Abstract: An electro-dipcoating apparatus is described in which, in conventional manner, a work-piece to be lacquered is dipped into a lacquer bath, moved through the latter, and lifted out again in a continuous process. Along the path of motion of the work-piece in the lacquer bath there are arranged electrodes which are connected to a first pole of at least one voltage source. Several contact rails extend parallel to one another without electrical interruption along the entire path of motion of the work-piece leading through the lacquer bath and are each connected to the second pole of varying voltage sources. To each work-piece a contact device is assigned which can be brought into communication with a respective one of the several contact rails and in this way applies the potential of the second pole of the corresponding voltage source to the work-piece. In this way, cuts in the contact rails are avoided that would result in wear of the contact devices and in increased control effort.

Abstract: A distance measuring system and method is disclosed having a transponder and an interrogation unit in communication with each other wherein, based upon a calculated distance between the transponder and the interrogation unit, a warning signal is provided if the calculated distance is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A light-emitting element, in particular a light-emitting diode, having at least one light-emitting chip crystal, in particular a semiconductor crystal, is described. At least free surfaces of the light-emitting chip crystal are covered with an inert material—liquid fluid—which is in direct contact with the light-emitting chip crystal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shower head comprising a housing-type first part (T1) inside which a water duct extends. One end of said water duct communicates with a water inlet. The first part (T1) is connected to a second part (T2) that is embodied as a discharging element. The receiving space of the discharging element communicates with the other end of the water duct in at least one mode of operation of the shower head. In said mode of operation, the external edge of the second part (T2) forms an overflow edge in one region, via which water can flow off. The second part (T2) forming the discharging element is composed of a top portion and a bottom portion, between which an interior space is located that communicates with the second end of the water duct in a second mode of operation of the shower head. A plurality of nozzle-type discharge ports (A2) are arranged in the bottom portion of the second part (T2).

Abstract: The invention relates to electrophoretic immersion lacquering of objects, e.g. the bodies of automotive vehicles, wherein the object which is to be lacquered is immersed into lacquer immersion basin containing a lacquer fluid. An electric field is produced by the object in its capacity as an electrode with at least one counter electrode. In order to determine the thickness of the lacquer layer applied in said manner, the electric charge flowing through the object during the immersion lacquering process and the surface of the object exposed to the lacquer fluid are determined in order to determine the thickness of the lacquer layer therefrom. The thickness of the lacquer coating can thus be determined during the immersion lacquering process, resulting in fewer rejects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for actuating a sanitary appliances which comprises at least one sensor arranged in a housing and provided with a pressure-sensitive element and is actuatable by applying a force on the sensor sensitive area for deforming said element. The inventive device also comprises a control system which determines the deformation of the element and produces a signal by which the operation of the sanitary appliances is controllable. Coupling means extending perpendicularly to the operating direction of the sensor outside of the sensitive area thereof enable a force which is generated at a distance from said sensitive area to be transferable thereon.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting has a water inlet, at least one operating element and an outlet, the outlet consisting, at least in part, of a transparent material. Also provided is an illuminating device which incorporates light into the transparent material. In this way, straightforward technical means provide for a large number of new design possibilities which increase the attractiveness of the sanitary fitting for the user.

Abstract: A lifting station for vertically moving an object, in particular a vehicle body, in a surface treatment installation includes a fixed support structure and a vertically movable lifting cradle which is supported on the support structure and on which at least one conveying device is arranged. Energy for actuating the conveying device can be stored in an energy accumulator arranged on the lifting cradle. In this way, a trailing cable which supplies the conveying device with energy in different lifting positions is not required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary fitting containing an assembly of several light sources for illuminating water that flows out of or into the sanitary fitting, said light sources generating light of different colors. According to the invention, collecting optics are positioned upstream of the light sources to focus and mix the light that is generated by the light sources. This permits the generation of intensive mixed colors, which, for example, can illuminate the interior of a shower jet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a paint application device with paint, whereby a determined amount of paint is transported between two scrapers through a scraper line, from a first scraper station which can be connected to a paint supply source, to a second scraper station which can be connected to the paint application device. Said scraper line is cleaned on the return path from the second scraper station to the first scraper station, by a cleaning product which is also transported between the two scrapers. In this way, the scraper line can be cleaned in a reliable manner, with a simple embodiment of the scraper, thus rendering the inventive method especially useful when a color change is carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet for attaching and detaching the magnetic material where upon release of the magnetic material, the residual magnetic flux of the released magnetic material is reduced. The apparatus includes a generator coupled to the electromagnet. The generator includes a control input and an armature having a voltage output. A controller has an output coupled to the generator's control input and an input coupled to the armature voltage output, whereupon receiving a lift or release material signal from an operator interface panel to lift or release the magnetic material from the electromagnet, the controller transmits a control signal that is at least partially responsive to the voltage output of the armature to effectively maintain the voltage output of the armature to a set-point value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet for lifting the magnetic material where upon its release, the residual magnetic flux of the lifted magnetic material is reduced. The apparatus includes a generator coupled to the electromagnet. The generator includes a control input and an armature having a voltage output. A controller has an output coupled to the generator's control input and armature voltage output, whereupon receiving a release material signal from an operator interface panel to release the magnetic material from the electromagnet, the controller transmits a plurality of control signals, one of which is at least partially dependent upon the duration of a previously transmitted control signal, to effectively alternate the polarity and reduce the magnitude of the magnetizing force of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A tool is provided for slidably receiving, magnetically holding, and mechanically engaging fasteners, tool bits, and nuts. The tool comprises one or more magnetic annuluses in stacked relation to each other. The tool defines an inner periphery that matches the shape of the fastener, bit, or nut. The tool further comprises an outer periphery adapted to be grasped by a hand or a tool so that a mechanical torque applied to the outer periphery of the annulus, which results in a mechanical torque applied to the fastener, bit, or nut.

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuating device for fixtures, particularly plumbing fixtures, comprising at least one input unit that is provided with a plurality of sensors which are connected to a control unit, and at least one drive unit for at least one closing device for at least one fluid pipe, especially a valve of a water pipe that can be controlled by means of the control unit. At least three sensors are arranged in a substantially regular manner essentially along a closed curve. The drive unit is triggered when signals of at least two adjacent sensors are detected.

Abstract: A method and an installation for coating, especially painting, articles. The method is characterized by filling nonabrasive powder containers with the powdery coating material and transporting the containers to the vicinity of an application device. The powder containers are opened only in the vicinity of the application device and the powder is removed and then released by the application device onto the article to be coated. The avoids substantial dirtying of the transport paths that the powder containers are transported on, thereby eliminating the need for cleaning when the coating material is changed, especially when the coating powder is changed.

Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing an action system for a semi-automatic shotgun including a receiver having an ejection port for expelling an empty cartridge of a fired projectile. The action system includes a bolt attached to a bolt carrier, wherein the bolt and the bolt carrier are movable within the receiver and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis. A surface is attached to at least the bolt carrier or the receiver, and a roller is positioned rearward of the ejection port and proximate the surface, wherein a resistance is provided to rearward movement of at least the bolt or bolt carrier.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a workpiece removal device for a plug cutter. This combination comprises a housing having a longitudinally extending surface, a first closed end and a second open end opposite the first closed end. A boss is coupled (removably coupled for example) to the first closed end and extends toward the second open end, and a biasing member (a spring for example) is attached to a distal end of the boss. The combination further comprises means for contacting a predetermined portion of the biasing member with a workpiece, whereby a preselected portion of the workpiece is ultimately severed from the workpiece. The biasing member ejects the preselected portion from the plug cutter, forming a plug.