Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the cleaning of thin wafers (6), wherein the wafers (6) are fixed with one side to a carrier device (2), and wherein an interspace (7) is formed between two adjacent substrates, wherein the apparatus substantially consists of a shower device (15) by which fluid is injected into the respective interspaces (7), and a basin (14) that can be filled with fluid and that is dimensioned such that it houses the carrier device (2). According to the invention, optionally either the shower device (15) can be moved in relation to the immobile carrier device (2), or the carrier device (2) can be moved in relation to the immobile shower device (15), or both the carrier device (2) as well as the shower device (15) can be moved in relation to each other.

Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for removing deposits from a petroleum flow line may include a pipe capable of being attached to a petroleum flow line. The pipe may have a pipe axis that defines a direction for fluid flow in the petroleum flow line. The apparatus may also include a first and a second field winding circumferentially disposed around the pipe, and an electric wave generator adapted to electrically communicate an electric wave to the first field winding and the second field winding. In response to the electric wave, the first field winding is adapted to produce a first magnetic field having a first magnetic axis and the second field winding is adapted to produce a second magnetic field having a second magnetic axis. The first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the second magnetic axis, and at least the first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the pipe axis.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus is capable of individually setting a threshold value for use in making a check of a resistivity during a rinsing process on a recipe setting screen in each process step. Thus, by setting each threshold value depending on the type of liquid chemical to be used immediately before the rinsing process, the substrate cleaning apparatus can use an optimum threshold value during the rinsing process in each process step to make a check of the resistivity. This allows the proper completion of the rinsing process in each process step.

Abstract: A method for processing or treating silicon material in carrying out a cleaning or purification process comprises the following steps: wetting bulk silicon material, facing a first direction with a first liquid process medium, automatic changing of an orientation of the bulk silicon material by turning bulk silicon material with a turning device and wetting the bulk silicon material in the altered orientation with the first liquid medium. After that, the bulk silicon material is cleaned in a corresponding cleaning device.

Abstract: A scavenging cleaner utilizing in combination within a cleaner body, a high-pressure liquid cleaner and recycling system, designed for substantially domestic use and in particular for where water use restrictions apply and for the cleaning of hard surfaces of any orientation. The cleaner comprises a reservoir of liquid, a supply and recovery sub-system with a variable capacity vacuum pump arrangement coacting with a pressure pump such that as the pressure pump capacity is decreased or stopped the capacity of the vacuum pump arrangement automatically increases to maximize liquid scavenging. Total electric current draw is maintained substantially constant and below a preset maximum. A flexible connecting hose system connects the body to a handheld delivery/brush/recovery head that is worked over the surface to be cleaned. Liquid is delivered at high-pressure to the surface with substantially all the liquid being recovered, filtered and repeatedly reused.

Abstract: Dish washing machine including a steam generator, which supplies steam during the washing procedure to aid in the washing of items in the dish washer, and a method for controlling the same. The dish washing machine capable of discharging residual water from the steam generator to remove impurities in the water contained therein. Discharging the residual water in the steam generator may be performed prior to, during or after the washing procedure in such a manner so as to protect other components from damage due to the high temperatures associated with the residual water.

Abstract: The method for automatic washing of vehicles in a brushless washing system of the type comprising spraying nozzles arranged in at least a first rototranslational arc structure with respect to a vehicle immobile at a washing position, comprises the steps of acquiring the spatial profile of the vehicle when it is immobile at the washing position, using the spatial profile of the vehicle as the reference to generate a rototranslational movement profile of the first arc structure with respect to the to the vehicle immobile at the washing position in which fixed at a desired value is the distance of the first arc structure from the spatial profile of the vehicle and moving the first arc structure along the movement profile keeping the modulus of the instantaneous velocity vector of the first arc structure at a desired value.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a turbo pump is described. The turbo pump is coupled with a CVD chamber of depositing a material and thus accumulates the material therein. The method includes using another pump to pump a reactive gas, which can react with the material to form gaseous products, through the turbo pump. Thereby, the turbo pump is cleaned up and is prevented from being a particle source in subsequent CVD operations.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which has a cleaning process for cleaning a surface of a substrate while rotating the substrate. The cleaning process includes the steps of cleaning the substrate surface by supplying a cleaning liquid to the substrate; rinsing the cleaned substrate surface by supplying a rinse liquid containing pure water to the substrate; and drying the rinsed substrate. In the rinsing step, HF is added to the rinse liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for cleaning outdoor surfaces. The apparatus includes a cleaning element attached to a handle which also supports a reservoir for cleaning fluid. The cleaning element includes absorbent and scrubbing layers structured to clean various types of outdoor surfaces. A cleaning fluid is applied by a liquid delivery system in fluid communication with the cleaning element to the outdoor surface to be cleaned and the outdoor surface is wiped with the cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods for transferring cleaning fluid from a tank to a reservoir located on a cleaning implement. The present invention provides a fluid-transfer system that may include a pump assembly for pressurizing fluid stored in a tank and a filling dock for providing fluid communication between the tank and the cleaning implement. The filling dock may releasably secure the implement during the fluid transfer operation. In operation, the cleaning implement is attached to the filling dock, and, after attachment, cleaning fluid flows from the tank, through the filling dock, and into the reservoir of the cleaning implement.

Abstract: A chemical supply system comprises, as principal elements, a chemical storage tank in which a liquid chemical for cleaning is stored in the state of its formulated concentrate, a chemical supply apparatus connected to the chemical storage tank for positively performing chemical supply, a piping system connected to the chemical supply apparatus to form a supply flow passage that is a passage for ultrapure water which the liquid chemical is to be mixed with, a pair of discharge nozzles disposed at end portions of the piping system so as to oppose surfaces of a wafer set in a cleaning chamber to supply a cleaning liquid onto the surfaces. Thereby, remarkable miniaturization/simplification of a cleaning liquid supply system including chemical tanks is intended, it is made possible easily and rapidly to compound and supply a cleaning liquid at an accurate chemical concentration, and particles or the like being generated and mixing in a cleaning liquid, are suppressed to the extremity.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning chamber comprises various components, such as for example, a consumable ceramic liner, substrate heating pedestal, and process kit. The consumable ceramic liner is provided for connecting a gas outlet channel of a remote gas energizer to a gas inlet channel of a substrate cleaning chamber. The substrate heating pedestal comprises an annular plate having a substrate receiving surface with a plurality of ceramic balls positioned in an array of recesses. A process kit comprises a top plate, top liner, gas distributor plate, bottom liner, and focus ring.

Abstract: The horizontal drying system for an automatic vehicle washing system of the type comprising at least one first fan adapted to supply at least a first jet of air, has means for moving it along a trajectory represented by an oval cone in the direction transverse to the vehicle.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes a first tank configured to accommodate a first fluid. A second tank is configured to receive overflow of the first fluid into an upper portion of the second tank and to accommodate a second fluid. A cycling system including a first conduit is configured between the first tank and the second tank. The first conduit has an end substantially below a surface of the second fluid. A fluid providing system including a second conduit is fluidly coupled to the second tank and configured to provide the second fluid into the second tank. The second conduit has an end substantially below the surface of the second fluid. An overflow system is coupled to the second tank and configured to remove an upper portion of the second fluid when the surface of the second fluid is substantially equal to or higher than a pre-determined level.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing container, devices for washing dishes by means of rinsing liquor, and a sorption drying device which is connected in an air-conducting manner to the washing container via an outlet of the washing container and an inlet of the washing container. The sorption drying device is provided with a sorption column encompassing reversibly dehydratable material. The outlet and the inlet of the washing container are connected to the sorption drying device without mounting an air duct there between.

Abstract: A folding windscreen having two panels can be made entirely from a single sheet of corrugated plastic. The windscreen is used to prevent wind-blown snow from clogging an ice-fishing hole and to enhance the visibility of ice fishing traps against a background shoreline or expanse of open ice. The single sheet of corrugated plastic material is made into two panels by folding it in half. The fold produces a flexible hinge connecting the two panels. The top and bottom edges of the windscreen panels are reinforced by folding parts of the corrugated sheet to make double thickness, and bonding the two thicknesses together with heat welding or adhesives. Hand-holes are provided for convenient carrying and deploying. Fluorescent or retro-reflective tape can be applied to the folding windscreen to enhance its visibility.

Abstract: A tree mounted blind that includes a plurality of articulated arcuate arm members forming a suspension frame which is attached at each end to a mounting bracket, which in turn is affixed to a tree trunk without any cords, cables, or bands surrounding the tree. A fabric blind is hung from the framework to provide a hunting blind, a military blind for observers and the like, or a privacy blind for campers and the like.

Abstract: An integrated package structure having a solar cell and a thermoelectric element includes a substrate, a first solar cell and a thermoelectric element. The substrate has a first surface. The first solar cell has a second surface, a first electrode disposed on the second surface and a second electrode disposed on the second surface. The second surface faces the first surface. The thermoelectric element has a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The thermoelectric element is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to the third electrode and the fourth electrode respectively. A method of fabricating the integrated package structure having the solar cell and the thermoelectric element is also provided.

Abstract: New thermoelectric materials and devices are disclosed for application to high efficiency thermoelectric power generation. New functional materials based on oxides, rare-earth-oxides, rare-earth-nitrides, rare-earth phosphides, copper-rare-earth oxides, silicon-rare-earth-oxides, germanium-rare-earth-oxides and bismuth rare-earth-oxides are disclosed. Addition of nitrogen and phosphorus are disclosed to optimize the oxide material properties for thermoelectric conversion efficiency. New devices based on bulk and multilayer thermoelectric materials are described. New devices based on bulk and multilayer thermoelectric materials using combinations of at least one of thermoelectric and pyroelectric and ferroelectric materials are described. Thermoelectric devices based on vertical pillar and planar architectures are disclosed. The advantage of the planar thermoelectric effect allows utility for large area applications and is scalable for large scale power generation plants.

Abstract: A Photoelectrochemical Photovoltaic Panel (PPP) comprising a number of individual substrates (1) and shared substrates (2), wherein: the substrates are electrical conductors or at least partially coated by an electrical conductor (3); at least one substrate is optically transparent; between the shared substrate (2) and the individual substrates (1) there are Photoelectrochemical Photovoltaic Cells, each comprising a photosensitive electrode, a counter electrode and an electrolyte.

Abstract: On a projected plane in parallel to the main surface of the solar cell module 100, an output interconnection 10 includes: a first output interconnection section 10a arranged along an conductive member 4 in a power non-generating field; and a second output interconnection section 10b leading to the first output interconnection section 10a in a power generating section X.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a supporting layer, a semiconductor layer stack, and a conductive and light transmissive layer. The supporting layer is proximate to a bottom surface of the device. The semiconductor layer stack includes first and second semiconductor sub-layers, with the second sub-layer having a crystalline traction of at least approximately 85%. A conductive and light transmissive layer between the supporting layer and the semiconductor layer stack, where an Ohmic contact exists between the first semiconductor sub-layer and the conductive and light transmissive layer.

Abstract: An adaptive solar concentrator system comprising a controller, a solar energy collector and a solar concentrator with variable concentration ratio is disclosed. The concentration ratio of the variable solar concentrator is varied to maximize the energy collection potential of the solar energy collector in response to fluctuations in incoming solar irradiation to best match the optimum operating conditions of the solar collector and to not exceed the maximum operating conditions of the solar collector for long term reliability.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic device including an antireflective coating, including: forming a coating solution by mixing a mono-metal oxide, a bi-metal oxide, a silane, or a siloxane with a solvent, such that the coating solution may be used as a barrier between the antireflective coating and a glass substrate that inhibits sodium ion migration in the glass substrate after exposure to environmental factors including humidity and temperature. A photovoltaic device including a photovoltaic film, a glass substrate, and a barrier layer provided on the glass substrate; an anti-reflection coating provided on the glass substrate and on the barrier layer; wherein the barrier layer comprises one or more of the following: a mono-metal oxide, a bi-metal oxide, a silane, or a siloxane.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting sunlight to electricity comprises a sheet of soda lime glass having a softening point not exceeding 600° C. and a layer of crystalline silicon over said sheet of soda lime glass. The layer has a thickness not less than about 5 microns and grains with grain size not less than about 100 microns. A method for making a device for converting sunlight to electricity comprises forming a film on a soda lime glass substrate, dispersing silicon powder onto the film and pressing a surface onto the silicon powder to form a layer of silicon powder on said film. The substrate and film are heated from below to a temperature so that the soda lime glass substrate softens.

Abstract: The present invention is a ZnO whisker film, a manufacturing method thereof and an electronic device material composed of such a ZnO whisker film, the film is composed of primarily (at least 50 mol %) of ZnO crystals, and of accumulated whisker-like particles having an aspect ratio of 2 or more, and the film has a nanostructure with both a high specific surface area and a high electrical conductivity, the film can be manufactured by adjusting one or more solution condition selected from starting material concentration, temperature and pH so as to induce the deposition of ZnO crystals, in a reaction solution system for depositing zinc oxide, and forming thereby a ZnO whisker film on a substrate.

Abstract: A three-dimensional thin-film solar cell 100, comprising a three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate comprising a plurality of single-aperture or dual-aperture unit cells with emitter junction regions 522 and doped base regions 530, emitter metallization regions 525 and base metallization regions 532. Optionally, the three-dimensional thin-film solar cell may be mounted on a rear mirror for improved light trapping and conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A concentration photovoltaic module includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, a solar cell, at least one electrical connecting element and a frame. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed in different predetermined positions of the substrate to form a first electrode and a second electrode, respectively. The solar cell is disposed on the first electrode. The electrical connecting element electrically interconnects the second electrode and the solar cell. The frame straddles on the substrate, wherein the solar cell is located in the frame.

Abstract: There is described a photovoltaic module (2) in the form of a multi-layer body with photovoltaic cells (21, 21i) arranged on a carrier layer (20) and having at least one organic polymer-based photoactive layer (213) arranged between a first and a second electrode layer (212, 215), which are electrically connected together in a series circuit. Hole blocker layers (214) and the electron blocker layers (212) in the series circuit of mutually following adjacent photovoltaic cells (21, 21i) are arranged in inverse succession relative to each other with respect to the carrier layer (20). Electrode layers (211, 215), which are electrically connected together by an electrically conducting connecting portion (22), of the mutually following adjacent photovoltaic cells (21, 211) are arranged in a common plane.

Abstract: A hydrant apparatus comprises at least an outlet pipe, at least a switch for controlling the water flow, and at least a temperature limiting component. The outlet pipe is used for flowing water out of the hydrant apparatus. The switch, coupled to the outlet pipe, is used for controlling the water flow and adjusting the temperature of the water flow. The temperature limiting component limits the temperature of the water flow inside a predetermined range.

Abstract: Provided is a valve having a structure in which the opening temperature of the valve can be set to an arbitrary temperature, scattering of contents other than a fluid is suppressed, and the valve can be used in both a liquid environment and a gas environment and can also be reduced in size. The valve includes: a silicon substrate; a channel having an opening extending between both surfaces of the silicon substrate; a metal layer formed on one of the surfaces of the silicon substrate without closing the opening of the channel; and a low melting point metal member deposited so as to cover at least a part of the metal layer and to block the opening of the channel.

Abstract: A mass flow controller has: a flow rate sensor section that measures the flow rate of a fluid and outputs a flow rate measurement signal indicating the measurement value; a flow rate control valve disposed upstream or downstream of the flow rate sensor section; a calculation section that calculates a feedback control value to the supplied to the flow rate control valve by performing at least a proportional calculation on the deviation of the flow rate measurement value indicated by the flow rate measurement signal from a flow rate setting value; and an opening control signal output section that generates an opening control signal based on the feedback control value and outputs the opening control signal to the flow rate control valve. The function used for calculating the gain value in the proportional calculation differs between a changing period and a stable period.

Abstract: A valve for limiting the tank pressure in a motor vehicle, comprising a first line (1) and a second line (2) which may establish a flow connection in which at least one body (3, 4) may be moved relative to another body (4, 3), whereby the movable body (3, 4) lifts up from a sealing seat (5), with regard to the object of adjusting the tank pressure using a compact design is characterized in that a first body (3), a second body (4), and the sealing seat (5) as a whole form a movable unit (6).

Abstract: A water powered hose reel operated by household water pressure. The hose reel has a traversing hydraulic motor for use in retrieval of a flexible hose. The hose reel includes a spool carried by and enclosed within an enclosure, the spool having a hub with a pair of flanges at opposing ends configured for proper alignment of the hose during storage, take-up and pay-out of the hose. The enclosure is configured for receiving the spool so as to rotate within the enclosure. A hydraulic motor allows take-up of the hose by use of a reciprocating traversing motor driving a rack attached to the spool by a series of gears. Disengagement of the motor allows for manual pay-out of the hose.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring leakage within a building. Remote sensors are placed at locations that are likely to have leaks occurring. If a leak is detected by one of the remote sensors, a signal is sent to a control for a main shut-off valve. The main shut-off valve is placed on the main water supply line leading into the building. Further, a flow meter is placed on the main water supply line. The flow meter monitors water being delivered into the building, and should an abnormal water flow be detected, the control will close the shut-off valve. The flow meter and control may learn normal water usage patterns for the building, or the patterns may be pre-programmed into the system. A manual override allows the control to be bypassed when it is intended for a large volume of water to be moved into the building, such as when a swimming pool is filled, etc.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a pipe insulation wrap comprises a flexible planar and generally rectangular sheet having opposite first edge portions and opposite second edge portions. A strip of double faced adhesive with a removable backer thereon is secured along one of the first edge portions for releasable attachment to the other first edge portion when the wrap is assembled around a pipe valve and its associated insulation and the backer is removed. Strips of double faced adhesive along the second edge portions, each with a removable backer thereon are releasably secured at opposite ends of the pipe valve and its associated insulation after removal of the backers on those strips.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus includes a first sensor device for indicating a fluid flow within a first conduit that receives the fluid flow during a first condition and a second sensor device for indicating the fluid flow within a second conduit that receives the fluid flow during a second condition. In another example, the fluid control apparatus includes a member having a first surface and a second surface and an opening connecting the first surface and the second surface. The member moves between first and second positions during a first condition and the opening receives a fluid flow during a second condition. The first and second conditions correspond to a pressure differential.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a mounting surface configured to support a mounting portion of a pressure regulator. The first portion defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the pressure regulator, and an opening configured to provide fluid communication between the cavity and an area outside of the first portion. The second portion includes a mounting surface configured to support the mounting portion of the pressure regulator. The second portion defines a cavity and an opening configured to provide fluid communication between the cavity of the second portion and an area outside of the second portion. The second portion is configured to be coupled to the first portion to form a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: A compressed gas regulator preferably includes a body having a piston chamber and an output port. A regulator piston can be arranged in the piston chamber with a first surface being acted upon by pressurized gas having the output pressure. A second surface of the piston can be acted upon by a biasing member, such as a spring or spring pack. The biasing member supplies a biasing force that urges the piston toward a first position. The output pressure of the pressurized gas acting on the first surface creates a force that urges the piston toward a second position. A piston seal is preferably arranged on an end of the piston stem to seat against and seal off an inlet port when the piston is in the second position. A pressure adjustment member can be configured to adjust the amount of biasing force applied by the biasing member on the second piston surface. A plug can provide the inlet port, with a stop ring retaining the plug in place to prevent over-pressurization.

Abstract: A fluid jet for providing fluid under pressure to a desired location is disclosed wherein the valve body includes and integral valve element retaining region. Preferably, the valve body and integral valve element retaining region are die cast as a one-piece component. More specifically, the fluid jet includes a die cast one-piece valve body having a valve element retaining region extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the valve body, at least one fluid passage extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the valve body and in fluid communication with at least a portion of the valve element retaining region, and at least one fluid-exiting aperture through the valve body in fluid communication with the at least one fluid passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remote frequency-based inspection of a valve seat comprises inserting a frequency-based inspection tool into an inspection position over the valve seat and contacting the one or more supports to the inner surface of the valve seat. An input signal is transmitted at a desired frequency through the valve seat to a joint between the valve seat and a valve shaft via the one or more transducers. The shaft is rotated to remotely rotate the fixture, thereby allowing an inspection of an entire perimeter of the joint. An output signal is received and is evaluated to determine if an anomaly is present in the joint.

Abstract: An underground water retention or detention system for collecting stormwater, rainwater, sewerage, effluent or other waters, and controlled release of the water is disclosed. Typically, the tanks are formed from a plastics or polymeric material such as high density polyethylene. The pipes may be polymer coated corrugated steel pipes. Tanks suitable for use in the water retention and detention systems are also described together with connection fittings for connection of pipes to the tanks. Generally, the connection fittings are adapted to provide structural support to perimeter walls of the tanks about respective openings formed in the tank for the connection of the pipes.

Abstract: An urban and rural integrated conduit system for sewage discharging and reclaiming comprises: sewage discharging conduits or gutters constituted by sewers and outfall sewers and pits of roads; disposal wells for mud, sand and suspended matter, one end of which is connected to sewage transport pipes buried in the river bed of the present town river; and pits provided at the intersections of the sewage transport pipes, in which, gas outlets are provided at intervals on the upper side of the transport pipes, and an air pipe communicates the upper ends of the gas outlets of each transport pipe. The lower ends of both the sewage transport pipes and the air pipes communicate with one end of an integrated sewage processing plant, another end of which is connected to a water storage reservoir by a pipeline via a water pump of a pump station, with the water storage reservoir being provided with delivery valves and a variety of ducts especially for irrigation, cleaning or the like.

Abstract: Insulating oil in electric power generation, transmission and distribution equipment such as circuit breakers, regulators, phase shifters, tank diverter switches and capacitor banks for respectively separated phases of a plural phase transmission or distribution line is filtered for removal of accumulated water, carbon particles and other contaminants by filters in oil circuits respective to each phase in the plurality. Each oil circuit respective to each circuit breaker includes a respective filter and circulation pump. However, all pumps in the plural phase power system, for example, are driven by the same motor and drive line whereby a fluid condition or circulation interruption of one oil circuit that requires termination of pump operation in the one oil circuit terminates the pump operation in all oil circuits. Pump motor power is preferably drawn from an energy source that may be independent of that served by the transmission and/or distribution power source.

Abstract: An aircraft venting tank (for example a surge tank) has a stack pipe unit. The stack pipe unit comprises first and second portions and houses a frangible overpressure protector element (for example a frangible disc). The stack pipe unit may be arranged to have a fitted configuration in which the first portion of the stack pipe unit is attached to a part of the venting tank structure, the first portion is coupled to the second portion, and the second portion is coupled to another part of the venting tank structure. The first portion may be held in a relationship with the second portion so as to form a seal between the frangible element, and the first and second portions. In a frangible element-replacement configuration the second portion may be coupled to the venting tank structure, such that the frangible overpressure protector element can be replaced without removal of the second portion from the venting tank structure.

Abstract: A fuel filler neck assembly having a uniform hemmed connection between an outer funnel portion and an inner funnel portion. The outer funnel portion is typically defined by an offset-expanded cylinder and sidewalls of varying thickness. The inner funnel portion includes sidewalls that have an internal thread, which is configured to mate with the threads of a gas cap. A hemmed connection is used to join one end of the outer funnel portion to one end of the inner funnel portion. The sidewalls at one end of the outer funnel portion are folded or bent inwardly and around the rim portion to define a curled portion. A tooling assembly for producing a uniform hemmed connection between one end of the outer funnel portion and one end of the inner funnel portion. A method of producing a uniform hemmed connection between portions of a fuel filler neck.

Abstract: An adapter for use in association with upstream and downstream portions of a piping system is disclosed. The adapter includes a first chamber having an inlet adapted to receive fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a first chamber interior. The adapter also includes a second chamber having an inlet adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel the forced fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a second chamber interior. The first chamber interior is isolated from the second chamber interior. The first chamber is adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough from an upstream portion of a piping system, and the second chamber is adapted to provide forced fluid therethrough to a downstream portion of the piping system.

Abstract: A passively cooled valve assembly selectively diverts a fluid stream from an inlet port selectively through at least one outlet conduit. The valve assembly comprises a housing defining the primary chamber. The housing also comprises at least one inlet port and at least two outlet conduits and associated outlet ports. A rotatable plate with at least one aperture formed therein is located within the primary chamber and is urged against an interior surface of the housing by a spring assembly. The rotatable plate is rotated by a shaft that extends axially through the primary chamber, in order to align the at least one aperture with at least one of the outlet conduits to allow selective fluid flow from an inlet port to an outlet conduit.

Abstract: A three dimensional microfluidic device for passive sorting and storing of liquid plugs is provided with homogeneous surfaces from the exposure of a photopolymer through binary masking motifs, i.e., arrays of opaque pixels on a transparency mask. The device includes sub-millimeter three-dimensional relief microstructures to aid in the channeling of fluids. The microstructures have topographically modulated features smaller than 100 micrometers.