Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus includes: a sheet loading unit for loading a bundle of sheets; a separation unit that separates a topmost sheet of the bundle of sheets loaded on the sheet loading unit, from the bundle of sheets; a conveyance unit that conveys the separated topmost sheet; an end fence that is movable in a sheet conveyance direction, abuts trailing ends in the sheet conveyance direction, and positions the bundle of sheets in the sheet conveyance direction; and a pressing unit that is provided in such a manner as to protrude from the end fence, and is able to press the trailing ends in the sheet conveyance direction of at least an upper part of the bundle of sheets, wherein the pressing unit has different pressing forces at an upper and a lower portion thereof, and has the lower pressing force stronger than the upper pressing force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding system for holding sheet material for plotters characterized in that it comprises at least one substantially tubular side holding element (1), at least part of the external surface (2) thereof being tapered. Furthermore, said side holding element (1) comprises a longitudinal opening (7) and has internal chamfers at one of its ends (4). As a result of the thickness and the tapering of the external surface thereof, the side holding element hold the sheet material and, simultaneously, ensures that there is a gap between the winder tube and the sheet material wound on said tube, which facilitates its removal from the tube.

Abstract: A media accumulator-ejector for use with an imaging apparatus. Rotatable upper and lower roll assemblies are located above and below a media accumulation zone comprised of an accumulation plate and positioned to receive media exiting an imaging device. The roll assemblies are moveable like jaws between an open position where media can accumulate on the accumulation plate without interference with the roll assemblies and a clamping position where the accumulated media is grasped by the upper and lower roll assemblies. The upper and lower roll assemblies are then rotated to eject the accumulated media from the accumulation plate. The upper and lower roll assemblies can also grasp and continuously eject individual sheets of media at a predetermined process speed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section configured to form a toner image on a sheet having a paste component; and an end pressing section provided on an upstream side of the image forming section in a sheet conveyance direction, and configured to exert a pressure on an end portion of the sheet while moving from a center toward an end of the sheet in a sheet width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction.

Abstract: A cable dispensing system for unwinding a spool of cable not having a central core, the system comprising a tub having a base and a side wall with a side wall opening partially forming an inner space sized to fit the spool, the system further including an inner assembly having a base plate and a bearing assembly between the plate and the tub base, the bearing assembly supporting both the axial load and providing free rotation of the plate relative to the tub base about an inner space axis and unrestricted rotation of the associated spool about the system axis, the opening in the side wall allowing passage of the associated cable out of the inner space wherein pulling the cable out of the inner space rotates the associated spool about the inner space axis and unwinds the cable from the spool with low resistance and without kinking.

Abstract: This bobbin unwinding device (32A (32B)) is provided with a bobbin support shaft (33) which rotatably supports a bobbin (B) around which a band-like fiber bundle (F) is wound, a fixed guide (35) which changes the running direction of the fiber bundle (F) unwound from the bobbin (B), and an auxiliary roller (34) arranged between the bobbin (B) and the fixed guide (35), wherein the fixed guide (35) is arranged such that the shaft center of the fixed guide (35) is substantially perpendicular to the shaft center of the bobbin support shaft (33), and the auxiliary roller (34) is arranged such that the shaft center of the auxiliary roller (34) is parallel or substantially parallel to the shaft center of the bobbin support shaft (33).

Abstract: A hose guide for a hose reel deck box is provided. More specifically, the hose guide is a one piece, or unitary body, component. The unitary body hose guide is structured to snap-fit to one or two travel bars that are part of the unitary body of the hose reel deck box housing assembly. The hose guide preferably includes two semi-enclosed passages that are structured to be slidably coupled to the travel bars.

Abstract: A cage energy supply system comprises wind power generation devices, a tail rope beam suspension device and a control device that are connected to the bottom of a cage box. The tail rope beam suspension device and the control device are located on the central axis of the bottom of the cage box, and the two sides of the tail rope beam suspension device are each connected to one wind power generation device. By means of the characteristics that the descending speed of the cage is high and the relative wind speed of an auxiliary shaft is high, the two wind power generation devices charge one storage battery at the same time, and the two storage batteries carry out charging and power supply alternately, so that a powered unit of the cage is supported by a stable and reliable power source all the time, the power supply requirement of the cage for the powered unit thereof is met, and meanwhile the power supply requirement for the control device is met.

Abstract: A method of detecting a stuck car or a stuck counterweight in an elevator system having a machine for imparting motion to the car and counterweight includes sensing a car side suspension member tension, T1; sensing a counterweight side suspension member tension, T2; determining a traction ratio in response to a relationship between T1 and T2; and determining a stuck car or a stuck counterweight if the traction ratio violates a limit.

Abstract: A method of wear detection of a coated belt or rope includes connecting a wear detection unit to one or more monitoring strands and/or cords of a coated belt or rope. The coated belt or rope includes one or more baseline strands and/or cords exhibiting a first change in electrical resistance as a function of bending cycles of the belt or rope and one or more monitoring strands and/or cords exhibiting a second change in electrical resistance as a function of bending cycles of the belt or rope, greater than the first change in electrical resistance. An electrical resistance of the one or more monitoring strands and/or cords is measured via the wear detection unit. Using at least the measured electrical resistance of the one or more monitoring strands and/or cords, a wear condition of the belt or rope is determined.

Abstract: In an elevator controlling panel, an opening portion of a front surface of a case is opened and closed by a front cover. A bent portion is disposed on a first end portion in a width direction of the front cover. A slit is disposed on the bent portion. A shaft member that guides opening and closing operations of the front cover by being moved relatively along the slit, and that also stops the front cover from dislodging from the case, is disposed on a side surface of the case. The slit has a shape such that the opening portion is opened by sliding the front cover forward relative to the controlling panel main body and then upward.

Abstract: A load is handled by a load handling device comprising gripping means for gripping at least one fastening point of the load, comprising determining, in the gripping means, a distance map within the area of which are described a part of the area of the load to which the gripping means attach and/or on which another load is stacked, as well as surroundings of the load.

Abstract: A crane includes an overload safety device and a identifying unit. The overload safety device includes a maximum-load calculating unit configured to calculate a maximum load that a winch drum is capable of winding up with driving torques output from the remaining electric motors other than a failed electric motor identified by the identifying unit, an updating unit configured to update a set hoisting ability value stored in a storing unit to a value equal to the maximum load, and a control unit configured to cause the remaining electric motors to operate when a value of a load derived by a load deriving unit is equal to or smaller than a latest set hoisting ability value stored in the storing unit and stop the operation of the plurality of electric motors when the value of the load derived by the load deriving unit exceeds the latest set hoisting ability value.

Abstract: A crane, in particular an overhead crane or gantry crane, comprising at least one crane girder, which extends horizontally and is designed as a trussed girder having an upper run and a lower run. A crane trolley having a lifting device can be moved on the crane girder. The invention further relates to a method for assembling a crane girder, comprising an assembly step for producing the trussed structure of the crane girder. The crane girder includes an adapter on at least one of the two opposite ends, which adapter can be fastened to the upper run and the lower run in such a way that the adapter can be oriented relative to the upper run and the lower run and then the adapter can be welded onto the upper run and the lower run in a desired position.

Abstract: A boom extension and contraction mechanism for a crane apparatus includes: a flow passage switching mechanism that switches a flow passage of the hydraulic oil between the cylinder-to-boom connection switching cylinder side and the boom member connection switching cylinder side; a hose reel configured to reel out a hydraulic hose as a telescopic cylinder is extending, and to reel off the hydraulic hose as the telescopic cylinder is contracting; a cable used to supply power and transmit a signal between a swivel base and a boom; and a cord reel configured to reel out the cable as the telescopic cylinder is extending and to reel off the cable as the telescopic cylinder is contracting. The code reel and the hose reel are arranged on the base in a direction in which the boom extends and contracts.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a line may include a guide configured for arrangement on the line to resist and/or dampen lateral motions of the line where the guide may include a guide jacket having a static sleeve configured to allow the line to pass through the guide and a fortifying bracket configured to reinforce the guide jacket and configured to interface with a hanging system to support the guide jacket and maintain the guide jacket in position on the line.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a vehicle restoration system comprises a first base unit, a second base unit, a third base unit, and at least a fourth base unit, an adjustment member positioned at each base unit, the adjustment member being configured to support a surface of a vehicle along an upper end of the adjustment member, the jack being configured to selectively change a vertical position of the upper end of the adjustment member, a first side member coupling the first base unit to the second base unit, a second side member coupling the third base unit to the fourth base unit, a first strut coupling the first base unit to the third base unit, and a second strut coupling the second base unit to the fourth base unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting vehicles includes a runway, a base, an actuation assembly, a first armature assembly, a second armature assembly, and a third armature assembly. The runway is designed to vertically lift a vehicle from a lowered position to a raised position. The runway is connected to the third armature assembly. In turn, the third armature assembly is connected to the actuation assembly, which is pivotally fixed to the base. The first and second armature assemblies also connect the base with the third armature assembly. The actuation assembly is configured to lift the third armature assembly, which is guided by both the first armature assembly and second armature assembly. In response to the actuation assembly, the third armature assembly then forces the runway from the lowered position to the raised position, thereby lifting the vehicle.

Abstract: A lift arrangement of a lift truck, especially a forklift truck, has a lift mast defining a z-axis. The lift mast includes a first mast section and a second mast section. Damping elements made from elastic material are provided on the first mast section and/or the second mast section preventing a hard impact of the second mast section with the first mast section at the run-in end position of the second mast section. The damping elements are configured and arranged in such a manner that, in addition to damping the movement of the second mast section in the direction of the z-axis, the damping elements damp movements of the second mast section in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis running perpendicularly to the z-axis.

Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting the position of an implement for a work vehicle may generally include receiving an input associated with a flow-related parameter of the work vehicle as loader arms of the work vehicle are being moved and determining a speed control signal for the implement based at least in part on the flow-related parameter, wherein the speed control signal is associated with an implement speed at which the implement is to be moved in order to maintain the implement at a fixed orientation relative to a given reference point. In addition, the method may include generating a valve command signal based at least in part on the speed control signal and transmitting the valve command signal to a valve associated with the implement in order to maintain the implement at the fixed orientation as the loader arms are being moved.

Abstract: Adjustable clamp systems that include friction sleeves and corresponding compression nuts for securing the friction sleeves to an elongated support structure. Each friction sleeve is designed and configured to slidably engage around the exterior of the elongated support structure and includes at least one deformable region that allows the corresponding compression nut to radially compress a portion of the friction sleeve into firm engagement with the support structure so that the friction sleeve firmly grips the support structure. The adjustable clamp systems can be used to secure one or more objects to the elongated support structure.

Abstract: A lifting-device brake system includes at least one brake assembly configured to be activated by a spring force. The at least one brake assembly is configured to achieve a braking effect. At least one piston/cylinder assembly is configured to be actuated by a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure via which the braking effect achieved by the at least one brake assembly can be reduced by at least partially overcoming the spring force. A hydraulic or pneumatic assembly is configured to provide the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to actuate the at least one piston/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic or pneumatic assembly comprises an apparatus configured to maintain the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure applied to the at least one piston/cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A laboratory capper, decapper or combination capper/decapper includes a deck containing with a nest designed to hold an SBS-formatted tube storage rack, and a bit exchange magazine assembly containing one or more sets of adapter bits. The adapter bits are mounted on and unloaded from motor driven fittings, and are exchanged in order to cap or decap laboratory sample tubes or vials that have different head configurations. The bit exchange magazine assembly enables the bit to be exchanged robotically.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine includes first and second cameras for capturing first and second images of a receptacle. The beverage preparation machine further includes a control unit configured to determine a receptacle volume based on the first and second images and to determine a beverage volume to be dispensed based on the receptacle volume and the selected filling level or percentage. Regardless of the shape, volume, and/or material of the receptacle, the filling level or percentage for dispensing the beverage can be freely selected via a user interface.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the current invention utilize a container having an interlock that prevents filling the container, dispensing from the container, or both, as well as a detecting mechanism that senses a unique identifier associated with a particular product allowing its use in conjunction with the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of sensor manufacturing technology, particularly discloses a method for manufacturing a micro-sensor body, comprising the steps of S1: applying a wet colloidal material on a substrate to form a colloidal layer, and covering a layer of one-dimensional nanowire film on the surface of the colloidal layer to form a sensor embryo; S2: drying the colloidal layer of the sensor embryo to an extent that the colloidal layer cracks into a plurality of colloidal islands, a portion of the one-dimensional nanowire film contracting into a contraction diaphragm adhered to the surface of the colloidal islands while the other portion of the one-dimensional nanowire film being stretched into a connection structure connected between the adjacent contraction diaphragms.

Abstract: An electronic device may include components that are formed using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. A MEMS device may include a MEMS structure bonded to a semiconductor substrate. The MEMS structure may be formed from a silicon substrate having a cavity and a moveable member suspended over the cavity and free to oscillate within the cavity. The semiconductor substrate may be a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor substrate having circuitry such as sensing electrodes. The sensing electrodes may be used to gather signals that are produced by movement of the suspended member. One or more of the electrodes on the semiconductor substrate may be covered by a dielectric film to prevent electrical shorts between adjacent electrodes on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an electronic device includes a process that forms a protective layer on at least a portion of the first base body to which a third base body is to be bonded, a process that performs first bonding of a second base body to the first base body, a process that performs a first etching of the second base body bonded by the first bonding, a process that removes the protective layer using a second etching, and a process that performs second bonding of the third base body to the first base body. In the first etching, an etching rate of the second base body is faster than those of the first base body and the protective layer, and in the second etching, an etching rate of the protective layer is faster than those of the first base body and the second base body.

Abstract: A sensor chip combining a substrate comprising at least one CMOS circuit, a MEMS substrate and another substrate comprising at least one CMOS circuit in one package that is vertically stacked is disclosed. The package comprises a sensor chip further comprising a first substrate with a first surface and a second surface comprising at least one CMOS circuit; a MEMS substrate with a first surface and a second surface; and a second substrate comprising at least one CMOS circuit. Where the first surface of the first substrate is attached to a packaging substrate and the second surface of the first substrate is attached to the first surface of the MEMS substrate. The second surface of the MEMS substrate is attached to the second substrate. The first substrate, the MEMS substrate, the second substrate and the packaging substrate are mechanically attached and provided with electrical inter-connects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fabricating a high-precision object made of at least one inorganic material, comprising the following steps: using a high-resolution photolithography process, employing X-rays or UV rays depending on the desired degree of precision, in a chosen direction Z, to form a negative mold, which does not deform at the microscale during the steps of the process, in a material able to withstand a step for forming the object by dry deposition and capable of either being removed without altering the object fabricated or being separated from said object; choosing, independently of the normal redox potential of its constituent elements, at least one inorganic material from the set of materials that can be deposited by dry deposition and that allow the object to be fabricated to meet its thermomechanical and environmental specifications; and forming, by means of the non-deformable negative mold, the object to be fabricated by dry deposition of said at least one inorganic material, ther

Abstract: A method for integrating complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices with a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device using a flat surface above a sacrificial layer is provided. In some embodiments, a back-end-of-line (BEOL) interconnect structure is formed covering a semiconductor substrate, where the BEOL interconnect structure comprises a first dielectric region. A sacrificial layer is formed over the first dielectric region, and a second dielectric region is formed covering the sacrificial layer and the first dielectric region. A planarization is performed into an upper surface of the second dielectric region to planarize the upper surface. A MEMS structure is formed on the planar upper surface of the second dielectric region. A cavity etch is performed into the sacrificial layer, through the MEMS structure, to remove the sacrificial layer and to form a cavity in place of the sacrificial layer. An integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method is also provided.

Abstract: Compression cold welding methods, joint structures, and hermetically sealed containment devices are provided. The method includes providing a first substrate having at least one first joint structure which comprises a first joining surface, which surface comprises a first metal; providing a second substrate having at least one second joint structure which comprises a second joining surface, which surface comprises a second metal; and compressing together the at least one first joint structure and the at least one second joint structure to locally deform and shear the joining surfaces at one or more interfaces in an amount effective to form a metal-to-metal bond between the first metal and second metal of the joining surfaces. Overlaps at the joining surfaces are effective to displace surface contaminants and facilitate intimate contact between the joining surfaces without heat input. Hermetically sealed devices can contain drug formulations, biosensors, or MEMS devices.

Abstract: A bio-sensing semiconductor structure is provided. A transistor includes a channel region and a gate underlying the channel region. A first dielectric layer overlies the transistor. A first opening extends through the first dielectric layer to expose the channel region. A bio-sensing layer lines the first opening and covers an upper surface of the channel region. A second dielectric layer lines the first opening over the bio-sensing layer. A second opening within the first opening extends to the bio-sensing layer, through a region of the second dielectric layer overlying the channel region. A method for manufacturing the bio-sensing semiconductor structure is also provided.

Abstract: A method of leak detection of hermetically sealed cavities semiconductor devices is provided. Scribe streets are formed with access from each packaged device on a first substrate to the edge of the first substrate. The first substrate is attached to a second substrate, forming gaps between the two substrates. A cavity is formed around a packaged device on the first substrate by attaching a bond ring to the first substrate and an optically transparent window above the bonding ring. The cavity is evacuated. A high powered laser beam strikes the top surface of the device on the first substrate within the cavity and creates a vertical surface displacement of the first substrate. The vertical surface displacement is monitored using a separate interrogation laser beam. Leakage of the cavity can be measured by characterizing the resonance decay rate, Q.

Abstract: A method for fabricating three-dimensional microstructures is presented. The method includes: disposing a substantially planar reflow material between two molds; heating the reflow material while the reflow material is disposed between the two molds; and reflowing the reflow material towards the bottom surface of one of the molds by creating a pressure gradient across the reflow material. At least one of molds includes geometrics features that help to shape the reflow material and thereby form a complex three-dimensional microstructure.

Abstract: A system and method for converting waste and secondary materials into synthesis gas (syngas) through the use of a molten metal bath gasifier for the initial breakdown of waste feeds and an A/C plasma reactor for complete dissociation of waste feeds into syngas, and an anaerobic digester. The system includes a heat recovery and steam power generation process for the production of electricity. The system produces a net output of electricity above plant load sufficient for the co-production of renewable Hydrogen and Oxygen. The process does not require the use of fossil fuels or fossil feedstocks during normal operations, and it eliminates combustion produced stack emissions or landfill residuals.

Abstract: A sulfur trap provides separation of elemental molten sulfur from a process stream comprising a mixture of sulfur and associated tail-gases. The sulfur trap comprises a vertically-oriented cylindrical wall having a chamber for receiving the process stream, a float positioned in the chamber, the float attached to a float end of a lever, a nozzle insert attached to the distal end of the lever, and a lever fulcrum positioned intermediate the lever float end and the lever nozzle insert end. The float, lever, nozzle insert and outlet are constructed to allow the float position to control nozzle insert engagement of the outlet, particularly to close the outlet when the float is elevated by molten sulfur and to disengage from the outlet to allow discharge flow of liquid sulfur at a determined level of sulfur within the chamber. Embodiments of a method of separating liquid sulfur from gases are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing lithium metal phosphate (LMP) having, as a precursor, crystalline iron phosphate salt having a (meta)strengite structure or metal-doped crystalline iron phosphate salt having a (meta)strengite structure, the method comprising the steps of: mixing a lithium raw material with crystalline iron phosphate salt in a slurry phase or a cake phase; and heat-treating the mixture. The method, by mixing a lithium (Li) raw material and a carbon (C) coating material with crystalline iron phosphate salt in a slurry phase or a cake phase, allows elements such as Li, Fe, P and C to be homogeneously mixed, and then, by having the elements dried simultaneously, enables manufacturing of high-quality LMP. Therefore, the present invention is not only capable of providing convenience during the manufacturing process for lithium metal phosphate, but also capable of providing a lithium secondary battery positive electrode active material having excellent battery characteristics.

Abstract: Provided is a carbon fiber manufacturing method including a surface treatment step of ejecting an ozone solution in which ozone is dissolved in solvent from a fluid ejecting port toward a carbon fiber bundle and causing the ozone solution to pass between single fibers of the carbon fiber bundle so as to contact surfaces of the single fibers so that the surfaces of carbon fibers are treated by the ozone solution. Also, provided is a carbon fiber subjected to a surface treatment by the carbon fiber manufacturing method.

Abstract: A method of reducing a gaseous carbon oxide includes reacting a carbon oxide with a gaseous reducing agent in the presence of a non-ferrous catalyst. The reaction proceeds under conditions adapted to produce solid carbon of various allotropes and morphologies, the selective formation of which can be controlled by means of controlling reaction gas composition and reaction conditions including temperature and pressure. A method for utilizing a non-ferrous catalyst in a reactor includes placing the catalyst in a suitable reactor and flowing reaction gases comprising a carbon oxide with at least one gaseous reducing agent through the reactor where, in the presence of the catalyst, at least a portion of the carbon in the carbon oxide is converted to solid carbon and a tail gas mixture containing water vapor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material of porous graphene nanowires with a pore-rich structure, production methods and applications of the material of porous graphene nanowires. The method includes: synthesis of catalyst nanowires for porous graphene nanowires, chemical vapor deposition of a carbon source on the catalysts to grow graphene, removal of residual catalyst, and formation of the porous graphene nanowires. The porous graphene nanowires can be used as an electrochemical energy storage material, carriers of catalysts, a conductive material, an adsorption material, a desorption material, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process to manufacture TCS in a polysilicon plant based upon combining a high temperature FBR process reacting metallurgical grade silicon, hydrogen, and silicon tetrachloride (STC) to make trichlorosilane (TCS) and a high temperature thermal converter to hydrogenate STC to TCS and hydrogen chloride.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to porous boron nitride and a method for preparing the same. The porous boron nitride of the present invention may be obtained by mixing a boron source with a nitrogen source, heating the mixture to form a compound, and then, extracting elements other than boron and nitrogen. The porous boron nitride of the present invention comprises both micropores and mesopoers, and it has a large specific surface area, and thus, may be usefully used in various fields.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for synthesizing zeolite SSZ-52 in the presence of an organic structure directing agent having the following structure (1): wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and n has a value of 0, 1 or 2.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of indium oxide nanorods, including the following steps: providing a temperature furnace divided into a first zone and a second zone; putting an indium metal source in the first zone and putting a substrate in the second zone; modulating a temperature of the first zone to a first temperature and modulating a temperature of the second zone to a second temperature, wherein the first temperature is higher than the second temperature; and inputting argon and oxygen into the temperature furnace when the temperature of the first zone reaches the first temperature and the temperature of the second zone reaches the second temperature, wherein a ratio of argon and oxygen is in a range of 30:1 to 70:1 such that a plurality of indium oxide nanorods are formed on the substrate. An indium oxide nanorod is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a potassium titanate easily and inexpensively produces a potassium titanate that exhibits high thermal stability and has a significantly low fibrous potassium titanate content. The method for producing a potassium titanate includes calcining a raw material mixture by heating the raw material mixture to a maximum calcination temperature that exceeds 1000° C. while controlling the heating rate from 1000° C. to the maximum calcination temperature to 15° C./min or less to obtain a calcine, and cooling the calcine while controlling the cooling rate from the maximum calcination temperature to 500° C. to 100° C.

Abstract: An expandable water filtering pitcher having a pitcher with a top portion, a base portion and an inner wall surface defining an internal volume of the pitcher, a spout at the top portion at a pitcher opening, a handle attached to an exterior of the pitcher, a filter adapter mounted within the pitcher top portion. The filter adapter is within a reservoir comprising an opening therethrough from the top portion to the base portion of the pitcher and a reservoir sleeve movably coupled to the reservoir and top portion, at least one of the reservoir and the reservoir sleeve moveable in relation to the other between a retracted position defining a first reservoir volume within the reservoir and reservoir sleeve, and an expanded position defining a second reservoir volume within the reservoir and reservoir sleeve at least 40% larger than the first reservoir volume.

Abstract: A portable drinking water filter system, such as a pitcher, having a floatable body including a filter opening configured to receive a water filter, the floatable body having a seal extending outward from an outer surface of the floatable body. The floatable body is disposed in a container cavity such that a body seal engages the sidewall and restricts water from passing between the floatable body and the sidewall. The seal is configured to create friction with the sidewall, wherein the friction created when the floatable body rises in the container is different than when the floatable body lowers in the container. The friction created when the floatable body rises in the container is greater than when the floatable body lowers in the container, allowing the floatable body to auto-retract toward a cavity base without burping.

Abstract: A downcomer apparatus for use in a multi-stage bubble column humidifier. The humidifier comprises at least a first, second and third stage, wherein each of said stages includes an inlet, an outlet and a chamber defined by said stage, in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. In the humidifier, a heated liquid fluid stream flowing downwardly exchanges mass and heat with a cooler carrier gas stream flowing upwardly through the bubble column. A bubble generator comprising a perforated plate, or sparger, passes the carrier gas, such as air, from a lower chamber to form bubbles in a fluid, such as water, forming a bath on an upper chamber. An off-set arrangement of downcomer apparatuses, wherein said apparatus comprises a funnel, a watergate, and a downcomer, is used to prevent a recirculation of humid bubbles from the upper chamber to the lower chamber, thus preventing the air stream from circumventing the bubble generator in the form of the humid bubbles.

Abstract: A solar water purifier is disclosed. The solar water purifier uses waste heat from a solar panel, or direct heat from the sun, to boil, evaporate, and condense water to create a stream of purified water. In one embodiment, a boiling tank is mounted under and in direct thermal contact with a solar panel to absorb waste heat. In another embodiment, a transparent wall of the boiling tank is directly exposed to solar energy. Unpurified water enters the boiling tank from an inlet tank. Once in the boiling tank, a stream of steam and water vapor leaves the tank and is allowed to condense within a condenser. The condenser is located within the inlet tank, such that the heat recovered during condensation is used to preheat the inlet water to the boiling tank.