combining opening; the air grid unit having a brake air valve for controlling high pressure air. When the flow guide device is communicated, the brake air valve is not compressed by the high pressure air so that the air grid unit is opened for allowing the flowing of the high pressure air; and vice versa.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for a surgical machine includes a reservoir, first and second proportional valves, and a controller. The reservoir holds pressurized gas. The first proportional valve is located on an input side of the reservoir and allows a variable amount of pressurized gas to enter the reservoir. The second proportional valve is located on an output side of the reservoir and allows a second variable amount of pressurized gas to exit the reservoir. The controller controls the operation of the first and second proportional valves. The controller adjusts the first and second proportional valves so that a constant gas pressure range is maintained at an output of the reservoir over a first range of input gas pressures and a second range of gas usage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot water device for bathtub in which water is not wasted to allow energy saving and at the same time it is possible to save a trouble of adjusting the temperature of water for bathtub supplied to the bathtub to a temperature desired by the user during bathing. In the hot water device for bathtub of the invention, the water for bathtub having its temperature varied by the controller to temperature desired by the user during bathing is supplied to a bathtub. Accordingly, the temperature adjustment using hot water is not needed, and thus water is not wasted to allow energy saving and at the same time it is possible to save a trouble of adjusting the temperature of hot water in the bathtub to a temperature desired by the user during bathing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a faucet having washing means for washing the insides of glasses and the like, which washing means comprise an abutment surface for abutment thereagainst of an open end of a glass, a supply line for supplying washing liquid, a spray nozzle at one end of said supply line for spraying washing liquid being supplied via the supply line into the glass during abutment of said open end against said abutment surface, and a valve in the supply line to be actuated by actuating means for supplying washing liquid to the spray nozzle as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating assembly (1) for the electrohydraulic actuation of displaceable elements in a vehicle. Said actuating assembly (1) comprises a pump unit (4), an electric motor (3) that drives the pump unit (4), a hydraulic fluid tank (2) and at least one valve block (5) for controlling a volumetric flow that is generated by the pump unit (4). The pump unit (1) is equipped with a control unit (20) for electrically controlling the electric motor (3) and the valve block (5).

Abstract: A fuel-supply unit for a motor vehicle has a fuel container (2) that has several chambers (6, 7). The unit has a transfer pump (5) that is located inside the fuel container (2) for exclusively supplying ejector pumps (9, 10), which are positioned in the chambers (6, 7), with fuel as the pumping fluid. A primary fuel pump (4) that is located outside the fuel container (2) supplies an internal combustion engine (1) of the motor vehicle with fuel. The transfer pump (5) is operated discontinuously to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined manually set value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly. Preferably, the valve assembly indicates whether the valve is in an open or closed position.

Abstract: In a four-way valve having a simple structure, even if a high-temperature refrigerant and a low-temperature refrigerant flow close to each other, heat loss between both refrigerants is suppressed. The valve comprises a housing member including a valve chamber, a valve seat including a bearing surface portion located in the valve chamber, a first channel through which a high-temperature fluid flows and a second channel through which a low-temperature fluid flows at a predetermined time, including openings adjacent to each other at a bearing surface portion of the valve seat, passing through the valve seat and extending outside of the valve chamber, and a valve element moving to the bearing surface portion of the valve seat. A thermal resistor portion suppressing heat transfer between these channels is located near the openings, between the first and second channels.

Abstract: A low energy stepper motor driven fuel metering valve (FMV) that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam that replaces the flapper valve used in conventional systems. The cam rotation increases the gap between the cam and nozzle on one side of the cam. The gap difference affects the pressures on the spool piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will return the cam-nozzle gap to a distance that results in a pressure balance to return. As a result, the relatively low energy stepper motor controls the relatively high energy hydromechanical system via the cam-nozzle-orifice system. The cam is precision machined and assures stroke/degree gain accuracy. The hydraulic system assures the piston tracks the cam essentially perfectly except for the effects of piston stiction forces.

Abstract: The Invention relates to an upwardly and downwardly discharged faucet for comfortable use, comprising a main handle and a main valve body. The main valve body is provided with a diverting valve with dual ports. The diverting valve comprises a valve seat mounted on the main valve body. On the bottom side wall of the valve seat are disposed a left inlet and right inlet which are in communication with a main conduit, respectively. Within a chamber is disposed a diverting valve core, in which an upper water conduit and a lower water conduit are disposed. The upper water conduit is in adjustable communication with the right inlet; and the lower water conduit is in adjustable communication with the left inlet. The outlet of the lower water conduit is in communication with the bottom of the chamber. On the upper end of the diverting valve core is provided a rotary valve stem.

Abstract: A one-way, self-actuating, and springless check valve for high purity fluid handling system and components, including pumps and fluid passageways, includes fixed, but resilient, deformable valve member that cooperates with a valve seat to stop fluid flow in one direction and to bend away from the valve seat when fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined level. The check valve is deployed in a high purity metering pump.

Abstract: A fluid isolation valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port with a valve in the fluid drain port. The valve body also defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is disposed in the valve body to be communicated with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port and the fluid drain port. A flow diversion device is also provided and is disposed within the valve portion. The flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the flow diversion device is in the first configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the second fluid flow port. Consequently, when the flow diversion device is in the second configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the fluid drain port. The fluid flow can be decrease or stop by use of the valve within the fluid drain port.

Abstract: A fluid isolation valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port with a valve in the fluid drain port. The valve body also defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is disposed in the valve body to be communicated with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port and the fluid drain port. At least one flow diversion device is also provided and is disposed within the valve portion. The flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the flow diversion device is in the first configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the second fluid flow port. Consequently, when the flow diversion device is in the second configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the fluid drain port. The fluid flow can be decreased or stopped by use of the valve within the fluid drain port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid conduit assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive fluid conduit assembly includes a fluid conduit having an inlet, at least one outlet and a fluid flow passageway therebetween configured to allow for fluid to be communicated between said inlet and said at least one outlet. The inventive fluid conduit assembly further includes at least one damper disposed within the passageway of the fluid conduit. The damper includes a sealed vent configured to vent gases captured by the damper during a brazing process performed on the fluid conduit when unsealed.

Abstract: A bend stiffener comprising a modular arrangement of alternating disks of rigid material and flexible material, each disk having a center hole arranged in axial alignment with the center holes of adjacent disks. The axially-aligned disks are arranged intermediate an end plate and a front plate, and are sandwiched together by one or more tensioned wires or other such elongated elements passing from the end plate to the front plate. Either or both the end plate or the front plate contain termination means for connection to a structure, such as for example bolts, threads latches or other locking mechanism.

Abstract: A circular sheet metal duct having a sealant applied across the longitudinal seam. The sealant will improve the efficiency and will reduce or eliminate air leakage from the longitudinal seam. The sealant is applied during the manufacturing processes so that an installer does not have to seal the duct work. The method of manufacturing the sealant is provided.

Abstract: An end protector system for tubular goods including, but not necessarily limited to, drilling riser pipe. The end protector system utilizes lightweight substantially rigid, UV-stabilized molded plastic members that can quickly and easily cover box and pin end connections of drilling riser pipe, as well as ancillary conduit holes, bolt holes and/or other openings. The end protector system of the present invention can be used on tubular goods having an end connection flange, as well as those without an end connection flange, to block access to internal surfaces of the drilling riser components. The end protector system of the present invention further includes a retention system to ensure that individual end protectors remain in place during transportation and/or prolonged storage of such tubular goods.

Abstract: A through-air-drying (TAD) fabric for producing tissue paper and related products on a papermaking machine comprising a plurality of warp yarns interwoven with a plurality of weft yarns to produce pockets on a paper-side surface of the fabric. The weft yarns have a substantially triangular cross-section and are oriented with their flat surface facing a machine side surface of the fabric. The points interlacing with the warp as they pass over and under the weft yarns produce an increased pocket depth and volume in the TAD fabric.

Abstract: A crimper for spiral-binding coil comprises at least one, and preferably multiple, crimping assemblies including crimping elements that move generally parallel to each other to preferably cut, bend and/or reform an end of the coil for retaining the coil in the book or pamphlet. The movement of the crimping elements may be rotational in parallel planes, or translational in parallel lines. Preferably, multiple sets of crimping elements may be interchanged easily and without tools, for example, by being located on rotating members and are circumferentially spaced apart so that one set is used at a time. For each diameter of coil filament within the range of coil diameters for which a particular crimping set is designed, a member of the crimping assembly is adjusted to change the size/dimension(s) of the space into which the newly-cut end of the coil is forced, preferably adjusting that space to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the coil filament.

Abstract: This invention provides a fuel tank venting system for regulating the discharge of fuel vapors and of liquid fuel from a fuel tank. The fuel tank venting system includes fuel vapor vent tubes that are fully enclosed within the system and exit the fuel tank at a common location. Because the fuel vapor vent tubes are fully enclosed within the system, vent valves are not required at each vent point and permeation resistant tubing is not required. In this fuel tank venting system fuel is prevented from reaching the fuel vapor recovery canister under normal operating conditions and the fuel filler pipe serves as a liquid/vapor discriminator. In another embodiment the vent vapor tube does not extend beyond the highest fuel level in the fuel filler pipe because the fuel filler pipe pressure is lower than the fuel tank pressure due to the fuel filler pipe connectivity to the canister.

Abstract: A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and for dispensing the substances, has a vial, a flexible bladder received within the vial, and a variable volume storage chamber formed between the bladder and vial. A filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the storage chamber. A pump is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for pumping fluids out of the storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication with the pump and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an open position for dispensing pumped fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A liquid storage apparatus provides a safe and easy to use device for efficiently managing liquid reagents used in a variety of laboratory equipment. The liquid storage apparatus helps reduce the likelihood of accidental sticks to laboratory personnel, allows for flexibility of experimental design, and helps maximize the use of chemical regents to prevent waste. The apparatus includes a plurality of containers of liquid with a pierceable septum interface at each end. The apparatus also includes a lower array of needles with each of the lower needles in the lower array of needles arranged to penetrate the bottom pierceable septum of a different one of the containers. Each of the needles includes a passage so the liquid can flow out of the pierced container. The apparatus further includes an upper array of needles with each of the upper needles in the upper array of needles arranged to penetrate the top pierceable septum of a different one of the containers.

Abstract: A filling device is disclosed for allowing substances to fill a beverage container. The filling device may direct a flow of liquid into a container. The filling device may have a bowl with a round and a flat portion, a neck, a wall dividing the bowl into sections, and a plurality of fingers at the terminal end of the neck. One section of the filling device may allow the substance to fill the beverage container while the other section allows air to escape.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling beverage flow includes a dispensing tube having a distal end. The apparatus also includes a ball plug configured for linear reciprocal motion between a first position and a second position so that the ball plug abuts the distal end of the dispensing tube in the first position and is separated from the distal end of the dispensing tube in the second position. A flow rate controller for compensation of flow in a fluid dispensing system includes a body portion and a first set of flow restricting nodes and a second set of flow restricting nodes formed in the body portion. The controller also includes a first channel formed in the body portion and configured to receive and partially surround a portion of a first fluid conduit such that the first fluid conduit is in contact with the first set of flow restricting nodes.

Abstract: A stump cutting tool for use with a stump cutting apparatus including a rotatable cutting wheel having a pair of side surfaces. A mounting block or pocket forms part of the structure that secures the cutting tool to the cutting wheel. The cutting tool includes a cutting tooth and a tooth holder. The tooth holder includes an elongated shank and a head located adjacent one end of the shank. A bore extends through the head of the tooth holder. The cutting tooth includes an elongated shank with a head portion located adjacent one end thereof. A cutting bit is attached to the head portion. The shank of the cutting tooth disposed and secured within the bore.

Abstract: An electric multi-pencil sharpener includes an entering pencil vase, a sending mechanism, a hustling mechanism, a sharpening mechanism, and an exit pencil vase. The entering pencil vase includes a pushing mechanism for pushing pencils. The hustling mechanism is for clamping pencils to take the pencils into or out of the sharpening mechanism. The sharpening mechanism is for sharpening the pencils. The exit pencil vase has an exit mechanism. The sending mechanism connects the pushing mechanism, the hustling mechanism, and the exit mechanism, to move the pencils from the pushing mechanism to the hustling mechanism and move the pencils sharpened by the sharpening mechanism to the exit mechanism.

Abstract: A ring saw includes a disc body having a circumferential edge with a first circumferential bearing groove. A cutting ring is mounted for rotation about the circumferential edge of the body. The cutting ring has an inner annular surface that carries both a circumferential gear profile and a second circumferential bearing groove. Ball bearings are positioned in side by side relation in a circumferential bearing race defined by the first circumferential bearing groove and the second circumferential bearing groove. A circumferential seal is provided between the body and the cutting ring, which is adapted to prevent abrasives from entering into the bearing race and interfering with ball bearings. At least one driving gear is carried by the body and engaged with the circumferential gear profile to impart rotational movement to the cutting ring.

Abstract: Improvements in an adaptable router template guide are disclosed. The router guide is adjustable for door or door jam widths of 1?, 1¾ and 2¼ with simple spring loaded stops and detents. Interchangeable routing templates are also provided to accommodate different size and shapes of striker plates, hinge plates and door jambs. The router template further includes debris ports for removal of sawdust. In operation the router guide is set for the width of the door and secured to the door or door frame. The correct plate is installed on into the guide and the pocket is routed. The combinations of door width and template plates allows the guide to be used with numerous styles of door hardware that are both currently manufactured and may be available in the future.

Abstract: A cutting tooth for use with a stump cutting apparatus wherein the cutting tooth has a removable and replaceable cutting bit. The cutting bit is removably and nonrotatably secured to a head of an elongated shank with the shank secured to a mounting block or pocket of a stump cutting tool. A support member having an indexing surface is also removably and nonrotatably secured to the head of the elongated shank. Accordingly, the support member enables indexing the cutting bit to expose and use a plurality of cutting edges located on the periphery of the cutting bit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an Fe-based amorphous magnetic alloy and method that includes 4 at. % or less of a low temperature annealing-enabling element M and 10 at. % or less of nickel (Ni). The total amount of the low temperature annealing-enabling element M and nickel (Ni) may be 2 at. % or more and 10 at. % or less.

Abstract: Niobium silicide articles are described. They include a surface region enriched with at least about 25 atom % germanium, which can enhance the properties of the article. Methods for preparing these articles are described as well. According to one method, an article is formed from a niobium silicide composite material which contains a selected amount of germanium. The article is then heat-treated under conditions sufficient to increase the level of germanium in the surface region to at least about 25 atom %, based on the total composition of the surface region. In another embodiment, a germanium-containing material is applied over a niobium-silicide article, and then diffused into the surface region of the article by way of a heat treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ferritic stainless steel casting and a sheet thereof excellent in deep drawability, punch stretchability and ridging resistance and a method for producing the casting and the sheet. In the present invention, a chemical composition is controlled so that the amounts of C, N, Si, Mn, P and Ti may be reduced to the utmost for securing high workability and, on the basis of the chemical composition, the roping and ridging of a steel sheet product is reduced by adding Mg, thus dispersing Mg containing oxides that accelerate the formation of nuclei for solidification and, resultantly, suppressing the development of coarse columnar crystals in a casting. The present invention is characterized in that the average composition of the Mg containing oxides dispersing in a casting satisfies the following expressions <2> and <3>, 17.4(Al2O3)+3.9(MgO)+0.3(MgAl2O4)+18.7(CaO)?500<2>, (Al2O3)+(MgO)+(MgAl2O4)+(CaO)?95<3>.

Abstract: A solder alloy for flow soldering is disclosed that includes 3.0 wt % to 14.0 wt % Zn, 0.003 wt % to 0.05 wt % Al, and the balance of Sn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated steel sheet or strip with a ground coating made of steel, onto at least one upper side of which a coating is applied by hot-dip galvanizing, the coating being formed from a melt consisting of 0.05-0.30% by weight Al and 0.2-2.0% by weight Mg, the remainder being zinc and unavoidable impurities, and, with a coating thickness of a maximum of 3.5 ?m on each side and a coating weight of a maximum 25 g/m2 on each side, guarantees that the steel sheet, in the salt spray mist test carried out in accordance with DIN 50021-SS, shows the first formation of red rust at the earliest after 250 hours. With such a sheet or strip, a flat steel product is provided which possesses an optimum combination of high corrosion resistance and optimum weldability and which is particularly well-suited for use as a material for motor vehicle chassis construction or for the construction of domestic appliances.

Abstract: A metallic structure having a graded microstructure is provided. The metallic structure comprises a graded region comprising a plurality of grains having a gradient in grain size varying as a function of position between a first median grain size at an outer region and a second median grain size at an inner region and a plurality of dispersoids dispersed within the microstructure. The first median grain size is different from the second median grain size. A method of forming a metallic structure having a graded microstructure is also provided. The method comprises: providing a metallic structure comprising at least one reactive species; diffusing at least one reactant at a controlled rate from an outer region of the metallic structure towards an inner region of the metallic structure to form a gradient in reactant activity; reacting the reactant with the reactive species to form a plurality of dispersoids; and heat treating the metallic structure to achieve grain growth so as to form a graded microstructure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid inflator including: a pressurized gas and a solid gas generating agent that generates a combustion gas as a gas source, the solid gas generating agent including at least an oxidizing agent and a binder, the pressurized gas including 15 mol % or more of oxygen.