Abstract: High efficiency polymer photovoltaic cells have been fabricated using an optical spacer between the active layer and the electron-collecting electrode. Such cells exhibit approximately 50% enhancement in power conversion efficiency. The spacer layer increases the efficiency by modifying the spatial distribution of the light intensity inside the device, thereby creating more photogenerated charge carriers in the bulk heterojunction layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing thin-film photovoltaic panels by the use of a sealing means composed by a polymeric tri-layer comprising a composite getter system composed of a polymer with a low H2O transmission, having dispersed in its inside a H2O sorption material, and two outer polymeric layers with the composite getter system therebetween, as well as to a polymeric tri-layer for the manufacturing of photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: This flat mineral glass comprises a first free surface and a second free surface, and comprises groups of zones having a high refractive index (n2) and zones having a low refractive index (n1) which are formed in the thickness of the flat glass between the first and second free surfaces, over a depth of between 1 and 1000 ?m starting from the first free surface. These high-index zones and low-index zones alternate along a direction transverse to the thickness direction of the glass between the first and second free surfaces, the high-index zones flaring out from the first free surface toward the second free surface, and the envelope surfaces of the high-index zones making an angle (?) of at least 65° with respect to the first free surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition containing hetero arylene or arylene showing a p-type semiconductor property in addition to thiophene showing a p-type semiconductor property and thiazole rings showing a n-type semiconductor property at a polymer main chain, an organic semiconductor polymer containing the composition, an organic active layer containing the organic semiconductor polymer, an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) containing the organic active layer, an electronic device containing the OTFT, and a method of preparing the same. The composition of example embodiments, which is used in an organic semiconductor polymer and contains thiazole rings, may exhibit increased solubility to an organic solvent, coplanarity, processability and an improved thin film property.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a thin-film light-absorbing layer using spraying, including mixing precursor solutions comprising CuCl2, InCl3 and SeC(NH2)2 under a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature thus preparing a mixture solution; spraying the mixture solution on a substrate and drying it, thus forming a thin film; and selenizing the thin film under a selenium atmosphere. A method of manufacturing a thin-film solar cell is also provided, which includes forming a back contact layer on a glass substrate using sputtering; forming a light-absorbing layer on the back contact layer using spraying; forming a buffer layer on the light-absorbing layer using chemical vapor deposition; forming a window layer on the buffer layer using sputtering; and forming an upper electrode layer on the window layer.

Abstract: A hazardous fluid transport container and a hazardous fluid delivery system are disclosed. The hazardous fluid transport container includes a housing enclosing an at least partially shielded enclosure. First and second fluid path elements are disposed within the housing, with the first fluid path element and second fluid path element fluidly coupled together. A pump unit may be provided for dispensing fluid from the first and second fluid path elements optionally into a third fluid path element. Also, methods for priming the hazardous fluid transport container and for mitigating laminar flow injection bolus spreading are disclosed. Additionally, disclosed is a radioactive fluid transport container for a syringe or other container. The radioactive fluid transport container allows the syringe or container to be used in an injection procedure without removal from the container.

Abstract: A water flow regulation system provides for the distribution of water between one or more water sources and one or more water distribution destinations based on a set of rules. Some embodiments provide for systems and methods of regulating water flow based on various status information, such as weather, cost, under-ground moisture, time or season.

Abstract: An apparatus (200) for deriving an operation mode from a first fluidic device to a second fluidic device, wherein the first fluidic device has a first target operation mode (300) representing a desired behavior of the first fluidic device and has a first real operation mode (304) representing the actual behavior of the first fluidic device, wherein the second fluidic device has a second target operation mode (312) representing a desired behavior of the second fluidic device and has a second real operation mode (314) representing the actual behavior of the second fluidic device, the apparatus (200) comprising a first determining unit (202) adapted for determining the first real operation mode (304) based on the first target operation mode (300) and based on a preknown parameterization (302) of the first fluidic device, and a second determining unit (204) adapted for determining the second target operation mode (312) based on the determined first real operation mode (304) and based on a preknown parameterizatio

Abstract: A throttling valve assembly has an outer housing that is sealed. An actuator is connected to a pressure balanced shaft that extends into the housing to operate a plurality of linkages that can rotate blades in tandem. With the surrounding housing sealed, the shaft penetrations of the blade support shafts no longer need seals or a purge system to supply process gas during times of reduced pressure in situations with the blades nearly closed. A pressure equalization system has balance passages internal to the housing to allow flow from higher pressure zones to lower pressure zone of the process gas so as to avoid creation of a condition that can draw air into any zones of reduced pressure in the housing.

Abstract: A moulding composition which comprises at least 50% by weight of the following constituents: a) from 0 to 99 parts by weight of polyamide, and b) from 1 to 100 parts by weight of polyamide elastomer, selected from the group of polyetheresteramide and polyetheramide, where the total of the parts by weight is 100 and where the moulding composition comprises from 0 to 9% by weight of plasticizer, is used for the production of a moulding for contact with a supercritical medium, and preferably for the production of an inner thermoplastics layer in a flexible pipe or rigid pipe, in which a supercritical medium is conveyed. Low or zero plasticizer content eliminates any significant occurrence of problems such as increased stiffness and longitudinal shrinkage.

Abstract: A valve has a housing including a valve seat. A valve pin is supported by a housing through a support shell. The support shell and the valve pin have distinct coefficients of thermal expansion such that when exposed to a temperature change, movement of the support shell moves differently than the pin. In this way, the valve pin can be caused to move toward and away from the valve seat to allow operation of the valve.

Abstract: Known water supply systems are fed from a source of water such as a tank (6) via a pump (5) to outlets which are occludable by means of a cock (C1-C3). A water pressure sensitive electrical switch (S1) is located downstream of the pump (5) and upstream of the outlets. The switch (S1) is connected in series with an electrical supply for the pump and turns the pump on in response in a drop in water pressure downstream of the switch. Similarly the pump is turned off in response to water pressure downstream to the switch reaching a predetermined minimum pressure, A control system is disclosed in the form of a timer (T) connected in parallel with the pump (5) and energized via the switch (S1). A normally closed safeguard switch (S2) is connected in series with the pump and rendered non-conductive by the timer (T) being energized for a predetermined period.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for controlling liquid impact pressure in liquid impact systems. The liquid impact systems include at least one gas and a liquid, the gas having a density (PG) and a polytropic index (?) and the liquid having a density (PL). The methods include the step of calculating a liquid impact load of the liquid on the object by determining a parameter ? for the system, wherein ? is defined as (PG/PL) (??1)/?. The systems are also configured to utilize the parameter ?. The parameter ? may be adjusted to increase or reduce the liquid impact load on the system. Automatic, computer-implemented systems and methods may be used or implemented. These methods and systems may be useful in applications such as LNG shipping and loading/off-loading, fuel tank operation, manufacturing processes, vehicles dynamics, and combustion processes, among others.

Abstract: An in-line treble port venturi connector provides a low flow, low pressure inlet port for drawing supplemental fluid into a main flow path. The connector includes a main flow tube having a mixing channel restricting flow and lowering pressure between an upstream port and a downstream port. A baffle projects into the main flow tube from the inner surface of the mixing channel at a location upstream of an inlet port, obstructing main flow to create a separation zone in the low pressure area, causing rotational flow within the separation zone and lowering the average flow rate in the direction of main flow. A pressure differential allows supplemental fluid to be drawn into the mixing channel through the inlet port. The connector may be used to introduce hydrogen or oxygen gas from an on-board generator into a main flow of hydrocarbon fuel in the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for unloading raw material in connection with a cable manufacturing apparatus. The arrangement comprises a feed inlet connected to the cable manufacturing apparatus for feeding raw material into the cable manufacturing apparatus, the feed inlet being adapted to be connected to an unloading spout of the raw material. The arrangement further comprises sealing means for opening and closing the feed inlet when the unloading spout is connected to the feed inlet.

Abstract: An improved bidet device is set forth which includes a self cleaning spray tube having a housing with a first open end with respect to a water supply and a second open downstream end. A nozzle disposed within the housing, the nozzle having a plurality of radial holes therethrough and being adapted to receive water from the first open end of the housing. A spring wound about the nozzle, the spring tending to to retain the nozzle within the housing. Whereby water delivered to first open end of the housing flows through the radial holes of the nozzle, such that water is discharged from the holes and urges the nozzle to move from a first nozzle position within the housing to a second nozzle position outside the housing. Water discharged from the radial holes bathes an external surface of the nozzle such that the nozzle is self-cleaning. A method for cleaning a nozzle having a water supply is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of use of a conduit coupling system, sealing device, and bell are disclosed herein. The method comprises positioning a sealing device inside a bell coupled to one end of a first conduit, inserting a spigot of a second conduit through the sealing device inside the bell, wherein the sealing device is adapted to move axially within the bell in the direction of the insertion of the spigot and in a radial direction from a centerline of the conduit, and partially removing the spigot from the bell, wherein a segment of the sealing device engages the outer surface of the spigot end as the spigot end is partially removed from the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first conduit. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell.

Abstract: A drain for a pressure vessel includes a valve, a knob, a tube, a passageway, and a drain cup. The valve is coupled between an interior surface and an exterior surface of a tank. The knob is coupled to the valve for opening and closing the valve. The tube has a top end and a bottom end and is coupled to the valve at an interior surface of the tank at the top end and extends into a bottom of the tank at the bottom end. The passageway extends through the valve and has an opening coupled to the tube at a first end and an exit at a second end. The passageway is openable and closeable by the knob. The drain cup is associated with the exit of the passageway and is positioned on an exterior surface of the tank for collecting condensation from the interior of the tank. The valve is positioned at a height that is vertically higher than the bottom end of the tube.

Abstract: A valve packing assembly for a control valve includes a seal assembly, a loading assembly, and a packing retainer. The seal assembly has a seal component to provide a fluid seal around a valve stem and an anti-extrusion component to substantially prevent extrusion of the seal component about the valve stem. The loading assembly is configured to advantageously provide a predetermined packing stress to the seal assembly that is in the same direction as a process stress applied to the seal assembly by a process fluid, thereby substantially reducing packing friction and packing wear in the control valve assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a valve comprising a housing having first and second apertures for the ingress and egress of fluid into/from a passageway located within the housing extending indirectly from the first to the second aperture. The passageway forms an air-lock. The valve further comprises at least one bleed valve for allowing fluid out of the passageway at a rate slower than fluid is able to enter one of the apertures. A liquid entering one of the apertures is prohibited from passing along the passageway to the other of the apertures until substantially all air within the valve has bled out of the bleed valve.

Abstract: A fluid accumulator arrangement suitable for use with a compression ignition internal-combustion engine comprising a first storage volume, a second storage volume, and valve means fluidly connected between the first storage volume and the second storage volume. In one embodiment, the valve means is a three-way control valve wherein, in a first position, the first storage volume communicates with the second storage volume, in a second position the first storage volume is isolated from the second storage volume and, in a third position, one of the first or second storage volumes communicates with a low pressure drain. The arrangement may also include control means to operate the valve means in accordance with predetermined control strategies.

Abstract: A variably tensionable check valve with a first end and a second end that includes a housing, a tension adjuster, a resiliently deformable elastic member, and a flow restriction member biased in a closed position. The housing includes a first portion, a second portion, and first and second passageways with a transition portion therebetween. The second portion includes at least one peripherally extending raised rib and a second internal passageway. The surface area of a cross-section of the first internal passageway is greater than the surface area of a cross-section of the second internal passageway. The tension adjuster, the elastic member, and the flow restriction member are located within the first internal passageway, wherein the tension adjuster secures the elastic member and the flow restriction member within the first internal passageway, and wherein rotational movement of the tension adjuster modifies the biasing force of the elastic member.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting (1) has a housing (2), an outlet (3) and functional parts (4) for carrying water. In this case, the outlet (3) is formed on the housing (2) or is connected or can be connected to the housing (2). The functional parts (4) are preferably arranged inside the housing (2). In the case of this sanitary fitting, as claimed in the invention the outlet (3) is substantially free from water-carrying functional parts (4), and at least the outlet (3) and preferably also the housing (2) are produced substantially completely from glass.

Abstract: Shower fixing seat with LCD has a fixing seat fixed on the front end of its main body. The rear end of the main body is a water inlet connected with a water supply pipe. The lower end of the main body is a water outlet connected with the flexible pipe of the shower head. A hydroelectric device and a thermistance are disposed in the main body. A display module connected with one side of the main body has a circuit board and an LCD screen which are electrically connected to the hydroelectric device and the thermistance. When water flows into the main body, the hydroelectric device supplies power for the display module, and the thermistance transmits the temperature information to the display module so that the temperature is shown on the LCD screen. The shower fixing seat shows the shower outflow temperature.

Abstract: An electronically actuatable valve assembly having a primary face seating valve, including a primary valve member, and a secondary valve, including a secondary valve member. The secondary valve opens before the primary valve to equilibrate pressure across the primary valve member and thereby facilitate opening of the primary valve member. The secondary valve is coupled to an armature which moves from a first position to a second position, in use, attracted by an electromagnet. The coupling between the armature and the secondary valve is configured to enable the armature to begin to move from the first position without movement of the secondary valve.

Abstract: An electronically actuatable valve assembly including a valve member comprising a ferromagnetic member, and a magnetic circuit adapted to direct magnetic flux through the ferromagnetic member when the valve member is spaced apart from its valve seat, to hold the primary valve open.

Abstract: Disconnectable connector assemblies, sets including the assemblies, and methods of using the assemblies, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for utilizing oil-free gas in a gas processing system. In some embodiments, an oil-free or “dry” gas is provided by a gas source to an oil-free compressor, such as a dry seal compressor, which charges a receiver vessel or vessels, which then provides the oil-free gas to at least one piece of processing equipment, such as an injection compressor or compressors for use in EOR, carbon sequestration, sour gas injection, or other gas handling operations. The methods and systems may include a controller for charging the receiver vessel when the pressure in the vessel decreases below a low pressure threshold and reducing the charging flow rate when the pressure in the vessel meets or exceeds a high pressure threshold in the vessel, thereby maintaining an operational pressure in the vessel.

Abstract: A valve arrangement controls brake devices and auxiliary devices of a pneumatic brake system of a vehicle, and includes pneumatic control valves which are detachably arranged on at least one common support module containing compressed air channels, for carrying out braking functions or auxiliary braking functions of the brake system. The valve arrangement also includes several adjacently arranged block-shaped support modules having at least the same height and depth measurements and including channel sections forming common longitudinal channels when all of the support modules are adjacently arranged in a row. At least one unit hole receives a control valve embodied as a cartridge valve and arranged on a front side of each support module to enable switching the compressed air flow between inner channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable water discharge pipe for a faucet with improved durability by making strong a structure of both ends of the variable water discharge pipe. The variable water discharge pipe installed in a faucet connected to waterworks according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a soft conduit line formed to allow water to flow inside and to have bushings inserted into both ends of the conduit line, a flexible pipe formed to surround an external circumferential surface of the conduit line, holders formed to fix both ends of the conduit line, and joints provided at both ends of the flexible pipe and formed to support the respective holders. The flexible pipe and the joints are fixed to each other through fusion. The variable water discharge pipe further comprises locking projections formed in an external circumferential surface of each of the bushings in order to firmly fix the bushings within the conduit line.

Abstract: A fuel tank is provided with: a fuel pump; a main tank section which has the fuel pump arranged therein and stores a fuel; a sub-tank section wherein the fuel is stored; and a siphon tube which is arranged over the main tank section and the sub-tank section, and sucks the fuel by means of the fuel pump. The open end of the siphon tube on the main tank section side is arranged outside a jet pump for suction.

Abstract: A decoupling element for a conduit includes an interior hose made of metal and a corrugated exterior hose surrounding the interior hose, with a hollow-cylindrical gap formed between the corrugated exterior hose and the interior hose. At least one damping element is arranged in the gap, with the damping element(s) constructed of a woven fabric made of a high-temperature-resistant material and having an outside surface with at least one bulge, wherein the bulge positively engages with a corrugation of the exterior hose. The exterior hose may be a membrane bellows. The woven fabric may be a metallic material. The at least one damping element covers, along the rotation axis, preferably a proportional length of at least 20% of the hollow-cylindrical gap and has preferably a static stiffness in the radial direction of less than 100 N/mm.

Abstract: A multilayer flexible irrigation hose includes an inner layer made of a first thermoplastic polymer material, an outer layer made of a second thermoplastic polymer material, and a first textile reinforcement layer and a second textile reinforcement layer in mutually overlapping relation. The first and second textile reinforcement layers are knitted with stitches of the tricot type, having wales of stitches and lines of stitches. The lines of stitches of said first and second textile layers have opposite inclinations to the longitudinal axis of the hose, and the wales of stitches of at least one of said first and second textile layers are substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis. A method of making said hose, a line for manufacturing same and a knitting apparatus for making such hose are also disclosed.

Abstract: A preconditioned air hose includes an abrasion-resistant external layer made of robust nylon, an insulating layer, and an inner layer. The robust external layer protects the air hose from wear and degradation due to abrasion. The external layer may be made of a fabric with an abrasion resistance of at least 22,000 cycles to failure as measured using the ASTM D 3884 standard. This external layer fabric may be composed of filaments having a linear density of about 1,000 denier. The external layer fabric may weigh about 10.8 ounces per square yard.

Abstract: An improved hot-cold inlet pipe structure includes an external-threaded pipe and an internal pipe forming an integrated piping structure. The internal pipe extends outwardly a wrapping section that covers a plurality of threaded openings of the external pipe. The internal pipe is composed of non-toxic materials that include plastic materials that are high resistance to pressure and climate change. The internal pipe also reduces the use of metallic materials and does not release of toxic chemical to water stream. A depressed section of the interior of a top of end of the inlet pipe includes a receiving chamber, the receiving chamber includes an opening that includes numerous slots. The slots receive a control valve unit such that the slots mesh with the control valve unit. This design is also beneficial in the manufacturing of the inlet pipe.

Abstract: An up-and-down swing mechanism for separated heald frames of a sample fabrics machine, which includes a plurality of heald frames fitted to a sample fabrics machine. A lower end of each of the heald frames is respectively fitted with a clutch and a swing arm, and controlling a portion of the clutches to engage/separate from the swing arms causes two swing arms to swing/not swing, which then drive a portion of the heald frames to enable up and down swing/no swing thereof through two transmission arms, thereby weaving the required fabric according to the style of sample fabric to be produced.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a multiaxial fabric are disclosed. According to the method at least one yarn is arranged helically about at least two conveyor portions, thereby providing a weft having a first weft portion having yarns arranged at an angle, ?, with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor portions, and a second weft portion having yarns arranged at an angle, ??, with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor portions. Centre sections of the first weft portion and the second weft portion are then fixated to each other, e.g. by stitching and/or by applying a resin to the centre sections. Side portions of the weft are then cut, thereby separating the first weft portion from the second weft portion. Finally, rim sections of the first weft portion are fixated to rim sections of the second weft portion, e.g. by stitching and/or by applying a resin to the rim sections.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the sterile filling of two different product flows into a container, where the first product flow is thermally treated for pasteurizing/sterilizing, is cooled down and fed to a filling valve, and the second product flow is thermally treated for pasteurizing/sterilizing, and then, in the hot state, is added to the first product flow upstream of or in the filling valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush cutting head for a brush cutter. The brush cutter head includes a cylindrical support body that has a first end, an opposed second end and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The intermediate portion has a curved surface that defines the circular cross-section of the cylindrical support body. A plurality of collars is mounted to the cylindrical support body at spaced intervals along the intermediate portion. Each collar extends radially from the curved surface of the cylindrical support body. Additionally, each collar cooperates with an adjacent collar to define a mounting station between the adjacent collars. The brush cutter head further includes a plurality of cutting tooth assemblies carried on the outer surface of the cylindrical support body. Each cutting tooth assembly has a cutting tooth for placement within the mounting station and a mounting assembly engageable with the adjacent collars to secure the cutting tooth in the mounting station.

Abstract: Nitriding process of a steel strip is performed. Next, annealing is performed to form a forsterite based glass coating film at a surface of the steel strip. Heating is performed up to 1000° C. or more in a mixed gas atmosphere containing H2 gas and N2 gas, and a rate of N2 gas is 20 volume % or more, next, the atmosphere is switched into H2 gas atmosphere at the temperature of 1000° C. or more and 1100° C. or less, when the annealing is performed. An oxygen potential P (H2O)/P (H2) is set to be 0.05 to 0.3 when the temperature is 850° C. or less during the heating in the mixed gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A Co—Cr—Mo alloy with nitrogen addition composed of 26 to 35% by weight of Cr, 2 to 8% by weight of Mo, 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of N, and balance of Co is subjected to solution treatment and then subjected to isothermal aging treatment holding the alloy at 670 to 830° C. for a predetermined period of time to form a multi-phase structure composed of an ?-phase and a Cr nitride by means of an isothermal aging effect. After cooling, the alloy subjected to reverse transformation treatment in which the alloy is heated at a temperature range of 870 to 1100° C. for reverse transformation to a single ?-phase from the multi-phase structure composed of an ?-phase and a Cr nitride.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high strength steel sheet having good wettability, a tensile strength of 590 MPa or more and a strength-ductility balance (TS×El) of 16,520 MPa·% or more, and a manufacturing method thereof. The high strength steel comprises, in % by weight, C: 0.03˜0.1%, Si: 0.005˜0.105%, Mn: 1.0˜3.0%, P: 0.005˜0.04%, S: 0.003% or less, N: 0.003˜0.008%, Al: 0.05˜0.4%, Mo or Cr satisfying the inequality 10?50·[Mo %]+100·[Cr %]?30, at least one of Ti: 0.005˜0.020%, V: 0.005˜0.050% and B: 0.0005˜0.0015%, and the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein a microstructure of the steel sheet is a multi-phase structure comprising, in an area ratio of cross-sectional structure, 70% or more ferrite phase having a Vickers hardness Hv of 120˜250 and 10% or more martensite phase having a Vickers hardness Hv of 321˜555.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrought product such as an extruded, rolled and/or forged aluminum alloy-based product comprising, in weight %: Cu: 3.0-3.9; Li: 0.8-1.3; Mg; 0.6-1.0; Zr: 0.05-0.18; Ag: 0.0-0.05; Mn: 0.0-0.5; Fe+Si?0.20; Zn?0.15; at least one element from among: Ti: 0.01-0.15; Sc: 0.05-0.3; Cr: 0.05-0.3; Hf: 0.05-0.5; other elements ?0.05 each and ?0.15 total, remainders aluminum. The invention also relates to the process for producing said product. The products according to the invention are particularly useful in the production of thick aluminum products intended for producing structural elements in the aeronautical industry.

Abstract: A method for processing a steel tube includes the following steps: a softening step, in which a tube-to-be-processed is heated so that material property of the tube-to-be-processed is softened; a cooling step, in which the heated tube-to-be-processed is cooled down to a normal temperature; a wall cutting step, in which the cooled tube-to-be-processed is subjected to cutting by lathing an end section thereof so as to reduce wall thickness of the tube-to-be-processed at the end section; and a shrinking step, in which the thickness reduced section of the wall lathed tube-to-be-processed is subjected to compression to have an inner bore thereof shrunk and thus reduced, whereby occupation of the inner bore of the shrunk tube-to-be-processed by the wall thickness of the tube-to-be-processed is reduced so as to obtain a possible maximum inside diameter of the inner bore and prevent the tube-to-be-processed from undesired deformation and breaking.

Abstract: A high-strength steel machined product giving excellent hardenability has a metal microstructure with excellent balance of strength and toughness and high stability of retained austenite. The product is composed of an ultra-high low-alloy TRIP steel having a metal microstructure which contains an appropriate quantity of two or more of Cr, Mo, and Ni, and an appropriate quantity of one or more of Nb, Ti, and V, and having an appropriate value of carbon equivalent; the metal microstructure has a mother-phase structure composed mainly of lathy bainitic ferrite with a small amount of granular bainitic ferrite and polygonal ferrite, and has a secondary-phase structure composed of fine retained austenite and martensite.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided that is comprised of a Heavy ANFO and grain hulls. In one embodiment, the grain hulls are comprised of rice hulls. The grain hulls serve both as an inert bulking additive that reduces the density of the composition and as a sensitizer that reduces the energy needed to reliably detonate the composition. Also provided is a method for manufacturing an explosive composition comprised of Heavy ANFO and grain hulls, such as rice hulls. Additionally, a method of using an explosive comprised of ANFO and grain hulls in a mining operation is disclosed.

Abstract: A highly-filled paste, and a method and device of de-aerating and injecting the paste, the paste including: (a) a solid filler; (b) an organic binder, and (c) a residual gas, wherein the paste contains at least 80 volume-% of the solid filler and has a viscosity exceeding 100 kilopascal·seconds, wherein the filler, binder, and residual gas are intimately mixed so as to form a substantially homogeneous paste, and wherein a composition of the solid filler, binder, and residual gas is selected such that the homogeneous paste has: an average density greater than 98.5% of a Theoretical Maximum Density (TMD).

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with a plurality of blocks, each of the block having a block wall surface facing a transverse groove inclined at an angle (theta) of from 5 to 40 degrees with respect to the tire axial-direction so as to define an acute-angled corner and an obtuse-angled corner on the block. The block wall surface between the acute-angled corner and the obtuse-angled corner is provided with at least two slits having a width of from 0.3 to 2.0 mm. A distance P2 measured from the acute-angled corner to one of the at least two slits which is nearest to the acute-angled corner is more than a distance P1 measured from said obtuse-angled corner to one of said at least two slits which is nearest to the obtuse-angled corner; each distance is measured along the radially outer edge of the block wall surface to the widthwise center of the slit.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for molding and/or curing an article. Particular embodiments of such methods include positioning a mold core centrally within mold outer portion to form an annular mold cavity between the mold outer portion and the mold core, the core including an outer ring having an outer surface for engaging the annular article, the outer ring being formed of a material capable of expanding and contracting with changes in temperature. Such methods also include beating the mold outer ring, cooling the core outer ring subsequent to the step of heating, whereby the core outer ring contracts relative to the article and removing the article from the core outer ring.

Abstract: A steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article which can improve the cut resistant property in the case of treading on an obtusely or sharply pointed projection without decreasing the strength in the axial direction of the cord and without increasing the tire weight, as well as a tire utilizing the same as a reinforcing material, are provided. The steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article has a multi-twisted structure formed by twisting a plurality of sheath strands (2) formed by twisting a plurality of wires around a core strand (2) formed by twisting a plurality of wires, and the core strand (1) and the sheath strands (2) are constituted of an at least 2-layer-twisted structure formed by twisting core wires and sheath wires respectively. In this case the relationship represented by the following formula 1.8?[(S·cos2?)/{r·(?1+?2)}]×100?4.