Abstract: A method includes initiating a gas flow of a first gas parallel to a wall of an interface module to create an air curtain across an opening defined in the wall. The method includes moving an interface door to reveal the opening, wherein the air curtain restrains a second gas within the interface module from passing through the opening. The method includes transferring a semiconductor wafer through the opening and moving the interface door to cover the opening. The method includes halting the gas flow of the first gas after moving the interface door to cover the opening.

Abstract: An operation method is provided for a hydrogen production apparatus that is disposed in a hydrogen station and produces hydrogen gas to be supplied to a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) arriving at the hydrogen station. The operation method includes starting up a hydrogen production apparatus up to a first operation load ratio preset for a rated operation. The operation method includes increasing an operation load of the hydrogen production apparatus to a second operation load ratio, which is larger than the first operation load ratio, at first timing associated with an arrival of the FCV, and decreasing the operation load of the hydrogen production apparatus to a third operation load ratio, which is smaller than the second operation load ratio, at second timing associated with a completion of hydrogen filling into the FCV.

Abstract: The invention relates to a large-scale hydrogen refueling station comprising at least one supply storage, a plurality of compressor modules comprising a local controller, a plurality of dispenser modules, and a hydrogen production system comprising a hydrogen production system controller mutually connected by one or more flow paths. Wherein one of the controllers facilitates control of valves and thereby flow of hydrogen gas in the flow paths between the at least one supply storage, compressor modules, dispenser modules and hydrogen production system. Wherein the control of the valves enables flow of hydrogen gas in at least three of the flow paths simultaneously.

Abstract: According to aspects, hydrogen fueling systems and methods are provided, including vehicle-to-vehicle communication techniques, hydrogen cooling techniques and/or hydrogen dispenser control techniques that facilitate improving aspects of a hydrogen fueling station.

Abstract: A substrate storing container includes: a container main body; a lid body that is attachable to and detachable from a container main body opening portion and can close the container main body opening portion; and a sealing member that closes the container main body opening portion together with the lid body, in which airtightness of the substrate storing space is enhanced so that 50% or more of a gas supplied to a substrate storing space can be discharged from an exhaust filter portion in a case in which a supply amount of a gas supplied from an outer space of the container main body to the substrate storing space through a gas supply filter portion is 22 liters per minute or less.

Abstract: A closed gas circulation system may include a sealed plenum, circulation fans, and a fan filter unit (FFU) inlet to contain, filter, condition, and re-circulate a gas through a chamber of an interface tool. The gas provided to the chamber is maintained in a conditioned environment in the closed gas circulation system as opposed to introducing external air into the chamber through the FFU inlet. This enables precise control over the relative humidity and oxygen concentration of the gas used in the chamber, which reduces the oxidation of semiconductor wafers that are transferred through the chamber. The closed gas circulation system may also include an air-flow rectifier, a return vent, and one or more vacuum pumps to form a downflow of collimated gas in the chamber and to automatically control the feed-forward pressure and flow of gas through the chamber and the sealed plenum.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including a semi-automated canister distribution system comprising one or more cabinet systems, comprising: a cabinet having at least one compartment having at least one door having an open position and a closed position with a locked state and an unlocked state; a human-machine interface in communication with a cabinet controller configured to: receive first signals from the human-machine interface indicative of entry of a data element indicative of details of a transaction; and transmit second signals to the one or more cabinet indicative of instructions to change at least one of the at least one door between the locked state and the unlocked state; and a unit detection device configured for transmitting third signals indicative of removal of one or more substantially full propane canisters from the cabinet and placement of one or more substantially empty propane canisters in the cabinet.

Abstract: A storage system includes shelves each with a nozzle to supply clean gas into containers, flow amount controllers to control a supply amount of clean gas to a nozzle, a transport apparatus to transfer the containers to and from the shelves, and a controller to control the transport apparatus and the flow amount controllers. The controller makes an assignment of at least one shelf in preparation to store an incoming container and before the occurrence of the incoming container, and controls a flow amount controlling device to supply clean gas to the nozzle in the at least one shelf, based upon the assignment.

Abstract: A robotic servicing system. The robotic servicing system includes an evacuation system, a refill system and a robotic assembly. The evacuation system includes a first quick connect fitting configured to mate with a quick connect valve of a vehicle. The refill system includes a second quick connect fitting configure to mate with the quick connect valve of the vehicle. The robotic assembly is couplable to the evacuation system and the refill system, and is configured to autonomously connect the first and second quick connection fittings to the quick connect valve of the vehicle.

Abstract: Environmental control material holders can retain environmental control material within wafer carriers, allowing the environmental control material to protect wafers from moisture while also securing the environmental control material. The environmental control material holders may include a baseplate and tabs defining spaces to hold environmental control material, and can be configured to engage a handle of a wafer cassette. The environmental control material holders may retain one or more environmental control materials. Additionally, the environmental control material holders can be configured to also retain a humidity indicator.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser with a pump mechanism that dispenses fluid when activated. A light sensor detects light in or around the fluid dispenser, and a controller controls a function of an electronic component of the fluid dispenser based on detection data received from the light sensor.

Abstract: An oil change system. The oil change system includes an evacuation system, a refill system, one or more sensors and a control circuit. The evacuation system includes a first quick connect fitting configured to mate with a quick connect valve of a vehicle. The refill system includes a second quick connect fitting configured to mate with the quick connect valve of the vehicle. The control circuit is coupled to the evacuation system, the refill system and the one or more sensors, and is configured to automatically identify the vehicle, determine a type, a viscosity and a volume of oil associated with the vehicle and control a volume of new oil added to the vehicle.

Abstract: A load port apparatus includes an installation section, a frame section, a first wheel, a second wheel, and a supporter. The installation section includes an installation surface for installing a container for containing a substrate. The frame section is disposed on one side of the installation section, extends upward from this one side, and includes a lower fixation unit located below the installation surface. The first wheel is attached below the installation section and has a first diameter. The second wheel is attached below the installation section and further away from the frame section than the first wheel and has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The supporter is attached below the installation section and further away from the frame section than the first wheel and has a vertically adjustable distance from the installation surface to a lower end of the supporter.

Abstract: A substrate storage container is provided with a valve body attached thereto which includes a first cylindrical portion having one end communicating with the outside of a container body, a second cylindrical portion having one end communicating with the interior of the container body and spaced apart from the other end of the first cylindrical portion, a plug member positioned between the other end of the first cylindrical portion and the other end of the second cylindrical portion, and an elastic body that covers at least the plug member and has an inner diameter equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the plug member, and wherein gas flow to the container body is controlled by close contact between the plug member and the elastic body.

Abstract: The absorbent article comprises at least a topsheet layer and a backsheet layer, each layer having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, and longitudinal and transversal edges, the article having a longitudinal front portion, a longitudinal back portion and a crotch portion located between the front and the back portion. The article comprises a first and a second zone of microencapsulated phase change material on a surface of a layer of the article. The first and second zones are selected form zones having different microencapsulated phase change materials, different concentrations of a microencapsulated phase change material or comprise microencapsulated phase change material having different phase change temperature intervals.

Abstract: A system includes a fill station, a vehicle, and a controller. The fill station has a first conduit. The vehicle has a subsystem that includes a second conduit configured to couple with the first conduit to establish a fluid connection between the subsystem and the fill station. The controller is programmed to, in response to a predetermined condition of the subsystem while the first and second conduits are coupled, automatically pump fluid from the fill station into the subsystem via the fluid connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction unit for a wastewater tank, comprising a suction channel extending from a suction adapter designed for attachment to a suction port in the wastewater tank, a connection coupling extending from the suction adapter, wherein said connection coupling and said suction channel are arranged so that the suction channel extends into the wastewater tank, a suction pump connected fluid-tightly to the connection coupling, and a pump control unit in signal communication with the suction pump. A flushing channel extends from a flush adapter designed for attachment to a flushing hole in the wastewater tank, the pump control unit being configured to extract wastewater from the wastewater tank through the suction channel, the connecting line and the suction pump by means of the suction pump, and wastewater is flushed from the wastewater tank through the flushing channel.

Abstract: A outdoor large item vending system for large items such as propane tanks, liquid petroleum gas cylinders of various sizes and other items that must be stored in and dispensed from a hazardous location compliant system (i.e. a Class I, Division 2 compliant system). The vending system can be placed on a store front, parking lot, campsite, or park, and comprises a main housing having compartments to hold large items such as propane container, which are dispensed from the compartments when a payment is made through a credit card reader interface located in the main housing. The large item vending system of the invention is powered by AC current which is turned to DC power by a power supply, or DC batteries charged by AC power and/or solar power, or by other power means.

Abstract: A vehicle side body includes a vertical plate, a horizontal plate connected to a lower edge of the vertical plate and extending outward from the edge to form an L-shaped inside edge with the vertical plate, an opening extending in the vertical plate and the horizontal plate across the inside edge, and an L-shaped bracket fixed to, around the opening, an inner surface of the vertical plate and a lower surface of the horizontal plate. A hydrogen filling port to which a hydrogen filling nozzle is connectable is attached to the L-shaped bracket. A rib plate is provided to connect an outer surface of the vertical plate and an upper surface of the horizontal plate. An accidental contact between the hydrogen filling nozzle and a body is inhibited.

Abstract: A touch-free flowable food product dispenser is disclosed. The food product dispenser includes a main body, a pump assembly mounted in the main body and a cover member mounted to the main body. The cover member is part of an automated pump actuation unit that can be removably mounted to the main body such that the automated pump actuation unit engages a pump assembly supported by the main body. The automated pump actuation unit includes a sensor positioned to detect the presence of an actuation member, such as a hand, in proximity to the sensor. When the actuation member is detected, the automated pump actuation unit actuate the pump assembly to dispense the food product. The cover member and automated pump actuation assembly are formed as a single unit that can be installed on the main body to convert manual pump dispensers to touch-free dispensers.

Abstract: Liquid product pump devices, systems, and methods of using the same. An exemplary system of the present disclosure comprises a device, comprising a pump mechanism coupled to a receiving tube whereby a distal end of the receiving tube extends into a skirt, wherein when the skirt is attached to a neck of an bottle having liquid contents therein and wherein when the device rests within or upon a pump base, pressing the inverted bottle and the pump base toward one another causes a portion of the liquid contents to transfer from the inverted bottle and out of the pump base, and further comprises the bottle and the pump base.

Abstract: Data are received indicating an amount of pumped fuel provided to a vehicle fuel tank. A vehicle fuel tank fuel volume is received. Upon determining that a difference between the pumped amount of fuel and a detected change in a fuel volume in the fuel tank exceeds a threshold, a fuel pump is deactivated.

Abstract: A small, hands free, portable, rechargeable, waterproof, UV-C light emitting disinfection device. The disinfection device has a durable outer housing that holds an array of externally facing Ultraviolet C spectrum (UV-C) Light Emitting (LEDs) that emit light within the germicidal range of the Ultraviolet C spectrum or between the wavelength(?) range of 200 nm to 280 nm. The disinfection unit can be deployed in a water bottle, backpack bladder, water jug, or any suitable container to disinfect water or other liquids.

Abstract: A flexible cleaning lance safety apparatus is described as including a tripod support structure located close to an opening into an object to be cleaned. A flexible lance drive is fastened to the support structure for driving a high pressure fluid through a lance to the object to be cleaned. A snout tube is connected between the lance drive and an opening into the object to be cleaned. One or more micro pressure valves on each leg of the tripod support structure is operative to sense a predetermined force applied between the support structure and a support surface supporting the tripod support structure. When the predetermined force is sensed this causes the high pressure fluid to be diverted from the lance and the object to be cleaned to atmosphere.

Abstract: A wafer carrier purge apparatus, an automated mechanical handling system, and a method of handling a wafer carrier during integrated circuit fabrication are provided. The wafer carrier purge apparatus includes a purge plate adapted for insertion into a carrier storage position. The purge plate includes a gas port and a gas nozzle in fluid communication with the gas port. The gas port receives a gas flow. The gas nozzle is adapted to contact an inlet port of a wafer carrier. The purge plate further includes a vacuum port and a vacuum nozzle in fluid communication with the vacuum port, spaced from the gas nozzle. The vacuum nozzle is adapted to capture gas that escapes from the wafer carrier through an outlet port of the wafer carrier. The purge plate is separate and removable from the carrier storage position.

Abstract: A outdoor large item vending system for large items such as propane tanks, liquid petroleum gas cylinders of various sizes and other items that must be stored in and dispensed from a hazardous location compliant system (i.e. a Class I, Division 2 compliant system). The vending system can be placed on a store front, parking lot, campsite, or park, and comprises a main housing having compartments to hold large items such as propane container, which are dispensed from the compartments when a payment is made through a credit card reader interface located in the main housing. The large item vending system of the invention is powered by AC current which is turned to DC power by a power supply, or DC batteries charged by AC power and/or solar power, or by other power means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a Value Bearing Indicium (VBI) for on-line ticketing applications. A VBI may be generated by hashing user information to create a message digest that is used to create a digital signature. The digital signature is combined with the user information to create a VBI that can be validated by a variety of stand-alone or on-line methods. An on-line ticketing application using the VBI is described.

Abstract: A glue coating device for laying stealth optical cables, comprising an outer housing and an inner housing sheathed inside the outer housing. A glue chamber is provided inside the inner housing. One end of the outer housing is a mounting end and the other end is a glue injection end by which the device is mounted on a glue injection gun. A glue injection zone is provided at an end surface of the glue injection end and runs through the glue chamber. The glue injection end has a front preprocessor which comprises two separating and guiding sides forming an angle of 120° therebetween and protruding from the outer housing. A cable positioning groove is provided on the end surface of the outer housing. The device is simple in structure, convenient for constructing, and provides quantitative glue injection and has a favorable coating effect.

Abstract: A hydrogen fueling system and method comprises a container, a first tank, second tank, and third tank disposed within the container, and a nozzle coupled to the second tank and the third tank. One or more computer-readable storage media storing instructions executable by one or more processors may control flow of liquid hydrogen and hydrogen gas in the system, adjust temperature of the tanks, control pressure in the tanks, and transfer hydrogen gas from the second tank, the third tank, or a combination thereof to one or more target vessels. The system may also comprise flow control assemblies and flow control valves to manage the transfer of liquid hydrogen and hydrogen gas in the system.

Abstract: A system produces bubbles. The system may be used as a children's toy, a special effects machine, an art performance prop, a party entertainment item, or a similar object for entertaining users. The system is designed to produce bubbles regardless of the orientation of the system. The system includes a reservoir, a pump, a swiping mechanism, and a fan. The reservoir receives and stores fluid, and the pump provides pressure on the stored fluid such that the fluid travels through the reservoir and exits the reservoir. The swiping mechanism spreads across the exited fluid to create a fluid sheet, and the fan blows on the fluid sheet, transforming it into a bubble. The pump enables the stored fluid to be available for bubble production at any orientation of the system. The system may be moved, rotated, thrown, bounced, swung, etc. by a user and produce bubbles during its motion.

Abstract: A coupling component (60,30) having a first end (61,71) and a second end (66,76), the component having a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, the first end of the component comprising a first tubular portion (62,71) having a first internal diameter adapted to form a sliding fit with a first pipe section, and a first seal adapted such that the first end can be sealed in use to the first pipe section; the second end having a second diameter or cross-sectional area which is larger than the first diameter and wherein the second end incorporates a flange (67,77), wherein at least part of the face of said flange is in a plane substantially non-perpendicular to, or offset from, the longitudinal axis of the component.

Abstract: An inactive gas introducing facility for a storage rack is provided in which supply of inactive gas to a container is stopped if an open state of an inspection door is detected while in a normal stop state in which a stop nullifying command is not issued and in which the supply of the inactive gas based on the immediately preceding supply pattern is continued and any changes, through manual operation, to a parameter that defines the immediately preceding supply pattern are prohibited, if an open state of an inspection door is detected while in a stop nullifying state in which the stop nullifying command is issued.

Abstract: A nozzle prevents obstruction of alignment of a container without using an actuator. When the nozzle contacts the container before an alignment member does, the container is guided by a guide surface of the nozzle, the nozzle is lowered by a load applied from the container so that the alignment member contacts the container to align the container, and purge gas is injected from the nozzle into the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle tool storage device mountable in a bicycle headset assembly and/or a bicycle pump. A top cap for loading a headset assembly and mounting the device is also provided. The top cap includes an annular body and a device receiving aperture extending through the body. The top cap includes a flange extending radially outwardly from a first end of the body and a ridge defined in an inner surface of the body adjacent to the flange. The ridge is concentrically aligned with the aperture for retaining the device. Further still, a bicycle pump for mounting the device is provided. The pump includes a pump body, a handle, a pump head, and a flange. The pump body houses a plunger and a piston. The plunger and handle define a cavity for receiving the device. The handle further defines a flange for retaining the device.

Abstract: A box for a microelectronic device includes a first portion and a second portion able to be assembled in order to define, in an assembled position, a housing space for the microelectronic device. A face of the first portion is facing a face of the second portion in the assembled position. The first zones facing the faces form an interface for attaching the first portion and second portion. The second zones face faces forming a cavity for receiving the microelectronic device. At least one among the first portion and the second portion includes at least one element for electrical connection. The first portion and the second portion can apply at least one connection pad of the microelectronic device on the element for connection in the assembled position.

Abstract: A content dispensing package apparatus is provided. The content dispensing package apparatus can be configured to elevate contents for immediate dispensing to the user, the user able to raise the contents from outside an outer container. For example, a container for dispensing edible contents can include a first container portion and a second container portion that is configured to move between a first position and a second position. By one approach the apparatus includes a tab coupled to the second container portion. The tab can be accessible from the outside of the container and used to move the second container.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a display including a central portion and a curved side portion; a memory storing pages of content; and a display controller configured to control simultaneously the central portion of the display to display at least a portion of a first page of content and the curved side portion of the display to display additional information not forming part of the first page of content.

Abstract: A Zr-based or Zr—Cu based metallic glass thin film (MGTF) coated on aluminum alloy substrate and a method of fabricating the metallic glass and MGTF coated on aluminum alloy substrate are disclosed. The Zr-based metallic glass thin film-coated aluminum alloy substrate of the present invention comprises: an aluminum alloy substrate; and a Zr-based metallic glass thin film located on the substrate, in which the Zr-based metallic glass is represented by the formula of (ZraCubNicAld)100-xSix, wherein 45=<a=<75, 25=<b=<35, 5=<c=<15, 5=<d=<15, 0.1=<x=<10. The Zr—Cu-based metallic glass thin film coated substrate of the present invention comprises: an aluminum alloy substrate; a Zr—Cu-based metallic glass thin film located on the aluminum alloy substrate, in which the Zr—Cu-based metallic glass is represented by the following formula of (ZreCufAlgAgh)100-ySiy, wherein 35=<e=<55, 35=<f=<55, 5=<g=<15, 5=<h=<15, 0.1=<y=<10.

Abstract: A container treatment machine has treatment positions provided on a circumferential transport element rotating about a vertical machine axis. Each has a container carrier, a centering element, an aggregate, a control valve, and an actuation element. The treatment position clamps empty containers with a clamping force between the carrier and the cone. The actuation element generates the container clamping force. The control valve controls flow through the channel. Containers lying in a sealed position against the centering cone are loaded with pressure medium that travels through the channel to generate a container-stabilizing internal pressure. The control valve, which is in the centering element, causes container pre-tensioning by being opened by a container clamping force that acts between the centering cone and the container to pretension the container.

Abstract: A computing device for a vehicle fluid replacement monitoring system is provided. The computing device includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to receive an indication of a “fluid-empty” condition in a fluid reservoir; receive an indication of a “fluid-present” condition occurring in the fluid reservoir after the “fluid-empty” condition; acquire, responsive to receiving the indication of the “fluid-present” condition, information relating to the “fluid-present” condition; and store, in a memory, the information relating to the “fluid-present” condition.

Abstract: A wafer container is provided. The wafer container includes a housing, a door and an air-tight device. The housing has a room with an opening formed therein, and a door frame surrounding the opening. The door fits in the door frame to close the opening. The air-tight device is disposed around the door, located between the door and the door frame, and having a protruding part extending toward the room. The protruding part has an early-stage pressure-adjusting element configured to exhaust a first gas from the room by pumping a second gas into the room when the door is closed.

Abstract: A housing for a portable electronic device including a first transparent curved portion configured to curve from a front face of the housing to a first side face of the housing; a second transparent curved portion configured to curve from the front face of the housing to a second side face of the housing; a third transparent curved portion configured to curve from a rear face of the housing to the first side face of the housing; and a fourth transparent curved portion configured to curve from the rear face of the housing to the second side face of the housing.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically using the electronically received directive information to electronically direct control of the at least partial preparation of the ingestible product designated to be ingested by the particular individual living being upon electronically verifying, thru electronic use of the directive information that the authority is authorized to issue the controlled substance instruction and that the controlled substance instruction has been issued by the authority. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method and system for producing, marking, and packaging ingots for use in fabricating dental prosthetics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a natural gas filling station comprising a dispenser; a structure covering the dispenser and having a canopy top; at least one tank disposed on the canopy top, the tank having at least one gas therein comprising CNG or LNG; and at least one line between the tank and the dispenser for communicating the gas between the tank and the dispenser.

Abstract: A bottom-to-surface connection installation between a common floating support and the sea bottom, having a plurality of flexible lines such as flexible pipes extending between said floating support and the sea bottom. The flexible lines are supported by respective ones of a plurality of troughs each trough lying between two pipe portions defining a first flexible line portion in a hanging double catenary configuration between the floating support and the trough, and a second flexible line portion in a single catenary configuration between the trough and the point of contact of the flexible pipe with the sea bottom.

Abstract: An inactive gas introducing facility for a storage rack is provided in which supply of inactive gas to a container is stopped if an open state of an inspection door is detected while in a normal stop state in which a stop nullifying command is not issued and in which the supply of the inactive gas based on the immediately preceding supply pattern is continued and any changes, through manual operation, to a parameter that defines the immediately preceding supply pattern are prohibited, if an open state of an inspection door is detected while in a stop nullifying state in which the stop nullifying command is issued.

Abstract: A drip pan apparatus for use in a helicopter includes a drip pan and a frame having a plurality of frame sides and a plurality of frame corners that define an inwardly-facing peripheral surface. A first frame angle is formed between a first inwardly-facing surface and a second inwardly-facing surface. The first frame angle is an acute angle. The drip pan has an outwardly-facing peripheral surface. The outwardly-facing peripheral surface defines a plurality of sides, including a first side and a second side, to cooperate with the inwardly-facing peripheral surface of the frame. A first angle is formed between the first side and the second side. The first angle is an acute angle. A method of installing a drip pan includes modifying at least a portion of a skirt on the helicopter and then securing the frame to one or both of the modified skirt and the helicopter structure.

Abstract: A hot drinks machine is provided that is configured to perform a cleaning program and a descaling program, both of which require the use of a service function object. The hot drinks machine is formed with a holder for the service function object.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer cleaning apparatus comprising a first supporting unit, a movable unit having a first chamber, a second supporting unit having a second chamber, and a third supporting unit is provided. A micro processing chamber in which the semiconductor wafer is being processed is formed when the first chamber is brought in contact with the second chamber. Each of the supporting units is supported by a corresponding supporting plate, and each supporting plate is positioned and strengthened by a plurality of supporting bars on its peripheral. Such design will prevent the deformation of the supporting plates, reduce the particles generated by the friction of parts resulted from the opening or closure of the micro processing chamber, and allow the easy alignment of these units.