Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electric appliance such as AC/DC relay, AC/DC contactor and AC/DC low-voltage apparatus, and in particular, to a vent structure formed on the housing of an electric appliance. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a vent structure for the housing of an electric appliance, the vent structure is defined by a clearance between a first wall and a second wall formed on the housing, the clearance is located between a first surface of the first wall and a second surface of the second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall are not in the same plane. According to the present invention, a specific die is adopted in molding such housing. By the engagement between the male and female die inserts in the die, the vent structure in the housing of an electric appliance has a staggered and drop structure.

Abstract: A pushrod assembly for a circuit breaker having a pushrod with an insulating body, an insulating housing surrounding the push rod, a first insulating shield connected to the pushrod and a second insulating shield connected to the housing. The first insulating shield and the second insulating shield are arranged inside the housing such that an electrical path through a fluid inside the housing is longer than the distance of a first end and a second end of the push rod.

Abstract: Push-button switch unit with a display device that includes a display device (3) housed in a push-button casing (4, 5) movably housed in a base casing (1). The display device (3) has a luminous display area (21) on a support plate (22) asymmetric thereto. The push-button casing is asymmetric relative to a viewing window (23) thereof, through which the luminous display area (21) is visible. The base casing (1) has a side opening (15a) to accommodate the push-button casing without the latter protruding laterally. The base casing (1) has a frame (2) attached having a bevel (16) formed around an opening (14) aligned with the viewing window (23). The bevel (16) has regular width around the entire opening (14) and protrudes laterally a regular distance from all sides of the base casing (1).

Abstract: An electric power distribution switch incorporates a stress-relieving connection structure, a closing guiding structure, a weather shield structure and a contact structure.

Abstract: Control apparatus for controlling operation of a paper towel dispenser includes control switches and a handle having two relatively movable handle portions rotating when a paper toweling support drum rotates. One of the handle portions has projections which engage the switches when the handle rotates.

Abstract: Disclosed are a power transmission device for a vacuum interrupter, and a vacuum breaker having the same. The device includes: a driving link coupled to an adjuster; a driven link coupled to a movable electrode of a vacuum interrupter; connection links configured to connect the driving link and the driven link with each other, and coupled to the driving link and the driven link such that an interval between the driving link and the driven link is varied; cams coupled to the connection links in a perpendicular direction; and cam guides having guide recesses for slidably coupling the cams, and configured to guide the interval between the driving link and the driven link to be changed.

Abstract: To manufacture a switching apparatus that includes a piezoelectric actuator with increased lifespan, provided is a method for manufacturing a bimorph actuator, comprising first piezoelectric element layer formation of forming a first piezoelectric element layer on a substrate; support layer formation of forming a support layer made of an insulator on the first piezoelectric element layer; second piezoelectric element layer formation of forming a second piezoelectric element layer on the support layer; and removal of removing a portion of the substrate to form an actuator that includes the first piezoelectric element layer, the support layer, and the second piezoelectric element layer.

Abstract: A key switch apparatus includes a key top, a dome switch and an elastic member. The key top includes a pressing surface whose vertical and lateral lengths are different. The form of the dome switch changes with the key top being pressed. The elastic member is placed around the dome switch and adds a repulsive force against the pressing force by the key top. In addition, in the elastic member, at least a part of the two ends of the longitudinal direction of the pressing surface is missing, in the whole circumference around the dome switch.

Abstract: A switch module system includes switch modules. Each switch module has a housing, a keypad with switch domes, and an actuator for the switch domes. The housing of each switch module includes a housing chassis and a housing cover. The switch modules are attached to a substrate with contact areas of the substrate being electrically connectable through the switch domes of the keypads of the switch modules. For each switch module a respective section of the substrate is inserted into the housing chassis of the switch module and the respective section of the substrate is attached by the housing cover of the switch module to the housing chassis of the switch module.

Abstract: A switch with contacts includes a housing formed by snap-fit connection of an upper cover and a base, an operating lever and a movable contact holder, the operating lever and the moveable contact holder being movably-fit to one other. A stop device with a lock mechanism is provided in the housing, the lock mechanism being disposed between the stop device and the movable contact holder. An unlock mechanism is arranged between the stop device and the operating lever. The movable contact holder has positions at each of its two ends with the movable contact holder located in the positions of the two ends. The stop device and the movable contact holder are locked and stopped by the unlock mechanism.

Abstract: A slide switch capable of enhancing the accuracy of detecting a slide operation position of a slide lever and the operability of the slide lever without increasing the number of components and an installation space for the slide switch. An elastically-deformable click portion is disposed on a line passing through the center of a slide shaft of the slide lever and extending in a sliding direction in which the slide lever slides, moves integrally with the slide lever, and gets over a convex portion formed in a base member to generate a click force. In an accommodation space which accommodates the click portion and a plurality of armature portions, the click portion and one armature portion of the plurality of armature portions are separated from each other by a first partition, and the click portion and the other armature portion are separated from each other by a second partition.

Abstract: A shift lever, a shift knob provided on an upper end of the shift lever, an electrode portion provided on a lower end of the shift lever, an operation fulcrum rotatably supporting the shift lever, and a capacitive coupling sensor located in non-contact with the electrode portion are included. By a movement operation of the shift knob, the shift lever rotates and the electrode portion moves while keeping non-contact with a surface of the capacitive coupling sensor. The capacitive coupling sensor detects a position of the electrode portion on the basis of a capacitance change caused with movement of the electrode portion. By so doing, shift position information and trajectory information between each shift position can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photocatalytic reactor and a method for treating gaseous pollutants using the same, which can decompose and remove gaseous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, etc. as well as liquid pollutants using an environmentally friendly photocatalytic reaction. To this end, the present invention provides a photocatalytic reactor including: a solution tank to which a fluid containing gaseous pollutants to be treated is supplied through an inlet; a solution injector installed at the top of the inlet and injecting a gaseous pollutant solution into the fluid to be treated such that the gaseous pollutants of the fluid are dissolved; and a liquid photocatalytic treatment device receiving the gaseous pollutant solution, in which the gaseous pollutants of the fluid are dissolved and liquefied, from the solution tank and decomposing the liquefied gaseous pollutants of the fluid.

Abstract: There is described a process for depositing carbon on a surface, comprising, while contacting a mixture of CO2 and Br2 with a polar substrate presenting apposed surfaces, exposing a sufficient area of said mixture in the region of said apposed surfaces to light of sufficient intensity and frequency to result in deposition of carbon on at least some of said apposed surfaces. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: CO2 conversation into organic molecules is based on the photo-oxidation of water into oxygen gas O2, protons H+, and electrons. The conversion of CO2 occurs at the photo-cathode and involves the generated protons, electrons and the “fuel” CO2.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an exemplary lab-on-a-chip (LOC) system that serves as an analytical tool and/or as a separation medium for an electrolyte solution including various charged molecular species. The LOC system can include an integrated nanofluidic FET device in combination with suitable analysis systems. By applying and controlling a longitudinal electric field and a transverse electric potential, the flow and the pH of the electrolyte solution in the nanofluidic channels can be controlled.

Abstract: A fluid container with an output of drinkable activated and vitalized fluids, preferably activated and vitalized water, preferably for fluid intake, includes a hollow body with an opening for filling fitted with a connector connecting an openable cap. An outlet for the bottle is provided for dispensing the fluid. The outlet is fitted with a galvanic processing device for galvanic fluid treatment of the fluid and to produce a swirling motion of the fluid.

Abstract: A reversible electrochemical system includes a first electrode comprising liquid silver metal and a second electrode, said first and second electrodes separated by a oxygen ion-conducting solid electrolyte; a conduit for directing a first reactive material across the second electrode; and a conduit for contacting second reactive material with the first liquid silver electrode, wherein the cell is capable of steam electrolysis when the polarity of the electrodes is selected such that the liquid silver is an anode and the cell is capable of electrical energy generation when the polarity of the electrodes is selected such that the liquid silver is a cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyzed hydrogen-containing hot and cold water purifier for producing hydrogen water by dissolving hydrogen gas generated by electrolysis in raw water, and more particularly, to a sealing-type electrolyzed hydrogen-containing hot and cold water purifier and a water-purifying method for preventing microorganisms and foreign contaminants from being incorporated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyzer for producing sodium hypochlorite by electrolyzing brine such as salt water or seawater and the like, and more specifically to a horizontal non-membrane type electrolyzer of a new structure which can maintain a constant interval among electrode plates without using a welding means or an adhering means on the inside of a housing by including a separator for dividing an inner space of a hollow type housing into a plurality of electrode chambers; the electrode plates which are arranged in parallel to each other in the constant interval within a rectangular space part of the separator; and a fixing bar for fixing the separator to an inner wall of the housing.

Abstract: A sputter device including a plurality of targets having magnetism; a reflector having magnetism and arranged between neighboring targets of the plurality of targets; a wave guide having magnetism and arranged adjacent the targets, the wave guide forming a guide space for guiding microwaves; and a limiter having magnetism and arranged adjacent the wave guide, the limiter forming an electron cyclotron resonance area together with the targets, the reflector, and the wave guide.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating a substrate with a material in a chamber subject, during use, to substantial evacuation, which includes a coating station within the chamber for coating a substrate by sputtering and/or by evaporation; at least one treating station disposed in serial with the coating station and equipped with a plasma treater incorporating a plasma generator in sufficient proximity to the substrate to treat the substrate; a magnetic device for generating a magnetic field; at least one cylindrical electrode surrounding the magnetic device, the plasma treater incorporates a device for rotating the electrode about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling plate. In particular the invention relates to a sampling plate for measuring certain selected properties of a liquid sample, such as the glucose levels in a blood sample. Sampling plates of the present invention have a sample zone (20) for receiving a liquid sample and an overflow reservoir (26) linked to the sample zone (20) via an overflow channel (26a), so that excess blood sample can be redirected away from the sample zone (20) and contained.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the length of analytes, and/or sequencing analytes are provided in which two or more electrical signals are obtained as an analyte traverses a fluidic channel. Detection of the relative position of probes hybridized to a biopolymer and/or the length of the analyte (e.g., a biopolymer) does not rely on the absolute time between detection events of a given electrical signal to determine a distance associated with the biopolymer. Instead, multiple signals are obtained as functions of time) corresponding to a plurality of detector volumes at known locations along a fluidic channel through which the biopolymer passes, and the distances are determined from the multiple signals.

Abstract: A method for removing soot, sludge, varnish and other insoluble particulates from engine oil, the method including the steps of: disposing an oil containing the particulates between a pair of electrodes, wherein one of the electrodes is a collecting electrode; wrapping a surface of the collecting electrode with a media, wherein the media is configured to collect a portion of the particulates drawn towards the collecting electrode; applying a direct current to the electrodes for a period of time to generate an electric field, wherein the electric field causes a portion of the particulates to agglomerate in the media; and removing the media and the portion of particulates agglomerated in the media to reduce the amount of soot particles in the oil.

Abstract: A digital microfluidic platform utilizes dual active matrix circuitry to actuate and heat liquid droplets on a biochip. Liquid droplets are introduced into a droplet handling area of the biochip where they can be actuated by electrodes residing in pixels of an actuating active matrix array according to the electrowetting on dielectric phenomenon and heated by heating elements residing in pixels of a heating active matrix array. Pixels of the actuating active matrix array and the heating active matrix array are independently addressable such that droplets in the droplet handling area can be selectively heated and actuated according to their location. The actuating active matrix array and heating active matrix array can be formed on the same or different substrates with the droplet handling area disposed above or between the substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a universal adapter including a magnetic module that is coupled between a water pipe and a spray member for spraying tap water regardless of equipped sites of various spray members to produce ionized water. The universal adapter includes: a magnet module including a body having a passage pipe of a nonferrous metal material in an interior thereof and having a plurality of accommodating recesses disposed on opposite sides thereof with respect to the passage pipe, a plurality of permanent magnets accommodated within the accommodating recesses; and a housing including a mounting hole formed in an interior of the housing and through which the magnet module is mounted, a first coupling portion having a screw thread on an outer periphery, and a second coupling portion having a screw thread on an inner periphery.

Abstract: A titanium dioxide coating method is disclosed. An electrolyte containing Ti3+, an oxidant, and at least one of NO3? and NO2? is provided for an electrodeposition device, wherein the oxidant is configured for essentially oxidizing Ti3+ into Ti4+. A substrate is immersed into the electrolyte and electrically connected to the electrodeposition device. A cathodic current is applied to the substrate via the electrodeposition device for reduction of NO2? or NO3?. A titanium dioxide film is thus formed on the surface of the substrate. The thickness, porosity, and morphology of the titanium dioxide film can be controlled by varying the electroplating parameters, and relatively uniform deposits on various substrates of complex shapes can be obtained by use of low cost instruments. The resultant structure of Ti4+ species oxidized from Ti3+ by the oxidant can be used to control the deposition rate of TiO2.

Abstract: Arrangements for plating a single surface of a thin foil are described. In one aspect, a metal foil is wrapped tightly at least partially around a plating solution drum. The drum is partially immersed in a plating solution such that the waterline of the metal plating solution is below a break point where the metallic foil strip begins to unwind from the plating solution drum. With this arrangement, one side of the metallic foil strip is exposed to the metal plating solution, while the opposing back side of the metallic foil strip does not come in substantial contact with the metal plating solution. In this manner, the exposed side of the foil is plated while the back surface of the foil is not plated. The drum may be rotated to convey the foil through the plating solution.

Abstract: A chemically amplified positive resist composition is provided comprising an alkali-insoluble or substantially alkali-insoluble polymer having an acid labile group-protected acidic functional group, an alkyl vinyl ether polymer, a photoacid generator, and a benzotriazole compound in a solvent. The composition forms on a substrate a resist film of 5-100 ?m thick which can be briefly developed to form a pattern at a high sensitivity and a high degree of removal or dissolution to bottom.

Abstract: An anodizing apparatus includes: a power supplying drum for supporting a strip of an anodizable metal or a composite conductive foil having an anodizable metal on one surface thereof in close contact, at least a portion of the power supplying drum supporting the strip being conductive; opposing electrodes facing the power supplying drum; an electrolysis tank filled with an electrolytic solution in which a portion of the power supplying drum that supports the strip and the opposing electrodes are immersed; non conductive protective members that overlap the transverse ends of the strip on the power supplying drum and portions of the power supplying drum that the strip is not in contact with to protect the overlapped portions from the electrolytic solution; and a drive section that causes the strip and the protective members to move together within the electrolytic solution, synchronized with the rotating speed of the power supply drum.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing alkalinity and performance of ash-based detergents are disclosed. Nonhazardous ash-based detergent alkalinity is enhanced through increasing the ratio of sodium hydroxide to ash-based alkalinity. Methods according to the invention do not require the addition of chemical ingredients, do not generate additional waste streams and use the entirety of the ash-based detergent. The methods according to the invention provide alkalinity-enhanced detergent use solutions that are sufficiently concentrated for adequate cleaning capability while only requiring minimal amounts of the use solution to be dispensed for an in situ cleaning process.

Abstract: An aluminum support is manufactured at lower cost by efficiently performing a surface roughening treatment with dispersed pits formed on the aluminum support. In an electrolytic surface roughening treatment method for performing an electrolytic surface roughening treatment on a strip-shaped metal as being conveyed in an acidic electrolytic solution by applying an alternating waveform voltage, the method includes a step of applying a negative voltage to the metal plate at least once while the alternating waveform voltage is being applied so that the metal plate assumes a negative polarity.

Abstract: Anode foils suitable for use in electrolytic capacitors, including those having multiple anode configurations, have improved strength, reduced brittleness, and increased capacitance compared to conventional anode foils for electrolytic capacitors. Exemplary methods of manufacturing an anode foil suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor include disposing a resist material in a predetermined pattern on an exposed surface of an anode foil substrate such that a first portion of the exposed surface of the anode foil substrate is covered by the resist material, and a second portion of the exposed surface remains uncovered; polymerizing the resist material; exposing at least the second portion of the exposed surface to one or more etchants so as to form a plurality of tunnels; stripping the polymerized resist material; and widening at least a portion of the plurality of tunnels. The resist material may be deposited, for example, by ink-jet printing, stamping or screen printing.

Abstract: A method for recovering valuable metals, such as lead, silver and gold from the residue of an electrolytic zinc process, wherein the residue from the zinc process is suspended and sulfidized for converting the lead and silver compounds into sulfidic form, and further flotated for forming a flotation concentrate that contains valuable metals, wherein the sulfidizing and flotation processes are controlled electrochemically, so that the content of the sulfide ions fed in the sulfidizing stage is adjusted by means of the redox potential to a level where the grain size of the created valuable metal sulfides is sufficient for flotating them, and that the redox potential of the flotation stage is adjusted to be within a range where the collector chemical is adhered to the mineral to be flotated, but the sulfides are not oxidized.

Abstract: A dry reagent composition that includes an active redox enzyme that oxidizes an analyte as a specific substrate to produce an inactive reduced form of the enzyme; and a salt of ferricyanide provides improved performance in electrochemical test strips such as those used for detection of glucose. The salt of ferricyanide consists of ferricyanide and positively-charged counter ions, and the positively charged counter ions are selected such that the salt of ferricyanide is soluble in water, and such that the salt of ferricyanide or the crystalline phase of the salt of ferricyanide has a solubility in water and/or a lower E0eff at a concentration of 100 mM than potassium ferricyanide. For example, the salt of ferricyanide may be tetramethylammonium ferricyanide.

Abstract: An electrode assembly that may be used, for example, for electrochemically analysing a sample to determine the presence (or otherwise) of a species having biomembrane activity comprises at least one working electrode comprised of a conductive carrier substrate having a surface coated with mercury immobilised on the surface of the substrate. The surface of the mercury remote from said substrate is coated with a phospholipid layer. The preferred carrier substrate is platinum. The electrode assembly may be incorporated in a flow cell.

Abstract: A protective support device for supporting an object, such as a pilot's helmet, protectively encloses and supports the object. The device includes an inner shell formed of a compressive material and of an inflatable bladder. The inner shell is positioned within an outer shell, such as a bag formed of a cloth, or other, material. An object to be supported is placed within the inner shell, and the inflatable bladder of the inner shell is inflated. Inflation of the inner shell encloses and surrounds the object.

Abstract: Various embodiments of suture packages are disclosed to provide a surgical needle, having an associated length of suture material, to a surgical suturing instrument. The disclosed suture packages generally include a body portion having a needle supplying loading unit mounted thereon. Various methods of affixing the loading unit to the body portion are disclosed. The body portion defines a suture tray and a cover is provided to secure a suture within the suture tray. A securing ring is provided to secure the cover to the body portion.

Abstract: A sheath for a knife is ventilated or is formed with gaps in a way that sand and other debris cannot collect to dull the knife's blade. The sheath holds the knife, protects and safely covers the sharp edge, but does not provide a surface for abrasive sand to dull the edge. The sheath can include front and rear panels, held together with a plurality of spacers disposed between the panels. The spacers can be rounded to as to minimize contact between the spacers and the blade of the knife.

Abstract: A labeled bottle comprises an outer surface having at least one substantially flat face portion, and a label. The label includes a permanent label portion and at least one hinged leaf portion. The is configured to overlie at least a portion of the outer surface of the permanent label portion substantially adjacent to the at least one substantially flat face portion of the bottle. The bottle further comprises a re-sealable agent disposed between an inner surface of the at least one leaf portion and the outer surface of the permanent label portion in such manner as to re-sealably attach the leaf portion to the permanent label portion.

Abstract: The present application is directed to patient compliance aids for a medicine container. A base label may be adhered to the medication container, and one or more indicia disposed on the base label. A top label may cover at least a portion of the base label.

Abstract: A stackable tray is provided that includes a tray having a bottom, a pair of side walls each having an upper edge, and a rear wall. A pair of support columns is provided on each side wall. Each of the support columns includes: a protrusion extending upwardly from a top portion of the support column; a first groove formed in a bottom portion of the support column, the first groove being aligned with the protrusion in the vertical direction; and a second groove formed in the bottom portion of the support column, the second groove being aligned with the upper edge of the respective side wall in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A package for household articles is provided with a holistic coding system. The coding system allows consumers to select the articles required for their needs without confusion. The package comprises a plurality of sides forming an interior compartment; a non-opaque colored window and a colored region on at least one side of the package; and a plurality of household articles disposed in the interior compartment. The household articles comprise individual wrappers which have a color; the individual wrappers have the same color as the colored region. The household articles may be hygiene articles.

Abstract: Leak-resistant packaging includes at least one bottom panel; at least one side panel, each side panel in leak-resistant arrangement with the bottom panel; and at least one support in leak-resistant arrangement with the bottom panel and the at least one side panel.

Abstract: Rugged stackable merchandise tray containers are provided with right-angled mounting tabs at the inner corners of the top panel of two load supporting casing formed at the two ends of the tray container. The right-angled mounting tabs are engageable with rectangular mounting openings formed at the bottom of the bottom panel when two tray containers are stacked one on top of another. The mounting provide resistance to accidental external impact exerted to the stack. At least one trapezoidal shape pull-out tabs are also provided at the edge portion of the bottom panel, which are engageable with aligned mounting slots formed at the top panel of the load supporting casings to provide further securement of the stacked tray containers as well as enhanced resistance to external impact to the stack.

Abstract: A packaging system that is both efficient and cost effective, while still performing the necessary tasks at hand. The compartmentalized pallet cover extends the shipping life of fresh picked fruits and vegetables, lengthening the maximum shipping time and extending the maximum shipping distance within which fresh produce may be delivered. This shipping product and method makes it possible to realize higher profit margins by reaching markets which are located a significant distance from the point of origin, while minimizing shipping costs.

Abstract: An oxidative treatment process, e.g., oxidative desulfurization or denitrification, is provided in which the oxidant is produced in-situ using an aromatic-rich portion of the original liquid hydrocarbon feedstock. The process reduces or replaces the need for the separate introduction of liquid oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide, organic peroxide and organic hydroperoxide in an oxidative treatment process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process that combines the solvent deasphalting with resin hydrotreatment so as to reduce the costs associated with performing each of the steps separately. The integrated process of the invention permits higher product yields coupled with lower energy and transportation costs.

Abstract: A delayed coking process includes: a. introducing a fresh hydrocarbon feedstock containing undesirable sulfur and/or nitrogen compounds for preheating into the lower portion of a coking unit product fractionator; b. introducing at least a portion of an intermediate fraction derived from the fractionator and at least one adsorbent material that selectively adsorbs sulfur- and/or nitrogen-containing compounds into a mixing zone to form an adsorbent slurry stream; c. discharging a bottoms fraction from the fractionator; d. adding all or a portion of the slurry stream to the bottoms fraction to form a mixed coking unit feedstream; e. heating the mixed feedstream in the coking unit furnace to a predetermined coking temperature; and f. passing the heated mixed feedstream to a drum of the delayed coking to produce a delayed coking product stream while depositing the adsorbent material having adsorbed sulfur and/or nitrogen compounds with the coke in the coking drum.