Abstract: A sheet stacking device includes a conveyance part and a stopper. The conveyance part includes a tray and a conveyance member. On the tray, sheet stacks are stacked. The conveyance member conveys the sheet stack on the tray. The stopper is located on a downstream side of the tray and prevents the sheet stack from falling from the tray. The stopper has a main plate and an anti-slip member. The main plate is inclined upward. The main plate has a contact face coming into contact with the sheet stack and a bent face bent downward from a downstream side tip end of the contact face. The anti-slip member is provided from a downstream side end portion of the contact face to the bent face. A frictional coefficient between the anti-slip member and the sheet stack is larger than a frictional coefficient between the sheet stack and the contact face.

Abstract: A sheet aligning device includes a support member, a regulation member, a regulation member moving mechanism, and an alignment member. The support member supports leading ends of sheets. The regulation member is connected to the support member and is provided to face an inclined tray in such a way as to define a sheet entry space in which the leading ends of the sheets enter. The regulation member moving mechanism is configured to, each time a sheet is conveyed onto the inclined tray, move the regulation member in a separating direction to widen the sheet entry space, and then in an approaching direction to narrow the sheet entry space. The alignment member aligns the sheets by abutting on rear ends of the sheets.

Abstract: A binding apparatus to bind sheets includes a binding device, a non-volatile memory, and control circuitry. The binding device is configured to bind a plurality of stacked sheets with a binding member. The non-volatile memory is configured to store a quantity of binding members in the binding device. The control circuitry is configured to control operation of the binding device. The control circuitry outputs an alert when the quantity of binding members stored in the non-volatile memory is equal to or less than a first predetermined value and cancels the alert when the quantity of binding members is equal to or less than a second predetermined value.

Abstract: A container is described for storing various tools and items for sewing in an organized manner and facilitating the process of sewing (e.g., for sewn in hair extensions) for example, by distributing thread. In an example embodiment, the introduced container comprises a housing within which one or more spools of thread can be stored on one or more spindles. The housing can be enclosed by a container top that includes a threading hole through which thread from the one or more spools can be extracted from the interior of the housing, while in use. Further, the container top can include a pin and/or needle holder such as a pin cushion. The container may include additional features such as a bracket for holding a pair of scissors and a drawer for stowing extra thread and/or needles.

Abstract: An elevator system is provided and includes a sensor assembly and a controller. The sensor assembly is disposable in or proximate to an elevator lobby and is configured to deduce an intent of an individual in the elevator lobby to board one of one or more elevators and to issue a call signal in response to deducing the intent of the individual to board the one of the elevators. The controller is configured to receive the call signal issued by the sensor assembly and to assign one or more of the elevators to serve the call signal at the elevator lobby.

Abstract: A conveyance element (20) for a conveyor (1), in particular for a people conveyor such as a moving walkway (2), is configured for being moved in a conveying direction and comprises a body (30) including or supporting a tread plate (28) for supporting passengers; and at least one slider bracket (40) mounted to the body (30). The at least one slider bracket (40) comprises a slider slot (41) configured for slidably accommodating a slider (42).

Abstract: A woven webbing for use in a tiedown or sling for lifting, restraint or other material handling functions. The woven webbing includes a central portion and tubular edges. The central portion has a top surface and an oppositely facing bottom surface. The top surface and bottom surface may be woven in a first pattern for strength and abrasion resistance while remaining flexible. The tubular edges extend from either side of the central portion. The tubular edges may be woven in a second pattern to improve the cut resistance of the tubular edges. The tubular edges have interior cavities which may include twisted floating yarn extending therethrough to enhance the cut resistance of the tubular edges. The tubular edges may include a high modulus yarn material which changes the orientation of the yarn material away from the axial direction of tension when a load is applied to the webbing.

Abstract: A material management method comprises receiving, via a processor, data relating to work activities and material flows from one or more sensors; generating, via the processor, safety and productivity information based on the data relating to work activities and material flows; comparing, via the processor, the generated safety and productivity information with existing project plans and schedules of the work activities and material flows; determining, via the processor, a present state and relative progress of the project plans and schedules of work; and generating, via the processor, updated project plans and schedules of work. The material can be a load and the method can comprise controlling rotation of a suspended load by attaching two or more gyroscopic modules in communication with the processor directly or indirectly to the suspended load and independently controlling the two or more gyroscopic modules via the processor to control the rotation of the suspended load.

Abstract: An automated cargo transfer system is used, in conjunction with a crane, to load cargo onto, and unload cargo from, the deck of a watercraft. An example automated cargo transfer system comprises: a dynamic positioning system installed on the watercraft; a crane hook system installed on the crane; a crane automation system configured to automate the operation of the crane; and a load plan comprising: data that identifies all cargo being transported by the watercraft, data used by the dynamic positioning system to actively position and orient the watercraft during loading and unloading of the watercraft, and data used by the crane hook system to actively position and orient it's hook mechanism during loading and unloading of the watercraft. The automated cargo transfer system is configured to actively track the location of the watercraft, the hook mechanism of the crane hook system, and cargo.

Abstract: A utility vehicle having a collapsible game hanger apparatus includes a cargo box, a hitch receiver disposed under the cargo box and included in a rear structure, a hoist structure, a winch device, and a winch mounting bracket. The hoist structure consists of a base bar detachably attached to the hitch receiver, a mast attached to an end portion of the base bar, and a boom attached to an upper end of the mast. The winch device consists essentially of a winch detachably attached to a winch mounting bracket and a pulley unit for guiding the winch cable.

Abstract: A ramp for assisting the loading of a vehicle onto a rollback car carrier or the like. The ramp including a front ramp assembly, a middle ramp assembly rotatably connected to the front ramp assembly, a rear ramp assembly rotatably connected to the middle ramp assembly, and a trailer abutment section positioned adjacent to the rear ramp assembly.

Abstract: Lifting device for pallet goods for loading and unloading of a transport pallet such as a standard pallet, for example a euro pallet. The lifting device comprises a support frame, a tine assembly liftable mounted to the support frame of at least two, preferably four, tines having a parallel direction of extension for lifting and receiving the transport goods from the transport pallet and/or for depositing the transport goods onto the transport pallet. A tine spacing of two tines is adapted to a gap spacing of two longitudinal gaps and at least two tines are form-fitted with regard to the at least two longitudinal gaps such that they can access the longitudinal gaps in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A driver cab for an industrial truck comprises a driver canopy supported by four pillars, wherein two of the four pillars are configured as entry way pillars and two of the four pillars are configured as end wall pillars. A side wall extends between each of the entry way pillars and the end wall pillars, an end wall extends between the end wall pillars, and a boarding area extends between the entry way pillars. Each of the end wall pillars comprises a tubular profile and at least one of the entry way pillars comprises a corner profile which comprises two limbs arranged at an angle with respect to one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fork carriage for a truck mounted forklift, the fork carriage comprising an upright rear section for mounting onto the lifting assembly of the forklift, an upright forward section, shorter than the upright rear section, for reception of tines, and a pantograph linkage connecting the upright rear section and upright forward sections together. The pantograph linkage comprises a first and second linkage arm however the second linkage arm is shorter than the first linkage arm and does not extend all the way forward to the upright forward section. Instead, there is provided a third linkage arm with a hinge joint along its length, the third linkage arm being connected at various positions along its length to each of the first linkage arm, the second linkage arm and the upright forward section. In this way, the pantograph linkage can achieve the same reach with a lower upright forward section and access to top far side loads is facilitated.

Abstract: An industrial truck comprises a support having a plurality of receptacles and a hydraulic fluid tank comprising a plurality of feet engaged with a bottom surface of the hydraulic fluid tank. Each of the plurality of feet is configured to be received by one of the plurality of receptacles.

Abstract: A pry bar assembly includes a plate that is elongated and has a first end, a second end, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. The plate includes a claw section, a chisel section and a middle section positioned therebetween. The claw section includes the first end and a rounded heel. The claw section includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is attached to the middle section and curves upwardly and away from the middle section in a semi-cylindrical shape to form the rounded heel. The second portion extends downwardly from the first portion. The chisel section is angled upwardly from the middle section. The upper surface has an elongated crest therein that is spaced from the first and second lateral edges and extends along a length of the middle section and into the chisel section.

Abstract: A bottle closing device for placing press-fit closures, such as crown corks, crown caps, and similar closures, on bottles or similar containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a beverage. The system includes a beverage cartridge that stores any liquid and has a spout for dispensing the stored liquid. The beverage cartridge may be inserted into a beverage press that includes a housing for receiving the beverage cartridge. The beverage press also includes a tap that engages the spout of the beverage cartridge, and a lifting assembly that exerts force on the beverage cartridge. Pressing the tap activates the spout of the beverage cartridge to dispense the stored liquid through the spout and out of the tap of the beverage press. a system for dispensing a beverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser having a cartridge holder.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a beverage dispenser, includes the following steps: selecting a water recipe from a plurality of water recipes, wherein each water recipe defines a set concentration of minerals to be solved in the water and wherein the water is mineralized based on the water recipe by adding minerals by a mineralization device; verifying, whether the user is allowed to adjust a user adjustable a property of the water to be mineralized by the mineralization device according to water recipe, wherein the user adjustable property comprises at least one of a set temperature of the water to be mineralized and a set carbonization of the water to be mineralized; preparing the water by at least one water preparation element according to the user adjustable property; and outputting the mineralized water to a user vessel; and further includes at least one of the following steps: activating on a display a temperature user interface element for adapting the temperature of the water to be mineralized i

Abstract: An apparatus for making a beverage includes a housing, a first receptacle, a second receptacle, a cutting assembly, a water source, and at least one water outlet. The first receptacle is positioned in the housing for accepting a first beverage container containing a liquid. The second receptacle is positioned in the housing for accepting a second beverage container containing a liquid. The cutting assembly has a cutting blade that is movable relative to the first and second receptacles for opening the first and second containers substantially simultaneously so that liquid stored therein can be at least in part evacuated. The water source is coupled to the housing The at least one water outlet is associated with one or more of the first and second receptacles for adding water to the liquid from the first and second beverage containers from the water source.

Abstract: An object is to enhance the assembly of a breather pipe which is accommodated in a filler pipe.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle retainer kit includes a first retainer that is attachable to a fuel tank that has a skirt thereon. The first retainer extends over a fill port on the fuel tank. Additionally, the first retainer has elastomeric properties to engage and thus retain a fuel nozzle in the fuel port. A second retainer is attachable to a fuel tank that does not have a skirt thereon. The second retainer has a first portion that is mountable around a fill port of the fuel tank that does not have a skirt. The second retainer has a second portion which is pivotally coupled to the first portion. Additionally, the second portion is positionable to engage a fuel nozzle inserted into the fill port to retain the fuel nozzle in the fill port.

Abstract: In some embodiments a method of manufacturing a sensor system can comprise forming a first structure having a substrate layer and a first sensor that is positioned on a first side of the substrate layer, bonding a cap structure over the first sensor on the first side of the substrate layer, and depositing a first dielectric layer over the cap structure. After bonding the cap structure and depositing the first dielectric layer, a second sensor is fabricated on the first dielectric layer. The second sensor includes material that would be adversely affected at a temperature that is used to bond the cap structure to the first side of the substrate layer.

Abstract: A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a beam structure and an electrode on an insulator layer, remote from the beam structure. The method further includes forming at least one sacrificial layer over the beam structure, and remote from the electrode. The method further includes forming a lid structure over the at least one sacrificial layer and the electrode. The method further includes providing simultaneously a vent hole through the lid structure to expose the sacrificial layer and to form a partial via over the electrode. The method further includes venting the sacrificial layer to form a cavity. The method further includes sealing the vent hole with material. The method further includes forming a final via in the lid structure to the electrode, through the partial via.

Abstract: Steam reforming system having a steam cracker and a steam reformer. The steam cracker includes a steam cracking unit to steam crack a feed stream to produce a stream comprising hydrogen, methane and C2+ hydrocarbons; a heat exchanger for cooling the steam cracking product stream; a separation unit for separating the cooled steam cracking product stream into a gas stream including hydrogen and methane and a liquid stream including methane and C2+ hydrocarbons, a demethanizer which is fed the liquid stream producing a third stream containing at least 95% methane and a fourth stream comprising C2+ hydrocarbons. The steam reformer includes a feed preheater which is fed the third stream and steam to provide a preheated stream and a steam reforming unit arranged for heating the preheated stream to at least 800° C. to steam reforming the heated stream and obtain a product stream containing hydrogen and CO2.

Abstract: In a helium purification process, a stream containing at least 10% of helium, at least 10% of nitrogen in addition to hydrogen and methane is separated to form a helium-enriched stream containing hydrogen, a first stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane and a second stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane, the helium-enriched stream is treated to produce a helium-rich product and a residual gas containing water, the residual gas is treated by adsorption (TSA) to remove the water and the regeneration gas from the adsorption is sent to a combustion unit (O).

Abstract: Provided is a porous lithium composite phosphate-based compound containing lithium and having open pores formed in primary particles. As the open pores are formed in the primary particles themselves, a contact area between an electrolyte and the lithium composite phosphate-based compound is maximized, and low conductivity is compensated for, such that a diffusion rate of lithium ions is remarkably increased, and when the lithium composite phosphate-based compound is used as an active material of a secondary battery, the secondary battery may be charged and discharged at a high speed. Additionally, there are advantages in that an electrode density may be significantly increased in addition to the increase in the diffusion rate of the lithium ions, and charge and discharge cycle characteristics may be significantly stable.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet containing CNTs having a median length of at least 0.05 mm and an aspect ratio of at least 2,500; L arranged b a randomly oriented, uniformly distributed pattern, and having a basis weight of at least 1 gsm and a relative density of less than 1.0. The CNT sheet is manufactured by applying a CNT suspension in a continuous pool over a filter material to a depth sufficient to prevent puddling of the CNT suspension upon the surface of the •filter material, and drawing the dispersing liquid through the filter material to provide a uniform CNT dispersion and form the CNT sheet. The CNT sheet is useful in making CNT composite laminates and structures having utility for electromagnetic wave absorption, lightning strike dissipation. EMI shielding, thermal interface pads, energy storage, and heat dissipation.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet containing CNTs, arranged is a randomly oriented, uniformly distributed pattern, and having a basis weight of at least 1 gsm and a relative density of less than 1.5. The CNT sheet is manufactured by applying a CNT suspension in a continuous pool over a filter material to a depth sufficient to prevent puddling of the CNT suspension upon the surface of the filter material, and drawing the dispersing liquid through the filter material to provide a uniform CNT dispersion and form the CNT sheet. The CNT sheet is useful in making CNT composite laminates and structures having utility for electro-thermal heating, electromagnetic wave absorption, lightning strike dissipation, EMI shielding, thermal interface pads, energy storage, and heat dissipation.

Abstract: This invention provides an innovative method to manufacture graphene layers or quantities and graphene oxide layers or quantities from graphite, coal slags, asphalt, and other carbon-rich sold materials in nature. The present invention uses controllable microwave irradiation to heat the mixtures of basic material, graphite, or coal slags, or asphalt, or their combinations with ionic liquids and surfactant plus environmentally friendly oxidation agents. This invention can generate the said-products of graphene layers and graphene oxides in a short time period of one second to 300 seconds. The present invention does not involve any concentrated sulfuric acid, nitric acid, nor huge water quantities needed for the purification, unlike the prior art.

Abstract: Provided is a powder mass of multiple individual hollow graphene balls, wherein at least one of the hollow graphene balls has a graphene shell composed of graphene sheets bonded by a carbon material and a hollow core enclosed by the graphene shell. These hollow graphene sheets can be used in a broad array of applications, such as for thermal management, for separating an organic solvent from a solvent-water mixture, and for separating oil from water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions including aluminosilicate zeolite crystals with an 8 ring pore size having a depth dependent silica to alumina molar ratio and processes of making aluminosilicate zeolite crystals with an 8 ring pore size having a depth dependent silica to alumina molar ratio.

Abstract: An ammonia production plant includes an ammonia synthesis facility; a synthesis gas generating facility which generates a synthesis gas for synthesizing ammonia from the carbon-based raw material; and a power generating facility which obtains power. The synthesis gas generating facility includes an exhaust heat recovery unit which recovers exhaust heat. The power generating facility includes a combustion device which burns oxygen and fuel and a gas turbine which is driven by using a combustion gas containing a CO2 gas obtained by the combustion device as power so as to generate power and is configured to supply the CO2 gas discharged from the gas turbine as a recycle gas to the combustion device. The power obtained by the power generating facility powers the ammonia synthesis facility. The exhaust heat recovered by the exhaust heat recovery unit is used to heat the recycle gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing an aqueous suspension of precipitated calcium carbonate, wherein a milk of lime is prepared by mixing water, a calcium oxide containing material, and a precipitation enhancer, and subsequently, the milk of lime is carbonated to form an aqueous suspension of precipitated calcium carbonate.

Abstract: Methods for removing reduced sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, from fluids employing a ferric iron salt that exhibits unusually high solubility in aqueous, alkaline solutions and has strong affinity for capture and oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds. Alkaline aqueous ferric iron salt and solutions thereof useful for removing reduced sulfur compounds from fluids and various methods of production of such salts and solutions. In addition, methods of regenerating the alkaline aqueous ferric iron salt solutions after capture of hydrogen sulfide or other reduced sulfur compounds, generally by exposure to oxygen in air. The alkali metal carbonate salt preferably comprises potassium carbonate and/or potassium bicarbonate. The alkaline aqueous ferric iron salt solutions generally comprise ferric ions, potassium ions, carbonate ions, and bicarbonate ions, optionally with one or more organic additives.

Abstract: A water network monitor, monitoring system and method? A water network monitor, monitoring system and method comprising: at least one sensor operable to sense one or more parameters of a water network; and an analyser to analyse data points over time from the water network by the at least one sensor, the analyser having an input comprising the data points recorded over time from the water network and an output comprising an event probability P(event) that an event has occurred which affects the water network from which the data points were recorded, the analyser comprising: an outlier detector to determine a measure of abnormality (D) from an outlier detection algorithm for each of the data points; and an outlier decay discriminator (ODD) to calculate an outlier probability (Po) for each of the data points based on each data points measure of abnormality (D), wherein the outlier probability is decayed over time, the output of the ODD comprising an event probability P(event), wherein P(event) is based on the d

Abstract: A system and method of operating the same includes a membrane chamber comprising a membrane, an inlet, a concentrate outlet and a permeate outlet. The membrane chamber is located in a body of water at a predetermined depth. A turbocharger is disposed at about the predetermined depth and includes a pump portion coupled to the inlet of the membrane chamber and a turbine portion coupled to the concentrate outlet. A pump communicates pressurizing feed fluid and communicates the feed fluid to the turbine portion of the turbocharger though a feed pipe. A permeate pipe extends from the permeate outlet to about the surface of at the body of water.

Abstract: A system for on-demand delivery of a sterile fluid includes a housing. At least one fluid reservoir is associated with the housing and configured to hold a fluid. A sterilization and/or purification mechanism is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid reservoir. The sterilization and/or purification mechanism is configured to sterilize the fluid. A dispensing mechanism is in fluid communication with the sterilization mechanism and configured to dispense the sterile fluid. A controller is associated with one or more of the housing, the at least one fluid reservoir, the sterilization and/or purification mechanism, and the dispensing mechanism. The controller being configured to modulate at least one operating characteristic of the system. The system is configured to deliver the sterile and/or purified fluid immediately after a request is made.

Abstract: A surface water mitigation structure suitable for use in the storage and treatment of contaminated surface water runoff. The runoff is processed through a multi-layered filtration and treatment system wherein the first layer is one or more permeable layers that is pervious enough to allow liquid runoff to pass through it and into a porous storage medium second layer that includes one or more remediating agents, and wherein the effluent from the surface water mitigation structure can be discharged to the ground, the surface, and/or a drainage system reduced or free of contaminants.

Abstract: A module for a wastewater treatment system, for use when buried in permeable media such as sand or soil, includes a central distribution unit and a multiplicity of treatment fins in flow communication therewith. Within each fin is a lengthwise-running perforated pipe. In one kind of assembly, a treatment system module comprises a central housing has attached fins which are wrapped in spiral fashion around the central distribution unit when in a compact shipping container. In another assembly, the fins are attached to a central membrane and shipped in a container while folded, detached from the central distribution unit; and the distribution unit may be comprised of separate nested half units to be joined at the point of use. When take to a wastewater treatment site, the packed components are removed from the container and arranged for use.

Abstract: In a system and process, sludge is treated by two stages of anaerobic digestion in series separated by intermediate thickening and hydrolysis. The hydrolysis product is transferred to the second digester essentially without dilution.

Abstract: A method for bioremediation of waters contaminated with hydrocarbons may include: putting the contaminated waters in contact with at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA); and/or allowing microorganisms, present in the contaminated waters and capable of metabolizing the hydrocarbons, to develop and degrade the hydrocarbons under an aerobic condition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the methods of using di-cationic or di-anionic compounds, which are derived from primary amine through an aza-Michael addition with an activated olefin, in a corrosion control composition to mitigate corrosion of a surface in a water system. The disclosed methods or compositions are found to be more effective than those methods or compositions including commonly used single quaternary compounds for mitigating corrosion for a metal surface in water systems.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for treating waste generated from manufacturing operations including at least one of Printed Circuit Boards Fabrication (PCB FAB), General Metal Finishing (GMF), semiconductors manufacturing, chemical milling, and Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD). The method and system are used to create zero liquid discharge recycling.

Abstract: Sludge dewatering device that makes it possible to achieve a high degree of dryness while retaining a limited energy consumption and limited industrial risks, comprising at least one first plate (21a) equipped with a first electrode (23a), and at least one second plate (21b) equipped with a second electrode (23b), wherein the first and second plates (21a, 21b) define a chamber (22) configured for receiving a sludge to be dewatered (10a), wherein the first and second electrodes (23a, 23b) are configured for establishing an electric field within the chamber (22), wherein the chamber (22) is equipped with at least one discharge port (32, 34), provided in the bottom third of the chamber (22), configured for discharging a filtrate (15a, 16a), and wherein the chamber (22) is equipped with at least one injection port (33), provided in the top third of the chamber (22), configured for injecting the pressurized purge fluid (11a) into the chamber (22).

Abstract: In embodiments, a method for operating a glass manufacturing apparatus may include heating a delivery conduit with resistive windings positioned around an exterior surface of the delivery conduit, the delivery conduit extending between a mixing vessel and a delivery vessel. The method may also include injecting electric current through the delivery conduit while heating the delivery conduit with resistive windings and prior to flowing molten glass through the delivery conduit thereby increasing a temperature of the of the delivery conduit, wherein an input heat flux into the delivery conduit is greater than an output heat flux away from the delivery conduit prior to flowing molten glass through the delivery conduit.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a laminated glass in which a plurality of glass plates are laminated, includes a first main forming step of heating a first glass plate to a first softening point or higher to perform a main forming; a second main forming step of heating a second glass plate to a second softening point or higher to perform the main forming; a first finish forming step of bending and forming the first glass plate into a desired shape; and a second finish forming step of bending and forming the second glass plate into a desired shape. The first and second main forming steps are performed by using a same forming die. A first condition for lowering a temperature of the first glass plate to below the first softening point and a second condition for the second glass plate are different from each other.

Abstract: A perforated quartz glass tube includes a jacket tube containing a quartz glass material, a plurality of cylindrical glass tubes which are inserted into a pore region of the jacket tube along an axial direction of the jacket tube, and contain a quartz glass material having a softening point higher than a softening point of the jacket tube, and a gap member which is inserted into a gap between the cylindrical glass tubes and a gap between the jacket tube and the cylindrical glass tube, and contains a quartz glass material having a softening point lower than a softening point of the cylindrical glass tube.

Abstract: A supporting glass substrate has a ratio of a Young's modulus (GPa) to a density (g/cm3) that is 37.0 (GPa·cm3/g) or more and the ratio has a value larger than a ratio calculation value, the ratio calculation value being a ratio of a Young's modulus (GPa) calculated from a composition to a density (g/cm3). The ratio calculation value is represented by the following expression: ?=2·?{(Vi·Gi)/Mi·Xi}, where, in the expression, Vi is a filling parameter of a metal oxide contained in the supporting glass substrate, Gi is a dissociation energy of a metal oxide contained in the supporting glass substrate, Mi is a molecular weight of a metal oxide contained in the supporting glass substrate, and Xi is a molar ratio of a metal oxide contained in the supporting glass substrate.