Abstract: The invention relates to a concentrator arrangement for solar radiation which has a beam splitter for deflecting solar radiation by means of total reflection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for concentrating and converting solar energy which has such a concentrator and at least one device for the conversion of solar energy. Such devices for the conversion of solar energy are for example solar cells, solar modules or thermal solar collectors. The concentrators according to the invention are used for concentrating solar radiation just as in sun protection panels.

Abstract: A system is set forth herein which can include a plurality of reflectors adapted to reflect light. The system can further include a plurality of photovoltaic cells. A certain reflector of the plurality of reflectors adapted to reflect light can be adapted to reflect light within a certain wavelength band and can be further adapted to transmit light outside of the certain wavelength band. A photovoltaic cell can be disposed to receive light reflected by the certain reflector.

Abstract: A system is set forth herein which can include a plurality of reflectors adapted to reflect light. The system can further include a plurality of photovoltaic cells. A certain reflector of the plurality of reflectors adapted to reflect light can be adapted to reflect light within a certain wavelength band and can be further adapted to transmit light outside of the certain wavelength band. A photovoltaic cell can be disposed to receive light reflected by the certain reflector.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a photoelectric conversion layer which mainly composed of a compound semiconductor containing a group Ib element, at least two group IIIb elements including Ga, and a group VIb element and contains an alkaline(-earth) metal. Concentration distributions of the alkaline(-earth) metal and Ga in the photoelectric conversion layer in the thickness direction includes a valley with the lowest concentration and an area with a higher concentration between the substrate and the valley, and satisfy Expressions (1) and (2) below: 1.0×10?6?AN [mol/cc]?2.0×10?5??(1) and 1.0?CN/CG??(2), where AN represents the alkaline(-earth) metal concentration at the valley, BN represents the highest alkaline(-earth) metal concentration between the substrate and the valley, AG represents the Ga concentration at the valley, BG represents the highest Ga concentration between the substrate and the valley, CN?BN/AN, and CG?BG/AG.

Abstract: An ionic liquid which is high in ionic conductivity and high in safety without an anxiety of ignition or the like and an electrolyte composition containing the same are provided. The present invention concerns an electrolyte composition for photoelectric conversion device, containing a quaternary phosphonium salt ionic liquid represented by the following formula (1). A viscosity at 25° C. of this ionic liquid is preferably not more than 200 mPa·sec. In the formula (1), it is preferable that the alkoxyalkyl group is a methoxymethyl group, and all of the alkyl groups are an ethyl group. In the formula, R1 represents a linear alkyl group or a branched alkyl group each having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 represents a methyl group or an ethyl group; n represents an integer of from 1 to 6; and X represents N(SO2CF3)2 or N(CN)2.

Abstract: [Problems] A combustion gas extraction probe that is capable of preventing burnout of a head metal portion of a probe, capable of rapidly cooling a high-temperature gas in a uniform manner in a probe, and whose outer diameter can be kept small. [Means for Solving Problems] A combustion gas extraction probe (4) having a hollow-cylindrical inner tube (4a) in which a high-temperature combustion gas flows, a hollow-cylindrical outer tube (4b) surrounding the inner tube (4a), a low-temperature gas discharge hole (4c) provided in the inner tube (4a), and a low-temperature gas supply means (9) for supplying a low-temperature gas between the inner tube (4a) and the outer tube (4b) and discharging the low-temperature gas from the discharge hole (4c) into the direction that is substantially perpendicular to the sucking direction of the high-temperature combustion gas and is toward the center of the flow of said high-temperature combustion gas.

Abstract: A valve, in certain embodiments, includes a body having a flow path, a stem, a flow element coupled to the stem, wherein the flow element interfaces with the flow path to regulate flow of a fluid through the flow path, and a force sensor coupled to the stem and configured to indicate an amount of force exerted on the stem.

Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system. The de-header valve is equipped with a valve body, a gate, a transmission system and an actuator. Actuation of the valve closure functions to open and close the de-header valve.

Abstract: A movable flow controller is interposed in a fluid flow path. The flow controller includes an elongate groove having a first end and a second end. The groove preferably is sized and shaped so that a cross-sectional area of the groove changes along its length from the first end to the second end, and terminates in a hole through the flow controller. In operation, a portion of the groove is aligned with an inlet of the flow path on a first side of the controller, and the hole is in communication with an outlet of the flow path on a second side of the controller. Moving the flow controller relative to the flow path input varies the minimum cross-sectional area of the flow path through the controller and thus selectively limits fluid flow through the controller.

Abstract: A method for controlling a water supply amount and a refrigerator using the same are disclosed. The method includes receiving information regarding a water supply amount selected by a user, counting a duration after starting water supply, and checking whether an error in a water supply amount measurement unit exists. When the water supply amount measurement unit is normal, an actual water supply amount is determined based on a signal from the water supply amount measurement unit, and, when a fault exists, a water supply amount is determined based on correlation between a stored water supply amount for normal operation and a water supply duration. Water supply is stopped when the selected water supply amount and the determined water supply amount are equal. When the water supply amount measurement unit is normal, the signal from the water supply amount measurement unit and information regarding a water supply duration are stored.

Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic actuation system during a pressure sensor malfunction is provided. The hydraulic actuation system includes a pump, a reservoir, a first work-port and a second work-port, a valve system with individual orifices, a pressure sensor system, and a controller for regulating the hydraulic actuation system based on fluid flow demand and on determined pressure differences. The method includes detecting a malfunction of a pressure sensor for the first work-port, closing second and third orifices, and regulating the pump to generate fluid flow corresponding to maximum pressure generated by the pump. The method also includes assigning a value for the difference between pump pressure and the pressure of the subject work-port that is equivalent to a value within an attainable range for difference between the two pressures. Furthermore, the method includes regulating a first orifice and a fourth orifice in response to the fluid flow demand.

Abstract: A vortex generator, designed to bring a medium into a controlled vortex motion, with a hollow inlet section (1) to direct the medium into the vortex generator. The inlet section consists of a rotational symmetric cavity (101) with a curved geometry (108). Furthermore, a vortex chamber (4a; 4b), inside which the vortex motion is to be established, is attached to the inlet section. The inlet section (1) contains at least one spiral-shaped conic channel for di-recting the medium from the rotational symmetric cavity to the vortex chamber. The vortex chamber is either trumpet-shaped (4a) or egg-shaped (4b).

Abstract: A fluid processing system has a plurality of segments configured to receive flow of a fluid product. Each of the plurality of segments has a line input, a line output, a cleaning input valve, and a cleaning discharge valve. The cleaning input valve connects to the line input and the cleaning discharge valve connects to the line output. A cleaning medium is provided wherein the cleaning medium is injected into a respective cleaning input valve and drained through a respective cleaning discharge valve, such that each segment can be cleaned independently of each other.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, and a retaining member, the valve housing being configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit, and a flexible diaphragm comprising a flexible material having resiliency, wherein the retaining member and the flexible diaphragm are configured so that the retaining member retains a portion of the flexible diaphragm so as to use the resiliency of the flexible material to bias the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to a closed position of the self-sealing valve to provide a self-seal of the fluid conduit, and to facilitate movement of the flexible diaphragm under a fluid bias against a first side of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position, and wherein the retaining member and the flexible diaphragm are configured so that the self-sealing valve can be contacted to move a portion of the flexible diaphragm away from the valve seat to the open position.

Abstract: A reel assembly comprises a drum configured to rotate about a drum axis. The drum is configured to receive a linear material wrapped around a spool surface thereof as the drum rotates about the drum axis. A housing substantially encloses the drum, wherein a portion of the housing defines an aperture configured to receive the linear material therethrough. A reciprocating mechanism connects to the drum and reciprocatingly rotates the drum relative to the shell about a generally vertical axis as the drum rotates about the drum axis.

Abstract: Based on the idea of reusing grey water generated by the washhand basin and other sanitary appliances in the bathroom, with the exception of the toilet, storing the grey water in a tank wherefrom the cistern of the toilet is supplied when it is necessary, the invention consists of situating from the grey water intake connector (1) and in a main pipe (5), a particle filter (9), a flow switch (11), a circulation pump (14), an ozone injector (16) with its corresponding water recirculation pump (15), and a check valve (18), the flow switch (11) sending information to a programmable automaton (12) which in turn controls both the aforementioned pumps (14 and 15) and the electrovalve (8) of a secondary pipe (6) wherethrough the grey water is evacuated, by means of the outlet (7) to the building downpipe, when the storage device is full.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressed gas safety discharge system preventing a pressure vessel from breaking and exploding by appropriately and timely operating a pressure relief device, conditions of a fire, such as when a fire occurs around the pressure vessel far from the pressure relief device as well as close to the pressure relief device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of air treatment devices (and housings therefor) are provided. The housings are generally configured to provide air treatment devices that lessen the perceived size of the air treatment devices. Further, embodiments provide housings that are typically easier to clean and maintain and to provide ease in access to internal components of the air treatment devices. Embodiments may also position a control display associated with an air treatment device, such that the control display is visible from a position in front and above the air treatment device. Embodiments may also be configured to minimize and/or inhibit air exiting from the air outlet of the air treatment device from immediately reentering the air inlet and thus being recirculated.

Abstract: A method of making a liquid supply member includes a preparation step of preparing a transparent member including a first surface having a first opening portion and an absorption member including a second surface having a second opening portion, a contact step of making the transparent member and the absorption member contact each other at a contact portion so that the first opening portion and the second opening portion overlap, and a welding step of forming a first supply path by welding the transparent member and the absorption member to each other by irradiating the contact portion with a laser beam, the first supply path including the first opening portion and the second opening portion, wherein, after the contact step and before the welding step, a space is formed between the contact portion and the first supply path and between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A gas phase of LPG such as propane is used to power a small internal combustion engine driving or powering a preselected device such as a powered lawnmower, weed whacker, string trimmer, leaf blower or the like and the fuel system is provided with heating arrangements that insure the gas phase of the LPG is discharged from the LPG tank for all operating conditions of the device.

Abstract: Water reservoir provided with a base and an upper surface disposed at a distance from the bottom section covered by a lid, wherein a substantially cylindrical pump cavity is formed in the bottom section, with a rotary displacement member arranged about a drive shaft disposed transversely upon the bottom section, wherein the pump cavity is closed off by a circular top plate supported by a support member in close proximity to an upper side of the pump cavity, wherein a motor support section extends from a top plate to the lid on which a motor is supported or at least partially supported, said motor being connected to the displacement member by a drive shaft, wherein the motor is positioned or at least partially mounted within the reservoir via a hole in the lid, and wherein the hole in the lid has a diameter larger than the circular top plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the application of liquid onto a body of matter to provide a watering effect and hence maintain the condition of the body of matter so as to encourage plant growth. The system includes a liquid reservoir, and a pump means and irrigation means so as to allow liquid to be moved from the reservoir and be dispensed onto the body of matter. The operation of the system to dispense liquid can be proportional to at least one environmental component such as the amount of sunlight such that when the body of matter is likely to be drier the system is operated to dispense more liquid.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system has a source of pressurized fluid, a fluid actuator, and a tank. The hydraulic system utilizes a directional control valve to direct flow between the source, the actuator, and the tank. The hydraulic further utilizes a variable backpressure control valve to control the system backpressure.

Abstract: A pressure control valve is provided, which can variably control the set pressure of the pressure control valve through manipulation of a signal pressure generation device in an operator's seat or the like.

Abstract: A faucet assembly for use with a beverage retaining container. The faucet assembly includes a nozzle having a plurality of axially oriented ribs extending inwardly from an inside wall of the nozzle. Each rib of the plurality of ribs defining an axial projection having a generally triangular cross sectional shape. Neighboring ribs defining a corresponding void having a complementary generally triangular cross section. The nozzle having a relatively short axial dimension and the ribs providing desirable flow characteristics.

Abstract: A contact transparent single layer or multilayer film absorbing and/or reflecting UV radiation and short-wavelength visible light is disclosed. The film comprises at least one layer based on at least one optionally modified thermoplastic olefin homo- or co-polymer, comprising a combination of at least one organic or inorganic colored pigment or dye absorbing and/or reflecting short-wavelength visible light, and of at least one organic or inorganic compound absorbing and/or reflecting the UV radiation.

Abstract: A cured-in-place liner system for pipe rehabilitation includes an end sealing assembly coupled to an end of a pipe and the cured-in-place liner to prevent water from penetrating the area between the cured-in-place liner and the pipe. A sealing member is provided for sealing off a tap of a lateral pipe from the main pipe to prevent the penetration of resin and other materials into the lateral pipes during the curing process. The sealing member includes a central portion that is placed over an end of the tap and removable after completion of the curing process so that fluids may freely flow between the main pipe and the lateral pipe. A tool assembly for coupling the sealing member and/or a connector between to a lateral pipe is also provided. The tool includes a coupling member attachable to a robotic device and a fixture tool having means for coupling to the sealing member and/or connector.

Abstract: Shape-setting methods for fabricating devices made of single crystal shape memory alloys. In particular the methods described may be used to fabricate dental arches of single-crystal shape memory alloys. The methods include drawing a single crystal of a shape memory alloy from a melt of the alloy. This is followed by heating, forming, and quenching the crystal sufficiently rapid to limit the formation of alloy precipitates to an amount which retains hyperelastic composition and properties of the crystal.

Abstract: The application relates to shipping and off-loading of a granular, powdered, or other particulate materials using flexible containers, where the product tends to partially or fully consolidate during loading and/or shipping, therefore making off-loading problematic. One method includes loading a granular product into a flexible container, shipping the product-loaded flexible container to an end user or intermediate storage facility, and off-loading the granular product from the flexible container. The off-loading includes fluidly connecting a fluid supply conduit to the flexible container, commencing flow of fluid into the flexible container, forming a slurry of at least a portion the granular product and the fluid, and routing the slurry out of the flexible container through a slurry off-loading conduit. In some instances the methods include heating the fluid before and/or during its flow into the flexible container.

Abstract: A device and method to load particles of catalyst on the order of cm in the principal dimension into an annular zone of reaction tubes which may reach a height of more than 10 metres, while satisfying the strict conditions of homogeneity and density of loading.

Abstract: An exemplary implementation of a powder product unloading and storage apparatus has a single, preferably sealed cabinet, such as a glove box, for holding, accessing, and unloading the contents of a drum into the cabinet, wherein the cabinet includes a system for minimizing, ameliorating or eliminating the release of dust to the atmosphere. A rotary spout dispenses and directs the product entering into the cabinet to a preselected storage hopper which has been selected from a plurality of storage hoppers. The plurality of storage hoppers are preferably all held within a closed or filtered environment such that release of product to the atmosphere is reduced, ameliorated, or eliminated.

Abstract: Overflow prevention apparatus for use with fuel tanks are described herein. An example overflow prevention apparatus includes a fluid coupling configured to fluidly couple a fluid tank to a liquid fill passage. The fluid coupling includes a first portion configured to receive a liquid via the liquid fill passage and a second elongate portion configured to convey the liquid received via the liquid fill passage to the fluid tank. The second elongate portion has an aperture adjacent an end of the second portion. Also, the second portion is configured to extend into the fluid tank to prevent at least one of a gas or vapor from flowing between the fluid tank and the liquid fill passage when a liquid in the fluid tank is in the aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to couple fuel delivery system components to fuel tanks are described herein. An example liquid containment apparatus includes a fuel tank having a cavity to store a liquid fuel. The fuel tank includes only one opening in fluid communication with the cavity. A coupling apparatus is coupled to a portion of the fuel tank to provide a passage between an exterior surface of the fuel tank and the cavity. The coupling receives a plurality of components of a fuel delivery system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for jointing wood veneers to each other with an edge joint. In the method, the veneers to be jointed are first positioned with edges to be jointed against each other, and thereafter a jointing operation of the veneers to each other is performed at connection points spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of a joint between the veneers. The method comprises forming in the to-be-jointed veneers a row of not less than three through-holes at said connection points, said row extending across the joint between the abutting edges of the veneers to be jointed, such that one of the holes substantially coincides with the joint, and thereafter attaching the veneers to each other by means of splicing tools to be fitted in the holes.

Abstract: A cold rolled steel sheet and a hot dip galvanized steel sheet, which have high strength and elongation, such as a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more and an elongation of 28% or more, and excellent delayed fracture resistance, and manufacturing methods thereof. The cold rolled steel sheet has a composition including 0.05 to 0.3 weight percent C, 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent. Si, 4.0 to 7.0 weight percent Mn, 0.5 to 2.0 weight percent Al, 0.01 to 0.1 weight percent Cr, 0.02 to 0.1 weight percent Ni and 0.005 to 0.03 weight percent Ti, 5 to 30 ppm B, 0.01 to 0.03 weight percent Sb, 0.008 weight percent or less S, balance Fe and impurities. The hot dip galvanized steel sheet has a hot dip galvanized layer or a hot dip galvannealed layer on the cold rolled steel sheet.

Abstract: A tough high strength heavy wall steel material having superior weldability is provided, said steel material has a diameter or a side 5 mm or more in length, and comprises oxides 1 ?m or less in particle diameter homogeneously dispersed at a dispersion density in a range of from 10,000 to 100,000 particles/mm2 and uniform ferrite grains 2 ?m or less in grain diameter formed over the entire plane making a right angle with respect to the rolling direction.

Abstract: PBX compositions and methods for fabricating PBX compositions are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a PBX composition comprises a binder matrix comprising a thermoset resin and an oxidizer comprising octanitrocubane (ONC), the oxidizer homogeneously dispersed within the binder matrix. In another embodiment, a method for fabricating a PBX composition comprises providing an oxidizer comprising octanitrocubane (ONC) and blending the oxidizer with a prepolymer that, upon cure, forms a thermoset resin.

Abstract: Tire tread (1) comprising a plurality of blocks (6), each block (6) comprising a leading face (61), a trailing face (62) and a contact face (60), the leading face (61) making a mean angle ?A greater than 0 degrees, the trailing edge (62) making a mean angle ?F greater than 0 degrees, the angle ?A of the leading face (61) being greater than the angle ?F of the trailing face, each block (6) comprises an incision (7) extending into the thickness of the block, this incision (7) being delimited by opposing faces provided with blocking means (71) for blocking the relative movements of one of the said faces with respect to the other face in at least one direction, this incision (7) dividing the contact face (60) of the block into two parts with substantially equal surface areas, this tread being characterized in that the incision (7) is inclined by a mean angle ?, measured with respect to the perpendicular to the contact face (60) in the same direction as the angle ?A of the leading face and in that the volume of ma

Abstract: A system for dissipating sound shock waves within a vehicle tire includes a wheel upon which a tire is mounted to create an internal air chamber defined by the wheel and the tire. A flow-resistant barrier is coupled to the wheel or the tire and defines an air cavity within the internal air chamber. A porous spacer can support the barrier with respect to the tire and also can provide a flexible energy damper. The barrier comprises a material that provides an acoustical resistance to sound shock waves passing therethrough. The air cavity defined by the barrier has a volume such that air within the cavity offers relatively small impedance to the passage of shock waves through the barrier and into the air cavity. The barrier also can produce frictional heat when displaced by a shock wave, thereby converting energy of the shock wave to heat to reduce noise associated therewith.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a tread with shoulders, a belt structure located below the tread, and a carcass with two sidewalls, two inextensible annular beads, and a radial ply structure. The shoulders of the tire have a continuous curving radially outer profile so that the shoulders transition smoothly from the tread profile to the tire sidewalls; ideally, the locus of the radii defining the shoulder are located on the inner side of the tire. The tire has a belt structure formed of an annular layer of parallel cords directly adjacent to the radial ply structure, the annular layer having a pair of opposing annular edges and a continuous radius curve profile. Located radially inward of the axial edges of the annular layer of the belt structure is an annular reinforcing strip layer. The strip has a width of not greater than 30 mm and extends axially outward of the annular layer edges by a distance of not more than 10 mm.

Abstract: Provided is a run-flat tire which has an excellent run-flat performance and at the same time excels in high-speed straight running stability in the non-punctured state, a steering stability on both of a dry road surface and a wet road surface and a fuel efficient performance. A run-flat tire is provided wherein at least two crossing belt layers which are composed of rubberized steel cords and a tread rubber are disposed in the mentioned order, and wherein a reinforcing rubber is provided in the inside portion of carcass. The steel cords have a single-twisted structure or a core/single layer sheath structure with 6 to 10 steel wires having a wire diameter of 0.10 to 0.20 mm, the end count of the steel cords is not smaller than 40 cords/50 mm, the distance between the adjacent steel cords in the belt layer is not smaller than 0.3 mm, and the dynamic storage modulus E? (MPa) at a temperature of 30° C. and the loss tangent tan ? at a temperature of 60° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to bicycle tires with at least one reinforcement layer (3) that contains strength supports and that is arranged between carcass (2) and tread rubber (4) and/or between the carcass layers below the tread rubber (4) and/or within the tread rubber (4). For a high resistance to puncturing with low weight, the reinforcement layer (3) contains multifilament threads of more than 30 polyester/polyarylate filaments, whereby the filaments are spun from molten liquid-crystal polymer.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion, a pair of sidewall portions, a pair of bead portions, a pair of bead cores disposed one in each of the bead portions, and a carcass ply extending between the bead portions through the tread portion and sidewall portions, wherein the carcass ply is composed of windings of at least one carcass cord looped around the two bead cores in a helical manner and/or figure-of-eight manner.

Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for applying a tubular conductor cover to a cable, the conductor cover being split longitudinally to define a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the applicator comprising: a head having a separator shaped to contact, in operation of the applicator, an interior surface of the conductor cover to spread open the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge along a portion of the conductor cover to allow the portion of the conductor cover to be applied to a cable. A method is also disclosed of applying tubular conductor cover to a cable, the conductor cover being split longitudinally to define a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the method comprising: spreading open the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge of a portion of the conductor cover with a separator on a head, the separator contacting an interior surface of the conductor cover; and applying a length of conductor cover to the cable through the head.

Abstract: A welding machine having a frame that includes end supports spanned by a top beam with a truncated V-shaped cross-section. A vacuum track assembly disposed vertically beneath the top beam retains fabrics to be welded on a perforated surface using suction. A welding head travels along the top beam and applies heat and pressure to the surface to weld the fabrics together. The top beam and vacuum track assembly are extendable by including additional unit segments from which the beam and assembly are constructed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode forming method in which an electrode layer is formed on a solid electrolyte, capable of obtaining an electrode layer having a large electrode surface area, decreasing the number of steps required in formation of the electrode layer and reducing a human labor and time. The electrode forming method of the invention is an electrode forming method, in which a metal salt solution and a reducing agent solution are disposed on respective both sides of a solid electrolyte form and the metal salt solution is caused to pass through the solid electrolyte form by osmosis to thereby deposit a metal near the interface on the reducing agent solution side of the solid electrolyte form to thereby form the electrode on the solid electrolyte form.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck includes an array of independently biased conductive chuck elements, an array of sensor-conductor assemblies, and/or a combination of an array of sensor-conductor assemblies and at least one motorized chuck. Conductive chuck elements, either standing alone or embedded in a sensor-conductor assembly, are independently biased electrostatically to compensate for bowing and/or warping of a substrate thereupon so that the substrate can be bonded with a planar surface. A single electrostatic chuck can be employed to reduce the bowing and warping of one of the two substrates to be bonded, or two electrostatic chucks can be employed to minimize the bowing and warping of two substrates to be bonded.

Abstract: A method of impulse welding a first and a second fabric panel together. The method includes positioning a sealing tape between the panels, applying heat and pressure to the same, followed immediately by applying cold and pressure to the same. The first and second fabric panels are fabrics that are non-waterproof and are either digitally printed or digitally printable. The sealing tape is a tape that melts into and bonds the fabric panels together.

Abstract: A substrate bonding apparatus includes a vacuum chamber having a bonding space where a first substrate and a second substrates are bonded together, a first pump for sucking air of the bonding space at a first intensity, a second pump for sucking the air of the bonding space at a second intensity greater than the first intensity, a nitrogen supply for supplying nitrogen to the bonding space, a sensor for sensing the pressure of the bonding space; and a controller for controlling the first pump, the second pump, and the nitrogen supply.

Abstract: A method and a system for continuously manufacturing liquid-crystal display elements, using a continuous optical film laminate which comprises at least an optically functional film having an adhesive layer provided thereon and a carrier film releasably laminated on said adhesive layer, the optically functional film including at least one defect-free region and at least one defect-containing region, the defect-free region having a predefined length corresponding to a dimension of a liquid-crystal panel, the defect-containing region including at least one defect and defined as a region having a predefined length which is different from the length of the defect-free region, slit lines being sequentially formed to extend in a transverse direction of the optical film laminate to form defect-free, normal optically functional film sheets and defect-containing optically functional film sheets.