Abstract: To provide an apparatus for reclaiming foundry sand and a method for reclaiming foundry sand that can effectively remove binders and so on that attach to returned foundry sand that has been used. Foundry sand that has been used is supplied from a chute for feeding sand 14A to a rotor 16. The rotor 16 is rotated by a driver 20 so that frictional force is generated on the sand in the rotor 16. Then, the sand in the rotor 16 is dropped into the container for washing with water 30 that is located below the rotor 16. In the container for washing with water 30, an agitator 34 is rotated by the driver 20 so that the sand in the container for washing with water 30 is agitated and washed with water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sponge (20) including at least one cavity (22), distinct from the pores of the sponge 5 (20), capable of allowing the introduction of a liquid inside the sponge (20) to impregnate the sponge (20), the cavity (22) preferably having a bottom (24) inside the sponge (20), and emerging on the other hand on a surface (26) of the sponge (20) while forming an opening (28) such that the maximum distance between two points of the contour of the opening (28) is comprised between 3, preferably 5, still more preferably 8, and 25, preferably 20, still more preferably 15 mm or still more preferably 12 mm.

Abstract: An improved shower or plumbing sanitizing system is provided by a showerhead adapter and/or tap port configured to mount between a water supply stub and an outlet such as a showerhead, hose or faucet and which delivers and imparts a cleansing or sanitizing agent, particularly liquid sanitizer, to the plumbing components prone to infestation with opportunistic bacteria.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cleaning and sanitizing soles of bare feet and footwear, said apparatus including a plurality of nozzle heads that spray cleaning and sanitizing fluid through a platform onto feet and footwear placed on the top surface of the platform. A sensor plate initiates the cleaning and sanitization process when activated, and a visual display and audible tones alert a user as to the current step being executed by the automated cleaning apparatus. A refillable or replaceable canister or aerosol can of cleaning and sanitizing fluid is housed within the automated cleaning apparatus for supplying said liquid via a tubing system to the plurality of nozzle heads that are directed onto the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for cleaning interiors of passageways in endoscopes or other luminal medical devices by flow of liquid and gas therethrough. The liquid flow may include rivulets, droplets or other liquid entities which move on the internal surfaces of the passageways, and may include a three-phase contact interface between liquid and dry solid and gas.

Abstract: A cleaner is provided for a filter of a dishwashing appliance. The filter cleaner rotates within the filter and uses nozzles to remove particulates on the filter surface. Energy from fluid flow caused by a pump is used to rotate the filter cleaner. The particulates removed from the filter are pumped away for disposal.

Abstract: A sink insert for cleaning medical or surgical devices having lumens includes a basin and at least two pumps. The basin is shaped to be inserted into a sink and to hold cleaning liquid, and includes an additive reservoir integrally formed in its floor, having additive fill lines defining a plurality of pre-calibrated volume measurement areas for measurement of additives. Basin fill lines positioned on one or more side walls of the basin define a plurality of pre-calibrated volume measurement areas for measurement of a liquid filled into the basin to form the cleaning liquid. At least one of the two pumps has an inlet tube for drawing the cleaning liquid from the basin into the pump, and an outlet tube for pressurized output of the cleaning liquid directed to the medical or surgical device. One or more of the pumps is removable from the sink insert.

Abstract: An umbrella is formed of an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end and a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft. The umbrella includes a rib assembly including a plurality of ribs that are attached to the runner by a plurality of struts that move between open and closed positions. In accordance with the present invention, the elongated shaft has a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of curved sections and a plurality of planar sections interspersed between the plurality of curved sections for providing increased torsional strength to the elongated shaft. At least one of the ribs can have a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of curved sections and a plurality of planar sections interspersed between the plurality of curved sections for providing increased torsional strength to the at least one rib.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft, a sliding assembly, a canopy support rod, a connector rod, and a canopy. The sliding assembly is sleeved over the shaft in a slidable manner, the sliding assembly includes an upper sliding part, a lower sliding part, and a centre sliding part, the upper sliding part is connected to the lower sliding part, and the centre sliding part is located therebetween. A first end of the connector rod is connected to the centre sliding part in a hinged manner, and a second end of the connector rod is connected, in a hinged manner, to a sliding connection assembly disposed on the canopy support rod; the canopy is disposed on the canopy support rod. When the umbrella is closed, a wet surface of the canopy is folded inwards to the shaft, and the canopy support rod is turned outwards to be folded to the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a covering for an infant carrying device having a size adjustment element allowing for adjustment of the size of the covering, such that the covering can be adjusted to over a variety of different infant carrying devices, including strollers and car seats of different models.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion material including a carbon nanotube, a thermoelectric conversion element including the same, an article for thermoelectric power generation, and a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion material comprising: a carbon nanotube; and a polythiophene polymer constituted of a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1), in Formula (1), each of R1 and R2 independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converting thin line includes a thin line extending in one direction, a first ferromagnetic layer formed on a side of the thin line having a magnetization fixed in a plane in a direction intersecting with a direction along which the thin line extends, and a first nonmagnetic metal layer formed on the first ferromagnetic layer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing an intermediate product for obtaining a photovoltaic module comprising a plurality of solar cells, said method comprising the following steps: (a) localised deposition on a substrate (4) of a layer (7) of an Se or S material, so as to cover at least one portion (400) of the substrate, (b) deposition on this localised layer (7), of a layer (41) of conductive material, said layer coating the localised layer.

Abstract: An electrical connection system comprising a plurality of electrical components electrically interconnected by a plurality of multi-terminal electrical connector devices. Each electrical component has first and second electrical terminals, each connector device having a plurality of electrical terminals arranged in first and second rows each row comprising a plurality of said terminals. One row is positioned along one side of the connector, the other row being positioned along the other side of the connector. First and second of the connector terminals are electrically connected to a respective one of the first and second terminals of a respective one of the electrical components. Each connector device is configurable such that its terminals may adopt a selected one of a plurality of terminal configurations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing apparatus for ball lens used for facilitating installation of concentrator solar cell receiver module. The present invention can finish installing the fixing base for ball lens at a time and positioning the ball lens rapidly and accurately. It can also control the distance between the ball lens and the solar cell excellently. In addition, the present invention further has the function of sheltering the circuit of concentrator solar cell receiver module. When off-axis illumination of sunlight occurs, direct illumination of sunlight on, and consequently high-temperature burnout of, the circuit can be avoided. Thereby, the lifetime of the circuit can be extended effectively and the probability of failure can be reduced as well.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming an absorber layer comprising an absorber material above a substrate, forming a buffer layer over the absorber layer, forming a front transparent layer over the buffer layer, and exposing the photovoltaic device to heat or radiation at a temperature from about 80° C. to about 500° C. for a period of time, subsequent to the step of forming a buffer layer over the absorber layer.

Abstract: Provided are a transparent conductive film having a simple manufacturing process and high transparency, high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and excellent durability and an organic photoelectric conversion element using this transparent conductive film. The transparent conductive film of the present invention is formed by laminating a ground layer which contains a nitrogen-containing organic compound and a metal thin film layer which contains a metal element of Group 11 of the periodic table and has a thickness of from 2 to 10 nm.

Abstract: In order to provide a solar cell device having increased reliability, the present invention is provided with: a substrate having a semiconductor region containing silicon at one primary surface side; a first electrode provided on the one primary surface and containing silver as the primary component; and a second electrode connected to the first electrode on the one primary surface and containing aluminum as the primary component. The first electrode is a solar cell device containing elemental tin.

Abstract: A back-contact solar cell and manufacturing method thereof includes steps of providing a substrate, forming a first conductive doping region and a second conductive doping region on the substrate, forming a passivation layer on the substrate to cover the first conductive doping region and the second conductive doping region, distantly disposing a plurality of first electrode paste clusters on the passivation layer, in which each first electrode paste cluster corresponds to the first conductive doping region and the second conductive doping region and includes a metal component and a glass component, enclosing the first electrode paste cluster by a plurality of second electrode pastes, and heating at least the first electrode paste clusters to an predetermined temperature so that the metal component, the metal component and the passivation layer contacted by the first electrode paste clusters forms a plurality of contacting regions.

Abstract: The invention provides a photovoltaic device and method of manufacturing the same. The photovoltaic device of the invention includes a semiconductor structure assembly and a protection layer. The semiconductor structure assembly has a plurality of side surfaces, and includes a p-n junction, an n-p junction, a p-i-n junction, an n-i-p junction, a tandem junction or a multi-junction. In particular, the protection layer is formed to overlay the sides of the semiconductor structure assembly. Thereby, the protection layer can effectively inhibit the potential-induced degradation effect of the photovoltaic device of the invention.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell includes a protection layer, a substrate and a photovoltaic conversion structure having a stack of one or several of non-planar light absorption layers, a first conductive layer being light transmissive and a second conductive layer being at least partially transparent or totally reflective. When the second conductive layer is totally reflective, it reflects the sunlight to the adjacent part of the thin film solar cell, proceeding another photovoltaic conversion and generating electric power again. If the non-planar light absorption layer is sloped enough, there will be several photovoltaic conversions produced by the same incident sunlight. More power will be generated and the efficiency of conversion is increased. If the second conductive layer is at least partially transparent, the incident light will be reflected less. However, the structure will provide several opportunities of photovoltaic conversions for the light with larger incident angle.

Abstract: Provided are a solar cell and a solar cell module including the same. The solar cell includes a bottom electrode layer, a light absorption layer disposed on the bottom electrode to absorb solar light of a visible light region, top electrode layer disposed on the light absorption layer, and a light conversion layer disposed on the top electrode layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with snow melting function has a photovoltaic cell; a heat transfer plate attached to a non-light receiving surface side of the photovoltaic cell through a sealer layer; a heat-resistant insulating resin sheet inserted between the photovoltaic cell and the heat transfer plate; a surface protection layer attached to a light receiving surface side of the photovoltaic cell through a sealer layer; and an external power supply applying a current to the photovoltaic cell causing the photovoltaic cell to generate heat to a temperature for melting snow. A whole front surface of the photovoltaic cell is flat so as not to protrude from the surface protection layer. The heat-resistant insulating resin sheet is attached to the non-light receiving surface side of the photovoltaic cell through the sealer layer, and the heat transfer plate is attached to a back surface side of the heat-resistant insulating resin sheet.

Abstract: A compound semiconductor solar battery according to the present invention includes a substrate; a back electrode disposed on the substrate; a p-type compound semiconductor light absorbing layer disposed on the back electrode; an n-type compound semiconductor buffer layer disposed on the p-type compound semiconductor light absorbing layer; and a transparent electrode disposed on the n-type compound semiconductor buffer layer. The p-type compound semiconductor light absorbing layer has a cross sectional structure including, in a thickness direction, a portion only of a single particle and a portion of a plurality of piled particles. In the portion of a plurality of piled particles, the particles in contact with the back electrode have a ratio y1 of Ga/(In+Ga), and the particles in contact with the n-type compound semiconductor buffer layer have a ratio y2 of Ga/(In+Ga), where y1>y2.

Abstract: A porphyrin-based compound is represented by Chemical Formula 1 or 2. A dye for a dye-sensitized solar cell includes the porphyrin-based compound so that the dye has improved photoelectric conversion efficiency. A dye-sensitized solar cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dye layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the dye layer includes the porphyrin-based compound.

Abstract: An apparatus has a pilot-operated spool valve connecting first and second work passages selectively to a supply conduit and a tank conduit. A first check valve normally allows fluid flow only in one direction from the first work passage to a first workport and when pilot-operated allows bidirectional fluid flow. A second check valve normally allows fluid flow only from the second work passage to a second workport and when pilot-operated allows bidirectional fluid flow. A first pilot valve selectively applies pressure to one end of the spool and to pilot operate the first check valve. A second pilot valve selectively applies pressure to another end of the spool and to pilot operate the second check valve. When fluid drains from a workport to the tank conduit, the associated check valve operates to maintain a predefined pressure in the first or second work passage through which that fluid flows.

Abstract: An oil-less pump sampling system for portable environmental testing. The system includes an oil-less pump that generates a suctioning force, an external hose carrying the suction from the pump and in fluid communication with a control value and a collection container. The control valve is fluidly connected to the external hose to regulate the flow of suction, and the collection container is fluidly connected to the external hose for suctioning a sample from the surrounding environment. The internal assembly of the pump includes an electromagnetic coil generating an electromagnetic force to move a plurality of magnets. The magnets oscillate to move a plurality of lever arms which move a plurality of diaphragms to create the suction force from a valve block. A plurality of internal hoses stems from the valve block and joined at a connector to carry the suctioning force to the external hose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for heating a compressor assembly of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The system comprises a heat source for transferring thermal energy to a plurality of compressor units. A controller varies the thermal energy transferred to the compressor units, between at least two substantially non-zero rates of transfer of thermal energy, in a plurality of modes of operation of the HVAC system.

Abstract: The present invention provides several embodiments of an oil change apparatus that basically have a valve/fitting connected to the conventionally available oil sump, a drain bracket installed on a low portion of equipment or vehicle periphery, and a flow line that fluidly connects the valve/fitting and the drain bracket. The oil change apparatus enables vehicle users to quickly and easily drain oil at a safe and convenient location. The present invention also provides several reusable and disposable means to properly collect waste oil.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to a dispense interface comprising a channel profile with at least two inlet channels and at least one outlet channel, wherein each of the at least two inlet channels is configured for fluid communication with a respective reservoir of at least two reservoirs, at least one top layer and one bottom layer, an intermediate layer structure arranged between the at least one top layer and one bottom layer, wherein intermediate layer structure is tightly laminated with the top layer and the bottom layer and wherein the intermediate layer structure comprises at least one intermediate layer comprising at least one recess for forming at least one part of the channel profile.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the rate of pump out of liquid coolant from a sump tank in which the level of liquid coolant in the sump tank is continuously sensed and corresponding signals transmitted to a variable frequency drive controller which correspondingly varies the speed of a pump motor to continuously increase or decrease the pump out rate in correspondence with the level liquid in the sump tank.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a tank of a vehicle and a method of creating a vacuum are disclosed. A valve body defines a cavity and an outlet in fluid communication with the cavity for venting the tank. The assembly includes a seat disposed in the cavity of the valve body. The seat separates the cavity into first and second cavity portions. The seat defines an aperture to provide fluid communication between the first and second cavity portions. The assembly includes a cover device disposed between the seat and the outlet. The cover device defines at least one hole therethrough. The cover device is movable between a rest position engaging the seat to minimize fluid communication between the aperture and the hole and an actuated position spaced from the seat to increase fluid communication between the aperture and the hole when a vacuum is created in the first cavity portion.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device is provided. The fluid delivery device includes a melter having a loading chamber and a hopper disposed in communication with the loading chamber, the loading chamber having one or more heating elements. The hopper includes a second heating element. The melter also includes a container handling system for lifting a container a predetermined height and moving the container from a position remote of the melter to a position within the loading chamber. The container includes contents stored within. The heating elements heat the contents so that the contents may be received in the hopper. The hopper may continue to heat the contents to provide a fluid. The fluid may be discharged from the hopper by way of a pump assembly. A pressure of fluid may be regulated at the pump assembly.

Abstract: One example of an engine mounted inlet plenum for a rotorcraft includes an inlet flange, an outlet flange and a plenum duct that connects the inlet flange and the outlet flange. The inlet flange, which defines an inlet to flow air into a barrier filtration system, is configured to be substantially aligned with a closed cowl door assembly of the rotorcraft. In some implementations, the plenum duct is configured to extend to an outer mold line (OML) of the rotorcraft such that the inlet flange is aligned with the OML. The outlet flange defines an outlet to flow air filtered by the barrier filtration system into an engine of the rotorcraft. The plenum duct allows air to flow from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a three-point hitch of a tractor allowing for the use of high flow hydraulic attachments. The device includes a three-point hitch attachment, a hydraulic tank, a hydraulic pump powered by the tractor power take off, a filter, an oil cooler, and a quick attach. In use, the device is attached to the tractor allowing for the usage of skid steer attachments with the tractor controls.

Abstract: Valve of the type having a body which is provided with an inlet and an outlet of a fluid which are reciprocally put in flow communication by means of a communication chamber in which said communication chamber can be occluded by means of closure means and in which the communication chamber is divided in a first chamber and a second chamber, each putting in flow communication the inlet and the outlet of the fluid according to a parallel configuration. The first chamber is provided with first closing means, the second chamber is provided with second closing means and there is further provided at least one third closing means.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve according to one embodiment includes a driven member configured such that a piston and a valve element are vertically coupled with each other and configured such that a pilot passage runs through the driven member. Here, the piston separates a high-pressure chamber from a back pressure chamber. The valve element opens and closes a main valve by moving toward and away from a valve hole. The pilot passage communicates between a low-pressure chamber and the back pressure chamber. A communicating path, through which the high-pressure chamber and the back pressure chamber communicate with each other, is formed in the piston. The communicating path is formed such that an orifice, which is open to the back pressure chamber, and a communication hole, having a larger cross section than that of the orifice, are vertically connected with each other. The orifice is located above the communication hole.

Abstract: Methods and a fluid separation fitting for channeling hydraulic fluid in an aircraft are provided herein. The fluid separation fitting includes a first tube section and a second tube section. The first tube section includes a first end and a second end, and is configured to receive a first distribution line therethrough. The first distribution line is configured to channel fluid therethrough in a first direction. The first tube section is configured to be coupled to a second distribution line configured to channel fluid therethrough in an opposite second direction. The second distribution line circumscribes at least a portion of the first distribution line. The second tube section extends from the first tube section to channel fluid into or from the second distribution line via the first tube section.

Abstract: A hydraulic directional control valve for activating a hydraulic load, comprising a housing with a pump connection for connecting to a pressure source, a tank connection for connecting to a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a first and second working connection for connecting to the hydraulic load, and a first and a second valve slide, which are held in the housing so as to be linearly movable in a displacement direction.

Abstract: An angle flow valve comprises a housing and a cover. The housing comprises a first recess for receiving a flow restrictor, a second recess for receiving a relief valve, a first port fluidly connected to the first recess, an angled flow path fluidly connected to the first recess and to the second recess, a second port fluidly connected to the angled flow path, and a relief passage between the first recess and the second recess. The first recess is parallel to the second recess, permitting drop-in assembly of the flow restrictor and relief valve. The cover comprises a solenoid assembly, and the cover couples to the housing by adjoining the solenoid against the flow restrictor and by adjoining the cover against the relief valve. A single o-ring seals the leak path between the cover and the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for a fuel receiver. The apparatus includes a base having an inlet and an outlet that defines an interior channel through which fluid is flowable. The apparatus also includes a first valve movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position allowing fluid flow through the inlet. The apparatus also includes a second valve independently movable relative to the base and the first valve, the second valve movable between a closed position and an open position allowing fluid flow through the inlet. The system includes the apparatus, and a fluid reservoir or tank in fluid communication with the apparatus.

Abstract: A valve is provided having an air gap to protect against backflow in a fluid system. The valve can also be used to control fluid flow while providing such backflow protection. The valve can be used with e.g., a reverse osmosis water filtration system and/or other systems. By incorporating both backflow protection and flow control into the same device, efficiencies in space, complexity, and/or installation time are provided.

Abstract: An oil control valve assembly includes a valve body and a controller coupled to an exterior end of the valve body. The controller includes a solenoid housing attached to the exterior end of the valve body, and defines an interior region. An encapsulated coil assembly is disposed within the interior region of the solenoid housing. A housing seal is disposed within the interior region of the solenoid housing, in sealing engagement with the solenoid housing, the valve body, and the encapsulated coil assembly. The housing seal is operable to seal the interior region of the solenoid housing to prevent fluid communication between the solenoid housing and the valve body. An adapter assembly is coupled to the valve body to reposition a discharge location of a supply port, a control port, and an exhaust port of the valve body along a longitudinal axis of the valve body.

Abstract: Check valve units having one or more sound attenuating members are disclosed. A check valve unit includes a housing defining an inlet port, an outlet port, and a chamber in fluid communication therewith thereby defining a flow path from the inlet port through the chamber to the outlet port. The chamber includes first and second valve seats and has a sealing member disposed therein that is moveable from a position seated on the first valve seat to a position seated on the second valve seat. A sound attenuating member is disposed in the flow path downstream of the chamber, within the chamber, or both. In another embodiment, the check valve unit includes a Venturi portion in fluid communication with the chamber. The Venturi portion has a fluid junction with the flow path downstream of the chamber or forms the discharge section of the Venturi portion thereby defining the outlet port.

Abstract: In a fluid control device, a check valve includes a first valve housing and a first diaphragm. The first diaphragm defines a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber. An exhaust valve includes a second valve housing and a second diaphragm. The second diaphragm defines a third valve chamber and a fourth valve chamber. The check valve is opened and closed by a difference in pressure between the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber. The exhaust valve is opened and closed by a difference in pressure between the third valve chamber and the fourth valve chamber.

Abstract: A pulsation control device is constructed at least partially of a composite carbon (and/or other fibers)/epoxy exostructure having an oblong cylindrical or spheroidal shape, optionally with metallic portions or reinforcements, together with a non-metallic polymer non-load sharing liner. A pressure drop tube preferably extends from an opening through an exterior wall of the body into an interior space within the body.

Abstract: An in-line water hammer arrester comprises a housing connectable at each end to a piping system, a fluid channel disposed within the housing to permit fluid to flow from the piping system through the housing and back into the piping system, a piston and a pressurized chamber. When a pressure spike occurs, the piston is pushed against the pressurized chamber allowing an expanded area for water flow until the pressure spike is dissipated and the piston returns to its resting position. When used with flexible hoses and tubing typically found with household appliance water supply lines, the in-line arrester is easily installed by a crimping or clamping type connector and takes up little space.

Abstract: A flow regulating device in a fluid system according to one embodiment may include a housing defining a cavity receiving an orifice body. The orifice body defines a bore extending axially therethrough and includes a flexible end section, with axial slits in one example, to allow the end section to be radially compressed to change a cross-section of a flow passageway when the bore of the orifice body is included in the flow passageway.

Abstract: An in-flight refueling hose and method. The hose includes an inner braid including pseudoelastic shape memory alloy (e.g., nitinol) wires. These wires undergo a stress induced phase change absorbing energy to dampen oscillations of the hose in use.

Abstract: The invention disclosed, is a felting loom system and method, for producing felted woven, fibre art textile shapes. The handcrafting apparatus kit comprises, multi-shaped and sized, interlocking loom blocks and method auxiliary tools. Employed individually, or as assembled loom frameworks, the loom blocks, provide supportive structural foundations, to carry out the inventive method's, multi-functional procedures. Utilized conjointly, the texturized surfaces of the loom block structures and the roller tool components, further generate friction, for the method's practical processing requirements. The variety of loom block construction, configurations and utility functional purposes, enables creative flexibility for fibre artisans to produce wide ranges of felted textile shapes, sizes and constructed fibre art compositions.