Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for etching flexible glass sheets (13) in which the sheets (13) are transported in a near vertical orientation past non-contact, liquid-ejecting bearings (3) which apply an etching solution (e.g., an aqueous NaF/H3PO4 solution) to the sheets (13). In certain embodiments, the uppermost liquid-ejecting bearing (3) is above the top edge of the sheet (13) and thus is able to apply etching solution to the top of the sheet. In other embodiments, a top shower (11), which includes a set of spray nozzles (21) located above and distributed along the length of the apparatus, is used to apply etching solution to the top of the sheet (13). Using the disclosed methods and apparatus, glass sheets (13) produced by a fusion process are provided which have areas greater than five square meters and average surface roughness values in the range of 0.5 nanometers to 1.1 nanometers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gas circuit breaker switch (5) which can be integrated inside a switching device insulated in a dielectric gas, said switch (5) comprising an arc chute (1) inside which a fixed contact (3) and a moving contact (4) are arranged. The integration of the contacts (3, 4) inside at least one casing (19, 20) corresponding to the arc chute (1) allows reducing distances between phases, in addition to preventing any incident in one phase from affecting the remaining phases, and finally more compact electrical equipment is obtained. The switch (5) also comprises at least one generation means (6) for generating at least one gas, at least one blowout/intake means (7) for at least one extinguishing gas and at least one generation means (2) for generating a magnetic field, such that the electric arc generated between the contacts (3, 4) of the switch (5) can be extinguished by combining said means (6, 7, 2).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and systems to reduce high voltage breakdown jitters in liquid dielectric switches. In particular, dielectric liquids have been produced that contain a suspension of nanoparticles and a surfactant to reduce the breakdown jitter. In one embodiment, the suspended nanoparticles are Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vacuum interrupter capable of easily installing a central arc shielding plate in alignment without biasing in a radial direction. The vacuum interrupter includes a protruding guide unit protruding from a stationary electrode seal cup in a perpendicular direction to guide the installation of the central arc shielding plate such that the central arc shielding plate can be aligned in a radial direction.

Abstract: A vacuum interrupter includes a housing having two insulating material areas disposed and constructed symmetrically with respect to a center plane. Each of the two insulating material housing areas includes a plurality of insulating material housing parts. The interrupter has a compact construction and high dielectric strength. The insulating material housing part of each insulating material housing area located farthest away from the center plane has a length that is greater than the length of the other insulating material housing parts.

Abstract: An installation switching device includes a cutout, which is designed on a fastening side, for fastening the installation switching device to a mounting rail, a vent opening, which is disposed on the fastening side, for discharging waste gases from an arc-quenching device, and a quick fastening device which is disposed on the fastening side. The quick fastening device includes a slide, which carries a movable projection and encloses the housing at the broad sides and which can be acted on by means of a spring toward the inner space of the recess.

Abstract: A wire discharge machine includes a wire electrode arranged with a gap from a workpiece, and a constant-voltage power supply that applies a high-frequency voltage between the workpiece and the wire electrode, and generates discharge between the workpiece and the wire electrode by applying the high-frequency voltage to machine the workpiece. The wire discharge machine further includes a current measurement unit that measures a current value of a current flowing from the constant-voltage power supply, a determination unit that determines a state between electrodes, which is a state between the workpiece and the wire electrode, based on a combination of a result of a threshold determination of the measured current value and a result of a threshold determination of a change value in the current value, and a control unit that controls a gap between the workpiece and the wire electrode based on the determined state between electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for resistance welding with a welder includes a heat pipe including a hollow tube and a weld electrode fitted around a portion of the heat pipe. The weld electrode and heat pipe are conductively coupled to conduct heat across an inner surface of the weld electrode.

Abstract: A substrate having a pattern of magnetic properties may be formed by forming a magnetically inactive layer on the substrate, forming a magnetic precursor on the magnetically inactive layer, and forming magnetically active domains separated by magnetically inactive domains in the magnetic precursor by applying thermal energy to the magnetic precursor. The thermal energy may be applied using a laser, which may be pulsed. Forming the magnetically active domains may include crystallizing portions of the magnetic precursor.

Abstract: A plasma processing system has an upper electrode and a lower electrode. The upper electrode includes a first and a second upper electrode portions. The first upper electrode portion annularly surrounds the second upper electrode portion. The lower electrode includes a first and a second lower electrode portions, and the first lower electrode portion annularly surrounds the second lower electrode portion. A radio frequency (RF) power source provides RF energy to the second lower electrode portion. The lower surface of the first upper electrode portion is non-planar with a substrate-facing surface of the second upper electrode portion such that the first gap between the lower surface of the first upper electrode portion and the upper surface of the first lower electrode portion is smaller than the second gap between the substrate bearing surface of the second lower electrode portion and the substrate-facing surface of the second upper electrode portion.

Abstract: A system for supplying fluids to a plasma arc torch includes a single-gas power supply for regulating electrical power to the torch and for regulating supply of a first fluid to the torch, a flow regulator for regulating supply of a second fluid to the torch, and a first pressure-actuated valve disposed between the flow regulator and the torch. The valve shuts off supply of the second fluid to the torch when the first valve is closed and allows the second fluid to be supplied when the first valve is open. The first valve is opened by pressure of the first fluid supplied to the torch and closed when the first fluid is not supplied to the torch. A second pressure-actuated valve may be provided in the supply line for the first fluid, which is opened by pressure of the second fluid being supplied to the torch.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed for removing contaminants from a surface of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) and, optionally, estimating the remaining lifetime of the TBC. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is one method that may be used to remove contaminants from a surface the TBC prior to performing photo luminescence piezo spectroscopy (PLPS) or another spectroscopic technique on a thermally grown oxide (TGO). LIBS may facilitate monitoring substantially in real-time the chemical composition of the material removed. LIBS may be used to remove substantially only the contaminants with minimal effects on the underlying TBC. One technique for determining when to stop removal of material from the TBC is cross-correlation between a spectrum collected from the ablated material and a reference spectrum collected from a reference substrate. In some embodiments, the same system may be used to perform LIBS to remove impurities and PLPS to measure stress in the TGO.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to verifying a seam quality during a laser welding process. In certain aspects, a method includes detecting, in a spatially resolved manner, a first amount of radiation emerging from a workpiece in a first wavelength range, determining a first geometric parameter of a seam characteristic based on the first amount of radiation detected in the first wavelength range, detecting, in a spatially resolved manner, a second amount of radiation emerging from the workpiece in a second wavelength range, the second wavelength range being different than the first wavelength range, determining a second geometric parameter of the seam characteristic based on the second amount of radiation detected in the second wavelength range, comparing the first and second geometric parameters to respective reference values or to respective tolerance intervals to provide respective comparison results, and logically combining the respective comparison results to verify the seam quality.

Abstract: A visually seamless method of joining a first piece of metal and a second piece of metal is described. The first piece of metal is placed in contact with an edge of the second piece of metal. In some embodiments, the edge includes a sacrificial lip. The first piece of metal forming a junction area with the edge of the second piece of metal, applying a forging force to the first piece of metal, the forging force having an effect of creating an extremely tight fit up between the first and the second pieces of metal, welding the first and the second pieces to form an assembly and forming a cosmetically enhancing protective layer on the surface of the assembly, the protective layer obscuring any visible artifacts on the surface of the assembly, the obscured visible artifacts including any discoloration or discontinuity created by the laser welding.

Abstract: A method having a step of heating a mass forming a braze. Before the heating step, the method includes steps of arranging the mass and the member on the support. In particular, it includes a step of positioning the mass on the support and a step of applying a first compressive force on the mass so as to compress said mass against the support, the intensity of the first force increasing up to a predetermined first value chosen so as to flatten the mass. Next, the method includes a step of positioning the member on the flattened mass and a step of applying a second compressive force to the member so as to compress said member against the flattened mass and the support, the intensity of the second force increasing up to a second predefined value, the second predefined value being lower than the first predefined value.

Abstract: A drawn arc welding device includes a welding tool, and an energy storage device coupled to a power source. A charging circuit is connected to the energy storage device replenishing the storage device. A discharge circuit is connected to the welding tool and energy storage device. The discharge circuit regulates and adjusts a welding current of the welding tool to a specified amount. Also disclosed is a process that includes charging the energy storage device, actuating the welding tool, energizing a pilot arc current, lifting the weld stud off a workpiece to draw the pilot arc, energizing a welding arc wherein the discharge circuit regulates a welding current of the welding tool to a specified amount, and plunging the weld stud into the workpiece and turning off the discharge circuit.

Abstract: An electrode according to one aspect of the present invention is formed on a base material composed of a ceramics. The electrodes includes a matrix composed of an Ni-Cr alloy (with a Cr content of 20 to 60 wt. %) or an MCrAlY alloy (M is at least one material selected from Fe, Co and Ni), and a disperse phase that is dispersed in the matrix and composed of an oxide mineral having a laminated structure. The ratio of area occupied by the disperse phase in a cross section of the electrode is 40 to 80%. With the structure like this, it is possible to suppress the increase in the electrical resistance even after a thermal cycle is performed.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a rim portion is provided. The rim portion includes a rim metal core, at least one heating element, which extends around the core, and a coating portion, which coats the heating element. The heating element includes a heat generating member for generating heat when electrified, a heat transfer sheet, and a flexible heat insulating sheet. The heat transfer sheet transfers heat of the heat generating member to the coating portion. The heat insulating sheet hinders heat of the heat generating member from being transferred to the core. The heat insulating sheet has first and second surfaces. The heat transfer sheet is laid on the first surface. The heat generating member is located between the first surface and the heat transfer sheet. The heating element is affixed to the core at the second surface, while being flexed to conform to the surface of the core.

Abstract: A kind of anti-adhesion device for a relay. The device can include a control circuit and adhesion detecting circuit of first and second relays, which are used to respectively control power on and power off of the first and second electric heater. Closing a switch of the control circuit of the first and second relays is used to lead out the line and the output elements of the adhesion detecting circuit, to form a detecting loop. An interlocking circuit is bridged between the control circuit of the first and second relay. Therefore the first and second relay won't be closed at the same time, to avoid the fault caused by parallel connection of electric heaters. The adhesion detecting circuit can output a square wave when a relay has adhesion. The square wave avoids mixing with a low level output of the detecting circuit.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled integrated circuit configured with a secure data processing element, and method of manufacture of same, is disclosed. Specifically, the temperature-controlled integrated circuit, comprising a secure data processing element operable within a nominal operating range, is configured with a heat-transfer element which allows the secure data processing element to operate in an extended operating range.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed, ohmic heating packet for storing, heating and sterilizing food and beverage items. The packet is formed of a multilayer laminate material having interior and exterior polymer layers and an intermediate metallic foil layer. Conductive tags on the exterior of the packet are electrically connected to electrodes on the interior of the packet through reverse-patched regions of the packet's sidewalls. The configuration of the electrical connection prevents current from leaking into the metallic foil layer of the packet during heating, thereby mitigating the risk of a short circuit condition in the packet. The rectangular prism geometry of the packet and the parallel configuration of the electrodes within the packet facilitate uniform heating of the packet's contents.

Abstract: A heater assembly with enhanced cooling pursuant to various embodiments described herein makes use of fluidic flow in the insulation or in the space used for insulation. By creating a natural convection or forced convection flow, the heater cools down faster, it can operate at lower temperatures and/or higher temperature precision, and it can improve temperature controllability by generating higher heat loss rates.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for applying EM energy to a load. The apparatuses and methods may include at least one processor configured to receive information indicative of energy dissipated by the load for each of a plurality of modulation space elements. The processor may also be configured to associate each of the plurality of modulation space elements with a corresponding time duration of power application, based on the received information. The processor may be further configured to regulate energy applied to the load such that for each of the plurality of modulation space elements, power is applied to the load at the corresponding time duration of power application.

Abstract: A flameless lighter provides a user with a heat source that is similar to typical lighter. The flameless light comprises an enclosure, a slidable switch, a light assembly, a portable power supply, and a switch retraction mechanism. The enclosure is the primary structural component of the flameless lighter. The light assembly is used to produce the necessary heat to ignite items such as cigarettes and candle wicks. The slidable switch is used to activate and deactivate the light assembly and is used to protrude and retract a light bulb into and out of the enclosure. The portable power supply is used electrically power the light assembly and can be recharged through a universal serial bus charging port. The switch retraction mechanism defaults the slidable switch to the “OFF” position so that the flameless light is not left in the “ON” position. This improves the overall safety of the flameless light.

Abstract: Heater having an enclosure surrounding a heating core. The heating core includes heating elements and a self-supporting corrugated heat conductive fin that provides air flow channels between the corrugations as well as multiple heat reflective surfaces.

Abstract: An object is to provide a heat medium heating device capable of achieving closer contact between cooling plates without an increase in size thereof, and a vehicle air conditioning apparatus provided with the heat medium heating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jacket heater having a heating element built therein, the jacket heater containing: the heating element having a watt density of 0.15 W/cm2 or more, a metal foil disposed adjacently to the heating element, and a surrounding body which surrounds the heating element and the metal foil.

Abstract: A tool to supply heat to a PEX pipe to permit the PEX pipe to be removed from a fitting connection includes a thermal element that can supply heat to the PEX pipe. The thermal element may be heated via electrical processes, such as resistive or inductive heating, or may be heated with a combustion process. The thermal element may be implemented in a pliers to permit the heating element to be placed around the PEX pipe and clamped, to allow the user to pull the PEX pipe off the fitting connection using the pliers. The tool may have a temperature control to regulate an amount of heat provided to the PEX pipe during removal, which control may include a feedback transducer, such as a thermocouple. The tool may be operated with AC or DC power, where the DC power may be provided by one or more batteries.

Abstract: A centrifugal magnetic heating device includes a power receiving mechanism and a heat generator. The power receiving mechanism further includes a vane set and a transmission module. The heat generator connected with the transmission module further includes a centrifugal mechanism connected to the transmission module, a plurality of bases furnished on the centrifugal mechanism, a plurality of magnets furnished on the bases individually, and at least one conductive member corresponding in positions to the magnets. The vane set is driven by nature flows so as to drives the bases synchronically with the magnets through the transmission module, such that the magnets can rotate relative to the conductive member and thereby cause the conductive member to generate heat.

Abstract: A microwave processing apparatus includes: a processing chamber; a microwave introducing unit for generating microwaves and introducing the microwaves into the chamber; and a control unit for controlling the microwave introducing unit. The microwave introducing unit has microwave sources for generating the microwaves and transmission lines for transmitting the microwaves into the chamber and introduces parts of the microwaves into the chamber simultaneously, and the control unit switches a first state of introducing said parts of the microwaves into the chamber to a second state of generating a microwave by one of the microwave sources and introducing into the chamber.

Abstract: A reclosable package for packaging an article is provided with a plastic door component and a separate tray that cooperate to form an article containing cavity. The tray may be manufactured from a paper pulp material, such as molded pulp. The door component and tray may be installed between a pair of panels. The door component may include a door portion and a flange portion joined along a hinge. The flange portion may be sandwiched between the panels to hold the door component in place. The door portion may be movable about the hinge to allow the package to be opened and closed. The door portion may interface with the door panel in a way that resists movement of the door portion between the open position and the closed position. The door portion may include snap elements configured to have an interference fit with the door panel.

Abstract: A method of loading stacked strainers in a dispenser while minimizing strainer contamination is disclosed. The method includes providing a stack of strainers that is enclosed in a protective material to form a pod, placing the pod within a dispenser, and removing the protective material from the pod of strainers while the strainers are in the dispenser. The strainers dispensed from the thus loaded dispenser avoid being contamination during loading. The protective material may be perforated to facilitate removal from the stack, and include an extended portion to be grasped during removal from the dispenser.

Abstract: A packaging box and a method for fabricating the packaging box are provided that reduces a defective fabrication rate from reduced wrinkling and cracks. A V-shaped cut groove is formed to extend in one direction by cutting an outer surface of an inner layer, a curved groove having a curved surface is formed to extend in parallel with the cut groove by pressing an inner surface of the inner layer, and the inner layer is bent with respect to the curved groove. The curved groove is at an offset position with respect to the cut groove.

Abstract: A baking pan lid which can be used with any cake pan and that keeps the cake batter from forming a domed top resulting in a flat even top cake.

Abstract: A closure for a container has a plurality of indicia such as date and/or time, disposed on the lid's top surface, with a rotary collar which is adjustable to a fixed position to highlight (select) indicia regarding the contents of the container.

Abstract: A metering and dispensing closure for a container wherein two rotatable disks rotate in conjunction with a stationary cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The disks and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.

Abstract: A closure for a beverage container that has a cap for overlapping a mouth of the beverage container. An arcuate member attached to the cap having a pair of extremity portions separated from one another and a springing member is connected to the arcuate member proximate to one of the extremity portions that is angularly pivotally moveable in response to a manually applied force, between a first position at which the springing member closes and completes a continuous periphery of the arcuate member and a second position at which the arcuate member periphery is open.

Abstract: A filler plug is configured such that: a head portion is formed on an upper end of an external thread; a sealing portion formed at the head portion strongly contacts a funnel-shaped inclined inner peripheral surface formed at one end of an internal thread of a hydraulic device oil passage by tightening the external thread with respect to the internal thread; an upper peripheral surface of the sealing portion is tapered; a circular constricted portion is formed between the sealing portion and the upper end of the external thread; and a dimensionless value of a head portion height H1 from an upper surface of the head portion to the sealing portion, that is, a dimensionless value obtained by dividing the head portion height H1 by a nominal designation value of the external thread portion, ranges from 0.4 to 0.7.

Abstract: An exemplary enclosure includes a box and a panel assembly mounted to the box. The panel assembly includes a panel, a locking module and a retention module mounted on two opposite sides of the panel. The retention module has fixing portions engaging with a first side of the box. The locking module includes a bracket fixed to the panel and a cover slidably connected to the bracket. The cover includes securing portions. The cover is movable relative to the bracket between a locked position in which the securing portions engage with an opposite second side of the bracket and a released position in which the securing portions are away from the opposite second side of the bracket.

Abstract: Closures having an integrated push button latching assembly including an end wall, a skirt wall depending from the end wall, an outlet opening associated with the end wall, a protrusion associated with the end wall and a push button latching assembly are disclosed. The push button latching assembly is pivotally coupled to the closure and is movable between a first position in which the outlet opening is covered by the assembly and a second position in which the outlet opening is exposed. The push button latching assembly includes a retaining mechanism, a closing member coupled to the retaining mechanism, a push button coupled to the retaining mechanism, and a tongue coupled to the retaining mechanism. The tongue is configured to engage the protrusion when the push button latching assembly occupies the first position and disengage the protrusion such that the push button latching assembly is movable to the second position.

Abstract: An object is to provide a closing member for an opening, the closing member capable of more reliably maintaining a lightning-protective function. In addition to a first insulator 63, a second insulator 65 is provided between a door body 30 and a wing inner surface 11b around an opening 12. When the first insulator 63 falls off, the second insulator 65 becomes interposed between an inner peripheral planar part 64 and the wing inner surface 11b. With the first insulator 63 being tightly interposed between an outer peripheral planar part 62 and the wing inner surface 11b, the second insulator 65 faces the wing inner surface 11b with a predetermined clearance C therebetween. The outer peripheral planar part 62 is formed at a position further away from the wing inner surface 11b than an apical surface 65a of the second insulator 65 mounted on the inner peripheral planar part 64.

Abstract: A multi-compartment container including a vessel body, an elastic ring, a lid, and a sealer is disclosed. The vessel body has an opening. The elastic ring is coupled with an inner peripheral surface of the vessel body and has a through hole extending axially. The lid detachably couples with the vessel body to cover the opening, with the lid having a holding member. The sealer has a connecting end and a plug end, with the connecting end coupling with the holding member of the lid, and with the plug end being capable of abutting against the elastic ring to seal the through hole or disengaging from the elastic ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tank device for storing hydrogen for an aircraft. The tank device comprises an outer tank and an inner tank. The inner tank is held in the outer tank. The outer tank is arranged such that the hydrogen with first physical characteristics can be stored. The inner tank is designed such that the hydrogen with second physical characteristics can be stored. The outer tank is connected to the inner tank such that the hydrogen can be fed to the inner tank from the outer tank. The inner tank is designed such that the hydrogen with the first physical characteristics can be converted to the hydrogen with second physical characteristics. The inner tank is arranged such that the hydrogen comprising the second physical characteristics can be fed to a consumer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to packaging and storage assemblies having phase change materials and methods of using the packaging and storage assemblies. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a packaging including a temperature barrier layer having one or more phase change materials. The phase change material can be stored within the temperature barrier layer.

Abstract: An ice chest or portable cooler is disclosed which includes a unique construction which enables the cooler to maintain the contents therein at or below a desired temperature for an extended period of time. The top, walls, and bottom of the cooler utilize a shell which includes an inner and outer layer of a plastic and a relatively thick layer of an insulation material between the layers of plastic. The construction adds strength and rigidity to the cooler, while not increasing the weight as a result of the relatively light insulation material.

Abstract: A basket for carrying an item, the basket comprising: a proximal panel having a top portion and a bottom portion, a distal panel having a top portion and a bottom portion, two side panels extending between the proximal panel and the distal panel and each side panel having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a bottom panel connecting the proximal panel, distal panel and side panels together at their bottom portions; wherein the side panels are longer than the distal panel and the proximal panel; wherein each of the two side panels comprise a handle; and wherein the proximal panel comprises a concave surface.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a beverage container having a lid housing, a seal assembly and a trigger member. The seal assembly has one or more drink seals that engage a corresponding one or more drink apertures to close the drink apertures. The seal assembly is rotatedly connected to the lid housing and movable between a use position and a cleaning position to allow the seal assembly to be rotated away from a drink surface of the lid housing so that the drink aperture is open for cleaning. The trigger member is connected to the lid housing and is capable of engaging the seal assembly in the use position, but it cannot engage the seal assembly in the cleaning position. Additionally, the seal assembly may have a vent seal for closing a vent aperture.

Abstract: A sensory aroma glass is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a fluid barrier; and a fluid container designed for containing a fluid. The fluid barrier is in contact with the rim or internal or external sidewall of the fluid container. The fluid barrier extends into the fluid container. The fluid barrier has an opening that allows aroma of the fluid to escape from the fluid container without allowing the fluid to escape from the fluid container.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a frame structure having a front end and a rear end, the frame structure including an upper support deck extending between the front and rear ends, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front and rear ends and defining a first product display area, and an intermediate support deck positioned between the upper support deck and the lower support deck, the intermediate support deck extending between the front and rear ends and defining a second product display area, wherein the upper support deck and the intermediate support deck define a vertical drop zone proximate the rear end, the vertical drop zone extending from the upper support deck to the lower support deck, and a guide positioned between the upper support deck and the intermediate support deck, the guide extending into the vertical drop zone.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a dispenser having an upper support deck that defines a deck opening and a lower support deck that defines a product display area, a container positioned on the upper support deck, the container including first and second walls that define an internal volume, wherein the first wall defines an opening having a longitudinal length that is aligned with the deck opening, and wherein the second wall includes a lower portion proximate the container opening, and a plurality of products initially housed in the internal volume, wherein the dispenser is spaced from the lower portion of the second wall such that the lower portion bows outward and increases the longitudinal length when a product engages the lower portion as it exits the container through the container opening.