Abstract: A push switch includes a switch section for carrying out electric connection by pushing, a switch case having a groove portion on a side surface thereof and accommodating the switch section, and a terminal produced integrally with the switch case and led out from a side surface of the switch case. The groove portion extends from a vicinity of the terminal.

Abstract: An operating device is provided for manually actuating lifting devices. The device includes at least one switching element arranged in a switch housing, wherein the switching element includes a tappet, which protrudes from the switch housing. The tappet is guided in a sleeve and is covered by a covering element having a threaded ring. The sleeve protrudes outside through an opening in the switch housing, and is held in the switch housing through a threaded joint. The covering element is screwed to the sleeve in a detachable manner through the threaded ring of the covering element. Optionally, a tool is provided for installing the covering element.

Abstract: A protective case system for a tablet computing device is described herein. The protective case enables a person that does not want to or is physically unable to hold a tablet computing device to interact with an inserted tablet computing device. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, description, and drawings that form this document.

Abstract: A push switch includes a housing, a button slidably connected to the housing including a protrusion protruding therefrom, a first elastic member, and a securing member. The securing member includes a rotating block rotatably connected to the housing defining a recess and a second elastic member. The protrusion drives the rotating block to rotate when the button is pushed. After the external force has ceased, the button and the rotating block move back by the rebounding force of elastic members, respectively. The button stays in the predetermined position when the protrusion is retained in the recess. The protrusion disengages from the rotating block when the button is driven again. After the external force has ceased, the rotating block moves to an initial state by the rebounding force of the second elastic member. The button moves to its initial state by the rebounding force of the first elastic member.

Abstract: An integral keyboard assembly is provided. The integral keyboard assembly includes a top casing, a keyboard module, and a support plate. The first surface of the top casing is defined a keyboard bonding area where a plurality of openings is arranged as a keyboard structure distribution. The keyboard module includes multiple keys with interspaces formed therebetween. Each of the keys is inserted into a corresponding one of the openings. The support plate is coupled to the top casing so that the keyboard module is sandwiched between the top casing and the support plate. By implementing the present invention, the keyboard assembly has better integrity and space impression. Furthermore, the keyboard module is provided with improved support by utilizing the support plate.

Abstract: Provided is a key input unit for facilitating a user's input operation, including a plurality of keys and a space key provided between two predetermined key columns among the plurality of keys. The key input unit also includes a plurality of keys and a predetermined region surrounding the plurality of keys, in which the predetermined region is used as a space function.

Abstract: A keyboard includes keys are provided. Each key includes a base, inner and outer frames and a key cap. The base has a body, a first hook and two second hooks. The first and second hooks are connected to the body. Each second hook has an L-shaped portion with one end connected to the body, and an inverse hook portion extending from the other end of the L-shaped portion to the body to form a space. The inner frame disposed on the body has a first opening. The first hook passes through the first opening to engage with a portion of the inner frame. The outer frame disposed on the body crosses the inner frame and has two second openings. Each second hook passes through the corresponding second opening to receive a portion of the outer frame in the space. The key cap is on the inner and outer frames.

Abstract: A key module for portable devices includes a PCB having at least one pair of high resistance film and welding point, a rubber key having a protruded key head, and a set of upper case and bottom case. The rubber key has two conducting carbon arcs opposite to the at least one pair of high resistance film on a concave backside thereof. A top of the head portion has a concave on a middle portion thereof and two protrusions on right and left ends thereof for specific input functions. The upper case has at least one through hole for revealing the concave and the protrusions of the head portion while the rubber key and the PCB are covered by the upper and bottom cases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a joystick device, including: a control shaft having one end to which a control knob is attached and the other end to which a turning portion of a turning device is connected; a holder supporting the control shaft shiftably in an axial direction of the control shaft; a case body supporting the holder turnably around a turning shaft portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the control shaft; an elastic member biasing the control shaft in the axial direction; and an axial force adjusting portion capable of adjusting a pressing force by varying a biasing force of the elastic member, the pressing force being adapted to shift the control shaft in the axial direction.

Abstract: A control knob (10) includes a base (14) and a shaped wall (12). A plurality of sensor elements (32) are located within and circumferentially spaced around said shaped wall. Processor circuitry (40, 50) is connected to the plurality of sensor elements (32) for controlling an end-use device. The processor circuitry (40, 50) senses user touch commands on both sides of the shaped wall (12), and determines user desired commands based on the sensed user touch commands.

Abstract: Provided is a pyrolytic energy recovery system for pyrolyzing wastes to obtain oil, the system including: a recovery furnace; a heat plate for dividing an inner space of the recovery furnace; a heating chamber disposed under the heat plate; a pyrolysis chamber disposed over the heat plate; a heating pipe line installed inside the front and rear surfaces of the recovery furnace; a rotary means constituted by a plurality of rotaries installed in the pyrolysis chamber to evenly distribute recyclable materials introduced through the recyclable material inlet port; a residual discharge means having primary residual conveyance screws longitudinally installed along the valley of the heat plate, a residual hopper installed at a separate space in the heating chamber such that the residual conveyed to a center part of the heat plate through the primary conveyance screws is lowered to be gathered, and a secondary residual conveyance screw installed from the residual hopper to the exterior of the recovery furnace and dis

Abstract: A mobile waste processing system and method is disclosed for processing materials in a tank, typically an underground storage tank. A mobile fluid processing module is disposed adjacent to or over the tank, and sealingly connected to the tank through a tank riser. Support equipment, which may include an electric power module, a chiller module, a heating module, and a control and monitor module, are disposed a distance from the processing module, and connected thereto. A pump and optionally a dispersal nozzle are deployed from the processing module into the tank, and effluent is extracted for processing. The processing trailer includes effluent processing equipment such as an evaporator and demister, condenser, vacuum pump, and interim storage tank. The effluent is processed, and at least a portion is removed. Some of the processed effluent may be returned to the tank.

Abstract: Stripping column and process for extracting a component from a liquid medium using a gas, the stripping column comprising a vertical column (10) comprising an essentially cylindrical wall (54), the vertical column (10) being divided by horizontal perforated plates (20) into a series of superposed chambers (11, 12, . . . , 16, 17), each chamber (11, 12, . . . , 16, 17) comprising several vertical partitions (34, 34I, 34II, 34III, 34IV, 34V) positioned so as to form chicanes. According to one important aspect of the invention, the vertical partitions (34, 34I, 34II, 34III, 34IV, 34V) are attached to the wall (54) of the vertical column (10) and are designed so as to hold the perforated plates (20).

Abstract: An ultrasound system is disclosed that includes a tub, a reaction chamber, an ultrasound probe positioned within the reaction chamber, and a cooling jacket surrounding the tub for exchanging heat with the tub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device generating a plasma flow comprising an electrically conductive housing, tubular in shape, forming a central channel traversed by a vortex gas, a central electrode arranged coaxially in said channel and an electric power source intended to apply an electric voltage V between the electrode and the housing, characterised in that the mean diameter of the channel formed by the housing decreases progressively from an area situated substantially at the level of the free end of the electrode as far as an end area of said housing, said end area being configured in such a way that the minimum electric voltage Vcmin(0) to be applied in order to develop an electric arc between said electrode and said end area is strictly greater than said voltage V.

Abstract: A method for substrate processing includes producing a magnetic field by a magnetron across the full width of a sputtering surface of a target in a first direction. The magnetron can produce two erosion grooves separated by a distance S on the sputtering surface. The method includes moving the magnetron continuously at a first speed by the distance S in a first segment along a linear travel path. The linear travel path is along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The method includes continuously sputtering a material off the sputtering surface and depositing the material on the substrate during the first segment, and moving the magnetron by the distance S in a second segment along the linear travel path at a second speed higher than the first speed without sputtering the material off the sputtering surface or sputtering materials off at significant lower rate.

Abstract: An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a deposition apparatus for depositing an oxide semiconductor film into which impurities are not mixed. Another object is to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor film into which impurities are not mixed. Impurities are removed from an environment including a deposition apparatus, whereby a gas containing impurities may be prevented from leaking from the outside of the deposition apparatus to the inside thereof. In addition, an oxide semiconductor layer containing reduced impurities which is deposited by the apparatus may be applied to the semiconductor device.

Abstract: To provide a bipolar membrane featuring improved adhesion between an anion-exchange membrane and a cation-exchange membrane without accompanied by an increase in the membrane voltage. [Means for Solution] A bipolar membrane comprising a cation-exchange membrane and an anion-exchange membrane joined together facing each other, wherein at least one of the ion exchange membranes contains a chlorinated polyolefin.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a feed structure to couple RF energy to a target may include a body having a first end to receive RF energy and a second end opposite the first end to couple the RF energy to a target, the body further having a central opening disposed through the body from the first end to the second end; a first member coupled to the body at the first end, wherein the first member comprises a first element circumscribing the body and extending radially outward from the body, and one or more terminals disposed in the first member to receive RF energy from an RF power source; and a source distribution plate coupled to the second end of the body to distribute the RF energy to the target, wherein the source distribution plate includes a hole disposed through the plate and aligned with the central opening of the body.

Abstract: An end-block and a deposition apparatus including an end-block are provided. The end-block includes a base body which is adapted to be connected to the deposition apparatus in a non-rotational manner. The end-block further includes a rotary bearing arranged around the base body and a rotor which is arranged around the rotary bearing and adapted to receive a rotatable target.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods and apparatus for physical vapor deposition (PVD) processing of substrates. In some embodiments, an apparatus for physical vapor deposition (PVD) may include a target assembly having a target comprising a source material to be deposited on a substrate, an opposing source distribution plate disposed opposite a backside of the target and electrically coupled to the target along a peripheral edge of the target, and a cavity disposed between the backside of the target and the source distribution plate; an electrode coupled to the source distribution plate at a point coincident with a central axis of the target; and a magnetron assembly comprising a rotatable magnet disposed within the cavity and having an axis of rotation that is aligned with a central axis of the target assembly, wherein the magnetron assembly is not driven through the electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a cylindrical sputtering target which attains a high production yield in a film-forming process even when a film is formed by sputtering with a long cylindrical sputtering target constituted by a plurality of cylindrical target materials. A multi-divided cylindrical sputtering target formed by bonding a cylindrical base and a plurality of cylindrical target materials together with a bonding material has a divided portion where adjacent cylindrical target materials are arranged with a gap therebetween, while outer peripheral faces of the adjacent cylindrical target materials have a step of 0.5 mm or less therebetween in the divided portion. Such a target is obtained by fixing the cylindrical target materials with reference to the outer peripheral faces of the cylindrical target materials when arranging the cylindrical target materials with reference to the cylindrical base.

Abstract: Rotatable magnetron sputtering apparatuses are described for depositing material from a target while reducing premature burn through issues. The rotatable magnetron sputtering apparatus includes electric coils wound on pole pieces to modulate the magnetic fields at the ends of the magnetron magnetic assembly. Changing the direction of electric current moves the sputtering region alternately around its normal central position to decrease the rate of erosion depth at the ends of the target material.

Abstract: A gas sensor element (100) includes a base member (101) comprising a plurality of laminated solid electrolyte layers, and having a space that communicates with the outside of the gas sensor element and allows introduction of the gas to be measured into the gas sensor element, and a porous measurement electrode (44) that is formed on a surface of the space inside the base member (101), and is covered with a porous measurement electrode protective layer (45), wherein an average pore size A of the measurement electrode (44) and an average pore size B of the measurement electrode protective layer (45) satisfy the relationship “0.05?B/A?0.9”, the measurement electrode (44) has an average pore size of 0.5 to 15 ?m, and the measurement electrode protective layer (45) has an average pore size of 0.05 to 9 ?m, a porosity of 5 to 50%, and a thickness of 10 to 200 ?m.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing defining a cavity for a reference electrolyte and defining an opening to the cavity configured to be proximate to a target fluid. The sensor further includes a junction plug comprising a porous material and a cross member impermeable to a target fluid positioned between the junction plug and the cavity. The cross member is disposed proximate to the junction plug, defining an aperture to enable electrochemical communication between the target fluid and the reference electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides exchangeable, reagent pre-loaded carriers (10), preferably in the form of plastic sheets, which can be temporarily applied to an electrode array (16) on a digital microfluidic (DMF) device (14). The carrier (10) facilitates virtually un-limited re-use of the DMF devices (14) avoiding cross-contamination on the electrode array (16) itself, as well as enabling rapid exchange of pre-loaded reagents (12) while bridging the world-to-chip interface of DMF devices (14). The present invention allows for the transformation of DMF into a versatile platform for lab-on-a-chip applications.

Abstract: The electrodes of the described CDI cell are porous and permeable. The liquid to be deionized (e.g. salt water to be desalinated) flows through the electrodes. The electrodes are arranged in a stack, alternating anode/cathode, and water being treated passes through every electrode in the whole stack. For regeneration, the cells are connected (short-circuited) together, and the ions are dislodged mainly by flushing action. The through-flow arrangement can be realized in a number of different configurations.

Abstract: This dielectrophoretic micro cell chromatography device with concentric electrodes and spiral microfluidic channels, produced according to MEMS technology subject to this invention; is composed of 4 groups of effect electrodes, inlet electrodes, spiral zone and central span, having exterior upper electrode (1), interior sub electrode with 3D geometry (2), upper inlet electrode (3), sub inlet electrode (4), spiral zone (5), central span (6), constant reading point and Insulating wafer (7) as the main components.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus comprising a stack of circular electrodes with a central through hole, the electrodes are supplied with electricity so as to form anodes and cathodes in alternating intercalation. The anodes and cathodes so arranged to lie in such close-spaced parallel face to face relationship as to form a capacitive deionization cell. Water to be treated is passed from the outside of the stack, radially inward through between the electrodes into the central through hole and then axially out of the stack.

Abstract: A conductivity measurement device, at least for the determination of the fill height of electrically conductive liquids. There are provided a measuring element with at least one carrier body and at least two electrodes having a first and a second end and extending in the vertical direction, wherein the electrodes have at least one screened region in the region of the first end and each electrode has at least a first and a second exposed contact surface, each being adjacent to the screened region. A liquid treatment device with such a conductivity measurement device.

Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a continuous nanostructured material having an electrodeposited surface layer. A conductive master drum having a relief pattern on its surface that exposes only a portion of the master drum surface is immersed into a plating bath. An electrodepositable material is coated onto the exposed surface of the drum. A support material is coated over the deposited layer and the relief structure. Removal from the drum yields the nanostructured material.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a metal material includes electrolyzing a metal sample in an electrolytic solution, immersing a remaining portion of the metal sample taken out of the electrolytic solution in a dispersible solution to separate at least one substance selected from the group consisting of precipitates and inclusions attached to the remaining portion of the metal sample, filtering the dispersible solution containing the at least one separated substance through filters having straight pores and a porosity of 4% or more to obtain residues trapped on the filters and filtrates, and analyzing at least one of the residues and the filtrates.

Abstract: A process for incorporating one or more particles in a conducting or semiconducting surface layer of a surface layer of the support, which comprises the steps of positioning one or more particles on the surface of the conducting surface layer and applying an electrical potential between the surface of the conducting surface layer and a second conducting surface, in an environment that contains an electrolyte, producing a modification of the chemical and/or physical state of the surface layer of the support and/or of the surface of the surface layer of the support and/or of the particle and incorporation of the particle or particles on the surface of the surface layer of the support.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for electrolytically coating an article. The method includes providing an article to be coated and disposing the article in an electrolytic cell. The cell includes an anode, a cathode in operable communication with the article, and an electrolyte bath. During electrolysis, the electrolyte bath comprises cobalt ions, phosphorous acid, and tribological particles selected from the group consisting of refractory materials, solid lubricants and mixtures thereof dispersed therein. The method further includes applying steady direct electric current through the anode, the electrolyte bath and the cathode to coat the article with cobalt, phosphorous and the tribological particles. An improved composition of matter is also provided that may be used as a coating, or the composition may be electroformed on a mandrel to form an article made from the composition of matter.

Abstract: A nanotube device and a method of depositing nanotubes for device fabrication are disclosed. The method relates to electrophoretic deposition of nanotubes, and allows a control of the number of deposited nanotubes and positioning within a defined region.

Abstract: A method and system for coating the interior surfaces of microscale hole features fabricated into the substantially planar surface of a work piece. The method comprises providing a work piece with a barrier metal coating that is substantially continuous and uniform both along the planar surface of the work piece and the inner surfaces of the microscale hole features wherein said barrier metal coating is applied by a substantially surface reaction limited process. The workpiece is provided with a coating, on the planar surface of the work piece, of a thick metal layer anchored to the barrier metal coat and disposed to provide substantially uniform electrical conduction capability to the microscale features located throughout and across the workpiece. An electrical contact path is provided to the electrically conductive coating at the perimeter of the work piece.

Abstract: A plating catalyst liquid which places little burden on the environment, which does not roughen the surface of a plating target, which can be easily controlled for the amount of plating catalyst applied and which is at low risk of inflammation and is highly safe, and a plating method using the plating catalyst are provided. The plating catalyst liquid includes a palladium compound, water, and a water-soluble combustible liquid serving as a combustible liquid ingredient, has a flash point of 40° C. or more and contains the water-soluble combustible liquid in an amount of 0.1 to 40 wt %.

Abstract: There is described a method for ensuring and monitoring electrolyzer safety and performances in a manufacturing process which uses at least one electrolyzing cell containing at least one cathode and at least one anode separated by a membrane, comprising the step of: determining a safe single voltage operation range depending of the current and corresponding to the normally working electrolyzing cell; determining a reference voltage deviation depending on the time derivation of the current; measuring the voltage over time at the terminals of the electrolyzing cell; determining the measured voltage deviation by calculating the time derivative of the measured voltage; comparing the measured voltage to the safe single voltage operation range and the measured voltage deviation to the reference voltage deviation over time; stopping the manufacturing process when the measured voltage is outside the safe single voltage operation range or the difference between the measured voltage deviation and the reference voltage

Abstract: Alkali bicarbonate is synthesized in an electrolytic cell from alkali carbonate. The electrolytic cell includes an alkali ion conductive membrane positioned between an anolyte compartment configured with an anode and a catholyte compartment configured with a cathode. The alkali conductive membrane selectively transports alkali ions and prevents the transport of anions produced in the catholyte compartment. An aqueous alkali carbonate solution is introduced into the anolyte compartment and electrolyzed at the anode to produce carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen ions which react with alkali carbonate to produce alkali bicarbonate. The alkali bicarbonate is recovered by filtration or other separation techniques. When the catholyte solution includes water, pure alkali hydroxide is produced. When the catholyte solution includes methanol, pure alkali methoxide is produced.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode system and associated surface pipe system maintenance method designed to protect surface pipes and associated parts. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the sacrificial anode system is installable at an interface between a first pipe and a second pipe and comprises an insertion sleeve shaped to fit along an inner surface of the first pipe, a flange attached to the insertion sleeve and shaped to rest against an end surface of the first pipe, a sacrificial anode to be positioned within the first pipe, and a stem linking the sacrificial anode to the insertion sleeve. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for maintaining a surface pipe system is also provided.

Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus for producing high-pressure hydrogen by electrolyzing pure water and a casing. The casing defines therein an accommodating chamber accommodating the water electrolysis apparatus etc. therein, first electric component compartments separate from the accommodating chamber and housing a controller and an electrolysis power supply therein, the first electric component compartments having first fans for introducing external air, and a second electric component compartment separate from the accommodating chamber and housing a relay, the second electric component compartment being connected to the first electric component compartments by a pipe.

Abstract: A method of processing a sensor element includes the steps of: (a) preparing a gas atmosphere containing hydrocarbon, having an air-fuel ratio of 0.80 to 0.9999, and having a small amount of oxidizing gas added thereto; and (b) subjecting a sensor element to a heat treatment in the gas atmosphere at a temperature of 500° C. or higher for 15 minutes or longer. The sensor element includes an electrochemical pumping cell constituted of an oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte and an electrode having a NOx reduction ability. A NOx gas in a measurement gas is reduced or decomposed in the electrode. A NOx concentration in the measurement gas is obtained based on a current which flows in the electrochemical pumping cell at a time of the reduction or decomposition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the CO concentration in a gas containing hydrogen, said device comprising a detection electrode (1) in contact with said gas and separated from a counter electrode (2) by an electrolyte (3; 4). In a galvanostatic mode, the fluctuations of the hydrogen oxidation potential of the detection electrode (1) are characterized by a parameter having a value used for obtaining the CO concentration by comparison to reference data.

Abstract: The presence of oxygen or red blood cells in a sample applied to an electrochemical test strip that makes use of a reduced mediator is corrected for by an additive correction factor that is determined as a function of the temperature of the sample and a measurement that reflects the oxygen carrying capacity of the sample. The measured oxygen carrying capacity can also be used to determine hematocrit and to distinguish between blood samples and control solutions applied to a test strip.

Abstract: A canister for trapping a fuel vapor vaporized in a fuel tank has a casing defining an adsorption chamber therein, an adsorbent capable of adsorbing the fuel vapor and filled in the adsorption chamber and a flow regulation plate disposed in the casing. The casing has a fuel introducing port configured to introduce the fuel vapor from the fuel tank into the adsorption chamber, and an air communicating port communicating the adsorption chamber with the atmosphere. The air communicating port is formed on a side surface of the casing extending in a direction of gravitational force. The flow regulation plate disposed at an end of the adsorption chamber near the air communicating port and has an opening configured to communicate the adsorption chamber with the air communicating port. The opening is positioned above the air communicating port in the direction of gravitational force.

Abstract: There is described a storage system and associated methods having increased storage capacity for natural gas or methane. The systems and methods store a larger quantity of natural gas at similar pressures and volumes to conventional storage systems. The systems utilize readily available carbons treated to increase the amount of natural gas adsorbed to the carbon to store a high level of natural gas.

Abstract: The invention is a ring box with a low profile, a sliding lid, and a pivoting ring holder. The sliding lid and pivoting ring holder allow the ring box to have a low profile. An engagement ring or any other type of ring can be placed in the pivoting ring holder and temporarily be stored discreetly in a pant or jacket pocket until it is presented, at which time the lid is pulled back, the ring in the pivoting ring holder is pivoted from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and three LEDs are lit up, shining on the ring being presented.

Abstract: A self-aligning modular accessory storage system comprising a first and a second module, removably connectable to the first module. The first module includes a base, an alignment stud protruding from the base, and a permanent magnet positioned in conjunction with the alignment stud. The second module includes an accessory container for storing one or more accessories, a receptacle adapted to receive the alignment stud on the first module, and a backing plate mounted behind the receptacle providing an aligning magnetic attraction between the first module and the second module when the alignment stud is positioned in proximity to the receptacle.

Abstract: A packet, in particular a packet for smoke articles, comprises an external enclosure (2) including a containing body (3) and a closing body (4) that is rotatable around a hinge (35) obtained on an external wall of said packet (1), the packet (1) including closing elements (50) associated with main wall means (22, 23, 24) of the internal enclosure (2) for closing a base portion (6) and a top portion (7) of the packet (1), the external enclosure (2) further comprising a secondary base wall (31) and a secondary top wall (11) connected to the main wall means (22, 23, 24) and arranged for abutting on and supporting said closing elements (50).

Abstract: The invention involves Article Dispensing, specifically tee shirts or other garments that can be folded and placed into the unit. Tee shirts, or other garments, stored in standard drawers, are not easily worn in a rotating manner. Specific garments are also not easily identified and retrieved by conventional storage methods. Finally, capacity of conventional storage methods is not easily expandable. This invention allows large numbers of tee shirts or other flat folded garments to be stored in such a manner as to rotate the wearing of the garments. It also allows specific garments to be identified and retrieved in any order due to the full length viewing slot in the front of the device. Interchangeable, stackable mid-sections can be attached together to allow the capacity of the dispenser to be increased to virtually any level. Finally, the units are made of molded plastic and are strong, durable, lightweight, and easily cleaned.