Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar cell which can enhance the absorption of the short-wavelength range radiation ?<400 nm of the sun and re-radiate in the wavelength range ?=500˜780 nm to enhance the solar cell's capability in absorbing more long-wavelength radiation and form separate electron-hole pairs so as to increase the output power of the solar cell assembly. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a transparent light conversion film for solar cells.

Abstract: The objectives of the present invention are to enable the manufacturing of an organic thin-film photoelectric conversion element under normal atmosphere, improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the element, and enhance its durability. A hole-blocking TiO2 layer is created between the photoelectric conversion layer and the electrode by a wet process. In the manufacturing process, the hole-blocking TiO2 layer is air-dried so that it will be an amorphous layer. It is possible to provide a concentration gradient layer of PCBM/P3HT in which the PCBM concentration is higher in a region close to the hole-blocking TiO2 layer. This structure will reduce the electric resistance of that region and minimize the current loss within the photoelectric conversion element. In the vicinity of the hole-blocking TiO2 layer, the PCBM concentration is increased, which in turn makes it easier for electrons to flow into the TiO2 layer since PCBM is electrically conductive.

Abstract: A P-type doped layer of a photoelectric conversion device is provided. The P-type doped layer is a double layer structure including a seeding layer and a wide band gap layer disposed thereon. The P-type doped layer with the double layer structure has both high conductivity and high photoelectric performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dissipating heat from a region of flexible pipe covered by a bend stiffener. The method includes the steps of, via at least one channel in an outer surface around a flexible pipe, providing a flow path for water to flow from a region of the flexible pipe covered by a bend stiffener to an uncovered region of the flexible pipe.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valving system includes a manifold having one or more flow passages therein; a sleeve disposed relative to the manifold so that movement of the sleeve inhibits or allows fluid flow relative to the manifold; and an electromagnet positioned relative to the sleeve such that a magnetic field generated by the at least one electromagnet produces a motive force in the sleeve and method.

Abstract: The method of the present invention results in a secondary containment area for above ground storage tanks. The method involves leveling the site, laying a foundation bed, building a retaining barrier around the site, covering the foundation bed and retaining barrier with a liner cloth, and applying a layer of polyurea to the liner cloth and retaining barrier.

Abstract: A liquid feeding method for feeding liquid in a minute flow path is provided. The minute flow path includes flow paths 43a, 43c, 43d connected to each other directly at respective first ends. The liquid feeding direction of blood S in the minute flow path is controlled by creating a high-pressure state at a second end of the flow path 43a located across the blood S, while creating a low-pressure state or a closed state at a second end of the flow paths 43d, 43c.

Abstract: An innovative method and apparatus for disposing of waste fluids, especially human body fluids such as are generated during surgery, into a hospital's sanitary sewer system is provided. A conduit system is adapted to transport waste fluid from a receptacle to a sanitary sewer using an eductor having a venturi device. The conduit system includes first and second conduits. First and second connectors are used to easily connect the first conduit to the second conduit. The second connector includes a flap that acts as a check valve.

Abstract: Compressor arrangement for generating compressed air by means of a motor-operator compressor unit, down stream of which at least one cooler unit is connected for cooling the generated compressed air, which enters the cooler unit via at least one inlet, flows there through a cooling structure, around which cooling air flows, from a plurality of cooling passages connected in parallel and leaves the cooler unit via at least one outlet, wherein a permanently open bypass pipe is provided between the region of the inlet and the region of the outlet, the inner cross section of which bypass pipe is matched to the delivery capacity of the compressor unit and to the pressure difference between inlet and outlet in such a way that the bypass pipe, at normal ambient temperatures, causes a higher flow resistance than the cooling structure, whereas, as freezing of the cooling structure progresses, the compressed air flows increasingly via the bypass pipe in order to maintain the generation of compressed air with minimum los

Abstract: An ice tray with water level detecting device includes an ice trench and a water level detecting device for detecting the water level of the water in the ice trench. The water level detecting device includes a radio frequency detecting device and a parameter setting unit. The radio frequency detecting device emits a radio frequency wave to the ice tray and the water and receives the reflection wave from the ice tray or the water. Here, the radio frequency detecting device has a decision level for deciding the strength of the reflection wave, so as to output a stop signal to stop the water supplying schedule. And, the parameter setting unit can alter the decision level for changing the water level of the ice tray. Therefore, through the structure described above, the water amount in the ice tray can be detected and controlled in an effective way.

Abstract: A water level control device has connected tubular housings, one serving as a support for a hose connection and the other serving to support a valve housing assembly for operation of a toggle valve within the valve housing. An airtight float serves to raise the one extreme of a float rod when buoyed by sufficient water level admitted through apertures in the valve housing. The other extreme of the float rod is attached to a rod holder to hold the float rod. The rod holder passes through an outlet apertured valve seat wherein a valve washer attached to the rod holder within the toggle valve cavity is urged against the outlet valve seat by water pressure from a water hose. When the water level in a pool or spa, and thus the float, is lowered, the one extreme of the float rod will also be lowered lowering the other extreme of the float rod and the attached rod holder to cause the attached valve washer to tilt away from the valve seat and permit water from the hose to enter the pool.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pressure regulator comprising: a housing having an inlet opening for the supply of pressurized fluid under primary pressure from a pressurized fluid source and an outlet opening for discharging the pressurized fluid under a secondary reduced pressure, a channel between the aforementioned inlet opening and outlet opening; and a pressure-regulating mechanism for reducing the aforementioned primary pressure to the aforementioned secondary pressure. The pressure regulator's pressure-regulating mechanism has a movable body that comprises a diaphragm which is displaceable in response to pressure fluctuations, the inlet opening and the movable body being in line with each other in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the diaphragm displacement.

Abstract: The current invention provides a emitter with an internal passage for a drip irrigation system that delivers an irrigation fluid such as water from a fluid source to one or more plants. The emitter is capable of being operably attached to a tube or other conduit of an irrigation fluid. Optionally, the emitter includes a means for reversibly attaching a side portion of a tube to the emitter.

Abstract: A check valve in which a valve opens to allow a fluid to flow out when a differential pressure of a pressure in one area with respect to that in the other area becomes large and remains closed even when the pressure in the other area becomes higher than that in the one area includes a lip in contact with an opposed face provided at a position opposite to the check valve, wherein the lip is constructed so as to be in contact with the opposed face in such a way that the tip of the lip is bent to a side of the other area and a satin finish is given to the whole area of a surface of the lip that could be brought into contact with the opposed face.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator of the present invention comprises in combination a stationary hollow duct housing having a first end and a second end through which fluid flows. The device also incorporates a movable member aligned concentric with the duct having an end essentially similarly shaped and sized to the first end of the housing. The member may be spaced apart from the duct so that fluid can enter the duct housing through an opening defined by the space between the end of the member and the first end of the duct, with the movement of the member serving to change the size of opening. The movement of the member is controlled by the movement of a float located within the duct.

Abstract: A method of operating a controller for a pool pump motor includes the steps of setting an operating mode for the pool pump motor, setting a torque value for the pool pump motor corresponding to the operating mode, setting a high operating threshold and a low operating threshold corresponding to the torque value, operating the pool pump motor in a constant torque mode using the torque value, monitoring an operating parameter of the pool pump motor corresponding to a load on the pool pump motor, discontinuing operating the pool pump motor when the operating parameter is higher than the high operating threshold or lower than the low operating threshold and signaling a pool pump motor fault upon the discontinuing operating the pool pump motor. The operating parameter of the pool pump motor is RPM or current supplied to the pool pump motor. Additionally disclosed are energy efficient pool hydraulic design techniques that increase the energy efficiency of hydraulic systems.

Abstract: An impulse charger for motor vehicle engines include impulse valves driven using driving force continuously generated by a driving apparatus so as to be instantaneously opened and closed at a high speed by a link unit in which link members are interconnected, and in which the impulse valves for all cylinders are simultaneously driven. Thus, the impulse charger provides simple drive control, reduction in necessary components, and an efficient mounting space, guarantees easy manufacturing and mounting at a low cost, and prevents noise from being generated when the impulse valves are operated.

Abstract: The problems of reducing the torque required to turn the valve, eliminating wear dust, and extending the life of the valves in Gifford McMahon (G-M) type multi-port pulse tube refrigerators are solved by using a rotary spool valve having radial clearance to control flow to and from the regenerator, and using face seal ports on the end of the spool to control flow to and from the pulse tubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling medium flow path for improving cooling efficiency of a cooling medium used for liquid-cooling systems for motors, radiators and the like. The cooling medium flow path according to the present invention is capable of increasing cooling efficiency of a cooling medium by providing magnetic members for generating a magnetic force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the cooling medium so that clusters of a liquid, such as cooling water, antifreeze liquid or the like flowing through the flow path may be finely divided or activated.

Abstract: Flexible thermoplastic hose bundle for use in the operation and control of Blow-Out Prevention (BOP) valves and other devices located on subsea well heads. The bundle includes a plurality ?-inch inner diameter (ID) hoses which are cabled around a central hose and sheathed in an outer jacket.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes providing a first controller; providing a second controller; using the second controller to control a plurality of valves to provide a sequence of air jets that propel a weft thread across at least a portion of a weft insertion region of an air jet loom; and using the first controller to control at least one aspect of the air jet loom not controlled by the second controller. In some embodiments, a method for a controller in an air jet loom includes (a) defining a reference loom configuration; (b) determining a characterization of the reference loom configuration; (c) determining a modified loom configuration by at least one change to the reference loom configuration; (d) determining a characterization of the modified loom configuration; and (e) revising the reference loom configuration if the characterization of the modified loom configuration satisfies a criteria.

Abstract: A container suitable for containing a liquid composition and comprising an insert located in the neck of said container, and wherein when said container is filled with a liquid composition, zero headspace exists below said insert.

Abstract: A multi-column packing system and packed bed assessment system for producing small bore LC columns of superior quality, improved column-to-column reproducibility, and lower cost than current commercially available columns. The process utilizes an automated multi-column packing system with an integrated sensor that detects when the slurry-packed bed has reached the desired length. The optical packed bed assessment system examines the packed bed within the column and detects any packing inconsistencies or voids within the column. The multi-column packing system makes automated connections to tubes via an automated compression mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for filling gaseous hydrogen storage tanks. The methods of the present invention include methods for refilling gaseous hydrogen storage tanks utilizing a cascade fill. The methods of the present invention provide for the efficient refilling of the gaseous hydrogen storage tanks and the efficient dispensing of gaseous hydrogen to hydrogen vehicles.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating a balloon (10) and keeping the balloon inflated whilst a substance (13) is introduced into the balloon, comprises a container (1) having a lid (2). The lid has an opening (4) arranged such that a balloon can be positioned in the container with its neck open, aligned* with the opening and in sealing engagement with the lid. A non-return valve (3) permits gas to be displaced from the space in the container outside the balloon whilst the balloon is inflated. The non-return valve (3) is provided in a conduit (7) extending from the lid (2) to adjacent the base of the container. Once the balloon (10) has been inflated the substance (13) can be introduced into the balloon by a funnel (12). A release valve (6) is provided to permit controlled introduction of gas into the space in the container outside the balloon, so as to permit controlled contraction of the balloon around the substance.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for faster filling of bags with material are disclosed. An accelerating mechanism accelerates material flowing through a chute from a material supply to a bag of a bag supplier.

Abstract: Method for filling a tank with a pressurized gas, in particular a vehicle tank with hydrogen, including the step of compressing the gas from a first gas source in order to fill said tank directly or via at least one buffer vessel, wherein the compression step is carried out using the energy from a working fluid, said method being characterized in that it comprises a step of heat exchange between said compressed gas and said working fluid.

Abstract: A liquid reclamation apparatus for use in changing automobile oil includes a container, a portable receptacle within the container and dimensioned to hold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oil change and a cover releasably secured to the container.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus in a form-fill-seal packaging machine comprises a delivery nozzle (12), a valve closure member (34) co-axial with the nozzle (12) and reciprocable co-axially relative thereto and bounding with the nozzle (12) an annular volume (35) therebetween for flow of liquid therethrough, fins (54) in the volume (35) and extending helically co-axially with the nozzle (12) for imparting a spiral motion to the liquid flowing through said volume, an annular valve closure seat (42) in and co-axial with the nozzle (12), respective annular portions of the seat (42) and the member (34) coming into sealing contact with each other, the annular portion of the member (34) comprising glass-fibre-reinforced plastics, a tubular bellows (44) extending between the nozzle (12) and the member (34) and sealingly separating in a liquid-tight manner the volume (35) from an interior chamber (46), and ducting (49, 50) which serves to supply a microbiocidal medium to the chamber (46).

Abstract: A funnel that is both functional and storage-efficient is disclosed. A funnel when properly stored takes up no more space than the funnel body itself; when its fully extended can be as long as 30 inches long—longer than any funnel seen in the general consumer market. At its most flexible posture the funnel can be made snake-like to reach the most hard-to reach areas, such as the underside of an automobile or the backside under the kitchen sink.

Abstract: A work bench for a power tool includes a beam for supporting the power tool, the beam having a first end, a second end, and a top surface extending between the first and second ends, and legs for supporting the beam over a surface. The work bench includes a first extension arm extendable from the first end of the beam, the first extension arm including a first main arm that telescopes within the first end of the beam, a first auxiliary arm that telescopes within the first main arm, and a first support leg that is pivotally connected with the auxiliary arm and that telescopes within the main arm. The work bench includes a second extension arm extendable from the second end of the beam, the second extension arm including a second main arm that telescopes within the second end of the beam, a second auxiliary arm that telescopes within the second main arm, and a second support leg that is connected with the second auxiliary arm and that telescopes within the second main arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a debarking mechanism (1) for the decortication or pretreatment of logs (2) for separately performed final debarking and for the discharge of at least some of the bark removed from a wood stream passing through the debarking mechanism, the said debarking mechanism comprising a number of rotatable debarking shafts (3, 3?) extending parallel to an advancing direction (A) of the logs (2) to be fed therethrough, which are provided with a number of teeth (4) extending beyond the circumferential surface of the shaft (3, 3?). The debarking shafts (3, 3?) are arranged relative to each other in such a way that the logs (2) being processed perform a rotary motion (C) in the debarking mechanism, in which motion the logs (2) are forced in their turn, by the effect of the rotary motion (5) of the debarking shafts (3, 3?), into the upper position, from which they roll down into the lower position on top of the other logs (2) in the debarking machine (1).

Abstract: A combination planer/moulder having means to raise, lower and lock a cutting member at a desired position is provided. The device includes a platform onto which a table for holding materials and an adjustment system are attached. The adjustment system includes at least one column having a rectilinear wall. A cutterhead is provided, having cooperative openings and a locking means, such that it may move along the at least one column of the adjustment system and locked in place. The rectilinear wall of the column cooperates with a similarly shaped opening in the cutterhead, such that by pressing the rectilinear shaped side of the opening against the rectilinear wall of the column the cutterhead may be fixed in desirable positions to permit work on materials and released for adjustment. The device includes a window such that the placement of the cutting knives on the materials can be viewed and debris can be seen and removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first component of a medical device to a second component of the medical device, where at least one of the components comprises a shape memory material, includes positioning the components in close proximity to each other to obtain an assembled configuration, and heating the assembled configuration at a temperature in the range of from about 800° C. to about 1100° C. to obtain a diffusion bond at a region of contact between the two components. The assembled configuration is formed into a desired set shape and heat-set at a temperature in the range of from about 350° C. to about 550° C. to impart a memory of the desired set shape to the shape memory materials without substantially impairing the diffusion bond.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of production of hot dip galvannealed steel sheet with excellent workability compared with the Sendzimir method or non-oxidizing furnace method and further with excellent powdering or slidability, that is, a method of production of hot dip galvannealed steel sheet with excellent workability, powdering, and slidability characterized by processing a slab containing, by mass %, C: 0.01 to 0.12%, Mn: 0.05 to 0.6%, Si: 0.002 to 0.1%, P: 0.05% or less, S: 0.03% or less, sol. Al: 0.005 to 0.1%, and N: 0.01% or less and having a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities by hot rolling, pickling, cold rolling, then annealing at 650 to 900° C., cooling to 250 to 450° C., holding at said temperature range for 120 seconds or more, then cooling to room temperature, pickling, preplating Ni or Ni—Fe without intermediate temper rolling, heating by 5° C./sec or more down to 430 to 500° C., galvanizing in a galvanization bath, wiping, then heating by a rate of temperature rise of 20° C.

Abstract: Compared to conventional steel products, polyphase steels have a significantly improved combination of resistance and ductility and are therefore becoming more and more important—especially for the automobile industry. The currently most important steel groups for the automobile industry are dual phase steels and TRIP steels. The production of different polyphase steel resistance categories, carried out directly on a hot strip, for meeting various requirements, requires a highly extensive know-how and firstly a corresponding adaptation of the alloy elements. According to the invention, a heat treatment (30) with a variable heating temperature and heating duration is carried out following the actual production of polyphase steels with a standard analysis and a standard process execution, whereby almost any combination of different materials or combination of properties (height of yield stress, level of tensile strength) can be adjusted.

Abstract: Alloys based on titanium aluminides, such as ? (TiAl) which may be made through the use of casting or powder metallurgical processes and heat treatments. The alloys contain titanium, 38 to 46 atom % aluminum, and 5 to 10 atom % niobium, and they contain composite lamella structures with B19 phase and ? phase there in a volume ratio of the B19 phase to ? phase 0.05:1 and 20:1.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating and coloring a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and a system for providing a gas mixture containing a fractional concentration of oxygen to oxidize and colorize the surfaces of the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of suture needles pass through the housing.

Abstract: A wire rod which is mainly composed of pearlite and has an area fraction of 5% or less of a non-pearlite structure composed of pro-eutectoid ferrite, degenerate-pearlite or bainite in a section, or has an area fraction of 10% or less of a non-pearlite structure in a portion from the surface to a depth of 100 ?m.

Abstract: An ignition composition and its applications, the ignition composition including at least (a) an explosive fraction that includes at least one primary explosive, (b) an oxidation-reduction system and (c) an agglomerate. In the ignition composition the explosive fraction represents 9 to 35% by weight of the composition, the primary explosive at least is tetrazene, and tetrazene represents at least 95% by weight of said explosive fraction.

Abstract: A handbag, a system and a method interchange storage containers which hold personal items and/or professional items. The handbag may have an outer shell that may have walls defining a cavity. The handbag has an insert with portions defining three or more containers. The handbag has a purse insert with sides defining an inner volume of the purse insert. The handbag has a purse shell with sections defining a chamber. The purse insert fits within the insert, and the insert fits within the outer shell. The purse insert may be transferred into an alternate insert, placed in a purse shell or carried independently. The insert is transferrable between the outer shell and an alternate outer shell. Moreover, the purse insert fits within the purse shell and is transferrable from the insert to the purse shell.

Abstract: A device for the protection of vehicle door interiors while transporting things that might damage the door is provided. In exemplary form, the device may be removably installed on the interior of vehicle doors and at least temporarily secured in place while the door is open. Closing the door may further serve to secure the device in place, preventing it from being accidentally dislodged.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising an electronic sensing device at least partially encapsulated by an elastomeric composition, the elastomeric composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of at least one elastomer; and from 25 to 100 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr) of a thermoplastic having a melting temperature ranging of less than 200° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising two spaced inextensible beads; a ground contacting tread portion; a pair of individual sidewalls extending radially inward from the axial outer edges of said tread portion to join the respective beads, the axial outer edges of the tread portion defining a tread width; a supporting carcass for the tread portion and sidewalls; an innerliner disposed radially inward of the carcass; and an electronic sensor mounted in a foamed sensor mount disposed radially inwardly of the innerliner and exposed to the inner cavity of the tire, the foamed sensor mount comprising a foamed rubber composition co-vulcanized and integral with the innerliner, the foamed rubber composition having a density ranging from 0.1 to 1 g/cm3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a tread of a cured rubber composition which contains dual silica moieties in a sense of containing both hydrophilic precipitated silica and in situ hydrophobated precipitated silica.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a tread of a cured rubber composition which contains dual silica moieties in a sense of containing both hydrophilic precipitated silica and in situ hydrophobated precipitated silica.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire in which left- and right-side lateral grooves extend between first main grooves and second main grooves, and in which left- and right-side sub grooves extend halfway from the second main grooves toward the first main grooves. The lateral grooves and the sub grooves are disposed alternately with each other at predetermined pitches in tire circumferential directions. The left- and right-side lateral grooves respectively include: first groove portions extending from the first main grooves; and second groove portions extending from the second main grooves while curving inwardly toward tire width directions. The left- and right-side lateral grooves are offset from each other in the tire circumferential directions. Opening portions at both ends of each of the lateral grooves, which are opened to the first main grooves and the second main grooves, are shifted from one another in the tire circumferential directions.

Abstract: There is provided a pneumatic tire having a shallow groove provided between zigzag sipes adjacent in the circumferential direction of the tire, a tire mold used for production of the pneumatic tire and a method of producing the pneumatic tire with the tire mold, which can reduce production cost of the mold, facilitate trimming operation and decrease waste from trimming while reduction of driving stability during turning on a wet road surface and occurrence of curing trouble are suppressed. The pneumatic tire of the present invention has a tread surface 1 where land portions 6, 8, 12, 13 and 14 are defined by grooves 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10. The land portions 6, 8, 12, 13 and 14 have tread surface sections 6a, 8a, 12a, 13a and 14a, in which a plurality of sipes 15 extending in a zigzag manner in the widthwise direction of the tire are arranged at prescribed intervals in the circumferential direction T of the tire.

Abstract: A tightening system of straps for use in anti-skid and traction enhancement devices is disclosed. The tightening system comprises a central node which is located on the principle axis of the axle of a wheel and which has a plurality of extensions adapted to fasten a plurality of radially extending straps around its periphery. A plurality of radially extending flexible straps, which are attached to a surface contact member at their first 10 ends and to the central node at their second ends, are used to tighten the anti skid device. The flexible straps are passed through a buckle for tightening the surface contact members in the radial direction in order to eliminate outward bulging on the surface contact members as well as to avoid eccentricity in the strap system.

Abstract: A tire pump that is housed within the hub of a wheel is described. The pump includes a piston that moves axially with respect to the wheel's axle. The pump also includes a pressure switch configured to stop the pump when sufficient tire pressure is reached.