Abstract: A method produces semiconductor wafers in a chamber of a deposition reactor of a plant. The method includes: repeatedly depositing an epitaxial layer on a substrate wafer in the chamber, producing semiconductor wafers, and at the same time: conditioning a replacement chamber outside the plant by purging the replacement chamber with a purge gas; interrupting the deposition of the epitaxial layer; replacing the chamber with the replacement chamber, after the conditioning, the replacement chamber being sealed and transported in a closed state to the plant or after the conditioning, the replacement chamber is transported to the plant and in this process purge gas is passed through the replacement chamber; and continuing the deposition of the epitaxial layer in the replacement chamber, producing a second number of semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: A thin film includes a solid organic phase containing an amino acid scaffold and an anisotropic organic molecule. A method includes forming a thin film including a derivatized amino acid, the derivatized amino acid including an amino acid scaffold and an organic molecule, forming a primary electrode over a first portion of the thin film, forming a secondary electrode over a second portion of the thin film, and changing a biased state between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode in an amount effective to change an optical property of the thin film.

Abstract: A polysilicon rod has a diameter of 120 mm or more, the polysilicon rod having a lowest resistivity of 3300 ?cm or more and an RRG of 100% or less. A polysilicon rod has a diameter of 140 mm or more, the polysilicon rod having a lowest resistivity of 3300 ?cm or more and an RRG of 150% or less.

Abstract: A method includes forming a layer of molecular feedstock over a surface of a substrate, the molecular feedstock including a chiral molecule, forming crystal nuclei from the molecular feedstock within a nucleation region of the layer, and growing the crystal nuclei to form an organic solid crystal (OSC) thin film. A chiral molecule-containing organic solid crystal thin film may have a refractive index and birefringence that can be actively tuned via charge injection. An organic solid crystal (OSC) thin film including a single enantiomer of a chiral organic molecule may be configured to propagate a selected handedness of circularly polarized light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for synthesizing diamond from a carbon solution are provided. A carbon solution comprising dissolved carbon and liquid solvent is positioned in a levitation volume. Levitation is facilitated by performing the methods in micro-gravity. The levitation volume can have a dissolution zone and a diamond growth zone at different temperatures, or the temperature of the levitation volume can be adjusted between different periods. Apparatus are provided with one or more levitation generators which define a levitation volume and temperature control systems and devices. Diamond materials having sizes and properties suitable for a variety of applications are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are protective masks made with polymer-based materials and methods of forming the materials. Methods of forming the interlaced polymer-based materials comprise applying adhesive to a substrate, electrospinning a first polymer solution onto the substrate from a first group of spinning electrodes, electrospinning a second polymer solution onto the substrate from a second group of spinning electrodes, and applying hot air to dry the polymer-based materials electrospun from the first polymer solution and the second polymer solution to form the interlaced polymer-based materials.

Abstract: A color-changing filament or yarn is provided that delivers fully-controllable full-spectrum response to current input. In embodiments, the filament is adapted to be woven into a textile and controlled to vary and maintain color independently of external temperature.

Abstract: Polymer fiber or corresponding fabric including graphene and/or its derivative(s), wherein the graphene including polymer fabric is characterized by feature selected from the group consisting of anti-microbial, antistatic, wicking, thermal cooling, anti-odour, and ultraviolet protection, or any combination thereof. The graphene including polymer fiber or fabric shows several further beneficial properties including but not limited to good/excellent washing fastness, rubbing fastness, perspiration fastness, sublimation fastness, and light fastness. A process by which the graphene and/or its derivative(s) is incorporated in a polymer during its synthesis. The polymer is subsequently drawn into a fiber or fabric, and is capable of being converted into commercial products. A method to improve the aforementioned properties in a polymer fiber or fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers comprising polyesteramide co-polymers and a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to the fibers for use in medical applications especially for use in the delivery of bioactive agents. In an embodiment, a fiber degrades hydrolytically at physiological conditions via bulk erosion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinning means for a work station of a textile machine having a plurality of work stations, comprising a first spinning means identification for identifying and/or authenticating the spinning means at a work station. Furthermore, the invention relates to a textile machine having a plurality of work stations and a method for operating the same, wherein the work stations have replaceable spinning means, each having a first spinning means identification. In order to provide a spinning means that has a particularly forgery-proof spinning means identification, it is provided that the first spinning means identification is formed by at least one specific, sensor-detectable material property of a spinning means material and/or a coating applied to the spinning means material.

Abstract: The present application discloses a warp knitting traverse device and a warp knitting machine. The warp knitting traverse device includes a faceplate and a comb. The cross-section of the faceplate is an annular shape with different outer diameters, and the annular shape is divided into x number of equal parts, courses, along the circumferential direction and wherein 2?x?8; on the outer surface of the faceplate, at least two slopes are formed between adjacent courses. The present invention utilizes this new structural design, and designs a gradually gentle slope for buffering for the comb movement, allowing the comb to move step by step, which can avoid the instability caused by sudden large span, and is conducive to achieve high precision and smoothness in using a warp knitting machine in the process of fabric production. The new improvement preserve the machine for continuous production and achieve high throughput.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs formed from modified 1,3-?-D-glucan polymer and methods of forming the nonwoven webs are disclosed. The modified 1,3-?-D-glucan polymer can have a number average degree of polymerization in the range of from 55 to 10,000. The nonwoven webs can be used for personal hygiene wipes, filtration media, apparel or other uses.

Abstract: Provided are: a fiber structure including two types of heat-crosslinkable thermoplastic resins; and a crosslinked molded body obtained by heat-crosslinking the thermoplastic resins with each other. The fiber structure includes at least a thermoplastic resin A and a thermoplastic resin B both heat-crosslinkable with each other. The thermoplastic resin A is an amorphous epoxy-type resin, and at least one of the thermoplastic resins A and B has a fiber shape.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a biodegradable three-dimensional network structure having excellent compression durability and high compression recovery after heat compression. The biodegradable three-dimensional network structure includes a linear fiber including a polybutylene adipate terephthalate resin having a weight average molecular weight of 35000 or more, wherein the biodegradable three-dimensional network structure has an apparent density of from 0.005 g/cm3 to 0.30 g/cm3 and a thickness of from 10 mm to 100 mm, and the linear fiber has a fiber diameter of from 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm and a crystalline melting enthalpy of 16 J/g or more.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber structure having a high dust holding capacity. The fiber structure includes a thick fiber group composed of fibers A each having a single fiber diameter larger than 5 ?m and a thin fiber group composed of fibers B each having a single fiber diameter of 5 ?m or smaller, and has an intermingled region in which the thick fiber group and the thin fiber group are intermingled.

Abstract: A flash spinning method for preparing non-woven fabrics based on microwave thermal fusion, a microwave thermal fusion device, and a non-woven fabric preparation device are provided. The flash spinning method includes: step S1, collecting filament bundles to form a non-woven fabric precursor, adding a microwave heating liquid to the non-woven fabric precursor; the microwave heating liquid being configured to absorb microwave energy and convert the microwave energy into thermal energy; and step S2, performing microwave heating on the non-woven fabric precursor containing the microwave heating liquid obtained in the step S1 to obtain a heated non-woven fabric, and performing a hot press forming treatment on the heated non-woven fabric to obtain a finished non-woven fabric. There is no temperature gradient in layers of the non-woven fabric precursor, thereby significantly improving the peeling strength of the finished non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A frame (1) for clamping fabric (4) for embroidery machines (5), characterized in that it comprises a template for sewing labels (20, 30). The template can move transversely with respect to a resting surface (P) of a fabric (4) and comprises at least one cutout plate (2), which has at least one opening (21, 22) the shape of which matches a first label (20) to be applied by sewing to the fabric (4), the inner rim (21a) of the opening (21) being adapted to contain laterally the first label (20) during sewing.

Abstract: A method for tufting lower loop heights than prior art machines could tuft with a hollow needle tufting machine is disclosed. Polishing and/or rounding edges of needles, which may be smaller in diameter than prior art needles were implemented with a straight edge backing bar, and dimensionally stable woven backing fabric to provide consistently lower loops than prior art efforts.

Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of home appliances to regulate humidity includes monitoring a humidity value from one or more of a humidity sensor. The method also includes detecting, by at least one of the one or more humidity sensors, the humidity value is less than a threshold humidity value. The method further includes releasing, at one or more appliances of the plurality of home appliances, water vapor. Artificial intelligence detects the one or more humidity sensors that detects the humidity value less than the threshold humidity value, and releases water vapor at the one or more appliances of the plurality of appliances proximate the one or more humidity sensors.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a controller. The controller perform switching processing, by moving a moving part in an axial direction so that the moving part is switched from a start state in which one of a rotor-side fixing part and a stator-side fixing part engages with the moving part to an end state in which a remaining one of the rotor-side fixing part and the stator-side fixing part engages with the moving part. The controller is further configured to perform an adjustment operation before the end state of the switching processing starts. In the adjustment operation, the controller is further configured to adjust an engagement position by changing a rotation phase of rotor so as to allow an engagement position of the moving part with respect to the remaining one of the rotor-side fixing part and the stator-side fixing part to become a target engagement position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laundry treating apparatus. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub, a drum, and storage. The storage includes a storage frame, a detergent reservoir, and an auxiliary detergent container. The detergent reservoir includes a casing having an open top face and storing detergent therein, and a cap member detachably coupled to the top face of the casing. The cap member includes a gripping portion extending toward the auxiliary detergent container and positioned on an open top face of the auxiliary detergent container.

Abstract: A water bearing appliance, control method, and system are provided. Operating data from appliances are transmitted to a receiver over a network such as the Internet. Maintenance, cleaning, and repairs are initiated based on the operating data, and can be triggered remotely and automatically. A machine learning model(s) is trained according to operating conditions of various appliances and respective outcomes, such as maintenance, repairs, damages, life expectancy, and/or the like, to learn correlations therebetween. A digital twin appliance data object is generated for an appliance and applied to the machine learning model(s) to provide a predictive maintenance data object. Cleaning regimens, maintenance, repairs, and/or the like are configured to particular operating circumstances of an appliance.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a filter that is operably connected to a water circulation system to filter water. The filter may include a mesh filter element and a porous membrane whereby water passes through the mesh element and then through the porous membrane prior to exiting the washing machine. The porous membrane may include a plurality of openings of about 5 microns to about 100 microns to capture microparticles.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes: a copper pipe forming a refrigerant circulation passage; and a plurality of fins arranged at positions spaced apart from each other along one direction and coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the copper pipe, wherein the copper pipe includes: a plurality of straight tubes extending along the arranged direction of the plurality of fins; and a plurality of return bends connected to one end of one of the plurality of straight tubes and one end of another one of the plurality of straight tubes by welding, wherein burrs having a circumference greater than an outer diameter of each straight tube are formed at both ends of the plurality of straight tubes, a distance between a rim of the burr and an outer surface of the straight tube is 0.4 mm to 1.8 mm.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved laundry hamper that dehumidifies damp or wet clothing and reduces undesirable odors emanating from them. The invention is particularly useful for the storage and deodorizing of athletic or workout clothing after use and prior to laundering. The invention also provides a better way of organizing dirty laundry as compared to a traditional laundry hamper in which clothes are piled together.

Abstract: A metalized fabric and method for metallization of fabric. The fabric is formed using two threads with different affinities for metallization, but which threads are not metalized prior to forming into the fabric. The threads will typically be woven using an unbalanced weave to provide one side of the fabric with a resultant greater amount of metallization than the other but this is not required. Once the resultant fabric is metalized, it will typically be more suitable for consistent color dying than fabric which was formed from both metalized and unmetallized threads.

Abstract: Provided are sizing compositions, and more particularly, sizing compositions comprising an epoxy and a carboxylate salt of an amine compound for the treatment of carbon fiber. The structure of the amine used to make the carboxylate salts is RnXmQ, wherein Q is an amine-containing group, X is a polyether group, and R is an aryl or alkyl group, either linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, or a combination thereof. m and n are integers greater than or equal to 0. The compositions reduce or eliminate sheen and luster on carbon fibers in finished goods. Carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials and carbon fibers incorporating said sizing compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hygromorphic composite material comprising a moisture-active pollen paper substrate formed from a plurality of pollen microgel particles, and at least one moisture-inactive layer applied onto the top and/or bottom surface of the moisture-active pollen paper substrate with a pattern that causes the hygromorphic composite material to change its shape in a pre-determined manner due to a change in relative humidity of its ambient environment. Also disclosed herein is a method of forming the hygromorphic composite material.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for minimizing fouling and/or reducing the viscosity of black liquor in a Kraft pulping process are provided. An exemplary composition includes an anionic sulfate or sulfonate surfactant; an anionic sulfate or sulfonate dispersant; and a nonionic alkoxylated surfactant.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for reducing the viscosity of black liquor. Also provided are methods of inhibiting deposition of scale and methods of processing black liquor. In some embodiments, the compositions include a carboxylate-containing polymer and an inorganic salt. In some embodiments, the compositions include a carboxylate-containing polymer, an inorganic salt, and a surfactant.

Abstract: A refining segment (4, 8) for refining fibrous material, and a refining segment (4, 8) for a refiner (1) for refining fibrous material is formed by arranging at least one set of profiled wires (22) next to each other and substantially immovable with respect to each other, wherein a width (Wa) of a bottom (22a) of the profiled wire (22) is different from a width (Wb) of a top (22b) of the profiled wire (22), to form at least one refining bar element (24), and fastening the at least one refining bar element (24) onto a back plate (19), wherein said back plate forms a body of the refining segment (4, 8), by applying at least one solidifying substance (25) between the at least one refining bar element (24) and the back plate (19).

Abstract: A roll arrangement for producing a web of fibrous material which is compressed includes: a compression press, which includes at least one compression roll and a mating roll and is configured for compressing the web in a transverse direction which is transverse to a conveying direction of the web; and a tensioning belt, which is elastic and is configured for supporting the web and for being guided through a first nip between the at least one compression roll and the mating roll and over the at least one compression roll.

Abstract: A deflection compensated roll, comprising a shaft, a shell configured to rotate around the shaft, one or more loading units between the shaft and the shell configured to adjust a nip load profile. The loading unit comprising a pressure chamber, a seal configured to seal the pressure chamber with pressurized gas, and a flexible mounting configured to mount the seal 4 flexibly on the shaft. Also, a method for controlling a nip load with a deflection compensated roll is disclosed.

Abstract: A paper oil-resistant agent composition containing a hydrocarbon group-containing polymer having a repeating unit formed from a monomer having a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 40 carbon atoms and an NH group-containing group in an amount of 80% by weight or more based on the polymer. Also disclosed is an oil-resistant paper to which the hydrocarbon group-containing polymer in the paper oil-resistant agent composition adheres, a method for producing paper which includes treating paper with the paper oil-resistant composition, and a method for producing molded pulp which includes filling a mold with the paper oil-resistant agent composition and a pulp slurry, and molding the pulp.

Abstract: A laminate including: a paper substrate; a coating layer containing a polyolefin resin; and a plurality of particles fixed to the coating layer, in which a particle diameter of the particles is greater than a thickness of the coating layer.

Abstract: Creping adhesives and processes for making and using same. In some embodiments, the creping adhesive can include a solvent, a modified polyvinyl alcohol, and a crosslinked resin.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a reinforced packaging paper by applying a residual fluid from the pre-treatment of lignocellulose waste with a water-alcohol mix to the packaging paper and the subsequent drying thereof. The residual fluid has a solid fraction in suspension of 1-70% by weight/volume relative to the total, with lignin and lignin-carbohydrate complexes; and a liquid fraction of 30-99% by weight/volume relative to the total, containing between 0.04 and 2.07 g/L glucose, between 0.31 and 14.57 g/L xylose, between 0.09 and 3.46 g/L arabinose, between 0.083 and 12.40 g/L acetic acid, and between 0.004 and 8.73 g/L furfural. The method improves the efficiency of the cellulose pulp residual fluids in the process of reinforcing a packaging paper, and is suitable for all types of raw cardboard or paper.

Abstract: A method for singulating, orientating and distributing tie plates along a section of a track of a railroad is disclosed using a vehicle adapted to travel on rails including a tie plate singulating assembly, a tie plate flipping assembly, a tie plate quarter turn assembly, and a distribution assembly. The tie plate flipping assembly flips shoulder-side down tie plates into a shoulder-side up orientation while maintaining shoulder-side up tie plates in the shoulder-side up orientation. A diverter of the tie plate quarter turn assembly advances tie plates into a rotation inducing abutment resulting in the tie plates turning toward a desired orientation. The distribution assembly distributes tie plates to accumulation slides, controlling distribution with a dealer assembly and orienting discharge assembly to distribute the tie plates in a desired spacing and orientation along the track of a railroad.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a rail pad including a pad matrix having a first material and at least one damping element at least partially encapsulated or embedded in the pad matrix. The damping element includes a second material. The second material includes at least one damping element having a damping factor tan delta greater than or equal to 0.5 in the audible frequency of 1000 Hz. Methods for producing the rail pad are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for assembling at least one rolling support and guide element with a complementary part by direct flash welding includes the step of a first step carried out by a first flashing phase intended to increase the temperature of the surfaces to be welded in a homogeneous manner, the duration of this first step being between 15 s and 40 s. A second step is carried out by a phase of preheating by Joule effect of the parts to be welded, the duration of this second step being between 45 s and 55 s with a heating current of between 55 kA and 70 kA. A third step is carried out by a second flashing phase to deoxidize the faces to be welded while avoiding their re-oxidation, the duration of this third step being between 12 s and 22 s and with a flashing current of between 16 kA and 19 kA. A step is included bringing the surfaces to be welded into contact.

Abstract: A track-wheel based device is disclosed. The track-wheel based device may include a longitudinal member substantially perpendicular to an axis of motion of the track-wheel based device. The track-wheel based device may further include a first lateral member and a second lateral member, each being substantially parallel to the axis of motion of the track-wheel based device. The longitudinal member may be coupled to the first lateral member at a first location of the first lateral member and to the second lateral member at a first location of the second lateral member. The first lateral member and the second lateral member may be configured to undergo a relative angular rotation, in response to a planar misalignment of four or more points of contact between two or more guide tracks for the track-wheel based device and the track-wheel based device.

Abstract: A tie plate orientation and distribution assembly for orienting and distributing tie plates along a section of a track of a railroad includes a tie plate flipping assembly, a tie plate quarter turn assembly, and a distribution assembly. The tie plate flipping assembly flips shoulder-side down tie plates into a shoulder-side up orientation while maintaining shoulder-side up tie plates in the shoulder-side up orientation. A diverter of the tie plate quarter turn assembly advances tie plates into a rotation inducing abutment resulting in the tie plates turning toward a desired orientation. The distribution assembly distributes tie plates to accumulation slides, controlling distribution with a dealer assembly and orienting discharge assembly to distribute the tie plates in a desired spacing and orientation along the track of a railroad.

Abstract: A system for orienting and distributing tie plates along a section of railroad track includes a tie plate flipping assembly. The tie plate flipping assembly flips shoulder-side down tie plates into a shoulder-side up orientation while maintaining shoulder-side up tie plates in the shoulder-side up orientation. One embodiment of the tie plate flipping assembly includes a launch conveyor for launching tie plates against a dampening slide spaced apart from the launch conveyor at a spacing which results in shoulder-side down tie plates flipping over while shoulder-side up tie plates remain shoulder-side up. An alternative tie plate flipping assembly advances tie plates on a longitudinal edge through a vertical guide and past a centered wedge which engages a shoulder side surface of the tie plates conveyed past the wedge causing the tie plates to tip outward and onto a bottom surface.

Abstract: A sensor system for a construction machine, in particular a road finishing machine, includes a laser scanner and an evaluation unit. The laser scanner can be arranged on the construction machine or the road finishing machine itself and is configured to search a specified angular range for objects and to determine angles of the specified angular range according to distance values describing the distance to the one or several objects together with corresponding intensity values describing an intensity of a reflection resulting at the one or several objects. The evaluation unit is configured to detect an object as a reference together with corresponding angles based on a known pattern including the distance values and the intensity values across the angles. Further, the evaluation unit is configured to determine a distance to the reference and/or an angle with respect to the reference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable warm asphalt preparation apparatus 10 and a process 100 enabled thereby. The apparatus 10 comprises a first receptacle 12 defining a chamber 14, the chamber 14 comprising an inlet 14.1 for introducing an asphalt feed material comprising a source of granular plastic into the chamber 14, a floor 14.5 at an inclined plane between a lower first 14.6 end and an elevated second end 14.7 of the chamber 14, and an outlet 14.2 disposed at the elevated second end 14.7 for discharging a warm heterogenous mixture from the chamber 14. A conveying means 40 is provided for mixing the asphalt feed material and for transporting the resultant warm heterogenous mixture towards the outlet 14.2, with a heating means 60 for supplying heat to the asphalt feed material during mixing by the conveying means 40 to enable the formation of the warm heterogenous mixture.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a vibration drive train for making a screed body of a screed device of a paver vibrate, the vibration drive train comprising: a rotatable vibration shaft (extending along a rotational axis (A) between a first shaft end and a second shaft end, wherein the vibration shaft comprises an unbalance mass for generating a vibration arranged between the first and second shaft ends, a torsionally stiff tubular bearing housing, wherein the vibration shaft extends through the tubular bearing housing, and wherein the tubular bearing housing is adapted to be firmly attached to the screed body, a first ball bearing unit and second ball bearing unit arranged inside the tubular bearing housing spaced apart along the rotational axis (A), wherein the first and second bearing unit are adapted for rotatably bearing the vibration shaft towards the tubular bearing housing.

Abstract: An information management device according includes a storage unit, a search processing unit, and a display processing unit. The storage unit stores report information in which report content indicating the condition of road deterioration is associated with location information, which includes at least one of a deterioration occurrence location indicating a location identified for a deterioration occurrence, and a deterioration occurrence area indicating a prescribed area. The search processing unit searches, from the storage unit, report information in which the location information is included in a search area indicating a prescribed area being searched. The display processing unit outputs the search results.

Abstract: A traffic marker illumination device for improving the visibility of a traffic marker to provide warnings for constructions sites and roadways. The traffic marker illumination device is designed to removably attach to an interior portion of a traffic marker. The traffic marker illumination device generates a light to illuminate the traffic marker based on the geographic position of the traffic marker and surrounding environmental elements.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted system and apparatus are provided to improve safety at road construction sites and other locations by allowing drivers to be signaled, and one or more lanes of traffic blocked, without having a flagger stand in or immediately adjacent to a road that is carrying traffic. The system and apparatus may have extensive data and audio and video networking capabilities to allow for remote control of the system and/or observation of the construction site. These networking capabilities may allow the system to further serve to enhance collaboration among remote worksites. A variant apparatus may be mounted on a highway divider such as a K-rail instead of a mobile trailer. Another variant provides a portable kiosk containing apparatus to supply the data networking and collaboration functions without the mechanical apparatus used to block traffic.

Abstract: A security system provides a barrier above a ground level, and includes a first support element extending in a first direction and a second support element extending in a second direction. The security system further has an elongated carrier element extending in a third direction, where the third direction is transverse to the first direction and the second direction. The first support element and the second support element are attached to a lower surface of the elongated carrier element to provide support for the elongated carrier element, where both the first support element and the second support element extend away from the elongated carrier element on opposite sides of the elongated carrier element. The security system further includes a removable stanchion extending upwardly from an upper surface of the elongated carrier element from a point below ground level to a point above ground level.