Abstract: Segment pieces 42 of a friction material are bonded onto a core plate 41 of a friction plate 40 for a wet multi-plate clutch at intervals. A porosity of a perimetric portion 43 of the segment piece 42 which is shaded with oblique lines is made smaller by pressing or increasing a resin content of the perimetric portion 43. In addition, a perimetric portion which corresponds to the portion 43 may be made up of a separate member of a different material having a small porosity.

Abstract: A method for operating an electromechanically operable parking brake for motor vehicles with a driving motor furnished with a mechanical gearbox, uses a clutch pedal travel sensor to sense the position of a clutch pedal of the motor vehicle and a gear information sensor to find out whether the operator has selected a gear of the gearbox. Since the automated release operation of the parking brake is a safety-critical method, the signals of the clutch pedal travel sensor (18) and the gear information sensor (15) are checked in terms of their plausibility.

Abstract: A centralizing conveyor assembly for establishing and/or maintaining a centered or aligned position of a product on the conveyor assembly is provided. The centralized conveyor assembly includes a main conveyor, preferably in communication with an interleaver assembly located downstream, and a laterally adjustable infeed conveyor located upstream. The laterally adjustable infeed conveyor is slidably connected to the main conveyor. An actuator laterally moves the laterally adjustable infeed conveyor, thereby aligning the product with respect to a centered or aligned position on the main conveyor as the product is conveyed from the laterally adjustable infeed conveyor downstream to the main conveyor. This results in centered or aligned product being delivered to the interleaver assembly.

Abstract: An idle station transport mechanism for a press, including a first plurality of magnetizable transport rails; a second plurality of magnetizable transport rails axially displaceable with respect to the first plurality of transport rails; and a plurality of transfer bars magnetizable to engage the material. The first and second pluralities of rails form a transport path along which material to be manipulated by the press is arranged to be transported and the transfer bars are displaceable to move the material axially along the transport path. In some aspects, the second plurality of transport rails is automatically displaceable while in the press, the plurality of transfer bars is arranged to magnetically engage a bottom side of the material, or the first and second pluralities of transport rails and the plurality of transfer bars are electro-magnetic. Also, a method of transporting material to a press.

Abstract: The grain and fertiliser conveyor (10) of the present invention transports particulate material quickly and efficiently whilst minimising damage to the material (75) being transported. The conveyor includes an elongated housing (14) which houses a conveyor belt (16) adapted to receive material through a catchment hopper at a lower end of the housing and transport the material to the upper end of the housing for discharge therefrom. The conveyor belt (16) is both cleated (66) and bordered (68, 70) which allows for larger volumes of material to be conveyed without contacting the side walls of the housing (14) and hence minimising damage to the material. Further, the conveyor (10) includes a non-complex mechanism for tensioning and de-tensioning the belt (16).

Abstract: A main body portion has fixed contacts and houses movable contacts. A lower electrode plate and upper electrode plate serving as the movable contacts are deformed at a time of a pressing operation. The upper electrode plate is contactable to the lower electrode plate and lower electrode plate brings contact pairs mounted in a center of the bottom inside the main body portion into conduction. On the bottom inside the main body portion, contacts serving as fixed contacts for a rotating operation are formed on the circumference of the same circle outside contact pairs for the pressing operation. A brush serving as the movable contacts is secured to a lever receiving rotating operational forces and brings contacts into conduction.

Abstract: In a device for the accommodation and retention of a lock part, in particular a belt lock of a safety belt, with at least one restraint device for the lock part, which has at least one movable latching element that can be brought into a retentive active connection with the lock part, and with an interrogation device having at least one electrical switching element to record the closing position of the restraint device, the electrical switching element is directly assigned to the latching element. The switching element has an actuating element projecting into the movement space of the latching element and is designed as a button that can be actuated by the latching element.

Abstract: A switch includes a movable portion, a first electrode and a second electrode. The movable portion is provided on a substrate and moves with respect to the substrate. The first electrode is provided on the movable portion. The second electrode is able to contact with the first electrode and is fixed to the substrate. f×Ro×C?1.6×10?4 when an operation frequency is represented as “f” (Hz), a transmission impedance is represented as “Ro” (?), and a capacitance in “OFF” state between the first electrode and the second electrode is represented as “C” (F).

Abstract: A switch comprises a room light case, a switch knob arranged inside an aperture portion of the room light case, guide grooves provided on an inner circumferential face of the aperture portion of the room light case, and guide ribs provided on an outer circumferential face of the switch knob. The switch knob moves for a switch stroke part in a depth direction of the aperture portion, from a waiting position to a pressed-down position by a pressing down operation. The guide grooves are provided in a range deeper than a depth size of the switch stroke from an opening edge located on the switch case surface side of the aperture portion.

Abstract: At least one key of a keypad of an electronic device, such as a wireless terminal, includes a polymer light emitting device, also referred to as a polymer LED, thereon. A polymer LED may be on the inner and/or outer surface of the face of the key and may be unpatterned and/or patterned to form a symbol.

Abstract: A U-shaped spring member is placed on the outer periphery of a hollow cylindrical part of an operating body. Engaging portions in arm portions upwardly inwardly extending from both ends of the spring member are fitted into holes through the hollow cylindrical part and brought into resilient contact with a groove on the outer periphery of an operating shaft. This structure provides a switch device that has great resistance to pull-out of the operating body for secure fastening thereof and is easy to assemble.

Abstract: A panel operator structure having operator units respectively disposed in position relative to operator unit insertion holes, thereby preventing key tops of the operator units from being in contact with the insertion holes. Switches are provided on an upper surface of a base plate and operation unit insertion holes are formed in an operation panel made of metal. Each operator unit includes a key top connected for vertical pivot motion to a casing via a hinge, and frame portions continuously formed together in an upper part of wall portions. The key top is disposed inside the frame portions with a gap therebetween. The frame portions fitted in the insertion hole restrict a horizontal positional motion of the operator unit relative to the operator insertion hole.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard comprises a first key assembly, a second key assembly rotatably connected to the first key assembly and a third key assembly rotatably connected to the second key assembly. The first key assembly is located between the second and third key assemblies when the collapsible keyboard is in a collapsed mode, and the first key assembly, the second and third key assemblies are substantially located on the same level when the collapsible keyboard is in an operating mode.

Abstract: In a switch unit, abutting portions are provided on a movable contact in such a manner as to be brought into contact with stepped portion of a switching control element, respectively, so that when the switching control element is operated to rock, the abutting portion elastically ride on the stepped portions, so as to impart a click to the rocking operation of the switching control element, whereby the click can be imparted to the rocking operation of the switching control element without requiring a clicking piece and a spring which are required in a conventional switch unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for distilling and processing chemicals. The apparatus is particularly suited for processing and distilling difficult to distill compounds, and is capable of producing diesel fuel and other products from used oil at a quality level similar to that of products produced from virgin crude oil.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes the steps of providing a flow of methane gas, and providing a catalyst. The method also includes the steps of heating the catalyst instead of the reactor walls and the methane gas using microwave irradiation at a selected microwave power, directing the flow of methane gas over the catalyst, and controlling the microwave power to produce a product gas having a selected composition. A system for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes a methane gas source, a reactor containing a catalyst, and a microwave power source configured to heat the catalyst.

Abstract: Processes and methods of making fuels and other chemicals, in conjunction with electricity production, using energy from a powerbeam (120) from an orbiting satellite (100), radiant energy receivers (310) and thermochemical process systems. Includes methods of directing the powerbeam so that, when solar energy 110) is available to drive the concentrators (170), the powerbeam is chiefly focused on rectenna structures (220) for the production of electricity, and then is reconfigured so that it powers the concentrator structures when solar energy is not available.

Abstract: A method of treating a methane residue in a gas mixture at a temperature lying in the range 200° C. to 500° C. and including at least methane at a concentration lying in the range 50 ppm to 2500 ppm and oxygen at a concentration lying in the range 0.5% to 12% by volume. According to the invention, the methane residue is treated by a plasma having energy density lying in the range 15 J/L to 100 J/L generated in a plasma reactor by applying a high voltage electrical signal between an internal electrode and an external electrode of the plasma reactor, the external electrode being cylindrical in shape and surrounding the internal electrode, and at least one of the electrodes being covered in a dielectric material to create a dielectric barrier discharge in the gas mixture and convert part of the methane residue into carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A magnetron sputter source for a sputter-coating installation includes a cathode and a target assigned to the cathode or formed as the cathode. The target provides coating and/or treatment material for the coating and/or treatment of a substrate. Furthermore, the magnetron sputtering source has means for generating a coating plasma and a magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field for the purpose of influencing the coating plasma such that a plasma channel is generated above a partial section of a surface of the target. The magnet arrangement and the surface of the target are arranged such that they can be moved relative to each other, and the plasma channel is traversable above the surface of the target. The magnetron sputtering source is adjustable such that, when the plasma channel moves over the surface of the target, a duration of exposure of the surface to the plasma is reduced by an increase in a relative velocity (v, v+u) between the magnet arrangement and the target.

Abstract: A vacuum process system for surface-treating work pieces uses an arc evaporation source. The system has a first electrode connected to a DC power source and a second electrode, disposed separately from the arc evaporation source. The two electrodes are operated while being connected to a single pulsed power supply.

Abstract: High performance thin film thermoelectric couples and methods of making the same are disclosed. Such couples allow fabrication of at least microwatt to watt-level power supply devices operating at voltages greater than one volt even when activated by only small temperature differences.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus includes a target electrode and a bias source electrically coupled to the target electrode. A wafer chuck is spaced from the target electrode. The wafer chuck is partitioned into a plurality of zones, each zone being coupled to receive an AC signal having an amplitude that can vary by zone. At least one RF coil is positioned adjacent a space between the target electrode and the wafer chuck.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the concentration of a first inorganic compound in a first aqueous solution of a first process of a heavy chemical plant, the method comprising (a) feeding the first solution having the first compound at a first concentration and a first water vapor pressure to an osmotic membrane distillation means comprising a hydrophobic, gas and water vapor permeable membrane separating (i) a first chamber for receiving the first solution, from (ii) a second chamber for receiving a receiver feed aqueous solution having a second water vapor pressure lower than the first water vapor pressure; (b) feeding the receiver aqueous feed solution to the second chamber as to effect transfer of water vapor through the membrane from the first chamber to the second chamber, and to produce (i) a resultant first solution having a second concentration of the first compound greater than the first concentration and (ii) a diluted receiver feed aqueous solution; and (c) collecting the resultant first solution.

Abstract: Alkali alcoholates, also called alkali alkoxides, are produced from alkali metal salt solutions and alcohol using a three-compartment electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes an anolyte compartment configured with an anode, a buffer compartment, and a catholyte compartment configured with a cathode. First and second separators are positioned between the anolyte compartment and the catholyte compartment to define a buffer compartment. The first and second separators are permeable to alkali ions. They may be fabricated of the same or different materials including, but not limited to, an alkali ion conducting solid electrolyte configured to selectively transport alkali ions, a porous ceramic, or a porous polymer separator material. The catholyte solution may include an alkali alcoholate and alcohol. The anolyte solution may include at least one alkali salt. The buffer compartment solution may include a soluble alkali salt and an alkali alcoholate in alcohol.

Abstract: A sputtering target is described herein that comprises: a) a target surface component comprising a target material; b) a core backing component having a coupling surface and a back surface, wherein the coupling surface is coupled to the target surface component; and c) at least one surface area feature coupled to or located in the back surface of the core backing component, wherein the surface area feature increases the resistance, resistivity or a combination thereof of the core backing component.

Abstract: A method of forming a lithium orthophosphate sputter target or tile and resulting target material is presented. The target is fabricated from a pure lithium orthophosphate powder refined to a fine powder grain size. After steps of consolidation into a ceramic body, packaging and degassing, the ceramic body is densified to high density, and transformed into a stable single phase of pure lithium orthophosphate under sealed atmosphere. The lithium orthophosphate target is comprised of a single phase, and can preferably have a phase purity greater than 95% and a density of greater than 95%.

Abstract: A method of forming Heusler or Heusler-like alloys of formula X2YZ or XYZ comprises providing a crucible comprised of at least one metal oxide material thermodynamically stable to molten transition metals; supplying predetermined amounts of constituent elements or master alloy materials of the alloy to the crucible; and melting the constituent elements or master alloy materials under vacuum or a partial pressure of an inert gas to form alloys containing less than about 50 ppm oxygen. Crack-free alloys are formed by casting the alloys in a mold utilizing a multi-stage stress-relieving, heat-assisted casting process. Also disclosed are crack-free Heusler and Heusler-like alloys of formula X2YZ or XYZ containing less than about 50 ppm oxygen and deposition sources, e.g., sputtering targets, fabricated therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus providing programmable illumination pattern generation for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules in suspension between electrodes, is disclosed. The apparatus implements LEAPS (Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces), which relies on: AC electric field-induced assembly of particles: the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The apparatus generates patterns of illumination and projects them onto planar surfaces. i.e., a LEAPS electrode.

Abstract: An electrokinetic pump achieves high and low flow rates without producing significant gaseous byproducts and without significant evolution of the pump fluid. A first feature of the pump is that the electrodes in the pump are capacitive with a capacitance of at least 10?4 Farads cm2. A second feature of the pump is that it is configured to maximize the potential across the porous dielectric material. The pump can have either or both features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a micro hollow tube. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of fabricating a micro hollow tube by template-free localized electrochemical deposition, in which the micro hollow tube is fabricated by the accurate control of the distribution of the electric field strength during deposition with precise interplay of the applied voltage and the distance between the microelectrode and the grown structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, the method including the steps of: forming a recess in an insulating film provided over a substrate; forming a plating seed layer in such a way that an inner wall of the recess is covered, the plating seed layer arising from sequential deposition of an alloy layer composed of copper and a metal other than copper and a conductive layer composed mainly of copper; burying a conductive layer composed mainly of copper by plating in the recess on which the plating seed layer is provided; and carrying out heat treatment to cause the metal in the alloy layer to react with a constituent in the insulating film, to thereby form a barrier film composed of a metal compound having a copper diffusion barrier function at an interface between the alloy layer and the insulating film.

Abstract: A process for applying patterning across the surface of a chrome plated article. The process uses electroplated layers of nickel and chromium in combination with controlled and selectively applied dimpling treatment of coated layers to impart patterns of predefined differential reflectivity across the final surface while nonetheless retaining corrosion resistance.

Abstract: An improved direct current chrome plating process which results in increased corrosion resistance as compared to conventional processes. Particularly, in comparison with conventional processes, an improved process as broadly contemplated herein can preferably include an additional processing step involving the application of a distinct chemical solution. This additional step, consequently, will lead to a chrome plated product having variant layers of chrome plating rather than the single layer as produced conventionally.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for forming a displacement tin alloy plated film, on a copper or a copper alloy on a substrate, a tin alloy plated film containing at least one additive metal selected from silver, bismuth, palladium, indium, zinc and antimony, the method including the steps of: forming an under layer on the copper or copper alloy in a low temperature displacement tin alloy plating bath at a temperature of 10 to 50° C.; and forming an upper layer on the under layer in a high temperature tin alloy plating bath at a temperature of 40 to 80° C. to form the displacement tin alloy plated film formed of the under layer and the upper layer.

Abstract: Alkali alcoholates, also called alkali alkoxides, are produced from alkali metal salt solutions and alcohol using a three-compartment electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes an anolyte compartment configured with an anode, a buffer compartment, and a catholyte compartment configured with a cathode. First and second separators are positioned between the anolyte compartment and the catholyte compartment to define a buffer compartment. The first and second separators are permeable to alkali ions. They may be fabricated of the same or different materials including, but not limited to, an alkali ion conducting solid electrolyte configured to selectively transport alkali ions, a porous ceramic, or a porous polymer separator material. The catholyte solution may include an alkali alcoholate and alcohol. The anolyte solution may include at least one alkali salt. The buffer compartment solution may include a soluble alkali salt and an alkali alcoholate in alcohol.

Abstract: A sensor system, device, and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Gated amperometric pulse sequences including multiple duty cycles of sequential excitations and relaxations may provide a shorter analysis time and/or improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. The disclosed gated amperometric pulse sequences may reduce analysis errors arising from the hematocrit effect, variance in cap-gap volumes, non-steady-state conditions, mediator background, under-fill, temperature changes in the sample, and a single set of calibration constants.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: An accessory fixing member 15 to which accessories are fixed is arranged between the rear face of a flat panel television 100 and the inner wall of a packing box 11 when the flat panel television 100 is engaged with top reinforcing members 12 and 13 and a bottom reinforcing member 14 to be housed in the packing box 11. The accessory fixing member is formed such that the upper side of a strap cardboard is folded to U shape in cross section. The upper side of the accessory fixing member 11 supports a load of other packing boxes 11 piled on the upper face of the packing box 11.

Abstract: A rigid crush resistant plastic tube having quickly removable end caps. A hypodermic needle contained in a sterile needle wrapper is placed inside the crush resistant tube so that a portion of the wrapper is folded over the outside distal end of the tube. The end cap is then secured over the folded wrapper portion on the distal end of the tube in a friction fit arrangement to secure the needle wrapper between the cap and tube. In this arrangement, when the end cap is removed, it pulls the needle wrapper out of the protective plastic tube to allow for rapid access and deployment. In use, the plastic tubes are secured with elastic bands inside a carrying case, such as a first aid backpack. As the soft cases are often subject to substantial exterior impacts, the tubing significantly reduces the risk of needle breakage.

Abstract: A loose-leaf article placing structure is composed primarily of an unfoldable board, on which is crossly divided into four leaves. Each leaf is provided with an article emplacement seat, three linked loose-leaves are located among the four leaves, the first leaf is separated from the last leaf, and the loose-leaves are deployed as that one leaf is folded inward with the other one being folded outward, alternately. Accordingly, when the board is folded, the four leaves will be overlapped, such that every two article emplacement seats are facing toward each other to facilitate placing the articles as a kit, so as to save packaging cost and increase product texture, while at a same time, with a surface of the board also directly providing for posting a printed show page.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a nose mask for administering gas to a patient wherein a removable carrier within the mask emanates a pleasant fragrance, a method for constructing the mask and a kit for using the mask.

Abstract: A system and method for creating sleeves for CDs, DVDs, and similarly dimensioned disks, in order to identify, protect, and store disks. An end-user would use a computer software application that uses a device to print out folding guidelines onto a standard sheet of paper. This printout may include a front and/or back image. The user would then fold the standard sheet, using the printed guidelines, into a useable sleeve. The term ‘standard paper’ or ‘standard sheet’, as it is used in this patent application, refers to the 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper most commonly used. The term ‘sleeve’ or ‘sleeves’, as it is used in this patent application, is meant to refer to a covering for CDs and DVDs and other similarly dimensioned disks. The term ‘sleeve’, may also be commonly referred to as ajacket, envelope, slip, or cover. This patent application will hereafter use the term ‘sleeve’ to encompass all the names applied to the stated concept.

Abstract: To provide a glass substrate storage case capable of preventing quality deterioration of a glass substrate, a glass substrate transfer apparatus automatically transferring a glass substrate from the glass substrate storage case to another case; a glass substrate management apparatus managing glass substrates individually, a glass substrate distribution method for trading a glass substrate while storing the glass substrate in a specialized glass substrate storage case, a sealing member improving a sealing effect, and a sealing structure using the sealing member.

Abstract: A convenient configuration for determining the presence of a wireless network includes an electronic network detector device supported either on the carrying case for a portable electronic device or the device itself, be it a laptop or hand-held computer, smart phone, or portable digital assistant. In the preferred embodiment, the electronic network detector device is supported on, or integrally formed with, the computer case. The detector may be disposed on a handle, shoulder strap, or other location providing convenient access. The network detector may detect a Wi-Fi network or other wireless infrastructure, and may show the signal strength of the network and/or the direction in which the signal strength of the network is the strongest.

Abstract: A liquid cosmetic product retail unit includes a container and a plurality of dispensers disposed in the container. The container is dimensioned to fit onto a shelf in a retail store and includes a base, a lid and a plurality of receptacles formed in at least one of the base and the lid. A method for offering for sale a liquid cosmetic product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging for products, that is to be decontaminated by radiation, having at least one tub having an opening and a peripheral zone defined about the opening, one cover sheet made of a selectively impervious material and fixed to the peripheral zone of the tub so as to seal said opening imperviously, and one screen against electron radiation dimensioned to substantially cover the products contained in the packaging. The screen is placed on top of the cover sheet, outside of the tub.

Abstract: The package contains and dispenses a product, preferably a confectionery product such as a gum piece. The package includes a package housing having opposed front and back walls and a perimterical wall enclosing the package interior. One wall includes a dispensing opening having a size which closely approximates the size of the product contained therein. A flap extends from the back wall for covering the dispensing opening so as to maintain the product within the package.

Abstract: The storage and metering device has two halves of similar construction, each of which has a pocket formed in a foil for receiving a flowable component. A cover is secured to each foil by a seam to close the respective pocket or one cover is used that is secured to one of the foils. The foils are secured to each other outside the seam.

Abstract: A two-part food containment and waste handling system with an upper portion containing at least one food containment region, and a lower portion with at least one waste-handling region. The upper portion and lower potion fit together at an interface.