Abstract: A misfire detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine is capable of detecting combustion when an ionic current generated upon combustion is superimposed on a leakage current, even if the ionic current does not contain an increased component. An ionic current detection part (1) detects an ionic current flowing between electrodes arranged in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine through ions generated upon combustion of an air fuel mixture therein by impressing a voltage on the electrodes. A tendency recognition part (4-7) recognizes a tendency of a change in the ionic current detected by the ionic current detection part. A threshold determination device (8) sets a threshold for an output of the tendency recognition part. A determination device (10) determines an occurrence of combustion or misfiring in the combustion chamber based on an output of the tendency recognition part and an output of the threshold determination device.

Abstract: A knock sensor comprises a sensor body having a metallic shell including a cylindrical portion and a flange portion formed at an end of the cylindrical portion, an annular piezoelectric element fitted around the cylindrical portion and an annular weighting member fitted around the cylindrical portion to hold the piezoelectric element between the weighting member and the flange portion, and a resin-molded sensor casing arranged circumferentially around the sensor body. The resin-molded sensor casing includes a weighting portion located nearer to the weighting member than to the piezoelectric element with respect to an axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and at least the weighting portion of the resin-molded sensor casing is made of a resin containing at least one of metal powder and metal oxide powder and has a density of 2.0 g/cm3 or higher.

Abstract: In an apparatus for determining the moisture content of a sub-floor which forms the dielectric for a conduit of a measuring arrangement and wherein an electronic evaluation unit is connected to the conduit for receiving echoes of pulse signals supplied to the conduit, and also to a storage unit for storing calibration data for converting dielectric constant values as determined from the time delay of the received echo signal to moisture content values of a cement and/or a calcium sulfate sub-floor for the determination of the cement and the calcium sulfate floor moisture content, the same calibration data are available to the electronic evaluation unit for both, the cement sub-floor and the calcium sulfate sub-floor.

Abstract: A sealed connection device in which, two chambers (“A” and “B”), each has an access opening equipped with a door (2, 3) cooperating with a flange (4, 5) with the interposition of sealing means (12, 14), one (2) of the two doors being articulated with its flange (4). The detection device comprises two grooves (30, 35), formed in the external face of the flange (4) of chamber (A), a seal (36) placed in the groove (35), a network of ducts (31, 32, 33) formed in flange (4) and connecting the inner groove (30) to a coupling (34), a vacuum pump (38) the intake (37) of which is connected to the said coupling, and a sensor (44) measuring the strength of the partial vacuum in the pneumatic circuit leading to the groove (30) and reacting on alarm means (47, 48) if ever the partial vacuum does not reach an appropriate value.

Abstract: In a method for testing a vacuum package with regard to seal-tightness, the vacuum package is placed with at least one surface section against at least one contact surface of a vacuum device. A vacuum is generated on a side of the contact surface opposite the vacuum package. A parameter indicative of an air flow through the contact surface in a flow direction away from the vacuum package is measured. The parameter is compared with at least one limit value. A first state is assigned to the vacuum package when the parameter surpasses the at least one limit value and a second state is assigned to the vacuum packaged when the parameter drops below the at least one limit value.

Abstract: A microfluidic system is provided for separating components of many fluid samples in a parallel fashion through an array of capillary conduits. The system includes capillary conduits for receiving fluid samples, and for effecting separation of substituents of the sample by passing the sample through a corresponding array of capillary separation conduits containing a solid separation medium. The microfluidic circuit is made of three or more substrate layers and preferably includes etched channels in different layers that are dimensioned relative to one another to provide for retaining the solid composition within the capillary separation conduits. The system also includes an array of detector flow cells in fluid communication with the capillary separation conduits, and an array of high pressure connectors for connecting discrete capillary tubes to the fluid passages in the microfluidic circuit for introducing and removing the fluid samples from the system.

Abstract: A system for conducting high-temperature liquid chromatographic analysis includes a mobile phase transport tube configured to operably convey mobile phase from a source to respective chromatographic instruments in the system, a pre-heater apparatus operably coupled to the mobile phase transport tube for heating the mobile phase to a desired temperature, a chromatographic column operably coupled to the pre-heater apparatus, and including temperature-maintaining means for maintaining the column at a pre-determined temperature and a counter-flow heat exchanger operably exchanging heat from outlet mobile phase to inlet mobile phase through conductive heat transfer means. In a particular embodiment, the mobile phase passing through the chromatographic column is maintained in a substantially adiabatic environment.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the concentration of analytes in a sample. The device has a surface with an extraction coating thereon. The method is carried out while the sample is highly agitated to maintain a substantially constant boundary layer. The sample is brought into contact with the coating for a limited time so that all the analytes that pass through the boundary layer are adsorbed by the coating. The amount of analytes in the coating is determined and the concentration of those same analytes in the sample is then calculated from the diffusion coefficient of the analytes. The device is first calibrated using analytes of known concentration.

Abstract: A continuous flow moisture analyzer (20) includes a coaxial needle (34) having first and second needle portions (36, 38). The first needle portion (36) receives a carrier gas (24) and expels the carrier gas (24) through an output orifice (60). The second needle portion (38) has an input orifice (62) for receiving the carrier gas (24) expelled from the output orifice (60). A housing (40) encloses the output orifice (60) and the input orifice (62) when the moisture analyzer (20) is in a standby mode to obtain a baseline moisture content of the carrier gas (24) within the moisture analyzer (20). A bottle (48) retains a sample material (50). When the analyzer (20) is in an active mode, the coaxial needle (34) penetrates a septum (52) of the bottle (48) to position the output and input orifices (60, 62) in the bottle (48). The carrier gas (24), expelled from the output orifice (60), absorbs moisture from the sample material (50) in the bottle (48).

Abstract: An atomic force microscope for examining a sample is described. The atomic force microscope includes a probe assembly that includes a first tip and a second tip each directed towards a surface of a sample. The AFM further includes a source for applying a potential across the first tip and the second tip; at least one mechanism operable to cause relative motion between the surface and the probe; and at least one sensor operable to sense current flowing between the first tip and the second tip.

Abstract: A dust shield for fitting around and removably engaging an air pressure gauge apparatus fitted to a tire valve stem protruding from and in fluid communication with the interior of a tire, the pressure gauge apparatus including a tubular gauge housing substantially coaxial with the valve stem and having a gauge housing connected end secured to the valve stem and a gauge housing free end opposite the gauge housing connected end, the dust shield including a shield tubular body having an open longitudinal shield entry end which receives and passes the gauge housing as the dust shield is slid over the pressure gauge apparatus and sealingly abuts the tire valve stem and an open longitudinal shield exposing end through which the gauge housing free end slides out of the dust shield and is exposed for viewing and which sealingly abuts the gauge housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for trapping projectiles so that the projectiles are not damaged is disclosed. An elongated trough is typically filled with alternating layers of a foam substance and a fibrous substance. Alternatively, the trough can be filled with just a foam or fibrous substance. A projectile launcher such as a gun is connected to the trough and a projectile is shot into the filling substance substantially parallel a longitudinal axis of the trough. The trough can be opened and the projectile can be recovered from the filling substance.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention detects the squaring and feathering for an oar during rowing. The time interval between two consecutive feathers is measured, and it is used to calculate the stroke rating. It is mounted to an oar close to a grip of the oar. An enclosure houses a display, a sensor, a microcontroller, a power source and a clock which is a component of the microcontroller. The stroke rating is displayed on a display. A strap is attached to the enclosure. The strap fastens the enclosure to the oar. The direction of the rotation of the oar from the squared position to the feathered position is shown by arrow. Because of its small size, the device does not hinder rowing while remaining in plain view of the rower, and because it does not use any external or rigidly mounted sensors it can easily be transported and used on various equipment.

Abstract: A MEMS gyroscope may be coupled to drive electronics that provide a pulse width modulation drive signal to the MEMS gyroscope. The pulse width modulation drive signal may be generated by comparing a pickoff signal and/or input signal to a direct current threshold level.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) gyroscope has one or more proof masses mechanically coupled to a substrate by springs. A motor force drives the proof masses at their resonant frequency in one direction, 180 degrees out of phase with each other in the case of a dual proof mass gyroscope. Sense electrodes sense motion of the proof masses in response to a Coriolis force. The motion caused by the Coriolis force is perpendicular to the motion caused by the motor force. An AC pump voltage at twice the motor frequency is applied to the sense electrodes to provide parametric amplification of the Coriolis force. The AC pump voltage alters the mechanical and electrical gain of the gyroscope.

Abstract: Providing a small-sized acceleration sensor including a vibrator formed of a piezoelectric single crystal, and a weight section connected to the vibrator and supported at a position different from the position of the center of gravity of an assembly of the vibrator and weight section. Two divided electrodes used for detecting an electrical signal are formed on the vibrator and connected to two wiring patterns of the weight section which also functions as a signal detecting substrate, with an anisotropic conductive adhesive. When an acceleration in one direction is applied, an angular moment exerted in the weight section is detected as sliding vibration by the vibrator, and an electrical signal corresponding to the acceleration is output from the electrodes through the wiring patterns.

Abstract: A micromachined device has a body suspended over a substrate and movable in a plane relative to the substrate. The body has a perimeter portion, a first cross-piece portion extending from one part of the perimeter portion to another part of the perimeter portion to define at least first and second apertures, a first plurality of fingers extending along parallel axes from the perimeter portion into the first aperture, and a second plurality of fingers extending along parallel axes from the perimeter portion into the second aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring the angular rotation of a moving body. The apparatus comprises an upper sensor layer, a lower handle layer substantially parallel to the sensor layer, at least one dither frame formed of the upper sensor layer, the frame having a dither axis disposed substantially parallel to the upper sensor layer and the lower handle layer. The apparatus further comprises a first accelerometer formed of the upper sensor layer and having a first force sensing axis perpendicular to the dither axis for producing a first output signal indicative of the acceleration of the moving body along the first force sensing axis, the first accelerometer having a proof mass and at least one flexure connecting the proof mass to the dither frame such that the proof mass can be electrically rotated perpendicular to the dither axis.

Abstract: Detecting blade vibration via ultrasonic waves is disclosed. The blade may be part of a robot that is used in conjunction with semiconductor device fabrication. A process chamber is provided that has a sidewall and a base defining a cavity contained therein. A rotatable blade is mounted at a center of the cavity that has a base portion and a tip portion extensible from the center to the sidewall of the process chamber. One or more ultrasonic sensors are mounted on the base adjacent to the sidewall. Ultrasonic waves are sent and received toward and reflected by the tip portion of the wafer blade to determine the tip portion's position. In this way, vibrational movement of the blade can be detected.

Abstract: In the ultrasonic flaw detection method and apparatus, wideband longitudinal ultrasonic waves are irradiated from an ultrasonic wave generator probe onto a weld portion of a coarse grained material; from the waveforms of flaw detection echoes that are subsequently obtained, the highest frequency component that can be extracted using time frequency analysis is then extracted; subsequent ½ magnification frequency components are then extracted sequentially; waveforms of a necessary plurality of frequency bands from among each of the frequency bands that were extracted and have undergone waveform separation are then multiplied, and waveform peaks that are formed by the multiplication are detected as being defect portion echoes generated by defect portions in the coarse grained material weld portion; and, as a result, information on the defect portion is obtained from the detected defect portion echo.

Abstract: A damage evaluation method and apparatus of a metal material which is capable of determining whether a flaw in the metal sample is originated by the creep damage or in the manufacturing process, and also capable of estimating a remaining life of the metal component. The damage evaluation method of a metal material by the present invention is a method for evaluating a flaw in the metal sample comprising the steps of mounting onto a metal surface including an internal flaw and on both sides of the flaw a transmitting probe for transmitting an ultrasonic waves and a receiving probe for receiving the ultrasonic waves, transmitting the ultrasonic waves towards the internal flaw and receiving the diffracted wave from the flaw for determining whether or not a flaw is present in the metal, based on the analysis of the distribution of the diffracted waves and an analysis of the sample as to whether voids (creep voids) are present and, if present, the distribution of the voids.

Abstract: A vibration test machine comprises a stationary outer frame, a shake table in the form of a mass to which vibration energy is transmitted inside the outer frame, a driven preload piston supported by the outer frame and coupled to one side of the shake table, a passive preload piston supported by the outer frame and coupled to the shake table on a side opposite from the driven preload piston, and an external force generator external to the outer frame and coupled to the driven piston for inducing high frequency vibrational energy to the driven piston which, in turn, transmits that vibration energy to the shake table. In one embodiment, a multiple degree of freedom shaker comprises multiple exterior force generators each coupled to a corresponding driven preload piston having a related passive preload piston on a opposite side of the shake table.

Abstract: The present invention lessens the amount of air entering between mating membranes of a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor of the present invention includes a transducer portion and separate patient or medical fluid transfer portion or dome. The transducer portion is reusable and the dome is disposable. The dome defines a fluid flow chamber that is bounded on one side by a dome membrane. Likewise, the transducer is mounted inside a housing, wherein the housing defines a surface that holds a transducer membrane. The two membranes mate when the dome is fitted onto the transducer housing. The pressure sensor enhances the seal between the mated membranes by creating higher localized contact stresses. The pressure sensor also reduces the amount of gas that permeates from the fluid chamber across the dome membrane and between the interface by making the dome membrane from a material having a low vapor transmission.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor device and a diaphragm. The diaphragm is exposed to a fluid, a pressure relative to which is detected using the sensor device. The diaphragm is made of a material having a pitting index, which is defined by the equation, (Cr+3.3Mo+20N), of 50 or greater and Ni content of 30 weight % or greater to prevent the diaphragm from corroding due to the fluid.

Abstract: An improved method of sensing strain allows measurements of stress, torque, vibration and other loads imposed on a body without physical contact between the body/sensor and the monitoring equipment. An induction loop is at least partially comprised of a magnetostrictive material with a non-linear current-voltage relationship. An excitation device such as a coil is used to induce an AC response in the sensor. The non-linear response to the induced current is received by a sensing device such as a sensing coil, and the output thereof is filtered. The excitation device and sensing device are located in operative proximity to the sensor, but need not be in contact therewith, allowing easy measurement in small spaces, under harsh conditions, or of moving bodies such as drive shafts.

Abstract: A method for measuring substrate bending stiffness and thereby basis weight on a real time basis. Provided is a corrugator having a plurality of parallel ribs, with one or more sheets of the substrate provided below the corrugator wherein a predetermined gap exists between a topmost sheet of the sheets and the corrugator. A vacuum is applied between the corrugator and the topmost sheet, wherein the vacuum is sufficiently large to raise the topmost sheet, thereby deflecting and bending it into a profile corresponding to the arrangement and size of the corrugator ribs and bending stiffness of the substrate. One or more sensors are provided for measuring the deflection of the topmost sheet. The vacuum, an air knife output and/or a fluffer output are then adjusted according to predetermined rules and the measured deflection.

Abstract: A tube through which fluid flows is installed in a fluid system. A piezoelectric driver is mounted on the exterior of the tube. A piezoelectric sensor is also mounted on the exterior of the tube. A feedback loop from the sensor to the driver is adapted to cause vibrations in the tube at its resonant frequency or a harmonic thereof. One or more strain gauges mounted on the exterior wall of the tube sense the strain exerted on the exterior wall by the pressure of the fluid flowing through the tube. A. temperature sensor mounted on the exterior wall of the tube senses temperature. A microprocessor determines the density of the fluid flowing through the tube responsive to the piezoelectric sensor, temperature sensor and the one or more strain gauges. The one or more strain gauges comprise a bridge circuit. Strain gauges comprise two arms of the bridge circuit and temperature dependent resistors comprise the other two arms of the bridge.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter arranged to perform measurement with high accuracy has first and second ultrasonic transducers 1, 2 which transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, and which are placed so as to form a path for propagation of the ultrasonic waves in a flow passage 14 for a fluid, a transmitting section 3 which drives one of said first and second ultrasonic transducers 1, 2, a first matching section 5 which is connected to the transmitting section, and which adjusts the output impedance of the transmitting section, and a receiving section 6 which has an input impedance approximately equal to or lower than the adjusted output impedance, and which receives the ultrasonic wave reaching the other of the first and second ultrasonic transducers. The flow volume of the fluid is measured by detecting a bidirectional-propagation time difference between the ultrasonic waves propagating in the propagation path.

Abstract: A load cell alignment apparatus for aligning a load cell during an axial tension test of a brake cable. The apparatus includes a mounting structure, an alignment structure, a biasing device, and the load cell. The alignment structure is connected between the mounting structure and the biasing device. The biasing device is connected to the load cell and applies a tension preload to the load cell, and the alignment structure, in response to the tension preload, properly aligns the load cell with an axis for subsequent measurement of applied tension on the brake cable. The alignment structure permits only linear axial tension to be applied to the load cell in response to application of a further tension load on the load cell.

Abstract: A safety fuse link, usable as a serial element of a load lifting line, has a telescoping body held in a short configuration by a linear slip clutch or a shear pin until a selected load on the line is exceeded. The body then extends to a longer configuration in which it is retained as a length unit by abutting surfaces between which an blastomeric shock cushion is positioned. An optional arrangement includes a biasing arrangement to restore the link to the original condition for further use, after the load is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a force sensing device, and in particular to a force sensing device for sensing an oscillating force or for application as a filter. In general terms, the invention proposes a force sensing device having a magneto electric material and a magnetic element moveable relative thereto in response to an applied force. The magneto electric material is exposed to the magnetic field of the magnetic element which has a magnetisation direction parallel to the direction of the movement.

Abstract: An air displacement pipette having axially spaced annular sealing and lateral support zones and regions on the pipette's mounting shaft and tip, respectively, the annular sealing zone comprising an annular sealing surface outward of an outer surface of the mounting shaft at a lower end thereof and a sidewall of the pipette tip in the sealing region being sufficiently thin as to expand slightly and form an interference fit and air tight seal between the sealing surface and the sealing region when the sealing zone penetrates the sealing region and an outer diameter of the mounting shaft in the lateral support zone being equal to or slightly greater than an outer diameter of the pipette tip in the lateral support region to produce an secondary interference fit or air tight seal between the mounting shaft and pipette tip.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus comprising a beaker having an integral base and transparent sidewall, and a removable cap engagable with the sidewall. The cap provides a male bayonet nipple extending outwardly. The bayonet nipple has a terminal annular lip with protuberances extending radially outward and adapted for press-fit interconnection with a sampling port of an oil handling system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexural plate wave sensor includes the steps of depositing an etch-stop layer over a substrate, depositing a membrane layer over the etch stop layer, depositing a piezoelectric layer over the membrane layer, forming a first transducer on the piezoelectric layer and forming a second transducer on the piezoelectric layer, spaced from the first transducer. The method further includes the steps of etching a cavity through the substrate, the cavity having substantially parallel interior walls, removing the portion of the etch stop layer between the cavity and the membrane layer to expose a portion of the membrane layer, and depositing an absorptive coating on the exposed portion of the membrane layer.

Abstract: A multi-faceted concentrator apparatus for providing ultra-accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing for sample materials under controlled weathering conditions comprising: facets that receive incident natural sunlight, transmits VIS/NIR and reflects UV/VIS onto a secondary reflector that delivers a uniform flux of UV/VIS onto a sample exposure plane located near a center of a facet array in chamber means that provide concurrent levels of temperature and/or relative humidity at high levels of up to 100× of natural sunlight that allow sample materials to be subjected to accelerated irradiance exposure factors for a significant period of time of about 3 to 10 days to provide a corresponding time of about at least a years worth representative weathering of sample materials.

Abstract: An adjustable detection apparatus. The apparatus includes a first holding member and a second holding member and a detection device. The first holding member has a first sliding area, in which the second holding member is moveable. The second holding member has a second sliding area. The detection device comprises a detachable detector, wherein the detection device is moveable in the second sliding area.

Abstract: A starting apparatus includes a drive motor and a reduction gear having a planetary gear for starting an engine by the drive motor via the reduction gear. An internal gear of the reduction gear includes a locking projection projecting in an axial direction. A rotation restricting member is formed with a guide groove in which the locking projection is loosely received and guided in a circumferential direction. A shock absorbing member is held in the guide groove in a state of being elastically in close contact with the locking projection in the circumferential direction. Thus, shock load to the internal gear is alleviated from the start.

Abstract: A starter for an internal combustion engine includes a motor, a pinion gear connected to the motor to be engaged with a ring gear of the engine. The pinion gear has teeth of a negative addendum modification whose number is larger than a standard gear that has the same outside diameter. Therefore the gear ratio of the pinion gear to the ring gear can be increased without change of the outside diameter thereof.

Abstract: A rotational stop that includes: a lead screw having a longitudinal axis, a motor integrally mounted to the lead screw, wherein the motor provides rotation to the lead screw; a slide mounted to a support structure to provide movement relative to the lead screw longitudinal axis; a rotational control plate attached to the motor and having a plurality of protrusions extending from the rotational control plate, and; a rotational control guide having a rotational control surface on its face, wherein the rotational control surface is in intimate contact with the plurality of protrusions extending from the rotational control plate such that linear error is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A synchronizer assembly for a vehicle transmission, where the synchronizer assembly is electrically actuated during a shift. The assembly includes a sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface. A rotor is rotably mounted to the outer surface of the sleeve and a shift collar is axially mounted to the inner surface of the sleeve. The rotor is threadably coupled to the shift collar so that when the rotor rotates, the shift collar moves in an axial direction relative to the sleeve. An armature coil is electrically coupled to the rotor to cause it to rotate. Keys are rigidly secured to the shift collar to maintain the orientation of the shift collar while it moves. The shift collar locks a shift gear to the transmission output shaft during a shift.

Abstract: A gearwheel, in particular a chain wheel, for the transmission of torque from one shaft to another, has a form-locking fastening device for fixing it on the shaft in a defined position. The fastening device is a bowl-shaped driver part and has a damping device for the damping of torsional oscillations, the damping device including of a leg spring with two legs which are angled parallel to one another and surround, under prestress, a driver extension on the driver part and a driver nose on the gearwheel. The angular position of the gearwheel on the shaft is defined by the force of the prestressed leg spring, the torsional oscillations bringing about a deflection of the gearwheel on the shaft through a particular angle of rotation in both directions of rotation and therefore being smoothed. The cost-effective and space-saving form of construction of the gearwheel, which forms a structural unit with the driver part and the leg spring, is advantageous.

Abstract: Pipes and/or wires extend in a bundle from a hollow portion of a second wrist element to a hollow portion of first wrist element of a robot. The first wrist element can rotate relatively to the second wrist element around an axis that passes through the two hollow portions. This bundle is divided into a plurality of split bundles in the hollow portion of the first wrist element. The split bundles are led out individually through a plurality of openings in the sidewall of the first wrist element and are connected to a working unit on a flange portion of the first wrist element.

Abstract: A fitting structure of an automatic transmission is comprised of a fitting member which is cylindrical, and a receiving member which is comprised of an opening portion to be fit with the fitting member. A diameter of a lead end of the fitting member is larger than a diameter of a rear end thereof, and a difference between the diameters of the lead end and the rear end are within elastic deformation range of the receiving member. A tightening force is created after fitting for holding the fitting member securely. An entire circumference of an edge portion of the lead end of the fitting member is formed with a predetermined curvature.

Abstract: The present invention allows the obtaining of a condenser having high electrostatic capacitance by optimizing the anodic oxidation treatment voltage and particle size of the metal powder for the condenser during production of an electrolytic condenser anode body, and forming an anodic oxide film of a thickness that is suitable for the particle size of the metal powder. In the present invention, an electrolytic condenser anode body is produced by using the metal powder containing 50 wt % or more of particles, in which the primary particle diameter as determined by image analysis is within the range of 2.7×Vf to 10×Vf (units: nm), when the anodic oxidation treatment voltage during formation of an anodic oxide film on an anode sintered body composed of the metal powder is Vf (units: V).

Abstract: A method for forming dendritic metal powders, comprising the steps of: (1) heating a powder comprising non-dendritic particles, under conditions suitable for initial stage sintering, to form a lightly sintered material; and (2) breaking the lightly sintered material to form a powder comprising dendritic particles. In one embodiment, the lightly sintered material is broken by brushing the material through a screen.

Abstract: A diffusion-brazing filler powder for a part made of a nickel-, cobalt- or iron-based alloy A comprising particles of a defined alloy material B having specific functional properties tailored to the area of application of said part. The particles are substantially spherical and carry, on their surfaces, in the form of incrustations, add-ons comprising at least one fluxing element taken from the group: boron and silicon, these encrusted add-ons also being present in a free state in said powder.

Abstract: A solder powder comprises solder particles having a distribution such that the number of particles having a particle diameter of 20 &mgr;m or less is 30% or less, wherein the oxygen content is 500 ppm or less. A flux for solder paste comprises an organic acid component consisting of an organic acid ester and an ester decomposer catalyst, an organic halogen compound, a reducing agent and a resin component. A solder paste mainly comprises a flux and a solder powder, wherein the water content of the solder paste is 0.5% by weight or less.

Abstract: A porous metal body having a foam structure of 500 &mgr;m or less in average pore diameter, wherein the skeleton is composed of an alloy primarily including Fe and Cr, and Cr carbide or FeCr carbide is uniformly dispersed in the texture. The metal porous body is produced by preparing a slurry primarily containing an Fe oxide powder having an average particle diameter of 5 &mgr;m or less, at least one powder selected from metallic Cr, Cr alloys, and Cr oxides, a thermosetting resin, and a diluent, applying a coating of this slurry to a resin core body having a foam structure, performing drying, and thereafter, performing firing in a non-oxidizing atmosphere so as to produce a metal porous body having the aforementioned skeleton structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating spent tin or tin/lead stripping solution used in the electronic industry, particularly in the manufacture of printed circuit boards or a lead frames. Said method comprises (i) electrolytically reducing copper ions in the solution to copper at a low temperature; (ii) electrolytically oxidizing Sn2+ and Pb2+ in the solution at a high temperature to form solid tin and lead oxides and hydroxides; (iii) separating solid tin and lead oxides and hydroxides from the solution; (iv) dissolving tin and lead oxides and hydroxides obtained in step (iii) in a strong alkali or acidic solution; and (v) electrolytically reducing the alkali or acidic solution obtained in step (iv) at a high temperature to recover metallic tin and lead. Also, the filtrate obtained in step (iii) above is useful for preparing fresh tin or tin/lead stripping solution.