47th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 10 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080283341 | ELEVATOR SYSTEM - The invention relates to an elevator system and a method for reducing total power in an elevator system. According to the invention, the elevator system comprises at least one elevator without counterweight for moving people and/or goods, which elevator without counterweight comprises a power converter unit, an elevator motor, a traction sheave, a set of hoisting ropes and an elevator car, and which elevator system comprises means for storing mechanical energy and discharging an energy storage. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283342 | Maintenance Method and Device for an Elevator or Escalator Installation - A method and device for maintenance of an elevator installation or an escalator installation communicates the presence of a maintenance technician at the elevator or escalator installation to a remote service center. The service center is thus informed about that the maintenance technician has to maintain or is maintaining or has maintained a specific installation and is in a position of checking the quality of this maintenance. The maintenance operations are recorded as a maintenance record and communicated to the service center. For example, the maintenance record contains details about which maintenance technician on which day of the year and for how long has undertaken which maintenance operations on a specific elevator or escalator installation. The quality of a thus detected maintenance can then be compared with a quality standard. In addition, the maintenance operations performed are thus uniquely detected and can be evaluated. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283343 | Method for Detecting the State of an Elevator Cage and Elevator System Wherein the Method is Used - The invention relates to a lift system ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283344 | VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM - A vehicle braking system that eases assembly of a plurality of rotational friction plates and a plurality of fixed friction plates to a system body. The braking system can include a plurality of rotational friction plates and a plurality of fixed friction plates assembled on a periphery of an annular member such that each of the fixed friction plates is positioned between a pair of the rotational friction plates. A retaining member, such as a circlip, is engaged with each end of the annular member for preventing the rotational friction plates and the fixed friction plates from becoming disengaged with the annular member by axial movement. In addition, outer fixed friction plates can be positioned on each end of the collection of rotational friction plates and fixed friction plates. Pins can be extended through the outer fixed friction plates and retaining members, such as circlips are provided on respective ends of the pins to permit limited relative movement of the outer friction plates relative to one another in the axial direction. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283345 | Hydraulic Vehicle Brake with Integrated Electromechanically Operable Parking Brake - A hydraulic vehicle brake with a parking brake device, in particular for motor vehicles, includes a brake housing in which a hydraulic service pressure chamber is delimited by a brake piston, wherein hydraulic pressure fluid can be applied to the hydraulic service pressure chamber for carrying out service brake operations so that the brake piston is actuatable along a longitudinal piston axis in order to achieve a braking effect. The parking brake device acts on the brake piston with an actuating device, which actuates a rolling-element ramp-type gear with an electromechanical actuator. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283346 | Controller for Electromechanical Braking System with Running Clearance Adjustment and Method - A system and method for establishing a running clearance position for an electromechanical actuator ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283347 | Electromechanical Friction Brake - The invention relates to a self-energizing electromechanical friction brake includes a self-energizing device provided with, for example, a wedge mechanism. According to the invention, the friction brake is equipped with a linear drive, for example an electromagnet, for brake actuation. The self-energizing device converts a friction force exerted by a rotating brake body on a friction brake lining during braking actuated by the linear drive of an actuation device into a second contact pressure that presses the friction brake lining against the brake body in addition to the first contact pressure exerted by the actuation device. The self-energizing device provides a non-proportional characteristic magnetic force curve of the electromagnet of the linear drive. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283348 | Vehicle Drive System - An electric drive system for a vehicle; said drive system including an electric motor at least one wheel of said vehicle; said electric motor comprising an electric field source adapted to induce rotational torque in the brake disc associated with said wheel of said vehicle. In an alternative form there is provided a method of imparting a torque to a wheel of a vehicle; said wheel having a brake disc rotor mechanically associated with it; said method comprising utilising said rotor as a motor rotor whereby said rotor performs a dual function of a disc brake and a motor rotor. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283349 | Device to Covering and Transporting a Portable Computer - A device for covering and transporting a portable computer comprises lower ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283350 | Carry-On Luggage With Garment Hanging Feature - An advantageous carry-on bag is now disclosed which accommodates hanging garments, folded garments and accessories. The bag comprises a bottom portion comprising a first bottom area and a flap area. The flap area which zips or otherwise removably secures to the top edge of each of two ends and the front side of the bag. The first bottom areas secured to the bottom edge of the two ends and the front side. When the flap is in a first position extending outwardly from said end bottom edges, it forms an area adapted to receive hanging garments. Upright flaps attached to the side edges of the end sections removably secure to one another to form a wall parallel to the front side section and define a packing area which may receive for example folded garments. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283351 | Power transfer/transmission apparatus - A power transfer/transmission apparatus includes clutch adjusting mechanisms that are easy to assemble and are stably supported, the power transfer/transmission apparatus has a clutch housing, the clutch housing includes a vertical wall (a flange and a vertical wall) connected to a joint shaft and a peripheral wall connected to the vertical wall and enclosing a main clutch, the flange has an output unit support that rotatably supports a first end of a clutch output unit at a position that is axially different from the position of the joint shaft, a second end of the clutch output unit includes a centering part that forms a hollow axle joint having inner splines engaged with an axle so that the axle joint and axle may rotate together. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283352 | Electromagnetic actuator - Electromagnetic actuators, components of electromagnetic actuators, clutches that use electromagnetic actuators, and methods associated therewith for improved electromagnetic actuator operation and manufacturing methods. Embodiments of an electromagnetic actuator of the present disclosure includes a configuration of a housing and a flux washer relative a shaft helps to reduce the travel path for magnetic flux generated by an electrical coil contained therein. This more direct flux path, in turn, provides for a shorter loop for the magnetic flux, which helps to generate a greater relative magnetic force (e.g., a stronger clutch actuation force) as compared to other configurations. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283353 | Brass Alloy and Synchronizing Ring - A wear-resistant brass alloy is ideally suited for manufacturing a synchronizing ring for use in couplings, brakes, transmissions, etc. The brass alloy contains 55-68% by weight of copper, 0-6% by weight of aluminium, 2-14% by weight of manganese, 0.5-3% by weight of phosphorus, 0-1% by weight of lead, unavoidable impurities and the rest zinc. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283354 | Device For Locking a Vehicle Transmission and Corresponding Manufacturing Method - A device for locking a vehicle transmission including a toothed wheel connected to the vehicle drive wheels via a transmission element, and a locking pivoting finger capable of being engaged between two consecutive teeth of the toothed parking wheel to immobilize the drive wheels via the toothed parking wheel. The toothed parking wheel is integrated in the differential ring gear. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283355 | Hydraulic system for a vehicle - A hydraulic system for actuating a clutch of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, having a pressure reducing valve under system pressure for pressuring the clutch with an actuating pressure in normal operation, where at least one additional reserve valve assembly is provided for emergency operation. In addition, a hydraulic system is proposed for actuating a variator of a CVT transmission of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, having at least one pressure reducing valve for pressuring a first shifting chamber and a second shifting chamber of the pulleys with an adjusting pressure to set a transmission ratio in normal operation, where at least one selector valve is connected to the first shifting chamber and the second shifting chamber of the respective pulleys. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283356 | Method and System For Handling Empty Packaging - A method and a system for determining the remuneration for the return of identifiable empty packaging to a receiving point, wherein the empty packaging ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283357 | Portable low profile drive-over truck dump conveyor system - A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the frame to be articulated towards the grate. A second end of each ramp spaced from the frame is supported above but in close proximity to the ground. A support frame is associated with each ramp to provide a barrier along the ground adjacent to and at a level of the second end of each ramp. The barrier supports an earthen ramp which enables the material transport vehicles to drive onto and over the ramp to deposit material over the grate. The support frame maintains the integrity of the earthen ramp when the ramps are articulated towards the grate. The support frame may also provide a support surface adjacent to the ground for supporting the second end of each ramp. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283358 | Apparatus for Longitudinally Aligning Concrete Blocks on a Conveyor - An apparatus provided for orienting concrete blocks into a desired position comprises a pair of upper and lower turntables including respectively upper and lower block supporting surfaces. The lower supporting surface extends outwardly of, and below, the upper supporting surface. A stationary peripheral wall extends outwardly of the lower turntable and defines with the upper turntable and the lower supporting surface a gutter. The gutter is dimensioned to receive blocks therein in a substantially longitudinal orientation thereof. An outlet is provided at a downstream end of the gutter for allowing the substantially oriented blocks to be discharged from the apparatus. Therefore, concrete blocks, or the like, fed to the apparatus are received by the upper turntable, are then positioned in the gutter under the rotation of the upper and lower turntables, which typically rotate at different speeds, and are then discharged from the apparatus via the outlet. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283359 | TURNOVER DEVICE - A turnover device for turning over a substrate comprises a motor and a tumbler driven by the motor to rotate. The tumbler is provided with a transmission mechanism thereon and connected to an upper turntable and a lower turntable with the transmission mechanism, the tumbler can drive the upper turntable and the lower turntable to rotate, the transmission mechanism can drive the upper turntable and the lower turntable to move toward each other, and the substrate to be turned over is disposed between the upper turntable and the lower turntable. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283360 | Unit for Grouping Packages Along a Path - A unit for grouping packages along a transfer path includes an input station receiving the packages arranged in longitudinal lines parallel to the transfer path; an output station for groups defined by a given number of packages from respective longitudinal lines and aligned in at least one line crosswise to the transfer path; a movable conveying surface, which is fed at predetermined time intervals with a number of packages equal to that of each group, and feeds the packages along the transfer path; and at least one movable member, which is fed cyclically along an operating path having at least one portion parallel to the transfer path, and has an aligning surface, against which, at each cycle, the packages in each group upstream from the movable member come to rest and are aligned in at least one line crosswise to the transfer path; the movable member also has a push surface which, at each cycle, acts on each group of packages downstream from the movable member to push the group out of the unit. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283361 | Conveyor Means - A conveyor for beverage packages includes an endless series of spacer elements by which successive packages (A) are spaced apart from one another. Each spacer element of the series includes a pair of leading and trailing carton engaging lugs ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283362 | Virtual lug loader - A virtual lug loader includes a lug loader for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor, wherein the workpieces are transversely oriented relative to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors for conveying the workpieces downstream, wherein each pair of endless conveyors in the array include first and second endless conveyors. The first and second endless conveyors are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction. Each are aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array forms a continuous upper surface in the flow direction for supporting the workpieces translating downstream in the flow direction. Each pair of endless conveyors in the array overlap adjacent pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array include independently actuable first and second drives independently driving their corresponding first and second endless conveyors. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283363 | Apparatus and Method for Feeding Pouches and Spouts for Processing - The invention relates to a system for feeding pouches and spouts to an apparatus for processing same. A system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can feed pouches and spouts to a rotary machine simultaneously. More specifically, the system can provide a transferring assembly for grasping a single spout and pouch simultaneously from a spout supply and a pouch supply, respectively, then relinquishing the spout and pouch simultaneously to the rotary machine. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283364 | EXTENDABLE CONVEYOR SYSTEM - An extendable belt conveyor system designed to be installed under a self-propelled windrower between the front and the rear wheels suitable for multiple windrowing operations. The self-propelled windrower with the extendable belt conveyor system deliver a swath at a variable distance from the windrower, either on left or on the right, as the machine moves through the field. The conveyor can be directed on the left or on the right at variable distances with no need to manually change a part. The extendable belt conveyor system has at least two conveyors disposed one above the others and are connected with a trolley between each conveyor. The extendable belt conveyor system is driven by a single driving means and by a single reversible motor. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283365 | Reciprocating slat conveyor with cleanout apparatus - A plow (P) sits down on movable slats ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283366 | Food Coating and Topping Applicator Apparatus and Methods of Use Thereof - Apparatuses and methods for coating, topping, and conveying foods. The apparatus includes a first frame, spring assemblies, a vibrating assembly including an upper pan, a middle pan, a lower pan, and a second frame mounted to the lower pan with the spring assemblies. The second frame is an excited frame and the upper pan, the middle pan, the lower pan are vibrationally connected. The apparatus also includes a vibratory drive unit mounted and adapted to impart energy to the second frame. In addition, the apparatus has a wire conveyor belt assembly including a wire conveyor belt, and a housing that receives the wire conveyor belt. The wire conveyor belt assembly is suspended inside of the vibratory assembly by the first frame such that the wire conveyor belt assembly is isolated from the vibratory assembly. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283367 | Downwardly Conveying Conveyor Installation - The invention relates to a downwardly conveying conveyor installation, in particular belt-conveyor installation, having a circulating web-like, chain-like or circular conveying means for receiving conveyable articles and transporting the conveyable articles along a conveying path from a geodetically higher location to a geodetically lower location; having a motor drive which causes the conveying means to circulate; having a hydrodynamic coupling comprising a drive-side pump wheel and an output-side turbine wheel, which together form a toroidal operating space which is filled, or can be filled, with operating medium; the pump wheel and the turbine wheel each have a blade arrangement with a multiplicity of blades which are arranged opposite one another such that the blades of the pump wheel are flush with the blades of the turbine wheel. The invention is characterized in that the blades of the pump wheel, as seen in a circumferentially directed section through the operating space, are positioned obliquely, in the direction from the rotor base to the blade tip, counter to the driving direction of rotation of the pump wheel, and the blades of the turbine wheel are positioned obliquely, in the direction from the rotor base to the blade tip, in the driving direction of rotation of the turbine wheel. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283368 | STEEP ANGLE PIPE CONVEYOR - A angle pipe conveyor comprises a conveyor belt or roller belt. The conveyor belt includes a first conveyor belt section and a second conveyor belt section to define a cylinder structure having an overlap thickness based on plural sections of the roller belt with an overlap structure having an oval-shaped cross section. Support elements support the conveyor belt as rollers located on the support elements guide the cylinder structure. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283369 | Conveying device and image forming apparatus - A conveying device includes a guiding member that has a contact portion that comes into contact with an inner peripheral surface of a conveying belt in which a plurality of suction holes is formed, and an endless conveying belt that has ridges to hold a recording medium lest the recording medium come into contact with the suction holes. A plurality of slits is formed in the contact portion to attract the recording medium to the endless conveying belt through the suction holes. The slits are formed to prevent the conveying belt from falling in the slits when the conveying belt is pressed due to suction. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283370 | Method And An Apparatus For Ordered Supply Of Containers To An Automatic Machine - This invention concerns a method and a corresponding apparatus for ordered supply of containers to an automatic machine, comprising following operating stages: preliminarily freely supplying containers into a plurality of trays borne by a first conveyor belt with vertical axis, in such a way as to create a single layer of loosely arranged containers in the trays with the longitudinal axis thereof oriented horizontally; subsequently detecting a position of each container of the single layer in the corresponding tray; picking up each container situated in the tray and subsequently releasing the container at a mouth of a relative inclined channel which is shaped such as to guide the container onto a corresponding underlying housing of a fixed plane, with the container resiting with a longitudinal axis thereof vertically arranged; subsequently translating a plurality of containers resting in the housings towards corresponding facing seatings associated to a second conveyor belt having a vertical axis; and finally supplying the containers which are positioned in the seatings of the second conveyor belt to an associated machine. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283371 | ATV switch actuator and housing design - A switch activator device for ATVs and like vehicles operating in robust environments having a switch housing including an open back side and a front side having a central opening and at least one slots for receiving a switch actuator. At least one switch activator is mounted in the housing with a flange sized to engage the at least one slot in the housing. A central housing insert is put in the housing between the at least one activator to substantially close off the front side of the housing and provide mounting support to maintain the at least one actuator flange in the slot. Preferably the housing, actuators and insert are made by injection molding plastic. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283372 | PEDAL DEVICE WITH FUNCTION OF ADJUSTING PEDAL EFFORT - An object of the present invention is to provide a pedal device that makes it possible to adjust the reaction force applied to the driver pressing the pedal to correspond to the driver's driving propensity by adjusting the pre-compression force against the return spring providing the return force to the pedal arm such that the operability is improved and the fatigue of the driver's ankle is reduced, and corresponds to the requirements of the driver by appropriately adjusting the reaction force. In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a pedal device with a function of adjusting pedal effort including a housing that is fixed to a car body, a pedal arm that is hinged to the housing and pivots about the housing, an elastic member that is disposed between the housing and the pivot end of the pedal arm and provides a return force to the pedal arm, a pedal effort adjusting unit that is movably disposed in the housing and having a sloped portion for adjusting a pre-compression force to the elastic member, and a pre-compression force setting unit that sets a fixed position of the pedal effort adjusting unit with respect to the housing and keeps a pre-compression force applied to the elastic member at a predetermined level. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283373 | Assembly of a Microswitch and of an Acoustic Resonator - The invention relates to a device consisting of an electromechanical microswitch comprising mobile beam ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283374 | ELECTROMECHANICAL ELEMENT, DRIVING METHOD OF THE ELECTROMECHANICAL ELEMENT AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - An electromechanical element includes a first electrode which is provided on a substrate, and a second electrode and a third electrode which are provided via a gap with respect to the first electrode. The first electrode contacts with the second electrode when an attracting force is applied between the first electrode and the third electrode. The first electrode has a bending portion. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283375 | Key Unit with Support Frame - The object of the present invention is to utilize a reinforcing plate formed out of a hard resin or a metal introduced into a key unit in order to overcome the weak point such that the conventional rubber keypads are too soft and lack shape stability, as a functional design element of equipment including a key unit into which the plate is incorporated. A support frame | 2008-11-20 |
20080283376 | Electrical switches - An electrical switch may include a housing having a hollow inner cavity. Both mechanical and electrical components may be contained within the inner cavity. The components within inner cavity may be protected from contaminants entering the inner cavity by a seal adjacent to an opening of the housing leading from the inner cavity. The seal may allow movement of an actuator mechanism between various configurations relative to the seal, while continuing to prevent contaminants from entering the inner cavity. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283377 | Haptics cone - A push button assembly has a button retainer having drawer slide guides and a corresponding bezel structure. The button retainer also has a surface perpendicular to a principal translational axis, on which is one of a conical protrusion and a conical indentation is formed. The bezel structure has the other of the conical protrusion and conical indentation. The conical indentation mates with the conical protrusion such that the conical protrusion and the portions forming the conical indentation are in contact around their perimeters when the button retainer and bezel structure are in a pre-load position. A method of producing the button retainer and bezel structure is also disclosed, which includes attaching an attachment mold pin to the molds, which can be altered and reattached in the tuning process. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283378 | SMALL FORM-FACTOR KEYBOARD USING KEYS WITH OFFSET PEAKS AND PITCH VARIATIONS - A small form-factor keyboard or keypad for key structures is provided in which individual key structures have a contact surface on which there is a center reference and a peak. The center reference and the peak or offset, so that an offset distance between the center reference and the peak is greater than or equal to zero. The offset distance for at least two or more key structures in the plurality of key structures may different. The difference in the offset distance may be based on a position of the individual key structures relative to a first reference line. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283379 | Coaxial switch with reduced tribo-electric charge accumulation - A contact carrier, a coaxial switch, and a method of forming the contact carrier are disclosed. A contact carrier includes a body formed of an electrically insulative material. The body includes a longitudinally extending shaft portion and a stem portion. At least one conductive layer is formed on the body. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283380 | PRESSURE SENSITIVE CONDUCTIVE SHEET AND PANEL SWITCH USING SAME - A first resistor layer is formed on the lower surface of a base in film form, and at the same time, a second resistor layer in which particles of different particle diameters are dispersed is formed and layered on the lower surface of the first resistor layer, and thus, a pressure sensitive conductive sheet is formed. In this configuration, the second resistor layer in uneven form makes contact with the fixed contacts in accordance with a pressing force so that electrical connection is made via the second resistor layer and the first resistor layer, and therefore, a thin panel switch with little fluctuation in the resistance value resulting from repeated operation where a stable resistance value can be gained can be realized. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283381 | FIXED CONTRACT PATTERN AND SWITCH DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - Gaps that divide a conductive portion include an I-shaped gap that passes through the center of a fixed contact, and L-shaped gaps that are located on both sides of the I-shaped gap. Longitudinal gap of the L-shaped gaps extend beyond a virtual straight line A-A that passes through the center of the fixed contact and extend in the direction orthogonal to the I-shaped gap, and are connected to lateral gaps. The L-shaped gaps are arranged point-symmetrically about the center of the fixed contact. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283382 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN GAS IN GAS LINES - A device and method for measuring the level of elemental sulfur present in a gas in a gas line. The device may include: an access fitting detachably connectable with the gas line, the access fitting having a first end and a second end; a probe detachably connectable to at least one end of the access fitting and adapted for insertion into a gas flow stream from the gas line to recover condensed components on the prober's outer surface; and a piping partially disposed within the probe for providing a cooling medium to the probe. The method may include the steps of: collecting a sample of elemental sulfur-containing gas from the gas line, wherein the sample is collected on an outer surface of a probe by condensing some or all of the elemental sulfur-containing gas in the gas line on a surface of the probe while the gas line is operational, the probe being removably placed into a gas flow stream from the gas line; separating the elemental sulfur from other species in the sample into an amount of elemental sulfur; and analyzing the amount of elemental sulfur collected. The device and method of the present invention for measuring the level of elemental sulfur present in a gas in a gas line, when compared with previously proposed devices and methods, has the advantages of: providing an accurate measurement of elemental sulfur, being able to distinguish between free elemental sulfur and sulfur in other sulfur-containing chemicals, and being practical and effective for use in process plant applications, particularly pressurized gas lines. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283383 | Method For the Distillative Purification of Slow-Evaporating Fluids - The present invention relates to a method for removing volatile compounds from sparingly volatile fluids by means of rectification using an auxiliary and also to separation methods and chemical reactions in which sparingly volatile fluids are used, the purification of which is effected by means of rectification and using an auxiliary. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283384 | Process for Producing Trioxane and at Least One Comonomer - The invention relates to a process for preparing trioxane and at least one comonomer for preparing (co)polymers based on trioxane, in which, in a first step, formaldehyde the at least one comonomer reactant are reacted in aqueous solution to give trioxane and comonomer, to obtain a reaction mixture A | 2008-11-20 |
20080283385 | SPECTRALLY TUNABLE PHOTOLYSIS OF A CAPSULE CONTAINING AN ACTIVE MATERIAL - Capsules that include a shell, a sensitizer, and an active material. Methods for using the capsules to spatiotemporally deliver active material. Representative shells include vesicles, polymers, and inorganic materials. Representative active materials include small molecules and proteins. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283386 | Methods of removing aerosols from the atmosphere - An antenna is disclosed to efficiently ionize the atmosphere for the purpose of reducing the aerosol counts, and therefore the number of poluted particles in suspension in the atmosphere, by deposition to ground. The antenna includes peripheral nodes and a central node. Each of the peripheral nodes is connected to adjacent peripheral nodes through peripheral spokes. The peripheral nodes are also connected to the central node through radial spokes. Electric power is applied to the peripheral spokes and the radial spokes causing the antenna to charge the atmosphere through the emission of ions. The antenna minimizes an attenuation factor that reduces ionization efficiency and reduces the land requirements for its installation. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283387 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING CONDUCTIVE PIECES DURING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE FABRICATION - In a first aspect, a programmable transfer device is provided for transferring conductive pieces to electrode pads of a target substrate. The programmable transfer device includes (1) a transfer substrate; and (2) a plurality of individually addressable electrodes formed on the transfer substrate. Each electrode is adapted to selectively attract and hold a conductive piece during transfer of the conductive piece to an electrode pad of a target substrate. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283388 | Hydrogen gas detecting membrane - An optical hydrogen gas detecting membrane is prepared by sequentially depositing a platinum oxide layer and a catalytic metal layer on a transparent substrate, such as quartz glass, by vapor deposition such as the sputtering method. Palladium or platinum is used as the catalytic metal layer. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283389 | Method for Manufacturing Chalcopyrite Thin-Film Solar Cell - A method for fabricating a chalcopyrite-type thin film solar cell includes a first step of forming onto a Mo electrode layer | 2008-11-20 |
20080283390 | CuC1 thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production - An electrochemical cell for producing copper having a dense graphite anode electrode and a dense graphite cathode electrode disposed in a CuCl solution. An anion exchange membrane made of poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) and polyethylenimine cross-linked with a cross-linking agent selected from the group consisting of acetone, formaldehyde, glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, and mixtures thereof is disposed between the two electrodes. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283391 | Water treatment device - There is disclosed a water treatment device capable of improving the treatment efficiency of for-treatment water and passing the for-treatment water once to sufficiently treat the water without repeatedly circulating the water, and the water treatment device includes a water passing first electrode arranged in the channel of the for-treatment water, a conductive fiber positioned on the downstream side of this first electrode and energized by the first electrode, a water passing second electrode positioned on the downstream side of this conductive fiber and forming a pair with the first electrode, an insulating porous spacer interposed between this second electrode and the conductive fiber, and a supply section which supplies voltages to both of the electrodes. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283392 | HYDROGEN PRODUCING UNIT - An electrolyte electrolyzer adapted to create hydrogen and oxygen from electrolyte fluid at or near atmospheric pressure. The electrolyzer is comprised in a preferred form of a plurality of cells which collectively create oxygen and hydrogen chambers separated by an ion permeable membrane. The electrolyzer is further defined by a passive electrode that is electrically interposed between a charged anode and cathode. The chambers defined by the cells are in communication with oxygen and hydrogen supply lines to transfer the hydrogen gas from the unit. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283393 | Elongate Vacuum System for Coating One or Both Sides of a Flat Substrate - An elongate vacuum system for coating one or both sides of a flat substrate which can be displaced by the system, comprises at least one magnetron provided with a magnetron surrounding area and is subdivided into successive compartments in the direction of transportation of the substrate by separating walls having closeable suction openings. The compartments can be evacuated either directly by a vacuum connection provided on the compartment or indirectly via a suction opening in the separating wall. At least one compartment comprises an upper partial compartment which is arranged above the substrate. The partial compartment comprises a closeable upper opening in at least one of the outer walls thereof. The aim is to produce an elongate coating system which is flexible to use according to the requirements of various one and two-sided coating processes and ensures a stable, differential and process-optimized sputter atmosphere. At least in one of the upper partial compartments, horizontal and/or vertical elements can be mounted in order to subdivide the upper partial compartment into several sections. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283394 | MAGNETRON SPUTTERING TARGET - A magnetron sputtering target, which can improve utilization rate and service life of target materials and can be used in a magnetron sputtering technology, is provided. The magnetron sputtering target comprises a target material, a target back plate, an insulating pad, a target cathode frame, one or more leading pole piece adjustment pads, and one or more juxtaposed magnets, which are stacked in order. The leading pole piece adjustment pad is disposed between the insulating pad and the magnet. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283395 | WATER POLLUTION SENSOR FOR DETECTING HEAVY METAL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A water pollution sensor for detecting a heavy metal, the water pollution sensor including: a base member; a conductive layer formed at a portion of one of surfaces of the base member and consisting of a conductive material; an insulating layer formed on the conductive layer to enable a portion of the conductive layer to be exposed; and a bismuth layer formed on a portion of the exposed conductive layer and including bismuth powders. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283396 | Analyte Sensor with Insertion Monitor, and Methods - A sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283397 | Electrochemical Transducer Array and Use Thereof - Electrochemical transducer arrays are already known from the prior art. According to the invention, the transducer array is provided with at least one flexible, planar metal substrate on which at least one flexible insulator having a firm connection between the metal surface and the insulator surface is disposed. The metal substrate and the insulator disposed thereon are structured in such a manner as to give metal areas which are electrically insulated the one from the other and which serve as sensor areas. The metal substrate used is self-contained so that the structured metal areas can be contacted from the lower side. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283398 | SOOT SENSING SYSTEMS HAVING SOOT SENSORS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SOOT SENSORS - Soot sensing systems and soot sensors are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a soot sensor includes a non-conductive substrate and a first electrode disposed on the non-conductive substrate. The soot sensor further includes a second electrode disposed on the non-conductive substrate and spaced away from the first electrode. The soot sensor further includes a first protective layer disposed over at least a portion of the first electrode. The soot sensor further includes a second protective layer disposed over at least a portion of the second electrode. Further, an electrical parameter between the first and second electrodes is indicative of an amount of soot disposed on the non-conductive substrate between the first and second electrodes. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283399 | POTENTIOMETRIC PROCESS ANALYTIC SENSOR WITH ISOLATED TEMPERATURE SENSOR - A sensor for analyzing a liquid sample is provided. The sensor includes a sensor body defining a chamber therein. A sensing cell is disposed within the chamber and is adapted to contact the sample solution. The sensing cell has a sensing cell fill solution therein, and a sensing electrode disposed within the sensing cell fill solution. A reference fill solution is disposed within the sensor body. A reference junction is arranged to contact the reference fill solution and the sample solution. A temperature sensitive device is disposed within the body and is configured to provide a temperature sensitive device output. A reference electrode is disposed within the sensor body in contact with the reference fill solution. A solution ground electrode is disposed within the sensor body and spaced from the reference electrode. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283400 | Separation Medium for Use in Chromatography - The invention relates to a separation medium for chromatography which is structured in that way that the flow rate is in one preselected direction larger than perpendicular to that direction. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283401 | TIME-VARYING FLOWS FOR MICROFLUIDIC PARTICLE SEPARATION - Methods, devices, and systems for separating a time-varying flow of disparate liquid-suspended particles through a channel using dielectrophoresis and field-flow fractionation. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283402 | SHAPED ELECTRODES FOR MICROFLUIDIC DIELECTROPHORETIC PARTICLE MANIPULATION - Methods, devices, and systems for separating disparate liquid-suspended particles in a flow channel using dielectrophoresis induced by concave-shaped electrodes and field-flow fractionation. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283403 | Heat exchange enhancement - A heat exchange device that includes a structural section and a thin layer of material attached to a surface of the structural section. The thin layer of material has a thickness less than 100 microns. The combination of the structural section and the thin layer of material has a higher thermal transfer coefficient than the structural section alone, the thermal transfer coefficient representing an ability to exchange thermal energy with an ambient gas. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283404 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE TO DECREASE DEFECT NUMBER OF PLATING FILM - A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided which includes performing an electroplating step to fill concavities formed on a substrate. The electroplating step further includes: performing a first electroplating step; performing a first reverse bias step; performing a second electroplating step; performing a second reverse bias step; and a third electroplating step. The polarity of the first and the second reverse bias steps is different from that of the first electroplating step. A difference between the third current density and the fourth current density is larger than a difference between the first current density and the second current density. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283405 | Method for Producing Patterned Structures by Printing a Surfactant Resist on a Substrate for Electrodeposition - Methods for electrodeposition of conductive material on a conductive substrate that contains a pattern of a chemisorbed surfactant formed by a stamp having a patterned surface which is pressed onto the surface of the substrate for printing the substrate. Electrodeposition occurs by immersing the patterned substrate in a plating bath upon application of deposition potential or current to the conductive substrate. In embodiment, the chemisorbed surfactant on the surface of the substrate acts as a positive resist so that electrodeposition occurs on regions of the substrate not covered with surfactant. In another embodiment, electrodeposition occurs preferentially in regions of the substrate covered with the chemisorbed surfactant. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283406 | Tin or tin alloy electroplating solution - An additive obtained from the reaction product obtained by reacting glutaraldehyde and at least one type of compound selected from hydrocarbon compounds containing a hydroxyl group, and at least one type of compound selected from amine compounds, as well as a tin or tin alloy plating solution containing this additive. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283407 | High Speed Tin Plating Process - Methods for the electrolytic preparation of tin coated metals are disclosed. Organic polybasic acids, such as methanedisulfonic acid [CH2(SO3H)2], 1,3-acetonedisulfonic acid [CO(CH2SO3H)2], anhydrides, and their water soluble salts, and mixtures thereof may be used as the electrolyte in the plating process or as the flux in the reflow process. Acetone, gamma-butyrolactone, or a mixture thereof, may be applied to a tin plated surface, either before or after reflow. The methods of the invention produce plated material that is free of blue haze. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283408 | Aluminum Substrate for Printed Circuits, Manufacturing Method Thereof, Printed Circuit Board, and Manufacturing Method Thereof - A method of manufacturing an aluminum substrate for printed circuits, comprises an oxide layer forming step and a heat-drying step. At the oxide layer forming step, an anodic oxide layer is formed on at least one surface of an aluminum plate by anodizing the aluminum plate in an electrolytic solution of phosphoric acid concentration: 3 to 20 mass % and bath temperature: not less than 25° C. but less than 40° C. At the heat-drying step, the anodic oxide layer is dried by heating it at 150 to 300° C. for 0.5 hour or more. According to this method, a proper oxide layer can be formed, resulting in an aluminum substrate for printed circuits capable of enhancing adhesiveness to a resin plate. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283409 | Use of conjugated oligomer as additive for forming conductive polymers - A process for forming a capacitor. The process includes providing an anode; providing a dielectric on the anode; exposing the anode to a polymer precursor solution comprising monomer, conjugated oligomer and optionally solvent and polymerizing the polymer precursor. The ratio between monomer and conjugated oligomer ranges from 99.9/0.1 to 75/25 by weight. The solvent content in the polymer precursor solution is from 0 to 99% by weight. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283410 | Method For Producing Heavy Highly Adhesive Protective Coatings on Valve-Metal Parts By Micro-Arc Oxidation - The invention relates to electrochemistry, in particular to anodizing parts made of valve metals such as aluminium, titanium, tantalum etc and alloys thereof and can be used for producing solid heat-resistant and wear-resistant coatings for mechanical engineering. A method consists in placing a part in an electrolyte on a current-conductive holder coated with an insulating material, producing a working voltage between said part and electrolyte and raising the voltage until a micro-arc discharge is originated on the part surface. The holder of the part is externally coated with, an electroinsulating material at the air-electrolyte interface. The technical result of the invention is to produce by micro-arc oxidation heavy protective coatings which exhibit a high-hardness, have a low friction factor and a high adhesion to a base material on the parts made of the valve metals or alloys thereof. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283411 | Methods and devices for the production of Hydrocarbons from Carbon and Hydrogen sources - Devices and methods are described for converting a carbon source and a hydrogen source into hydrocarbons, such as alcohols, for alternative energy sources. The influents may comprise carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas or water, obtainable from the atmosphere for through methods described herein, such as plasma generation or electrolysis. One method to produce hydrocarbons comprises the use of an electrolytic device, comprising an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. Another method comprises the use of ultrasonic energy to drive the reaction. The devices and methods and related devices and methods are useful, for example, to provide a fossil fuel alternative energy source, store renewable energy, sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, counteract global warming, and store carbon dioxide in a liquid fuel. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283412 | PEM water electrolysis for oxygen generation method and apparatus - A PEM based water electrolysis stack consists of a number of cells connected in series by using interconnects. Water and electrical power (power supply) are the external inputs to the stack. Water supplied to the oxygen electrodes through flow fields in interconnects is dissociated into oxygen and protons. The protons are transported through the polymer membrane to the hydrogen electrodes, where they combine with electrons to form hydrogen gas. If the electrolysis stack is required to be used exclusively as an oxygen generator, the hydrogen gas generated would have to be disposed off safely. The disposal of hydrogen would lead to a number of system and safety related issues, resulting in the limited application of the device as an oxygen generator. Hydrogen can be combusted to produce heat or better disposed off in a separate fuel cell unit which will supply electricity generated, to the electrolysis stack to reduce power input requirements. This however, will add to system complexity, cost and efficiency loss. The present invention provides an improved method and a simple system for the production of oxygen. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283413 | Method for manufacturing oxygen reduction electrode, oxygen reduction electrode and electrochemical element using same - It is an object of the present invention to provide an oxygen reduction electrode which provides four-electron reduction reaction with high selectivity in the reaction of reducing oxygen. The present invention involves a method of manufacturing an electrode for reducing oxygen used for four-electron reduction of oxygen, having (1) a first step wherein a charcoal-based material is obtained by carbonization of a starting material comprising a nitrogen-containing synthetic polymer, and (2) a second step wherein the electrode for reducing oxygen is manufactured using an electrode material comprising the charcoal-based material. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283414 | Electrowetting devices - A device comprising: a chamber containing two immiscible conductive liquids, the liquids having an interface therebetween; and electrodes arranged to apply a voltage across the interface between the said liquids such as to control the shape of the interface. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283415 | ELECTRICALLY DISBONDABLE COMPOSITIONS AND RELATED METHODS - Compositions capable of rapidly curing to a strong substrate bond are removable from a surface to which the composition is bonded without damage to the underlying substrates. The compositions of the present invention may be used in both temporary and permanent bonding and coating applications. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283416 | Process for Electrochemical Stripping of Components - A process for electrochemical stripping of components is disclosed. An operating point of the electrochemical stripping is determined under actual process conditions prior to the actual electrochemical stripping and is determined anew continuously, i.e., monitored and optionally adjusted during the electrochemical stripping. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283417 | Process for Cathodic Protection of Electrode Materials - The present invention relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode. the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude and with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The present invention further relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials, wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode, wherein the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, wherein the asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The wider pulse width is obtained by pulse trains. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283418 | Quantitative Transient Analysis of Localized Corrosion - An electrochemical noise method, apparatus and system may be used to estimate and/or calculate parameters of interest related to corrosion rates of an electrically conductive article. The apparatus involves a working electrode (having substantially the same composition of the electrically conductive article), a reference electrode, and a counter electrode in an environment of interest. The working electrode is placed under potentiostatic control. A current transient between the working electrode and the counter electrode is measured. The working electrode is switched to open potential. A potential transient is measured over the duration of a localized corrosion event. The localized corrosion may then be calculated based on the measured potential transient and the current transient. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283419 | REDUCED-WEIGHT CONTAINER AND/OR TUBE FOR COMPRESSED GASES AND LIQUIDS - A reduced-weight container or vessel for storage, transportation and processing gases and liquids under pressure has a plurality of hollows formed in the outer wall, resulting in a reduced weight without compromising the structural integrity. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283420 | Distributed Gas Storage - A gas storage system ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283421 | KEY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A novel system for keeping and managing a plurality of keys. The system uses individual “key cells” of clear plastic to hold individual keys. Rows and columns of cells are aligned and held in place on a back panel. The system can be hung on a wall, and multiple systems can be carried in a binder or box. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283422 | DENTAL CASE - A dental case useful for storing a dental guard. The case includes a base having a floor surrounded by an upstanding sidewall; a lid configured to fittingly overlie the base; and a tray suspended from the lid and configured to supportably receive the dental guard and suspend the dental guard above the floor of the base. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283423 | Combination plate - Consist of metal and plastic. It could be constructed using a variety of materials. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283424 | Packaging for Ready-to-Use Compound Products with a Device for Sequential and Suitably Deferrable Integration of Components - Packaging for ready-to-use compound products which consists of a container ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283425 | Two-component adhesion promoter composition and use of packaging comprising two compartments - The present invention discloses a two-component adhesion-promoter composition for surface pretreatment, comprising two components, the first component, K | 2008-11-20 |
20080283426 | Medical treatment package for medical care products - A medical treatment package includes at least one medical care product and an individual container in which the at least one medical care product is stored prior to usage. The medical treatment package further includes a booklet-type label affixed to an exterior surface of at least one individual container, the booklet-type label including on its interior surface medical treatment information. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283427 | Rigid Hinged-Lid Package for Tobacco Articles - A rigid package ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283428 | Holder for a Data Carrier - The invention includes at least one bottom side and a topside, with a insert-space in between, also including sides, which connecting the topside with the bottom side. Such a holder is general known and is being used to put away, for example a disc-shape data carrier, like a CD or a DVA, as also for magnetic data carriers, like a tape. The holder can be held by a user and he can use the nearby the hinge axis placed button, so the cover part of the holder part will be released. When the holder is placed on a horizontal supporting surface, the data carrier will be slanting placed in to the holder. Application of clip means for the data carrier is not necessary. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283429 | Portable surfboard-anchor system - A portable anchor for a surfboard is made from a flexible-material shell that defines a wedge shape when it is at least partially filled with a particlized material. An open-ended pocket is formed on a face of the shell such that the pocket can receive the nose of a surfboard therein. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283430 | Tool protection apparatus - A tool protection apparatus includes a handle; a protecting cover pivotally coupled to an end of the handle, and substantially U-shaped and hollow on both lateral sides; two pivotal connection portions, each disposed separately on top and bottom surfaces of an intersection of the handle and the protecting cover, and including a latch hole and a circular hole; two protruding pillars, each disposed separately on top and bottom surfaces of an intersection of the handle and the protecting cover, and passing through each circular hole; two limit position slots, each disposed on the protecting cover and at a position proximate to the pivotal connection portion; two stop portions, each disposed on the handle and at a position proximate to the protruding pillar, and the stop portion can be latched precisely into limit position slot, such that the present invention is a safe and easy-to operate tool protection apparatus. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283431 | Grease cartridge management system - A grease cartridge management system having a multi-piece caddy and a chamber mounted thereon in a secured position for inserting grease cartridges therein to protect them from damage in the handling, storage and transportation of grease cartridges from a storage location to the point of use with a grease gun. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283432 | HOUSING CONTAINER FOR FIXTURE - To accurately fix and prevent to damage a fixture, a housing container for a fixture includes a housing main body | 2008-11-20 |
20080283433 | Package for wound care products - A wound care package includes a wound care product for treating a severe wound and an individual package in which the wound dressing is stored prior to usage. The wound care package further includes a booklet-type label affixed to an exterior surface of the individual package, the booklet-type label including on its interior surface severe wound treatment information. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283434 | Selectably Lockable Case - A lockable package can include a case and an insert. The case and insert can collectively include engagement and receiving mechanisms to provide the lockable package with a locking feature. When the engagement and receiving mechanisms are engaged, the insert can be substantially immobilized, and access to the items stored in or on the insert can thereby be limited. The case can include a lock deactivation feature for disabling the locking feature of the lockable package. The receiving or engagement mechanisms can be included on a slideable insert for moving the mechanisms in and out of a functioning position. If the mechanisms are out of position, then the receiving and engagement mechanisms can not engage, thereby preventing the insert from being locked into the case. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283435 | BLISTER PACKAGE - A standable package for holding a blister pack. The package is formed of a unitary sheet of folded paperboard material and comprises, when assembled, a front portion having an opening for the blister pack, a back portion connected to the front portion for enclosing the blister pack between the front portion and the back portion, a base connected to the front portion, and a support member connected to base and the back portion. The blister pack is inserted between the front portion and the back portion of the package when the sheet is folded along horizontal fold lines separating the front portion from the base, the base from the support member, and the support member from the back portion. The base, the support member and the front portion form a support base for the package that enables it to stand in an upright position. The support base is open at its sides to enable opening of the package from the open sides of the support base. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283436 | SUPPORTING STRUCTURE FOR STORING AND HANDLING SO-CALLED "BARRIQUES" - The structure comprises two saddles ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283437 | CONTAINER FOR FRANGIBLE ARTICLES SUCH AS EGGS - A container for frangible articles comprising a tray molded in a sheet of polymeric material having a hinge portion separating a bottom portion from a cover portion with the cover portion being pivotable into engagement with the bottom portion to conceal the frangible articles in the container. The bottom portion comprises rows of cavities with each cavity adapted to support a frangible article. The cavities have lugs projecting inwardly and from bottom to top from a main surface of the cavity to support the frangible article while maintaining air gaps between the frangible article and the main surface. Corner cavities are positioned at opposite leading corners of the bottom portion and each have a protective rib oriented toward its respective leading corner and projecting outwardly from the main surface and from bottom to top to provide structural integrity to the opposite leading corners of the container. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283438 | Reclosable Cosmetic Container - The invention relates to a reclosable container ( | 2008-11-20 |
20080283439 | COMBINATION UNIT DOSE DISPENSING CONTAINERS - Dosage forms containing pharmaceutical compositions for use in devices to produce a spray or mist delivery of the compositions include dosage blister compartments and a dispensing blister compartment, wherein crushing of the compartments delivers the compositions in a desired spray pattern. Certain dosage forms include a plurality of dosage chambers each containing a component or a portion of a pharmaceutical composition, the contents of which are mixed or combined just prior to or during administration. | 2008-11-20 |
20080283440 | TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOOD TRAY SYSTEM - The present disclosure provides a system, apparatus, and method for a modular food tray system having a plurality of food trays that can be used for heating, cooling, or a combination thereof. The system can include a first food tray for heating and a second food tray for cooling, generally mounted at a different elevation from the first food tray. Alternatively, one or both of the food trays can be designed for cooling through temperature elements coupled thereto and the tray can be heated by overhead radiant heating elements for dual temperature capabilities. The first food tray can be mounted above the second food tray. The first food tray can include a thermal shield between a heating element in the first food tray and the second food tray. In other embodiments, the second food tray can be mounted above the first food tray with a thermal shield therebetween. | 2008-11-20 |