Patents Issued in May 13, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100116330
    Abstract: A solar cell module of the present invention is provided with: a unit solar cell (2) in which a first electrode (21) and a second electrode (22) are formed in a non-light-receiving face; a solar cell wiring member (1) including a first conductor wire (11) connected to the first electrode (21), a second conductor wire (12) connected to the second electrode (22), and a wiring sheet (10) in which the first conductor wire (11) and the second conductor wire (12) are formed; and a sealing resin sheet (33) that is laminated on the unit solar cell (2) and the solar cell wiring member (1) and that resin-seals the unit solar cell (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Tetsuyoshi Inoue
  • Publication number: 20100116331
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device and a process for producing the device that enables a higher level of performance to be achieved at low cost. The photovoltaic device includes at least two laminated photovoltaic layers, and an intermediate layer that is disposed between the two photovoltaic layers and connects the two photovoltaic layers electrically and optically, wherein the surface of the intermediate layer has a plasma-resistant protective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Satoshi Sakai, Kengo Yamaguchi, Yuji Asahara, Saneyuki Goya
  • Publication number: 20100116332
    Abstract: This substrate, having a glass function, is combined with a textured electrode comprising at least one transparent conductive layer based on one or more metal oxides, said layer being covered with at least one functional layer of an element capable of collecting light, and is covered with an interface layer having a textured part comprising a repetition of periodic or aperiodic features in relief.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Guillaume Counil, Michele Schiavoni, Fabrice Abbott
  • Publication number: 20100116333
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and compositions of matter related to high efficiency InGaN-based photovoltaic devices. The disclosed synthesis of semiconductor heterostructures may be exploited to produce higher efficiency, longer lasting, photovoltaic cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Fernando A. Ponce, Rafael Garcia, Marcelino Barboza-Flores
  • Publication number: 20100116334
    Abstract: A VHF energized plasma deposition process wherein a process gas is decomposed in a plasma so as to deposit the thin film material onto a substrate, is carried out at process gas pressures which are in the range of 0.5-2.0 torr, with substrate temperatures that do not exceed 300° C., and substrate-cathode spacings in the range of 10-50 millimeters. Deposition rates are at least 5 angstroms per second. The present method provides for the high speed deposition of semiconductor materials having a quality at least equivalent to materials produced at a much lower deposition rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: United Solar Ovonic LLC
    Inventors: Xixiang Xu, David Alan Beglau, Guozhen Yue, Baojie Yan, Yang Li, Scott Jones, Subhendu Guha, Chi Yang
  • Publication number: 20100116335
    Abstract: Solar cells fabricated without gasification of metallurgical-grade silicon. The substrates are prepared by: melting metallurgical grade silicon in a furnace; solidifying the melted metallurgical grade silicon into an ingot; slicing the ingot to obtain a plurality of wafers; polishing and cleaning each wafer; depositing aluminum layer on backside of each wafer; depositing a layer of hydrogenated silicon nitride on front surface of each wafer; annealing the wafers at elevated temperature; removing the hydrogenated silicon nitride; and, removing the aluminum layer. The front surface may be textured prior to forming the solar cell. The solar cell structure comprises a metallurgical grade doped silicon substrate and a thin-film structure formed over the substrate to form a p-i-n junction with the substrate. The substrate may be doped p-type, and the thin film structure may be an intrinsic amorphous layer formed over the substrate and an n-type amorphous layer formed over the intrinsic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SUNPREME, LTD.
    Inventor: Ashok Sinha
  • Publication number: 20100116336
    Abstract: A light collection and concentration system includes a primary light concentrator, a light transport structure, and a light directing structure optically associated with the primary light concentrator. The system may include an optional secondary light concentrator. Each unit-system includes a plurality of the primary light concentrators and a respective plurality of the light directing structures, and only a single light transport structure. A photo-voltaic (PV) cell may advantageously be associated with each unit-system. Solar radiation is focused by the primary concentrators onto respective light directing structures incorporated in a low aspect ratio, sheet-type waveguide light transport structure. Each respective light directing structure intercepts the focused light and deflects it transversely to travel along the length of the light transport structure primarily via total internal reflection (TIR) towards an exit-end of the light transport structure, where it can be input to the PV cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Abengoa Solar New Technologies, S.A.
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Martinez Anton, Oscar Pereles Ligero, Daniel Vazquez Molini, Eusebio Bernabeu Martinez
  • Publication number: 20100116337
    Abstract: A tandem module photovoltaic cell can include an organic module in parallel with a semiconductor module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: David Eaglesham
  • Publication number: 20100116338
    Abstract: A hydrogenated, silicon based semiconductor alloy has a defect density of less than 1016 cm?3. The alloy may comprise a hydrogenated silicon alloy or a hydrogenated silicon-germanium alloy. Hydrogen content of the alloy is generally less than 15%, and in some instances less than 11%. The tandem photovoltaic devices which incorporate the alloy exhibit low levels of photo degradation. In some instances, the material is fabricated by a high speed VHF deposition process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: United Solar Ovinic LLC
    Inventors: Xixiang Xu, Subhendu Guha, Chi Yang
  • Publication number: 20100116339
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to solve the problem that a residual melt remaining on a surface of a solid phase sheet of a semiconductor material causes cracks in the solid phase sheet, resulting in degraded yield. The residual melt occurs in the process of producing the solid phase sheet on a surface of the base body by bringing the base body into contact with a melt of semiconductor material. The base body is sectioned by a circumferential groove into a peripheral section and an inner section surrounded by the circumferential groove or has the peripheral section and the inner section partly connected to each other. In the present invention, a slit is provided in the surface of the inner section of the base body. The slit is preferably provided at a trailing side in a moving direction in which the surface of the base body is brought into contact with the melt of semiconductor material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20100116340
    Abstract: In a dye sensitized photoelectric conversion device having an electrolyte layer (6) between a semiconductor electrode (3) including, for example, fine semiconductor particles to which a sensitizing dye is adsorbed and a counter electrode (5), two kinds of dyes are used as the dye, and the two kinds of dyes are adsorbed onto the surface of the semiconductor electrode (3) at the sites different from each other. The fine semiconductor particles include, for example, TiO2. Tris(isothiocyanate)-ruthenium(II)-2,2?:6?,2?-terpyridine-4,4?,4?-tricarboxylic acid and 2-cyano-3-[4-[4-(2,2-diphenylethenyl)phenyl]-1,2,3,3a,4,8b-hexahydrocyclopent[b]indol-7-yl]-2-propenoic acid are used, for example, as the two kinds of dyes. Thereby, a dye sensitized photoelectric conversion device such as a dye sensitized solar cell capable of obtaining higher light absorption rate and photoelectric conversion efficiency than in a case of using one kind of dye at high purity, as well as a manufacturing method thereof are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Reiko Yoneya, Masahiro Morooka, Yusuke Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20100116341
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a copper-gallium alloy sputtering target comprises forming a raw target; treating the raw target with at least one thermal treatment between 500° C.˜850° C. being mechanical treatment, thermal annealing treatment for 0.5˜5 hours or a combination thereof to form a treated target; and cooling the treated target to a room temperature to obtain the copper-gallium alloy sputtering target that has 71 atomic % to 78 atomic % of Cu and 22 atomic % to 29 atomic % of Ga and having a compound phase not more than 25% on its metallographic microstructure. Therefore, the copper-gallium alloy sputtering target does not induce micro arcing during sputtering so a sputtering rate is consistent and forms a uniform copper-gallium thin film. Accordingly, the copper-gallium thin film possesses improved quality and properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SOLAR APPLIED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Wei-Chin Huang, Cheng-Hsin Tu
  • Publication number: 20100116342
    Abstract: The present invention provides an organic photoelectric converter and a polymer useful for the production of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Yasunori Uetani, Jun Oguma, Hiroki Terai, Jun Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20100116343
    Abstract: A microfluidic valve assembly includes a structure defining a microfluidic fluid path and an actuator that can be moved between different positions controlling flow through the channel. In one embodiment, the actuator can be threaded into at least a portion of the structure, and can be moved rotationally between a first position, causing relatively greater constriction of a microfluidic fluid path, and a second position causing relatively lesser constriction of the fluid path. Actuating the actuator, e.g., by rotation, can deform material between the valve and the fluid path, thereby constricting at least a portion of the underlying fluid path and regulating the flow of a fluid in the fluid path. In another aspect, the invention provides a reservoir into which fluid can be placed and from which fluid can be introduced into a microfluidic system. In one embodiment, the reservoir is expandable and thereby able to store fluid under pressure for delivery to a microfluidic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard college
    Inventors: Douglas B. Weibel, Andrew Lee, Scott Potenta, Adam Siegel, Maarten Kruithof, George M. Whitesides
  • Publication number: 20100116344
    Abstract: A control valve (100,200) with a two-piece shifting mechanism is provided. The special control valve has two levers, one is a sealing lever (106,206) and the other is a shifting lever (104,204). The sealing lever (106,206) has a channel (116,216) on one of its ends to couple together different ports (SP, S, P, IS) to change the airflow direction. Each lever has its own axis. The shifting lever and the sealing lever interact through an oval opening (114) and a cylindrical boss (112), obtaining two angular range motions. When a small angular input is put on the shifting lever it will produce a large angular output at the second end of the sealing lever. It will achieve a multiple-position switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Norgren,Inc.
    Inventor: Yihai Yan
  • Publication number: 20100116345
    Abstract: A system for delivering a cooking medium of a cooking apparatus includes one or more cooking vessels. The system also includes a drain manifold in fluid communication with the cooking vessel, and a fill manifold having input valves, and output valves in fluid communication with a corresponding cooking vessel. A first flow path is connected to the fill manifold. A filter container selectively is in fluid communication with the fill manifold. A filter pump is positioned between the filter container and the fill manifold and conveys a recycled cooking medium. An overflow pump selectively is in fluid communication with the fill manifold via a second flow path and a portion of the first flow path. The overflow pump conveys a new cooking medium to the fill manifold. The first flow path conveys one of the recycled cooking medium and the new cooking medium to the fill manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Edward J. Florkey, Joseph J. Tiszai
  • Publication number: 20100116346
    Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a multi-component container system and related methods for storing and mixing liquids and associated methods of use. The system includes a first chamber configured to hold a first liquid and which has at least one opening and a second chamber and a second chamber configured to hold a second liquid and having at least one opening. The at least one opening on the second chamber is capable of being operably connected to the at least one opening of the first chamber and the second chamber can be smaller relative to the first chamber. The system can have two configurations, a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the second chamber can be removably disposed within the first chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Brian G. Larson, Daryl J. Tichy
  • Publication number: 20100116347
    Abstract: Systems and processes may provide improved performance for a pneumatic positioner during a safety override. In certain implementations, a system and process may include may include the ability to receive an input control signal, power control circuitry of the pneumatic positioner using the input control signal, and generate a control signal for a signal-to-pressure converter with the control circuitry based at least partially on the input control signal. The system and process may also include the ability to detect an unsafe operating condition for the pneumatic positioner based on an input signal and modify the control signal in response to detecting the unsafe operating condition, to cause the converter to transition to a safe state. The system and process may additionally include the ability to allow the control circuitry to continue being powered by the input control signal while the converter is in the safe state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Chester, Peter S. Levesque, Alex J. Legere
  • Publication number: 20100116348
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for a vacuum pump assembly selectively opens and closes communication between a vacuum pump, evacuation vessel, and a volume to be evacuated. The valve arrangement allows the evacuation vessel and any conduit connecting the vacuum pump and evacuation vessel to the volume to first be evacuated without providing a vacuum to the volume. The valve arrangement also allows the volume to be connected to the evacuation vessel but cut-off from the vacuum pump so that at initial stages of the evacuation process for the volume dead air contained within the volume may be communicated to the evacuation vessel rather than drawn out by the vacuum pump. Once the dead air, or portions thereof, has been removed from the volume, the valve arrangement may cut-off communication with the evacuation vessel, establish communication between the vacuum pump and the volume, and allow the vacuum pump to provide negative air pressure to the volume so that the volume may be evacuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Raymond G. Buchko, Dwayne C. Long
  • Publication number: 20100116349
    Abstract: A method for controlling or regulating a vacuum valve that includes a valve body (1) with a valve opening (2), a closing member (3), an actuator (5) for moving the closing member (3), and a control device (9) by which the actuator (5) is triggered and by which the pressing force acting on the elastic seal (4) in the closed position of the closing member (3) is set. The setting of the pressing force acting on the elastic seal (4) is performed as a function of at least one parameter that can be input by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: VAT HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Richard Fischer
  • Publication number: 20100116350
    Abstract: This self-centering device for cylindrical elements such as filters, coalescers and separators having a central axis and adapted for placement with an open end over and in communication with an aperture with a rod extending from its center incorporates or includes a notched member having an open side adapted for lateral capture of the rod along with a holding structure for holding the notched member in position proximate the central axis. The holding structure includes a connector for connection of the self-centering element to the cylindrical element, and a dividing member adapted to divide the open end of the cylindrical element into portions in communication with the open side and portions not in communication with the open side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Richard E. Honchen, John Zuniga
  • Publication number: 20100116351
    Abstract: Process for producing a pressure vessel having an enveloping body which occupies an arch shape in its predetermined installation position. The enveloping body has pillow-shaped portions which are connected to one another by stamped transitions at the inner diameter area of the enveloping body. The enveloping body for the intended installation position is placed with its inner diameter area one-sidedly on a die having a raised wedge-shaped profile. A designated outer diameter area of the enveloping body contacts a supporting surface, and the enveloping body is filled with a pressure medium so that the enveloping body is tensioned on the die and, in so doing, is plastically deformed in the area of the wedge-shaped profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Norbert Ackermann, Thomas Meyer
  • Publication number: 20100116352
    Abstract: A multi-component coating spray application system comprises: a source of a first coating component, a source of a second coating component, a dynamic mixer in fluid flow communication with the sources of the first and second coating components, wherein the dynamic mixer comprises a mixing chamber and a movable stirring member in the mixing chamber, and a spray gun in fluid flow communication with an outlet port of the dynamic mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: PRC-DeSoto International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Mark Toole
  • Publication number: 20100116353
    Abstract: An inflating nozzle assembly has a housing, two nozzles and a pushing device. The housing has two nozzle chambers and two outlets. The nozzles are mounted respectively in the first nozzle chamber, and one of the nozzles has a nozzle body, a nozzle rod and a spring. The nozzle body has at least one inlet. The nozzle rod is movably mounted in the nozzle body and has a sealing protrusion to divide two communication segments in the nozzle body. The spring is connected to the nozzle rod to keep one of the communication segments of the axial hole from communicating with the at least one inlet in the first nozzle body. Accordingly, an airflow led through the outlets of the housing can be automatically switched by inserting different types of air valves into the corresponding outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Wei-Chi Wang
  • Publication number: 20100116354
    Abstract: A method of repairing a leaking spill container by lining the existing unit. Additionally the liner can be used to convert a single walled spill container into a double walled spill container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: John William Rowe
  • Publication number: 20100116355
    Abstract: A zero height roof including tension members drawn tight over an arched strip or parcel of land, the tension members being cable like truss means pulled tight between stay means and upon which is secured batons means which are then clad with roof sheeting or tile means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Peter Robert Raffaele, Michael John Raffaele
  • Publication number: 20100116356
    Abstract: A diaphragm for use in a valve assembly, comprising at least one sealing portion and a fixation portion, characterized in that the fixation portion and the at least one sealing portion are connected by a flexible portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Albert Wauters
  • Publication number: 20100116357
    Abstract: A liquid distributor for distributing a liquid in a pressurized system, including an inlet line and a first outlet line for respectively supplying a pressurized fluid to the liquid distributor and receiving the pressurized fluid from the liquid distributor. The liquid distributor having a first container defining a first chamber with an aperture leading into the first chamber and a second container defining a second chamber, with an inlet port connectable to the inlet line and a first outlet port connectable to the first outlet line. A check valve is provided between the first and second chambers, operable between an open configuration. The check valve closing when a pressure inside the second chamber is larger than a pressure inside the first chamber by a predetermined pressure differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Uldege Lebreux
  • Publication number: 20100116358
    Abstract: To facilitate cleaning and to facilitate management thereof, a dust-removal managing pit is provided with an upper pit having a bottom and to which an inflow pipe is connected and a cylindrical lower vertical pit having its upper part connected to the upper pit for supplying water flowing down from an upper-end opening portion to a water storage tank. The upper end of the lower vertical pit is provided penetrating a bottom wall of the upper pit, while a peripheral wall of the upper pit is provided so as to surround the upper end of the lower vertical pit, and a peripheral groove for precipitating solid substances contained in water is formed between the periphery of the upper end of the lower vertical pit and the peripheral wall. A mesh plate constituted capable of filtering water leading to the peripheral groove is provided on the upper pit. One end of a drain pipe with the other end connected to a sewer pipe is connected to the peripheral wall, and an adjusting valve is provided in the drain pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: TOTETU MFG. CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Seiichiro Takai
  • Publication number: 20100116359
    Abstract: A system for mounting a faucet to the exterior portion of a dwelling is provided. A mounting sleeve is employed that is associated with a tube that is interconnected to the faucet that is generally positioned outside of a dwelling. The tube is rigidly interconnected to a mounting sleeve that is supported by at least one bracket that allows for selective adjustments. That is, the mounting sleeve may be selectively offset from the interior surface of the dwelling, thereby accommodating exterior building surfaces with irregular shapes such as stone, brick, mortar, stucco, etc. The mounting system provides additional rigidity to the faucet/dwelling interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, William L. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20100116360
    Abstract: A fluid displacement device, particularly for use of the device to pressurize balloon catheters, or the like. The device includes a plunger which is displaceable through a housing, and an actuating mechanism which engages the plunger. The actuating mechanism includes a nut member that is biased into engagement with a threaded portion of the plunger. The device has a press-to-release feature wherein the plunger is instantly releaseable by simply depressing a toggle lever of the nut member to overcome a restorative spring force. Subsequently, the plunger can be translated using macro movements (i.e., by pushing or pulling the plunger).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ATRION MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Rowland W. Kanner, Richard M. Davis
  • Publication number: 20100116361
    Abstract: A fuel pump control device is for a fuel supply system for an engine. The system includes a fuel tank, a subtank, a fuel pump pumping fuel in the subtank for supply to the engine, a pressure regulator regulating fuel pressure from the fuel pump within a set pressure, and a jet pump pumping fuel in the fuel tank into the subtank through pumping action by a fuel ejection flow to the fuel tank through a return pipe of the regulator. The device includes a fuel level detecting unit for detecting fuel tank level and a control unit for controlling fuel discharge amount from the fuel pump. The control unit sets jet pump drive correction amount of fuel for driving the jet pump based on the fuel tank level. The control unit increases the fuel discharge amount from the fuel pump by the correction amount to drive the jet pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daiji FURUHASHI, Kiyoshi Nagata, Katsuhiko Nakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20100116362
    Abstract: The control valve for release of gas from a pressurized vessel is a rubber valve with an opening therethrough, the rubber having such a Shore hardness and the valve having such a configuration relative to the size of the opening and the pressure of the gas in the vessel, that the mass flow of gas from the vessel is approximately constant as the gas exits from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Cornelis Duineveld, Klaas Kooijker, Marie Sybien Nijboer
  • Publication number: 20100116363
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling water reservoir for a fuel cell vehicle, in which a drain valve operated by traveling wind is mounted in a reservoir housing of the reservoir such that unnecessary water in an amount corresponding to the amount of product water, generated in the fuel cell stack during operation of a fuel cell system and flowing in the reservoir housing, can be discharged through the drain valve automatically in real-time, thus preventing the water in the reservoir housing from overflowing due to the inflow of the product water generated in the fuel cell stack during operation of the fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Wook Na, Yong Sun Park
  • Publication number: 20100116364
    Abstract: A backflow prevention device includes a check valve including a valve body and a valve seat, an enclosure member retained by a peripheral member and arranged at a downstream side of the valve body, the enclosure member including an entrance facing an upstream side and being formed into a cylindrical shape having a bottom wall, the enclosure member into which the valve body is inserted via the entrance, the enclosure member having an inner diameter for guiding an outer periphery of the valve body, the upstream side corresponding to a direction where the fluid flows into the check valve while the downstream side corresponding to a direction where the fluid flowing into the check valve flows out therefrom, and a bypass passage provided at an outer periphery of the enclosure member, the bypass passage through which the fluid passing through a valve portion of the check valve flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fumitoshi KOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20100116365
    Abstract: Remotely readable valve position indicators and related methods are described. An example valve position indicator includes a wireless identifier device coupled to a valve stem or shaft to move with the valve stem or shaft. The wireless identifier device is to convey information indicative of the position of the valve stem or shaft to a remote wireless electronic reader. The example valve position indicator also includes a shielding body to prevent the wireless identifier device from conveying the information to the remote wireless electronic reader when the valve stem or shaft is in a first position and to permit the wireless identifier device to convey the information to the remote wireless electronic reader when the valve stem or shaft is in a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Wildie McCarty
  • Publication number: 20100116366
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank to contain fuel therein, and a carrier assembly disposed in the fuel tank. The carrier assembly includes a plurality of application-specific fuel system products, a carrier common to a plurality of different fuel tank assemblies to carry the products, and a plurality of common components to mount the products with respect to the carrier in application-specific positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Giuseppe A. Gattozzi, Harald Knueppel, Ted J. Latouf, James R. Osborne, Christopher K. Quick, Steve L. Toth
  • Publication number: 20100116367
    Abstract: The control valve of the invention has two inlets and one outlet, where a first inlet and the outlet are provided at the front side and the second inlet at the circumference of the control valve. The inlets end in a valve chamber having a fluid connection to the outlet via a valve seat opening. The valve seat opening has a valve seat that can be closed with a valve body that is moveably arranged in a control valve. The outlet extends into the valve chamber with a valve seat section. A radial gap is provided between the valve seat section and a peripheral wall of the valve chamber. The control valve is suitable to be retrofitted to a reservoir pan in order to secure the fuel supply of a single-stage delivery assembly in each operational state when a two-stage delivery assembly is replaced by a single-stage delivery assembly. The control valve comprises a separate valve housing, which is designed such that it can be inserted and fastened in a cylindrical opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Wierer, Michal Trnka, Zdenek Liner, Dalibor Novak
  • Publication number: 20100116368
    Abstract: A fluid metering device may meter the flow of fluid. The device may have a main chamber and a piston configured and oriented to reciprocate within the main chamber. The piston may be configured and oriented to define a first and a second sub-chamber whose volumes vary inversely as a function of the position of the piston during its reciprocation. The fluid metering device may have a first inlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid into the first sub-chamber, a first outlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid out of the first sub-chamber, a second inlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid into the second sub-chamber, and a second outlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid out of the second sub-chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Behrokh Khoshnevis
  • Publication number: 20100116369
    Abstract: A valve system enables use of a standard single line faucet with a water treatment system. The valve system may include a housing having ports for receiving untreated supply water, supplying water to a water treatment system, receiving treated water from the water treatment system and supplying treated water to a dispenser. The valve system includes an automatic shutoff device that prevents water from flowing into the water treatment system when the dispensing faucet is closed and allows water to flow into the water treatment system when the faucet is open. The valve system may include a pressure relief mechanism that removes pressure from the water treatment system when the faucet is closed and a check valve for maintaining a desired amount of pressure within the valve system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Terry L. Lautzenheiser, David O. Godfrey, Michael E. Miles
  • Publication number: 20100116370
    Abstract: A telescoping water outlet comprises an outlet pipe having an outlet opening at an end thereof, and an inner pipe, at least a longitudinal portion of which is enclosed by the outlet pipe, forming an annular space between the two pipes. An inner pipe head is mounted to and closes the end of the inner pipe that is nearest the outlet opening, and includes an annular flange that bears displaceably against an inner wall of the outlet pipe. Fluid flow openings are provided between the interior of the inner pipe and the annular space, via a circumferential surface of the inner pipe head, and between the annular space and an interior of the outer pipe, via the annular flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventor: Wolf-Dieter Lacher
  • Publication number: 20100116371
    Abstract: A port closure system (20) including a port structure (22), and a valve (24). The port structure (22) includes a port (28) for establishing communication between an exterior environment (30) and interior volume (32) that can receive a fluent substance. The valve (24) includes a flexible, resilient, self-closing, slit-type valve head (36) with an orifice that is normally closed in an unconstrained condition. The port (28) has a laterally inwardly facing engaging surface (34) and the valve has a laterally outwardly facing peripheral surface (54) that is compressed laterally inwardly by engagement with the surface (34) to increase the resistance of the normally closed orifice to opening when the head (36) is subjected to a pressure differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: David J. Gaus
  • Publication number: 20100116372
    Abstract: A method of repairing leakage in pipelines comprising the steps of forming a first and second openings (14a, 14b) in the pipeline (10) upstream and downstream, respectively, of the leakage location, inserting through the first opening (14a) a first body (C1), filling the space arrear of the first body (C1) with a first viscose sealing material (M1), inserting through the first opening (14a) a second body (C2) arrear of the first viscose sealing material (M1) compressing the first sealing material by applying a pressure against the first and the second bodies (C1, C2) in opposite directions, causing the first and second bodies (C1, C2) and the compressed first sealing material (M1) to move in unison in the direction of the second opening (14b), and retrieving the first and second bodies (C1, C2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Samuel Perstnev, Reonald Oukhanov
  • Publication number: 20100116373
    Abstract: A sleeved composite pipe or piling structure formed of an elongated polyethylene pipe or tube of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or another polyethylene material installed over a substantially rigid and incompressible hollow metal pipe or solid wood core having an outer diameter that is the same or slightly larger than a normal inside diameter of the polyethylene pipe or tube when measured in a relaxed state at ambient temperature. The polyethylene pipe or tube is, for example, a HDPE 3408 material formed of virgin PE 3408 resin as specified in ASTM D3350 with UV protection, and the pipe is produced to ASTM A-3408. The metal pipe core can be ferrous or nonferrous pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: William R. Watson
  • Publication number: 20100116374
    Abstract: A method of forming a container having enhanced openability is disclosed. The method includes providing a can body, and providing a can end having an approximately planar panel, a pull tab affixed to the panel, and a moveable portion disposed beneath a handle of the tab, the moveable portion being in a first position extending upwardly toward the handle. The method also includes filling a comestible product into the can body at an elevated temperature, seaming the can end to the can body, and moving the moveable portion from the first position to a second position extending downwardly away from the handle, such that a gap is formed or enlarged between the moveable portion and the handle, enhancing accessibility to a user's finger. The moving being in response to internal negative pressure caused by cooling of the product within the can body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Alastair Wilson, Jason Hall, Laure Helene Marie Paillet
  • Publication number: 20100116375
    Abstract: A semi-automatic benchtop filling system that allows the user to switch between pump technologies while utilizing one base unit. The base unit is outfitted to accommodate peristaltic, lobe, gear, and piston pumps providing a maximum amount of flexibility and versatility in one unit. The base unit employs a computerized servo motor control system and docking hardware for driving any of the four different pump types. The system is designed to automate the filling of sample containers regardless of which pump is mounted by tare weighting, and the drive will adjust itself to dispense the correct weight. The pump drive includes appropriate reduction gearing and quick disconnect flexible couplings for each of the different pump types, a side-mounted adapter for connecting any of the peristaltic, gear and lobe pumps, and a separate piston drive assembly and dock-connector at the rear for a piston pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Eginton, John M. Chopper
  • Publication number: 20100116376
    Abstract: A lead-free solder alloy composition comprising tin, silver and copper, and a process for reflow soldering for minimizing tombstoning frequency are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the lead-free Sn—Ag—Cu solder alloys for minimizing the tombstoning effect of the present disclosure display high mass fraction during melting and prolonged melting as shown by a widened DSC peaks, that allows for a balanced surface tension on both ends of the chip component to develop. In accordance with further aspects of this exemplary embodiment, the alloys display a mass fraction of solid during melting greater than 20% and a DSC peak width greater than 8° C. using a 5° C./min scan rate. In accordance with further aspects of this exemplary embodiment, the alloy comprises on a weight basis Ag 1-4.5%, Cu 0.3-1% balanced with Sn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Benlih Huang, Ning-Cheng Lee
  • Publication number: 20100116377
    Abstract: A carbon hardened surface is produced in a metal workpiece without forming carbide precipitates by carburizing the workpiece at high temperature carburization conditions, rapidly quenching the workpiece, and then carburizing the workpiece under low temperature carburization conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Sunniva R. Collins, Peter C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100116378
    Abstract: A heat-resistant magnesium alloy according to the present invention includes Mg, a major component; a first alloying element “M1” being any one or more members that are selected from the group consisting of Al and Ni; a second alloying element “M2” being any one or more members that are selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ba, Cr and Fe; and Ca; and it has a metallic structure including: Mg crystalline grains; plate-shaped precipitated substances being precipitated within grains of the Mg crystalline grains; and grain-boundary crystallized substances being crystallized at grain boundaries between the Mg crystalline grains to form networks that are continuous microscopically. Since the plate-shaped precipitated substances exist within the Mg crystalline grains, the movements of dislocation within the Mg crystalline grains are prevented, and accordingly it becomes less likely to deform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Tsukasa Sugie, Kyoichi Kinoshita, Motoharu Tanizawa, Manabu Miyoshi
  • Publication number: 20100116379
    Abstract: A superalloy article which comprises a substrate comprised of a superalloy, a bond coat comprised of MCrAlY wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, nickel and mixtures thereof applied onto at least a portion of the substrate and a ceramic top coat applied over at least a portion of the bond coat. The bond coat is exposed to a temperature of within the range of between about 1600-1800° F. subsequent to its application onto the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
    Inventors: Otto J. Gregory, Markus A. Downey