Abstract: A spectrum manipulation device and method for increasing an energy conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic cell arrangement, the device including: (a) a black body adapted to absorb an input electromagnetic energy having an input energy flux spectrum, and to emit a first output electromagnetic energy having a different, output energy flux spectrum; (b) a transparent cover, adapted to thermally insulate the black body from an ambient environment, and to receive light and direct the light towards the black body; (c) an optical device, facing the black body, and adapted to: (i) receive the first output energy and emit a second output electromagnetic energy having a narrow, modified energy flux spectrum, with respect to the output energy flux spectrum, and (ii) recycle some of the first output electromagnetic energy to the black body; (d) a photovoltaic cell having a photon absorption surface, disposed to be in optical communication with the optical device, and (e) a housing containing the black body and the opti

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to durable photovoltaic modules, methods of making durable photovoltaic modules, and constructions including durable photovoltaic cells and modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides an EVA sheet for a solar cell sealing material comprising a thermal adhesion layer formed on an upper surface of a backsheet, wherein the thermal adhesion layer contains thermal adhesive resin powder including ethylene-based resin. The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing an EVA sheet for a solar cell sealing material, comprising: a step of laminating polyethyleneterephthalate to form a backsheet; a step of preparing thermal adhesive resin powder including ethylene-based resin; a step of scattering the thermal adhesive resin powder on the backsheet; and a step of hardening the scattered thermal adhesive resin powder to form a thermal adhesion layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for acidic surface etching of a silicon wafer, such as those used for solar cells, comprising contacting at least one surface of a silicon wafer as cut with an acidic etching agent, provided that the wafer is, prior to the acidic etching, not subjected to an alkaline etching step or process. Further, the present invention is directed to Si wafer, photovoltaic cells, PERC photovoltaic cells and solar modules produced according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A fuel tank inerting system includes a bleed air inlet, a bleed air conditioning system, an air separation module, a nitrogen-enriched air conditioning system, a nitrogen-enriched air outlet, and a controller. The bleed air conditioning system is connected to the bleed air inlet and is configured to cool bleed air. The air separation module is connected to the bleed air conditioning system and is configured to produce nitrogen-enriched air. The nitrogen-enriched air conditioning system is connected to the air separation module and is configured to cool nitrogen-enriched air. The controller controls nitrogen-enriched air temperature and nitrogen-enriched air flow rate at the nitrogen-enriched air outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tap including a body, which is provided with a gas inlet that is to be connected to the storage space of a container, a bleed-off circuit, including a downstream end, characterized in that the tap further includes a circuit for selectively controlling the movement of the isolation valve into the first position for opening the bleed-off circuit, the control circuit including a first end connected to the valve, and a second end that can be selectively coupled to an actuator of a gas bleed-off member, in order to selectively electrically control the movement of the valve into the position for opening the bleed-off circuit.

Abstract: A method of conditioning oxygen depleted air (ODA) exhausted from a fuel cell comprising the steps of; taking fuel from an aircraft fuel tank collector cell, delivering said fuel to a rear mounted engine via a primary heat exchanger, taking exhaust ODA from a fuel cell, passing the ODA through the primary heat exchanger in the opposite direction to the fuel, such that the fuel acts as a heat sink for the ODA, to cool the ODA, passing the ODA through a dryer, to dry the ODA and using the cooled, dried ODA to inert fuel in the aircraft fuel tank.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) set system comprising a primary IV set defining a primary flow line of the IV set system. The primary flow line can include multiple access points along its length and feeds to a merging fluid pathway proximate to the distal terminus of the primary IV set. At least one secondary IV set with corresponding flow lines can be separably joined to the primary IV set to cause the secondary flow lines to be in fluid communication with the primary flow line. At least one of the IV sets can have a unique set of uniform marking indicia to facilitate rapid identification of the IV sets from other IV sets within the IV set system. Such marked and identified primary and/or secondary IV sets can be allocated to specific medical functions and/or can be for use by specific medical personnel to thereby minimize risk of error in administration of an IV to a patient. The IV set system can further comprise a merging fluid pathway about a primary IV set.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) set system comprising a primary IV set defining a primary flow line of the IV set system. The primary flow line can include multiple access points along its length and feeds to a merging fluid pathway proximate to the distal terminus of the primary IV set. At least one secondary IV set with corresponding flow lines can be separably joined to the primary IV set to cause the secondary flow lines to be in fluid communication with the primary flow line. At least one of the IV sets can have a unique set of uniform marking indicia to facilitate rapid identification of the IV sets from other IV sets within the IV set system. Such marked and identified primary and/or secondary IV sets can be allocated to specific medical functions and/or can be for use by specific medical personnel to thereby minimize risk of error in administration of an IV to a patient. The IV set system can further comprise a merging fluid pathway about a primary IV set.

Abstract: An automatic excess water flow saving system reduces the water loss by water outlets in houses and other water consuming installations. The system controls the water flow through an outlet by toggling the water flow rate. An actuator activates a timer which opens and closes a valve intermittently and continuously while a water outlet is open.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a housing having a fluid inlet (7) and at least one fluid outlet (8). A first fluid flow restrictor (1) serves as an inflow port to a chamber (B) in the housing, and a second fluid flow restrictor (2) serves as an outflow port from the chamber (B). The first fluid flow restrictor and the second fluid flow restrictor are configured to generate different fluid flow characteristics; and the chamber (B) includes an actuating device (5a-1) that is responsive to fluid pressure changes (?P2) in the chamber. The first fluid flow restrictor (1) and the second fluid flow restrictor (2) are configured to impose respective different fluid flow characteristics based on different fluid properties.

Abstract: A safety unit for a home carbonation machine that includes a valve to release gas from a sealed state at a first pressure and a backup element set to rupture at a second higher pressure when the valve malfunctions. The valve also includes a backup element housing which moves to vent the gas via an outlet during carbonation and which has a conduit to direct the gas to the backup element.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to devices, methods and systems capable of pressurization, generally involving a flow system that includes a pressurized reservoir, at least one pump including a pump control valve, an outlet port, a shut-off valve and a vent valve. The flow system is configured to be pressurized. The shut-off valve is disposed between the pressurized reservoir and the at least one pump. The vent valve is disposed between the at least one pump and the outlet port. The shut-off valve, the vent valve and the pump control valve of the at least one pump are configured to actuate in a coordinated manner to control a pressurization of the flow system. Exemplary embodiments are further directed to devices, methods and systems for column switching, generally including at least a first column, a second column and a column switching valve.

Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher system, including monitoring an output pressure of at least one recirculation pump in the dishwasher system, and deactivating at least one fill valve in the dishwasher system when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria

Abstract: Methods and systems for duct protection of a vehicle are provided. The methods and systems provided include an apparatus for directing flow discharged from a facture in a duct. The apparatus includes a ballistic containment layer, an air containment layer substantially surrounding the ballistic containment layer, and a vent defined in the ballistic containment layer and the air containment layer. The vent is configured to direct a flow discharged from the duct fracture.

Abstract: A medical fluid connector is described that includes a first fluid connector portion that can be connected to a second fluid connector portion. The first fluid connector portion includes a first locking member, a lumen and a septum for sealing the lumen. The second fluid connector portion includes a second locking member, a lumen and a hollow needle that is retained in and protrudes from the aperture at the end of the lumen. The variation in cross-sectional area of the fluid path through the fluid connector portion is less than 1 mm2 to reduce mixing effects. The use of such a connector for neurosurgical purposes is described.

Abstract: A valved cover device prevents pump cavitation of a swimming pool pump by allowing air to be released through an open valve of a strainer cover. The device includes a strainer cover configured for positioning over a strainer housing for a swimming pool pump. An air-bleed valve extends into the strainer cover. The air-bleed valve is selectively manipulated wherein the air bleed valve is configured to vent an interior of the housing when the strainer cover is positioned over and closes an access opening into the interior of the housing. The air-bleed valve is configured for environmentally communicating with the interior of the housing wherein a gas is permitted to bleed outwardly through the strainer cover when the strainer cover closes the access opening and the air-bleed valve is actuated.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for controlling a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve controlling the flow of water through a faucet, is described. The sensor assembly includes a head including a bottom portion configured to be supported by a wall and a top portion. The sensor assembly also includes a proximity sensor including a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter projects a beam into a detection zone. The sensor assembly also includes processing electronics configured to cause the solenoid valve to open in response to a receiver detecting a reflection from an object in the detection zone.

Abstract: Tunable check valves reduce valve-generated vibration to increase the reliability of tunable fluid ends. Selected improved designs described herein reflect disparate applications of identical technical principles (relating to, e.g., the vibration spectrum of an impulse). Tunable check valve embodiments comprise a family including, but not limited to, tunable check valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, and tunable radial arrays. Each such tunable embodiment, in turn, contributes to blocking excitation of fluid end resonances, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid triggerable passive valve for controlling flow of one or more fluids comprising: a volume comprising at least two capillary pressure barriers for respectively pinning a first and second fluid-fluid meniscus, the two capillary pressure barriers dividing the volume in at least three sub volumes, whereby two sub volumes being positioned upstream and one sub volume being positioned downstream with respect to the advancement direction of each respective fluid-fluid meniscus; wherein the capillary pressure barriers are spaced apart such that upon pinning of a first fluid-fluid meniscus on a first capillary pressure barrier and arrival or pinning of a second fluid-fluid meniscus on or at a second capillary pressure barrier, the two menisci touch and thereby coalesce into one fluid-fluid meniscus

Abstract: Embodiments of a system that can detect leaks that occur in seals, and in one example, to seals found in a valve. In one embodiment, the system utilizes sensors that measure fluid properties of a sample volume proximate to the seal. The system can compare data from these measurements with data from a sample of a reference fluid (e.g., ambient air) to indicate the presence of working fluid in the sample volume. This result may indicate problems with the seal, e.g., degradation of the seal that is meant to prohibit the working fluid from migrating out of the valve.

Abstract: A gas cylinder is provided with a pressure regulator including a valve body including an upper first chamber, intermediate second and third chambers, a lower channel threadedly secured to and communicating with a container body, a passageway having one end communicating with the container body, a lower through hole communicating with the intermediate third chamber and the channel, and an internally threaded top neck; a high-pressure safety valve; a low-pressure safety valve; a coupler on the valve body; a moveable member on a bottom of the intermediate third chamber; a spring biased hollow member in the intermediate second chamber and having a bottom engaged the moveable member; an externally threaded stem in the upper first chamber and complimentarily disposed on the hollow member; a hollow cap threadedly secured to the stem and the neck respectively; and a knob mounted on the stem.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve (101, 601) includes a housing (106) and a spherical obstructer (107) having a through hole (108), wherein the spherical obstructer (107) is inserted in the housing (106) and is adapted to rotate therein (106) about an axis of rotation (110) between a first position, in which the through hole (108) is substantially coaxial to the control valve to allow the passage of a fluid, and a second position, in which the through hole (108) is substantially transversal to the control valve to prevent the passage of a fluid. The control valve further includes a rotor (111) within the through hole (108), wherein the rotor is adapted to rotate in a continuous manner under the action of a fluid flowing through the control valve, rotating about a second axis of rotation (112) substantially coinciding with the axis of rotation of the spherical obstructer.

Abstract: An air delivery apparatus which has a low profile by virtue of an angled/offset air outlet. The apparatus provides superior air delivery performance which is customizable to any application by selection of orifice patterns in an interchangeable nozzle insert, and the flexibility of easily changing the nozzle inserts to suit the application, while maintaining a constant amount of pressurized air energy input. The low profile enables use of the apparatus in applications where space between machinery and products is limited, where other air delivery apparatuses would not fit. Various embodiments of low profile, angled/offset air delivery apparatus are disclosed—including designs with one, two or four exit openings, where the airflow path inside the apparatus turns at a 90 degree angle in order to minimize the height of the apparatus. The single-opening designs include both “left-hand” and “right-hand” models, and the dual-opening designs include both offset and opposed air streams.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel system that can reduce the amount of fuel in a second tank before the amount of fuel in a first tank. A fuel system includes: a first tank and a second tank that respectively store fuel; a fuel supply pump that supplies at least the fuel in the first tank out of the first and second tanks to a fuel consuming section; a transfer pump that transfers the fuel in the second tank into the first tank; and a fuel passage having an inlet in communication with an inner portion of the first tank, and an outlet in communication with an inner portion of the second tank. The fuel in the first tank is caused to overflow into the second tank through the fuel passage.

Abstract: A water server includes a pump which can lift water in an exchangeable raw water container into a water storage tank in a casing. The water server further includes a water level sensor in the form of a float sensor for detecting the upper limit and the lower limit of the water level in the water storage tank. The water server further includes a controller adapted to activate the pump upon receiving a sensor input indicative of detection of the lower limit, and deactivate the pump upon receiving sensor input indicative of detection of the upper limit. The controller is further adapted to measure the time elapsed since the pump was activated, and deactivate the pump when the time elapsed reaches a predetermined time at which the water level exceeds the upper limit and at which water in the water storage tank has not yet overflown the water storage tank.

Abstract: There is provided a valve structure including a valve case provided with a suction port and discharge ports, valve bodies provided for opening and closing the discharge ports and a drive body for driving the valve bodies, where the valve bodies are provided with, at one end thereof, a blocking portion for closing the discharge port and at the other end thereof, an elastic member portion generating an elastic force for moving the blocking portion for opening and closing the discharge port, the rod-like drive body having a convex portion on its side is inserted into through-holes provided on the valve bodies in a direction intersecting a moving direction of the blocking portion moved by an elastic force, and the blocking portion is moved in the direction intersecting the drive body by the rotation of the drive body, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the discharge port.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-directional selector valve which makes it possible to control opening and closing of the discharge ports in an easy manner and to minimize increase in cost and size even if the number of branches is increased. The multi-directional selector valve includes a valve case provided with a suction port and at least two discharge ports, at least two valve bodies provided for opening or closing the at least two discharge ports, a drive body formed into a rod-like shape and provided for driving the valve bodies and a drive source for rotating the drive body, and is configured such that any of convex portions provided on the side of the drive body are pressed onto any of the at least two valve bodies by the rotation of the drive body, thereby opening or closing the at least two discharge port in order.

Abstract: A cavitation sense fill system for a dishwasher system is disclosed. The dishwasher system includes a fluid circulation system for circulating water in a tub, wherein the fluid circulation system includes at least one recirculation pump and at least one fill valve. The cavitation sense fill system includes a pressure switch for monitoring an output pressure of the at least one recirculation pump, wherein the pressure switch deactivates the at least one fill valve when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for delivery of fluid, said device comprising at least two fluid ducts (12-17) of flexible material, each of which in one end can be connected to a fluid source and in the opposite end is connected to a manifold (18) having an inlet end and an outlet end, each of said fluid ducts (12-17) comprising a pinch valve (19) for closing and opening the duct. According to the invention a check valve (20) is disposed in at least one of said fluid ducts (12-17) in the end thereof connected to the manifold (18).

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling comprising a male part and a female part (7, 9), each having a ducting system (39) for the transmission of fluid (F) during the use of the coupling (1, 1 ?, 2), at least a front portion (13) comprising a main valve member (19) designed to prevent the fluid (F) from leaving the ducting system (39) when the coupling (1, 1?, 2) is uncoupled. An operating member (5) is connected to a pilot valve member (41, 63, 63?, 64) for controlling the flow of fluid (F) to and for pressurising a valve chamber (45, 45?) in which a pressure relief valve member (33, 33?, 35, 35?) is designed to move into a position in which the ducting system (39) is opened or throttled.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inerting device for a pressurized aircraft fuel tank, i.e.

Abstract: Provided is a particle control device for controlling fine particles. The particle control device includes: a base with a predetermined area and including an insulator; a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the base such that they are separated from each other by a predetermined distance; and a fluid flow path disposed on the base so as to pass between the first electrode and the second electrode and to allow a solution to flow. The first electrode includes a plurality of branch electrodes with fine widths, each branch electrode having one end that is adjacent to the second electrode, with the fluid flow path interposed between the branch electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An intake device includes: a plurality of intake ports which are adjacent to each other with a partition wall interposed therebetween; a valve body provided for each of the plurality of intake ports; a rotating shaft which rotates along with the valve body; and a bearing member which is disposed between the intake ports adjacent to each other and rotatably supports the rotating shaft of the valve body, wherein the bearing member includes a bearing main body having a bearing hole which rotatably supports the rotating shaft, and an arm portion which extends in a length larger than an inner diameter of the bearing hole from the bearing main body along the partition wall between the intake ports adjacent to each other and configures a bearing-side welding portion.

Abstract: An ammonia injection grid covered with sound adsorption material for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that provides uniform distribution of ammonia to the SCR catalyst in NOX reduction systems and provides noise suppression for heat recovery steam generation systems, packaged boilers, simple cycle catalyst systems and fired heaters for superior operational efficiency. The ammonia injection grid covered with sound adsorption material includes an injection tube having at least one nozzle for injecting ammonia into a flow of flue gas. The ammonia injection grid also includes a corrugated turbulence enhancer covered with sound adsorption material associated with the injection tube to generate turbulent wake to enhance turbulent mixing and noise suppression.

Abstract: A block-off plate assembly for preventing gasoline leakage near the outer surface of a carburetor bowl of the type used on motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles, comprising two components, the first being a custom-machined plate fabricated from a suitable rigid material. The plate further comprises a smooth, inner planar surface, a parallel, planar outer surface, and a circular channel, machined to a specific depth, into the inner surface. Left and right apertures, both equally sized, are through-drilled into the left shoulder and right shoulder, respectively, of the block-off plate to accommodate the insertion of a machine screw through each aperture. The second component comprises an elastomeric O-ring having dimensions corresponding to the circular channel, thereby serving to provide effective fluid-tight sealing of an orifice in the carburetor bowl.

Abstract: A retractable elastic pressure hose 30, comprising an inlet connector 22, an outlet connector 28, an inner elastic tube 34, and an outer cover 36. Outer cover 36 is designed to expand and contract radially and longitudinally in response to internal pressure and external tensions on the hose. Internal pressure within the hose tends to extend the elastic pressure hose against the retracting force of the inner elastic tube. Outer cover 36 can have a hollow circular braid structure similar to the cover on a bungee cord and is designed to stretch beyond its fully extended length by applying external tension on the elastic pressure hose.

Abstract: A method for forming a high temperature field joint between two insulated pipe sections, and an insulated conduit having a low temperature field joint. The conduit comprises a steel pipe with a corrosion protection coating and a pipe insulation layer comprising a polymer composition having thermal conductivity of less than about 0.40 W/mk, and/or heat resistance to continuous operating temperatures from about 150° C. to above about 205° C. After a circumferential weld joint is formed between the two pipes, a first field joint insulation layer is applied over the joint area, the first field joint insulation layer comprises a polymer composition having heat resistance to continuous operating temperatures from about 150° C. to above about 205° C.

Abstract: An insulated high-temperature transport conduit for use in undersea environments. The conduit comprises a continuous steel pipe having at least a first layer of thermal insulation provided over its outer surface. The first layer of thermal insulation comprises a polymer composition having a thermal conductivity of less than about 0.40 W/mK and long-term heat resistance at continuous operating temperatures within the range from about 150° C. to above about 205° C. The first thermal insulation layer comprises a polymer composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of one or more fluoropolymers, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), and a blend of one or more fluoropolymers with HNBR. The conduit may further comprise second and third layers of insulation on top of the first layer, along with a corrosion protection coating underlying the first thermal insulation layer.

Abstract: A game of accuracy and method for playing the same at a fuel pump comprising one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of stopping the fuel pump's metering mechanism at a predetermined value. Exemplary embodiments of the game comprise a fuel pump, a metering mechanism for measuring the quantity of fuel or energy dispensed, a controller coupled with the fuel pump for starting and stopping the flow of fuel or energy therethrough, and a processor in communication with the metering mechanism. The method of playing comprises selecting a goal outcome, one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of dispensing an amount of fuel or energy that corresponds with the goal outcome, and providing the one or more players with a prize in the event the amount of fuel or energy dispensed corresponds with the goal outcome.

Abstract: A disposable canister filled with sealant liquid has an inner closure for retaining the sealant liquid inside the canister; a compressed-air inlet conduit; an outlet conduit for receiving the sealant liquid when the closure is in an open position; a first portion having one of the inlet and outlet conduits; and a second portion; the first and second portions being joined by a weld to form a tank which holds the sealant liquid in a ready-for-use position by means of the closure.

Abstract: A method of cutting a wood block and a veneer lathe are disclosed. Two groups of first plural contact members and second plural contact members disposed around the wood block for supporting the wood block from the periphery thereof and each having a contact portion contactable with periphery of the wood block. The first and the second contact members are spaced away from each other along the spin axis of the wood block so as to form a space between any two adjacent contact members, respectively, and arranged in such a way that a part of the contact member of one group is insertable into the space between any two adjacent contact members of the other group when the wood block is cut to a predetermined reduced diameter so that the wood block is continued to be supported further.

Abstract: A method for producing a NdFeB system sintered magnet in which a coating material containing a heavy rare-earth element RH applied to a base material of a NdFeB system sintered magnet is inexpensively prevented from adhering to a tray or similar device in a grain boundary diffusion treatment. The method includes the steps of applying a coating material containing a heavy rare-earth element RH to a base material and diffusing the element through grain boundaries in the base material by a grain boundary diffusion method. The coating material is applied to a sheet. The sheet is made to come in tight contact with the base material so that the coating material applied to the sheet contacts an application target surface of the base material. With the sheet held in tight contact with the base material, the grain boundary diffusion treatment (heat treatment) is performed on the base material.

Abstract: On at least one surface of a base metal plate (1) of an ?-? transforming Fe or Fe alloy, a metal layer (2) containing ferrite former is formed. Next, the base metal plate (1) and the metal layer (2) are heated to an A3 point of the Fe or the Fe alloy, whereby the ferrite former are diffused into the base metal plate (1) to form an alloy region (1b) in a ferrite phase in which an accumulation degree of {200} planes is 25% or more and an accumulation degree of {222} planes is 40% or less. Next, the base metal plate (1) is heated to a temperature higher than the A3 point of the Fe or the Fe alloy, whereby the accumulation degree of the {200} planes is increased and the accumulation degree of the {222} planes is decreased while the alloy region (11b) is maintained in the ferrite phase.

Abstract: In a process for producing a cold- or hot-rolled steel strip from an ultrahigh-strength multiphase steel having a particular composition the required multiphase microstructure is generated during continuous heat treatment. The cold- or hot-rolled steel strip is heated in the continuous heat treatment furnace to a temperature in the range from 700 to 950° C. and the heat-treated steel strip is subsequently cooled from the heat treatment temperature at a cooling rate of from 15 to 100° C./s to a first intermediate temperature of from 300 to 500° C. followed by cooling at a cooling rate of from 15 to 100° C./s to a second intermediate temperature of from 200 to 250° C.; the steel strip is subsequently cooled at a cooling rate of from 2 to 30° C./s in air to room temperature or the cooling at a cooling rate of from 15 to 100° C./s is maintained from the first intermediate temperature to room temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for forming a metallic component by additive layer manufacturing are provided. The method includes the steps of using a heat source such as a laser to melt the surface of a work piece and form a weld pool; adding wire or powdered metallic material to the weld pool and moving the heat source relative to the work piece so as to progressively form a new layer of metallic material on the work piece; applying forced cooling to the formed layer; stress relieving the cooled layer by applying a peening step, for example with a pulsed laser, and repeating the above steps as required to form the component layer by layer.

Abstract: A method is provided with which a bearing steel, even when obtained from an ingot, is made to have a segregation part reduced in the degree of segregation and maximum inclusion diameter. The ingot contains 0.56-0.70 mass % C, 0.15-0.50 mass %, excluding 0.50 mass %, Si, 0.60-1.50 mass % Mn, 0.50-1.10 mass % Cr, 0.05-0.5 mass % Mo, up to 0.025 mass % P, up to 0.025 mass % S, 0.005-0.500 mass % Al, up to 0.0015 mass % O, and 0.0030-0.015 mass % N, with the remainder comprising Fe and incidental impurities. The ingot has a degree of segregation of 2.8 or less and a predicted value of the maximum diameter of inclusions present in 30,000 mm2 of the ingot, as calculated by extreme value statistics, of 60 ?m or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aluminum alloy fin stock material with higher strength, and improved sag resistance for use in heat exchangers, such as automotive heat exchangers. The aluminum alloy fin stock material is produced from an aluminum alloy comprising about 0.8-1.4 wt % Si, 0.4-0.8 wt % Fe, 0.05-0.4 wt % Cu, 1.2-1.7 wt % Mn and 1.20-2.3 wt % Zn, with the remainder as Al. The aluminum alloy fin stock material is made by a process comprising direct chill casting the aluminum alloy into an ingot, preheating the ingot, hot rolling the preheated ingot, cold rolling the ingot and inter-annealing at a temperature of 275-400° C. After inter-annealing, the aluminum alloy fin stock material is a cold rolled in a final cold rolling step to achieve % cold work (% CW) of 20-35%.

Abstract: The invention includes a copper-nickel-zinc alloy with the following composition in weight %: Cu 47.0 to 49.0%, Ni 8.0 to 10.0%, Mn 0.2 to 0.6%, Si 0.05 to 0.4%, Pb 1.0 to 1.5%, Fe and/or Co up to 0.8%, the rest being Zn and unavoidable impurities, wherein the total of the Fe content and double the Co content is at least 0.1 weight % and wherein mixing silicides containing nickel, iron and manganese and/or containing nickel, cobalt and manganese are stored as spherical or ellipsoidal particles in a structure consisting of an ?- and ?-phase. The invention further relates to a method for producing semi-finished products from a copper-nickel-zinc alloy.

Abstract: The present invention is a steel for a mechanical structure for cold working, the steel characterized in containing C, Si, Mn, P, S, Al, N, and Cr, the remainder being iron and inevitable impurities; the metal composition having pearlite and pro-eutectoid ferrite; the combined area of the pearlite and pro-eutectoid ferrite being 90% or more of the total composition; the area percentage A of the pro-eutectoid ferrite having the relationship A>Ae, where Ae=(0.8?Ceq)×96.75 (Ceq=[C]+0.1×[Si]+0.06×[Mn]?0.11×[Cr], and “(element names)” indicates the element content (percent in mass); and the mean grain size of the pro-eutectoid ferrite and the ferrite in the pearlite being 15 to 25 ?m.