Abstract: The present disclosure relates to coating a carrier component by means of cold gas dynamic spraying. For example, a method for coating a carrier component may include: laying a mask with an opening on the component; depositing a material through the opening to completely fill up the mask opening; removing any material located above the upper side to form a flat surface even with the upper side of the mask; laying a second mask on the first mask; depositing the material again; removing any deposited material located above the upper side of the second mask to form a flat surface even with the upper side of the second mask; repeating layers of additional masks and material deposition until the deposited material reaches a required thickness on the carrier component; and after completion of the coating to the required thickness, removing the masks.

Abstract: An additive comprising one or more C3-C12 hydroxycarboxylic acids and/or one or more C3-C12 hydroxycarboxylic acid salts may be added to an aqueous system having galvanized metallurgy or a carbon steel surface in an effective amount to passivate a galvanized coating on the metallurgy or to decrease white rust formation or other types of corrosion upon the galvanized metallurgy or carbon steel surface in an aqueous system. In a non-limiting embodiment, the C3-C12 hydroxycarboxylic acid or the C3-C12 hydroxycarboxylic acid salt additive may utilize the zinc in the galvanized coating to achieve passivation. The passivation may occur while the system is shut down or in service. The aqueous system may be or include a cooling tower, a cooling water system, and combinations thereof. The additive may be used with or in the absence of a phosphorous-containing compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the protection against corrosion of an article, comprising the steps of (a) application of a layer of a corrosion protecting composition comprising (i) an amorphous polymer composition comprising an amorphous polymer having a glass transition temperature of ?20° C. or less and (ii) a water-absorbing filler, on a surface of the article, and (b) application of a mechanical protective layer on top of the layer of said corrosion protecting composition, wherein the article is in a wet environment. The invention further relates to a corrosion protecting composition and to a tape comprising a layer comprising a corrosion protecting composition according to the invention. The invention also relates to an article, comprising (a) a layer of a corrosion protecting composition according to the invention on a surface of the article, and (b) a mechanical protective layer to protect said layer of said composition.

Abstract: A method for increasing corrosion resistance of metallic substrates without use of hexavalent chromium includes chemically treating the substrate to create an oxide layer, mixing nanoclay particles into a non-chromate primer, applying the primer to the oxide layer of the substrate, and applying a topcoat to the primer opposite the oxide layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical reaction device comprises; an anode to oxidize water and thus generate oxygen; an electrolytic solution flow path facing on the anode and through which a first electrolytic solution containing the water flows; a a cathode to reduce carbon dioxide and thus generate a carbon compound; a separator between the anode and the cathode; a power supply connected to the anode and the cathode; and a flow path plate including a first flow path facing on the cathode and through which the carbon dioxide flows and a second flow path facing on the cathode and through which at least one of a second electrolytic solution and the carbon dioxide flows.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide electrolytic device of an embodiment includes: an electrolysis cell including a cathode, an anode, a carbon dioxide supply unit, an electrolytic solution supply unit, and a separator; a power supply; a reaction control unit which causes a reduction reaction and an oxidation reaction by passing an electric current from the power supply to the anode and the cathode; a refresh material supply unit including a gas supply unit which supplies a gaseous substance to at least one of the anode and the cathode; and a refresh control unit which stops supply of the current from the power supply and supply of carbon dioxide and an electrolytic solution, and operates the refresh material supply unit, based on request criteria of a cell output of the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: A laminated electrolyte membrane of an embodiment includes: a hydrocarbon-based electrolyte membrane; and a composite electrolyte membrane laminated with the hydrocarbon-based electrolyte, the composite electrolyte membrane containing a perfluorosulfonic acid-based electrolyte and a superstrong acid metal oxide having an acid function (H0) of ?12 or less.

Abstract: Buffer generators are described based on electrodialytic devices. The methods of using these devices can generate buffers for diverse applications, including separations, e.g., HPLC and ion chromatography. Also provided are chromatographic devices including the buffer generators, generally located upstream from a chromatography column, sample injector valve or both.

Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane electrode assembly that includes a polymer electrolyte membrane, a first electrochemical reaction layer formed on one side of the polymer electrolyte membrane to allow an oxidation reaction to occur thereon, a first electron-conductive layer formed between the polymer electrolyte membrane and the first electrochemical reaction layer, a second electrochemical reaction layer formed on a remaining side of the polymer electrolyte membrane to allow a reduction reaction to occur thereon, and a second electron-conductive layer formed between the polymer electrolyte membrane and the second electrochemical reaction layer. The first electron-conductive layer and the second electron-conductive layer include a porous metal.

Abstract: An electrochemical reaction device of an embodiment includes: a reaction tank which includes a first storage storing a first electrolytic solution containing carbon dioxide, and a second storage storing a second electrolytic solution containing water; a reduction electrode which is disposed at the first storage, an oxidation electrode which is disposed at the second storage; a counter electrode which is used for potential sweep using the reduction electrode as a working electrode; a first power supply which is electrically connected to the reduction electrode and the oxidation electrode, to generate a reduction reaction and an oxidation reaction; and a second power supply which is electrically connected to the reduction electrode and the counter electrode, to sweep a potential while setting an oxidation potential of the reduction electrode or less as an upper limit potential.

Abstract: An electrochemical reaction device comprises: an anode to oxidize water; an electrolytic solution flow path facing on the anode and through which an electrolytic solution containing the water flows; a cathode including: a porous conductive layer having first and second surfaces; and a reduction catalyst layer having a third surface disposed on the first surface and containing a reduction catalyst to reduce carbon dioxide; a separator between the anode and the cathode; a power supply connected to the anode and the cathode; and a flow path plate including: a fourth surface on the second surface; and a flow path facing on the second surface and through which the carbon dioxide flows. A ratio of an area of an overlap of the second surface and the flow path to an area of the second surface is 0.5 or more and 0.85 or less.

Abstract: A nickel film is formed on the surface of a metal substrate with a solid electrolyte membrane in contact with a metal substrate while suppressing the corrosion taking place on the metal substrate by a method of forming a nickel film comprising: disposing an anode, a metal substrate that functions as a cathode, and a solid electrolyte membrane comprising a solution that contains nickel ions and chloride ions, such that the solid electrolyte membrane is disposed between the anode and the metal substrate and in contact with the surface of the metal substrate; and applying a voltage between the anode and the metal substrate, so as to form a nickel film on the surface of the metal substrate that is in contact with the solid electrolyte membrane, wherein the concentration of the chloride ions is 0.002 to 0.1 mol/l.

Abstract: There is provided a plating apparatus for plating a rectangular substrate using a substrate holder holding the rectangular substrate. The plating apparatus comprises a plating bath configured to store the substrate holder holding the rectangular substrate, and an anode disposed inside the plating bath so as to face the substrate holder. The substrate holder includes an electrical contact configured to feed two opposite sides of the rectangular substrate. The rectangular substrate and the anode are placed inside the plating bath so as to satisfy the relationship of 0.59×L1?43.5 mm?D1?0.58×L1?19.8 mm, where L1 is the shortest distance between a substrate center of the rectangular substrate and the electrical contact, and D1 is the distance between the rectangular substrate and the anode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic part (1) with selective metallization comprising at least one first non-metallized portion (7) made from a first plastic material that cannot be metallized by electroplating and at least one second metallized portion (9) made from a second metallizable plastic material, the first plastic material being a mixture of polycarbonate and of a semiaromatic polyester and the second plastic material being a polyamide.

Abstract: A method includes providing a conductor with a joint and a solution. In accordance with a step of the method, the conductor with the joint is inserted into the solution for a time sufficient to deposit a sufficient amount of conductive material in the joint to allow current to flow through the joint at a desired level when the conductor is installed in an application. In accordance with another aspect of the method, a structure with a joint is inserted into the solution for a time sufficient to deposit a sufficient amount of conductive material in the joint to strengthen the joint to a desired level. In accordance with another step of the method, an electromotive force is applied between an anode and the conductor for electolytic formation of the joint. In another aspect of the invention, the solution is configured for electroless formation of the joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solution composition which may be used for a single-bath electrochemical passivation and a method using the same. The solution composition includes a metal cation, a metal-oxide anion; and an organic ligand, and optionally includes a non-metallic oxide anion or a polymer. The solution composition may prevent undesired precipitation of metal oxides before performing passivation. In addition, the method of passivation using the solution composition in a single-bath use is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a blade. The blade comprises an airfoil (100) having: a root end and a tip (106); a metallic substrate (102) along at least a portion of the airfoil; and an anodized layer (154). The method comprises roughening the tip to form protrusions(158?; 402?) and anodizing to form the anodized layer so that the protrusions form an abrasive (156; 400).

Abstract: A method of coating a metal article is disclosed that includes immersing a metal article having an exterior anodized layer in a bath containing a chemically active corrosion inhibitor, and applying a voltage to the article during the immersing, the voltage driving the chemically active corrosion inhibitor from the bath into the exterior anodized layer. An article is also disclosed that has a substrate comprising a metal, and a porous anodized layer formed on an exterior surface of the substrate that is infiltrated with a chemically active corrosion inhibitor, the anodized layer having an inward-facing region and an outward-facing region, the anodized layer having a greater concentration of chemically active corrosion inhibitors in the inward-facing region than in the outward-facing region.

Abstract: Electroplating and painting systems, methods and power converters are disclosed to provide regulated individual DC output signals to anode structures distributed in a plating solution in a tank to promote formation of plating material on a workpiece using a PWM inverter to generate a first AC signal, a sinewave filter to provide a filtered AC signal, a multiphase isolation transformer to provide a plurality of isolated AC signals, a multi-pulse diode bridge rectifier to provide a DC rectifier output signal, an output filter to provide a filtered DC rectifier output signal, and a blocking diode to provide the filtered DC rectifier output signal to the corresponding tank anode structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically generating a metal-containing electrolyte (e.g., an electrolyte containing Sn2+ ions and an acid) includes an anolyte chamber configured to house an active anode (e.g., a metallic tin anode), an anolyte, and a sensor (e.g., one or more sensors) measuring a concentration of metal ions in the anolyte; a catholyte chamber configured to house a hydrogen-generating cathode and a catholyte; and a controller having program instructions for processing data from the sensor and for automatically generating an electrolyte having metal ions in a target concentration range in the anolyte chamber. In some embodiments, the apparatus is in communication with an electroplating apparatus and is capable to deliver the generated electrolyte to the electroplating apparatus on demand. In some embodiments, a densitometer and a conductivity meter are together used as sensors, and the apparatus is configured to generate low alpha tin electrolyte containing an acid.

Abstract: To provide a single crystal production apparatus capable of efficiently producing a single crystal of relatively high quality, by cooling a melting zone, the device including: a heating part that forms the melting zone from a raw material by irradiation of light; and a supporting part that supports the melting zone in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a p-type 4H—SiC single crystal, which is doped with both aluminum and nitrogen, and has a nitrogen concentration of 2.0×1019/cm3 or more.

Abstract: A process of forming an epitaxial wafer is disclosed. The process includes steps of (a) growing an aluminum nitride (AlN) layer at a first temperatuer and a first flow rate of ammonia (NH3); and (b) growing a gallium nitride (GaN) layer on the AlN layer. The step (b) includes a first period and a second period. At least one of a temperatuer from the first temperatuer to a second temperatuer that is lower than the first temperatuer and a flow rate of NH3 from the first flow rate to a second flow rate different from the first flow rate is carried out during the first period. The second period grows the GaN layer at the second temperatuer and the second flow rate of NH3.

Abstract: A single crystal membrane of BaxSr(1-x)TiO3 (BST) has been fabricated for the first time using molecular beam epitaxy. The membrane typically has a thickness of 200 nm to 500 nm and the thickness may be controlled to within 1%. It may be fabricated on a sapphire wafer carrier from which it may subsequently be detached. The smoothness of the membrane has an RMS of less than 1 nm. This membrane is very promising for the next generation of RF filters.

Abstract: A crystal substrate 1 includes an underlying layer 2 and a thick film 3. The underlying layer 2 is composed of a crystal of a nitride of a group 13 element and includes a first main face 2a and a second main face 2b. The thick film 3 is composed of a crystal of a nitride of a group 13 element and provided over the first main face of the underlying layer. The underlying layer 2 includes a low carrier concentration region 5 and a high carrier concentration region 4 both extending between the first main face 2a and the second main face 2b. The low carrier concentration region 5 has a carrier concentration of 1017/cm3 or lower and a defect density of 107/cm2 or lower. The high carrier concentration region 4 has a carrier concentration of 1019/cm3 or higher and a defect density of 108/cm2 or higher. The thick film 3 has a carrier concentration of 1018/cm3 or higher and 1019/cm3 or lower and a defect density of 107/cm2 or lower.

Abstract: A silicon carbide substrate is composed of silicon carbide, and when a main surface thereof is etched with chlorine gas, the overall length of linear etch-pit groups observed in the main surface is equal to or less than the diameter of the substrate.

Abstract: This invention describes a modified electrospinning method for making uniformly patterned and porous nanofibrous scaffolds that can be utilized in a variety of applications. While traditional electrospinning method uses a foil collector that generates compact layers of nanofibrous structures, resulting on the superficial cell growth and differentiation, the present method comprises adopting additional patterned film(s) on top of the conventional collector to make a patterned porous structure of nanofibrous scaffolds that are capable of supporting cell growth. For example, the method uses a double layered collector composed of a water soluble stabilizer film mounted on a foil to make a uniformly patterned and porous nanofibrous membrane sheets, which enhance both cell growth and attachment.

Abstract: Endoluminal and other as implantable prostheses are fabricated in electrospinning apparatus including a target and an applicator. A solution comprising a polymer and a solvent is directed to the target with a first electrical potential between the target and the applicator to produce a first set of fibers. The same or another solution is continued to be delivered through the applicator onto the target while applying a second electrical potential to produce a second set of fibers having a second solvent fraction, and the same or different solution may be delivered while applying a third potential difference to produce a laminated structure having at least three layers. By properly controlling the electrical potentials and solvent fractions, an adhesive layer can be formed to serve a glue or adhesive between the inner and outer layers, and a stent or other scaffold may be positioned between the inner and outer layers to form a covered stent or graft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graphene conjugate fiber and a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to a conjugate fiber including graphene and a polymer, wherein a wrinkled structure of the graphene is maintained in a fiber state. The graphene conjugate fiber manufactured thereby has superior mechanical properties, is flexible, and has high utility by being manufactured as a fiber.

Abstract: The spinning-mill machine features a multiple number of cross-winding devices (4) arranged next to each other and on two machine sides located in the longitudinal direction of the spinning-mill machine (1), each of which is provided for winding yarn on sleeves, whereas the cross-winding devices (4) are collected into a multiple number of sections (5.1 to 5.5). Multiple sleeve stacks (7.1 to 7.4) are used for the stockpiling of empty sleeves. A sleeve transport device (6.1 to 6.4) arranged along the cross-winding devices (4) is used to supply the cross-winding devices (4) with empty sleeves from the sleeve stack (7.1 to 7.4), Multiple sleeve stacks (7.1 to 7.4) are arranged on each machine side, and each sleeve stack (7.1 to 7.4) is allocated with its own stationary sleeve transport device (6.1 to 6.4).

Abstract: Electrospinning apparatus and method for producing multi-dimensional structures such as one-dimensional continuous yarns, two-dimensional mats and three-dimensional cotton-like fluffy scaffolds is disclosed. Further, electrospinning apparatus and method with single collector geometry for producing multi-dimensional structures and core-sheath yarns are disclosed.

Abstract: Woven fabrics are formed from high tenacity fibers or tapes that are loosely interwoven with adhesive coated filaments, to composite articles formed therefrom, and to a continuous process for forming the composite articles.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics made from yarns of cellulose fiber, polyamide fiber, and oxidized polymeric biregional fiber are provided. The fabrics comprise about 20 to about 90 percent by weight of cellulose fiber, about 3 to about 45 percent by weight of polyamide fiber and about 5 to about 35 percent by weight of an oxidized polymeric biregional fiber comprising an oxidized polymer selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile-based homopolymers, acrylonitrile-based copolymers, acrylonitrile-based terpolymers, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A thread with rings is provided that can be used to obtain large surfaced knitted items without using knitting apparatus such as crochet hooks, knitting needs etc. A method with which knitted items are obtained using the thread with rings is also provided.

Abstract: A thread with rings is provided that can be used to obtain large surfaced knitted items without using knitting apparatus such as crochet hooks, knitting needs etc. A method with which knitted items are obtained using the thread with rings is also provided.

Abstract: An open-type circular knitting machine for the open and width-variable web production with a knitted fabric take-down and/or collecting assembly, including: a basement, knitting head and take-down and/or collecting assembly for the fabric. The head is equipped with a needle-holding element having a plurality of needles arranged around a central axis; a first and last active needle delimit a dead zone of the element without needles, and an arc-shaped operating zone with active needles. The head has a control device connected to the active needles to selectively actuate them to produce an open knitted fabric extending between two side edges making up two selvedges of the fabric. The assembly is downstream from the head with respect to feeding direction of the fabric, configured for rotating integral or coordinated with the element during production. Further, at least a first cutting device, configured for progressively cutting and/or trimming the produced fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a three-dimensional pattern using a double Raschel knitted fabric, and more particularly, to a method for forming a three-dimensional pattern using a double Raschel knitted fabric, in which the facilitation of formation of visually aesthetic patterns can be ensured through a simple process during the surface-molding of the double Raschel knitted fabric having a feeling of volume and a cushion feeling, and in which the double Raschel knitted fabric can be given an adhesive property or a high abrasion resistance, or an adhesive property and a high abrasion resistance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming a tubular braid are disclosed herein. A braiding system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an upper drive unit, a lower drive unit, a mandrel coaxial with the upper and lower drive units, and a plurality of tubes extending between the upper drive unit and the lower drive unit. Each tube can be configured to receive individual filaments for forming the tubular braid, and the upper drive unit and the lower drive unit can act against the tubes in synchronization to cross the filaments over and under one another to form the tubular braid on the mandrel.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a method of compressing an uncured man-made vitreous fibre web, the web having two opposed major faces. The method comprising the steps: passing the web along a path; and subjecting the web to thickness compression by applying compression to the two major opposed faces of the web. Compression of each of said major faces of the web is applied by passing the path between converging continuous or discontinuous compression surfaces. Further, the respective major face of the web that is being compressed is in contact with one of the converging compression surfaces, and said converging compression surface is inclined towards the path. Additionally, each inclined converging compression surface applies an amount of compression to the major face of the web with which the respective inclined converging surface is in contact, wherein the amount of compression applied to at least one of the two opposing major faces of the web is adjustable.

Abstract: A nonwoven recyclable fabric and associated methods are provided. The fabric is formed from 100% polyester, and may also include surface coatings such as hydrophilic coatings to promote heat transfer as well moisture vapor transmission rates and/or a silicone coating to promote fabric smoothness and reduce abrasiveness of the fabric. The polyester fibers forming the fabric are obtained from a mixture of monocomponent high melt polyester fibers and bicomponent high/low melt polyester fibers. The bicomponent fibers have a high melt polyester core, and a low melt polyester outer sheath. The fibers are hydroentangled with one another. After entanglement, the low melt outer sheaths are melted to form a low melt binder interspersed with the high melt polyester fibers and the remaining high melt polyester cores. The binder fuses to these fibers to provide desirable strength characteristics.

Abstract: A needling installation includes a rotary support on which a fiber texture is wound to form a fiber preform, the rotary support being mounted on a frame that is movable along a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X; a stripper including one plate including perforations; a needling module having a needle board carrying needles; a contact force application system connected to the stripper; a contact force sensor for providing information representative of the contact force with which the outside face of the plate of the stripper makes contact against the fiber preform, and a controller to control the contact force application system to apply a force to the plate of the stripper that is predetermined as a function of information provided by each contact force sensor and as a function of a target value for a predetermined contact force.

Abstract: A coating apparatus of an airbag reinforcing liquid is used in a sewing machine that includes: a sewing needle driving an upper thread by penetrating sewing target cloth through a vertical movement; and a presser foot disposed above the sewing target cloth, and feeding the sewing target cloth while moving vertically synchronously with the vertical movement of the sewing needle. The coating apparatus includes: a reinforcing liquid supplying part, supplying a reinforcing liquid for reinforcing a sewn part onto the sewing target cloth on a front side from the sewing needle in a feeding direction of the sewing target cloth; and a stamp part attached to the presser foot, and expand the reinforcing liquid supplied from the reinforcing liquid supplying part onto the sewing target cloth around the sewn part by being operated integrally with the presser foot above the sewing target cloth.

Abstract: An easel for use in the quilting art is provided. The easel has a design board has a front, working surface upon which a person who is creating a quilt may compose a quilt block from individual pieces of fabric. Either extending from, or attached to a back surface of the design board, the easel has a selectively collapsible, support assembly. Two selectively pivotable legs and a rib of the support assembly allow the easel to be stored or transported in a substantially flat condition and/or erected into a substantially standing position when in use. A woven, preferably, microfiber fabric sized to fit around and cover the front, working surface of the design board, is also provided. The fabric being selectively removable and able to be laundered. A storage case is included.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a thread tension mechanism, a thread feed sensor, a sewing portion, a processor, and a memory. By executing instructions stored in the memory, the processor causes a first tension to act on an upper thread by the thread tension mechanism to be in a first state, in a state in which a sewing is stopped. The processor causes a second tension that is smaller than the first tension to act on the upper thread, by causing the thread tension mechanism to be in a second state, when the movement of the upper thread is detected by the thread feed sensor. The processor causes a third tension that is equal to or greater than the second tension to act on the upper thread by causing the thread tension mechanism to be in a third state, in a state in which the sewing is performed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a control method thereof. The control method effectively transmits high-concentration wash liquid to laundry, while minimizing the amount of water used, through washing using bubbles, and maximizes the increase in volume of the wash liquid rubbed on the inner circumferential surface of the drum using the generation of bubbles and the rotation of the drum to raise the water level of the wash liquid without additional water.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet; an outer basket in the cabinet and configured to contain wash water; an inner basket in the outer basket and configured to accommodate laundry; a water supply valve unit in the cabinet and connected to an external water supply source to receive wash water; a cabinet cover on an upper side of the cabinet and having an input hole for the laundry; and a micro-bubble generator configured to receive wash water from the water supply valve unit, generate micro-bubbles, and supply the micro-bubbles to a washing space. The micro-bubble generator includes a nozzle unit at or near the input hole and configured to generate micro-bubbles by receive wash water in which gas is dissolved or mixed and discharge wash water having the micro-bubbles therein into the inner basket after the micro-bubbles are generated.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet; an outer basket in the cabinet and configured to contain wash water; an inner basket in the outer basket and configured to accommodate laundry; a water supply valve unit in the cabinet and connected to an external water supply source to receive wash water; a cabinet cover on an upper side of the cabinet and having an input hole for the laundry; and a micro-bubble generator configured to receive wash water from the water supply valve unit, generate micro-bubbles, and supply the micro-bubbles to a washing space. The micro-bubble generator includes a nozzle unit at or near the input hole and configured to generate micro-bubbles by receive wash water in which gas is dissolved or mixed and discharge wash water having the micro-bubbles therein into the inner basket after the micro-bubbles are generated.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet; an outer basket in the cabinet and configured to contain wash water; an inner basket in the outer basket and configured to accommodate laundry; a water supply valve unit in the cabinet and connected to an external water supply source to receive wash water; a cabinet cover on an upper side of the cabinet and having an input hole for the laundry; and a micro-bubble generator configured to receive wash water from the water supply valve unit, generate micro-bubbles, and supply the micro-bubbles to a washing space. The micro-bubble generator includes a nozzle unit at or near the input hole and configured to generate micro-bubbles by receive wash water in which gas is dissolved or mixed and discharge wash water having the micro-bubbles therein into the inner basket after the micro-bubbles are generated.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet; an outer basket in the cabinet and configured to contain wash water; an inner basket in the outer basket and configured to accommodate laundry; a water supply valve unit in the cabinet and connected to an external water supply source to receive wash water; a cabinet cover on an upper side of the cabinet and having an input hole for the laundry; and a micro-bubble generator configured to receive wash water from the water supply valve unit, generate micro-bubbles, and supply the micro-bubbles to a washing space. The micro-bubble generator includes a nozzle unit at or near the input hole and configured to generate micro-bubbles by receive wash water in which gas is dissolved or mixed and discharge wash water having the micro-bubbles therein into the inner basket after the micro-bubbles are generated.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet; an outer basket in the cabinet and configured to contain wash water; an inner basket in the outer basket and configured to accommodate laundry; a water supply valve unit in the cabinet and connected to an external water supply source to receive wash water; a cabinet cover on an upper side of the cabinet and having an input hole for the laundry; and a micro-bubble generator configured to receive wash water from the water supply valve unit, generate micro-bubbles, and supply the micro-bubbles to a washing space. The micro-bubble generator includes a nozzle unit at or near the input hole and configured to generate micro-bubbles by receive wash water in which gas is dissolved or mixed and discharge wash water having the micro-bubbles therein into the inner basket after the micro-bubbles are generated.