Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for generating photocurrent and systems and methods for generating hydrogen. The systems comprise (a) isolated biological photosystem II (PSII) complexes; (b) an anode selected from the group consisting of graphite anode, glassy carbon anode, and FTO anode, wherein the PSII complexes are deposited onto the anode; (c) a source of red or white light, wherein red or white light illumination of the PSII complexes deposited on the anode generates a photoresponse comprising a photocurrent; (d) a working solution; and (e) a cathode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and precursor structure to form a Group IBIIIAIVA solar cell absorber layer. The method includes forming a Group IBIIIAVIA compound layer on a base by forming a precursor layer on the base through electrodepositing three different films, and then reacting the precursor layer with selenium to form the Group IBIIIAVIA compound layer on the base. The three films, described by the precursor layer, include in one embodiment a first alloy film comprising copper, indium and gallium, a second alloy film comprising copper and selenium formed on the first alloy film; and a selenium film formed on the second alloy film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye sensitized solar cell comprising a semiconductor formed of a particulate metal oxide, a dye adsorbed onto the semiconductor wherein the semiconductor interface with the dye is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of a semiconductor material onto the particulate metal oxide.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic device and a process for producing such a photovoltaic device that enable a stable, high photovoltaic conversion efficiency to be achieved by using a transparent electrode having an optimal relationship between the resistivity and the transmittance. At least one transparent electrode (12, 16) is either a ZnO layer containing no Ga or a Ga-doped ZnO layer in which the quantity of added Ga is not more than 5 atomic % relative to the Zn within the ZnO layer, and the ZnO layer is formed by a sputtering method using a rare gas containing added oxygen as the sputtering gas, wherein the quantity of oxygen added to the sputtering gas is not less than 0.1% by volume and not more than 5% by volume relative to the combined volume of the oxygen and the rare gas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a photovoltaic device having a protective layer affixed to a top surface thereof. The protective layer is comprised of a polymeric material having a fluorinated first surface and a second, opposed, surface which is non-fluorinated or less fluorinated. The protective layer is affixed to the photovoltaic device so that the first surface is farthest therefrom. In some instances, the fluorination may extend to edge portions of the protective layer as well as to any intermediate layers. Further disclosed are devices which incorporate the fluorinated protective layers.

Abstract: A compound for an organic photoelectric device, represented by the following Chemical Formula 1:

Abstract: A method of laying down one or more layers of material to reduce electrolytic reaction whilst allowing electron transfer between a conductive substrate and a light collecting charge separating layer, the layer being deposited between the conductive substrate and the light collecting charge separating layer and/or over the light collecting charge separating layer, the layer being deposited by atmospheric pressure atomic layer deposition.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide an electrode substrate for a dye-sensitized solar cell having a dye-sensitized semiconductor porous layer of a structure capable of improving conversion efficiency. [Means for Solution] The dye-sensitized semiconductor porous layer formed on the surface of the electrode substrate comprises oxide semiconductor fine particles (A) having spherical shapes and oxide semiconductor fine particles (B) having irregular shapes and particle diameters smaller than those of the spherical oxide semiconductor fine particles, has a voidage of not less than 60%, and in which a maximum peak of pore volume in the semiconductor porous layer as measured by a BET method is present in a region of pore diameters of not smaller than 30 nm.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a substrate including a first surface receiving a light and a second surface disposed at a back side of the first surface, a first electrode provided on the first surface of the substrate, and a second electrode provided on the second surface of the substrate and including a first opening immediately below the first electrode, wherein a part of the periphery of the first electrode is disposed in the first opening as seen in a perspective plain view.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar battery including a solar cell; a wiring substrate having a wire to be electrically connected to an electrode provided in the solar cell; and an adhesive agent for adhering the solar cell and the wiring substrate to each other. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the solar battery, a method for manufacturing a solar cell module using the solar battery, and the solar cell module.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual-side light-absorbing thin film solar cell that comprises a substrate, a p-type transparent conductive layer, a semiconductive film and a transparent conductive layer. The p-type transparent conductive layer is formed on the substrate and its material is a p-type transparent conductive material, for example, CuMO2, Cu2XSrXO2, or others. M is a IIIA element that is aluminum (Al), boron (B), gallium (Ga), indium (In), or thallium (Tl), and X is greater than zero. The semiconductive film is formed on the p-type transparent conductive layer. The semiconductive film comprises a p-type semiconductive layer and a n-type semiconductive layer. The n-type semiconductive layer is formed on the p-type semiconductive layer. The transparent conductive layer is formed on the semiconductive film. Such structure allows lights enter through both sides of the thin film solar cell so that the efficiency of the elements and the photoelectric conversion rate is improved.

Abstract: A high quality, highly adherent layer of a metal and oxygen material such as a transparent electrically conductive oxide material is electro deposited onto a substrate in a solution deposition process. The substrate is activated prior to the electro deposition of the metal and oxygen material thereonto by contacting it with a multidentate activating agent which promotes the adhesion of the metal and oxygen material to the substrate. Use of the activation agent eliminates the need to pre-deposit a “seed” layer of the metal and oxygen material onto the substrate by a vacuum deposition process. Process parameters are controlled so as to result in the deposition of a high quality layer of material which is suitable for use in a back reflector structure of a high efficiency photovoltaic device In particular instances the activation method may be implemented in a continuous, roll-to-roll process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encapsulated solar cell having the following layer structure: a lower layer of thermoplastic silicone; a solar cell; an upper layer of thermoplastic silicone; a cover layer of a fluoropolymer, wherein the solar cell is sealed all around between the lower layer and the upper layer and wherein the upper layer is bonded to the cover layer.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, wherein the solar cell comprises a first cell comprised of a semiconductor wafer with a PN structure; a second cell comprised of a thin film semiconductor layer with a PIN structure, formed on one surface of the first cell; a first electrode layer formed on one surface of the second cell; and a second electrode layer formed on the other surface of the first cell. Unlike the related art solar cell, the solar cell according to the present invention can absorb the light of long-wavelength range in the first cell, and the light of short-wavelength range in the second cell. As a result, it is possible for the solar cell according to the present invention to absorb the light of all ranges, thereby realizing the high efficiency of 20% or above. Also, the entire process time becomes shortened since there is no requirement for the procedure of forming the silicon thin film for a long period of time.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to solar cell packaging. In one particular example, a solar cell package comprises a solar cell including a thin film solar cell disposed on a flexible and substantially transparent substrate, a first encapsulation layer disposed on a first side of the solar cell, and a second encapsulation layer disposed on a second side of the solar cell.

Abstract: A dye-sensitizing solar cell (DSSC) is provided. The DSSC includes a working electrode, a counter electrode disposed opposite to the working electrode, a first gap control layer disposed between the working electrode and the counter electrode, a packaging material, and an electrolyte. The working electrode has a first patterned conductive line. The counter electrode has a second patterned conductive line. The first gap control layer is located on at least an outer portion of one of the first and the second patterned conductive lines to surround at least the first and the second patterned conductive lines or is symmetrically located on one of the first and the second patterned conductive lines. The packaging material is disposed on the first gap control layer such that the working electrode, the counter electrode, the first gap control layer, and the packaging material form a gap. The electrolyte is disposed in the gap.

Abstract: The present structure and method for fabrication thereof provides a photovoltaic cell structure for converting light energy into electrical energy. According to one embodiment, a pillared photovoltaic cell structure comprises an array of pillars that are situated closely to each other to take advantage of both the wave-like properties and the particle-like properties of light to enhance the energy conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cell. According to one embodiment, a pillared photovoltaic cell structure incorporating self-aligned P/P+ junctions enable holes generated near the top surface of the cell structure to be captured by the self-aligned P/P+ junctions.

Abstract: The present invention provides dipyrrin substituted porphyrinic macrocycles, intermediates useful for making the same, and methods of making the same. Such compounds may be used for purposes including the making of molecular memory devices, solar cells and light harvesting arrays.

Abstract: A metal and oxygen material such as a transparent electrically conductive oxide material is electro deposited onto a substrate in a solution deposition process. Process parameters are controlled so as to result in the deposition of a high quality layer of material which is suitable for use in a back reflector structure of a high efficiency photovoltaic device. The deposition may be carried out in conjunction with a masking member which operates to restrict the deposition of the metal and oxygen material to specific portions of the substrate. In particular instances the deposition may be implemented in a continuous, roll-to-roll process. Further disclosed are semiconductor devices and components of semiconductor devices made by the present process, as well as apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: An automatically operable dynamic purge system that is incorporated into a heat recovery wheel that comprises a number of radial seals that direct a controlled area of supply air into the exhaust air stream passing through the heat recovery wheel. Two possible configurations include a single purge and a double purge. For the single purge, one seal is fixed in location on one face of the wheel and a second seal is dynamic and is on the opposite face. For the double purge, two seals are fixed in location on one face of the wheel and a third seal is dynamic and is on the opposite face. In each case the dynamic seal is secured by an automatically operable wiper blade. This wiper blade is attached near the center of the wheel such that it rotates, in turn, allowing the seal to rotate whilst remaining approximately radial to the wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water inlet arrangement for the use in fish tanks in aquaculture, including a pipe to feed water into the tank, the pipe having a plurality of openings and, for a better adjustment of the flow, a surrounding second element having a plurality of openings and/or a fixed or adjustable shield are provided.

Abstract: A coke oven piping system (10) comprises a pipe assembly for conveying coke oven gases (14) from a coke oven to a collecting main (16); and flow control means comprising a flow orifice (22) in the pipe assembly with an associated obturating member (20), the obturating member being axially moveable between an open position at a certain distance from the flow orifice to a closed position in which it substantially obstructs the flow orifice (22). At least one throttling opening (28) is arranged so as to offer, towards the end of the closing stroke of the obturating member (20), an opening area for the gases to the collecting main (16) that depends on the axial position of the obturating member (20).

Abstract: A flow splitter (10) that is uniquely characterized by the use of two diaphragm valves in a single valve body that are arranged in opposition to one another. The diaphragm valves are coupled together for common movement by a coupler, such that the flow rate through respective outlets is a function of the position of either diaphragm valve. That is, the position of one valve is a function of the position of the other valve, and vice versa. With this construction a single actuator can control the ratio of total flow that will be delivered to each of two outlet ports. Moreover, such construction eliminates the need for thermal or pressure sensors and thus the drawbacks associated therewith.

Abstract: A gear pump capable of alternately distributing a fluid in two distinct utilization circuits without the need for a switch. The gear pump (1) comprises two fluid outlet ports (5, 6) connected to two fluid utilization circuits and linked to the discharge chamber (C) of the pump via an integrated commutation (7). These commutation (7) comprise two distribution circuits (50, 60), located in a fixed support plate (70), and two buffer channels (30, 40), located in the rotary toothed wheels (3), arranged so as to alternately open and close the distribution circuits according to a commutation cycle that approximately corresponds to the rotation of the toothed wheels over half a revolution.

Abstract: A fluid transport device transports fluid containing electrolytes within a flow channel. At least a portion of the inner walls of the flow channels are hydrophilic from the inlet to the outlet thereof except at least one valve portion. The device also includes: the valve portions, which are hydrophobic and function to block transport of at least one fluid; electrodes, which are provided at the at least one valve portion and function to reduce the surface tension of the fluid; and air vents, which are provided at the at least one valve portion and function to introduce air in order to block the fluid.

Abstract: A fluid control platform that may control various fluid control components and is scalable by connecting with additional substantially identical platforms, as well as related systems, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of fluid control are disclosed. the platform may include a programmable controller, a power supply, a data input, a data output device, and/or a networking connection, among other things. A coordinated fluid control system may include multiple networked platforms, which may be networked to each other in, for example, a ring. The programmable controller may be provided with hardware that permits operation of each of a plurality of fluid control components, some of which may be intelligent fluid control components.

Abstract: A food container system and method of using same is provided for heating, storing or cooling food placed within a container. The container system facilitates heating of food without dehydration of the food, and it permits cooling of the food, such as, for example, cooling in a refrigerator or cooling at room temperature after removal from a heating oven or microwave, without vapor lock preventing or making difficult the removal of a lid from a container in which the food is heated or cooled. The system comprises, in one aspect, a ceramic lid and a ceramic container to receive the lid, and a seal having a channel there through and disposed intermediate the ceramic lid and the ceramic container. In one aspect, the seal may comprise a heat-resistant silicon material.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method to purge air or liquid from a powered injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes driving a first pumping device in a first operational mode to inject an amount of a first liquid medium through disposable tubing and a disposable valve, driving the first pumping device in a second operational mode to deform the disposable valve, and driving a second pumping device to inject an amount of a second liquid medium through the disposable tubing and the deformed valve. In one embodiment, the first pumping device comprises a first syringe, the second pumping device comprises a second syringe, and the disposable valve comprises an elastomeric valve.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture trim snap connect comprises a faucet handle assembly and a base assembly. The faucet handle assembly includes an escutcheon bearing upper and lower internal tabs, freely rotatable around a faucet handle. The base assembly includes a base seat on which a spring and retainer are maintained in an upwardly biased position. The seat includes a groove and helical cut, and the retainer includes indents in its surface to accommodate the upper and lower tabs of the escutcheon. By pushing the escutcheon down atop the base assembly and rotating the escutcheon relative to the base assembly, the apparatus can be assembled. Disassembly can be accomplished simply by rotating the escutcheon in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A ball valve includes a valve element and a single piece packing that seals the valve element within a valve cavity. The single piece packing is installed over the valve element at room temperature or may be molded thereon. The valve element may include a flow control element such as a ball and upper and lower trunnions. The various dimensions of the valve element and packing are selected to facilitate room temperature assembly and to substantially reduce the volume of packing material, thereby improving the performance of the valve over wider temperature ranges and pressure ratings.

Abstract: In a vent control valve for a fuel tank, a housing receiving a float assembly therein is provided with a communication hole passed across a wall of the housing, and an opening of the communication hole facing an interior of the housing is directly exposed to an interior of the housing when the float assembly is in a low position and overlaps with a peripheral wall of the float assembly when the float assembly is in a high position. By suitably selecting the size of the communication hole and/or the number thereof, a desired delay in the dropping of the liquid fuel level in the housing following the filling up of the fuel tank can be achieved. Thereby, overfilling of the fuel tank can be avoided. As the float assembly drops to such an extent as to clear the communication hole, the fuel vapor is allowed to flow more freely into the interior of the housing via the communication hole, and this causes an increase in the speed of the float to drop.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring heat and/or sound during liquid extraction and/or cleaning processes are disclosed. A fluid extraction system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid extractor having an outlet positioned to deliver extracted waste fluid, and a fluid tank operatively coupled to the extractor. A blower, having an air intake and an air outlet through which blower air passes, is operatively coupled to the extractor outlet to draw the extracted waste fluid from the extractor. A muffler is positioned at least partially within the liquid tank and has a flow path along which the blower air passes. In particular embodiments, the muffler can also provide a heat exchanger function, for example, to heat cleaning fluid provided to the extractor.

Abstract: A handle assembly is disclosed that is suitable for mounting a valve housing that has a valve stem to a support. In one form, the handle assembly includes a handle, an escutcheon, a bonnet, a recess, and a flexible snap ring. The handle is operationally linked to the valve stem of the valve housing for controlling movement of the valve stem. The escutcheon is positionable on a first side of the support adjacent the handle. The bonnet is linked to the valve housing. The recess is formed in one of the bonnet and escutcheon. The flexible snap member mounted to the other of the bonnet and escutcheon and suitable to snap into the recess when the bonnet and escutcheon are telescoped together, while thereafter permitting relative rotation of the bonnet and escutcheon.

Abstract: A liquid level monitor (100) includes a liquid bowl cavity (102) having a liquid sampling port (106). A switching device cavity (104) is formed within an upper portion of the housing (105) having an electromechanical switching device (112) therein. A separator (116) is between the liquid bowl cavity (102) and the switching device cavity (104). A venting pathway (120) including a vent passage (122) is for equalizing pressure between a region over the liquid in the liquid bowl cavity (102) and the switching device cavity (104). A liquid level indicator including a float (131) is positioned in the liquid bowl cavity (102) for indicating the height of the liquid. The liquid level indicator (131) actuates the electromechanical switching device (112) when the fluid level falls below a predetermined level. A mechanical barrier (115) is positioned in the venting pathway (120) for redirecting liquid back into the liquid bowl cavity (102).

Abstract: A flow rate controller detects a clogged state of an orifice to prevent errors during flow rate measurement. The flow rate controller includes a differential pressure flow meter, with an orifice disposed between a pair of pressure sensors, that converts a pressure difference detected by the two pressure sensors into a flow rate, a flow-rate adjusting valve whose degree of opening is controlled such that the difference between a measured flow rate value and a preset flow rate value falls within a predetermined range, and a control unit that controls the degree of opening of the flow-rate adjusting valve upon receiving the pressure values detected by the pressure sensors. The control unit compares the preset flow rate value and the measured flow rate value and determines that there is a clog fault when a flow rate difference, as compared with a predetermined value, continues for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A pressure control system in provided, including a pressure regulating valve, a throttle valve and a relief valve. The pressure regulating valve includes a valve body and a piston assembly. The valve body has a chamber, wherein the chamber has an inlet and an outlet. The piston assembly, movably disposed in the chamber, includes a first piston and a second piston. The first piston corresponds to the inlet and has a first contact surface. The second piston corresponds to the outlet and has a second contact surface. The first piston and the second piston move simultaneously, and the first contact surface is smaller than the second contact surface. The throttle valve, connected with the pressure regulating valve, is disposed at a side of the outlet of the valve body. The relief valve, connected with the pressure regulating valve, is disposed at a side of the inlet of the valve body.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure switch apparatus includes a porous disc directly installed at a media entry port for dampening and filtration purposes. The porous disc includes a number of pores that are connected together and to the surface of the porous disc for allowing media to flow into a base fitting. The media exerts pressure on a piston associated with the base fitting, which in turn is capable of being absorbed by a compression spring. The compression spring transfers a required motion to a plunger associated with a micro switch in order to provide on/off switching capabilities. Electrical indications can then be transferred to a vehicle control unit utilizing a termination connector, based on particular user requirements. The porous disc can be utilized to dampen the pressure spikes and surges, which significantly prolong the life of the pressure switch apparatus in harsh applications.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a safety device to be inserted in a pipe through which a fluid flows from an upstream side to a downstream side, this device comprising a tube offering the fluid a central flow path controlled by a central valve which closes in the event of excessive flow of this fluid, an elastically deformable annular shutter mounted on the external periphery of the tube, and retention clamps. According to the disclosure, each of the clamps has a tied end fastened to the periphery of the tube upstream of the annular shutter and can adopt, under the effect of a radial compression, a folded configuration in which its free end is turned towards this annular shutter.

Abstract: A check valve includes a valve body defining an internal chamber and a valve seat disposed within the internal chamber adjacent to one of the first and second ends of the valve body. A poppet is mounted for linear movement along a poppet axis within the internal chamber between the first and second ends of the valve body and has a predetermined cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to the poppet axis, a peripheral rim defining a movement guiding surface, a frustoconical surface provided in one axial end of the poppet and oriented in a direction toward the one end of the valve body, a sealing bead disposed on the frustoconical surface, and a predetermined plurality of passages formed in a predetermined pattern through at least one of the peripheral rim and the frustoconical surface in open communication with an opposed axial end of the poppet.

Abstract: A microprocessor may include a logic circuit for executing instructions of a data processing application. The microprocessor may have a timer system which includes a clock counter connected to a clock input for receiving a clock signal and counting a number of cycles of the clock signal. A clock comparator may be connected the clock counter and to a timer register in which a timer reference value can be stored. The clock comparator may compare a number of cycles of the clock signal with the timer reference value and generate a timer signal based on the comparison. The timer system may have a timer output for outputting timer signal. The timer system may include a control input for receiving a digital value representing a measured value of a sensed parameter of a device and a control register in which a control reference value can be stored. A control comparator may be connected the control input.

Abstract: A control assembly for use in a feed delivery assembly comprises a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber between said inlet and outlet. The chamber is opened in a plane parallel, but radially offset from, an axis of the inlet and outlet. A tube member is removably receivable in the chamber. The removable tube member includes a tube having a length sufficient to span a distance between the inlet and outlet tubes. At least one infrared emitter and at least one infrared receiver are mounted on the tube member tube and are positioned to be opposed to each other such that the receiver will receive and detect light from the emitter. The emitter and receiver are operatively connected to a controller. The controller emits a signal when it is determined that the light from the emitter to the receiver is interrupted.

Abstract: Two stage spool valves having, in a single assembly, a first stage spool and a second stage spool. The first stage spool may have a solenoid actuator with a return spring, with the second stage spool having either a hydraulic return or a spring return, or both. The solenoid actuator may be comprised of a stationary structure defining a magnetic flux path, including a stationary structure pole face, that together with a moveable structure, including a moveable structure pole face, define a substantially zero air gap magnetic circuit when the solenoid actuator is actuated, the pole faces of the stationary structure and the moveable structure each being defined in part by soft magnetic iron and in part by hardened steel, the hardened steel of the moveable structure contacting the hardened steel of the stationary structure and the soft magnetic iron of the moveable structure being face to face with the soft magnetic iron of the stationary structure when the solenoid actuator is actuated.

Abstract: Efficient micro-pumping of gas/liquids is provided. In one embodiment a pipeline of insulative material can be asymmetrically coated with electrodes. The asymmetric coating can affect the flow passage to create straight and swirl pumping effects. The electrodes can include electrode pairs arranged at intervals along the pipeline, each electrode pair being capable of inducing an electrohydrodynamic body force. The electrode pairs can be formed at the same surface, such as along the inner perimeter of the pipeline, and can be powered by steady, pulsed direct, or alternating current. Alternatively, the electrode pairs can be separated by the insulative material of the pipeline, and can be powered with direct or alternating current operating at radio frequency.

Abstract: Herein described is a device for controlling fluid motion in a micro/nanofluidic structure of channels, comprising: a structured volume of material (30), bearing a predetermined configuration of micro/nanofluidic channels (C) for holding and transferring amounts of fluids, adapted to define at least one fluid inlet (IN) and at least one fluid outlet (OUT), and presenting a hydrophobic behaviour for the fluids to be handled; and a substrate (31) made of material with piezoelectric properties, coupled to the abovementioned configuration of micro/nanofluidic channels, bearing means for active control of the motion of an amount of fluid, including transducer means (T1-T6) which comprise at least one pair of interdigitated electrodes applied on the substrate (31), which are arranged to selectively generate a surface acoustic wave adapted to propagate on the substrate (31) and interact with the amount of fluid.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a substrate, a main flow channel formed in the substrate, a control channel formed in the substrate such that the main flow channel and the control channel meet at a junction, a bi-phase material within the control channel, a heating element adjacent the control channel and the junction, the heating element being controllable to generate sufficient energy to cause the bi-phase material to transition from a solid phase to a liquid phase, and a pumping mechanism for forcing the bi-phase material either into or out of the junction when the bi-phase material is in the liquid phase.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to surface tension controlled valves used for handling biological fluids. The valves controlled by optically actuating an electro-wetting circuit.

Abstract: The inclination of the suction reed at the time of sucking the refrigerant can be increased when L/S is not more than 0.25 where S (mm2) represents the area within the periphery of the suction valve seat of the suction reed, and L (mm) represents the length between the support end and the tip on the opening/closing part side of the suction reed. The increased inclination of the suction reed smoothes the flow of the refrigerant into the cylinder bore from the inside of the suction valve seat so as to reduce the suction resistance and the clearance volume, thereby reducing the re-expansion loss. As a result, the refrigerant flow is increased to increase the volumetric efficiency, thereby improving the freezing performance of the hermetic compressor.

Abstract: Valve arrangements for use with a water meter include a first valve comprising a first valve housing, a first inlet, and a first outlet, the first inlet and the first outlet of the first valve being oriented substantially perpendicular to one another, a second valve comprising a second valve housing, a second inlet, and a second outlet, the second inlet and the second outlet of the second valve being oriented substantially perpendicular to one another; the first inlet of the first valve and the second outlet of the second valve being substantially coaxial with one another, and the first outlet of the first valve and the second inlet of the second valve being oriented substantially 180° apart from one another, with the first valve housing and the second valve housing being joined together by a connection member.

Abstract: A frequency suppressor for a hydraulic system is shown and described. The frequency suppressor comprises a housing that contains a substantially fixed mass of a compressible substance. The volume of the compressible substance is varied to dampen frequency disturbances in the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A flexible end cap is provided for the end of an industrial pipe, the end cap comprising a closed end and an open end, the open end defined by a wall extending about the periphery of the closed end, the wall having an interior surface having multiple longitudinal fit beads extending from the interior surface and spaced about the circumference of the interior surface, the longitudinal fit beads extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the interior surface parallel to the longitudinal axis of the end cap, the longitudinal fit beads configured to provide contact along their longitudinal extent with the external surface of a pipe upon the end of the pipe being inserted into the end cap, and the longitudinal fit beads having a tapered end at the uppermost extent thereof.