Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher, which reduces a pressure loss generated from a valve device to converting a channel. The dishwasher includes a washing tub to wash dishes; a sump installed under the washing tub to store washing water; a pump assembly installed at one side of the sump to pump the washing water; upper and lower channels connected to the pump assembly; and upper and lower spray arms connected to the upper and lower channels to spray the washing water to the inside of the washing tub, and a valve device rotated around a rotary shaft parallel with the flowing direction of the washing water to selectively open the upper and lower channels is provided between the pump assembly and the upper and lower channels.

Abstract: Floor treatment cleaning system (3) for a floor cleaning machine (1), comprising at lest two treatment elements (7a, 7b) wherein each treatment element is equipped with cleaning means (11) and is eccentrically driven by driving means (15A) via at least two synchronized eccentric pivots (8), characterized in that the respective pivots revolve around their main rotation axes (13) in such a way that the at least two treatment elements perform opposite movements thereby transporting residues on the floor in a desired direction and balancing engine masses and friction. The treatment elements (7a, 7b) can be positioned in different ways: transversally relative to the moving direction of the machine (1) and parallel behind each other, transversally relative to the moving direction of the machine (1) and next to each other and in a V-shape or arcuate with the opening in the moving direction of the machine.

Abstract: A beach umbrella with improved sturdiness, durability and ability to keep the shading size maximized, but weight of the structure to the minimum is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generator is disclosed for use to generate electrical power from heat, typically waste heat. An intermediate heat transfer loop forms a part of the system to permit added control and adjustability in the system. This allows the thermoelectric power generator to more effectively and efficiently generate power in the face of dynamically varying temperatures and heat flux conditions, such as where the heat source is the exhaust of an automobile, or any other heat source with dynamic temperature and heat flux conditions.

Abstract: Interconnection of back contact photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic module is described. Pre-assembled busbars are connected with a configuration to enable correction for cell misalignment in the module.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a photoelectric conversion device with an excellent photoelectric converting characteristic while effectively utilizing silicon semiconductor material. A photoelectric conversion device comprises a first electrode, a first unit cell including a single-crystal semiconductor layer which is obtained by cleaving a single crystal semiconductor substrate at a damaged layer, a second unit cell including a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer, an intermediate layer including a transition metal oxide, and a second electrode, wherein the first unit cell and second unit cell are connected in series with the intermediate layer interposed therebetween and are sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for converting light to electric power including coupling in parallel at least two devices in a first plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power, coupling in parallel at least two devices in at least one additional plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power, and coupling in series the first plurality of devices suitable to convert light electricity with the at least one additional plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power. A method for converting electromagnetic flux to electric power. A method for optimizing the electric power output of a system including determining the expected illumination pattern of incident laser radiation, and optimizing the amount of laser radiation incident on the surface of the devices suitable to convert light to electric power by distributing the devices according to the expected illumination pattern of the incident laser beam.

Abstract: A method and system for converting light to electric power including coupling in parallel at least two devices in a first plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power, coupling in parallel at least two devices in at least one additional plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power, and coupling in series the first plurality of devices suitable to convert light electricity with the at least one additional plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power. A method for converting electromagnetic flux to electric power. A method for optimizing the electric power output of a system including determining the expected illumination pattern of incident laser radiation, and optimizing the amount of laser radiation incident on the surface of the devices suitable to convert light to electric power by distributing the devices according to the expected illumination pattern of the incident laser beam.

Abstract: A method and system for converting light to electric power including coupling in parallel at least two devices in a first plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power, coupling in parallel at least two devices in at least one additional plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power, and coupling in series the first plurality of devices suitable to convert light electricity with the at least one additional plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power. A method for converting electromagnetic flux to electric power. A method for optimizing the electric power output of a system including determining the expected illumination pattern of incident laser radiation, and optimizing the amount of laser radiation incident on the surface of the devices suitable to convert light to electric power by distributing the devices according to the expected illumination pattern of the incident laser beam.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight and detachable photovoltaic window system affording a resource for converting solar power in existing buildings and similar structures. At least one photovoltaic panel is interconnected to a building window or entrance casing or directly to a window pane through use of lanyards, hook and loop fasteners, or suction cups. Solar energy is captured from direct sunlight incidental to the location of the window. A panel may be removably supported by a fabric material interconnected to an interior wall via hook and loop fasteners. An inverter converts energy from DC to AC for powering electrically driven devices. A pocket is provided on the panel support for temporarily storing the auxiliary devices. This system enables a person with little knowledge of solar energy equipment a convenient and inexpensive method to convert sunlight into useful energy without major alterations to the building or window unit being used as a light-source.

Abstract: The solar energy exploiting device contains a flat base and a transparent stand having a flat top side and two parallel walls raised perpendicularly from a top side of the base. One or more solar panels, electrically connected in series or in parallel, are attached to the top side or beneath the top side of the stand, facing downward towards the base. Two reflection mirrors are positioned besides the two walls of the stand such that each reflection mirror is slanted at an angle from the top side of the base and has its reflection surface facing towards the solar panel.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell module sealing film including a layer composed of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, and inorganic compounds; and a polyester film having a thermal shrinkage ratio within (0±2) % at 150° C. in both length-wise and width-wise directions, and a difference between the thermal shrinkage ratios at 150° C. in the length-wise and width-wise directions of 2% or less.

Abstract: The Modular Multifunctional Solar Structure is an innovative design in the field of Renewable Energy. This system, the schematic diagram of which is shown in FIG. 2, will collect the energy from the sunlight by using lightweight rotary thermal or bivalent photovoltaic solar receivers (A), sandwiched between Support Columns (B) which house the technical services. Because of its modular concept, this structure allows: an easy and progressive assembly in places exposed to the sun, with negative angles of down to 90°; and a microprocessor controlled solar tracking device, with alternative fixed or manually adjustable settings. These features solve the traditional problems associated with solar energy collectors, which include: a fixed position which is confined to specific angles, or a vertical layout, both of which are inefficient in terms of energy recovery; large dimensions and heavyweight collectors, which may need ungainly support structures; and wasted space.

Abstract: A front transparent conductor assembly and, in one embodiment, a photovoltaic cell, includes at least three transparent conductor layers. In one embodiment, first and second transparent conductors comprised of SnO2 are positioned above and below a third transparent conductor comprised of ZnO2. In one embodiment, the second transparent conductor layer is significantly thicker than either the first or third transparent conductor layers. In one embodiment of a photovoltaic cell incorporating such an assembly, a sealing layer of SiO2 is interposed between a superstrate and the first transparent conductor. In another embodiment, first and second intermediate layers of ZnSnO3 are incorporated into the assembly, with the first intermediate layer interposed between the first and second transparent conductors and with the second intermediate layer interposed between the second and third transparent conductors.

Abstract: A multilayer conformal coating is optimized in both composition and geometry to protect the back and sides of a transparent-fronted thin-film solar photovoltaic panel or similar device from various damage mechanisms associated with long-term outdoor exposure without an additional backcap or edge frame. A “barrier stack” or “barrier layer” of inorganic moisture-barrier and chemical-barrier layers is applied to the back of the photovoltaic functional film stack, extending into a bare-substrate border zone around the functional stack edges. The barrier stack shields the functional stack from moisture and chemical invasion, and the coated border zone effectively seals the vulnerable edges of the functional stack. An “envelope stack” or “envelope layer” of thicker polymer films is applied over the mechanically delicate inorganic barrier stack and around the solar photovoltaic panel edges.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention contemplate formation of a low cost solar cell using novel methods and apparatus to form a metal contact structure. The method generally uses a conductive contact layer that enables formation of a good electrical contact to the solar cell device. In one case, the contact layer is a nickel containing layer. Various deposition techniques may be used to form the metal contact structure.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device capable of maintaining a durability and improving initial characteristics. A dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device including a working electrode and a facing electrode, and an electrolyte inclusion is manufactured. First, a facing electrode in which a dye is carried by a metal oxide semiconductor layer having a porous structure, and a facing electrode are manufactured. Next, the working electrode and the facing electrode are stuck together so as to have a predetermined space in between. A low-viscosity liquid is injected between the working electrode and the facing electrode and impregnated into the porous structure. Then, the high-viscosity material is injected and the electrolyte is adjusted so as to form the electrolyte inclusion. Even if the viscosity of the electrolyte is high, an electrolytic salt is quickly dispersed into the porous structure.

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the solar cell according to the present invention includes: 1) a first etching process in which an anisotropic etching is performed on an inner wall of each of a plurality of through holes, and 2) a second etching process in which an anisotropic etching is performed on a light-receiving surface. In the first etching process, a high concentration NaOH water solution (about 5% by weight) is used. Meanwhile, in the second etching process, a low concentration (about 1.5% by weight) NaOH water solution is used.

Abstract: A solar cell and a manufacturing method thereof are provided herein. The solar cell includes a substrate with a first transparent conductive layer, a micro- or nano-roughing structure formed on the first transparent conductive layer, and a semiconductor active layer formed on the micro- or nano-roughing structure and covering the micro- or nano-roughing structure.

Abstract: Photovoltaic fibers and methods of making photovoltaic fibers are provided. The photovoltaic fiber contains a core, bottom metal-semiconductor compounds over the core, a semiconductor layer comprising semiconductor elements and insulating materials over the bottom metal-semiconductor compounds, and upper metal-semiconductor compounds over the semiconductor layer. The photovoltaic fiber can be weavable. Fabrics including the photovoltaic fibers can be utilized in any suitable application or photovoltaic collector.

Abstract: A method, in certain embodiments, includes providing a metal alloy, annealing the metal alloy, and contacting the metal alloy with vapors of selenium, or sulfur, or a combination thereof. The metal alloy having a uniform first bulk composition and a first surface composition on annealing provides an annealed metal alloy having a non uniform second bulk composition and a second surface composition which on being contacted vapors of selenium, or sulfur, or a combination thereof, produces a selenized or a sulfurized metal alloy. Further the metal alloy may have a layer formed in situ from a low melting point metal within the alloy via diffusion rather than sequential deposition and co-evaporation.

Abstract: A process for producing nanoparticles incorporating ions selected from groups 13, 16, and 11 or 12 of the periodic table, and materials produced by the process. In an embodiment, the process includes effecting conversion of a nanoparticle precursor composition comprising group 13, 16, and 11 or 12 ions to the material of the nanoparticles in the presence of a selenol compound. Other embodiments include a process for fabricating a thin film including nanoparticles incorporating ions selected from groups 13, 16, and 11 or 12 of the periodic table as well as a process for producing a printable ink formulation including the nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling the circulation of water films on the exchange walls of an exchange surface of a cooling tower. It comprises combining a tank and a dispenser lip to ensure that the film has a specific thickness and that it adheres to the exchange wall right from the moment it starts to flow and repeatedly so, on each exchange wall. The exchange walls between air and water are horizontally sloping at a small angle, thereby ensuring that the water flows by force of gravity and, at the same time, limiting the speed increase on the plate to avoid the droplets from being pulled away by the airflow. The water films are recovered in recovery troughs perpendicular to the flow of the water films on the plates. These troughs are tilted horizontally, and enable the recovery of the water films without being crossed by the air flows.

Abstract: Microfluidic Systems, Devices and Methods for Reducing Noise Generated by Mechanical Instabilities. According to one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided for reducing noise in a fluid mix. The microfluidic device can include microscale channels for passage of fluids to a mixing junction. The mixing channel can be adapted to combine the fluids into a common fluid flow. The microfluidic device can also include a connector channel including first and second ends. The first end of the connector channel can be connected to the mixing junction. The microfluidic device can also include an expansion channel having connection to the second end of the connector channel. The expansion channel can be adapted for passage of the fluid mix through the expansion channel to reduce concentration gradient noise of the fluid mix by dispersion of the fluid mix as the fluid mix passes through the expansion channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the flow of fluid and, more particularly, to a method of using triggerable passive valves to control the flow of fluid. In one embodiment of the present invention a method of using triggerable passive valves to control the flow of fluid is described wherein fluid is moved through a passive valve by providing pneumatic pressure between the passive valve and a flow restrictor, the pneumatic pressure exerted causing the pressure exerted by the fluid on the passive valve to exceed the burst pressure of the passive valve.

Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal force based platform formed to be rotatable and including a home mark having a retro-reflective property of light, and a centrifugal force based microfluidic system including the platform. The method of determining a home position of the centrifugal force based platform includes: rotating the platform formed and including a home mark having a retro-reflective property of light; emitting light from a light-emitting unit to the platform; and detecting the emitted light, which is retro-reflected by the home mark, in a light-receiving unit, and then determining the home position of the platform based on the detected light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diversion which can be used under load conditions in a fluid distribution system without interrupting the fluid supply or installing a by pass. The diversions consists of a body that is formed by two complementary components including an upper component comprising openings which are oriented transversely to the direction of the pipe to be cut off, which are equipped with seals and which are designed such as to enable the insertion and passage of a cutting blade that is associated with an external guillotine. The aforementioned upper component comprises an inner collar or flange which can be coupled and secured to the pipe segment to be cut off, said collar or flange being joined to a threaded longitudinal element which extends externally and which is used to remove the cut-off pipe segment. The invention also includes elements for sealing the openings once the cutting operations have been performed and the guillotine has been removed.

Abstract: A leno device uses the link mechanisms (31, 31?) to derive the movement of its half shaft (28) from the movement of its pull or lifting shafts (2, 3). The link mechanisms (31, 31?) connect the shaft rods (4, 5) of the pull or lifting shafts (2, 3) to the half shaft (28), whereby a connecting rod (32, 32?) extends between the two pull or lifting shafts (2, 3) from the top to the bottom through said shafts. The upper end of the connecting rod (32, 32?) is connected, on both sides of the connecting rod (32 32?) via connecting levers (33, 34, 33? 34?), to the joints (36, 37, 36?, 37?) that are connected to the upper shaft rods (4, 5) of the pull or lifting shafts (2, 3).

Abstract: A pipeline vent valve comprising a body (11) defining a chamber of clerestory configuration in which the upper portion (B) of the chamber is of reduced cross-sectional area, the chamber having an inlet (13) towards its lower end which is adapted to be connected to a pipeline and an outlet (15) in the upper portion, a valve body (23) supported in the upper portion of the chamber to be movable between a first position at which it is in sealing engagement with the outlet and a second position at which it is out of sealing engagement with the valve seat, said valve body being responsive to the level of liquid in the chamber in the chamber and being adapted to close on the liquid level in the chamber exceeding a predetermined level, said valve body having central passage (37) providing communication to each side of the valve body, a float member (21) supported within the chamber and adapted to cause said movement of said valve body between the first and second position as a result of the presence of liquid in the

Abstract: An inflation valve assembly comprises a longitudinally extending conduit, a cap, a normally closed elastic double-duckbill valve, and a hollow nozzle insert. The longitudinally extending conduit has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. The cap is configured and arranged for removable attachment to the first longitudinal end of the conduit. The normally closed elastic double-duckbill valve sealingly engages within the conduit with intersecting radially elongated slits extending longitudinally there through. The hollow nozzle insert is configured and arranged for longitudinal insertion into the conduit through the first longitudinal end for separating both slits and opening the double-duckbill valve so long as the nozzle insert remains inserted within the conduit.

Abstract: Gravity flow for liquids evacuation from hose with the use of this specially designed drum with spiral grooves for coiling. Spring loaded allows reel to self wind hose with swivel connectors at the inlet for preventing tangling and crimping. A check valve is added to allow pressure relief so that liquids can self drain therefore making sure there are no liquids left in hose that could freeze.

Abstract: A valve assembly, such as a tap for a liquefied gas cylinder, includes an overfill protection device and a liquid level gauge having an electrode assembly comprising a pair of lamellar electrodes mounted closely adjacent a housing member of the overfill protection device and deflectable into close proximity with a float of the overfill protection device for insertion into the gas cylinder. A circuit board is provided, preferably mounted on the electrode assembly, and has an electronic converter circuit for measuring the electrical capacitance between the electrodes and producing in response to the measured capacitance an output signal representative of the liquid level in the container. A display means is mounted on a body of the valve assembly or remote therefrom, to indicate the liquid level in the container in response to the output signal from the electronic converter circuit.

Abstract: An integrated air tank (10) for an air supply system of a vehicle brake system includes a tank housing (12) subdivided into at least three portions with a first separator wall (24) and a second separator wall (26). The at least three portions include a primary tank portion (18), a secondary tank portion (22), and a wet tank portion (20). A first check valve (28) is disposed on the first separator wall (24) and is configured to permit the flow of air from the wet tank portion (20) to the primary tank portion (18). A second check valve (30) is disposed on the second separator wall (26) and is configured to permit the flow of air from the wet tank portion (20) to the secondary tank portion (22).

Abstract: A flush valve diaphragm that includes a body portion and a peripheral sealing portion. The body portion is flexible and has a central passageway. The peripheral portion includes an integral filter, an exit chamber, and a bypass arrangement, such that water flowing through the filter flows through the bypass arrangement. The integral filter prevents clogging of the bypass arrangement. The diaphragm is used in a flush valve diaphragm assembly and a flush valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for actuating a process valve (1), for use in foodstuffs technology, that has a valve member (4), an actuating element (14) being moved upon the shifting of the valve (1), in such a way that the position of the actuating element (14) is a measure of the position of the valve member (4), the device (100) for actuating a process valve (1) having a sensor that is arranged and/or realized in such a way that its output signal is a measure of the position of the actuating element (14), the sensor being a magnetostrictive sensor (151).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-stage valve for controlling fluids, in particular a hydraulic fluid, The valve includes an actuating element, a pilot stage having a first valve seat and a first closing body, which is connected to the actuating element, and a main stage having a second valve seat and a second closing body. The second closing body is provided with a fastening region and a main region having a passage opening. The first valve seat is arranged at the passage opening. The second closing body is connected to the actuating element via the fastening region. The fastening region is designed elastically in such a way as to open the pilot stage by elastically deforming during actuation of the actuating element.

Abstract: A control disk insert for a one lever mixer valve (20) contains two preferably, planar disks, whereof one fixed control disk (24) has at least one opening zone for hot water and at least one opening zone for cold water. The movable control disk (22) facing the fixed control disk (24) and movable with two degrees of freedom can both completely close and continuously completely open the opening zones in the fixed control disk (24). The opening zones of the fixed control disk (24) and the opening zones of the moveable control disk (22) are constructed in such a way that the control disk (22) can be positioned to divert a non-contaminated fluid stream to a separate outlet for connection to various devices. Or, the opening zones of the fixed control disk (24) and the opening zones of the moveable control disk (22) are constructed in such a way that the control disk (22) can be positioned to send a pressure signal or pressure relief signal to an appliance.

Abstract: A zirconium- and alumina-containing silicate glass suitable for use as a frit with refractory materials such as alumina is disclosed, the silicate glass comprising a glass composition in mole percent (mol %) of: 2<B2O3<7 mol % 75<SiO2<80 mol % 3<Al2O3<5 mol % 2<ZrO2<5 mol% 9<Na2O+K2O<15 mol % 0<alkali earth+lanthanide<15 mol % and wherein the total mole percent of SiO2, AlO3 and ZrO2 together is greater than 82 but less than 86, and wherein the total mole percent of B2O3, Na2O, K2O, alkali earths and lanthanides together is greater than 13 and less than 18. Frits (200,600), composites (600) and microfluidic devices (12) comprising the glass are also disclosed.

Abstract: Attaching/detaching workability of a fitting block to/from an solenoid valve assembly is improved, and a fixing strength of the fitting block to the solenoid valve assembly is enhanced. The fitting block 41 is intended to be detachably mounted to the solenoid valve assembly 12, and the fitting block 41 is provided with port connecting tubes 42 and 43 detachably fitted in output ports A and B, and tube fittings 44 and 45 to which tubes 46 are connected. The fitting block 41 is further provided with an engagement projection 52 which is engaged with a concave portion formed in the solenoid valve assembly 12, and the fitting block is fixed to the solenoid valve assembly 12 via a portion of the engagement projection 52 by a clip 53 engaged with an engagement groove 57 formed in the engagement projection 52.

Abstract: A pressure cap having a generally cylindrical hollow body with a semispherical cap having an orifice defined within and passing through said cap, a valve stem passing through and of smaller cross-section than the orifice, a valve member supported by the valve stem within the hollow body, a valve seat surrounding the inner end of the orifice and upon which the valve member is normally seated so as to close the orifice, and mateable threading to attach to an existing pipe, or attach by frictional fit. It may also have a rubberized flange to fit over a drain line for pressuring a drain and any of a variety of valve stem configurations to accommodate different pump systems and access requirements. Further, a method for clearing an obstructed pipe using a pressure cap as disclosed. In another embodiment a balloon is positioned within the pipe to receive pressurized air until bursting, thereby sending a blast of air down the pipe to clear obstructions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible insert tube (1) for the lining of pipelines (2) and of ducts, in particular of sewers (4), where the flexible insert tube (1) has at least two sublayers (8, 10, 22), of which at least one first sublayer (8, 12) has fibres composed of an inorganic material and can be impregnated by a hardenable reactive composition, characterized in that in the direction from the inside to the outside, based on a longitudinal axis (6) of the flexible insert tube (1), a first inner sublayer (8) is followed by a further sublayer (10), which can be impregnated by the hardenable reactive composition, and whose proportion of fibres composed of an inorganic material is less than 100%.

Abstract: A fluid distribution pipe includes an elongate tubular body and a spherical end form integral with the tubular body at an inlet end. The spherical fluid connection end of the fuel rail is formed by plastic deformation. A series of tools and motions is used while the tubing of the fuel rail is clamped in place to form the spherical end form at the inlet end of the tubing. The resulting spherical end form provides the necessary geometry and surface finish to provide a successful seal and flexible connection of the fuel rail with a fuel line with significant cost advantages over current prior art methods.

Abstract: A thick-wall small-diameter high-pressure fuel injection pipe has a spherical seat surface, an annular flange, and a conical surface continued from the seat surface at a connecting end of the pipe. If the pipe is configured so that t (thickness)/D (outer diameter)<0.3, then an axial distance from the connecting head end to the back face of the annular flange is 0.38D to 0.6D, a spherical radius of the seat surface is 0.45D to 0.65D, the annular flange outer diameter is 1.2D to 1.4D, and an inner peripheral surface of the head has a substantially flat cylindrical surface or a conical surface. If the pipe is configured so that t (thickness)/D (outer diameter)?0.3, then the axial distance from the connecting head end to the back face of the annular flange is 0.38D to 0.7D.

Abstract: A dual-containment pipe includes a primary pipe and a secondary pipe having an inner peripheral surface that radially supports an outer peripheral surface of the primary pipe with an interstice formed therebetween. The secondary pipe contains fluoropolymer. The primary pipe has a mono-layered structure of static dissipative fluoropolymer, a multi-layered structure with static dissipative fluoropolymer at its innermost layer, or a multi-layered structure with static dissipative PA at its innermost layer and a fluoropolymer layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular valve tower extension element (30) for connection to a free end of a valve tower (22) of a vehicle's steering system. The connection end (42) of the valve tower extension element (30) can be connected to a valve tower (22) and comprises a bearing (32) located opposite the connection end (42) in the region of an opening (34) defined by one end of the extension element (see FIG. 1).

Abstract: A system, method, and device for an assembly cover positioning on an end piece is disclosed. The exemplary device may have a sidewall portion made of a ring of material with an aperture in the center wherein the aperture is sized to produce a frictional fit on the end piece. The exemplary device also has a cover portion coupled to a top portion of the sidewall portion.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to the use of laser energy to weld or melt selected locations in papermachine clothing (“PMC”) and other industrial and engineered fabrics. The invention also relates to an improved seam for a papermaker or other industrial fabric that has properties such as strength, durability, openness, adequate number of support points, and fiber support index (FSI) essentially the same as the fabric body. The invention also relates to a fabric having a durable seam, wherein the seam width as measured in the MD is a fraction of the width of a normal seam or a seam that is formed using a conventional technique of equal strength.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a machine felt. Firstly a tube having a longitudinal yarn layer is manufactured with a peripheral length double the length of the machine felt, and a width that corresponds to the width of the machine felt. The tube is compressed into a flattened tube with the formation of longitudinal yarn loops which are exposed by the removal of fibers of a fiber batt layer. An auxiliary substrate web is manufactured with a width that is less than that of the machine felt; for the longitudinal yarns and/or for the auxiliary substrate web, a material is used that absorbs laser energy; the longitudinal yarns are brought together with the auxiliary substrate web and connected by a laser beam; the auxiliary substrate web is helically wound until the tube is formed; and upon exposure of the longitudinal yarn loops, the auxiliary substrate web(s) are also removed.

Abstract: A functional elastic composite yarn comprises an elastic member that is surrounded by at least one functional covering filament(s). The functional covering filament has a length that is greater than the drafted length of the elastic member such that substantially all of an elongating stress imposed on the composite yarn is carried by the elastic member. The elastic composite yarn may further include an optional stress-bearing member surrounding the elastic member and the functional covering filament.

Abstract: A tool and a method are provided for splaying strands of a wire rope at an end thereof. The tool features a body defining a central opening and a plurality of outer openings extending into the body from a common side thereof, the openings sized and positioned for receipt of end portions of the strands at the end of the wire rope. The outer openings are arranged for splaying of the strands of the rope outward away from the core thereof under rotation of the body in a first direction about the core with the strands received in the openings. The rotation untwists the strands from around the core while the openings are shaped to limit motion of the untwisted ends of the strands to sliding motion along guiding surfaces outward away from the core.