Abstract: A condensate trap for an air conditioning system includes a chamber having an upstream port coupled to the air conditioning system and a downstream port coupled to the external atmosphere, a sealing device disposed in the chamber. Whether the trap is used with a blow-through or a draw-through system, the spring keeps the sealing device in contact with the upper seat member until the force of the spring is overcome by the weight of condensate accumulating on top of the float plus or minus the pressure exerted by the air conditioning system. When the spring force exerted on the sealing device is overcome, the sealing device moves out of contact with the upper seat member and the condensate drains from the trap.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner for heating a passenger compartment by a heater core and a heat pump cycle, when operation of a heat pump cycle is switched from a defrosting operation to a heating assist operation, a heating degree of the heater core is increased higher than a predetermined heating degree. Further, when the operation of the heat pump cycle is switched from the defrosting operation to the heating assist operation, an air outlet mode except for a defrosting mode for defrosting a windshield is set. Further, in the defrosting operation of the heat pump cycle, the temperature of an interior heat exchanger of the heat pump cycle is set higher.

Abstract: A method for chilling an animal carcass comprises spraying the outer surface of the carcass with a liquid, preferably water, which will freeze on the outer surface of the carcass to form a solid shell to prevent moisture loss from the carcass. Preferably, the liquid is sprayed onto the outer surfaces of the carcass at a critical point in the chilling process at which the outer surface of the carcass reaches a temperature close to the freezing point of the liquid. The liquid is preferably sprayed onto the carcass within a spray cabinet which is preferably positioned along a conveyor line in a refrigeration chamber through which the carcass is conveyed. The spray cabinet comprises heated side walls which maintain a temperature inside the cabinet greater than the freezing point of the liquid, which is sprayed onto the carcass by a plurality of nozzles located within the spray cabinet.

Abstract: A refrigerator airflow distribution assembly includes an airflow diverter in flow communication with freezer compartment air. The diverter includes a primary flow path and at least one diverter opening therethrough, and together with a cover forms a secondary flow path in flow communication with the first flow path through the diverter opening. Freezer compartment air is directed to the primary flow path, and a portion of the air in the primary flow path flows through the diverter openings and into the secondary flow path, and is introduced to the fresh food compartment through one or more vents in the cover. Metered airflow through the diverter reduces temperature gradients in the refrigerator, as well as provides a regulated temperature source for a storage drawer in the fresh food storage compartment.

Abstract: A cooling air supplying device of a refrigerator is provided. According to the cooling air supplying device, it is possible to supply cooling air to the respective cells divided by shelves of a chilling chamber, to thus impartially supply the cooling air to the chilling chamber. Accordingly, it is possible to uniformly maintain the spread of temperature of the chilling chamber.

Abstract: Containers are provided. A representative container comprises: an outer shell defining an interior and having a lid, the outer shell having at least one opening for providing access to the interior, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position the outer shell encasing the interior, in the open position the lid providing access to the interior, the outer shell comprising cardboard; a storage chamber formed within the interior and communicating with the opening, the storage chamber being adapted to receive at least one item; insulating material disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the outer shell; and temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior, the temperature-maintaining material comprising a super-absorbent.

Abstract: The present invention related to an apparatus for efficient and cost-effective comprehensive processing of natural gas, including the removal of moisture and the recovery of the higher hydrocarbons components (C2+). The said apparatus comprises the following major components: an integrated natural gas processor with a dehydration section and a higher hydrocarbons absorption section; a heat transport medium cooler; an absorbent cooler; a fractional distiller for separating the light oil from the heavy oil absorbent; an inhibitor regenerator; and a refrigeration unit. The present invention provides a low-cost natural gas comprehensive processor that is universally applicable to both terrestrial and off-shore natural gas exploitation. The said apparatus also provides an efficient and cost-effective natural gas dehydrator when the dehydration section is used independently without incorporating the absorption section..

Abstract: The invention relates to fluorine-containing silica glasses, and methods of their production. The silica glass may be used for an ultraviolet light optical system in which light in a wavelength region of 200 mn or less, such as an ArF (193 nm) excimer laser, is used The invention also relates to a projection exposure apparatus containing fluorine-containing glass of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing patterned and/or textured glass by applying a material onto at least a portion of a glass substrate, e.g., a float glass ribbon, at or above a softening point of the material and/or the glass substrate. The material is configured to affect the surface of the glass substrate to scatter light rays. An apparatus of the invention for forming patterned glass in a float glass process includes an applicator extensible into and out of a float bath chamber above a molten metal bath. A glass article of the invention includes a first surface and a second surface spaced from the first surface. The second surface includes a patterned portion configured to scatter light rays.

Abstract: A method of thermally treating a glass or glass-like material, preferably a glass sheet, without the use of conventional tunnel-type furnaces, to effect rapid heating of glass and glass-like materials from any initial temperature to any required temperature so that the glass sheet can be processed by shaping, bending, tempering, annealing, coating and floating of the glass sheet without cracking of the glass sheet is described. In the inventive method a microwave radiation with appropriate uniformity, frequency and power density is chosen so as to accomplish glass heating from any initial temperature to any required (e.g., softened) temperature in a selected short time while ensuring that the temperature distribution on the external surfaces and in the interior of the glass sheet that arises from microwave exposure is uniform enough to prevent the exposed glass sheet's internal thermal stress from exceeding its modulus of rupture, thereby avoiding glass breakage.

Abstract: Glass is produced in a glassmelting furnace by combusting fuel and oxidant having an oxygen content greater than 80 vol. % oxygen in a melting zone to form molten glass, wherein the surface of the molten glass is exposed to the gaseous atmosphere in the melting zone and the water vapor content of the atmosphere at the surface of the molten glass is greater than 35 vol. %, and oxidant having an oxygen content greater than 80 vol. % is injected into the refining zone of the furnace under conditions to minimize mixing of said oxidant with gases above said oxidant and sweep water vapor at the surface of the molten glass into the melting zone to lower the water vapor content of the atmosphere at the surface of the molten glass.

Abstract: The double-walled noble metal duct (1) for conducting a glass melt has an outer noble metal pipe (1b) and an inner noble metal pipe (1a) extending within the outer pipe, so that an inner space (21) is formed within the inner pipe and an intermediate space (23) is formed between the inner pipe (1a) and the outer pipe (1b). The intermediate space is completely filled with glass melt when the double-walled noble metal duct conducts the glass melt when the outer pipe (1b) has an exhaust vent (4). The outer pipe (1b) also has a bottom outlet (7) communicating with the intermediate space for removal of oxygen bubbles formed on the outer wall. The noble metal duct can be used in glass conditioning and in the manufacture of glass articles that have polyvalent ion vacancies.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roller table for carrying and transporting a hot glass band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bushing (10) having a glass outlet portion (18) in which two nozzle holes (12) of substantially flat shape are arranged, and permitting molten glass to be drawn out of the nozzle holes (12), and the bushing is provided with a concomitant flow guide (20) for guiding a concomitant flow made with drawing of the molten glass out of the nozzle holes (12), to between the nozzle holes (12).

Abstract: A yarn carrier comprises a carrier base; reciprocating means supported on the carrier base in such a manner as to move in reciprocation with respect to a traveling direction of the carrier base and having, at an outside of the engaging portion of the carrier base with respect to the traveling direction, an engaging surface temporarily engageable with the accompanying member of the carrier accompanying means; feeder means having, at its front end, a main-yarn feeding hole and a plating-yarn feeding hole, extending vertically downwardly from the carrier base, and supporting at least one of the yarn feeding holes in such a manner as to freely rotatable about an axis in a longitudinal direction of the feeder means; and movement conversion means for converting reciprocating movement of the reciprocating means into rotation movement of the yarn feeding holes provided in the feeder means in such a manner that when the reciprocating means is moved with its engaging surface engaged with the accompanying member, the ya

Abstract: In a knitting member selection actuator (1) of a knitting machine, there is provided between a pair of yokes a magnetic property means (35a, 35b, 45a, 55a, 55b) for making a magnetic reluctance between the confronting yokes (32a, 32b, 42a, 42b, 52a, 52b) of an uncontrolled attraction region (7, 8, 9) larger than a magnetic reluctance between the yokes of the uncontrolled attraction region and the knitting member attracted to attraction surfaces and also smaller than a magnetic reluctance between the yokes of the uncontrolled attraction region and attraction surfaces of the adjacent controlled attraction region (5, 6).

Abstract: Machine for dyeing textile materials, characterized in that it comprises a stationary structure (1) with a surface (100) for supporting or parking the materials already treated or to be treated, said materials being disposed upon said surface at corresponding predetermined positions, in that it comprises a surface (101) with a plurality of tanks (4) to be fed with a dye bath, and in that it comprises means (60) for removing and handling the materials between said supporting or parking surface (100) and said tanks (4), the said means (60) being associated with a programmable unit (UE).

Abstract: A dead bolt lock apparatus specifically adapted for use with a flight deck door of an aircraft. The apparatus includes a dead bolt member which can be moved between locked and unlocked positions via a key. A lockout handle is included on the side of the apparatus which faces the flight deck area of the aircraft. The lockout handle is movable rotationally from a first position, wherein it has no affect on the use of the key to unlock the dead bolt, to a second position wherein it prevents the dead bolt from being moved out of a locked position by use of the key. The apparatus thus provides an additional degree of security to occupants of the flight deck by allowing them to prevent unlocking of the apparatus even with the key.

Abstract: A structure of a lockset is disclosed. The lockset structure includes a key and a lock body, wherein the key and the lock hole of the latch are provided with at least one end corner having a skew face with a corresponding angle. Any key with un-matching angle is prevented from inserting into the lock hole so as to avoid other parties to open the lockset with un-matching keys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment device for keys which includes a securing means by which the shaft of the key can be secured and joining mechanism (5,6) configured to join with the joining mechanisms (5, 6) on like attachment devices. The present invention can be configured into a variety of shapes thus making it given the opportunity for the attachment device to act as a promotional vehicle. Likewise, the attachment device can receive print, again making it a promotional vehicle.

Abstract: A metallic multi-purpose key ring comprised of a shackle in D-shape having a gap, a cartridge with both ends pivoted to a joint and a stopper respectively provided on both ends of the gap and a can opener provided on top of the shackle to provide effective positioning and latching between said shackle and cartridge.

Abstract: The invention provides a pick-resistant locking mechanism with wafer tumblers, sidebars and an interchangeable cylinder that allows re-keying of the lock. The sidebars have projections with beveled sides that engage with cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied to the lock in the absence of the correct key. A sidebar of the lock contacts two, nonadjacent wafer tumblers. The wafer tumblers have indentations that engage cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied during picking of the lock. Tolerance between sidebars and the lock shell is less than the tolerance between tumblers and the lock shell. The tumbler springs are not accessible from the keyway of the lock and are more powerful than the sidebar springs.

Abstract: Rolling method and line for rails or other sections starting from a steel bar, including a roughing step and a finishing step. The roughing step provides use of a two-high reversible roughing stand, or BDM (Break-Down Mill), associated with a reversible edging stand (RES), which can be located irrespectively upstream or downstream of the BDM stand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus (1, 31) for forming a three-dimensional object and in particular to a method and apparatus (1, 31) for forming a three-dimensional beam (5). It is desirable to form three-dimensional beams (5) having complex forms by using an efficient forming process for the beams which may be incorporated into existing high volume production techniques. The apparatus (1, 31) for forming three-dimensional beams (5) comprises a support means and an actuation means. Support members (2, 32, 41, 51, 61) spaced about the longitudinal axis of the support means locally define an opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) for supporting a section of the beam (5). The position of adjacent openings (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) relative to one another defines the overall form of the beam (5) and the actuation means defines the position of each opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63).

Abstract: A machine for high rate serial bending of a tube includes a bending head provided with a radius block and a backing block including, at the periphery, a groove with a semicircular cross-section and a driver for the backing block in rotation coaxial to the radius block, so as to drive the tube to be bent and wind it on the radius block. The radius block includes a disc including a beveled panel arranged along a chord of the disc and it includes device for moving the bending head relative to the axis of the tube along a path passing through the pins of the radius block and the backing block and a device for axially rotating the radius block independently from the displacement of the backing block.

Abstract: A method for precision bending of a sheet of material (41, 241, 341, 441) along a bend line (45, 245, 345, 445) and the resulting sheet are disclosed. A method includes a step of forming longitudinally extending slits (43, 243, 343, 443) through the sheet of material in axially spaced relation to produce precise bending of the sheet (41, 241, 341, 441) along the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445) with edges (257, 457) engaged and supported on faces (255, 455) of the sheet material on opposite sides of the slits. The edge-to-face contact produces bending along a virtual fulcrum position in superimposed relation to the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445). Several slit embodiments (43, 243, 343, 443) suitable for producing edge-to-face engagement support and precise bending are disclosed, as is the use of the slit sheets to enhance various fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A sheet metal forming tool is designed to remove raised eyebrows surrounding dents in the body of a vehicle before the dent itself is pulled back to a flush configuration. The tool comprises a pneumatic hammer driver provided with a special attachment having a body and a plastic head. The head is formed of plastic and is configured to define a ring-shaped support base that surrounds a dome-shaped hammer pad. A hammer within the tool impacts the back of the hammer pad at a frequency of between 2000 and 5000 impacts per minute, each impact moving the hammer pad slightly outwardly with respect to the plane of the support base. In use, the head is placed over an eyebrow to be treated with the support base resting on the surface surrounding the eyebrow and the hammer pad overlying the eyebrow. The tool is then actuated and moved along the eyebrow until it is bent back down flush with the surrounding surface.

Abstract: A calibration system and method for a multi-toolhead machine. A calibration device is installed onto the machine. When a first toolhead is calibrated with respect to the calibration device, based upon the change in position between the first toolhead and a predetermined reference on the calibration device, all of the remaining toolheads are automatically calibrated. The system is set up by calibrating each toolhead with respect to the calibration device and determining an offset between the calibrated position of each toolhead and the calibration of the first toolhead.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus for measuring a low concentration of a constituent in a stream at a parts per billion level is provided. The apparatus comprises a sample loop having a predetermined volume for receiving a sample from the stream, a purifier for producing substantially pure carrier liquid from a sample of the stream, a first and a second multi-path valve, a preconcentrator column for absorbing and increasing the concentration of the low concentration constituent, an eluent, and a detector. In one embodiment, the apparatus is an ion chromatograph and may be used to analyze ions at concentrations as low as about 1 to about 500 parts per trillion. A method for analyzing a stream for a low concentration constituent present in a stream at a parts per billion level is also provided. The invention also includes methods for single- and multi-point calibration of a detector in an analytical apparatus for measuring a low concentration of a constituent in a stream at a parts per billion level.

Abstract: A method of self-testing a semiconductor chemical gas sensor comprises the steps of: applying power to a heating element; obtaining a measurement from a temperature sensing element; adjusting the power applied to the heating element until the obtained measurement from the temperature sensing element reaches a desired measurement; obtaining a measurement from a gas sensitive element when the desired measurement is reached; and comparing the obtained measurement from the gas sensitive element to a reference measurement. An alternate method comprises the steps of: applying power to the heating element; obtaining measurements from the gas sensitive element and the temperature sensing element; adjusting the power applied to the heating element to cause a change in the obtained measurement from the temperature sensing element and obtaining a change in measurement from the gas sensitive element; and determining if the obtained change in gas measurement is consistent with the change in temperature measurement.

Abstract: The combination of a human medical vessel prosthesis (1) comprising a measuring probe (2) with a transponder, which measuring probe can be anchored to the vessel prosthesis, and allows the function of the vessel prosthesis to be monitored over longer periods of time. Suitable measurement parameters such as pressure values can be detected by the measuring probe (2) and be transmitted in a wireless manner with the aid of the transponder to a transceiver apparatus where they are available for evaluation.

Abstract: A chromatographic oven assembly is described. The assembly includes an oven which is machined or formed from a low thermal mass material such as a silica/ceramic composite to form a cylindrical oven cavity. The capillary column is supported in a helical configuration in the oven cavity spaced from the walls with the ends extending through the insulating material for introduction of sample mixture and detection of the separated components of the mixture. An electric heater and a fan are mounted in a separate module and introduce heated air through a tangential opening, and receive air after it has circulated in the oven through a tangential opening. Air is continuously heated and circulated to maintain the column at the elevated temperature. For cooling, the heater is bypassed and cool ambient air is introduced tangentially into the oven by the fan and expelled to the atmosphere. In another embodiment, the fan and heater are mounted in the oven cavity.

Abstract: A gas sensor characterized in that the gas sensor has at least:

Abstract: A method for determining the type of fuel used by a vehicle includes receiving hydrocarbon speciation and nitrogen-oxygen compound data from an emissions sensor. The hydrocarbon speciation data is compared to one or more hydrocarbon threshold levels, and each threshold level corresponds to an anticipated fuel type. The nitrogen-oxygen compound data is compared to one or more nitrogen-oxygen compound threshold levels, and each threshold level corresponds to an anticipated fuel type. Based on the comparison of the hydrocarbon speciation and nitrogen-oxygen compound data to threshold levels, an anticipated fuel type is determined.

Abstract: A device for determining the adequacy of a sealant between construction elements is attached to a source of compressed air whose pressure is controlled by a regulator. The device includes a cylinder containing at least one piston, the piston containing an air chamber and a plunger, the air chamber being in communication with a pressure gauge. The device also includes an armature having a first and a second end, the first end being attached to the cylinder, the second end having a flow valve and an air fitting in communication with the air source, the handle containing tubing as a means to conduct air from the compressed air source, the tubing being interrupted with a bleed valve. The device also includes a moveable tip such that the tip moves in the direction parallel to the axis of the cylinder, said tip comprising a wheel, a wheel bracket and a plunger shaft, the plunger shaft being attached to the plunger within the piston.

Abstract: An integrated pipeline and gas leak detection system including:

Abstract: A liquid drainage system leak detection apparatus including a cap for closing a port in the drainage system and defining at least a liquid fill opening for communicating therewith; a liquid fill coupling connected to the cap and communicating with the liquid fill opening; a liquid pressure gauge communicating with the drainage system via the cap and adapted to monitor liquid pressure in the drainage system; and a shut off valve disposed between the fill coupling and the fill opening.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for testing the sealed integrity of a chamber (2), in the form of a particular clamp capable of being opened, in functional position, to sealingly enclose all or part of the chamber (2) to define theraround a vacuum release chamber (3). It comprises: a rigid support frame (5) in several sections (10a, 10b) mutually articulated (111, 112) for fixing or removing the clamp on the chamber. said frame being like a U-shaped drip channel open radially inwards, and a jacket (6) made of a relatively flexible material supported by the frame (5) and shaped, at the edges of the drip channel, like deformable sealing lips (16) tightly pressed on the chamber surface.

Abstract: A method monitors the emissions of a supply vessel storing a volatile medium during operation including a fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle. A tightness check of the supply vessel is carried out from time-to-time. The temperature of the medium is determined based on at least one characteristic variable utilizing a model computation from time-to-time or cyclically. Either the temperature is utilized in the tightness check or the tightness check is carried out only when the determined temperature of the medium lies within a pregivable temperature interval.

Abstract: A foam detector (10) generally including a pair of leads (14, 16) positioned adjacent to a surface layer (26) of a fluid (24) so that foam created on a surface layer (26) of the fluid (24) contacts at least one lead and sends a signal to a controller (18) connected to the leads (14, 16).

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for viscosity. A library of materials is provided. The library is contacted with at least one capillary for applying a force through the materials. The relative flow resistance of the materials is measured in response to the force; and the materials in the library are ranked based on the monitored flow resistance.

Abstract: A winch-based system is used to raise and lower a hydrological probe into a water column to automatically dynamically obtain measurement data of a water column at incremental depths over selected time intervals. The winch-based system can be powered by a relatively low-power power source to cause the electric motor to controllably operate to wind and unwind the cable at a desired rate in a manner which can pause the upward and downward movement of the probe at incremental measurement depths. The disclosure also describes related systems. Additionally, a method for enhancing the life of a hydroglogical probe by storing the probe at an immersed subsurface depth is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus characterized by the fact that it includes:

Abstract: A tool for conducting localized testing of the integrity of a pressure seal on an aircraft. The tool comprises a body having an exterior surface and an interior cavity. A peripheral edge on the body defines an opening to the interior cavity. The tool is positioned on an aircraft over the pressure seal to be tested with the interior cavity communicating with the pressure seal. A sealing member is positioned between the aircraft and the peripheral edge so that a fluid tight seal is formed between the tool and the aircraft. A vacuum is created in the interior cavity. After a predetermined length of time the amount of vacuum in the interior cavity is observed and the integrity of the pressure seal is determined.

Abstract: A conductive transparent probe used in a probe control apparatus for adjusting a distance between the apex of the probe and a sample by vibrating the probe with an vibrator in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the probe is provided. The conductive transparent probe includes: an optical fiber having a taper part at one end; a conductive transparent film formed on the surface of the taper part; a first metal film formed on the surface of the optical fiber other than the taper part; wherein the conductive transparent film and the first metal film are electrically connected, and length and thickness of the first metal film are determined such that the conductive transparent probe vibrates while contacting with the vibrator.

Abstract: A method of estimating the lifetime of a thermal barrier coating (14), which is applied to the surface of a member subjected to cyclical thermal loads, especially a vane and/or blade of a gas turbine, by means of a bond coat (12) lying in between, leads to more accurate results with simplified calculation by determining, in a first step, the amplitude of the normal stress (&Dgr;&sgr;n) perpendicular to the interface between the bond coat (12) and the thermal barrier coating (14) during cyclical loading, and calculating, in a second step, the number Ni of cycles to failure for every normal stress amplitude (&Dgr;&sgr;n) in accordance with the formula 1 N i = ( C ⁢ ( Δσ n σ 0 ) ) m

Abstract: A target wheel for providing timing information for a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine, the target wheel comprising a substantially circular member having a plurality of teeth, the teeth having variable widths, and the teeth having rising edges distributed in a non-uniform fashion and falling edges distributed in a uniform fashion, where the target wheel provides speed and timing information for multiple internal combustion engine configurations.

Abstract: A method for testing tires includes setting a tire, with a predefined inflation pressure and load condition, in rotation on a surface with a predefined speed, and applying a pressure against a sidewall of the tire in proximity to a contact area of the tire with the surface. The pressure is applied using a shaped body for deforming the tire sidewall according to a profile including at least two portions with opposite curvatures. A related apparatus includes a surface, an arm for supporting a tire, a device for setting the tire in rotation on the surface, and a shaped body movable transversely with respect to the tire between a non-operative position and an operative position. In the operative position, the shaped body pushes against a sidewall of the tire to deform the tire sidewall a predefined depth with respect to an undeformed profile of the tire sidewall.

Abstract: The invention features a modified catch tube component capable of performing the function of the conventional catch tube and the conventional MEM simultaneously. The catch tube will also feature a capability to accept modular units of mass for adjusting the available angular momentum (of the spinning catch tube) as well as to incrementally adjust inertial resistance for controlling post-impact translational motion. The safety and performance enhancements of the modified spinner are achieved by the above mentioned integration of the MEM with the catch tube. This invention will eliminate MEM free flight and prevent excessively soft, or excessively hard projectile impacts. Equipment such as rails and wheel sets are used to assure that the motion of the catch tube is constrained to translation and to rotation. The invention contrasts conventional spinners in that the motion of a conventional catch tube is limited to rotation only and the MEM to translation and rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device having a sensor carrier, on which is arranged a sensor element introduced into the flowing medium. According to the related art, the sensor carrier made of metal is mounted on a component of the device. For the installation of the measuring element, the component must be present with the sensor carrier. The sensor carrier (20) of the present invention is produced separately, and the at least one sensor element (33) may be inserted immediately into the sensor carrier (20). For example, the sensor carrier (20) is mounted on a component of the device (1) by adhesive.