Abstract: An engine control system comprises a current control module and a solenoid actuator module. The current control module determines a duty cycle based on a desired current through a solenoid of an engine system and a resistance of the solenoid and corrects the resistance based on an actual current through the solenoid. The solenoid actuator module actuates the solenoid based on the duty cycle.

Abstract: A device for pre-conditioning combustion air at an inlet path (2) to a combustion chamber (4), in which said inlet comprises a set (6) of two or more magnetic fields (8a, 8b, . . . ) arranged along said inlet path (2). Each magnetic field (8a) has a corresponding north pole (Na, Nb, . . . ) and a south pole (So, Sb, . . . ) and a magnetic moment vector (10a, 10b, . . . ) extending from said south pole portion (Sa, Sb, . . . ) to said north pole (Na, Nb, . . . ); characterized in that* the magnetic moment vectors (10a, 10b, . . . ) are arranged mainly perpendicularly with respect to said inlet path (2);* the magnetic moment vectors (10a, 10b, . . . ) are distributed consecutively along said inlet path (2);* the second or consecutive magnetic field (8b) are arranged with the second or consecutive magnetic moment vector's (10b, . . . ) pole (Nb (Sb), . . . ) with the opposite pole adjacent to the inlet path (2) relative to the first or preceding magnetic moment vector's (10a, . . . ) pole (Sa (Na), . . . ).

Abstract: Separation of an air compression supply port from exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in internal combustion engines. In one aspect, an air intake connector includes an entry port for an EGR gas, and an air intake elbow is connected to the air intake connector, the elbow receiving air. The elbow includes a first passage for routing a first portion of the air to the air intake connector to be mixed with the EGR gas, and a second passage for routing a second portion of the air to the air intake connector and out an exit port to an air compressor. The second passage is attached to the elbow and extends through a bend in the elbow.

Abstract: An oil separation apparatus may include an intake housing provided with a gas inlet for the blow-by gas to be sucked therein, a plurality of cyclone which is formed as a cone, is disposed around the intake housing, is communicated with intake housing through an intake passage and separates oil from the blow-by gas, wherein a gas exit is formed to the upper side of the cyclone for discharging the blow-by gas and an oil outlet is formed to the lower side of the cyclone for discharging the separated oil, an exhaust housing cylinder which is provided with an gas outlet, is communicated with the gas exit and discharges the blow-by gas through the gas outlet and a control unit which is disposed within the intake and exhaust housing and selectively opens the intake passages according to intake pressure of the engine.

Abstract: An engine is operated with air-fuel ratio F/B control interrupted, by regarding an alcohol concentration value ALC1 inputted from outside as a tentative concentration value, and by detecting the rotation-speed fluctuation amount of an engine, the appropriateness of the tentative concentration value is determined. In the case where it is determined that the tentative concentration value is appropriate, an estimated alcohol concentration value ALC2 stored in a storage means is replaced by the tentatively changed alcohol concentration value ALC1.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an operation frequency and checking an operating state of the ultrasonic nebulizer is related in the present invention. By detecting the current to determine a resonance frequency and whether deviated from a predetermined normal range, the nebulizer can check the operating state and operate at the resonance frequency for increasing efficiency and saving power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nasal drug delivery comprises a first tube in fluid communication with a means for generating a negative pressure and a second tube in fluid communication with an aerosol. The first tube is contacted with one nostril, the said second tube is contacted with the other nostril, and a negative pressure is applied to the first tube, producing a negative pressure within a nasal cavity and causing the aerosol to be drawn into the nasal passages and to deposit on an internal nasal surface.

Abstract: An adjustable neonatal airway stent for use in the airways of a neonate is provided. The stent may include a flexible mesh member having a generally cylindrical shape and size that is capable of being delivered to a neonatal airway. The mesh member may include overlapping inner and outer portions, where the inner portion is adjacent to an inner edge of the flexible mesh. Further, the stent may include a plurality of locking projections that extend outwardly from the inner portion and are capable of engaging the mesh of the overlapping outer portion to prevent contraction of the stent, while allowing expansion of the stent to at least one diameter when implanted in a neonatal airway. The projections may include angularly extending tips, and the stent may be expandable to a second diameter greater than the first diameter in situ.

Abstract: A medical device and method for combination lung ventilation and mucus clearance of a patient is disclosed. The medical device may be configured to provide lung ventilation with intermittent, on-demand mucus clearance, freeing the patient's mouth for activities of daily living such as when the patient is awake; and, in another configuration, the device can provide lung ventilation with automated mucus clearance, such as when the patient is sedated or asleep. The medical device may comprise a pressure generation source, a ventilation portion, and a mucus clearance portion. The mucus clearance portion may be separable from or separate from the ventilation portion such that the medical device is capable of maintaining lung ventilation with the mouth interface removed from the patient.

Abstract: A cockpit oxygen supply device includes at least one oxygen mask which is conductively connectable to an oxygen tank, wherein at least one throughput measurement device is arranged in the flow path of the device. A breathing activity of the pilot and/or an undesired outflow from the mask may be recognized with the help of an evaluation device.

Abstract: Mask ports 180 for attaching supplemental oxygen tubes 510 or measurement devices to a respiratory mask are downwardly directed and recessed into the base 110 of the mask frame 100. The ports may comprise a pair of downwardly extending tubular spigots 185 each housed in a respective recess 190 in the base 110, with a shallow bridging recess 290 therebetween for receiving a bridging piece 300 of a closure cap 280.

Abstract: A condensate separator is provided for a coaxial tube system, which has an inner gas duct (3) and an outer gas duct (4). A first liquid duct (10) is arranged between the inner gas duct and a first collection volume (8) and a second liquid duct (11) is located between the outer gas duct (4) and a second collection volume (9). The collection volumes (8, 9) are located with a partition (7) in between in a liquid collecting container (6).

Abstract: The invention is an antiseptic mask, comprising a canister configured to store an antiseptic agent, one or more filters adapted to receive the antiseptic agent and a housing comprising a passageway from an air intake through the one or more filters and to a nose/mouth port. Further, the present invention describes an antiseptic mask and method for treating breathable air contaminated with pathogens through a facial mask filter system using an antiseptic agent to be distributed to a filter through which the air may pass.

Abstract: A surgical mask for administering and/or scavenging medical gases includes a nasal mask and an oral mask that envelops the nasal mask. The nasal mask is secured to the oral mask and may be removable from it.

Abstract: A surgical mask for administering and/or scavenging medical gases includes a nasal mask and an oral mask that envelops the nasal mask. The nasal mask is secured to the oral mask and may be removable from it.

Abstract: A surgical mask for administering and/or scavenging medical gases includes a nasal mask and an oral mask that envelops the nasal mask. The nasal mask is secured to the oral mask and may be removable from it.

Abstract: A cigarette injector for loading tobacco leaves into a hollow cigarette paper tube includes a housing having a tobacco cavity for the tobacco leaves disposing, an electric motor having an output shaft and a cigarette filling arrangement. The cigarette filling arrangement includes an elongated injection tube having a supplying end communicating with the tobacco cavity and a dispensing end for the cigarette paper tube encircling therewith, and an elongated tobacco feeder, which has a helicoid shape, having a driving end being driven to rotate via the output shaft of the electric motor and a feeding end extended within the injection tube through the tobacco cavity, wherein the tobacco feeder is driven to rotate for loading the tobacco leaves within the tobacco cavity into the cigarette paper tube through the injection tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified adsorbent material impregnated with a metal oxide, which can be used in a filter element adapted for use in a smoking article. The modified adsorbent material exhibits increased filtration efficiency with respect to certain gas phase species of mainstream cigarette smoke. Exemplary adsorbent materials that can be modified according to the invention include activated carbon, molecular sieves, clays, ion exchange resins, activated aluminas, silica gels, meerschaum, and mixtures thereof. One example of a metal oxide is cerium oxide. Impregnation with a metal oxide can be accomplished by directly treating the adsorbent with a metal oxide or impregnating the adsorbent with a metal oxide precursor, such as cerium nitrate, followed by calcining the impregnated material to convert the precursor to the desired metal oxide. Methods of forming the modified adsorbent material and smoking article filters incorporating the modified adsorbent material are also provided.

Abstract: A configurable multipurpose accessory kit is provided. Such an accessory kit may include a central coupler, and a plurality of accessories which may be configured to meet the needs of a user. The central coupler may be a solid ring, hinged ring, split ring or linear. The accessories may then couple to the central coupler. The accessories may include an accessory coupler, and extender and a functional component. The accessory coupler may reversibly decouple from the central coupler. The extender is one of a chain, cable, string or rope. When the central coupler is a solid ring, the accessory couplers may include a clip enabled to couple and decouple from the central coupler. Where the central coupler includes a hinged ring or a split ring the accessory couplers may be solid. These accessory couplers may include a quick release for rapid removal of the accessory.

Abstract: A disclosed film deposition apparatus includes a susceptor provided rotatably in a chamber; a substrate receiving portion provided in one surface of the susceptor, for receiving a substrate; a reaction gas supplying member configured to supply a reaction gas to the one surface of the susceptor; a cleaning member including: a first concave member that is provided above the susceptor and open toward the one surface, thereby defining a space of an inverted concave shape, a second concave member provided over the first concave member to define a gas passage between the first concave member and the second concave member, a cleaning gas supplying portion configured to supply a cleaning gas to the space, and an evacuation pipe configured to be in gaseous communication with the gas passage and extend out from the chamber; and an evacuation opening provided in the chamber in order to evacuate the chamber.

Abstract: A wet clean method for semiconductor device fabrication begins by providing a semiconductor device structure having a substrate and features protruding from the substrate. The features are formed from a dielectric material, such as an ultra-low-k material. The method continues by cleaning the semiconductor device structure with an aqueous solution and, following the cleaning step, displacing the aqueous solution with a first solvent. Thereafter, the features are exposed to a second solvent that contains a hydrophobic treatment agent that reacts with sidewalls of the features to form a hydrophobic layer on the sidewalls.

Abstract: The pickling process designed for pickling electrical steel strip in a continuous fashion comprising immersing the strip in at least one pickling tub. The pickling tub contains a mixture of HCl, Fe2+, and Fe3+ and a low concentration of HF. Upon exiting the final pickling tub, the strip may be brushed or scrubbed to loosen any residual scale to form a clean strip.

Abstract: A method of washing an object to be processed, using water containing at least either one selected from a hydrogen radical and a carbon radical, and a novel method capable of exerting sufficient washing effect without using chemicals, by a washing apparatus having a processing bath for washing an object to be processed, and a means for supplying the processing bath with water containing at least either one selected from a hydrogen radical and a carbon radical, and an apparatus for the novel method are provided.

Abstract: A wheel washing assembly contains a machine frame, a pendulum assembly pivotably supported on the machine frame, and two washing manifolds, including a first washing manifold and a second washing manifold, attached to the pendulum assembly. Each of the washing manifolds has a nozzle assembly for ejecting water at a wheel to be washed. The washing manifolds are pivotable between a start washing position and an end washing position by an automatic motion of the pendulum assembly. The washing manifolds further automatically track the wheels to be washes by a motion of one of the wheels.

Abstract: A screening arrangement for screening washing fluid in a dishwashing appliance is provided. Such a screening arrangement comprises intersecting wall members forming a latticework structure, defining opposing inlet and outlet planes, for receiving the washing fluid therethrough. The wall members have inlet and outlet ends disposed toward the respective inlet and outlet planes. The wall member inlet ends, in cross section, have a non-planar apex portion tapering toward the outlet plane. A circumferential member extends about a periphery of the latticework structure, and at least a portion of the circumferential member is sloped toward the latticework structure so as to direct washing fluid received thereby toward the latticework structure. An associated apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A washing device is disclosed, which is capable of preventing damage of a substrate caused by drooping of the substrate. The washing device includes a plasma irradiating part supplied with a substrate from a substrate loading part to remove dirt from the substrate by irradiating plasma to the substrate; a dirt washing part supplied from the substrate from the plasma irradiating part to remove dirt remaining on the substrate; a finishing washing part supplied with the substrate from the dirt washing part to wash the substrate; a drying part supplied with the substrate from the finishing washing part to dry the substrate; and a substrate unloading part supplied with the substrate from the drying part to unload the substrate, wherein the plasma irradiating part includes a plasma irradiation unit that irradiates plasma to the substrate and a floating unit that maintains the substrate in a floating state.

Abstract: The shopping cart washing machine includes a cart transporting means (200) which continuously transports a cart in a forward direction, a high pressure washing water spraying means (300) which washes the cart by spraying high pressure washing water to a surface of the cart, a handle washing means (400) which washes a handle (4) of the cart by brushing upper and lower surfaces of the handle (4) of the cart, a cart outside surface washing unit (500) which washes the outside surface of a container part (1) of the cart by brushing the sides of the container part (1), a cart inside space washing means (600) which is disposed inside the container part (1) and removes dirt from the container part (1) by vertical vibrations, a rinsing means (700) which removes dirt remaining on the surface of the washed cart by spraying high pressure washing water again, and a drying means (800) which removes water droplets remaining on the surface of the washed cart using hot air.

Abstract: Provided is a walking stick having a pole configured by a plurality of connecting pipes. The walking stick includes: an upper connecting pipe; and a lower connecting pipe inserted into the upper connecting pipe, wherein first and second through-holes are provided in both sides of the lower connecting pipe at opposing positions to each other, first and second button members are slidably inserted into the first and the second through-holes, respectively, a spring for elastically supporting the first and the second button members in a radial direction is provided inside the first and the second button members, and third and fourth through-holes are provided in the upper connecting pipe at positions corresponding to the first and the second through-holes of the lower connecting pipe so that the first and the second button members are moved in and out through the first to the fourth through-holes.

Abstract: Particularly, a thin-film solar cell panel or the like is processed without necessity of attaching and detaching of mask and washing steps with respect to a workpiece in a fine blasting employing a fine abrasive. A negative pressure space (20) and an opposing negative pressure space (40) having openings (22, 42) are opposed by being spaced at a movement allowable interval of the workpiece such as a thin-film solar cell panel or the like and so as to face one side edge in the same direction as a moving direction of the workpiece.

Abstract: The use of rare-earth (RE+O, N, P) based materials to transition between two semiconductor materials is disclosed. Rare earth based oxides, nitrides and phosphides provide a wide range of lattice spacings enabling, compressive, tensile or stress-free lattice matching with Group IV, III-V, and Group II-VI compounds. Disclosed embodiments include tandem solar cells.

Abstract: An array type concentrating solar cell system without sun-tracing system is provided, wherein a plurality of transparent spheres or sphere-like transparent articles is used as concentrating means and hence there is no need for the concentrating means to trace the light source, such as the Sun. The plurality of transparent spheres (or sphere-like transparent articles), as concentrating means, can provide sufficient electric power for user's applications.

Abstract: A solar power generation device including a base, a tracking system mounted to the base, a solar collector mounted to the tracking system configured to open as the solar power generation device transitions to an active state and to close as the solar power generation device transitions to an inactive state, a light sensing system dynamically mounted about the base and configured to adjust the tracking system based upon the position of a light producing element, and a plurality of focusing elements mounted to the base and positioned around the light sensing system such that any light reflected by the focusing elements is directed to the solar collector. The device may further include an electricity management and conditioning system contained in the base that includes a short term storage system, a long term storage system, a data acquisition system, and a data and electricity transmission interface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing photovoltaic power to a communications network. AC electrical power is measured that is consumed in a rectifier that produces a DC output to a telephony transmission line. The DC output is measured in the telephony transmission line. Photovoltaic power is measured that is produced by a photovoltaic device that is applied to the telephony transmission line. The consumption of the AC electrical power in the rectifier is reduced in response to the photovoltaic power produced by the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A multijunction solar cell including an upper first solar subcell having a first band gap; a second solar subcell adjacent to the first solar subcell and having a second band gap smaller than the first band gap; a first graded interlayer adjacent to the second solar subcell; the first graded interlayer having a third band gap greater than the second band gap; and a third solar subcell adjacent to the first graded interlayer, the third subcell having a fourth band gap smaller than the second band gap such that the third subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to the second subcell. A second graded interlayer is provided adjacent to the third solar subcell; the second graded interlayer having a fifth band gap greater than the fourth band gap; and a lower fourth solar subcell is provided adjacent to the second graded interlayer, the lower fourth subcell having a sixth band gap smaller than the fourth band gap such that the fourth subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to the third subcell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is provided. It comprises at least two electrical contacts, p type dopants and n type dopants. It also comprises a bulk region and nanowires in an aligned array which contact the bulk region. All nanowires in the array have one predominant type of dopant, n or p, and at least a portion of the bulk region also comprises that predominant type of dopant. The portion of the bulk region comprising the predominant type of dopant typically contacts the nanowire array. The photovoltaic devices' p-n junction would then be found in the bulk region. The photovoltaic devices would commonly comprise silicon.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method provides a transparent substrate including a surface region. A first electrode layer overlies the surface region. A copper layer is formed overlying the first electrode layer and an indium layer is formed overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. At least the multi-layered structure is subjected to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species to forming a bulk copper indium disulfide. The bulk copper indium disulfide material has a surface region characterized by a copper poor surface region having a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 and n-type impurity characteristics. The bulk copper indium disulfide material excluding the copper poor surface region forms an absorber region and the copper poor surface region forms at least a portion of a window region for the thin film photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a III-V compound semiconductor solar cell includes forming a window layer made of III-V compound material over a top surface of an solar cell structure; forming a periodic array of hole textures of the window layer by using a lithography and etching process; and depositing an anti-reflection coating film to cover the window layer. A III-V compound solar cell structure is also provided to enhance the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic.

Abstract: A high transmission low iron glass includes antimony, has reduced total alkali content, and increased silica content, and is suitable for use in photovoltaic devices (e.g., solar cells) or the like. A method of making the glass is also provided. In certain example embodiments, the glass composition may be made on a pattern line with a highly positive batch redox.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye compound represented by the following formula (I), or a salt thereof: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, D1, D2, B, and n are defined the same as the specification, and also relates to a photoelectric component using the same. The dye compound of the present invention is suitable for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC). Hence, the photoelectric characteristics of the DSSC can be improved by using the dye compound of the present invention.

Abstract: A power-loss-inhibiting current-collector. The power-loss-inhibiting current-collector includes a trace for collecting current from a solar cell. The power-loss-inhibiting current-collector further includes a current-limiting portion of the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector. The current-limiting portion of the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector is coupled to the trace. The current-limiting portion of the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector is configured to regulate current flow through the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector.

Abstract: A fluid supply system is provided, especially for delivering liquid hydrocarbon to a fuel-operated vehicle heater or to a reformer. The system includes a fluid reservoir (12), a first fluid line (28) from the fluid reservoir (12) to an on-off valve (30), a second fluid line (32) from the on-off valve (30) to a first system area (14) to be fed with fluid, and a third fluid line (34) from the on-off valve (30) to the reservoir (12). The on-off valve (30) establishes a connection between the first fluid line (28) and the second fluid line (32) in a first valve position and establishes a connection between the second fluid line (32) and the third fluid line (34) in a second valve position. A first fluid delivery arrangement (26) is provided for delivering fluid from the reservoir (12) into the second fluid line (12). A second fluid delivery arrangement (20, 24) is provided for delivering fluid from the third fluid line (34) into the reservoir (12).

Abstract: A method for utilizing an aircraft to transport a container of beneficial gas to altitudes greater than five kilometers and releasing the beneficial gas into the stratosphere at that altitude. The released beneficial gas may comprise oxygen, neutralizing chemicals in gas form, other gases beneficial to the ozone layer, or the like. The aircraft transporting the container of beneficial gas may comprise an airplane, a balloon, or any other aircraft known in the art. Additionally, the beneficial gas may be released at altitudes greater than five kilometers, such as seven or ten kilometers. A threshold ozone concentration level may be determined such that beneficial gas is released from the containers only when the measured ozone concentration is below the threshold ozone concentration level. Further, the stratospheric density may be measured and the quantity of beneficial gas released into the stratosphere may be determined in proportion to the measured stratospheric density.

Abstract: Embodiments of a valve are disclosed that allow for the control and adjustment of a fluid flow between a valve inlet port and a valve output port as a function of the pressure at the valve inlet port, a pressure at a first pressure input port, and a reference pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for purging a medical gas line having an outlet that includes a back body having a bore in communication with the gas line. An elongate body includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion is configured for insertion within a bore of a back body of an outlet of the medical gas line. The distal portion includes a first port and the proximal portion includes a second port that is in fluid communication with the first port for permitting the flow of gas through the elongate body from or toward the bore.

Abstract: A relief valve and related systems and methods have particular use in fluid distribution lines. The relief valve comprises a body defining a cavity and comprising at least first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity. A connector piece is connected to the body at the first opening to connect the valve to a fluid distribution line. A rupture disc is disposed within and obstructs the first opening. When it is desired that fluid from the fluid distribution line be vented from the system, the rupture disc is punctured via activation of an active material initiator and thereby allows for fluid communication through the first opening of the valve.

Abstract: A fast back flow device is provided in a relief valve. A body of the relief valve is constructed in a configuration of dual return flow, wherein the valve body forms a communication passage in a water inlet side thereof to communicate a water releasing channel formed in a lower portion thereof. The water releasing channel receives therein a water releasing valve including a collar and a stacked disk set biased by a resilient element. When the operation of a pump supplies a preset pressure, the water releasing valve assembly is automatically closed and when the pressure drops down to be smaller than the resilient force, the resilient element opens the valve to immediately release water and lower pressure. The assembling of the relief valve is made easier and released unused water can be collected and reused, making the spraying device more environment-protective.

Abstract: Valve apparatus for converting a direct water drain valve into an indirect water drain valve, the direct water drain valve having at least one drain conduit, the apparatus including: a part having an inner volume and a fluid transfer aperture for fluid to enter the inner volume, the part being arranged to be connected, directly or indirectly, to the direct water drain valve so as to convert at least some of the inner volume into a substantially fluid-tight passageway between the fluid transfer aperture and the at least one drain conduit of the direct water drain valve.

Abstract: A grey water disposal system which is ideally placed below a parking lot. Water flow chambers are positioned beneath said parking lot. These water flow chambers having a solid upper surface and open at the bottom. Pipes communicating grey water into said water flow chambers. In one embodiment, the water flow chambers are configured with at least two legs and the pipes are configured to selectively deliver the grey water to different legs as dictated by a remotely controlled valve.

Abstract: A grey water control system utilizing a computer configured to selectively disburse grey water as required. This disbursement is to: irrigate plants on the site of the business where the grey water is collected; irrigate plants on a site remote from the location where the grey water is collected; or, discharge of the grey water into a water disposal mechanism.

Abstract: A water reservoir which uses a corrugated metal tube as its main body. A solid plate seals one end of said corrugated metal tube and another solid plate seals the other end. The Corrugated metal tube has an opening at the top on which is secured a collar. A sleeve slides over the collar and extends up to ground level.