Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a styling comb that can be used to train stylists to make precisely angled cuts, the styling comb having a single spirit level with indicia corresponding to at least two predetermined angles. Particularly preferred embodiments of the styling comb have the same feel (e.g., weight, balance, etc.) as a standard styling comb.

Abstract: An eyelash extension system having a backbone and a plurality of eyelash extensions attached to the backbone. An adhesive is applied to an application surface of the backbone, and the adhesive is selected from the group of adhesives comprising latex adhesives, solvent-borne adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), and hot melt adhesives.

Abstract: An applicator for use with an eyelash extension system that has a backbone and a backbone surface. A plurality of eyelash extensions are attached to the backbone. The applicator has a closure having a closure surface facing the backbone surface, and a pair of clips, each clip including a first arm, a second arm, and a pivot attached to the first arm and the second arm. A first holder is attached to each of the first arms to releasably attach the backbone to the first arms. Further there is a second holder attached to each of the second arms to releasably attach the closure to the second arms. The first and second arms are moveable between a first state wherein the first and second arms are spaced relative to each other and a second state wherein the first and second arms abut each other.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for cleaning particulate contamination from small dimensions on microelectronic device substrates. The cleaning composition contains dense CO2 (preferably supercritical CO2 (SCCO2)), alcohol, fluoride source, anionic surfactant source, non-ionic surfactant source, and optionally, hydroxyl additive. The cleaning composition enables damage-free, residue-free cleaning of substrates having particulate contamination on Si/SiO2 substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a shower head. The apparatus comprises a substantially hollow container member having a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material for holding a cleaning solution. Such substantially hollow container member having a bottom portion and a sidewall portion extending upwardly from such bottom portion. The sidewall portion enclosing an entire perimeter of the bottom portion. A hanging member is disposed on a predetermined portion of the sidewall portion of such container member for hanging the substantially hollow container member from a water line having a shower head on an end thereof so that an end of such shower head is enclosed in the container member holding such cleaning solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a drinking fountain head. The apparatus comprises a substantially hollow bottomless container member for holding a cleaning solution and having each of a predetermined height, a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material. There is a sealing member disposed on an inside bottom periphery of the substantially hollow bottomless container member for sealing against an upper portion of such drinking fountain for retaining such cleaning solution.

Abstract: A method for stripping paint hangers in a paint conveyor system. The system comprising a plurality of operation stages for operating on articles coupled to the paint hangers, and with the paint hangers supported from at least one conveyor line. The method comprising: Performing operations on articles at operation stages, while paint hangers are supported from the conveyor line, removing the articles from the paint hangers following completion of performing of operations on the articles, performing in-line stripping process on the hangers, and returning stripped paint hangers to an initial one of the operation stages following the stripping process.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle washing apparatus in which the length, width and height of the apparatus may each be adjusted to the size of the vehicle to be washed and for easier transport. The frame dimensions may be adjusted by a system of cranks found on each frame member that may need to be adjusted. Also, attached to the frame are swinging arm members that may clean the bottom side of a vehicle passing through them. Powered brush members are used in the apparatus as a means to scrub vehicle surfaces. The cleaning and rinsing fluids pass through a series of hoses and nozzles mounted about the frame so that the tops and left and right sides of the vehicles being cleaned may be covered by said fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing loose scale and other foreign matter from the top and/or bottom face of a cast product (3), such as a slab, thin slab, profiled element, or similar, with the aid of flowable media which are sprayed onto the cast product (3) by means of a cleaning device (5) comprising at least one spraying apparatus (8, 9) that is disposed above the cast product (3) and at least one spraying apparatus (8, 9) that is arranged below the cast product (3). According to said method, the amount of media and/or the effective width and/or the pressure of the media is/are controlled separately and independently of time for each spraying apparatus (8, 9).

Abstract: A method for in-situ cleaning and inspecting of a tubular, comprising: deploying a closable housing to a tubular, hydraulically opening the closable housing and then hydraulically closing the closable housing around the tubular. Marine growth is removed from the tubular using a marine growth plough and high pressure water from at least one high pressure water jet unit, disposed a cleaning end of the closable housing. The cleaned tubular is inspected using at least one enclosable camera block containing at least one digital camera disposed on an inspection end of the closable housing. Signals from the cameras are communicated to a remote location. Hydraulic fluid and high pressure water are provided from the remote location to the closable housing. A tether is used to roll the closable housing along the tubular for continuous in-situ cleaning and inspection of the tubular without interrupting use of the tubular.

Abstract: A method for providing rinsing of a nebulizer comprises directing a second rinsing liquid followed by a nebulizing gas to a gas receiving port of the nebulizer through a valve assembly, the valve assembly being connected to a gas transport line configured to transport at least one of the nebulizing gas and the second rinsing liquid to the gas receiving port; rinsing the sample transport line and an interior portion of the nebulizer with the first rinsing liquid; and rinsing an interior portion of the nebulizer with the second rinsing liquid transported through the gas transport line into the interior portion of the nebulizer via the gas receiving port.

Abstract: There is provided a dishwasher and a method of controlling the dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a temperature detecting unit for detecting a temperature of washing water supplied, a rinse dispensing unit for dispensing rinse when washing water is healed up to a rinse dispensing temperature, and a control unit for varying the rinse dispensing temperature in accordance with the temperature of the washing water supplied.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to effectively remove extraneous matter adhering to turbine blades without disassembling equipment. A turbine in accordance with the present invention is provided with a pressure gage for detecting the pressure in a steam chamber between a stator blade and a moving blade. In a casing on the upstream side of the stator blade in a duct, a nozzle connected to a high-pressure water generator via a valve is installed. Similarly, in the stator blade, an introduction pipe which is connected to the high-pressure water generator via a valve is provided. The introduction pipe is connected with a nozzle in which many injection ports capable of causing water to flow onto both surfaces of the profile of the stator blade are formed. When extraneous matter adheres to the turbine blades, a control unit detects a rise in pressure via the pressure gage, whereby the control unit opens the valves to remove extraneous matter by means of high-pressure water.

Abstract: A foam-assisted wafer-cleaning and drying method and apparatus based on forming a funnel-shaped space between the base plate of the apparatus and the wafer to be cleaned and supplying a foam cleaning liquid to the aforementioned space through the central opening of the base plate for displacing the cleaning liquid foam consisting of a plurality of bubbles from the center of the wafer toward the wafer periphery with a constant speed of movement of the bubbles provided by gradually decrease of distance from the base plate to the wafer in the radial outward direction from the center of the wafer. The nanoparticles of contaminants are caught with a surface-tension force developed by bubble meniscuses on the wafer surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved apparatus for cleaning the interior of a liquid handling probe to reduce the amount time and the volume of wash fluid required to clean the probe and minimize carryover of material between different samples. In addition to the probe, the apparatus includes one or more wash fluid reservoirs, a compressed gas supply, one or more pumps, two or more valve-controlled probe lines and a controller for opening and closing the valves and actuating the pump(s) at desired time intervals. The invention further concerns a method of cleaning a liquid handling probe using the claimed apparatus and comprising sequential steps of pumping wash fluid and compressed gas through the probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paint brush cleaner including an open ended cover (10) into which a paint brush (B) can be inserted handle end first. A connector (13) is provided for connection to a source of cleaning fluid. The paint brush cleaner is also provided with means for directing cleaning fluid from the connector (13) into the interior of the cover (10). In use, cleaning fluid can flow over the bristles of a brush (B) from the handle end thereof. The present invention also relates to a method of cleaning a brush.

Abstract: A drive roller for use in a semiconductor substrate cleaning system is provided. In one embodiment, a drive roller includes an outer ring having a disk-shaped body, wherein the disk-shaped body has an inner cylindrical, an upper wall, and an outer cylindrical wall defining a cavity within the disk-shaped body. An inner ring is disposed within the cavity. A groove is formed along an outer side of the inner ring. The groove faces an inner surface of the outer cylindrical wall of the outer ring.

Abstract: A tubular measurement system for in service cleaning, inspecting, and measuring of a tubular, comprising: a first and second housing portion connected using hinges operable by hydraulic actuators. At least one high pressure water jet unit and a marine growth plough is disposed on a cleaning end of the housing. At least one enclosable camera block containing at least one digital camera is disposed on an inspection end of the housing. A first set of roller assemblies is disposed on the cleaning end and a second set of roller assemblies is disposed on the inspection end. A communication conduit is used to transfer signals from the digital cameras to a remote location. A hydraulic conduit and a high pressure water conduit provide hydraulic fluid and high pressure water from the remote location. A tether is used to provide a variable tension from the remote location to the housing.

Abstract: The automated motorcycle wash of the present invention is designed to wash motorcycles ranging in length from 7 feet up to an 11 foot chopper. It will hold a motorcycle positioned within the wash bay securely in place while running a complete 2-step pre-soak cleaner application, a high pressure rinse, a low pressure clear coat protectant application, a spot free rinse, and a double dryer pass. The rear wheel cleaners of the present invention will wash the rear wheel and tires of a motorcycle positioned within the wash bay. The front wheel stop of the present invention will also wash the front wheel and tire of a motorcycle positioned within the wash bay with built in high pressure sprayers.

Abstract: A medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system 1 comprises an endoscope 20 in which the opening portions 25g and 25h of a plurality of tube paths 25a and 25b including the aspiration tube path 25c are provided in the proximal portion 21; and the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus 2 provided with the cleaning bath 5 and a plurality of tube path cleaning nozzles 31, 32, and 33; for performing the cleaning/disinfecting process on the external surface of the endoscope 20 after use and the inside of the tube paths 25a, 25b, and 25c. At least the opening portion 25g of the aspiration tube path 25c among a plurality of opening portions 25g and 25h provided in the proximal portion 21 of the endoscope 20 is configured to be spaced by a predetermined distance from the other opening portions 25h of the tube paths 25a and 25b.

Abstract: The invention adds one or more vertically-deployable sun shades to an umbrella for selectively providing shade for one or more users of an umbrella. More specifically, the sun shade resembles a conventional shade or set of blinds for covering a window. The size, shape, materials, and arrangement of the sun shade can vary according to user preferences or the intended manner or place of use.

Abstract: In a tent roof having arched support elements (2, 3), over which a diaphragm (1) is stretched, at least three intersecting arched support elements (2, 3) are provided, whereby at least two support element ends (4) at a time are able to be fixed adjacent to one another on the foundation in an arch terminus area (12), at least three arch terminus areas (12) are provided, and traction elements (7) running approximately in an arched shape, which engage on the diaphragm (1), in particular on the diaphragm edge, are stretched toward the arch terminus areas (12).

Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator for producing electric power from heat in fluids produced from a subsurface wellbore includes a conduit for moving therethrough fluids produced from the Earth's subsurface and at least one thermoelectric module affixed to an exterior of the conduit. The at least one thermoelectric module includes a collimating heat transfer device in contact with the conduit on a first side and in contact with a first side of a thermoelectric generator thermocouple on a second side. A second side of the thermocouple is in contact with a contact surface of a heat sink. The heat sink is exposed to ambient atmosphere at the Earth's surface to conduct heat away from the thermocouple.

Abstract: Semiconductor integrated thermoelectric devices are provided, which are formed having high-density arrays of thermoelectric (TE) elements using semiconductor thin-film and VLSI (very large scale integration) fabrication processes. Thermoelectric devices can be either separately formed and bonded to semiconductor chips, or integrally formed within the non-active surface of semiconductor chips, for example.

Abstract: An energy generating device for lighter-than-air vehicles having a gas impervious outer flexible fabric including a flexible photovoltaic array located on the outer layer of the gas impervious fabric; a thermocouple array located between the photovoltaic cells and the gas impervious fabric; a thermally conductive layer or heat spreader between the thermocouple array and the photovoltaic array and between the thermocouple array and the gas impervious flexible fabric; an electrically conductive means connected to said thermocouple array for drawing electrical power away from said thermocouple array; and an electrical load, such as an electrical storage device or a device that consumes electricity, for drawing electricity from the thermocouple array.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of photovoltaic cells (400, 800, 1112) for charging a battery (1230) of an electronic device (1010) includes forming by a self-assembly process a plurality of interdigitated photovoltaic cells (400, 800, 1112) between two terminal electrodes (102, 202, 132, 232) coupled to the battery (1230). One electrode is a transport conductive material (102, 202) including a conductive material (106, 206) having sidewalls (110, 210) defining a plurality of pores (112). A conductive electrode material (126, 226) is formed over an electrolyte (124, 224) which is formed over a sensitizing material (122, 222) which is formed over an active transport material (114, 214) on the sidewalls (110, 210).

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for improving an operating efficiency of a photovoltaic array. In one embodiment, the method includes arranging a first portion of a photovoltaic array so that the first portion of the photovoltaic array operates above a ground potential; switchably coupling an output of the first portion of the photovoltaic array to a power supply so as to enable the power supply to apply a voltage to the output of the first portion of the photovoltaic array; arranging a second portion of the photovoltaic array so that the second portion of the photovoltaic array operates below a ground potential; and switchably coupling an output of the second portion of the photovoltaic array to the power supply so as to enable the power supply to apply a voltage to the output of the second portion of the photovoltaic array.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for generating operating power for various desired applications using solar energy. A solar array is formed using a small number of solar cells connected in series to form a string of solar cells and then connecting multiple strings in parallel. Unlike conventional solar arrays, no bypass diodes are incorporated into the array. A power converter is coupled to the array to boost output voltage to a level sufficient to operate the desired application. The power converter may be operated independently or based on output levels of the array, the material from which the solar cells of the array are constructed and the operating temperature of the array or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic conversion apparatus including a by-pass diode and a manufacturing method thereof. The photovoltaic conversion apparatus of the present invention comprises at least one unit solar cell module configured of at least one unit solar cell; and a by-pass solar cell module including at least one solar cell electrically connected to the unit solar cell to by-pass current. According to the present invention, a photovoltaic conversion apparatus having high photoelectric conversion efficiency can be manufactured. Also, the photovoltaic conversion apparatus will contribute to earths environmental conservation as the next clean energy source and can be directly applied to private facilities, public facilities, military facilities, etc., to create enormous economic value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a solar energy converter, which includes a silicon layer having at least two regions of a first and a second conductivity type that form a P-N junction, at least a portion of the silicon layer being porous, and pores in the portion of porous silicon containing a semiconductor material, the semiconductor material being different from silicon; and a first and a second electrode being placed at a bottom and a top surface of the silicon layer respectively. Methods of manufacturing the same are also provided.

Abstract: A solar call is provided along with a method for forming a semiconductor nanocrystalline silicon insulating thin-film with a tunable bandgap. The method provides a substrate and introduces a silicon (Si) source gas with at least one of the following source gases: germanium (Ge), oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon into a high density (HD) plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. A SiOxNyCz thin-film embedded with a nanocrystalline semiconductor material is deposited overlying the substrate, where x, y, z?0, and the semiconductor material is Si, Ge, or a combination of Si and Ge. As a result, a bandgap is formed in the SiOxNyCz thin-film, in the range of about 1.9 to 3.0 electron volts (eV). Typically, the semiconductor nanoparticles have a size in a range of 1 to 20 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a photoelectric converter wherein a lower electrode layer, a compound semiconductor thin film having a chalcopyrite structure which serves as a light absorptive layer and a light-transmitting electrode layer that are laminated to form layers are each patterned by photolithography, thereby minimizing damages to the crystals of the compound semiconductor thin film.

Abstract: Reflector designs for a large area panel light source create induced draft cooling means adjacent to the panel light source. The panel light source has a wavelength conversion element on a solid state light source for emitting light of a first and second wavelength to form a broader emission spectrum of light from the panel light source.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and techniques for enhancing efficiency thereof are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a photocell having a first photoactive layer and a second photoactive layer adjacent to the first photoactive layer so as to form a heterojunction between the first photoactive layer and the second photoactive layer; and a plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures on one or more surfaces of the second photoactive layer. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures are configured to act as a scattering media for incident light. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures can also be configured to create an optical resonance effect in the incident light.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and techniques for enhancing efficiency thereof are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a photocell having a photoactive layer and a non-photoactive layer adjacent to the photoactive layer so as to form a heterojunction between the photoactive layer and the non-photoactive layer; and a plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures on one or more surfaces of the photoactive layer. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures are configured to act as a scattering media for incident light. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures can also be configured to create an optical resonance effect in the incident light.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device having a first electrode layer, a high resistivity transparent film disposed on the first electrode, a second electrode layer, and an inorganic photoactive layer disposed between the first and second electrode layers, wherein the inorganic photoactive layer is disposed in at least partial electrical contact with the high resistivity transparent film, and in at least partial electrical contact with the second electrode. The photoactive layer has a first inorganic material and a second inorganic material different from the first inorganic material, wherein the first and second inorganic materials exhibit a type II band offset energy profile, and wherein the photoactive layer has a first population of nanostructures of a first inorganic material and a second population of nanostructures of a second inorganic material.

Abstract: An organic active-layer solution for a polymer solar cell and a method for preparing the same are provided, wherein the organic active-layer solution comprises an organic active-layer material, a first organic solvent and a second organic solvent. The first organic solvent has a boiling point ranging from 50° C. to 200° C. while the second organic solvent has a boiling point ranging from 150° C. to 300° C. The second organic solvent is added into the first organic solvent to dissolve the organic active-layer material. As the second organic solvent has a higher boiling point (a lower evaporation speed), it can directly lower an evaporation speed of the organic active-layer solution, thereby simplifying a manufacturing process of the polymer solar cell and increasing a power conversion efficiency of the polymer solar cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to thin-film solar power modules. The problem associated with known thin-film solar power modules is that the barrier effect of the front film does not prevent moisture from permeating the space between the solar cell and the cover film when exposed to moisture over a longer period of time. In order to solve this problem, the solar module comprises, starting from the solar cell (6), the following layer structure: front: an inorganic barrier layer (2), an inorganic-organic hybrid polymer barrier layer (3), a transparent adhesive layer (4a), a transparent cover film (1b); back: a transparent adhesive layer (4b), a standard backing film (7b).

Abstract: A solar cell package and processes for creating a solar cell package are disclosed. The solar cell includes an electrically insulating and thermally conductive first layer, an electrically conductive second layer attached to the first layer, and a solar cell attached to the second layer. The first layer surface and a solar cell surface have substantially the same surface area.

Abstract: A photonic-crystal based frequency- and angle-selective absorber for solar TPV systems is provided. The solar radiation absorber includes at least one photonic crystal with absorptivity over a broad range of frequencies, improved absorptivity within a selected solid angle, and reduced absorptivity outside the selected solid angle.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a high transmission low iron glass, which is highly oxidized and made using the float process, for use in photovoltaic devices such as solar cells or the like. In certain example embodiments, the glass composition used for the glass is made via the float process using an extremely high and positive batch redox in order to reduce % FeO to a low level and permit the glass to consistently realize a combination of high visible transmission (Lta or Tvis), high infrared (IR) transmission, and high total solar (TS) transmission. The glass substrate may be patterned or not patterned in different example embodiments of this invention.

Abstract: A dye sensitization photoelectric converter with enhanced light absorptance and photoelectric conversion efficiency is provided. A dye sensitization photoelectric converter 10 is chiefly configured of a transparent substrate 1 such as glass, a transparent electrode (negative electrode) 2 composed of a transparent conductive layer such as FTO (fluorine-doped tin(IV) oxide SnO2), a semiconductor layer 3 holding plural kinds of photosensitizing dyes, an electrolyte layer 5, a counter electrode (positive electrode) 6, a counter substrate 7 and a (non-illustrated) sealing medium, etc. As a characteristic of the present invention, the photosensitizing dye is composed of plural kinds of dyes having sufficiently different minimum excitation energy from each other or is composed of plural kinds of dyes to be held in a different steric configuration from each other in the semiconductor layer 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to an organic photoactive device, especially an organic photovoltaic cell, with a contact and a countercontact as well as with an organic region that is electrically connected to the contact and the countercontact, wherein a photoactive region with a photoactive bulk heterojunction or a flat heterojunction between an electron-conducting organic material and a hole-conducting organic material is formed in the organic region and wherein the hole-conducting organic material and/or the electron-conducting organic material is formed from oligomers according to any one of the following types: conjugated acceptor-donor-acceptor oligomer (A-D-A? oligomer) with an acceptor unit (A) and a further acceptor unit (A?) that are each connected to a donor unit (D), and conjugated donor-acceptor-donor oligomer (D-A-D? oligomer) with a donor unit (D) and a further donor unit (D?) that are each connected to an acceptor unit (A).

Abstract: A fluid handling device with an anisotropic wetting surface including a substrate with a multiplicity of asymmetric substantially uniformly shaped asperities thereon. Each asperity has a first asperity rise angle and a second asperity rise angle relative to the substrate. The asperities are structured to present a desired retentive force ratio (f1/f2) greater or less than unity caused by asymmetry between the first asperity rise angle and the second asperity rise angle according to the formula: f3/f2=sin(?3+½??0)/sin(?2+½??0).

Abstract: Clamps to be used in conjunction with real-time or nearly real-time measurement of the flow rate of a fluid through a lumen. The clamps allow for more precise control over the volume of fluid delivered and over the flow rate. When the flow rate is determined to be too fast, the clamps are expanded, which slow down the flow rate. Conversely, when the flow rate is determined to be too slow, the clamps are returned to an unexpanded state, which increases the flow rate. Additionally, if an error state is observed, the clamps are designed to arrest flow, thereby preventing further delivery of fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic valve arrangement which is used, in particular, for a mobile machine and which has a valve housing (10) having a feed channel (34), having an outlet channel (42) and having a consumer channel (39) and has a valve bore (11) which cuts into the channels. In the valve bore (11), a valve slide (12) can be moved axially from a neutral position in at least one direction into a working position, by way of which valve slide (12) the fluidic connections between the channels can be controlled. Moreover, there is a pressure-relief and feed valve (45, 47), by way of which the pressure in the consumer channel (39) can be limited by throttled discharge of pressure fluid into the outlet channel (42) and pressure fluid can be fed from the outlet channel (42) into the consumer channel (39). The invention is based on the object of designing a hydraulic valve arrangement of this type in such a way that low manufacturing costs and a small overall size are possible.

Abstract: An anti-freezing hydrant is provided with a hollow valve rod of which a back end is provided with a lump formed with an oblique cone where a water leakage hole is formed communicating with the valve rod. A one-way valve is provided in a inner water inlet in a valve chamber of a valve and comprises a rubber cushion being made of a soft rubber and thus elastically suppressing the inner water inlet. The bore of a back pressure stopper in a back pressure is a complement of an inner inclined cone with the oblique cone. Thus, the rubber cushion may enhance the capability of sealing of the valve. Further, the back pressure stopper may also be a good sealant for the inclined cone.

Abstract: A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.

Abstract: A valve assembly may include a body having an axis and a flow tube attached to the body for flowing a fluid therethrough, the flow tube having a first bend and a second bend. The valve assembly may further include a valve attached to the flow tube having an axle that is perpendicular to the axis, and a piston attached to the body and the axle and parallel to the axis.