Abstract: A hot chamber method of die casting material in a semisolid state. The semisolid material has a high viscosity, which can be controlled by controlling the fraction of solid phase and the morphology of the solid phase. By controlling the viscosity of the melt, turbulence and consequent gas entrapment can be minimized or eliminated. Further, shrinkage is substantially reduced, thereby reducing porosity and hot tearing to form stronger, more reliable castings.

Abstract: By putting molten metal in contact with a cooling unit, at least a portion of the molten metal is made to rapidly cool into a semi-solid state and the molten metal is made to be held within a semi-molten temperature zone for a given time.

Abstract: Fully dense long ingots are produced by the bottom pouring method and apparatus of the present invention. A solidification sequence is achieved which is conducive to eliminating solidification shrinkage and piping. The set-up of the bottom poured ingot molds facilitates a solidification sequence starting from the top and then down the ingot mold and then up the down pour pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous melt spin casting of homogenous materials, including metals, alloys, and non metals. The material to be cast is provided to a crucible and liquefied. The melt is filtered prior to casting to provide a melt with a high degree of purity. The material temperature is maintained throughout the process to form a solidified product with excellent homogeneity.

Abstract: A self-contained device for heating/dispensing or cooling/dispensing material is described. The device includes at least one heat-or cold-generating element and at least one container for containing material to be heated or cooled. The device can further be equipped with gussets or similar features to allow free-standing.

Abstract: A refrigerant-fluid circuit has a compressor, a condenser serving as heat sink and a first evaporator serving as cold source. The circuit also has a second evaporator and the refrigerant fluid is made to flow either only in the first evaporator, or in the two evaporators, depending on the cooling power required.

Abstract: In a ceiling embedded type indoor unit for an air conditioner, an wind sound is reduced while preventing a beat sound of blowers with keeping a high air conditioning capacity. In the ceiling embedded type indoor unit provided with a U-shaped heat exchanger which is placed in a casing embedded in a ceiling and is constituted by two side portions and a bottom portion connecting the side portions at one end side, blowers arranged in an inner space of the heat exchanger, a decorative panel mounted to a lower surface of the casing and having two elongated air outlet ports in correspondence to the side portions of the heat exchanger and an air suction port formed between the air outlet ports, and a control apparatus, the control apparatus controls so that the number of rotation of the blower near a valley portion of the U-shaped heat exchanger becomes high and the number of rotation of the blower near the open end of the U-shaped heat exchanger becomes low.

Abstract: A stackable heat sink having a core shaft in heat-engaging relation with a semiconductor device and a plurality of individual thin fins having an opening for receiving the core shaft in press fit relation so that a plurality of the fins, when mounted on the shaft, define a plurality of air passageways and the fins and shaft efficiently transfer heat away from the semiconductor device and into the surrounding atmosphere. In an improved version of the heat sink, the heat-dissipating fins may be corrugated so as to increase the surface area of each individual fin without increasing its perimeter. A heat pipe may be used in conjunction with the core shaft or base of the heat sink so as to facilitate heat transfer away from the electronic component. An improved heat sink may also include a base having a plurality of openings and a small fan connected to the portion of the base with the openings, so as to direct air across and between adjacent fins.

Abstract: The invention provides an evaporator having a heatable heat exchange surface, which has a self-cleaning microstructured surface with elevations and depressions.

Abstract: A cooling device for fume intakes for exhausted gases from foundry furnaces comprises a flue pipe for extracting the fumes produced in premises containing a source of fumes, a cooling system consisting of a tube made of steel lined in appropriate areas of its surface and length and wound in a spiral. In the tube there circulates cooling water with a temperature of the water at entry and in operation kept constantly between 50 and 120° C., with a temperature variation between the inlet and the outlet of the tube in a range of 10-30° C. The lining of the tube may be made of special martensitic stainless steel, or of glassy alloy, or of Ni/Cr cermet.

Abstract: A “header-less” radiator utilizes a radiator core including tubes having end walls which are bifurcated for a short distance from the ends of the tubes and having one or both of the side walls in the bifurcated segment of the tube formed outward and adapted to contact and be joined in a fluid tight manner with the side wall of an adjacent tube in the radiator core. A collecting tank has walls extending partially over the core to a distance beyond the bifurcation of the side walls, and joined to the end walls of the tubes in a fluid tight manner, such that the walls of the collecting tank in conjunction with the bifurcated end walls and outwardly formed side walls of the tubes define a common fluid plenum providing fluid communication between the tubes and the collecting tank. In various disclosed forms, the bifurcation terminates in a smooth curve, or a second bifurcation is provided to facilitate manufacture and enhance performance.

Abstract: A valved heat pipe and an adaptive circuit cooling system using it are disclosed. The valved heat pipe includes a sealed tube, liquid in the tube, and at least one valve in the tube. This valve operates as a function of temperature to selectively obstruct circulation of the liquid from one end of the tube to the other. The adaptive cooling system includes heat generating equipment, e.g., electronic circuitry such as radio frequency transmitters and/or recievers, a heat sink and such a valved heat pipe that thermally connects the circuitry to the heat sink.

Abstract: A device insertable into a cased well consisting of an elastic tube, a pipe having an inner bore, the pipe extending through the elastic tube, the elastic tube annularly surrounding an expansion space; tube clamps capable of fixedly attaching the upper and lower ends of the elastic tube to the outer surface of the pipe; and fluid transfer apertures capable of carrying fluids from the inner bore of the pipe to the expansion space, the fluid transfer apertures interconnecting the expansion space and the inner bore of the pipe so that, upon extension of the device into the cased well, and upon introduction of a pressurized water into the inner bore of the pipe, the water may flow from the inner bore of the pipe into the expansion space, causing the outer surface of the elastic tube to expand radially outward into is contact with the well's casing.

Abstract: A centralised segment (1) comprising a first collar portion (3), a second collar portion (5), and bows (7) extending between the first collar portion (3) and the second collar portion (5). First connectors (9) are provided at first locations of the first collar portion (3) and the second collar portion (5), respectively. Second connectors (11) are provided at second locations of the first collar portion (3) and the second collar portion (5), respectively. The first connectors (9) are engageable with the second connectors (11) of the same or another centraliser segment (1). In this way, one or more centraliser segments (1) are connectable together to form a centraliser around a borehole casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a subterranean well includes a valve, a transducer and a circuit. The valve is adapted to propagate acoustic energy in response to a well fluid flow contacting the valve. The transducer is acoustically coupled to the valve and isolated from the flow to furnish an indication of the acoustic energy. The circuit is adapted to furnish signals to transmit stimuli indicative of the characteristic to a surface of the well based on the indication furnished by the transducer.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for downhole tools enables convenient selection and actuation of a well tool assembly from among multiple well tool assemblies installed in a well. Each well tool assembly includes a control module having a selecting device and a fluid metering device. A predetermined range of pressure levels on one of multiple hydraulic lines causes the well tool assembly to be selected for actuation, a differential between pressure on that hydraulic line and pressure on another hydraulic line determines a manner of actuating the selected well tool assembly, and pressure fluctuations on one of the hydraulic lines causes fluid to be transferred from another hydraulic line to an actuator of the well tool assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for fighting fire in a space;

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a means of providing a means of removing unwanted plants from a specific area of soil. The invention is comprised of a blade that is adapted to penetrate the surface of the soil and moving substantially parallel to the surface thereof. Proper movement of the blade is assisted by fins positioned on the sides of the blade, and act similarly to the rudder of a boat. The blade has a support member that has one end attached to the blade and the other end is capable of receiving a handle. The handle is configured in an arcuate shape to better facilitate grasping and holding by the user. This combination allows the user to grasp the handle, one hand on each side of the support member and blade, and push the invention forward undercutting the undesirable plant roots, thereby killing them. Minimal disruption of the soil is experienced, thereby optimizing the efficiency of work done by the user.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic tool changer which is adapted to detect the end of the service life of a bearing of a cam follower for systematic replacement of the bearing. The automatic tool changer comprises: a tool changer mechanism (26) including a rotation shaft, a changer arm fixed to the rotation shaft, a cam follower attached to the rotation shaft and having an engagement roller rotatably supported by a bearing, a cam engaged with the engagement roller of the cam follower, and driving means for driving the cam; and a controlling section (57) for controlling an operation of the tool changer mechanism (26). The tool changer further comprises a service life end detecting section (9) for counting the number of times of the operation performed by the tool changer mechanism (26) and judging whether or not the count of the number reaches a reference operation number serving as a basis for the detection of the end of the service life of the bearing.

Abstract: An electrical hand-held tool for producing at least a percussion movement of a working tool and including an electrical drive, a first subassembly including a percussion mechanism (2) and a rotor (5) of the electrical drive and rotatable about a rotor axis (B) extending parallel to an oscillation path (I) of the first subassembly, and a second subassembly including a housing (6) in which the first subassembly is supported for a limited movement along a tool axis (A).

Abstract: A system of structures for open offices which is versatile, aesthetic and provides easy access to work areas. In one embodiment, a spine of panels offers versatility in locating electrical and communication wires, with outlets located at any height according to each user's specific requirements, eliminating the need for additional supports. Another embodiment allows quick reconfiguration of space through the use of free position elements, permitting the user to modify the design of work areas using panels that allow adjustment between one panel and the next without installing additional elements. A leveling system ensures alignment of the panels.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed for enclosing Romex wire (standard electrical wire) in an inline connection. The apparatus is composed of two attached box-like portions which are pivotally mounted to one another. On each end of each box-like portion, a tab is present which can be removed in order to allow for a Romex wire to flow through the box when the box would be snapped shut. The box is designed to enclose the wire nuts of any electrical connection in order to improve fire safety requirements for standard electrical wire. One of the box-like portions has an externally mounted tab which would allow the present invention to be mounted on a standard “2 by 4” beam.

Abstract: A semiconductor package is provided which includes a substrate having a plurality of semiconductor dice mounted thereon. The substrate is divided into segments by grooves formed in the bottom surface of the substrate. Each semiconductor die is electrically connected to the substrate by electrical connections which extend from bond pads on the semiconductor die to corresponding bond pads on the substrate. An encapsulant is formed over each segment and contains grooves which correspond to the grooves of the substrate. Break points are thus formed at the grooves to permit the segments to be easily detached from the substrate to form individual integrated circuits.

Abstract: With the intention of rendering a component impervious to washing liquid while preventing the occurrence of a pressure difference between the interior of the encapsulated component and outside the component, a small hole (6), a microhole, is formed in the component encapsulating casing. The provision of at least one such microhole in the casing encapsulate the component enables gas to flow through while preventing the throughflow of liquid. This permits a circuit board loaded with such encapsulated components to be washed. Practical tests and calculations have shown that an effective hole diameter in this regard is from 10-50 &mgr;m, for instance 30 &mgr;m, in order for the encapsulated component to be liquid impervious while unaffected by pressure. The diameter of the hole will depend on the use of the encapsulated component.

Abstract: A device for fastening a support rail on frame legs of a rack of a switchgear cabinet, wherein the frame legs have two fastening sides oriented perpendicularly with respect to each other and each has a row of square fastening perforations. Both ends of the support rail have fastening brackets which have at least one suspension hook and are matched to a cross section of the fastening perforations in the first fastening side of the frame legs spaced apart between the fastening brackets and to the spacing of the fastening perforations of the frame legs. A clamping plate is assigned to each fastening bracket of the support rail and has retaining claws and extends with the retaining claws behind the fastening perforations in the second fastening sides of the frame legs. The clamping plates have a threaded receiver for a clamping screw for maintaining them on the support rail in an elongated hole extending in the linear direction of the support rail and can be clamped together with them.

Abstract: In the case where an electrode conductor is formed on a principal plane of an element 10, a method including a step of forming an electrode conductor section 13 composed of a conductor pattern having a photosensitive conductive paste exposed and developed on the principal plane, and a step of forming an electrode conductor section 11 of a non-photosensitive conductive paste, wherein both electrode conductor sections 11, 13 are disposed on the surface of the element 10 so as to be at least partly contacted or overlapped with each other.

Abstract: According to the package board of the present invention, each soldering pad formed on the top surface of the package board, on which an IC chip is to be mounted, is small (133 to 170 &mgr;m in diameter), so the metallic portion occupied by the soldering pads on the surface of the package board is also small. On the other hand, each soldering pad formed on the bottom surface of the package board, on which a mother board, etc. are to be mounted, is large (600 &mgr;m in diameter), so the metallic portion occupied by the soldering pads on the surface of the package board is also large. Consequently, a dummy pattern 58M is formed between conductor circuits 58U and 58U for forming signal lines on the IC chip side surface of the package board thereby to increase the metallic portion on the surface and adjust the rate of the metallic portion between the IC chip side and the mother board side of the package board, protecting the package board from warping in the manufacturing processes, as well as during operation.

Abstract: In order to provide a wiring board comprising a magnetic material effective in suppressing spurious radiation in semiconductor devices and electronic circuits and the like that operate at high speeds, a wiring board (15) comprises an insulative base material (17), conductor patterns (19a to 19f) formed thereon, and magnetic thin films (21a to 21f) formed on the conductor patterns (19a to 19f).

Abstract: A method 10, 90 for making a multi-layer electronic circuit board 82, 168 including the steps of forming at least one protuberance 15, 100 upon an electrically conductive member 12, 92 and adding additional electrically conductive layers of material 34, 56, 58, 104, 114, 138, 140 to the member 12, 92 while selectively extending the protuberance 15, 100 within the layers 82, 168, thereby forming a circuit board 82, 168. A portion of the formed circuit board may be etched in order to selectively create air-bridges 86 or interconnection portions 164.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an underground boring machine during boring or reaming operations. A boring tool is displaced along an underground path while being rotated. In response to variations in underground conditions impacting boring tool progress along the underground path, a control system modifies the rate of boring tool displacement along the underground path while rotating the boring tool at a selected rotation rate to optimize excavation productivity. The controller may also monitor the rate at which liquid is pumped through the borehole and automatically adjust the rate of displacement and/or the liquid flow rate so that sufficient liquid is flowing through the borehole to remove the cuttings and debris generated by the boring tool.

Abstract: A mud saver valve is described that features an outer housing that retains upper and lower valve pistons therewithin. The pistons coordinate to provide a check valve so that fluid, such as drilling mud, is permitted to flow in one direction while under pump pressure and works as a relief valve in the event of excessive wellbore pressure when the pump is turned off. Both pistons are provided with apertured plates that selectively define fluid passages through the valve. In the described embodiment, the valve also includes a frangible vent cap that is self-securing and easily replaceable. The cap permits venting of excessive downhole pressures.

Abstract: A cutting element, insert or compact, is provided for use with drills used in the drilling and boring of subterranean formations. This new insert, in its preferred embodiment, has a “hoop” region of polycrystalline diamond extending around the periphery of the compact to reduce the residual stresses inherent in thick diamond regions of cutters, thereby providing improved wear and durability characteristics because it avoids failures due to stresses, delaminations and fractures caused by the differences in thermal expansion coefficient between the diamond and the substrate during sintering. Moreover, this invention may provide multiple polycrystalline diamond edges as the PDC wears.

Abstract: Roller cone drilling wherein the bit optimization process equalizes the downforce (axial force) for the cones (as nearly as possible, subject to other design constraints). Bit performance is significantly enhanced by equalizing downforce.

Abstract: Vehicle seat including a cushion defining a surface adapted to support an occupying item, a spring system arranged underneath the cushion and a sensor arranged in association with the spring system and/or cushion for generating a signal based on downward movement of the cushion caused by occupancy of the seat which is indicative of the weight of the occupying item. The sensor can be a spring retained at both ends and which is tensioned upon downward movement of the cushion whereby a force in the spring indicative of weight of the occupying item is measured. The sensor can also include strain gages, e.g., SAW strain gages.

Abstract: Vehicle seat structure including a seat defining a surface contacting an occupying item, slide mechanisms coupled to the seat for enabling movement of the seat and support members for supporting the seat on the slide mechanisms such that weight of the occupying item passes through the support members. At least one support member has a region with a stiffness lower than the stiffness of a remaining region thereof. A strain gage measurement system generates a signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item and includes at least one strain gage transducer arranged in the lower stiffness region of the support member to measure strain thereof. The lower stiffness region can have a smaller outer circumference than a circumference of the remaining region of the support member and/or at least one aperture extends partially across the circumference of the support member to thereby define the lower stiffness region.

Abstract: By a lean burn operation, a highly efficient operation region is enlarged, the proportion of engine operation in a low torque condition is increased, and the proportion of motor operation using a battery is decreased. It is possible to provide a hybrid car of an engine-electric motor configuration which can effect a highly efficient operation without increasing the capacity of motor and that of battery.

Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle drive, particularly for mobile hoisting platforms, has a first pair of wheels drivable by means of first wheel motors (8, 9) in dependence of a first control valve (2) and a second pair of wheels provided with second hydraulic motors (15, 16). A switching arrangement (19) short-circuits the second hydraulic motors (15, 16) in the driving-free state and for cooling supplies them with a flushing flow. In the driven state a second control valve (5), in dependence of which the second hydraulic motors (15, 16) are drivable, is activated, and if required connected with the first control valve (2). Thus, optionally, the first wheel pair can be driven alone or together with a certain driving output from the second wheel pair.

Abstract: A belt retractor for an occupant restraint system comprises a frame, a belt reel rotatably mounted in the frame, an electric motor drive coupled to the belt reel, a locking mechanism for selectively blocking the belt reel, and a vehicle-sensitive sensor. The locking mechanism is actuated by an actuator. An electronic control unit is provided with an input interface and an output interface. The vehicle-sensitive sensor is connected to the input interface, and the actuator and the electric motor drive are connected to the output interface.

Abstract: The present occupant protective apparatus comprises a vehicle body in which a portion to be deformed on receiving a collision load (in the illustrated embodiment, the front side frames) is formed at least in front of a vehicle room (3), a structure made of a rigid body supported on the vehicle body in such a manner that it is movable backward on receiving the collision load (in the illustrated embodiment, the engine 6), seats (8) each including a seat belt (9) for constraining an occupant seated on the seat (8) and supported on the vehicle body so as to be movable in the back-and-forth direction of the vehicle body, and power transmission mechanism for transmitting the backward movement of the structure to thereby move the seats (8) backward (in the illustrated embodiment, the cable 13).

Abstract: A protective device for an electric steering system of a motor vehicle having a control, an electric motor, a control circuit and a gear mechanism. The electric motor is connected to a brake circuit which applies an electrical load to the motor if the rotational speed exceeds a predefined value.

Abstract: A modularized loudspeaker enclosure having an open-ended enclosure body, a loudspeaker support at one open end and an end structure at the other end. The enclosure body can be modified to alter the volume of the enclosure. A finally assembled enclosure can be sealed or ported. In one embodiment, the enclosure body includes a cylindrical tube cut to a length that provides a desired volume. In another embodiment the enclosure comprises standard corner, wall and end structures that constitute a component set for a constant length enclosure that can have different cross section areas.

Abstract: An arrangement for acoustically uncoupled mounting of slightly vibrating components on an anchoring part has a first sleeve which is adapted to guide through an opening of a component, a mounting screw which extends through the first sleeve, an uncoupling element adapted to be arranged between the component and the anchoring part, a second sleeve mounted coaxially to the first sleeve, a ring-shaped disc provided on each end of each of the sleeves, so that one of the discs is locatable between the anchoring part and the component at the other of the disc is locatable between the component and a head of the screw, the uncoupling element being adapted to be arranged between the component and a disc facing the anchoring part.

Abstract: A muffler for the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is provided. The muffler has a housing with an inlet opening and an outlet, and surrounds a muffling chamber. In the flow path of the exhaust gas a spark arrestor screen, and on the side of the inlet opening an exhaust gas diffuser, are provided. The muffling chamber is divided by a partition into a first and second partial chamber. The volume of the second partial chamber corresponds at least approximately to the volume of the first partial chamber. The spark arrestor screen is disposed in the partition.

Abstract: A muffler for automotive vehicles. The muffler includes a passageway, an inlet at one end of the passageway, and a single outlet or dual outlets at the passageway's other end. The portion of the muffler connected to the inlet is substantially untapered. The portion of the passageway connected to the outlet or outlets tapers from wide to narrow away from the inlet and toward the outlet or outlets. This tapered geometry results in a very appreciable reduction of heat transmitted from the muffler back to the engine, increases engine performance, and produces a pleasant, deep sound while the engine is running.

Abstract: A support structure for moveably suspending a work surface from the underside of a bridge includes at least a first clip mounted on each lower web of a pair of parallel bridge girders, a track mounted on each clip, and a scaffold member rollably suspended from the track, the work platform extending between the scaffold members. The scaffold members include a plurality of rollers that roll along the upper surface of each track such that the scaffold members are selectively rollable along the tracks. The clips are securely clamped to the lower webs of the girders such that the rails are securely and unadjustably spaced below the lower webs of the girders.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic dish serving system comprising: a supply center for supplying articles such as food and drink; a customer's seat to which the articles are served; a carrier wagon traveling along a route between the supply center and the customer's seat for carrying the articles of food and drink loaded on the carrier wagon; and a route guide means for guiding the carrier wagon so as to take an appropriate route, wherein the customer's seat is provided with a turntable for retaining the served articles of food and drink and provided with an arrival portion to which the carrier wagon arrives and wherein the carrier wagon is provided with a transfer means for transferring the articles between the turntable and the carrier wagon.

Abstract: A moveable body (16) is guided in non-contacting fashion by exercising control by a guidance control unit (C1) constituted by zero power-control means (unit) (L2) and stabilization unit (L1) of a magnetic levitation system (C2) comprising guide rails (14) and (14′) and magnetic units (30) mounted on the moveable body (16); also there is provided output limiting unit (C3) whose output value is limited based on the output value of the zero power control means (unit) (L2) itself. Improvement in the comfort of the ride is thereby achieved by expanding the allowed range of external force under which non-contacting guidance can be achieved. Also, increase in size of the magnetic units or reduction in the width of the designed gap length in order to cope with external force is thereby avoided, lowering the costs of the elevator system and enabling reliability to be improved with diminished frequency of contact with the guide rails.

Abstract: A bicycle disc brake caliper includes a lever arm rotatable about a pivot axis and a rotary to linear linkage between the lever arm and a brake pad translating rotation of the lever arm in an advancement and a return direction to linear advancement or return, respectively, of the brake pad. A return spring is coiled about a spring axis as a first end is fixed against rotation relative to the lever arm and a second end is rotatable with the lever arm about the spring axis. A screw is selectively roatatable about a screw axis and is operatively associated with an end of the spring to selectively rotate the end of the spring relative to the other end of the spring about the spring axis by rotation of the screw independent of movement of the lever arm to adjust the return force applied by the spring to the lever arm.

Abstract: A brake cable mounting structure for a drum brake which, even if the distance from the brake mounting surface to the brake shoe center in the width direction is short, secures an effective stroke of the brake cable, facilitates the layout of the brake cable mounting section and the crank mechanism, and reducing the size of the anchor by only needing to support the brake force. To that end, a brake cable mounting structure for a drum brake is provided, wherein the pipe-like section, in which the outer casing of the brake cable is attached, is formed integrally with the spacer positioned between a part of the back plate around the anchor which supports one adjacent ends of the pair of brake shoes and the brake mounting member.