Abstract: A method and device for identifying, protecting and reinforcing luggage. The device includes a substantially rectangular and planar flexible woven fabric, including a closure disposed in a complimentary direction to the width of the woven fabric. The present invention further includes a transparent envelope having at least one free edge into which may be inserted owner identification or other information.

Abstract: A one-way clutch, including: a first annular element; a second annular element arranged to lockingly engage with the first element for relative rotation of the second element, with respect to the first annular element, in a first rotational direction; a third annular element at least partly rotatable about the axis and axially disposed between the first and second elements; and a fourth annular element at least partly rotatable about the axis and including a radially disposed body and an axial protrusion extending from the body and connected to the third element. The axial protrusion forms a portion of a space arranged to at least partially enclose fluid to dampen energy associated with the locking engagement of the first and second annular elements, and the first or second element is axially disposed between the third and fourth elements.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement includes a clutch device for transmitting torque between a clutch housing and a takeoff, wherein a pressure element and an opposing pressure element cooperate to establish and release a working connection between at least one drive-side clutch element and at least one takeoff side clutch element. The opposing pressure element is mounted nonrotatably and without freedom of axial movement on the clutch housing, and is connected to at least one drive-side clutch element by axially acting energy storage devices. A takeoff-side clutch element is located between a drive-side clutch element and the opposing pressure element, and between any adjacent drive-side clutch elements. Alternatively, the axially acting energy storage devices can connect the drive-side clutch elements to the clutch housing.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hydraulic transmission uses a solenoid valve having a pressure sensor linked to the valve body operable to sense a hydraulic fluid pressure within a cavity of the valve body and to transmit an electrical signal based on the sensed pressure. The transmitted signal is used to identify the end of fill time, and thus to end a clutch fill phase and commence a clutch modulation or lock-up phase.

Abstract: The present invention is a friction one-way clutch that may be used with automotive components such as a stator in a torque converter. The clutch includes a circular outer race attached to the stator, a flat wedge ring having at least one wedge and fit into an inner perimeter of the outer race to form an interference fit with the outer race. The interference fit is formed by a wedge angle between the inner perimeter of the outer race and the outer perimeter of the wedge ring. An inner race with at least part of its outer edge formed by one or more tapered ramps fits into the inner circumference of the wedge ring. The inner race is attached by splines to a stator shaft. The components of the clutch are positioned so that if they are turned in one direction, the friction between the components will prevent the stator from continuing to turn in that direction. If the components are turned in the opposite direction, the stator is allowed to turn freely.

Abstract: An overrunning coupling assembly includes a control element mounted for controlled shifting movement between coupling faces of annular coupling members relative to a first set of pockets in the first member. The control element is operable for controlling position of only reverse struts in the first set of pockets without controlling the position of forward struts in a second set of pockets in the coupling face of the second member. The control element allows at least one of the reverse struts to engage at least one of a set of locking formations on the coupling face of the second coupling member in a first position of the control element. The control element maintains the reverse struts in their pockets in a second position of the control element.

Abstract: Drive assemblies and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The drive assemblies include a transmission wheel disposed about a shaft and rotatably movable for rotating at least one wheel. The transmission wheel has a contact surface. The drive assemblies also include a drive pulley having a drive surface. The drive pulley is rotatable and configured for causing the transmission wheel to rotate when the drive surface and the contact surface of the transmission wheel are in contact. At least one brake clutch is disposed about an end of the shaft to provide independent control to the at least one wheel.

Abstract: In a stop module, in particular for automated machining and conveyor systems, a stop element for objects moving in a direction of motion in a movement plane is located on a base body, and the stop element is movable by an electrical rotary drive between a first terminal position, in which the stop element protrudes into the movement plane of the objects, and a second terminal position, in which the stop element enables a motion of objects in the movement plane. The motion of the stop element in and out of the movement plane of objects is implemented by a toggle lever device cooperating with the electrical rotary drive, which toggle lever device has at least two lever elements, connected to one another via a first pivot point, and the electrical rotary drive cooperates with the first pivot point.

Abstract: A coin-operated locking device includes a locking unit, a retaining unit, a driving unit, a coin-actuated unit, a user input unit, and an actuating unit. The locking unit is movable between locking and unlocking positions. The retaining unit is movable between a retaining position, where the retaining unit prevents movement of the locking unit between the locking and unlocking positions, and a non-retaining position, where the retaining unit permits movement of the locking unit between the locking and unlocking positions. The driving unit drives movement of the retaining unit between the retaining and non-retaining positions when actuated. The actuating unit actuates the driving unit upon receipt of the coin-deposited signal from the coin-actuated unit and a user input signal from the user input unit.

Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.

Abstract: A portable conveyor device, and method of operating and storing the portable conveyor device, the device including a base having means for releasably affixing the base to a support surface and means for moving the base with respect to the support surface, a first conveyor rotatably attached at a first end to the base by an articulating member, and a second conveyor moveably attached to the base by a vertical conveyor elevation device, wherein the first conveyor being configured to move by the articulating member between a first horizontal position supported on the support surface and a second inclined position and being configured to transport items onto the second conveyor, wherein the second conveyor in a first operating position being configured to receive items from the first conveyor and convey items in both a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.

Abstract: Obtained is a passenger conveyor that, in the case of the elongation of a step chain of the passenger conveyor, causes a hydraulic cylinder to move a lower-part step chain wheel, thereby absorbing a slack in the step chain and tensioning the step chain with any push-out force.

Abstract: An assembly device (20) used in assembling portable electronic devices is provided. The assembly device (20) includes a support, a transmission belt (24) moveably mounted on the support and several fans (25) rotatably mounted on the transmission belt (24) for dissipating heat in the area of the transmission belt (24).

Abstract: A stop module has a base body, a stop element configured for objects moving in a direction of motion in a movement plane and located on the base body, a drive device for moving the stop element between a first terminal position, in which the stop element protrudes into the movement plane of the objects, and a second terminal position, in which the stop element enables a motion of objects in the movement plane, and a damping device cooperating with the stop element for damping a motion of the stop element from a first stop position into a second terminal stop position, which is offset relative to the first stop position at least approximately in the direction of motion of the objects, when an object is resting on the stop element, the damping device being configured so as to damp the motion of the stop element from the first stop position to the second terminal stop position with a rotation damper.

Abstract: An apparatus for pushing items relative to a conveyor includes a pushing member for abutting against the items so as to push the items in a direction generally transverse to the conveyor, drive means for driving movement of the pushing member, and a linkage coupling the drive means to the pushing member. The linkage is arranged such that in response to operation of the drive means the pushing member moves from a rest position to an extended position in a first stroke substantially horizontally in the direction transverse to the conveyor so as to push the items relative to the conveyor, and with further operation of the drive means the pushing member returns to the rest position in a second stroke with an arcuate motion for passing over the top of items on the conveyor.

Abstract: The system (1) comprising a conveyor line (3) defined by a plurality of rollers (5) in which there are determined housing seats of the product (2) between adjacent rollers (5), a selection station (6) in which by means of at least one first member (7 or 8) at least one feature of the product (2) is detected, and a station (17) in which by means of a second member (18) the products (2) with the same features are sorted towards the same destination. The system (1), upstream of said selection station (6), comprises at least one assembly (24) adapted to determine the rotation of the rollers (5) so that the product (2) accommodated in its seat may either correctly settle in such a seat or shifts into an adjacent seat.

Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor system that moves a shopping cart from one location to another along a path. The system includes a frame, a track coupled to the frame, and a conveyor coupled to the frame and having an engagement member (e.g., multiple engagement members) adapted to engage a shopping cart. The engagement member is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the track from a first position, where the engagement member will engage and move the shopping cart along the path, and a second position, where the engagement member is capable of releasing engagement of the shopping cart. Preferably, the engagement member is biased toward the first position (e.g., by a resilient member). In one embodiment, the engagement member includes an engagement surface adapted to engage the shopping cart and defining an engagement angle between the engagement surface and a reference axis parallel to the path.

Abstract: A conveyance system comprises a production machine for manufacturing a web of packaging cushions, a duct downstream from the production machine, a blower to provide an air flow through the duct to apply a conveyance force for conveying the web of packaging cushions, and a friction contact area downstream from the production machine and upstream from the duct entrance. The web of packaging cushions passes beneath and contacts the friction contact area to create a friction force opposing the conveyance force so that the conveyance force is not transmitted along the web of packaging cushions to the production machine.

Abstract: A conveyor system can includes a feed conveyor, a declined conveyor, and an inclined conveyor. A declined stationary surface is suspended above the declined conveyor and positioned to exert a counter-moment on the articles related to the weight of the stationary support surface and the coefficient of sliding friction of the stationary support surface that is sufficient to resist forward rotation of the articles down the declined conveyor. An inclined stationary support surface is suspended above the inclined conveyor and positioned to exert a forward-moment on the articles related to the weight of the stationary support surface and the coefficient of sliding friction of the stationary support surface that is sufficient to resist counter-rotation of the articles that results in movement of the articles down the inclined conveyor. The vertical height of the stationary surfaces can be adjusted. A related method is also described.

Abstract: An item transport system includes a first transport element rotating around a plurality of first transport rollers in a first direction, a second transport element in opposing relation to the first transport element, the second transport element rotating around a plurality of second transport rollers in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a guide plate proximate to the first transport element for engaging the items during processing by an item processing element, and an item registration device configured to maintain the items in registration with the guide plate. The item registration device includes a plurality of independently articulating pivot assemblies biased to engage the second transport element with the first transport element and a plate associated with each pivot assembly. Each plate is fixedly constrained with respect to the pivot assembly at one end and slidably constrained with respect to the pivot assembly at another end.

Abstract: A hold down device for positioning the drive chain of a roller conveyor in a dryer comprising a mounting bracket, and a wear bar, the mounting bracket being arranged to be mounted on a horizontally extending rigid frame member and having a configuration enabling it to support the wear bar over the path of the reach of a roller chain that is meshed with drive sprockets that are each associated with a respective roller of the conveyor, the mounting bracket being arranged to locate the wear bar in an operative position immediately overlying the chain while the chain is meshed with the roller sprockets, the wear bar being removably mounted on the mounting bracket. In one embodiment the wear bar is an elongated element having a width adapted to be received in the space between a pair of links separated by a roller of the drive chain. The elongated wear bar is carried on a guide which in turn is supported directly on the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt, formed of successive rows of assembled injection molded modules connected by laterally-extending pins, has arched tops in each module row and increased depth in the laterally-extending spine of the belt. The belt structure enables the modular plastic belt to be retrofitted in a spiral system normally carrying a steel conveyor belt. In one embodiment the arched-top module rows, having a greater depth than normal, are accommodated on a small-diameter roller, by forming a generally cylindrical undercut at the bottom of each module row, reducing the distance of protrusion outwardly from the roller. The arched-top configuration lends itself not only to transfer of articles as the conveyor passes over the sprocket for a roller, but also the provision of increased beam depth at the center of the module, with lower profiles at the extremities of the link ends.

Abstract: Active cushioning mechanisms that detect imminent impact and activate a damper by driving power from an onboard power supply into an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator transforms the stored electric power into an electromechanical damping force. The actuators may be arranged about the exterior surface of the device, and may be selectively activated to provide protection at different points on the surface depending on the location of expected impact.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a MEMS switch is provided. The MEMS switch includes a substrate, a first and a second actuating element electrically coupled together, an anchor mechanically coupled to the substrate and supporting at least one of the first and second actuating elements, and a gate driver configured to actuate the first and second actuating elements.

Abstract: A MEMS switch includes a substrate, a movable actuator coupled to the substrate, a substrate contact, a substrate electrode, and a conductive stopper electrically coupled to the movable actuator and structured to prevent the movable actuator from contacting the substrate electrode while allowing the movable actuator to make contact with the substrate contact.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a shell defining a space and an opening therein. A fixing pole extends into the space from an inner surface of the shell adjacent to the opening. A circuit board is received in the space, and defines a through hole corresponding to the fixing pole. A push button is arranged in the shell, and includes a button body extending into the opening of the shell and being exposed to the outside, a fixing member, and a connecting member interconnecting the fixing member and the button body. The fixing member defines a fixing hole receiving the fixing pole therein. Two opposite sides of the fixing member abut against an inner surface of the shell and the circuit board, respectively. A locking member extends through the through hole and the fixing hole into the fixing pole to assemble the circuit board, the push button to the shell.

Abstract: A side key assembly (10) and a portable electronic device (200) using the side key assembly (10) is provided. The side key assembly (10) includes a key cover (12), a soft portion (142) and a hard portion (144) that can be firmly adhered to a housing of the portable electronic device ?200?. Using this structure, the opportunity for dust or water to enter the portable electronic device (200) is reduced.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with electrical contacts adapted to open or close thereby preventing or allowing respectively current to be supplied from one pair of an electrical system to a further part of the electrical system. The circuit breaker is provided with a storage device for storing data indicative of the zero crossing points of the current signal and an actuator arrangement for causing the electrical contacts of the circuit breaker to be opened or closed in accordance with the data indicative of the zero points of the current signal. The system synchronises the zero energy state of the a.c. system with the rapid opening of the contacts thereby circumventing an arc in the circuit breaker. Preferably, the actuator is an electrical linear motor whose armature is provided with a position detector to provide feedback control of the motor.

Abstract: This invention provides a lever engagement type electric power source circuit breaker in which a connector is not easily deformed and terminals and fuses accommodated inside are not exposed outside. The invention is lever engagement type electric power source circuit breaker includes a service plug including a service plug housing having a plurality of first connector terminals on a first side of the service plug housing, a metal cover covering a second side of the service plug housing opposing to the first side and including a main body, a boss integrally formed on the periphery of the main body, an electric power source side connector including a plurality of second connector terminals to be connected to the first connector terminals and a shaft, and a lever including a cam groove to be engaged with the boss and pivotably supported by the shaft.

Abstract: A switch for controlling delivery of electrical current to a light. The switch may include a frame, a controller connected to the frame, and a toggle connected to the frame to pivot through a range of motion having a first extreme and a second extreme, opposite the first extreme. The toggle may toggle between a first position proximate the first extreme and a second position proximate the second extreme. The switch may further include a sensor connected to the frame and positioned to detect the toggle in the second position, and a tactile switch connected to the frame and positioned to be actuated by the toggle pivoting past the first position toward the first extreme. The switch may also include a controller connected to the sensor and tactile switch to receive inputs therefrom and to execute logic to control the delivery in accordance with the inputs.

Abstract: A key button mechanism (100) including an operating body (10), a flexible circuit board (20), a fixing device (40), and a mounting assembly (50) is provided. The flexible circuit board engages with the operating body. The fixing device includes a hanging body (42) and a fixing base (44), and the hanging body is hung on the fixing base. The flexible circuit board is attached to the hanging body. The mounting assembly includes a cover (52) and a mounting portion (54) configured for mounting the fixing base thereon. The hanging body of the fixing device is configured for resisting the mounting portion. An electronic apparatus incorporating the key button mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: An organic/inorganic composite structure is provided for serving as an overcoat of a capacitive touch panel. Such structure provides the overcoat with a capacitive property and refraction so that the sensitivity and the transparency of the touch panel are improved. Moreover, the entire thickness of the touch panel is also reduced in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A centrifugal switching device of a single-phase induction motor includes a centrifuge and pressure switches. The centrifuge includes a centrifugal sleeve, a centrifugal base, shaft coupling blocks, and a spring. The spring is directly fitted on the centrifugal base. Under a centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the motor, shaft coupling blocks I and II slide axially against an axial force of the spring, thus forcing an axial end surface of the centrifugal sleeve to be separated from contacts of the pressure switches, such that a starting winding of a stator ferrite-core coil of the single-phase induction motor is disconnected and a heater is turned on. The shaft coupling blocks I and II adopt a design with round transition, central sliding contact, and smooth rotation, thereby achieving a simple structure, convenient mounting, and safety usage.

Abstract: In a solvent recycling system, a distillation vessel having an upper distillation zone and a lower waste collection zone and means whereby solvent waste falls into said waste collection zone before solvent enters said distillation zone. The system preferably has a solvent vapour outlet and a heating means, whereby solvent enters the vessel from above through the solvent feed inlet and solvent waste falls into said waste collection zone before distillation is commenced, and a shut-off means or filling tube extending below the distillation zone associated with the inlet to prevent solvent vapours exiting the vessel through the inlet during distillation.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting corrosion in aqueous evaporative systems where soluble silica (SiO2) is maintained at residuals between 10 Mg/L and saturation, but more preferably maintained at greater than 300 mg/L as SiO2, to provide corrosion inhibiting silica films that protect system metals. Silica is provided by evaporation of water and subsequent concentration and transformation of silica naturally contained in source water. The methods of the present invention provide highly effective inhibition of corrosion for mild steel, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, galvanized steel and various alloys of such metals. The methods of the present invention comprise pretreatment removal of polyvalent metal ions from the makeup source water, maintenance of concentration of monovalent metal ions, and controlling pH at a minimum of 7.0 in the presence of an elevated temperature aqueous environment.

Abstract: A method to produce distilled water includes the step of providing a closed-circuit, sealed, pressurized distillation unit. The unit includes a first sealed reservoir to receive and hold distilled water and removably sealingly installed in the distillation unit; a second sealed reservoir to hold contaminated water and removably sealingly installed in the distillation unit; an airstone positioned in the second reservoir to produce at least thousands of tiny bubbles per minute in contaminated water in the second reservoir; a coil positioned above the first reservoir; a cooling system operable to cool the coil; a vacuum pump with an input and an output; and conduit interconnecting the first and second reservoirs.

Abstract: A dehydration method for removing water from a hydrolysis reaction mixture containing unreacted water generated when monochlorobenzene is hydrolyzed to produce phenol, the method for dehydrating the hydrolysis reaction mixture comprising the steps of supplying a hydrolysis reaction mixture to a distillation tower, supplying a liquid containing monochlorobenzene to the tower top portion of the distillation tower, and removing the substantially whole amount of the water in the hydrolysis reaction mixture together with monochlorobenzene from the tower top portion by distillation.

Abstract: RF power is coupled to one or more RF drive points (50-56) on an electrode (20-28) of a plasma chamber such that the level of RF power coupled to the RF drive points (51-52, 55-56) on the half (61) of the electrode that is closer to the workpiece passageway (12) exceeds the level of RF power coupled to the RF drive points (53-54), if any, on the other half (62) of the electrode. Alternatively, RF power is coupled to one or more RF drive points on an electrode of a plasma chamber such that the weighted mean of the drive point positions is between the center (60) of the electrode and the workpiece passageway. The weighted mean is based on weighting each drive point position by the time-averaged level of RF power coupled to that drive point position. The invention offsets an increase in plasma density that otherwise would exist adjacent the end of the electrode closest to the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and method for processing a substrate. Particularly, the present invention provides apparatus and methods to obtain a desired distribution of a process gas. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing a substrate comprising an injection nozzle having a first fluid path including a first inlet configured to receive a fluid input, and a plurality of first injection ports connected with the first inlet, wherein the plurality of first injection ports are configured to direct a fluid from the first inlet towards a first region of a process volume, and a second fluid path including a second inlet configured to receive a fluid input, and a plurality of second injection ports connected with the second inlet, wherein the second injection ports are configured to direct a fluid from the second inlet towards a second region of the process volume.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and method for adjusting plasma density distribution in an inductively coupled plasma chamber. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus configured for processing a substrate. The apparatus comprises a chamber body defining a process volume configured to process the substrate therein, and a coil assembly coupled to the chamber body outside the process volume, wherein the coil assembly comprises a coil mounting plate, a first coil antenna mounted on the coil mounting plate, and a coil adjusting mechanism configured to adjust the alignment of the first coil antenna relative to the process volume.

Abstract: An electrostatic dehydrator or separator having at least two generally horizontal electrodes will function as a separator for water and oil, and also for gas, water and oil. Gas/liquid separation occurs in the front section of the vessel. Oil/water separation takes place in a subsequent section of the vessel which may have two or three independent generally horizontal electrodes or grids spaced at different distances above the generally horizontal oil/water interface. The two or three independent electrodes or grids will each have their own transformer. The higher grid(s) will continue to operate even if the lower grid(s) short out.

Abstract: This invention relates to the partial hydrogenation of sulfur containing petroleum feedstreams by electrochemical means. The partially hydrogenated feedstream is then conducted to processes for either conversion and removal of at least some of the sulfur-containing species from the electrochemical desulfurization process or adsorption and removal of at least some of the sulfur-containing species from the electrochemical desulfurization process.

Abstract: When a magnetron is scanned about the back of a target in a selected complex path having radial components, the erosion profile has a form depending upon the selection of paths. A radial erosion rate profile for a given magnetron is measured. Periodically during scanning, an erosion profile is calculated from the measured erosion rate profile, the time the magnetron spends at different radii, and the target power. The calculated erosion profile may be used to indicate when erosion has become excessive at any location prompting target replacement or to adjust the height of the magnetron above the target for repeated scans. In another aspect of the invention, the magnetron height is dynamically adjusted during a scan to compensate for erosion. The compensation may be based on the calculated erosion profile or on feedback control of the present value of the target voltage for a constant-power target supply.

Abstract: Disclosed is a A reactive sputtering apparatus for a bias sputtering method of applying a bias voltage to a supporting substrate in formation of a film of a metal compound on the supporting substrate according to a reactive sputtering method; which comprises a supporting substrate conveyor unit and a cathode that includes a target provided to face the supporting substrate conveyor unit, and wherein a supporting substrate is conveyed between the supporting substrate conveyor unit and the target for formation of a metal compound on the supporting substrate, magnets are provided adjacent to the supporting substrate conveyor unit on the side thereof opposite to the supporting substrate in such that the magnetic field is closed and the continuing tunnel part of parallel or nearly parallel arched magnetic force lines forms an oval or a polygon, on the supporting substrate, the magnets each having a first magnetic pole of an S pole or an N pole and a second magnetic pole opposite to the first magnetic pole, the s

Abstract: A tantalum nitride film-forming method comprises the steps of introducing, into a vacuum chamber, a raw gas consisting of a coordination compound constituted by elemental Ta having a coordinated ligand represented by the general formula: N?(R,R?) (in the formula, R and R? may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms) to thus adsorb the gas on a substrate; then introducing an NH3 gas and then activated H radicals derived from a reactant gas into a vacuum chamber to thus remove the R(R?) groups bonded to the nitrogen atom present in the reaction product through cleavage, and to thus form a tantalum nitride film rich in tantalum atoms. The resulting tantalum nitride film has a low resistance, low contents of C and N atoms, and a high compositional ratio: Ta/N, can ensure sufficiently high adherence to the distributing wire-forming film and can thus be useful as a barrier film.

Abstract: A tantalum nitride film-forming method comprises the steps, according to the CVD technique, of introducing a raw gas consisting of a coordination compound constituted by an elemental tantalum (Ta) having a coordinated ligand represented by the general formula: N?(R, R?) (in the formula, R and R? may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms) and a halogen gas into a film-forming chamber to thus form a film of a halogenated compound represented by the following general formula: TaNx(Hal)y(R, R?)z (in the formula, Hal represents a halogen atom), reacting the halogenated compound film with a hydrogen atom-containing gas by the introduction thereof into the chamber to thus form a tantalum nitride film rich in tantalum atoms. The resulting tantalum nitride film has a low resistance, low contents of C and N, and a high compositional ratio: Ta/N, can ensure high adherence to the electrical connection-forming film and can thus be useful as a barrier film.

Abstract: A discharge electrode, a thin-film deposition apparatus, and a solar cell fabrication method, which suppress the generation of a film thickness distribution and a film quality distribution, are provided. The discharge electrode includes two lateral structures 20 that are substantially parallel to each other and extend in an X direction; and a plurality of longitudinal structures 21a that are provided between the two lateral structures, are substantially parallel to each other, and extend in a Y direction substantially orthogonal to the X direction. The longitudinal structures 21a each include an electrode main body 35 whose one end 35a is connected to one of the lateral structures 20 and whose the other end 35b is connected to the other lateral structure 20; a gas pipe 41 disposed in a gas-pipe accommodating space 36; and a porous body 40. An opening 38 opens to a substrate 8 and is covered with the porous body 40. A gas diffusion path 37 connects the gas-pipe accommodating space 36 and the opening 38.

Abstract: Alternative sputter target compositions or configurations for thin-film electrolytes are proposed whereby the sputter target materials system possesses sufficient electrical conductivity to allow the use of (pulsed) DC target power for sputter deposition. The electrolyte film materials adopt their required electrically insulating and lithium-ion conductive properties after reactive sputter deposition from the electrically conducting sputter target materials system.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a process for collecting effluents produced by an electrolytic cell intended for the production of aluminium and for drawing said effluents away from the cell in a flow of gas. The system comprising a hooding to confine the effluents, at least one outlet channel to collect said flow of gas and suction means to draw said flow of gas away from the cell. The hooding includes removable hoods and, optionally, at least one door to get access to the inside of the hooding. The system further comprises at least one pipe for blowing pressurized air within the outlet channel so as to increase the rate of said flow of gas. Pressurized air supply is activated at a specified pressure Po so as to obtain a specified flow rate Ro.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulating frame of an electrolysis cell having a microstructured internal section allowing the penetration of the electrolyte even if the structured section is partly or completely overlapped by the membrane, and to an electrolysis cell equipped with the same.