Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable rod and a tent made from the rod. The retractable rod comprises a multitude of rigid skeleton joints having two axial end surfaces and side surfaces. The joints are connected through the convex-concave connection by two flexible ropes passing through the holes of the joints to form a rod. There is a storage compartment locating at one end of the rod which winds and stores the rod therein. The storage compartment comprises a shaft, a rod storage sleeve which is in an intermittent drive mode fixed to the shaft; one end of the two flexible ropes passes through the rod storage sleeve and is fixed to the shaft. The rod storage sleeve is supported and rotates between two rope-protecting boards. A tension part locates at the other end of the rod and the other end of the two flexible ropes is fixed to the tension part. The advantage of the invention is that the tent made from the retractable rod occupies a small storage space.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module which includes a good thermally conductive substrate that is inexpensive, and which secures the electrical insulating property between the good thermally conductive substrate and the electrode. The thermoelectric conversion element unit is constituted of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor which are connected to form a ?-shape. Electrodes are connected to both end faces of the thermoelectric conversion element units. The good thermally conductive substrates are brought in contact with the electrodes. The good thermally conductive substrates consist of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and an anode oxide film is provided between the good thermally conductive substrates and the electrodes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing thermopile carrier chips comprises forming first type thermocouple legs and second type thermocouple legs on a first surface of a substrate and afterwards removing part of the substrate form a second surface opposite to the first surface, thereby forming a carrier frame from the substrate and at least partially releasing the thermocouple legs from the substrate, wherein the thermocouple legs are attached between parts of the carrier frame. First type thermocouple legs and second type thermocouple lets may be formed on the same substrate or on a separate substrate. In the latter approach both types of thermocouple legs may be optimised independently. The thermocouple legs may be self-supporting or they may be supported by a thin membrane layer. After mounting the thermopile carrier chips in a thermopile unit or in a thermoelectric generator, the sides of the carrier frame to which no thermocouple legs are attached are removed.

Abstract: The present invention includes photovoltaic devices and photovoltaic roofing elements comprising a photovoltaic element having an active face and an operating wavelength range; a polymer structure having (a) a bottom surface disposed on the active face of the photovoltaic element and (b) a top surface; and a plurality of granules disposed on the top surface of the polymer structure. Roofs including the photovoltaic devices and photovoltaic roofing elements of the present invention may be configured to have an aesthetically desirable appearance while retaining high photovoltaic efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides photovoltaic wiring arrays and photovoltaic wiring systems suitable for use in rooftop photovoltaic power generation systems.

Abstract: A unique solar powered invention(s) to be used for the charging of mobile communications devices/cellular telephone batteries for extend usage. The distinctive invention(s) consist of solar panel(s) to collect natural light for generating a power source, a battery for storing solar energy, and the option to use the current most used power source A/C to transfer energy to the cellular telephone battery by having the appropriate cellular telephone adapters to connect the invention(s) to the cellular telephone to be able to recharge the cellular telephone battery for extensive usage. The invention(s) has a detachable A/C adapter, a switch in order to choose what source of power would be appropriate and lights controlled by a button to indicate if the solar battery is empty or full in the invention(s).

Abstract: The present invention is that of a solar energy system that uses a light-guide solar panel (LGSP) to trap light inside a dielectric or other transparent panel and propagates the light to one of the panel edges for harvesting by a solar energy collector such as a photovoltaic cell. This allows for very thin modules whose thickness is comparable to the height of the solar energy collector. This eliminates eliminating the depth requirements inherent in traditional concentrated photovoltaic solar energy systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting wide spectrum white light having a plurality of plastic optical fibers. The apparatus includes a sheath housing the plurality of fibers. An apparatus for providing energy in an airplane. The apparatus includes a light source which produces wide spectrum white light. The apparatus includes a cable through which the eye-safe and fire-safe light from the light source is transmitted. The apparatus includes an avionics box to which the cable is connected that is powered by the light transmitted by the cable. An apparatus for providing energy in an airplane. The apparatus includes means for producing energy that is eye-safe and fire safe. The apparatus includes an avionics box to which the producing means is connected that is powered by the energy form the producing means. A method for providing energy in an airplane. The method includes the steps of producing wide spectrum white light from a light source.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a means to use at least a form of electromagnetic excitation or light-matter interactions in a structure or material having one or more addressable frequencies to generate the exchange of thermal, kinetic, electronic or photonic energy. In some implementations this provides a means to use electromagnetic excitation or light-matter interactions to influence, cause, control, modulate, stimulate or change the state or phase of electrical, magnetic, optical or electromagnetic charge, emission, conduction, storage or similar properties. The method could include the use of light-matter interactions to generate electromagnetic excitation or light-matter interactions and concentrate extremely localized field effects or concentrated plasmonic field effects to cause an exchange of energy states in a material or structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sputtering target which has a fine uniform equiaxed grain structure of less than 44 microns, no preferred texture orientation as measured by electron back scattered diffraction (“EBSD”) and that displays no grain size banding or texture banding throughout the body of the target. The invention relates a sputtering target with a lenticular or flattened grain structure, no preferred texture orientation as measured by EBSD and that displays no grain size or texture banding throughout the body of the target and where the target has a layered structure incorporating a layer of the sputtering material and at least one additional layer at the backing plate interface, said layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) value between the CTE of the backing plate and the CTE of the layer of sputtering material. The invention also relates to thin films and their use of using the sputtering target and other applications, such as coatings, solar devices, semiconductor devices etc.

Abstract: An efficient photovoltaic cell, and its process of manufacture, is disclosed wherein the back surface p-n junction is removed from a doped substrate having an oppositely doped emitter layer. A front surface and edges and optionally the back surface periphery are masked and a back surface etch is performed. The mask is not removed and acts as an anti-reflective coating, a passivating agent, or both. The photovoltaic cell retains an untextured back surface whether or not the front is textured and the dopant layer on the back surface is removed to enhance the cell efficiency. Optionally, a back surface field is formed.

Abstract: This invention provides a CIS-based thin film solar battery and a process for producing the same in which the formation of an alkali barrier layer and a metal backside electrode layer is carried out at a low cost in a short time to prevent such an unfavorable phenomenon that a light absorbing layer is separated from the interface of the light absorbing layer and the metal backside electrode layer. The CIS-based thin film solar battery (1) comprises a glass substrate (2), an alkali-free layer (7) such as silica, a metal backside electrode layer (3) having a laminate structure, a p-type CIS-based light absorbing layer (4), a high-resistance buffer layer (5), and an n-type window layer (6) stacked in that order. The layer (7), either alone or together with a first layer (3a) in the layer (3), can function as an alkali barrier layer (8) that can prevent and control the thermal diffusion of an alkali component into the light absorbing layer during the formation of the layer (4) from the substrate (2).

Abstract: A method of making an anti-reflection coating using a sol-gel process, for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. The method may include the following steps in certain example embodiments: forming a polymeric component of silica by mixing silane(s) with one or more of a first solvent, a catalyst, and water; forming a silica sol gel by mixing the polymeric component with a colloidal silica, and optionally a second solvent; forming a combined sol by mixing siloxane(s) with the silica sol; casting the mixture by spin coating or the like to form a silica and siloxane containing layer on a substrate; and curing and/or heat treating the layer. This layer may make up all or only part of an anti-reflection coating which may be used in a photovoltaic device or the like.

Abstract: There is provided a photovoltaic device in which at least one pin-junction is formed in a thin film semiconductor deposited on a substrate, the substrate including: a base including polycrystalline silicon; and a polycrystalline silicon layer formed on the base by liquid phase growth, in which at least a part of a surface of the polycrystalline silicon layer has unevenness composed of facet surfaces. The photovoltaic device prevents a reduction in photoelectric conversion efficiency due to the absence of preferable unevenness, an increase in cost due to the use of an expensive material, and a reduction in throughput in the photovoltaic device, and has a preferable characteristic and high productivity.

Abstract: Techniques and assemblies for steering light rays are described. An electro-optic prism configured to provide controllable steering of solar rays includes a first electrode including multiple substantially parallel linear electrodes positioned on a first substrate and a reference electrode positioned on a second substrate. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first electrode and the reference electrode. In one implementation, a wavelength selective filter is in optical communication with the electro-optic prism. The wavelength selective filter is configured to substantially eliminate selected wavelengths from solar rays before the solar rays are received by the electro-optic prism. In another implementation, a chemical compound is configured in the assembly to convert ultra-violet photons included in the solar rays into visible photons.

Abstract: The mass flow rate of a first reactant stream supplied to a fuel processor is controlled based on a combined feed-forward and feedback control regime. The method is particularly applicable for actively controlling the fuel supply to a fuel processor in a system comprising a combustion engine, in which the fuel processor is fluidly connected to receive at least a portion of an engine exhaust stream from the engine. In embodiments of the system and method, the supply of fuel is controlled based on three mass flow factors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic balancing and inertial damping of vibrations in a rotor are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a rotor drive shaft is adapted to mount a rotor and rotate the rotor. A lower drive shaft connects to a source of rotation. A flexible coupling attaches the rotor drive shaft to the lower drive shaft and transfers a rotational force applied by the source of rotation to the rotor while permitting relative lateral motion between the rotor drive shaft and the lower drive shaft. An inertial coupling is coupled to the rotor drive shaft and provides inertial resistance to the relative lateral motion. A clamping collar is coupled to the inertial coupling to couple the inertial coupling to a chassis and permit the relative lateral motion between the rotor drive shaft and the lower drive shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a supersonic inlet employing relaxed isentropic compression to improve net propulsive force by shaping the compression surface of the inlet. Relaxed isentropic compression shaping of the inlet compression surface functions to reduce cowl lip surface angles, thereby improving inlet drag characteristics and interference drag characteristics. Using supersonic inlets in accordance with the invention also demonstrated reductions in peak sonic boom overpressure while maintaining performance.

Abstract: A flow rate switching type flow divider for distributing fluid from a pump to a priority flow circuit and a surplus flow circuit. A flow divider valve arranged along a first line includes a first restriction to restrict flow rate of the fluid from the supply flow path to the priority flow path. A switch valve is arranged along a second line that differs from the first line so as to communicate with the supply flow path through the flow divider valve at a location upstream from the first restriction. The switch valve switches an opening amount of a connection flow path that bypasses the first restriction and extends from the supply flow path to the priority flow path. The switch valve includes a second restriction arranged in the switch valve for restricting flow rate of fluid flowing through the connection flow path.

Abstract: Pump connector for Presta valve is disclosed in which one end of a pump connector valve seal is formed with a hollow chamber, and is disposed inside a space of a cap having a channel. The hollow chamber is assembled with a valve seal insert which includes a through hole. The second end of the through hole is formed with an inner edge corresponding to the shape of the shoulder section of the Presta valve. An end cap is assembled with the cap for preventing the pump connector valve seal from separating from the cap. Accordingly, the Presta valve can be screwed together with a first internal thread of the cap, and at the same time the shoulder section of the Presta valve is tightly fitted to the inner edge of the valve seal insert for direct inflation.

Abstract: In a gravity fed cooling tower liquid return system having a common header with a plurality of valved sub-headers, a distributive control system, risers on the sub-headers, and sensor/transmitters on the risers, some of the sensor/transmitters controlling the valves on their respective sub-headers, sensing the liquid level in each of the sub-headers, comparing the sensed liquid levels in the distributive control system, and controlling the liquid levels in the sub-headers in response to the sensed liquid levels.

Abstract: A constant flow valve is provided including a housing having a central flow passageway. The housing further includes an inlet portion, a cylindrical body portion, a frusto-conical valve portion, and an outlet portion. An obstruction plate is positioned within the housing so as to be longitudinally moveable upon a guide rod. The obstruction plate is biased by a spring for biasing the obstruction plate axially towards the inlet portion and away from the frusto-conical valve portion. The spring exerts a force against air flowing into the inlet and through the central flow passageway so as to maintain a constant flow rate due to increased pressure differential causing the obstruction plate to move axially into the frusto-conical valve portion. Preferably, the constant flow valve includes means for adjusting the biasing means.

Abstract: A water guide of a dishwasher checks the flow of water draining from the dishwasher. The water guide includes a drain passage having one end communicating with an outer atmosphere and another end communicating with a sump for receiving washing water, at least part of the drain passage being routed via a point higher than a water level in the sump, and a valve assembly, disposed above the drain passage, for selectively introducing external air into the drain passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load-pressure-controlled fees flow regulator (1) for adjusting the feed volume of an adjustable hydraulic pump (2) which feeds in a working line (3). The load-pressure-controlled feed flow regulator (1) has an adjusting device (5) for adjusting the feed volume of the hydraulic pump (2). The adjusting device (5) is acted on with an adjusting pressure in order to adjust the feed volume of the hydraulic pump (2). The level of the adjusting pressure is generated by an adjusting pressure regulating device (17). In addition to the adjusting pressure regulating device (17), the fees flow regulator (1) has a damping device (30).

Abstract: A constant flow valve is provided including a housing having a central flow passageway. The housing further includes an inlet portion, a cylindrical body portion, a frusto-conical valve portion, and an outlet portion. An obstruction plate is positioned within the housing so as to be longitudinally moveable upon a guide rod. The obstruction plate is biased by a tension and/or compression spring for biasing the obstruction plate axially towards the inlet portion and away from the frusto-conical valve portion. Preferably both a tension spring and compression spring exert force against the obstruction plate in opposition to the force exerted by air flowing into the inlet and through the central flow passageway. This mains a constant flow rate due to increased pressure differential causing the obstruction plate to move axially into the frusto-conical valve portion. Preferably, the constant flow valve includes means for adjusting the biasing means.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to give a coloured, temperature-dependent appearance to the water flowing out of a hot-water fitting. For that purpose, three temperature ranges are formed and a colour is associated with each of the temperature ranges. The three ranges correspond to too cold, too hot and desired temperature ranges. A lever (4) is actuated to cause a water jet (20) to flow out of the fitting. Depending on the position of the lever (4), only cold water, only hot water or mixed proportions of cold and hot water flow into the mixing chamber (7). Depending on the temperature measured in the mixing chamber (7), a control block (13) drives diodes (17) arranged at the outlet of the hot-water fitting and having a colour which corresponds to the temperature range in question, causing the diodes to emit light. The water jet (20) flowing past the diodes (17) is illuminated with said colour.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a manifold having a fluid outlet port to dispense fluid from a plurality of fluid supply containers. The system additionally includes a plurality of valves connected to the manifold for controlling the flow of fluid from the containers. The manifold and valves are configured such that all fluid flow connections are disposed within the manifold, thereby reducing and/or eliminating the amount of piping required external to the manifold. So configured, the valves include simple cartridge-type devices that are easily installed into and removed from the manifold.

Abstract: A thread to connect coupling comprising a female coupling half and a male coupling half is disclosed and claimed wherein the male coupling half includes a recess in the exterior of the male body which extends circumferentially therearound. The female coupling half includes a valve, a female body, and a female body extension affixed to the female body. The female body further includes a sliding sleeve movable with respect to the valve between a first position abutting and closing the valve and a second position opening the valve. The male body interengages the sliding sleeve and moves therewith during coupling and uncoupling. During uncoupling, the sliding sleeve is reliably positioned sealingly against the valve because the sliding sleeve is interlocked with the male body such that as the male body is withdrawn from the female body the sliding sleeve comes with the male body.

Abstract: A coupling for attaching a canister to an appliance comprises a first connector on the canister comprising screw threads and a groove and a second connector on the appliance that comprises a slip ring. The slip ring retains the canister on the appliance. An appliance comprises a canister having screw threads. A coupling connects the canister to the appliance separate from the screw threads where the coupling locks the appliance to the canister without rotating the appliance relative to the canister. The coupling locks the appliance to the canister when the canister is moved axially relative to the appliance. A canister is provided that has a connector comprising a set of screw threads for attaching the canister to a first type of appliance, and a groove for attaching the canister to a second type of appliance. A method of connecting a canister to an appliance is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic regulating device, comprising a first layer having a first microfluidic channel defined therein, a second layer having a second microfluidic channel defined therein, a fluid flow regulating layer disposed between the first and the second microfluidic channel, which layer comprises a movable valve member which in open position allows fluid communication between the first and second channel and in closed position seals against a valve seat, whereby at least part of the valve member and of the valve seat is magnetic. The device is able to store small quantities of liquids at microfluidic cartridges and access these on demand in a well controlled and simple way.

Abstract: A modular fluid handling system is disclosed and may include a plurality of fluid handling units. Adjacent fluid handling units may be coupled together to form the fluid handling system. The fluid handling system may deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to fluid utilizing equipment. A plurality of fluid passages may be formed from the coupled plurality of fluid handling units, where the diameter of at least one fluid passage may be greater than the diameter of at least one other fluid passage.

Abstract: Cabling for a motor vehicle includes at least one fluid hose, a first cable for heating the fluid hose and at least one electrical connector for connecting the cable to an electrical supply, and at least one hose connector for connecting the fluid hose to a cooperating connector means. The hose connector may be provided with an electrically heated device arranged to heat at least part of the hose connector.

Abstract: A lining material composed of felt impregnated with a thermosetting resin is used to line a pipe to be rehabilitated. 0.5 to 30 wt % of a filler containing at least carbon nanotubes is added to the thermosetting resin impregnated in the felt of the lining material in order to improve the thermal conductivity of the felt. The thermal conductivity is greatly improved up to 0.3 W/m·K or greater over the conventional thermal conductivity of 0.2 W/m·K, making it possible to reduce the time needed for heating, and to heat the lining material more uniformly.

Abstract: An underwater power generating system includes an underwater power generating device, a closed nacelle and a connecting cable system that is provided with an open passage way extending there along that is sealed at one end to the interior of the closed nacelle. The cable system can be used in a number of ways, such as by having the second end being sealed, to prevent air from escaping the closed nacelle, or by having the second end connected to a source of positive pressure thereby permitting the cable to be sufficiently pressurized to provide a positive pressure internally within the closed nacelle that is at least slightly greater than the nacelle at depth pressure, and thus greater than water pressure acting on the exterior of the closed nacelle, to prevent water ingress within the nacelle, as well as to transmit power and/or other data between the nacelle and shore monitoring and control facilities.

Abstract: A flat-hose assembly has a proximal end and a distal end adapted for use with a negative pressure wound drainage system. The flat-hose assembly comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a filter layer. The bottom layer forms an opening at the distal end of the flat-hose assembly to allow exudates of a wound to flow into the flat-hose assembly. The filter layer is disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The top and bottom layer form a seal area along a periphery of the top layer and the bottom layer to seal the filter layer therebetween.

Abstract: A fluid conduit with layered and partial covering material thereon. The fluid conduit may be of many forms and types and attached thereto and configured thereon covering material, in partial form and a selected number of layers. The covering of fluid conduit/conductors resulting in the creation of a novel and very effective, in functionality, of a fluid conduit/conductive system, such as a septic pipe of smooth wall, of corrugated form, of any form of cross sectional configuration including circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular or any other geometric shape any of which will and can provide for the flow of a fluid of forms such as septic flow fluid and the like. Included herein as a part of the invention is fluid conduits produced by the means and methods of this invention. Substantially, the fluid conduit system having incorporated therein and thereon the form and layers of covering created as a consequence of the means and method of configuring such conduit included as a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Glass cloth which is formed of a warp yarn and a weft yarn of the same glass yarn, wherein a ratio of warp yarn width to weft yarn width is not less than and not more than 1.20 and a ratio of an elongation rate in a length direction when a load in a range of 25 N to 100 N per 25 mm width of the glass cloth is added in a warp yarn direction, to an elongation rate in a width direction when said load is added in a weft yarn direction is not less than 0.80 and not more than 1.20.

Abstract: A method for holding an inserted weft thread in an air jet weaving machine is presented which is provided with a reed (8). In this method the weft thread is inserted into the air jet weaving machine, is deflected by means of a nozzle (3) out of the weft insertion direction (9) and is blown into a receiving opening (5a) of the catching channel (5) and held in the same. The position of the nozzle (3) and of the catching channel (5) is for this purpose matched to the desired cloth width within the width of the reed. In the named method the nozzle (3) and the catching channel passage (5) are arranged at the beat up side of the reed (8).

Abstract: An auxiliary tool comprises a core material covered on the surface with an elastic cloth. The auxiliary tool is inserted into a pipe having curved and bent parts and a fluid is injected into the pipe. Since the cloth covering is elastic and flexible, the auxiliary tool passes through the ridges of peaks in the pipe while maintaining a tight fit against the pipe wall. The auxiliary tool is moved through the pipe without slipping while forcing out air, and is discharged through a discharge side thereof. Air does not accumulate in the curved and bent parts of the pipe, thereby completely filling the pipe with the fluid.

Abstract: A filling line for filling a number of containers. The filing line may include a continuous conveyor, one or more micro-ingredient dosers positioned about the continuous conveyor, and one or more macro-ingredient stations positioned along the continuous conveyor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling tires with high purity nitrogen involves evacuating and then filling tires with nitrogen. An automated apparatus has a mode of operation which can be selected from among a four tire service, a spare tire service and a top off service, with or without vacuuming during evacuation. With the four tire service, four tires connected to the apparatus are evacuated and then filled to set front and rear tire pressures. With the spare tire service a single tire connected to the apparatus is evacuated then nitrogen filled to a set tire pressure. A five tire service for evacuating and filling two front and two rear tires and a spare tire is also disclosed. The top off service of a tire connected to the apparatus involves sensing the tire pressure and then evacuating or nitrogen filling to obtain a set tire pressure. Evacuation of a tire is automatically stopped when a set minimum pressure level or a set maximum time limit for evacuation is reached.

Abstract: A passive method for conserving fuel vapor by connecting the ullage space of the liquid fuel storage tanks to a bladder in a vapor conservation tank; connecting the ullage space of a liquid fuel delivery vehicle to air space of the vapor conservation tank, external of the bladder; delivering liquid fuel from the delivery vehicle into the liquid fuel storage tanks, the liquid fuel displacing fuel vapor from the storage tanks; delivering displaced fuel vapor into the bladder, the delivered fuel vapor inflating the bladder and displacing air from the air space of the vapor conservation tank, external of the bladder; and, thereafter, over time, delivering fuel vapor from the bladder into ullage space of the fuel storage tanks, replacing the volume of liquid fuel delivered from the fuel storage tanks into vehicle fuel tanks. A passive system for conserving fuel vapor is also described.

Abstract: Rotary filling machine for filling containers with liquids, which comprises a rotating carousel (4) having, mounted along its periphery, a plurality of filling valves (6). Each filling valve (6) has an outer pipe (7) for supplying the liquid from a storage tank (20) to a container (30) to be filled with said liquid, and an inner compensation pipe (8) for defining the liquid level inside said container (3) mounted concentrically with the outer pipe (7). Actuator means are envisaged for each filling valve (6) and, by means of transmission means (101), vary simultaneously and in an adjustable manner the vertical position of the compensation pipes (8) of all the filling valves (6) with respect to the position of a seal (13) mounted underneath the tank (20) so as to receive against it the mouth of the containers (3).

Abstract: A funnel with a shut-off valve terminates the flow of fluid from a reservoir to a spout passageway upon activation of the shut-off valve. The flow of fluid is terminated when a float contacts a seal mounted within the spout passageway. An upper magnet is mounted above the seal and a lower magnet is attached to the float, a portion of which extends over the lower magnet. In the open position, the force provided between the magnets serves to provide lift to the float. When the fluid level in the container rises, additional lift is provided until the lower magnet comes sufficiently within the range of the upper magnet causing the lower magnet to be drawn to the upper magnet. The force between the magnets is sufficient to provide compression of the seal by the float. A ball joint is provided between a control rod and the float to correct misalignment between the float and the seal.

Abstract: A motor vehicle filler pipe flame arrester and fuel flow straightener configured to effectively quench a moving flame front, while providing laminar fuel flow therethrough. A multi-channel (or multi-cell) configuration, most preferably a honeycomb configuration, provides effective flame arresting due to its heat sink capacity and large effective surface area for flame arrestment, while attendantly limiting availability of fuel and oxygen to the flame, thereby providing quenching of a flame wave as it propagates through the channels. Service station pump nozzle shut-off sensor disruption is avoided because the channels encourage laminar flow of the fuel through the multi-channel filler pipe flame arrester and fuel flow straightener.

Abstract: “Regulating device for the lower discharge opening of a livestock feed trough”. Regulating device for the lower discharge opening of a livestock feed trough, which comprises an annular body with a similar cross-section to that of the mouth of the trough, which can be telescopically attached thereto; a vertical rod, which is solidly joined to said annular body; and a means of actuation that acts on the vertical rod, which can be moved vertically by said means of actuation, dragging with it the annular body and thus altering the effective length of the trough.

Abstract: A cap-free closeable neck end for a filler neck of a tank of a motor vehicle, the cap-free closeable neck including an upper entry space forming an insertion region for a fuel nozzle and being surrounded by a side wall, a lower sealing flap arranged in the upper entry space and a closing mechanism arranged above the lower sealing flap. The closing mechanism includes an upper filling opening and an upper cover, which in a closed state at least partially covers the upper filling opening and being embodied in such a manner that the upper cover is displaced by inserting an outlet pipe of a fuel nozzle into the upper entry space for releasing the upper filling opening so as to allow for the insertion of the outlet pipe through the upper filling opening and the lower sealing flap.

Abstract: A tractor has a log splitter installed on two loader arms pivoted at a front end of the tractor. The log splitter includes a frame for attachment to the loader arms. The frame includes a surface, to which a ram and a wedge are coupled. An actuator mounted to the frame moves the ram and/or the wedge to split a log received between the ram and the wedge. The wedge includes a main blade and a cross blade perpendicular to the main blade. An edge of the cross blade is offset from an edge of the main blade so as to reduce the force required to achieve a four-way split of the log. The wedge and the frame are designed to enable inverting the log splitter to grasp a log, then raising the inverted log splitter to split the log directly into a truck bed. The uniquely designed hydraulic tank—ballast box combination provides an owner an external high volume hydraulic system without impeding the capability of the tractor hydraulic system.

Abstract: Methods of reorienting ferromagnetic layers of a plurality of magnetoresistive elements and structures formed by the methods. The plurality of magnetoresistive elements, preferably GMR multilayer elements, are manufactured and arranged on a planar substrate. The method effectively allows selective orientation and reorientation of distinct ferromagnetic layers of a subset of the magnetoresistive elements on the substrate. The methods make either use of subsequent annealing processes making use of magnetic fields pointing in different directions. Prior to application of a subsequent annealing process, a complimentary subset of magnetoresistive elements is effectively shielded by selective deposition of a soft-magnetic shielding layer. Alternatively, a single annealing process can be performed when an externally applied magnetic field is locally modified by soft-magnetic structures, such as fluxguides.

Abstract: The present invention is a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet characterized in that Bi is present at 0.01 to less than 1,000 ppm in terms of mass at the interface of the substrate steel and the primary film of the grain-oriented electrical steel sheet. The grain-oriented electrical steel sheet is produced by any of the processes of: before decarburization annealing, applying preliminary annealing for 1 to 20 sec. at 700° C. or higher and controlling an atmosphere in the temperature range; controlling the maximum attaining temperature B (° C.) before final cold rolling so that the maximum attaining temperature B may satisfy the expression, ?10×ln(A)+1,100?B?10×ln(A)+1,220, in accordance with a Bi content A (ppm) and at the same time heating the steel sheet cold rolled to the final thickness to 700° C. or higher within 10 sec. or at a heating rate of 100° C./sec. or more before decarburization annealing, or immediately thereafter applying preliminary annealing for 1 to 20 sec. at 700° C.