Abstract: The invention relates to a container arrangement with a level sensor, with a container (1), which can be filled with a medium a measuring hole (4) in the top wall (9) of the container (1), and the level sensor (8) with an antenna (12), such that in one measuring position at least a portion of the antenna (12) projects through the measuring hole (4) into the container (1), and a tube (7) extends upward from the top wall (9) of the container (1) and around the measuring hole (4), and the level sensor (8) is lowered through the tube (7) into the measuring position.

Abstract: A fluid sensor arrangement (20) includes a sleeve (32) that is adapted to be placed within a container (24). A plurality of conductors (46, 48) and a channel member (50) within the sleeve cooperate to provide a measurement of conductivity of the fluid within the sleeve (32). The conductivity measurement provides an indication of a level of fluid within the container (24). A disclosed example includes a non-conductive channel member (50) having an opening or a channel (52) for directing selected portions of a conductivity field within the sleeve (32) between the conductors (46, 48) for making the conductivity determinations.

Abstract: A level sensor device (20) is useful for making fluid level determinations of highly conductive fluids such as urea. A conductive polymer element (30) has a base polymer material and carbon powder in one example. The amount of immersion of the conductive polymer element within the fluid of interest causes a change in an electrical output from the element, which provides an indication of fluid level.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power meter or overload relay including a housing and a plurality of sensors configured to monitor operation of a motor. A processor disposed within the housing and configured to receive operational feedback from the plurality of sensor and proactively determine an operational wellness of the motor from the operational feedback.

Abstract: A gyroscope and temperature sensor are formed on a single chip using SOI-MEMS technology. The temperature sensor has an array of resistors to accurately detect the temperature of the gyroscope in temperatures and conditions that can range from extreme heat to extreme cold. The positioning of the gyroscope and temperature sensor on the same chip allow for extremely accurate real-time feedback of the gyroscope's temperature for utilization by a control system.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscopic sensor including a vibrating gyroscopic sensor element including a cantilever vibrator that includes a piezoelectric film, a driving electrode, and a pair of detection electrodes on a first surface, and a support substrate on which the vibrating gyroscopic sensor element is mounted. The vibrating gyroscopic sensor element is mounted on the support substrate so that the first surface of the cantilever vibrator faces the support substrate. An area other than the first surface of the cantilever vibrator is defined as a laser processing area where a depression for adjusting the vibration characteristics of the cantilever vibrator is to be provided.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor chip has a frame portion having a frame body portion and protruding portions. The acceleration sensor chip also includes a mobile structure having a central weight portion supported movably by four beam portions. The mobile structure also has four rectangular parallelepiped-form protruding weight portions The acceleration sensor chip also includes a plurality of stoppers extending above the protruding weight portions.

Abstract: Inertial measurement system and method in which a base is rotated about an input axis in accordance with a rotation to be measured, rotation about the input axis is sensed with one or more angular rate sensors, fixed bias offset is cancelled by dithering the sensors about an axis perpendicular to their sensing axes to vary the orientation of the sensing axes relative to the base in an oscillatory manner, and signals from the sensors are demodulated at the dithering frequency.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor has a semiconductor acceleration sensor chip and a case. The semiconductor acceleration sensor chip has a fixed portion, a plummet portion surrounding the fixed portion without contacting the fixed portion, and a beam portion connecting the fixed portion and the plummet portion, the thickness of the beam portion being thinner than the thickness of the fixed portion. The case has a cavity housing the semiconductor acceleration sensor chip, and a projection portion formed on the bottom face of the cavity, the bottom face of the fixed portion being fixed to the top face of the projection portion.

Abstract: A multi-channel acoustic measurement device, which includes a plurality of acoustic detectors (3) and dual temperature control (1, 2). The device employs piezoelectric crystal (21) as the sensing material in the detectors and has an appropriate driving device (40) connected to the detectors for oscillating the piezoelectric crystals. The device may also include a user interface. Also disclosed is a method of measuring in label-free mode at least one property of a plurality of samples in parallel using a plurality of acoustic detectors (3) and dual temperature control (1, 2).

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting an object includes: a substrate; a transmission device for transmitting an ultrasonic wave; a plurality of reception devices for receiving the ultrasonic wave; and a circuit for processing received ultrasonic waves, which are received by the reception devices after the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission device is reflected by the object. The transmission device and the reception devices are integrated into the substrate. The dimensions of the sensor are minimized, and detection accuracy of the sensor is improved.

Abstract: An optically coupled resonator includes a resonator body having at least one resonator sidewall and a laterally offset photodiode formed in a semiconductor substrate adjacent to the resonator body. The resonator is driven by an electric field generated between the laterally offset photodiode and the resonator body when an incident light strikes the photodiode. A device including an optically coupled resonator and a method of operating an optically coupled resonator are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within a high voltage vacuum device includes detecting the position of a movable structure such as a bellows or flexible diaphragm. The position at high pressures can be detected optically by the interruption or reflection of light beams, or electrically by sensing contact closure or deflection via strain gauges. Electrical sensing is provided by microcircuits that are operated at high voltage device potentials, transmitting pressure information via RF or optical signals.

Abstract: A pressure sensor system for measuring the pressure of a corrosive media includes a silicon plate forming a diaphragm and a glass plate or ring bonded to said silicon plate with an opening over the diaphragm. The diaphragm has resistive areas of different orientations to provide first resistive areas which have increased resistance with diaphragm deflection, and other areas which have decreased or little change in resistance with diaphragm deflection. The resistive areas may be formed by doping the silicon plate. The resistive areas have broad doped connectors extending outward to areas beyond the seal between the glass plate or ring, to wire bond areas on the silicon plate. Accordingly, the wire bond pads are not exposed to the corrosive media.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell includes upper and lower capacitor plates and an intermediate array of dielectric pads formed of silicone-impregnated open-cell urethane foam (i.e., gel pads). The silicone essentially displaces air that would otherwise be trapped in the foam, contributing to a dielectric having minimal humidity-related variability. The upper capacitor plate is defined by an array of individual charge plates, the lower capacitor plate defines a ground plane conductor common to each of the charge plates, and the dielectric pads are disposed between the ground plane conductor and each of the charge plates, leaving channels between adjacent dielectric pads. When occupant weight is applied to the seat, the dielectric pads transmitting the weight distend laterally into the channels to reduce the separation between the respective upper and lower capacitor plates, and the consequent change in capacitance is detected as a measure of the applied force and the force distribution.

Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow meter for liquid or gaseous media, said flow meter comprising a measuring channel (1) through which the medium flows, at least one inlet channel and at least one outlet channel and also at least one pair of ultrasound converters (2, 3) for emitting and receiving ultrasound signals, wherein for guiding an ultrasound signal from one ultrasound converter (2 and/or3) to the other ultrasound converter (3 and/or 2), at least one pair of reflectors (4, 5) is arranged in the measuring channel (1), the diameter of the measuring channel (1) is reduced using a reducer (7) in certain regions for guiding the flow of the medium, wherein the reducer (7) is formed by a measuring channel insert, which is arranged on and/or integrated into the measuring channel inner wall (6), and which is used simultaneously for holding or fixing other functional parts.

Abstract: A transducer has at least one at least temporarily vibrating flow tube of predeterminable lumen for conducting a fluid. The flow tube communicates with a connected pipe via an inlet tube section (103), ending in an inlet end, and an outlet tube section, ending in an outlet end, and in operation performs flexural vibrations about an axis of vibration joining the inlet and outlet ends. The flow tube has at least one arcuate tube section of predeterminable three-dimensional shape which adjoins a straight tube segment on the inlet side and a straight tube segment on the outlet side. At least one stiffening element is fixed directly on or in close proximity to the arcuate tube segment to stabilize the three-dimensional shape. By means of the at least one stiffening element, the cross sensitivity of the transducer is greatly reduced, so that cross talks from pressure to mass flow signals are minimized and the accuracy of the transducer is improved.

Abstract: An active micro-force sensor is provided for use on a micromanipulation device. The active micro-force sensor includes a cantilever structure having an actuator layer of piezoelectric material and a sensing layer of piezoelectric material bonded together. When an external force is exerted on the sensor, the sensor deforms and an applied force signal is recorded by the sensing layer. The applied force signal is then fed back to the actuating layer of the sensor via a servoed transfer function or servo controller, so that a counteracting deformation can be generated by the bending moment from the servoed actuating layer to quickly balance the deformation caused by the external micro-force.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell apparatus includes first and second conductor plates and an intermediate convoluted nonconductive elastomeric dielectric that variably collapses in response to applied force. The dielectric convolutions are defined by a pattern of cone-shaped or dome-shaped projections that alternately extend toward the first and second conductor plates. When an occupant sits in the seat, the projections of the dielectric material variably collapse in relation to the amount and distribution of the applied weight to locally reduce the separation between the first and second conductor plates. Preferably, the first conductor plate comprises an array of charge plate conductors to define a plurality of capacitances whose variation is detected as an indication of the amount and distribution of the applied weight.

Abstract: A function of automatically performing a pretreatment process on a sample is provided in an autosampler of a total volume injection method that can realize high measurement accuracy even when an amount of the sample is small. A multi-port valve and a multi-position valve are connected to each other, and a plurality of kinds of cleaning solutions and also a mobile phase are connected to the multi-port valve. By providing a certain volume in a tube connected to a measuring pump for suctioning the sample, the pump can suction a sufficient amount of the cleaning solution or a diluent solution at one suction operation. Consequently, an apparatus according to the invention can deal with the pretreatment such as cleaning and dilution, without repeating the same suction/discharge operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness profile and elastic modulus profile of a polishing pad comprise an eddy current sensor and a mechanism to press the eddy current sensor against the polishing pad. The pad thickness is given by the signal of the eddy current sensor. The elastic modulus of the polishing pad is extracted from measurements at different forces applied to the eddy current sensor. The thickness profile and elastic modulus profile of the polishing pad are obtained by scanning the measurement across the whole polishing pad or along a diameter of the polishing pad. The pad thickness profile is used to adjust pad conditioning recipe so that more pad materials is eroded away at thicker area of the pad. By employing the apparatus of present invention, the thickness uniformity of a polishing pad can be better maintained, resulting in longer pad lifetime and better CMP removal rate uniformity.

Abstract: An assembly for the selection of the gear ratio of a power take-off shaft gearbox for the drive of a power take-off shaft output of an agricultural vehicle including an actuator for selecting between one of a plurality of gear ratios and a neutral condition. A first input assembly is positioned within an operator's station and is connected to a control assembly for controlling the actuator to allow an operator to select one of the plurality of gear ratios for the power take-off shaft gearbox. A second input assembly is also connected to the control assembly and allows an operator to select one of the plurality of gear ratios for the power take-off shaft gearbox. The second input assembly is positioned at a location remote from the operator's station.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for achieving lower emissions during operation of a vehicle that includes comprising a combustion engine (10) that emits exhaust gases into an exhaust system (140) having a catalyzes (320). An injection device (310) is arranged to inject a substance into the exhaust system and a transmission (90) is provided that is driven by the engine. The method includes selecting a gear in the vehicle's transmission in response to at least information about whether catalytic conversion is required and information about the temperature (T) in the exhaust system so that the selected gear regulates the temperature in the exhaust system.

Abstract: A multi-geared high-low clutch for construction machines and telescopic handlers, with a torque converter, a drive shaft, an output shaft and several jack shafts, with distributed idlers on the shafts, fixed wheels and shift clutches, which form several reduction gear units for the gearshift and direction circuit, containing six forward gears and three reverse gears, whereby output shaft is also used as a jack shaft for a gear, with which the corresponding jack shaft of forward gear unit and the corresponding jack shaft of a further forward gear unit engages with drive shaft. Both jack shafts can be rotated around drive shaft, where corresponding jack shafts of the gears, applied to drive shaft, are arranged one behind the other on a side of the drive shaft and where the corresponding jack shafts of the further gears, can currently be rotated around the next jack shaft.

Abstract: A rotary device, for example in the form of a gear wheel, comprises a hub (2) and an outer element (4) carrying teeth (28). The outer element (4) is provided with resilient fingers (20) which frictionally engage cam surfaces (38) provided on the hub (2). Relative rotation between the hub (2) and the outer element (4) is resisted by deflection of the fingers (20). Relative rotation between the hub (2) and the outer element (4) is limited by engagement between projections (32) and recesses (34). A combination of torsional spring force created by the flexible fingers together with friction between the fingers (20) and the cam surfaces (38) and between the recesses (46) and the projections (32) provide a damping effect which serves to limit the transmission of torsional vibrations between the hub (2) and the outer element (4).

Abstract: Turning device (24) for turning the drive train (1) of a wind energy system or at least of partial sections of same, whereby the drive train (1) is mounted to rotate in a machine frame (2), whereby the drive train (1) comprises a flange (16), and the turning device (24) comprises a console (29a) that can be fixed in place on the machine frame (2). The task of the present invention is to indicate a turning device that can turn the drive train (1) at any desired point, without using the gear mechanism (4). This task is accomplished by means of an adapter disk (17) that can be affixed to the flange (16), which has a plurality of force application points (19) that are disposed along a circle (20), and having at least one linear setting element (28a), which is mounted in the console (29a), on the one side, so as to move in terms of angle, and which can be coupled with the adaptor disk (17), on the other side, by way of its force application points (19), so as to move in terms of angle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a brake system creating redundancy in electromechanical brakes. At least two drive units are provided at each single brake for activation of the brake. The at least two units may be controlled and/or energized separately. To safeguard the function the control and/or energy source systems are formed in two nets. The at least two units of each brake are connected to separate nets. The at least two units may be separate electrical motors.

Abstract: A bevel gear transmission without shims, especially for a controllable wheel of a service vehicle such as a lift truck, with a one-piece housing for the acceptance of a bevel gearset, a plurality of bearing borings, for the support of a pinion gear shaft, a UniPack bearing and a sealing cover. The sealing cover (2) is placed at a position at which the vertical borings (3, 4) for the bearings (5, 6) of the pinion gear shaft (7) are to be placed, and the cover being provided with a circumferential protrusion (8), which enables that an appropriately dimensioned tool can be vertically introduced into the one-piece housing (1) for a precise construction of the housing which is designed to the closely tolerated dimensions of sections (A) and (B).

Abstract: An electrically driven linear actuator with a smooth motion of the ball screw provides an even load distribution as well as a stable motion of the balls and has an electric motor (5) mounted on a housing (4). A screw shaft (7) is coaxially connected to a motor shaft (5a) of the electric motor (5). The screw shaft (7) has a screw groove (7a) formed on its outer circumferential surface. A nut (8 or 16), adapted to mate with the screw shaft (7), has a pair of supporting portions (14) at an axially central position on the outer circumferential surface of the nut (8 or 16) to engage one end of a link (2). The nut (8, 16) is formed with a screw groove (8a), corresponding to the shaft screw groove (7a), on its inner circumferential surface. A number of balls (9) are contained between the screw grooves (7a and 8a). Ball circulating members (11), each being formed with an endless ball circulating passage, are positioned between the screw grooves (7a and 8a).

Abstract: A self-alignment spacer for a ball screw device is disposed between respective balls of a ball screw device and comprises: at least a stuffing having a specific gravity different from that of the spacer, a center of gravity of the spacer being eccentrically positioned, so that, in operation, the spacer between the respective balls will be able to rotate in response to an acceleration force thereof.

Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting two parts relative to one another, has a fixed, sleeve-like housing and an adjusting component which is arranged in the housing and is led with its one end region out of a front-end opening of the sleeve-like housing. By means of a rotary drive, the adjusting component can be adjusted axially relative to the sleeve-like housing by means of a planetary roller mechanism. The sleeve-like housing is arranged in a rotationally locked manner and is provided with a thread on its cylindrical inner wall. The rotary drive is arranged on the likewise rotationally locked adjusting component, this rotary drive having a drive shaft which is coaxial to the sleeve-like housing and by means of which a roller cage can be driven in a rotatable manner about the longitudinal axis of the sleeve-like housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device (1), for a multipolar magnetic ring (10) on a gear (20), driven in axial rotation by an electric motor and, in particular, on a motor reducing gear. The invention is characterised in that the fixing device (1) comprises at least one stop element (22a, 22b), fixed to the gear (20), which can engage with an anchor projection (12a, 12b) on the magnetic ring (20), with a coupling direction essentially parallel to the plane of the gear (20), with at least one retaining clip (23) on the gear (20), which engages with a retaining projection (13) on the magnetic ring (20), after elastic deformation, with a coupling direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of the gear (20).

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a worm wheel, the worm wheel meshed with an operational worm at usage, has steps of preparing a worm wheel, in which at least a surface layer of a tooth portion is made of synthetic resin, preparing a machining worm, in which pitch of teeth of the machining worm in an axial direction thereof is the same as that of an operational worm, diameters of tip and root portions of the tooth of the machining worm are equal to or more than those of the operational worm and abrasive grains are provided on a surface of the machining worm by means of electro-deposition, disposing the machining worm in a twisting position relative to the worm wheel and rotating the machining worm and the worm wheel with meshing each other so as to machining the tooth portion of the worm wheel.

Abstract: The inventive axoid mechanism and axoid press relate to mechanical engineering, to devices for converting power and speed parameters of linear motions and are based on power oxoid mechanisms whose friction is eliminated by the substitution of a sliding motion with an axoid rolling and by the reciprocal balance of normal reaction components in bearing elements of the novel balanced power axoid mechanism. Said mechanism is embodied in the form of a closed system of axoid mechanisms comprising end elements which are linearly movable in the direction thereof.

Abstract: An adjustment device includes a lifting mechanism having a lifting arm articulated to a component of a stationary supporting structure for moving the component between two end positions. A rotary drive mechanism has an output member which is linked to the lifting arm. In order to completely, or at least partially, absorb a load moment exerted during movement of the component, at least one stationary support element is associated to the rotary drive mechanism.

Abstract: A slide cover assembly for an automatic transmission includes a shift lever housing having a track formed therein. The track includes inner and outer surfaces. A slide member having opposing lateral edges is received within the track and extends from the inner to the outer surface of the track. The slide member includes a plurality of retention features integrally formed along the opposing lateral edges for maintaining the slide member within the track.

Abstract: A computer or remote controlled end effector articulating mechanism provides accurate and independent seven axis actuation of an operator such as a tool, platform, sensor, biological specimen or other object such as a workpiece. The object(s) or operator(s) may be mounted on end effector element 7 which is linearly translated 9 along axis 5 and rotated 2 about the same axis by conventional computer or remotely controlled linear actuator and rotator mounted on or within element 11. Element 11 is in turn linked to a further mechanism comprised of pivot axes 13, 15, 21, 23, 25, 45 and 47 connected to linkage elements 17, 19, 22 and 43. These linkages are connected to a rotatable axle 29. Orthogonal rotary motion is imparted to these linkages by mechanism 30 comprised of 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 51, 53, 55, 57, and 59.

Abstract: A managing device having a simple structure for an umbilical member or a conduit and a robot having the managing device, by which an interference region of the conduit is reduced as much as possible and the undesirable excess length of the conduit may be cancelled without using an auxiliary device. A first conduit supporting member is arranged on an upper arm of the robot and a second conduit supporting member is arranged on a wrist element of the robot. The conduit is fixed to or twistably supported by the first and second supporting member. Further, the conduit is held by a holding member, mounted between the first and second supporting member, in particular, adjacent to the side of a forearm of the robot, such that the conduit may slide relative to the holding member and may rotate about axes along and perpendicular to the sliding direction of the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robot for use inside an open abdominal cavity during minimally-invasive surgery. The robot may include various sensors, imaging devices or manipulators.

Abstract: Clamping device, especially for a steering column, with a first ramp plate, which can rotate relative to a second ramp plate between a released position and a clamped position by changing a distance between the ramp plates is provided. The first ramp plate (2) and the second ramp plate (3) each have at least two lifting ramps (5, 6) arranged in the circumferential direction for roller bodies and at least one guiding recess, and more preferably two diagonal guiding recesses (9, 10), in the plane of the ramp plates (2, 3) for control elements. The lifting ramps (5, 6) and the guiding recesses (9, 10) of the first and the second ramp plate (2, 3) are arranged so that they operate in opposite directions relative to each other. The roller bodies and the control elements are held in recesses (8) of a holding element (4) arranged between the ramp plates (2, 3).

Abstract: An arm of a variable radius handle of a screw operated lifting mechanism such as a jack has a pivot hub with a universal opening to fit on existing screw drives. The handle on the arm may be slidably adjustable along the arm or the arm itself may be slidably adjustable relative to the pivot point for variable leverage and turning speed.

Abstract: A gear drive with a mono-block gear housing with a bottom aperture through which mounts a specially designed oil exclusion pan and bearing oil dams, over which a bottom-mounted access cover seals the housing in normal operation.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement in one gearbox housing (1) for at least two successively disposed wheels (2, 3) upon respective independently rotating co-axial shafts (4, 5) of which one has on one end and the other on an opposite end respective bearings (6, 9) each supported in the gearbox housing (1). One additional bearing (14) is provided between the one and the other shaft (4, 5).

Abstract: A ratio changing method and apparatus includes, in a hypocycle arrangement, an input drive wheel (2), an output drive wheel (3) and a transfer ring (1). The input drive wheel (2) drives around the exterior of the transfer ring (1). The transfer ring (1) is constrained against rotation about its own axis but oscillates about the outward drive wheel (3), in parting rotation to the output drive wheel (3) as a result a simple and effective ratio changing apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A planet carrier (2) for a gearbox is provided, especially for an automatic transmission or a power-shift gearbox. The planet carrier (2) includes at least one planet gear (4) that is in constant contact with a sun gear and an internal geared wheel. The planet carrier (2) is formed from two parts and includes a single piece flange part (11) and a single piece cup body (12) formed in a step-type manner. The two components are rotationally symmetrical or approximately rotationally symmetrical, and are arranged with one at least partially inside the other. The internal diameter of the external part is adapted to the internal diameter of the internal part in an overlapping area. The two components are connected together at contact points. The components are positioned in a precise manner in relation to each other in the axial, radial and peripheral directions based on the construction. The individual components can be produced in a simple and economical manner through deep drawing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering metallic elements, especially metallic chromium, from slag containing oxides, especially chromium oxides, in an electric-arc furnace. According to said method, the slag is not reduced in a separate step after melting, but the following steps are carried out: a charge is introduced into tile electric-arc furnace, and melted, forming a molten metal and slag; said molten metal is tapped off, leaving the unreduced slag in the furnace vessel; a further charge of scrap metal including reducing agents for tile slag is added; the slag is reduced during the melting of said charge; and the slag and the molten metal are then lapped off. The inventive method can also be used in ladle metallurgy or converter metallurgy.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing metal nanorods includes: a step of adding a reducing agent to a metallic salt solution; a step of radiating light into the metallic salt solution containing the reducing agent; and a step of leaving the light-radiated metallic salt solution containing the reducing agent stationary in a dark place so as to grow metal nanorods. Metal nanorods can be also grown by forming a mixed solution by fractionating the above light-radiated metallic salt solution and mixing the fractionated metallic salt solution into a non-radiated metallic salt solution containing the reducing agent, or mixing a non-radiated metallic salt solution and the reducing agent into the above light-radiated metallic salt solution; and leaving the mixed solution stationary in a dark place so as to grow metal nanorods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ternary metal colloid comprising metal nanoparticles which is composed of three different metal elements and has a three layer core/shell structure, and to a process for producing the ternary metal colloid. The metal colloid according to the present invention can be produced by mixing a metal colloid comprising metal nanoparticles which is composed of two metal elements and has a core/shell structure with a metal colloid comprising metal nanoparticles which is composed of a metal element different from the two metal elements. A catalyst produced from the metal colloid produced with this process has an extremely high catalytic activity.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid steel is disclosed. Carbon monoxide and oxygen may be combusted in a high temperature reactor. Iron and iron oxide materials, along with scrap steel if desired, may be placed in the high temperature reactor. Carbon dioxide produced in the high temperature reactor may be circulated through a back reactor vessel. Coke masses may be placed in the back reactor vessel. The coke may be formed by circulating heated carbon monoxide counter current to crushed coal in a rotary kiln. The carbon dioxide circulated through the back reactor vessel reacts with the coke to form carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide may be conveyed to the high temperature reactor to be combusted with oxygen to produce the heat for forming the liquid steel.