Abstract: A tubular composite container includes a paperboard body ply wrapped into a tubular shape, and a polymer film liner ply wrapped into a tubular shape and adhered to the inner surface of the body ply. The liner ply has a circumferential length when unwrapped and flat that is less than that of the body ply so that the liner ply is substantially uncompressed circumferentially. A strip of polymer film liner material is wrapped onto a mandrel and overlapping edge portions of the liner strip are heat sealed together by first preheating the liner strip to a temperature below the sealing temperature of the heat seal material on the edge portions of the liner strip, and then further heating the overlap region of the liner strip to at least the sealing temperature to cause heat sealing of the edge portions. A paperboard strip is coated on an inner surface with adhesive and is then wrapped about the liner and adhered thereto.

Abstract: A data carrier which can be read from and written to in a non-contact state is embedded in the bottom of tableware, and in which data such as price, etc. are written. When a customer selects dishes or drinks and places the dishes or drinks on a tray, all the data are simultaneously read from the data carriers on the tray, and the total amount of charge is calculated.

Abstract: An IC card reading/writing apparatus has an IC card reading/writing control unit having an intelligent function to control read-out/write-in processing for an IC card by an application unit in itself. The IC card reading/writing control unit has, in addition to the intelligent function, a pass-through function to control read-out/write-in processing for the IC card by an application unit in a host for an IC card reading/writing apparatus by receiving a pass-through command from the host. With this arrangement, the IC card reading/writing apparatus can execute read-out/write-in processing for the IC card with either the intelligent function or the pass-through function, thereby minimizing a cost required to configure an IC card system.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) identifies and stores documents such as currency bills deposited by a user. The machine then selectively recovers such documents from storage areas and dispenses them to other users. The machine includes a sheet thickness detector (810) used for distinguishing single sheets from double sheets which pass through the machine. The thickness detector includes a radiation source (822). Radiation from the radiation source is directed by radiation guide (824) to a generally linear elongated radiation outlet (826) which extends transversely to the sheet path. A receiver (814) includes a radiation sensitive element (830) which is also transversely elongated relative to the sheet path. Sheets passing between the emitter and the receiver cause variations in the amount of radiation reaching the receiver. The transversely elongated surface of the sheet through which the transmission of radiation is sensed enables accurately distinguishing single sheets from double sheets.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method enabling value stored in an advanced technology memory on a transaction card to be utilized in a magnetic stripe transaction with the card. The invention provides a special transaction number that is encrypted and recorded on the magnetic stripe of the card. The special transaction number may comprise the value to be transferred or transaction amount, a personal identification number (“PIN”), as well as other pertinent information. The special transaction number may be recorded in a discretionary data field, non-discretionary data field, or in a combination of both. Further, an indicator character may also be recorded on the magnetic stripe to alert a host system of a financial institution of the existence of the special transaction number. The present invention provides a number of techniques for encrypting the special transaction number.

Abstract: A communication control apparatus has a plurality of communication processing units each of which processes data, and a control unit which controls the plurality of communication processing units. The control unit includes a polling unit and an allowing unit. The polling unit polls the plurality of communication processing cards in a predetermined order. The allowing unit allows an operation of outputting data from one of the plurality of communication processing cards when the control unit receives a response from the communication processing card. Each of the plurality of communication processing units includes a responding unit and an outputting unit. The responding unit returns to the control unit a response to the polling by the polling unit when the communication processing unit has data to be output, and is polled by the polling unit. The outputting unit performs the operation of outputting data which is allowed by the allowing unit.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: There is provided a financial transaction payment method and system for processing a transaction conducted using a financial transaction card. The financial transaction card has associated therewith a financial account in a financial institution and one or more transaction criteria. The financial transaction payment system includes a processing unit and an application program for execution on the processing unit. The method includes the step of determining by the application program whether a transaction activates an installment loan on the financial account based on the one or more transaction criteria.

Abstract: A method for remote verification in which a first party at a first telephone confirms their identity to a second person at a second telephone. The fingerprint of the first person is read and compared to a stored fingerprint pattern. If the stored and sensor fingerprint patterns match, the first telephone transmits a signal to the second telephone which controls a display on the second telephone to display an image of the first person.

Abstract: An automated voting system comprising single or multiple voting stations for controlling and being a voting station simultaneously. The voting system includes an integrated pointing device with graphical user interface for displaying the ballots.

Abstract: The invention relates to the design of input devices for objects, in particular of those input devices that at least partially push the object 13.1 out of the device. A feature common to all these input devices is that they are equipped with a slot 12.1 having an insertion aperture 11.1 to insert objects 13.1 and an ejection device equipped with a first energy storage device 33 that pushes an object 13.1 inserted in the slot 12.1 out of the insertion aperture 13.1 for removal. As many of the known input devices are very complex, it is suggested according to the invention that there is a movable cradle 30 in slot 12.1 connected to the first energy storage device 33 that can be moved in the direction of insertion and ejection P2, P3 of the corresponding object 13.1, and that the cradle 30 is connected to the closing device 24 by components that mesh with each other that are at least partially secured when the cradle 30 is in the position Pos.2.

Abstract: An optical reader is provided which includes a housing which may environmentally protect the optical path between light source and a sensor array to reduce dust and debris interfering with transmission of light. The housing may further provide for alignment of the light path by positioning a focusing axis in alignment with the optical sensor array. The housing further acts as a light pipe to reflect transmitted light from a light source toward a focusing axis where the light may be reflected off of a document containing coded information back through the chamber defined by the housing to an optical sensor array. Point of sale devices incorporating an optical reader are also provided.

Abstract: A bar code reader comprising a photodetecting section for receiving light reflected from bar codes scanned with scanning light and for outputting an electric signal corresponding to the intensity of light received, a demodulating section for demodulating section for demodulating the electric signal and for generating demodulation bar code data, a storage section for storing demodulation bar code data, a timing section which starts measuring a first time when the demodulation bar code data is stored in the storage section, an data judging section for judging which area, out of first and second areas to which the scanned range scanned with scanning light is divided, is scanned to generate the modulation bar code data demodulated by the demodulating section, a judging section for judging whether or not demodulated bar code data demodulated prior to demodulation bar code data and stored in the storage section coincides with the demodulation bar codes, and a judging section for judging that the demodulation bar co

Abstract: A transaction apparatus (10) includes a multifunction card (12) and a portable terminal (14). The multifunction card includes a programmable memory (18) and a magnetic stripe (16) thereon. The programmable memory on the card is used to store indicia corresponding to account data which is input to the memory by reading with the terminal magnetic stripe data from a plurality of conventional magnetic stripe cards. The programmable memory further includes data representative of cash value as well as instructions, prompt messages and icons presented in conducting transactions. A user is enabled to operate the apparatus to select one of the accounts stored in memory, and to write account data corresponding to the selected account to the magnetic stripe of the card. The user is also enabled to use the apparatus to enter visible indicia such as bar codes and to selectively reproduce the bar codes on the display of the apparatus.

Abstract: A secure monetary system comprises an electronic module and equipment to access the electronic module. The electronic module comprising a substantially token-shaped module and secure memory circuitry to store monetary information. The secure memory positioned in the substantially token-shaped module. The equipment accesses and manipulates the monetary information stored in the memory in the electronic module. The equipment comprises memory to store control and encryption programs and the memory is coupled to a microprocessor, which is also coupled to the electronic module and a control panel. The microprocessor is secure.

Abstract: A housing (1) has a chamber (10) comprising fluid accesses (41, 42, 43, 44), at least one of which can be plugged by a plug (2); a reversible motor (6) equipped with a rotary shaft is connected to the plug by a coupling (7) involving a screw-nut system (71) to move it in translation towards plugging or uncovering the pluggable access (41) according to the temperature of a stream of fluid travelling through the device; and a thermostatic element (8) located in the same stream of fluid actuates the plug if the motor or its controls fail.

Abstract: A method for performing an aperture plate comprises providing a mandrel that is constructed of a mandrel body having a conductive surface and a plurality of nonconductive islands disposed on the conductive surface. The mandrel is placed within a solution containing a material that is to be deposited onto the mandrel. Electrical current is applied to the mandrel to form an aperture plate on the mandrel, with the apertures having an exit angle that is in the range from about 30° to about 60°.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus is provided to improve its processing efficiency, together with a liquid processing method. The apparatus is capable of both reduction in temperature-variation of a processing liquid at processing and shortening for temperature-recovery of the processing liquid. Further, the liquid processing apparatus can facilitate the establishment of respective designated temperatures for different processes and carry out different processes continuously and effectively. The apparatus includes an inner cylinder 25 to accommodate semiconductor wafers W and a chemical supply unit 50 to supply the semiconductor wafers W in an inner cylindrical chamber 23 with a chemical liquid. The apparatus further includes a case heat exchanger 90 arranged in an outer peripheral position of the inner cylinder 25 and allowing a temperature-adjustment medium to flow and a medium supplier 100 to supply the regulator 90 with the temperature-adjustment medium.

Abstract: An injection valve member for the closing and opening of injection orifices of a valve seat element is installed longitudinally adjustably in a central housing bore of a fuel injection valve. The opening and closing movement sequence of the injection valve member is controlled by a control device. A control piston operatively connected to the injection valve member is loaded, on the one hand, by the fuel system pressure prevailing in a high-pressure zone and, on the other hand, by the fuel control pressure in a control space. The high-pressure zone includes the central housing bore which is closed off sealingly by a control body fixed to the housing. The control space is arranged between the control body and a piston end face and is at least temporarily delimited radially by a control sleeve which is moveable transversely to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A rotary drive sprinkler having a multiplicity of nozzles which can be changed at any time. The nozzle assembly can have a cylindrical housing having a plurality of nozzles to rotate against a cylindrical housing having at least one stream outlet opening. A nozzle assembly can have a cylindrical cavity at its outer portion receiving a flexible nozzle strip for directing flow from a nozzle housing. A nozzle sleeve, or ring, having a plurality of exit nozzles around the outside of the nozzle assembly can be rotated about an inner housing.

Abstract: In a collecting method and a collecting apparatus for collecting foaming gas generated from foaming heat insulator material, as well as in a processing process and apparatus of disposals, disposals 1 including the foaming heat insulator material 5 are charged into a first and a second crushing machines 3 and 17 for separating the foaming gas contained in the foaming heat insulator material 5 thereof, and the separated foaming gas is collected by a collector 29, wherein measurement is made on the concentration of flammable gas separated, so as to control the charging of the disposals 1 and the foaming heat insulator material 5 into the first and second crushing machines 3 and 17, depending upon that concentration measured, thereby collecting the foaming gas with high efficiency, while controlling the concentration of the flammable gas, appropriately and with ease, and an charge amount thereof to be charged, appropriately, depending upon the concentration of that flammable gas contained therein.

Abstract: A hulling apparatus that can improve hulling efficiency and hulling roll durability. A first air nozzle and a second air nozzle to cool surfaces of hulling rolls by blowing compressed air thereto are provided at a vicinity of the hulling rolls of the hulling apparatus. Consequently, a hardness of a rubber layer at the surfaces of the hulling rolls can be prevented from being lowered. Thus, hulling efficiency and hulling roll durability can be improved.

Abstract: A leader pin assembly for attachment to tape as a generic and space-efficient interface between tape and equipment which manipulates the tape, and a method for making the same. The leader pin assembly preferably includes a leader pin, an elastomer element, and a clip. The leader pin is barbell-shaped, having enlarged ends and at least one pair of flanges each spaced a distance from a respective enlarged end to define a pair of recesses and a center section of the leader pin. The center section of the leader pin is sized to permit tape to be wound around the center section, with the elastomer element surrounding the tape and with the clip snugly surrounding the elastomer element to keep the tape securely in place around the center section of the leader pin. The end surfaces of the leader pin may have an outward curve to ensure smooth movement across equipment surfaces during leader pin assembly manipulation. Also the edges of the leader pin may be radiused.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying foil material, the apparatus comprising a motor-driven supply roll, a withdrawal means and a consumption sensor provided between the supply roll and the withdrawal means for controlling the drive of the supply roll in response to the consumption of foil material, and at least one stationary deflection roller, at least one sensor roller and a sensor means, the sensor roller being supported and arranged such that it changes the distance from the stationary deflection roller in response to the difference between supply capacity and withdrawal capacity of the foil material, and the sensor means senses said change in distance and accelerates the supply roll when the distance is smaller than a first predetermined distance, and slows down the supply roll when a second predetermined distance is exceeded. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for supplying foil material.

Abstract: The dispensing machine for wipe material with the reel in a frontal position of the type comprising a housing (2), a cover (3), a drum (4), a cutting device (5-6) built into the drum, means of starting and returning the drum including a cam and start spring is distinctive in that it comprises a device to prevent loops in the material paid out from the reel (B) of material, said device comprising a reel holder (16) capable of engaging and positioning itself on a fixed support (17) physically joined to the rear wall of the bottom of the housing, said reel holder being rotatably mounted on support (17) in opposition to an elastic return means and in that the reel holder is devised to position itself on a long bearing surface (17b) of support (17), being locked into position relative to the latter and in that the reel holder co-operates with the spindle of the reel of wipe material in order to drive it.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a thread around a surface of an object while rotating the object. The apparatus includes a plurality of guide members. The guide members selectively guide a plurality of threads to the surface of the object. One guide member corresponds to one thread. The guide members move along the object. A moving device moves a selected one of the guide members.

Abstract: A web of paper, having segments such as pages, can be processed for normal storage on a rewind roll or folder, or selected segments diverted from this normal or primary path by a deflector at the exit end of the processing device. Alternative storage for the diverted web segment or segments is also provided.

Abstract: A device for seeking and tracking targets from airborne missiles, which comprises one or two optical sensing units, each comprising a sensor barrel covered by a dome, a detector, drive means for rotating the sensor barrel about two perpendicular axis, and a processor for processing the signals produced by the detector and guiding the missile accordingly. The drive means comprise two motors for imparting to the barrel a pitching and a rolling motion. To eliminate aerodynamic drag, each sensing unit may be displaceable between a position retracted within the missile envelope and an extended position, in which part of its dome extends from the missile envelope. When two sensing units are provided, a target is tracked by operating only one of them, and when the target moves out of its field-of-regard, deactivating it and activating the other unit to continue tracking the target.

Abstract: A method and system for maximizing satellite coverage at predetermined local times for a set of predetermined geographic location includes a processor operative to determine a period of rotation for each of the desired satellites in the satellite constellation. The processor also determines a time dependent coverage of the satellite constellation based on the period of rotation and the trajectory of each of the desired satellites. The trajectories of the desired satellites are tilted until the satellite constellation provides maximum coverage at the predetermined local times for the set of predetermined geographic locations. If a new satellite constellation is being designed, command signals are programmed into a computer of a launch vehicle containing the modified trajectory. If an existing satellite constellation is being modified, the ground station transmits command signals to the satellites for modifying the trajectory of the satellites in accordance with the tilted trajectory.

Abstract: A locking hook assembly is provided for securely displaying merchandise on a vertical support. The locking hook assembly generally comprises a mounting bracket structured for connection to the vertical support. A hook of generally circular cross-section has an inner end fixed to the mounting bracket and projects outwardly therefrom to an outer end. The hook's outer end has a reduced diameter portion of generally semi-circular cross-section, and the reduced diameter portion includes a notch. To prevent removal of merchandise at the outer end, a lock has a semi-circular opening shaped to receive the reduced diameter portion and selectively engage the notch.

Abstract: A personal drink carrier is formed by a piece made from plastic or the like that has a general “L” shape configuration in which the vertical leg portion has a protruding ring-shaped piece, parallel and facing the horizontal leg portion which forms the part to support and hold the can held inside the protruding ring. At its free end, the vertical leg portion has a prolongation that turns downwardly parallel to the vertical leg portion to form a loop to hold the carrier on a garment or the like.

Abstract: An inclinable support for chairs, oscillating or synchronized armchairs and similar furniture has a device of regulation of the suspension and of the seat inclination, by means of setting an inclination spring (8), that comprises: at least one inclined surface (14) between a fixed part (13) and a mobile part (10) in contact with the extremity of the said spring; at least one wedge (12) interposed between the fixed part and the mobile part with at least one inclined surface (15) complementary to and matching the inclined surface (14); and means for moving said wedge to cause said fixed and mobile parts to separate or come together.

Abstract: A vehicle seat slide device is provided for sliding movement of a vehicle seat in fore and aft positions of a vehicle body, and includes a lower guide rail which has a substantially upwardly opening C-channeled rail body, side walls, and upper guide walls that defines an elongated guide groove, and an upper slide rail which has a substantially downwardly opening C-channeled slide body having a vertical wall that extends upwardly through the guide groove, and upper slide walls. The rail body has a plurality of lock holes formed on the side walls. A latch element and an interlocking member laterally extend in the rail body to selectively engage the lock holes to lock the vehicle seat in a desired horizontally-adjusted position.

Abstract: In a solid-state image-sensing device, first a switch Swa is turned on to sample and hold an image signal in a capacitor Ca, and then the switch Swa is turned off. Next, a switch SWb is turned on to sample and hold a noise signal in a capacitor Cb, and then the switch SWb is turned off. Next, switches SW1a and SW2a are turned on simultaneously so that the image signal in the capacitor Ca is fed through a buffer 6 to a capacitor Cc, and then the switches Sw1a and Sw2a are turned off. Then, a switch SW3 is turned on to reset the input side of the buffer 6. Next, switches SW1b and SW2b are turned on simultaneously so that the noise signal in the capacitor Cb is fed through the buffer to a capacitor Cd, and then the switches SW1b and SW2b are turned off. Then, the switch SW3 is turned on to reset the input side of the buffer 6 again.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device to carry out the method to provide quality control for a photosensor, especially a photodiode array, whose output signal depends on the intensity of an input signal formed by electromagnetic waves. The photosensor to be tested receives stimulation signals forming the input signals while the stimulation signal intensity of the stimulation signals is varied. The associated output signals of the photosensor to be tested are measured and recorded for evaluation purposes. The photosensor preferably receives at least two independently controllable, superposed individual stimulation signals with individual intensities. The different stimulation signal intensities of the individual stimulation signals are set with the aid of a controller coupled to stimulation signal source, and the output signals of the photosensor are measured and recorded using a measurement data recorder unit.

Abstract: A photosensor-amplifier device has a photoelectric conversion circuit that converts an optical signal into an electric signal, a first electrode by way of which the electric signal is extracted from the photoelectric conversion circuit, a second electrode that is not directly connected to the electric signal, an amplifier circuit that has a first input terminal and a second input terminal and that amplifies and then outputs the difference between the electric signals fed to the first and second input terminals, a first wire that connects the first electrode to the first input terminal, and a second wire that connects the second electrode to the second input terminal. This structure prevents noise signals from being induced in a signal path, such as a wire, connecting the photoelectric conversion circuit to the amplifier circuit, and thereby prevents malfunctioning of the device as experienced in conventional photosensor-amplifier devices.

Abstract: An interfacial force microscope includes a differential-capacitance displacement sensor having a tip mounted on an oscillating member. The sensor generates displacement signals in response to oscillations of the member. A scanner is adjacent the sensor and supports a sample to be imaged. The scanner is actuable to move the sample relative to the sensor to bring the tip into intermittent contact with said sample as the member oscillates. A controller is in communication with the sensor and the scanner. The controller includes a sensor feedback circuit receiving the displacement signals and an AC setpoint signal. The AC setpoint signal has a frequency generally equal to the frequency at the peak of the displacement versus frequency curve of the sensor. The output of the sensor feedback circuit is applied to the sensor to oscillate the member. The controller also provides output to the scanner in response to the displacement signals to control the separation distance between the sensor and the sample.

Abstract: A flexure carriage assembly has a carriage formed of a substantially rigid material. The carriage has four elongate columns arranged spaced apart and parallel to one another. Each of the elongate columns has first and second ends. The flexure carriage has four first cross members disposed between adjacent pairs of elongate columns and arranged to interconnect the first ends. The flexure carriage also includes four second cross members arranged between adjacent pairs of elongate columns and arranged to interconnect the bottom ends. The elongate columns and first and second cross members define a three-dimensional rectangular structure. The flexure carriage also has disposed centrally between the four elongate columns a translating section spaced equidistant between the first and second ends of the columns.

Abstract: There is provided a radiation detection apparatus having a hand-held radiation detection probe with a switch assembly removably mounted thereon. The switch assembly having first and second switches, one to initiate transmission of electrical signals representing scintillations detected over a set time period to a remotely located control unit for counting and averaging, and the other to direct the control unit to download and preferably record the counted and averaged scintillation values for further use. The switch assembly has an insulating member for electrically insulating the switches from the probe, and spaced gripping members that releasably grip the probe. A movable stand is provided preferably with a holder for holding the probe. The probe can have a protective cover thereon with a switch assembly mounted onto the probe over the cover.

Abstract: An X-ray image sensor fabricated using only eight-masks includes: a substrate; a thin film transistor (TFT) formed in the switching region of the substrate and having a gate electrode, a first insulation layer, a pure amorphous silicon layer, a doped amorphous silicon layer and source and drain electrodes; an island-shaped first insulation layer and a island-shaped semiconductor layer formed over the substrate in the pixel region; a ground line formed on the island-shaped semiconductor layer; a second insulation layer formed on the TFT, on the substrate and on the ground line, the second insulation layer having a first drain contact hole, which expose the portion of the drain electrode, and a ground line contact hole, which expose the portion of the ground line; a auxiliary drain electrode formed on the second insulation layer and contacting the drain electrode through the first drain contact hole; a capacitor electrode formed on the second insulation layer and contacting the ground line through the ground li

Abstract: In order to adjust an orbit of ion beam scanned by a magnetic field, the ion beam having a specified mass is extracted by deflecting the ion beam 100 from the ion sounce 100 along a XZ surface with the mass separator 12, this ion beam 100 is accelerated with the after-acceleration pipe 16, and this ion beam 100 is scanned along XZ surface by changing the magnetic field strength in time with the electromagnet 18. The scanned ion beam 100 is corrected its scan angle in a scan surface of the ion beam 100 by changing the magnetic field strength in time with the electromagnet 20 for the angle correction, and the corrected ion beam 100 is inplanted into the wafer 34.

Abstract: Multiple sample introduction means have been configured in Atmospheric Pressure Ion sources which are interfaced to mass analyzers. Different samples can be introduced through multiple Electrospray (ES) or Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI) probes individually or simultaneously and ionized. The gas phase ion mixture resulting from individual solutions sprayed from multiple ES or APCI probe inputs is mass analyzed. In this manner a calibration solution can be introduced through one ES or APCI probe while one or more sample solutions are spray from additional probes. Simultaneous spraying of calibration and sample solutions, results in an acquired mass spectrum containing peaks of ions with known molecular weights as well as sample related peaks. The calibration peaks can be used as an internal calibration standard during data analysis.

Abstract: A voice coil motor used in a positioning means associated with either a first object table or a second object table in which the coil is cooled with a cooling jacket in thermal contact with the coil, the cooling jacket comprising at least one channel for circulation of a cooling fluid, the or each channel being arranged such as to be substantially located in a portion of the cooling jacket adjacent to the coil.

Abstract: A method of exposing a wafer to a charged-particle beam by directing to the wafer the charged-particle beam deflected by a deflector includes the steps of arranging a plurality of first marks at different heights, focusing the charged-particle beam on each of the first marks by using a focus coil provided above the deflector, obtaining a focus distance for each of the first marks, obtaining deflection-efficiency-correction coefficients for each of the first marks, and using linear functions of the focus distance for approximating the deflection-efficiency-correction coefficients to obtain the deflection-efficiency-correction coefficients for an arbitrary value of the focus distance. A device for carrying out the method is also set forth.

Abstract: A technique for measuring and selectively adjusting a clearance between a stationary object and desirably a rotating object includes a non-contact, sensing system having a sensor attachable to the stationary object, a mask having a predetermined sized viewport or aperture that sets or limits the sensing or operation of the sensor, and a controller. The sensor is operable for sensing within a field of view a portion of the rotating object and generating a signal in response thereto. The field of view varies in response to varying the clearance between the sensor and the second object. Desirably, the portion of the second object includes a varying pattern. The controller is operable to determine the clearance between the first object and the second object in response to the signal. In another embodiment, sensing system is operable to adjust the clearance by controller providing an electrical current to a resistive heating element in the thermally expandable portion of a plurality of segmented labyrinth seals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a displacement information detection apparatus which has:

Abstract: A stator core integrally includes a container portion and an attracting portion. The container portion contains and supports a plunger to allow it to reciprocate thereinside. The attracting portion magnetically attracts the plunger. The plunger includes a moving core made of magnetic material, and a nonmagnetic cup fit to the moving core. The cup integrally includes a cylindrical wall covering the outside wall of the moving core, and a bottom covering the lower end of the moving core. Air gap between the moving core and the container portion can be reduced by making the thickness of the cup as thin as possible. Thus, an attracting force for attracting the plunger without increasing winding number of the coil.

Abstract: A valve stem has a thickness of hardfaced material on its outer diameter in the area contacting the stem packing where the seal is formed which prevents corrosion, erosion and/or scratching of the valve stem, thereby preventing formation of leak paths. A valve packing comprises a vertically stacked array comprising alternating metal pressure rings and graphite seals.

Abstract: A worker inserts a correcting pin into bearing members. Then, a cylindrical portion and retaining portions are molded together into an integrated resin unit. After finishing the molding operation, the worker extracts the correcting pin from the bearing members and subsequently inserts a throttle shaft into the bearing members. Accordingly, an axial center of the bearing member accurately agrees with an axial center of the bearing member. Then, the worker fixes a throttle valve to the throttle shaft.

Abstract: A valve plug design is disclosed that uses a plug head band and a retaining ring to restrain a valve plug head to a valve plug stem. This invention is specifically directed to providing valve plugs where the plug head material is different and distinct from the plug stem material and where each material is selected to optimize its performance. Moreover, this invention is provided with a means for fixing and removing the plug head to and from the plug stem that can easily be worked in the field without special purpose manufacturing equipment, thereby making the maintenance, repair and replacement of plug head easier for users. This valve plug design subjects the plug head to reduced stresses thereby enhances the operating life of the valve and valve plug. This valve plug design provides a shock absorbing, compliance barrier around and/or under the plug head.