Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a vertically expanding tote bag or purse, formed from a substantially rigid bottom panel, an internal telescopic support connected to the bottom panel, a collapsible pocket connected to the solid bottom panel and the internal support, the collapsible pocket disposed such that it creates a collapsible cavity or pocket within the collapsible material when the internal support is telescoped into an extended position; and a non-collapsible pocket formed from non-collapsible side walls that form a cavity or pocket, the non-collapsible pocket attached to the internal support.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of controlling a double clutch transmission (1) comprising two clutches (2a, 2b) one of which that is transmitting torque being the active clutch whilst the other one constituting the incoming clutch characterized by combining the incoming clutch preparation and the torque handover from the active clutch by over actuating the incoming clutch and shutting off the active clutch in a non proportional way, based on a feedback signal from the incoming clutch.

Abstract: A friction device assembly structure for an automatic transmission includes a first friction device and an end play adjustment element. The first friction device includes a plurality of discs and a plurality of plates which are alternately arranged and configured such that a frictional force is created between the discs and the plates by the pressing force of a piston. The end play adjustment element is provided on an end of the first friction device to adjust an end play defined between the first friction device and the piston. The end play adjustment element is hollow such that an inner diameter thereof is greater than an outermost diameter of a second friction device which is provided inside the first friction device. Thereby, the end play adjustment element is able to be assembled without any interference from the second friction device.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling includes an inner rotor and an outer rotor between which a split case is disposed. The split case has a flange which can be fixed with a counter-flange on a coupling component. The split case is made of a ceramic, whereas the coupling component and the counter-flange are formed from a metal material. Provided on the flange is a spherical elevation which engages in a corresponding, spherical indentation. A compensating element is arranged between the flange and the counter-flange and can have a spherical indentation corresponding to the spherical elevation on one of its front sides.

Abstract: A failsafe system for a heavy-duty multi-speed clutch includes a thermal valve coupled within a clutch pressure tube orifice circuit protecting a clutch pack from heat degradation. When oil temperature of the clutch reaches a level where thermal degradation can occur, the thermal valve allows flow into a clutch piston system at a maximum operating pressure, thereby engaging a clutch drive and cooling the clutch to a safe condition.

Abstract: A friction ring (12) for reel shafts (10), having on its inner periphery a friction surface (22) for frictional engagement with the reel shaft (10), and on its outer periphery a plurality of radially projecting leaf springs (24) that are inclined relative to the radial direction in a uniform direction (D) of rotation, each leaf spring having a base portion (26) held in a slot (28) of the friction ring (12), wherein each leaf spring (24) is adapted to be bent back into a recess (30) of the friction ring (12) on the side facing forward in said the direction (D) of rotation and is supported on a wall (32) of this recess on the opposite side.

Abstract: A rotary damper device includes a damper housing enclosing a viscous fluid; a rotor having a rotor vane rotatably received inside the damper housing, and a rotor axis protruding to an outside of the damper housing; and a rotary member combined with a protruding end of the rotor axis. The rotary member includes an insertion hole through which the protruding end of the rotor axis passes, and a pair of control walls at a hole edge with the insertion hole interposed therebetween. A protruding end of the rotor axis protrudes in a radial direction of the rotor axis along a gap between the pair of control walls so as to be engaged with the hole edge of the insertion hole by being heated and deformed in a state wherein the protruding end of the rotor axis has passed through the insertion hole.

Abstract: A buffer assembly is configured to buffer a stream of articles moving along a conveyor. The buffer assembly is interposed in said conveyor. The buffer assembly comprises a horizontal in-feed accumulator that is configured to receive the stream of articles from said conveyor, and a horizontal mass storage accumulator connected to an output of the horizontal in-feed accumulator for receiving said stream of articles therefrom. Each of the horizontal in-feed accumulator and the horizontal mass storage accumulator are configured to buffer said stream of articles. The buffer assembly also comprises a horizontal out-feed accumulator connected to the output of the horizontal mass storage accumulator that is configured to buffer the stream of articles. The in-feed buffering the articles prevents product compression and the buffering of the out-feed articles prevents the formation of gaps between product articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a stream of products comprises an ingoing conveyor and an outgoing conveyor which are configured to convey the products along a conveying direction and which are arranged behind one another viewed in the conveying direction. At least two distributor conveyors which are arranged behind one another viewed in the conveying direction between the ingoing conveyor and the outgoing conveyor and which are each configured to convey the products along the conveying direction are displaceable independently of one another transverse to the conveying direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a singulator, constituted by a converger module (2), a diverger module (10) and a selector module (17) arranged sequentially. The loose articles (5) in inlet to the converger module (2) are converged towards a first central zone (7) by two adjacent roller planes. The articles resting on the central zone (7) are advanced towards a central zone (13) of a diverger module (10) and are then transported towards the outlet station (12) thereof; conversely, the articles arranged laterally with respect to the central zone (13) of the diverger module (10) are laterally distanced by means of two corresponding roller planes having rollers with inclined axes up to striking on two respective lateral walls (42, 43) suitable for moving the articles received restingly towards the outlet station (12).

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for storing and feeding of raw materials during production of fruit- and/or vegetable-juice, which device includes a number of storage and feed units for fruit/vegetables and/or pieces of fruit/vegetables, and a bottom element. Disclosed features are that the storage and feed units are situated on a support disc, that each of the storage and feed units is allocated an outlet aperture in the support disc, that a feed disc is situated below the support disc, that the feed disc is rotatably supported by the bottom element and is provided with a feed aperture, and that the feed disc is rotatable relative to the support disc so that the feed aperture can be brought central to any desired outlet aperture, and a unit for conveying to a juice machine the fruit/vegetables and/or pieces of fruit/vegetables fed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may provide a modular conveyor that includes a conveyor frame including an access opening, a plurality of conveyor buckets configured to move along a continuous path within the conveyor frame, and an access station where the contents of a conveyor bucket disposed at the access station may be accessible through the access opening. Each of the plurality of conveyor buckets may be configured to be substantially enclosed by the conveyor frame when not at the access station. The conveyor frame may include at least one channel disposed about a perimeter of the continuous path, where each of the plurality of conveyor buckets include at least one projection configured to engage the at least one channel. The conveyor buckets may be driven along the continuous path by a drive mechanism disposed outside of the conveyor frame.

Abstract: A belt unit including an endless belt, a first roller, a second roller, and a guiding member is provided. The guiding member includes a groove, in which a guided section of the endless belt is set, and the groove includes a first face and a second face. The first face is formed to have a first parting line extending in a direction to intersect with a central axis. The first face includes a first part in a frontward range and a second part in a rearward range with respect to the first parting line along a rotating direction of the guiding member. The first face has a first gap between the first part and the second part to form the first part in a position closer to the second face with respect to the second part.

Abstract: A conveyor belt comprises woven fabric having a mesh structure which imparts the belt with air permeability permitting suction of air therethrough. In one embodiment, the woven fabric is such that a portion made in plain weave in a low-density weave pattern of prescribed width in which at least one warp yarn and at least one weft yarn are woven together alternates with a portion made in satin weave in a high-density weave pattern of prescribed width in which five to twelve warp yarns and the same at least one warp yarn as in the low-density weave pattern are woven together. This alternation of low-density weave pattern(s) and high-density weave pattern(s) may create stripe(s) disposed in the conveying direction of the belt. Portion(s) made in satin weave may be disposed at one or both side end(s) of the belt.

Abstract: A switching assembly having: a switching member movable between first and second positions, the switching member having a locking element; and locking means for engaging said switching member when it is in the second position to lock the switching member in the second position; characterized in that the locking means is formed of a sheet of resiliently deformable material to have one or more locking elements for complementary engagement with one or more locking elements provided by the switching member when the switching member is in the second position

Abstract: A transfer switch configured to transfer connection of each power conductor and neutral conductor of a load between two power supplies. The transfer switch includes a switch member configured to transfer each of the connections in tandem. The transfer switch disconnects each power conductor prior to disconnecting the neutral conductor of the first supply when disconnecting the load from either power supply and connects the neutral connector prior to connecting each power conductor when connecting the load to either power supply.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch panel. The touch panel includes an insulating layer, first sensing electrode patterns provided on one surface of the insulating layer, and second sensing electrode patterns provided on another surface opposite to the one surface of the insulating layer such that the second sensing electrode patterns are insulated from the first sensing electrode patterns. A bridge electrode is prevented from being viewed by the eyes of a user by removing the bridge electrode from the touch panel. The touch panel is constructed in a simpler structure, so that the production cost of the touch panel is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch window. The touch window includes a cover window, a first sensing electrode layer formed on a view area (V/A) of the cover window and including a first electrode pattern including a first unit cell electrode pattern, and a second sensing electrode layer formed on the view area and including a second electrode pattern which crosses the first electrode pattern and includes a second unit cell electrode pattern. A ratio of an area of the space part between a first unit cell electrode pattern and a second unit cell electrode pattern adjacent to the first unit cell electrode pattern with respect to an area of the first unit cell electrode pattern of the first electrode pattern or the second unit cell electrode pattern of the second electrode pattern is in the range of 10% to 20%.

Abstract: Disclosed are a touch panel and a method of manufacturing the same. The touch panel includes a gas generation layer; a sensing electrode pattern on the gas generation layer; a gas blocking layer between the gas generation layer and the sensing electrode pattern to block a gas generated from the gas generation layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical snap-action switch with a contact link which can be actuated via a switching plunger and a bistable spring and which is connectable in a first switching position to at least one first contact pair and in a second switching position to at least one second contact pair, wherein the spring arrangement on both sides of the switching plunger has at least one spring arm, via which, in addition, the contact link is movable transversely with respect to the movement direction of the switching plunger up to a movement end position in the event of breakage of one of the spring arms, wherein a sliding ramp is provided in the movement path of the contact link, which sliding ramp spaces apart at least one contact of the contact link in the movement end position from the associated contact of the respective contact pair in the event of breakage of one spring arm.

Abstract: A press key includes: a circuit board including first and second switches; a pressing unit including a keycap disposed on the circuit board, and an elastic element disposed between the keycap and the circuit board, the keycap being normally in a raised position, and being able to be pressed to first and second pressed positions, the elastic element being capable of providing an elastic restoring force to restore the keycap to the raised position; and first and second trigger members that are spaced apart from each other and that are connected to the pressing unit to be able to move toward and contact the circuit board to turn on the first and second switches, respectively.

Abstract: An electronic device may have buttons, a display, and a vibrator unit. Buttons may be included in electronic devices such as glass buttons, metal buttons, buttons that are assembled on printed circuit boards, and buttons that are partly formed from antenna structures. Button coatings may be used to improve the sliding performance of metal-on-metal buttons. A layer of polymer may be interposed between a button plate and a housing structure. A glass button member may have an underside on which a layer of patterned ink is formed. Elastomeric members may be used to reduce button rattle. Portions of a button may be provided with conductive features that form portions of an antenna.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a cover panel. The apparatus also includes a first optically clear adhesive (OCA) layer coupled to the cover panel. The apparatus also includes a substrate coupled to the first OCA layer. The substrate has drive or sense electrodes of a touch sensor disposed on a first side. The substrate also has a first connection pad region. The first connection pad region includes a first outer zone, a second outer zone, and a first connection pad zone. The first OCA layer extends to portions of at least one of the first outer zone of the first connection pad region, the second outer zone of the first connection pad region, and the first connection pad zone of the first connection pad region.

Abstract: The invention provides a touch display device, including: a plurality of driving electrodes disposed in parallel in a first direction; and a plurality of sensing electrodes disposed in parallel in a second direction, wherein each of the sensing electrodes are split into a plurality of electrode strips, and the electrode strips converge at a minimum, of two ends of the sensing electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrostatic capacitance type input apparatus, including, a first substrate, a flexible second substrate disposed so as to face the first substrate, a first electrode for detection of a depressed position, the first electrode being provided either on a surface side, in the first substrate, facing the flexible second substrate or on a side opposite to the flexible second substrate with respect to the first substrate, a second electrode for detection of a depressed position, the second electrode being provided on the flexible second substrate, and an elastic member having an insulating property and provided between the first substrate and the flexible second substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for thermally converting or pyrolyzing biomass are provided. In one embodiment, a method of thermally converting biomass includes introducing the biomass to a reactor feed chamber. The method provides for flowing a low oxygen gas into the reactor feed chamber to purge the reactor feed chamber and biomass of oxygen. The method also includes delivering the purged biomass to a thermal conversion reactor and thermally converting the biomass in the thermal conversion reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular distillation system incorporating a removable capsule for containing source material for extraction. Through the action of the invention, the steam distillation process described herein produces a substantially larger amount of volatile oil than a distillation system that does not use an enclosed, modular system. The present invention provides for an apparatus that allows for greater contact between the steam and plant matter during the distillation process through the use of a closed removable capsule containing relatively small amount of plant matter. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a system that allows the generation of higher quality distillate and considerably higher quantity of volatile oil extracts by forcing the steam to evenly disperse through a removable capsule, and by preventing the condensed liquid to return back to the boiling water within the vessel.

Abstract: Method for converting methane into oxygenated derivates, characterized in that it comprises irradiating a solid surface using UV light with a wavelength of less than 200 nm and in that it takes place on the surface of a solid, preferably a microporous solid, wherein the selectivities achieved are greater than 90% for conversions of about 10%.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermochromic window, with which the thermochromic window can have increased visible light transmittance while maintaining the thermochromic characteristics thereof. The method includes the steps of forming a first transparent conductive film on a substrate, forming a pre-thermochromic thin film on the first transparent conductive film, and heat-treating a multilayer structure that includes the substrate, the first transparent conductive film and the pre-thermochromic thin film, thereby reforming the pre-thermochromic thin film into a thermochromic thin film.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a contact hole within an interlayer insulating film of a substrate and forming a contact plug while the substrate is heated. In forming the contact plug, the substrate is held on a stage within the chamber of a sputtering apparatus through a chuck, and an ESC voltage applied to the chuck is increased stepwise in a plurality of steps. First target power is applied to a target within the chamber to form a first Al film in the contact hole. Next, second target power higher than the first target power is applied to the target within the chamber to form a second Al film on the first Al film.

Abstract: The nanoparticle production device includes a target provided with a nanoparticle source surface, and a magnetron generating a first magnetic field, the target being mounted on the magnetron and the first magnetic field forming field lines at the level of the nanoparticle source surface. The device further includes balancing means of the first magnetic field at the level of the target, arranged to close fleeing field lines of the first magnetic field and to keep said lines closed at the level of said nanoparticle source surface, said balancing means being distinct from the magnetron.

Abstract: A method for using a sputtering target which enables an oxide film with a high degree of crystallinity, which contains a plurality of metal elements, to be formed is provided. In the method for using a sputtering target including a polycrystalline oxide containing a plurality of crystal grains which include a cleavage plane, an ion is made to collide with the sputtering target to separate sputtered particles from the cleavage plane, and the sputtered particles are positively charged, so that the sputtered particles are deposited uniformly on a deposition surface while repelling each other.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprises a water reservoir and a fuel cell formed from a plurality of fuel cell stacks in fluid communication with the water reservoir. Each fuel cell stack includes at least one gasket disposed between two components of the fuel cell stack, the gasket including: a through hole formed therein for passage of hydrogen or oxygen through the gasket; and a plurality of channels formed in the gasket adjacent the through hole, each of the plurality of channels extending from an edge of the through hole to an edge of the gasket, the channels being sized and shaped to allow passage of hydrogen or oxygen to or from the through hole to or from the edge of the gasket.

Abstract: The metal production processes that are carried out in electrolytic cells, release gases into the environment that incorporate micro drops of the components of the electrolyte, from which metals are produced, one of whose components is generally an acid or a strong base. The difficulties that these gases with micro drops entail are varied and affect the operators, and production structures and equipment. Thus, the operators must protect their respiratory system by using masks and protect their eyes using glasses. The structures, as well as the equipment required for the process and the manipulation of supplies and products, suffer corrosion.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell includes a positive electrode disposed in an electrolytic compartment, a negative electrode disposed in another electrolytic compartment, and a cell membrane positioned between the electrolytic compartment and the other electrolytic compartment. An electrolyte solution is disposed inside the electrolytic compartment and inside the other electrolytic compartment. The electrolyte solution is also in contact with the cell membrane. A transducer, which is directly attached to any of the negative electrode or the positive electrode, is capable of selectively transmitting vibrational energy to the negative electrode and/or the positive electrode. The vibrational energy selectively transmitted to the negative electrode and/or the positive electrode causes bubbles to form and to separate i) hydrogen gas bubbles from a surface of the negative electrode, ii) oxygen gas bubbles from a surface of the positive electrode, or iii) both i and ii.

Abstract: Provided are a photocatalyst having higher activity for hydrogen production through water splitting and a photoelectrode comprising the photocatalyst. The photocatalyst for water splitting of the present invention comprises a Ga selenide, an Ag—Ga selenide, or both thereof.

Abstract: A windpipe used in a vacuum coating device includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe positioned in the outer pipe. The inner pipe defines a plurality of first outlets arranged in a line in the peripheral wall of the inner pipe along the axial direction. The outer pipe defines a plurality of second outlets arranged in a line in the peripheral wall of the outer pipe along the axial direction.

Abstract: Provided is a nonmagnetic-material-dispersed sputtering target having a metal composition comprising 20 mol % or less of Cr and the balance of Co. The target has a structure including a phase (A) in which a nonmagnetic oxide material is dispersed in the basis metal, and a metal phase (B) containing 40 mol % or more of Co; the area proportion of grains of the nonmagnetic oxide material in the phase (A) is 50% or less; and when a minimum-area rectangle circumscribed to the phase (B) is assumed, the proportion of the circumscribed rectangle having a short side of 2 to 300 ?m is 90% or more of all of the phases (B). The ferromagnetic sputtering target can suppress particle generation during sputtering and can improve leakage magnetic flux to allow stable electrical discharge with a magnetron sputtering apparatus.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a sputtering target formed from a Cu—Ga alloy having a Ga composition of 29 at % or more. [Problem] Since a Cu—Ga alloy becomes a brittle ? phase-single phase structure when the Ga composition becomes 29 at % or more, it cannot be subject to processes such as rolling and forging. Accordingly, the crystal grain size of the cast structure must be small and uniform so that the cast structure can be used as is. [Solution] It is possible to produce a melted and cast Cu—Ga alloy sputtering target containing 29 to 42.6 at % of Ga, and remainder being Cu and unavoidable impurities by continuously solidifying the Cu—Ga alloy sputtering target under solidifying conditions of a constant cooling rate or higher, wherein an average crystal grain size of a sputter front face is 3 mm or less, and a cross section structure of the target is a columnar structure that has grown in a direction from the sputter front face toward a center plane which is parallel to a sputter face.

Abstract: A sputtering target containing oxides of indium (In), gallium (Ga) and zinc (Zn), which includes a compound shown by ZnGa2O4 and a compound shown by InGaZnO4.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a biosensor is provided. The biosensor includes a support substrate, a plurality of sensing electrodes arranged on the support substrate, each of the plurality of sensing electrodes comprises a plurality of sensing electrode segments laterally disposed from each other, and a plurality of input-output ports configured for external connection, wherein each of the plurality of sensing electrodes is electrically isolated from each other and respectively coupled to each of the plurality of input-output ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for improved electrochemical measurement of analytes. The preferred embodiments employ electrode systems including an analyte-measuring electrode for measuring the analyte or the product of an enzyme reaction with the analyte and an auxiliary electrode configured to generate oxygen and/or reduce electrochemical interferants. Oxygen generation by the auxiliary electrode advantageously improves oxygen availability to the enzyme and/or counter electrode; thereby enabling the electrochemical sensors of the preferred embodiments to function even during ischemic conditions. Interferant modification by the auxiliary electrode advantageously renders them substantially non-reactive at the analyte-measuring electrode, thereby reducing or eliminating inaccuracies in the analyte signal due to electrochemical interferants.

Abstract: A test strip for analyzing a biological fluid using a test meter includes a biosensor to sense the biological fluid. The test strip includes contacts to communicate with the test meter and conductors connected to the contacts. The test strip further includes a combination of diodes, resistors, and short circuits arranged in various ways between the conductors. The test strip stores data based on a number of connections severed between the diodes, the resistors, the short circuits, and the conductors. The test meter reads the data and communicates with the biosensor via the contacts.

Abstract: A test strip ejector system for receiving and ejecting a fluid testing medical device test strip includes a mechanism assembly supported by the device whereby user actuation of the mechanism assembly induces displacement of the test strip in at least a test strip ejection direction to eject the test strip. The mechanism assembly includes a power source and an electric motor such as a piezo-electric linear micro motor connected to the power source. The electric motor has an armature displaced when the electric motor is energized. A digital display/user interface is provided. Selection of an ejection function presented on the digital display/user interface initiates operation of the electric motor and displacement of the armature thereby displacing the test strip in the ejection direction. An operating system including a microprocessor is connected to the display/user interface. The microprocessor controls direction of operation and operating speed of the motor.

Abstract: An electrochemical test device is provided having a base layer with a first electrode thereon and a top layer with a second electrode thereon. The two electrodes are separated by a spacer layer having an opening therein, such that a sample-receiving space is defined with one electrode on the top surface, the other electrodes on the bottom surface and side walls formed from edges of the opening in the spacer. Reagents for performing the electrochemical reaction are deposited on one of the electrodes and on the side walls of the sample-receiving space.

Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.

Abstract: Described herein are substrates, sensors and systems related to measuring the concentration of an analyte such as hydrogen ion in a sample. Redox active moieties whose reduction and/or oxidation potentials are sensitive to the presence of an analyte are immobilized onto a surface of an electrode. Immobilized redox active moieties whose reduction and/or oxidation potential are insensitive to the analyte can be used for reference. Voltammetric measurements made using such modified surfaces can accurately determine the presence and/or concentrations of analytes in a sample of interest. The electrochemical sensors of the invention are robust and can be made so as not to require calibration or re-calibration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating method by electrocatalyzed chemical grafting of a surface of a substrate with a polymeric layer characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a. a substrate is provided, b. a bath containing at least one polymerizable monomer via a radical route, at least one cleavable aryl salt, at least one reducing agent and at least one solvent is provided, in which a potential difference is applied, c. said substrate is immersed in said bath, d. a grafted polymer is obtained on the surface of said substrate. The invention also relates to a substrate obtained according to the coating method by electrocatalyzed chemical grafting, the surface of which is coated with a polymeric layer.

Abstract: A self-terminating rapid process for controlled growth of platinum or platinum alloy monolayer films from a K2PtCl4—NaCl—NaBr electrolyte. Using the present process, platinum deposition may be quenched at potentials just negative of proton reduction by an alteration of the double layer structure induced by a saturated surface coverage of underpotential deposited hydrogen. The surface may be reactivated for platinum deposition by stepping the potential to more positive values where underpotential deposited hydrogen is oxidized and fresh sites for absorption of platinum chloride become available. Periodic pulsing of the potential enables sequential deposition of two dimensional platinum layers to fabricate films of desired thickness relevant to a range of advanced technologies, from catalysis to magnetics and electronics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electroplating apparatuses for electroplating metal onto a semiconductor wafer which may include an electroplating cell, an electrolyte circulation system connected to the cell for circulating electrolyte to and from the cell, first and second sampling ports for taking first and second sample of electrolyte at first and second locations in the apparatus, and one or more liquid particle counter modules, connected to the first and second sampling ports, for measuring particle concentration in the electrolyte. Also disclosed herein are methods for reducing particle concentration in an electrolyte present in an electroplating apparatus which may include determining an approximate particle concentration using a liquid particle counter module and modifying the operation of the electroplating apparatus to reduce particle concentration in the electrolyte.