Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a composite alkali ion-conductive electrolyte membrane. Generally, the cell includes a catholyte compartment and an anolyte compartment that are separated by the composite alkali ion-conductive electrolyte membrane. The composite electrolyte membrane includes a layer of alkali ion-conductive material and one or more layers of alkali intercalation compound which is chemically stable upon exposure to a chemically reactive anolyte solution or catholyte solution thereby protecting the layer of alkali ion-conductive material from unwanted chemical reaction. The layer of alkali intercalation compound conducts alkali ions. The cell may operate and protect the alkali ion-conductive material under conditions that would be adverse to the material if the intercalation compound were not present. The composite membrane may include a cation conductor layer having additional capability to protect the composite electrolyte membrane from adverse conditions.

Abstract: A mixed conducting ceramic element comprises a plurality of tubes each having interior and exterior surfaces, a closed end and an open end. A tube support member receives the open ends of the tubes. The ceramic element has a general composition of AxA?x?A?x?ByB?y?B?y?O3-z, where A, A? and A? are selected from Group II elements or the Lanthanoids, and B, B? and B? are selected from the d-block transition metals, and wherein 0<x?1, 0<x??1, 0<x??1, 0<y?1, 0<y??1, 0<y??1, x+x?+x??1, y+y?+y??1, and z is selected so that the resultant composition is charge neutral. The ceramic element can be a composite consisting of two or more component materials, wherein one component is predominantly an electronic conductor and another is predominantly an ionic conductor. The ceramic element may also be a composite material containing at least one component material having a chemical composition of AxA?x?A?x?ByB?y?B?y?O3-z.

Abstract: Provided is a metal coating film formation device capable of forming a film using a simple device configuration and in a short time, and capable of performing the formation of a film of metal coating continuously for a long period. A film formation device 1A is provided with an anode 11, a solid electrolyte film 13 disposed between the anode 11 and the base material B, and a power supply unit 16 that applies a voltage between the anode 11 and the base material B. The anode 11 is a non-porous anode comprising the same metal as the metal of the metal coating. Between the anode 11 and the solid electrolyte film 13, a porous material 14 is disposed in contact with the anode 11 and the solid electrolyte film 13. The porous material 14 includes a plurality of pores providing communication between the anode 11 and the solid electrolyte film 13 and being supplied with a metal solution L.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyte and to a method for the electrolytic deposition of silver-rich silver-palladium alloys which to a minor degree also include selenium and/or tellurium. The electrolyte of the invention allows uniform deposition of such an alloy on conductive surfaces across a wide range of current densities.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for magnetic electro-plating or electro-deposition. Example methods may include utilizing a magnet during electro-deposition to modify kinetics of deposition of plating material on a substrate.

Abstract: This relates to a process for manufacturing a recovery annealed coated steel substrate for packaging applications and a packaging steel product produced thereby.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mold includes (a) anodizing an aluminum substrate at a voltage of 60 V to 120 V in an electrolytic solution in which two or more species of acid are mixed, and forming an oxide film having a plurality of minute holes on a surface of the aluminum substrate; and (b) removing at least a portion of the oxide film. The electrolytic solution used in (a) satisfies the relation (D1)/2<D2, where D1 is the current density when the aluminum substrate is anodized under the same conditions as in (a) in an electrolytic solution of only the acid (A) having the highest acid dissociation constant (Ka) of the two or more species of acid, and D2 is the current density when the aluminum substrate is anodized under the same conditions (a) in the same electrolytic solution as that of (a).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a sensor includes coating an end-polished sapphire fiber with aluminum to produce a sapphire fiber having an aluminum coating, anodizing the aluminum coating to produce an aluminum oxide coating, and removing the aluminum oxide coating from a distal end of the sapphire fiber.

Abstract: A system for growing a crystal is provided that includes a crucible, a furnace, and a heat transfer device. The crucible has a first volume to receive therein a material for growing a crystal. The furnace has an ampoule configured to receive the crucible within the ampoule. The furnace is configured to produce a lateral thermal profile combined with a vertical thermal gradient. The heat transfer device is disposed under the crucible and configured to produce a leading edge of growth of the crystal at a bottom of the crucible. The heat transfer device includes at least one elongate member disposed beneath the crucible and extending along a length of the crucible.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a zone melting furnace thermal field with a dual power heating function and a heat preservation method. The zone melting furnace thermal field comprises a primary heating coil and an auxiliary heater, wherein the auxiliary heater has a wavy appearance bent repeatedly up and down and forms a circular loop by surrounding in the horizontal direction, wherein both end parts of the auxiliary heater are provided with ports and are connected with an auxiliary heating power supply through cables; and the auxiliary heating power supply is also sequentially connected with a data analysis module and an infrared temperature measuring instrument through single lines. The present invention can solve the problem of single crystal rod cracking caused by unreasonable distribution of the thermal field and overlarge thermal stress in the growth process of zone-melted silicon single crystals over 6.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vitreous silica crucible which can suppress buckling and sidewall lowering of the crucible without fear of mixing of impurities into silicon melt. According to the present invention, provided is a vitreous silica crucible for pulling a silicon single crystal, wherein a ratio I2/I1 is 0.67 to 1.17, where I1 and I2 are area intensities of the peaks at 492 cm?1 and 606 cm?1, respectively, in Raman spectrum of vitreous silica of the region having a thickness of 2 mm from an outer surface to an inner surface of a wall of the crucible.

Abstract: A method of forming an SiC crystal including placing in an insulated graphite container a seed crystal of SiC, and supporting the seed crystal on a shelf, wherein cushion rings contact the seed crystal on a periphery of top and bottom surfaces of the seed crystal, and where the graphite container does not contact a side surface of the seed crystal; placing a source of Si and C atoms in the insulated graphite container, where the source of Si and C atoms is for transport to the seed crystal to grow the SiC crystal; placing the graphite container in a furnace; heating the furnace; evacuating the furnace; filling the furnace with an inert gas; and maintaining the furnace to support crystal growth to thereby form the SiC crystal.

Abstract: A crystal can be formed using vapor deposition. In one set of embodiments, the crystal can be grown such that the crystal selectively grown along a particular surface at a relatively faster rate as compared to another surface. In another embodiment, the assist material may aid in transporting or depositing the vapor species of a constituent to surfaces of the crystal. In a further set of embodiments, the crystal can be vapor grown in the presence of an assist material that is attracted to or repelled from a particular location of the crystal to increase or reduce crystal growth rate at a region adjacent to the location. The position of the relatively locally greater net charge within the assist material may affect the crystal plane to which the assist material is attracted or repelled. An as-grown crystal may be achieved that has a predetermined geometric shape.

Abstract: A susceptor is disclosed that can increase a heat capacity of a susceptor outer peripheral portion by enlarging the thickness of the susceptor and equalize thermal conditions for an outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion of a wafer and a method for manufacturing an epitaxial wafer that uses this susceptor to perform vapor-phase epitaxy of an epitaxial layer. Back surface depositions have a close relationship with heat transfer that occurs between a wafer and a susceptor, i.e., a wafer outer peripheral portion has a higher temperature than a wafer inner peripheral portion since the wafer is in contact with or close to the susceptor at the wafer outer peripheral portion and hence the back surface depositions are apt to be generated. This is solved by equalizing thermal conditions for the wafer outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion of the wafer back surface.

Abstract: A selective epitaxial growth method includes preparing a target object including a single crystal substrate in which an epitaxial growth region is partitioned by a suppression film; and growing the epitaxial layer on the epitaxial growth region of the target object until a predetermined film thickness is obtained. The growing the epitaxial layer includes first source gas supply process of supplying a source gas onto the target object under a first pressure to grow a first epitaxial layer on the epitaxial growth region, first removing process of removing deposits on the suppression film, second source gas supply process of supplying the source gas onto the target object under a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and second removing process of removing the deposits on the suppression film. The second source gas supply process and the second removing process are repeated until the predetermined film thickness is obtained.

Abstract: Relates to a method of producing a semiconductor crystal having generation of a defect suppressed in the semiconductor single crystal. The production method includes the steps of: forming a boron oxide film on the inner wall of a growth container having a bottom section and a body section continuous to the bottom section; bringing the boron oxide film into contact with boron oxide melt containing silicon oxide to form a boron oxide film containing silicon oxide on the inner wall of the growth container; forming raw material melt above seed crystal placed in and on the bottom section of the growth container; and solidifying the raw material melt from the seed crystal side to grow a semiconductor single crystal.

Abstract: The invention discloses a substrate with high fracture strength. The substrate according to the invention includes a plurality of nanostructures. The substrate has a first surface, and the nanostructures are protruded from the first surface. By the formation of the nanostructures, the fracture strength of the substrate is enhanced.

Abstract: An intimate blend of staple fibers, and a yarn, fabric, and article of clothing providing surprising arc performance and coloration capability, comprising a mixture of a first staple fiber made from a flame resistant polymer that retains at least 90 percent of its weight when heated to 425 degrees Celsius at a rate of 10 degrees per minute and comprises 0.5 to 20 weight percent discrete homogeneously dispersed carbon particles; and either (a) a second staple fiber from a flame resistant polymer being free of discrete carbon particles and having an L* lightness coordinate of 70 or greater and being capable of accepting a dye or coloration, or (b) a second staple fiber blend being free of discrete carbon particles and comprising at least one second staple fiber from a flame resistant polymer and having an L* lightness coordinate of 70 or greater and being capable of accepting a dye or coloration; the mixture having a total content of 0.5 to 3 weight percent discrete carbon particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyester yarn that can be used in a fabric for an airbag. In particular, a polyester yarn having a diethylene glycol content of 1.1 to 2.5 wt % and initial modulus of 100 g/d or less, a production method thereof, and a fabric for an airbag produced therefrom are disclosed. The polyester yarn has excellent moisture and heat resistance and light resistance, and maintained excellent mechanical properties after long-term aging under high temperature and high humidity conditions. Therefore, when applied to a fabric for an airbag, the polyester yarn provides excellent packing property, shape stability, and gas barrier effect, and the impact applied to a passenger is minimized, thereby safely protecting the passenger at the same time.

Abstract: This invention is related to a method of manufacturing a cotton weft knit fabric that is resistant to fraying, curling, and laddering. The unique fabrication method described herein generates a cotton fabric that resists edge fraying and curling when cut. As a result of the unique manufacturing method described herein, the typical garment hemming process typically used to prevent hemming and fraying in weft knit fabric is not required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for modifying the surface of a polyvinyl alcohol film or fabric by applying heat and pressure to the film or fabric to increase the moisture on the surface which is held by the fabric and to coalesce the surface fibers and reduce the porosity of the surface.

Abstract: A fireproof, translucent, flexible coated fabric composite material for use in fire curtains. The composite material meets or exceeds regulatory requirements in terms of fire endurance and allows transmissivity of necessary amounts of light. The process of the present disclosure combines a silica fabric with a special refractory index controlled resin. This unique combination of materials can transform an opaque high temperature fabric into a translucent, and even transparent, composite which as the ability to resist high temperature, flame and smoke penetration that fills a needed gap in technology between visibility and fire resistance in the field of fire and smoke curtains used in civil construction.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a polymer composite comprises a filler and a matrix. The filler comprises an electrospun polymer mat. The matrix comprises a polymer film. The filler is arranged to respond to stimuli by altering its mechanical properties. In one example, the mat can be electrospun from poly(vinyl alcohol), and the matrix can be formed from ethylene oxide-epichlorohydrin 1:1 copolymer. The filler can be arranged so that the tensile storage modulus of the polymer composite changes in response to the filler being exposed to a stimulus. In another example, the filler is about four percent by weight of the polymer composite.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for producing 3D fabrics including yarns/tows that remain in pre-tensioned condition. Further, the method and device produce 3D fabrics with features that increase the mechanical performance of produced materials which are highly suited for composite materials and impact injury mitigation applications. The method and device also provide a simple, quick and compact arrangement to produce economically both uniaxial and multiaxial types of 3D fabrics with specific dimensions and shapes in ‘middle-outwards’ manner to reduce production time by half by arranging the set of axial yarns in zigzag fashion between oppositely facing supports. The method and device aid automated production of 3D fabrics and their direct packaging to eliminate contamination of produced 3D fabrics. A 3D fabric produced in this way is also disclosed. The 3D fabric includes yarns/tows that remain in pre-tensioned condition.

Abstract: Hook for lockstitch sewing machine, both of the rotary type and of the Central Bobbin type (CB-shuttle or CB-hook), which includes a bobbin case (508, 708, 808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208) with an improved slide, composed of multiple components, including a slide body (515a, 615a, 715a, 815a, 915a, 1115a, 1215a) which performs entirely the functions of guiding the slide on the bobbin case and of creation of the leverage with the lever (16, 16b), and at least one secondary component (582, 782, 882, 982, 1182, 1286), fixed to the slide body and apt to perform the function of slide's claw or guide and/or protection of the thread.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a needle bar to which a sewing needle is attached, a needle bar up-and-down motion mechanism moving the needle bar up and down and a cutting unit including a cutting needle having a distal end formed with a blade and a cutting needle up-and-down motion mechanism which is independent of the needle bar up-and-down motion mechanism and moves the cutting needle up and down. The cutting unit is located on a sewing machine bed with the blade being directed upward.

Abstract: A collapsible watertight assembly comprises an impermeable flexible container (1) having an open end adapted to be sealed, a neck (7) closable by a screw cap (8), and a roll and lock seal (9) which provides a watertight seal on the open end. The assembly further comprises a reticulated inner container (11) adapted to fit inside the impermeable container (1). In use, a person puts garments in the inner container (11), places the inner container (11) inside the impermeable flexible container (1), fills the impermeable flexible container (1) with water and a cleaning substance, seals the sealing means (9) and applies an agitating motion to the assembly to enable the garments to be washed. The assembly can be used as a portable laundry assembly, as a self-contained assembly for bleaching, dyeing rinsing and drip-drying clothes or to carry water or to keep items dry in high-humidity or damp conditions.

Abstract: A laundry treating machine is provided. The laundry treating machine may include a tub to receive wash water, a drum rotatably provided in the tub, an air supply device to supply air to the tub, a lint filter to filter lint from the air circulated by the air supply device, a filter cleaning device to supply cleaning water to the lint filter to remove the lint from the lint filter, and a cooling water supply device to supply cooling water to an inner surface of the tub such that moisture contained in air is condensed at the inner surface of the tub.

Abstract: A suspension system for a laundry treating appliance having a cabinet and a tub comprises a rod coupled to the cabinet and a shock absorber coupled between the rod and the tub. A socket interface on the rod reduces side loading forces on the shock absorber. The socket interface may be separate from the shock absorber.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a front-loading washing machine including a cabinet having a front panel, in which the front panel is provided with an opening; a tub having an access port for loading and unloading clothes, in which the tub is disposed in the cabinet and configured in such a manner that the access port is capable of being moved up and down in the opening; a rotatable drum disposed in the tub; a door unit mounted to the tub and configured to cover the access port; and a driving mechanism configured to drive the tub to rotate, in which the driving mechanism is provided in the cabinet and coupled with the tub. The front-loading washing machine according to embodiments of the present disclosure has advantages of user-friendliness, low clothes abrasion, water saving and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a front-loading washing machine including a cabinet having a front panel, in which the front panel is provided with an opening; a tub having an access port for loading and unloading clothes, in which the tub is disposed in the cabinet and configured in such a manner that the access port is capable of being moved up and down in the opening; a rotatable drum disposed in the tub; a door unit mounted to the tub and configured to cover the access port; and a driving mechanism configured to drive the tub to rotate, in which the driving mechanism is provided in the cabinet and coupled with the tub. The front-loading washing machine according to embodiments of the present disclosure has advantages of user-friendliness, low clothes abrasion, water saving and the like.

Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a tub, an air supply unit, which is disposed over the tub so as to heat and circulate air in the tub, a detergent dispenser, which is disposed over the tub, a dispenser cover for opening the detergent dispenser, and a thermal shield member for preventing heat generated from the air supply unit from being directly transferred to the dispenser cover.

Abstract: A wall-mounted drum washing machine includes: a rear panel mounted on a wall; a tub supported by the rear panel and containing washing water; a front panel having an opening formed therein and installed on the tub; a drum rotatably installed in the tub; a driving unit configured to providing power to the drum; a cover installed on the rear panel and covering the tub and the front panel; a water supply device supplying washing water to the tub; a drain device discharging washing water from the tub to the outside; and a ventilation device forming a flow path through which air is moved between the inside and outside of the tub and connected to the drain device so as to discharge bubbles introduced from the tub to the outside through the drain device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filaments formed in various directions.

Abstract: An article comprises a substrate, a first functional polymeric phase change material, and a plurality of containment structures that contain the first functional polymeric phase change material. The article may further comprise a second phase change material chemically bound to at least one of the plurality of containment structures or the substrate. In certain embodiments, the article further comprises a second phase change material and a binder that contains at least one of the first polymeric phase change material and the second phase change material.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of treating textile fibers including the steps of: providing a polymeric precursor which includes a group of sub-formula (I) where R2 and R3 are independently selected from (CR7R8)n, or a group CR9R10, CR7R8CR9R10 or CR9R10CR7R8 where n is 0, 1 or 2, R7 and R8 are independently selected from hydrogen, halo or hydrocarbyl, and either one of R9 or R10 is hydrogen and the other is an electron withdrawing group, or R9 and R10 together form an electron withdrawing group, and R4 and R5 are independently selected from CH or CR11 where R11 is an electron withdrawing group, the dotted lines indicate the presence or absence of a bond, X1 is a group CX2X3 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is absent and a group CX2 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is present, Y1 is a group CY2Y3 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is absent and a group CY2 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is present, and X2, X3, Y2 an

Abstract: A method for photocatalytic white discharge printing for achieving patterns on textiles includes closely integrating substrates with patterned printing plates or fixing patterned printing plates on one or both sides of a substrate, placing them in a reactor equipped with a light source and containing the photocatalytic white discharging formulation. The method has the characteristics of a simple process, short processing, easy controlling and wide adaptability. The process eliminates the need for printing plates and expensive printing apparatus used in complicated conventional printing methods. Additionally, the photocatalytic solution can be reused which avoids generous application of chemical agents and waste discharges that are present in conventional printing methods. The method is beneficial for cutting costs, saving energy, reducing emissions and has cleaner production.

Abstract: A photocatalytic method of colored discharge printing for producing colorized patterns on textiles includes over dyeing textiles with illuminant dyes and ground shade dyes respectively, manufacturing patterned printing plates with hollow-out decorative patterns, applying a photocatalyst on the over-dyed textiles through the hollow-outs, using a photocatalytic method of colored discharge printing to produce localized discoloration of the ground shade while leaving the illuminant dyes on the textile which produces an effect of colorized patterns on the textiles. The method has the characteristics of being a simple process with a simple apparatus and has short processing, easy control and wide adaptability. The method eliminates the needs for printing pastes and expensive printing apparatus used in the complicated process in a conventional printing method.

Abstract: A method of cleaning or conditioning a paper-making press felt or other substrate is described. The method includes treating the paper-making press felt or other substrate with a formulation that contains at least solketal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for improving the heating capacity of steam-heated hot plates, and in particular, to steam-heated hot plates used in the corrugating industry. One or more separators and thermocompressors are added to the output of the hot plates to separate blow through steam from condensate and pressurize and inject the steam back into the hot plates.

Abstract: In a method for preparing nanofibrillar cellulose, fibrous dispersion of ionically charged cellulose is repeatedly passed through a mechanical process of disrupting fibers into fibrils until the viscosity starts to decrease. The number average diameter of the nanofibrillar cellulose after the mechanical process is in the range of 2-10 nm, and the zero-shear viscosity is below 10 Pa·s, preferably below 1 Pa·s, when measured in the concentration of 0.5 wt-%. The nanofibrillated cellulose is low aspect ratio nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC-L).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include paper, methods of making paper, and the like.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to liquid sizing compositions comprising shading dyestfuffs, derivatives of diaminostilbene, binders, protective polymers, and optionally divalent metal salts which can be used for the optical brightening of substrates, including substrates suitable for high quality ink jet printing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing food wrap paper. A paper web is formed and its first side is subjected to on-line surface treating by applying barrier material such that a water vapor and grease resistant barrier coating is formed onto the paper web. The forming and on-line surface treating are made so that after the on-line surface treating, the paper web has basis weight of 25.5 g/m2 to 34 g/m2 when measured in balance moisture.

Abstract: A pavement marking composition comprises an isocyanate-containing component and an amine-containing component. At least one of the components comprises plasticizer and at least one of the components comprises filler. The composition comprises about 5 wt. % or more plasticizer and is substantially free of polyaspartic ester amines.

Abstract: An aggregate spreading system includes a dump truck that has a cab and a bed. The bed may contain an aggregate. A transport unit is coupled to the dump truck. The transport unit is positioned on the bed to urge the aggregate forwardly in the bed. A distribution unit is coupled to the dump truck. The distribution unit is positioned on the bed to receive the aggregate from the transport unit. Thus, the distribution unit distributes the aggregate onto a support surface. The distribution unit levels the aggregate on the support surface when the aggregate has been released onto the support surface.

Abstract: A system for varying the width of a molded concrete slab on the fly as the slab is being molded. Position and height of the paving machine relative to an external reference system are determined and controlled using at least two 3D stringless reference objects. An additional sensor provides a signal corresponding to a frame width and thus a concrete slab width, and an actuator controls the frame width actively as the paving machine advances.

Abstract: A milling machine has a frame, a rotor, a mixing chamber with a front door and a rear door, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the frame, the rotor, the front door, and the rear door, and configured to operate the milling machine in a travel mode and a work mode. When the travel mode is actuated, the controller raises the rotor to a predetermined position, closes the front door and the rear door, and raises the frame to a predetermined height. When the work mode is actuated, the controller lowers the frame to a predetermined height, lowers the rotor to a predetermined position, and opens the front door and the rear door to predetermined positions.

Abstract: A walkway installation includes a base (1) intended to be fastened to a support construction, such as to the deck (5) of a ship (6), as well as a base bridge part (2) that is connected at one end so it can be rotated around an upright base axis of rotation (11) with the base. Furthermore, a main bridge part (4) is positioned on the other end of the base bridge part (1) as well as a hinge construction between the base bridge part (1) and the main bridge part (2). The hinge construction has an upright main axis of rotation (12) and an auxiliary axis of rotation (13) aligned transversely to the upright main axis of rotation and transversely to the main bridge part. By rotating the gangplank parts, the installation may be adjusted in a reliable and quick way in relation to a fixed object or another vessel.

Abstract: A two-piece traffic marker assembly a marker body includes a marker body formed of a low density polyethylene and a separable molded rubber base. The base has a weight comprising at least 70% of a total weight of the traffic marker assembly, with the marker body having a weight comprising the remaining 30% or less of the total weight of the traffic marker assembly. Because of this advantageous weight distribution, relative to prior art traffic cones, when the traffic marker assembly is assembled, a tip angle of the traffic marker assembly is about 76 degrees from vertical. A plurality of circumferentially spaced interlocking protrusions disposed on the wall of the marker body, for engaging an interior circumference of the base when the marker assembly is in an assembled space, and for also preventing sticking of marker bodies together when they are stacked.