Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly includes a pair of rails coupled together only by one or more backpans which are mounted between the pair of rails. The rails are configured to resist a portion of a cantilever deflection along the length of the rails. The backpans seat solar concentrator arrays and are configured to provide torsional rigidity and deflection resistance in at least one direction orthogonal to the cantilever deflection.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam that may define a cam glide.

Abstract: A plant stand includes a first support having a first tier, a second tier and a third tier and a second support having a first tier that corresponds with the first tier of the first support, a second tier that corresponds with the second tier of the first support and a third tier that corresponds with the third tier of the first support. The third tier of the second support has a height that is substantially equal to a height of the third tier of the first support. The plant stand also includes a plurality of shelves. The height of the third tiers substantially corresponds to a length of each shelf. In addition, the first support, the second support and the plurality of shelves are configured into one of a flat pack state having a flat pack height and an assembled state having an assembled height.

Abstract: Elongated metal risers are oriented perpendicular to the front end of a shelf, and extend from proximate the front edge of the shelf to at least the rear edge of the shelf. The risers are roughly from one and a half inches to four and a half inches (forty to one hundred fifteen millimeters) in height, and three to six inches (seventy five to one hundred fifty millimeters) in width. A package stored on the shelf is advantageously supported by left and right side risers and a center riser disposed beneath therebetween, thereby forming left and right insertion channels adjacent the center riser. In storing and retrieving objects from the shelf, a forklift machine advances with its left and right forks aligned with the left and right insertion channels, until the forks are securely under the object.

Abstract: A coupler for a rail wagon includes a coupler body. The body includes a shank and a head located at an end of the shank. A coupler latch member is mounted to an end of the head. The latch member includes a protruding portion for receipt in a recess of the head. The protruding portion includes at least two adjacent projecting lugs, and the recess includes at least two corresponding adjacent shoulders behind which each lug is located when the latch member protruding portion is received in the head recess.

Abstract: A basket assembly for removably coupling to a lid of a beverage bottle includes a basket body defining a chamber. One or more first openings are defined through the basket body and one or more second openings are defined through the basket body to provide fluid communication between the chamber and an interior volume of the beverage bottle body with the lid coupled to the beverage bottle body. A basket lid is coupled to the basket body. One or more third openings are defined through the basket lid and aligned with the one or more second openings to provide fluid communication between the interior volume of the beverage bottle body and a passage formed through the beverage bottle lid. A lid assembly including the basket assembly and a bottle including the lid assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic container including a body and a neck portion extending from the body is provided. The container includes a first anti-rotation lug extending radially outward from the outer surface of the upper section of the neck portion. The container includes a second anti-rotation lug extending radially outward from the outer surface of the upper section of the neck portion and spaced apart from the first anti-rotation lug. The container includes a first buttress extending radially outward from the outer surface of the upper section of the neck portion and positioned between the first and second anti-rotation lugs. The first buttress reinforces the neck portion between the first and second anti-rotation lugs.

Abstract: There is provided a bottle formed of a synthetic resin material into a cylindrical shape with a bottom, a bottom wall portion of the bottom includes: a ground contact portion which is positioned at an outer circumferential edge portion; a rising peripheral wall portion which is connected to the ground contact portion from an inner side of a bottle radial direction and extends upward; an annular movable wall portion which protrudes from an upper end portion of the rising peripheral wall portion to the inner side of the bottle radial direction; and a depressed peripheral wall portion which extends upward from an inner end portion of the movable wall portion in the bottle radial direction.

Abstract: Device for generating a plasma discharge near a substrate for patterning the surface of the substrate, comprising a first electrode having a first discharge portion and a second electrode having a second discharge portion, a high voltage source for generating a high voltage difference between the first and the second electrode, and positioning means for positioning the first electrode with respect to the substrate. The device is further provided with an intermediate structure that is, in use, arranged in between the first electrode and the substrate while allowing for positioning the first electrode with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a touch panel includes the following steps. A mother plate is provided. A plurality of adhesive materials are formed on the mother plate. A plurality of cover glasses are disposed on the adhesive materials respectively. The adhesive materials are cured, whereby the cover glasses are attached to the mother plate. A plurality of circuit units are formed on the cover glasses respectively. The cover glass having the circuit unit is removed from the mother plate, wherein the bonding strength of the cured adhesive material is within a range about between 5 g/25 mm and 600 g/25 mm, whereby the adhesive material provides enough adhesive force between the cover glass and the mother plate, and the adhesive material cannot be stayed on a surface of the cover glass during a removing process.

Abstract: A method of producing bit-patterned media is provided whereby a shell structure is added on a bit-patterned media dot. The shell may be an antiferromagnetic material that will help stabilize the magnetization configuration at the remanent state due to exchange coupling between the dot and its shell. Therefore, this approach also improves the thermal stability of the media dot and helps each individual media dot maintain a single domain state.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes a substrate having an ejection energy generating element formed at a first surface side thereof, a common liquid chamber formed at a second surface of the substrate, and a liquid supply port extending from the bottom of the common liquid chamber to the first surface. The liquid ejection head is manufactured by preparing a substrate having the common liquid chamber formed at the second surface side, then arranging a material to be filled in the common liquid chamber, subsequently forming an aperture in the filled material as corresponding to the liquid supply port to be formed, and thereafter forming the liquid supply port by reactive ion etching, using at least the filled material as a mask.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing holes in dielectric workpieces in the form of thin sheets and substrates, in particular of glass or glass-like materials and semiconductors is provided. The apparatus includes individual high-voltage electrodes that are symmetrically arranged on an electrode holder around the hole to be produced in the workpiece. The apparatus also includes individual counter electrodes that are arranged on a counter electrode holder. The electrodes and counter electrodes can be connected in a permutating manner to a high-voltage source for the discharge of high-voltage flashovers.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and associated apparatus for depositing layers of material on a substrate (e.g., a semiconductor substrate) using ionized physical vapor deposition (iPVD). Also disclosed are methods and associated apparatus for plasma etching (e.g., resputtering) layers of material on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A substrate holding unit of a liquid processing apparatus holds a circular substrate horizontally and rotates the substrate about a vertical axis, and a chemical liquid nozzle supplies a chemical liquid to the peripheral edge of the substrate while the substrate is being rotated in order to remove a film of the peripheral edge. An image capture unit captures an image of the peripheral edge, and a determination unit calculates an actually removed value for a removed width of the film based on a result of the image capturing and determines whether the removed width is suitable or not.

Abstract: A pattern-forming method includes forming a prepattern on a substrate. A space other than a space in which the prepattern is formed on the substrate is filled with a resin composition containing a compound which is diffusible into the prepattern. The compound is diffused into a part of the prepattern. Portions in which the compound is undiffused in the prepattern are removed using a removing liquid.

Abstract: A solid-dielectric switch including a visible disconnect assembly having an open state and a closed state, a molded housing at least partially encasing the visible disconnect assembly, a viewing window molded into the molded housing, wherein the visible disconnect is visible through the viewing window. The invention also provides a method of molding the housing of the solid-dielectric switch. The method includes providing a mold including an external shell and an internal mandrel. The external shell defines external dimensions of a housing of the switch, and the internal mandrel defines internal dimensions of the housing. The method also includes providing a lens for a viewing window, sealing the lens between the external shell and the inner mandrel, and filling the mold with epoxy to mold the viewing window into the housing of the switch.

Abstract: A switch suitable for DC applications includes: two fixed conductive contacts with first contact areas; a movable conductive bridge with two second contact areas for being connected to the two first contact areas in the on-status and for being disconnected from the two the first contact areas in the off-status; and two arc-extinguishing units configured to extinguish electric arcs occurring between the first and second contact areas after disconnecting the second contact areas from the first contact areas. First conductive arc-guiding elements extend from each first contact area into the corresponding arc-extinguishing unit and at least one second conductive arc-guiding element extends into the arc-extinguishing units suitably shaped to guide the electric arcs from each of the second contact areas of the movable bridge into the arc-extinguishing units.

Abstract: A wire electric discharge machine has a function for controlling the machining liquid temperature. When it is predicted that the machining liquid temperature rises linearly, the machining liquid begins to be warmed at time t5b to reach machining liquid control temperature T2 at human operation beginning time t2. If the temperature rise at predetermined later time t8 is greater than predicted, temperature rising suspended from time t8 to a later time t9. Temperature rising resumed at time t9. This allows the machining liquid temperature to reach the machining liquid control temperature T2 without wasting electric power.

Abstract: When contact between a wire electrode and a workpiece is detected while, after wire electric discharge machining is ended, the wire electrode is moved (retraced) in the direction opposite to the machining direction along the machining path, the movement of the wire electrode is stopped. The wire electrode is moved in the offset direction from the contact position. When the wire electrode and the workpiece are brought into a non-contact state, the non-contact state is detected, and the movement of the wire electrode is stopped. The wire electrode is returned from the non-contact position to the machining path, and the wire electrode is retraced along the machining path in the state where the detection of contact between the wire electrode and the workpiece is neglected. Then, an amount of distortion of the workpiece is calculated from the contact position and the non-contact position.

Abstract: An electric discharge machining unit that performs electric discharge machining by clamping a target object with a clamper of a clamping device, the electric discharge machining unit including a timer that measures a lapse of a time, which has been set by a user as a preparation time for supporting the target object after an operation of a clamping/unclamping button for clamping or unclamping is detected, and a clamper control unit that causes the clamping device to perform an operation corresponding to the detected operation at a time-out of the timer.

Abstract: A method for forming a cooling hole extending from an inlet on a first surface of a wall to an outlet on a second surface of the wall includes forming a diffusing section of the cooling hole, and a trailing edge on the outlet by electrical discharge machining, and forming longitudinal lobes in the diffusing section. The metering section extends from the inlet on a first surface of the wall towards the second surface of the wall. The diffusing section extends from the outlet to one end of a metering section located between the inlet and the outlet. The outlet is substantially linear or convex at the trailing edge and the lobes are separated by longitudinal ridges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cellular wheel made of metal, wherein a tool (40, 50, 60) having a cylindrical inner shell (41, 51, 61), the diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of the subsequent sleeve (18, 20, 14), is placed on the free end edges of the fins (16) for fixing the angular orientation of the fins (16). A molding material mixture (F) made of a fireproof base molding material and a curable binding agent that can be released from the base molding material by thermal treatment is applied in the cells (22, 24, 26) bounded by the inner shell (41, 51, 61) of the tool (40, 50, 60) and the fins (22, 24, 26) and cured. After removing the tool (40, 50, 60), the subsequent sleeve (18, 20, 14) is placed on the free end edges of the fins (16) fixed in place by the cured molding material mixture (F). The free end edges of the fins (16) are joined to the subsequent sleeve (18, 20, 14) by welding or brazing to the cells (22, 24, 26).

Abstract: A plasma cutting or welding system includes a power input. The power input is configured to be coupled to a plurality of multipronged input plugs. Each of the multipronged input plugs corresponds to an input voltage. The power supply also includes a user input device for selecting an operating current. The user input device is subdivided into a plurality of current ranges. Each of the current ranges includes an iconic representation of at least one multipronged input plug.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus detects the wavelength of plasma light generated by applying a pulsed laser beam to a workpiece. A plasma detecting unit includes a first bandpass filter for passing only the wavelength of plasma light separated into a first optical path by a beam splitter, a first photodetector for detecting the light passed through the first bandpass filter, a second bandpass filter for passing only the wavelength of plasma light separated into a second optical path by the beam splitter, and a second photodetector for detecting the light passed through the second bandpass filter. In performing laser processing, the pulsed laser beam is stopped when the light intensity detected by the first photodetector is decreased and the light intensity detected by the second photodetector is increased to a peak value and then decreased to a given value slightly less than the peak value.

Abstract: A system for removing a stator vane includes a platform, a cutting tool connected to the platform, and a sliding connection between the cutting tool and the platform. The system further includes means for advancing the cutting tool with respect to the platform. A method for removing a stator vane includes positioning a platform inside a casing that surrounds at least a portion of the stator vane. The method further includes pivoting a cutting tool with respect to the platform, sliding the cutting tool in a plane with respect to the stator vane, and cutting the stator vane with the cutting tool.

Abstract: Real time monitoring and detection of the depths of laser scribes used during pulsed laser ablation processes. During a laser scribing process, sensors are used to determine in real time an amount of ablated material from a substrate undergoing the process. Laser scribing can be terminated when the amount of ablated material as detected by the sensors corresponds to a desired scribe depth.

Abstract: A method for producing a diffusion cooling hole extending between a wall having a first wall surface and a second wall surface includes forming a cooling hole inlet at the first wall surface, forming a cooling hole outlet at the second wall surface, forming a metering section downstream from the inlet and forming a multi-lobed diffusing section between the metering section and the outlet. The inlet, outlet, metering section and multi-lobed diffusing section are formed by laser drilling, particle beam machining, fluid jet guided laser machining, mechanical machining, masking and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A travel speed sensing system includes an optical sensor configured to be coupled to a welding torch. The optical sensor is configured to sense light incident on the optical sensor, and the travel speed sensing system is configured to determine a travel speed of the welding torch, a direction of the welding torch, or both, based on the sensed light.

Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.

Abstract: A machining fixture for semi-automatically reconditioning an articulated connector is provided. The fixture comprises a housing having at least two side walls, a top plate having a first opening connecting the side walls, and a bottom plate connecting the side walls, the side walls, top plate, and bottom plate defining an interior space. The fixture also includes a clamping mechanism attached to at least one of the side walls, the clamping mechanism comprising a curved hook portion, the curved hook portion being laterally adjustable.

Abstract: A heat pad assembly for installation and/or removal of a bracket from a structure comprises a heating element. The heat pad assembly may have at least one and, more preferably, a plurality of perforations formed therein. The heating element may be configured to generate heat upon the application of electrical current passing therethrough. The heat pad assembly may be used for temporary installation of a bracket to a mounting surface through the use of an adhesive which is installable between the bracket and the structure.

Abstract: An engine pre-heater system comprising a housing having a passage extending therethrough for passage of coolant through the pre-heater. The housing provides at least one opening defined therein separate from the passage, and an electric heating element is inserted therein, the heating element projecting into the passage whereby the heating element is in direct contact with the coolant to heat it. The heating element is supplied with electrical power from a power source for enabling it to heat the coolant, and a lower end of the heating element is L-shaped, the lower end thus being substantially perpendicular in relationship to the remainder of the heating element, giving the heating element a greater surface area with which to contact, and thus heat the coolant. The engine pre-heater system is also operably able to heat the coolant, engine oil and transmission oil, therefore heating the coolant and warming the engine in a faster and more efficient manner for quick start-ups.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a image heating roller in a nip; a nip forming member; a heating roller rubbing roller; a moving mechanism for moving the rubbing roller between a spaced position and a rubbing position; and a controller for executing operations in first and second modes. In the first mode, the heating roller is rotated with the rubbing roller in the spaced position and the heating roller in contact with the nip forming member with a target temperature of the heating roller higher than that of the nip forming member. In the second mode, the rubbing roller is contacted with the heating roller rubbing the surface of the heating roller. The temperature difference in the first mode between the target temperature of the heating roller and that of the nip forming member is larger than the temperature difference when the toner image is heated by the nip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrode structure which is most applicable for plasticating barrels having wound, wire resistance heaters. Electrode structure includes at least one lower electrode plate and an upper electrode plate. A closely wound electrode band connected to the wound wire resistance heater is formed over the lower electrode plate to assure maximum electrical, and thus, thermal transfer. An upper ceramic layer is formed over the electrode band and wound wire resistance heaters. This upper ceramic layer can be ground down to accommodate the addition of an external plate on top of the upper electrode plate.

Abstract: The front surface of a semiconductor wafer with a back surface supported by lift pins is irradiated with a flash of light from flash lamps, so that the semiconductor wafer is heated. A transparent restriction ring made of quartz is into abutment with or close to a peripheral portion of the front surface of the semiconductor wafer. In this state, the flash irradiation is performed. If the temperature of the front surface of the semiconductor wafer rises rapidly when the flash irradiation is performed, the restriction ring restrains the semiconductor wafer from jumping up from the lift pins. This prevents wafer cracking resulting from the jumping of the semiconductor wafer when the flash irradiation is performed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a heater. A heater device includes a skin effect component having at least one insulated electrical core conductor in electrical communication with an adjacent and substantially parallel, elongated ferromagnetic shape having a reduction and localization of the depth and width of the effective conductor path in the cross-section of the ferromagnetic wall; and, an inorganic ceramic insulation component.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying RF energy to an energy application zone is disclosed. The apparatus may include: a set of receiving radiating elements, including at least first and second radiating elements sequentially interconnected. The sequential interconnection may be such that energy received by one of the receiving radiating element from the energy application zone is emitted back to the energy application zone by the next radiating element in the sequence and energy received by the last radiating element in the sequence from the energy application zone is emitted back to the energy application zone by the first radiating element in the sequence.

Abstract: A heating apparatus, in particular a hob heating apparatus, with at least one heating connection for at least one heating element and at least one frequency unit. In order to provide a heating apparatus of the generic type with relatively high operational reliability, it is proposed that the heating apparatus comprises a protective unit, which is provided for determining the existence of a conducting path between the frequency unit and the at least one heating connection.

Abstract: A method for heating surfaces includes heating the surface of a hole by inserting a magnet cylinder into the hole and rotating the magnet cylinder, heating the surface of a hole by inserting a magnet stack into the hole and reciprocating the magnet stack, or heating a selected area of a workpiece surface by positioning a magnet disc adjacent the selected area and rotating the magnet disc. In each case, eddy currents are produced, inducing heating of the surface.

Abstract: Provided herein are a cooking apparatus and an operating method thereof. The cooking apparatus includes a microwave generator to generate and output microwaves of a plurality of frequencies to heat an object within a cavity, a resonance mode conversion unit to convert a resonance mode by varying at least one of progressing direction, power or frequency of the microwaves output to the inside of the cavity, and a controller to operate the resonance mode conversion unit, if the number of frequencies of microwaves, the heating efficiencies of which are more than a reference heating efficiency, is below a reference value, based on heating efficiencies calculated according to microwaves reflected by the inside of the cavity from among the output microwaves. Thereby, operating efficiency of the cooking apparatus is improved.

Abstract: A liquid container is provided. The liquid container includes a foldable support structure, and a capsule connected to the foldable support structure and configurable for storing a liquid. The foldable support structure includes a first frame and a second frame having substantially the same shape as the first frame and stacked above the first frame. The foldable support structure also includes a foldable supporting mechanism disposed between the first frame and the second frame and connecting the first frame and the second frame. The foldable support structure is moveable between a closed position in which the first and second frames are positioned substantially next to each other, and an open position in which the first and second frames are separated and support the capsule disposed in a space defined therebetween.

Abstract: A tote having both a caddy and a removable mini caddy is disclosed. The removable mini caddy attaches to the caddy with a series of guide walls and guide rails that allow the removable mini caddy to be cooperatively received by the caddy. The handle of the removable mini caddy nests with the handle of the caddy while they are attached, providing the user with a single handled tote that is easy to transport and use while still having the convenience of an extra tote where objects can be temporarily removed and then replaced without the need for transferring the objects from one tote to another. The removable mini caddy may be easily removed and then replaced within the caddy while remaining securely in place during use and transport.

Abstract: Container and method of forming a container comprising an inner liner and an outer shell by providing an open shell that is closeable to provide the outer shell, vacuum forming the liner with a shape conforming generally to at least a portion of the inner volume of the shell from at least one film, positioning the formed liner in the open shell and closing the shell.

Abstract: This invention provides a polymer, which is preferably a polyether polymer. The polymer may be uses in coating compositions. Containers and other articles comprising the polymer and methods of making such containers and other articles are also provided. The invention further provides compositions including the polymer (e.g., powder coatings), which have utility in a variety of coating end uses, including, for example, valve and pipe coatings.

Abstract: A structure for a fuel filler tube opening comprises: a fuel adapter (17) having a filler tube opening (15); a fuel lid (16) for closing an opening (13) formed in a vehicle body (27); and a protective cover (32) provided on an inner surface (31) of the fuel lid (16). The protective cover (32) is separated by the distance (d) from an insertion opening (24) of the filler tube opening (15) and surrounds the insertion opening (24).

Abstract: A fuel filler pipe offering high anticorrosion performance and high fabrication accuracy is provided. Specifically, a tubular fuel filler pipe body 2 made of a plated steel sheet has a fuel filler port 2a at one end thereof, and is connected at the other end thereof to a fuel tank 10. A short cylindrical retainer 3 made of stainless steel is mounted into the fuel filler port 2a, and includes first and second tube members 5 and 6 each having both open ends. An inner circumferential surface of a portion of the first tube member 5 near an opening thereof at one end thereof includes an internal thread 5a threadedly connected to an external thread C1 of a fuel cap C. The second tube member 6 is inserted through an opening of the first tube member 5 at the other end thereof into the first tube member 5, and is joined to the first tube member 5 before the internal thread 5a by resistance spot welding Sw.

Abstract: A protective housing designed as a pressure proof capsule has a pressure relief valve which comprises a porous body 23 and a pore closure 31 about its perimeter for preventing the transition of a flame about an edge of the porous body. Alternative embodiments of pore closures 31 are disclosed, including a soft metal ring about an edge of the porous body that is depressed, such as by a pressure ring, into a gapless imbedding relation to the porous body. An edge region of the porous body can be modified by jacketing materials such as synthetic materials, metals and the like for creating a form fitting bond with the body of the protective housing.

Abstract: A probe for measuring oxygen, temperature, and pressure in a space to be monitored, comprising: a housing, comprising a thermally conductive material; an oxygen sensor disposed within the housing, comprising: a first end having coated thereon a coating which fluoresces at a fluorescent frequency when exposed to light having an excitation frequency in the absence of associated oxygen, and which undergoes a dampening of said fluorescence in the presence of associated oxygen; and a second end operatively connected to an optical fiber that extends through the housing; wherein the first end extends through the housing and is adapted to be exposed to the space to be monitored; a temperature sensor disposed within the housing adjacent to the thermally conductive material, comprising a fiber Bragg grating, or a semiconductor material, such as a GaAS material, wherein the temperature sensor does not extend through the housing and is not exposed to the space to be monitored; a pressure sensor disposed within the housin

Abstract: A container closure (10) is provided and comprises a base (50) and a lid (55), and the footprint of the lid is larger than the footprint of the base.