Abstract: A toner manufacturing method, a toner manufacturing apparatus, and a toner are disclosed. The toner manufacturing apparatus includes a droplet generating unit that includes a thin film in which plural nozzles are formed, and an annular vibrating unit that is arranged at a perimeter of a deformable domain of the thin film for vibrating the thin film; a storage unit for storing a toner-containing liquid that includes at least a resin and a colorant, and for supplying the toner-containing liquid 10 to the droplet generating unit; and a granulating unit for solidifying droplets that are periodically breathed out from the nozzles of the droplet generating unit to form toner particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the solvent-free preparation of a homogenizate, especially for implants or microparticles, wherein one or more polymers and one or more active constituents, as raw materials, are homogenized together below the glass transition temperature of the polymer(s) and, when homogenization is complete, brought to room temperature.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide materials and methods of forming hollow cubes. The hollow cubes can be formed to include a metal oxide shell layer encasing a cubic hollow space. In one embodiment, the hollow cubes can be formed from an emulsion having aqueous droplets with an interfacial layer encasing an aqueous core. By an exemplary freezing treatment, the aqueous droplets having a spherical shape can be transformed into ice components having a cubic shape. Metal oxide precursors can then be added to react with the encased cube-shaped ice core at the interface with the interfacial layer to form a sol-gel metal oxide shell layer. Hollow cubes can be formed by removing the cube-shaped ice core from the sol-gel metal oxide shell layer.

Abstract: To remove the resist residue on a template by holding the template with a pattern face having irregularities, supplying a cleaning agent to an area containing the contamination adhering to the pattern face of the template, applying emitted light from the opposite face of the pattern face of the template, and optically exciting the cleaning agent with the emitted light to produce a radical, making at least part of the contamination hydrophilic by reaction of the contamination with the radical, and removing the contamination from the template after hydrophilization.

Abstract: There is provided a method (300) of controlling melt pressure at a filter outlet (113) of a melt filter (112) in an injection unit (100) having an extruder (102) that is connectable to a melt accumulator (122) via the melt filter (112), the melt filter (112) being associated with a target melt pressure range, the method executable at a controller (126) associated with the injection unit (100), the method (300) comprising: appreciating (310) an indication of an actual melt pressure associated with the melt filter (112); responsive to the actual melt pressure not being within the target melt pressure range, determining (320) a remedial parameter that is instrumental in bringing the actual melt pressure within the target melt pressure range; releasing (330) a control signal to execute an action associated with the remedial parameter, thereby causing the actual melt pressure to fall within the target melt pressure range.

Abstract: For controlling temperature in the molding of plastics, metal, ceramic, or die-casting, a circulator supporting a molding machine includes a fixed displacement pump driven by an electronic servo motor for volumetric metering of thermal fluid to or from the molding machine. A pre-set or dynamically controlled volume and flow rate profile matches the heating and cooling requirement of a molding machine and process. Volumetric metering may be based on parameters such as time, machine cycle status, temperature, pressure, and/or flow rate. Fluid may be circulated through the mold at positive or negative pressure at fixed, variable, or pulsed flow. The supply side in a fluid loop may be restricted so as to cause a pressure drop in or upstream of the mold, die or barrel, and seed bubbles may be injected into the fluid flow to excite vaporization and lowering of the fluid temperature.

Abstract: A method for making a foam-in-place cushion in which a foam-forming composition is dispensed between two plastic film portions in a predetermined fashion to selectively control the distribution of the foam in the cushion. A foam dispenser can be moved in a transverse direction as foam is dispensed. A dispersion device can be employed to apply pressure on predetermined areas of the film portions towards each other so as to cause the composition to be redistributed in position in a predetermined manner while the composition is in a less than fully expanded state. The plastic film can then be sealed closed to form an expanding foam cushion that can be placed into a shipping carton where the cushion expands to fill void space, or into a mold where the cushion expands and is molded into a desired shape.

Abstract: A composite includes a first preform and a second preform spaced from and in overlying relationship to the first preform. The second preform defines at least one first opening extending therethrough along an axis transverse to the first preform. A first surface layer is disposed adjacent to the second preform and on an opposite side of the second preform from the first preform. A polymeric composition including the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component is disposed between the first preform and the second preform. The polymeric composition adheres the first surface layer to the second preform through the at least one first opening. The surface layer is adhered to the second preform during molding of the composite article and in the absence of additional adhesive, thereby reducing production time and cost of the composite article.

Abstract: A method of providing a coated and grained surface to a thermoplastic sheet for a vehicle interior panel. One step includes imparting a first grain to a show surface of a thermoplastic sheet. Another step includes applying a coating to a portion or more of the show surface. And another step includes imparting a second grain to the coated portion by bringing the coated portion into direct contact with a graining surface of a tool of a thermoforming machine.

Abstract: Techniques for preparing PNCs are provided. In one embodiment, a polymer extruding device may include a barrel configured to accommodate a composite material, a shaft rotatably disposed in the barrel, and a motor coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate the shaft, thereby moving the composite material. The polymer extruding device may further include a die including one or more injectors configured to inject nano particles into the die to cause shear stress to be exerted to the composite material, thereby forming a layer of the nano particles on a surface of the composite material.

Abstract: A method for producing a film comprising feeding a composition comprising a crystalline thermoplastic resin having a temperature of higher than the crystallization temperature Tc of the resin to between a first nip-pressing surface and a second nip-pressing surface of a nip-pressing unit, and leading the composition to pass through the nip-pressing surfaces while the nip-pressing unit gives a pressure of from 5 to 1000 MPa to the composition, to thereby form the composition into a film continuously.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for the production of heat-activable adhesive pellets that can be formed into elements for holding an article to a surface such as a glass surface. The apparatus and method for the manufacture of the heat-activable pellets include the steps of introducing at least a first component comprising at least one difunctional polymer with at least one multifunctional polymer into an extruder, heating the first component, introducing a second component comprising isocyanate and a powder flow enhancer (such as fumed silica) at a point downstream of the introduction of the first component, combining the first and second components in the extruder to form a flowable compound, pelletizing the extruded compound exiting the extruder by cutting to form heat-activable adhesive pellets, and drying the pellets. In one embodiment of the disclosed invention a catalyst is applied to the pellets to form catalyst-coated heat-activable adhesive pellets.

Abstract: A method for producing a mold element provided with a conduit arrangement through which a cooling fluid can flow. The method includes providing a first component and a second component of the mold element, the first component being provided with a precursor arrangement of the conduit arrangement, the precursor arrangement having an open channel arrangement; joining the first component and the second component, so that a surface of the second component faces the open channel arrangement to define therewith the conduit arrangement. The step of joining includes making integral the first component with the second component via a third component formed in contact with the first component and with the second component in an auxiliary mold.

Abstract: A novel oxide material (MIN-I) comprising YO2; and X2O3, wherein Y is a tetravalent element and X is a trivalent element, wherein X/Y=O or Y/X=30 to 100 is provided. Surprisingly, MIN-I can be reversibly deswollen. MIN-I can further be combined with a polymer to produce a nanocomposite, depolymerized to produce predominantly fully exfoliated layers (MIN-2), and pillared to produce a pillared oxide material (MIN-3), analogous to MCM-36. The materials are useful in a wide range of applications, such as catalysts, thin films, membranes, and coatings.

Abstract: A process is described for making a resin panel having a grid support backing, comprising (a) applying a layer of liquid gelcoat or first resin to a surface of a mold and allowing the gelcoat or first resin to harden as a surface layer, (b) applying a layer of liquid second resin to a surface of the surface layer, (c) affixing a support grid on top of the layer of liquid second resin, (d) curing the liquid second resin at ambient temperature and pressure, so that the support grid is integral with the cured layer of resin to form a resin panel, and (e) removing the resin panel from the mold.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding (RTM) molding device is designed to mold a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) molded body by injecting a resin composition into a mold and by impregnating the molded body therewith. The resin composition is a chain curing polymer (CCP). A CCP accommodating layer is disposed adjacent to an outer side of the molded body. The layer contains the CCP. The layer is provided with a Vf limit value, the value defined by the curing characteristics of the CCP and the characteristics of dissipation of heat from the CCP to the exterior. An element for separating the molded body is disposed between the body and the layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining high-tenacity aramid yarn, wherein the yarn is made of a copolymer obtained from a mixture of monomers comprising DAPBI, an aromatic para-diamine, and an aromatic para-diacid, wherein the yarn is heated in at least two process steps, characterized in that in a first step the yarn is heated at a temperature of 200 to 360° C. at a tension of at least 0.2 cN/dtex, followed by a second step wherein the yarn is heated at a temperature of 370 to 500° C. at a tension of less than 1 cN/dtex. The invention further pertains to a multifilament aramid yarn spun from a sulfuric acid spin dope and having a tenacity of at least 2500 mN/tex.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for flowable material comprises a valve plate (26) of resilient polymeric material in which at least one elongate discontinuity is formed. The discontinuity defines at least one valve flap (28) which is an integral part of the valve plate but whose margin defined by the discontinuity is not connected to the adjacent material of the valve plate. The valve flap (28) is movable under the application of pressure from a closed position, in which the adjacent margins of the discontinuity form a substantial seal, to an open position, in which the margins for the discontinuity are spaced from one another and material can flow through the valve member. The polymeric material is a polyolefin material and the discontinuity is a rupture line. The margins defining the rupture line are of decreasing thickness towards their free edge and overlie one another.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for injecting a resin into at least one fiber layer of a fiber-reinforced product (5) to be manufactured, comprising a mold (2, 3) having a mold cavity (4) that is surrounded by a mold wall for abutment of the product thereagainst in the closed condition of the mold. A rigid part (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of the mold wall is movable with respect to another part of the mold wall in the closed condition of the mold so as to ensure a continued abutment of the movable part of the mold wall with the products when shrinkage of the resin caused by curing thereof takes place subsequent to the injection process.

Abstract: Polymerization of siloxane is improved using a gypsum-based slurry that includes stucco, Class C fly ash, magnesium oxide and an emulsion of siloxane and water. This slurry is used in a method of making water-resistant gypsum articles that includes making an emulsion of siloxane and water, then combining the slurry with a dry mixture of stucco, magnesium oxide and Class C fly ash. The slurry is then shaped as desired and the stucco is allowed to set and the siloxane polymerizes. The resulting product is useful for making a water-resistant gypsum panel having a core that includes interwoven matrices of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals and a silicone resin, where the interwoven matrices have dispersed throughout them a catalyst comprising magnesium oxide and components from a Class C fly ash.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to which the object is built layer-wise by solidification of a building material, wherein a test specimen is built which is excited to oscillate after being built and wherein natural frequencies of the oscillations are determined.

Abstract: A new cladding panel for use on recreational vehicles is produced by either a hand-laid or vacuum infusion process. In the hand-laid method, the cladding is formed by first introducing and curing a layer of gel coat onto a mold surface. Layers of fiber reinforced resin material are subsequently laid onto the gel coating and molded to form the cladding panel. In the vacuum infusion process, the gel coating is first laid onto a mold surface of a vacuum infusion mold, and then dry ply materials are laid onto the gel coating. The mold is closed and a resin component is infused into the dry laminate material under vacuum pressure and cured. The cladding panels produced by these methods produced are seamless and have limited waste associated with post-production trimming processes. Cladding panels produced using the vacuum infusion process have a more consistent composition and achieve improved part-to-part consistency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the vessel is disclosed, the vessel having an injection molded interfacial layer formed on a penetrating element and a filament wound outer shell, the interfacial layer coupled to a blow molded inner shell, wherein a portion of the interfacial layer is coupled to the inner shell to facilitate forming a substantially fluid tight connection therebetween.

Abstract: A method for blow molding containers having cross-sections of a non-circular shape from preforms, in which a temperature profile varying at least in the circumferential direction of the preform is produced by means of at least one heat transfer element, for which purpose the preform and at least the heat transfer element are oriented toward one another by a relative rotational movement in the circumferential direction of the preform, the heat transfer element is rotated relative to the stationary preform about a heat transfer element axis during the relative rotational movement. Further, a device for blow molding such containers where the heat transfer element and the holder are rotatable about a heat transfer element axis and are coupled with a rotational drive.

Abstract: Methods to expand polymer tubing with desirable or optimum morphology and mechanical properties for stent manufacture and fabrication of a stent therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a crystallographically oriented ceramic including a preparation step of preparing a template layer having uniform crystal orientation in a predetermined direction, a formation step of forming a shaped body including a matrix layer arranged on the template layer, the matrix layer being composed of a mixed material that contains a lead-containing material and an additional material containing lithium and boron, and a firing step of firing the shaped body formed in the formation step at a predetermined firing temperature. Furthermore, after the firing step, a post-annealing step of heating the shaped body to remove lithium and boron may be included.

Abstract: Polycrystalline alumina and methods for manufacturing polycrystalline alumina exhibiting improved transmission in the infrared region. In one embodiment, polycrystalline alumina articles are formed by providing a powder of substantially alpha phase alumina having a grain size of up to about 1 ?m, dispersing the powder in a liquid to form a slurry comprising powdered solids and liquid, removing excess of the liquid from the slurry to form a body, heating the body to provide a densified body, hot isostatically pressing the densified body under conditions to provide an article having a density of at least about 99.9% of theoretical density, and optionally annealing the article, wherein one or more of the annealing or heating are performed in an inert, dry gas.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multipart assembly of sintered oxide ceramic material, including one first component which at least partially surrounds one second component in such a manner that detaching the first component from the second component is not possible without destroying the first and/or second component. The assembly is produced by producing a single-part first shaped part and a single-part second shaped part from an oxide ceramic blank, whereby the first shaped part and the second shaped part are enlarged to compensate for the shrinkage during sintering, and assembling the sintered shaped part as second component with the first shaped part and subsequently sintering them together.

Abstract: A spray quench system is provided with one or more spray quench rings that eject a controlled volume of spray onto a workpiece passing through the quench rings. The quench rings can be adjusted in position independently of each other relative to the workpiece being sprayed. Reflected spray guards may be provided to prevent spray interference between adjacent quench rings. The outlets of the quench rings may be adjustable in volume. A controller can be provided to optimize the distribution of quench cooling flows from the quench rings. Sets of quench rings with different diameters in each set may be provided in modular form.

Abstract: An improved post clamp for a molten metal pump includes a support post clamp that supports the weight of a pump superstructure on the top of the support posts. The clamp preferably includes (a) a bottom flange for connecting to the pump superstructure, (b) a cavity for receiving an end of a support post, wherein the end has a top surface, and (c) a top flange for being positioned above the top surface. In operation the top flange rests on the top surface of the support post thereby supporting at least part of the weight of the superstructure. It is preferred that a plurality of support posts and post clamps according to the invention be used with a molten metal pump wherein the top surface of each support post supports some of the weight of the superstructure. Also disclosed are novel support posts that may be used with the post clamp, and a pump in which the post clamp and/or support posts may be used.

Abstract: An apparatus for bottom pouring into an investment cast includes a container that holds a melted casting material, where the container moves from a first container position to a second container position. In the first container position, holes on a stationary nozzle are not exposed to the interior of the container, and the melted casting material remains in the container. In the second container position, holes on the stationary nozzle are exposed to the interior of the container, and the melted casting material flows out the bottom of the container through the stationary nozzle. A temperature detection device determines the temperature of the melted casting material, and a heating device heats the melted casting material to a specified temperature.

Abstract: A Ni based alloy, which consists of by mass percent, C?0.03%, Si: 0.01 to 0.5%, Mn: 0.01 to 1.0%, P?0.03%, S?0.01%, Cr: not less than 20% to less than 30%, Ni: more than 40% to not more than 60%, Cu: more than 2% to not more than 5.0%, Mo: 4.0 to 10%, Al: 0.005 to 0.5% and N: more than 0.02% to not more than 0.3%, with the balance being Fe and impurities, and the expression of “0.5 Cu+Mo?6.5” is satisfied, has excellent corrosion resistance equivalent to that of Ni based alloys having high Mo contents, such as Hastelloy C22 and Hastelloy C276, in severe corrosive environments containing reducing acids, such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, together with excellent workability. Therefore, it can be suitably used as a low-cost material for various kinds of structural members.

Abstract: Compositions for forming Au-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are provided. The Au-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys of the current invention are based on ternary Au—Cu—Si alloys, and the extension of this ternary system to higher order alloys by the addition of one or more alloying elements. Additional substitute elements are also provided, which allow for the tailoring of the physical properties of the Au-base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys of the current invention.

Abstract: To provide a solder alloy, a solder ball and an electronic member having a solder bump, used for connection with a mother board or the like, having a melting temperature of less than 250° C. for the solder alloy, achieving high drop impact resistance required in mobile devices or the like. A solder alloy is used which consists of not less than 0.1 mass ppm of boron and not greater than 200 mass ppm of boron and a remainder comprising substantially not less than 40% by mass of Sn, in which its melting temperature is less than 250° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specially selected catalase enzymes and their use in reducing hydrogen peroxide in applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method administering nitric oxide at very high concentrations to healthy skin, tools, implements, support surfaces, and sterile fields to provide sterilization. The apparatus and method providing sterilization in a dry environment lacking the common undesirable effects of anti-microbial soaps and antiseptics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sterilizing a cosmetic product, in which said product consists of a fluid circulating under regulated pressure in a sterilization circuit (1), according to the viscosity of said fluid. The invention also relates to the device for implementing such a method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a calorimeter device, generally comprising a reaction vessel which may be U-shaped and which may be cantilevered; and a sensor for detecting temperature changes. In various embodiments, the sensor detects heat input into or output from the reaction vessel; changes in the electrical properties of a material coated onto the reaction vessel; changes in the mechanical properties of the reaction vessel; or changes in the resonance properties of the reaction vessel. The present invention further provides arrays of a subject calorimeter device. The present invention further provides a system for detecting a temperature change. The present invention further provides methods of detecting a temperature change that occurs as a result of a chemical, biochemical, biological, light-induced, or physical process. The methods generally involve introducing a sample into a subject device, and detecting a temperature change.

Abstract: A portable handheld medical diagnostic device includes a housing forming a protective enclosure. A main circuit board is located in the protective enclosure. The main circuit board includes a controller facilitating a physiologic measurement. A display device is connected to the main circuit board that displays information related to the physiologic measurement. An electronic skin is on the housing. The electronic skin comprises a liquid crystal material and is configured to display a color.

Abstract: The present invention is to present an analyzer, comprising: a container holder for holding a liquid container, wherein the liquid container includes a container body having an opening at a top end and containing a liquid, and a cover for sealing the opening; a liquid aspirating device comprising a liquid aspirating tube for aspirating the liquid within the liquid container held by the container holder; and an opening device for opening the opening such that the liquid aspirating tube is able to be inserted into the liquid container, by conducting a first operation and a second operation, wherein the first operation releases a sealing state between the cover and the opening under a condition that the cover is covering the opening, and the second operation moves the cover to a position at which the opening is not being covered by the cover under a condition that the sealed state is being released.

Abstract: A storage cartridge for dispensing biosensors used in the determination of an analyte in body fluid comprises a hollow body for housing a stack of biosensors having an open top, a flexible conveying member disposed over the open top of the body, the flexible conveying member having an aperture formed therein for receiving a biosensor from the stack of biosensors, a plate adapted to press the sliding conveying member against the open top to form a substantially moisture-impervious seal around the open top of the body and to permit the conveying member to slide between the plate and the open top, and a biasing mechanism the stack of biosensors towards the open top.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automated preparation of treated monolayers of sample material, comprising: a centrifuge having a rotor (12) carrying removable chamber blocks (14); sample and reagent dispensers (26) and control systems (20). First, centrifugal force sediments sample material discretely to form a monolayer onto a receiving surface member (32) on one of the chamber blocks (14), while the same centrifugal force opens a valve (48) in the chamber block (14) to drain sample material. Then, centrifugal force delivers sequentially into discrete chamber blocks (14) discrete treating agents, during which time the sampler material monolayer is held in place on the receiving surface member (32) by centrifugal force. Then, each chamber block (14) is drained centrifugally through its already opened valve (48). Each treated sampler material is confined to an individual chamber block (14). Batch and random access delivery of treating agents can be employed.

Abstract: A sensor, having a resonant frequency responsive to presence of an analyze, comprising a DC electrostatic excitation component, to produce a static force pulling a moveable element toward a backplate; an AC electrostatic excitation component, to produce an oscillation in the moveable element with respect to the backplate; and a sensor to detect contact between the moveable and the backplate.

Abstract: A detection device and a method of detection are disclosed. The device may have a sensor array, a detector array, and a sensor controller. The sensor array may have a plurality of sensors, each sensor being responsive to a different analyte of interest. Each sensor may also be able to emit electromagnetic energy. For example, one or more of the sensors may include an LED. One or more of the sensors may include a sensing compound within a xerogel, which is responsive to an analyte of interest. In the method, one of the sensors is turned on, and one or more of the detectors are activated to receive electromagnetic energy emitted from the sensor.

Abstract: An example system for detecting an analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid comprises a test chamber having at least one sidewall and configured to contain at least a portion of a bodily fluid sample, an excitation electromagnetic energy source configured to direct an energy source into the test chamber through the at least one sidewall and to induce a thermoelastic expansion in the one or more analytes, and a sensor configured to detect said thermoelastic expansion in the bodily fluid sample in the test chamber, the sensor configured to measure changes in optical reflectance that result from the thermoelastic expansion.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor includes a metalloporphyrin for detecting oxygen levels. The oxygen sensors may also include a light source and a detector. The sensors are configured to measure changes in spectra in response to the redox reaction. They can detect a variety of samples for presence and changes in oxygen concentration in both solution and gaseous form.

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided. The substrate of the gas sensor has a first surface, a second surface and a cavity. The cavity has an opening at the first surface. An insulating film is disposed on the first surface and covers the opening. A heating unit is embedded in the insulating film and located above the opening. An electrode pair is disposed on the insulating film and electrically separated from the heating unit. A buffer layer is disposed on the insulating film and located above the heating unit. The buffer layer is electrically connected to the electrode pair, and at least part of an orthogonal projection of the buffer layer on the first surface is located on the substrate next to the opening. The gas sensing layer is disposed on the buffer layer and has a nano-catalyst therein.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator is described, which comprises: a material supply device (4); a water supply device (5); an evaporator (10); a reforming catalyst layer (1) for generating reformed gas; a CO removing catalyst layer (2) configured to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas generated by the reforming catalyst layer (1); a combustor (3) for heating the reforming catalyst layer (1) and the CO removing catalyst layer (2); a reforming temperature detector (9) for detecting the temperature of the reforming catalyst layer (1); a heater (7) for heating the CO removing catalyst layer (2); a CO removing temperature detector (8) for detecting the temperature of the CO removing catalyst layer (2); and a controller (16) configured to perform control such that the heater (7) heats the CO removing catalyst layer at the time of start-up and such that if the temperature detected by the CO removing temperature detector (8) becomes greater than or equal to a first specified value, the combustor (3)

Abstract: A multilayer material is described herein that includes a flexible inner layer and a flexible outer layer configured to enclose at least one signaling layer, the at least one signaling layer including at least one chemical compound. The multilayer material including the chemical compound within the at least one signaling layer is configured to release a gas-phase chemical compound to signal to a detector indicating a breach of the multilayer material. A multilayer material, a system, an article of clothing, or a method is described herein.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus in which layout restriction is lessened to be able to further achieve space-saving is proposed. The exhaust gas purification apparatus includes a first cylindrical housing in which an oxidation catalytic converter and a PM collection filter are contained and a second cylindrical housing in which a reducing catalytic converter and an ammonia oxidation catalytic converter are contained. The exhaust gas purification apparatus further includes a communicating pipe that connects between far end portions of both the housings, and a nozzle that is disposed in the communicating pipe and injects liquid reducing agent in exhaust gas. The two housings are closely disposed such that axis lines thereof are arranged substantially parallel. The communicating pipe is disposed such that an axis line thereof is arranged substantially parallel with the axis lines of the housings.