Abstract: A method for cooling a powder, in a tunnel provided with a vibrating support, and with at least two independently controllable cryogenic liquid inflows into the tunnel, and comprising the following steps: the thermal mass of powder entering the equipment is determined; the arrival of powder at the tunnel inlet is detected; the thermal mass measurement previously obtained is synchronized with the detection of the arrival of the powder at the tunnel inlet, according to a known or predefined response time of the means for controlling the said cryogenic liquid inflows into the tunnel; this synchronization data is transmitted to a data acquisition and processing unit, which is able to retroact, if necessary, on the basis of this data, on all or part of the parameters governing the operation of the tunnel. Application to the cooling or deep-freezing treatments of food products or chemicals.

Abstract: A method for dehumidification and controlling system pressure in a refrigeration system includes providing a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in a closed refrigerant loop. Each of the condenser and evaporator have a plurality of refrigerant circuits. A first heat transfer fluid is flowed over the condenser and a second heat transfer fluid is flowed over the evaporator. At least one of the refrigerant circuits of the condenser is isolated to provide a decreased amount of heat transfer area within the condenser and to increase the refrigerant pressure within the refrigeration system when the refrigerant pressure within the refrigeration system is at or below a predetermined pressure. At least one of the refrigerant circuits of the evaporator is isolated to dehumidify and maintain the temperature of the second heat transfer fluid at or above a predetermined temperature when dehumidification is required.

Abstract: A control system for use with refrigeration devices utilizes a refrigeration evaporator fan speed controller, at least one remote current sensor, temperature sensor, or compressor mechanical/electrical contact sensor, and a sensing relay to determine when the compressor in a refrigeration system is operating. When the current, temperature, or electrical contact sensor detects that the compressor is not operating, the refrigeration evaporator fan speed is reduced to run at a lower speed than when the compressor is operating.

Abstract: A compressor includes an orbiting member and a non-orbiting member mounted relative the orbiting member to define first and second chambers disposed between the orbiting and non-orbiting members. The non-orbiting member forms a seal to generally prevent fluid communication between the first and second chambers when in a first position and breaks the seal to allow fluid communication between the first and second chambers when in a second position. A structure supports the orbiting and non-orbiting members for relative orbital movement therebetween and a time pulsed actuation apparatus is coupled to the structure and configured to selectively break the seal.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling refrigerant pressure in an HVAC system. The method includes providing a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in a closed refrigerant loop. The condenser has a header arrangement capable of distributing refrigerant to a plurality of refrigerant circuits within the condenser. The header arrangement also is capable of selectively isolating at least one of the circuits from refrigerant flow. Refrigerant pressure is sensed at a predetermined location in the refrigeration system. At least one of the circuits is isolated when the refrigerant pressure is less than or equal to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A heat exchanging device includes a compressor for pumping the medium through a piping, and a tubing receiving a heat exchanging fluid and coupled to an evaporator, and a pump may pump the heat exchanging fluid through the tubing. The compressor includes a frequency convertible to different frequencies, to facilitate the medium through the piping and to decrease a temperature in the piping or the tubing when the temperature is increased and higher than a predetermined temperature, and to slower the medium when the temperature is decreased and lower than the predetermined temperature. A temperature sensor and a heater may be used to control the temperature in the piping or the tubing.

Abstract: A dimension sensor is used in conjunction with a tube and includes a body member and at least one detector element. The body member has an inner surface defining an opening sized to receive the tube. The at least one detector element is connected to the body member and has a detector portion extending into the opening. When the tube is received in the opening, the detector portion is initially disposed apart from the tube. A method using the dimension sensor stops expansion of the tube expanding from a pre-expanded state to a desired expanded state. A pumping device is actuated to pressurize a fluid by an amount sufficient to cause the tube to expand from the pre-expanded state to the desired expanded state. When the tube expands to the desired expanded state, the pumping device deactivates thereby stopping expansion of the tube at the desired expanded state.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a two-stage linear compressor having a first piston disposed in a first cylinder and a second piston disposed in a second cylinder. The linear compressor is operable in an economizer cycle wherein the first piston operates as a first stage of the economizer cycle and the second piston operates as a second stage of the economizer cycle. A controller is coupled to the linear compressor to control a volume flow ratio of the linear compressor. The controller stores a plurality of coefficients of performance for a range of particular operating conditions of the linear compressor and each coefficient of performance corresponds to a desired volume flow ratio and a desired secondary evaporating temperature.

Abstract: A method for air conditioning using a primary power source augmented with an ancillary power source which is accomplished by receiving a heat-laden first working fluid at an initial pressure; pre-pressurizing the heat-laden first working fluid to a pre-pressurization pressure according to an amount of available ancillary power; passing the pre-pressurized heat-laden first working fluid to a primary compressor when the pressure of the pre-pressurized heat-laden first working fluid is greater than the initial pressure; and passing the heat-laden first working fluid at the initial pressure, or at a pressure that is slightly less that the initial pressure, to the primary compressor when the pressure of the pre-pressurized heat-laden first working fluid is not greater than the initial pressure.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and an inside heat exchanger. The inside heat exchanger exchanges heat between a refrigerant at a high-pressure and a refrigerant at a low-pressure during a refrigeration cycle. Both the outdoor heat exchanger and the inside heat exchanger include a plurality of tubes, and each of the plurality of tubes has a plurality of holes formed therethrough, which extend parallel to each other in the tubes. A cross-sectional shape of the plurality of tubes in the inside heat exchanger is the same as a cross-sectional shape of the plurality of tubes in the outdoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an air conditioning case for defining an air passage through which air flows into a vehicle compartment, a functional member located in the air conditioning case for performing air conditioning of the vehicle compartment, an outside wall member arranged outside a side wall of the air conditioning case to form a clearance with the side wall, and a coupling part through which the outside wall member is integrated with the side wall. In this air conditioner, the outside wall member is located across approximately a projected line of a central line of the functional member extending in a longitudinal direction of the functional member, projected onto the side wall. Therefore, a vibration of the air conditioning case can be reduced, and a noise generation can be effectively restricted.

Abstract: An evaporator and associated food pan refrigerator, such as sandwich-top refrigerators and those used for salads, seafood, ice cream, condiments, and so forth. The food pan refrigerator includes a number of food pans set into the top surface of the refrigerator. The angled fan housing blows the refrigerated air exiting the evaporator evenly across the bottom of the food pans, resulting in even cooling of all pans. In addition, the angled fans effectively and efficiently circulate the air from the fans to the warmest section in the front of the refrigerator and then to the air return located at the bottom of the evaporator. The result is an improved evaporator and associated food pan refrigerator that cools the food pans more evenly and efficiently than prior food pan refrigerators.

Abstract: A heat and cooling system having an indoor air coil subcircuit, an outdoor air coil subcircuit, a geothermal subcircuit, and a control system for selectively operating the system in air-to-air heating, air-to-air cooling, geothermal heating, air-to-air defrost (optionally) and geothermal defrost modes. The various subcircuits may be connected to one another in parallel. The heating and cooling system may include a control system that permits refrigerant to be selectively routed through any two of the heat exchangers to provide the various modes of operation. In one embodiment, the control system may generally include a circuit having a single reversing valve, a plurality of check valves, a plurality of solenoid valves and a plurality of expansion devices.

Abstract: An ice-making machine having an ice-forming surface upon which ice is formed, a refrigeration system including a microchannel evaporator that cools the ice-forming surface, and a water-supply system. The microchannel evaporator includes a microchannel tube that facilitates a distributed cooling effect in a contact area between the microchannel tube and the ice-forming surface. In some embodiments, the microchannel tube includes a series of recessed portions that define insulated regions and divide the tube into non-insulated regions. The insulated and non-insulated regions can be dimensioned to form individual ice cubes on the ice-forming surface. In other embodiments, spaces between microchannel tubes and/or spaces between the ice-forming surface and microchannel tubes can form insulated regions at least partially defining the size and shape of ice produced by the ice-making machine.

Abstract: The peel off between an ice making plate and an insulating layer or between the insulating layer and heating means is prevented so that an ice making operation can be performed efficiently. Also, a metal plate is insulated from the heating means reliably. An evaporation pipe 14 and electric heaters H1 to HN are provided in an ice making member 11. A coolant is circulatingly supplied through the evaporation pipe 14 so as to cool the ice making member 11 and ice making water is supplied to the ice making member 11 so as to form an ice block M during the ice making operation. During the deicing operation, heat is generated in the heaters H1 to HN by applying current so that the ice block M is removed from the ice making member 11 by melting.

Abstract: A cold storage tank unit for a refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a cold storage heat exchanger having plural tubes and a pair of first and second tanks connected to longitudinal ends of the tubes, a cold storage material tank which accommodates at least the tubes of the cold storage heat exchanger, and a cold storage material filled in the cold storage material tank. The cold storage material is cold-stored by the refrigerant or is cold-released to cool gas refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator. Furthermore, the second tank has a lower end portion that is positioned lower than a lower end portion of the first tank, and the second tank has a tank capacity capable of storing a predetermined liquid refrigerant condensed by cold storage heat of the cold storage material. The cold storage tank unit can be located between an evaporator and a compressor in the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

Abstract: An Improved diaper container to temporarily store soiled diapers, before disposing of or washing. The dirty diaper freezer, employing a quiet mechanical refrigeration system, produces temperatures at or below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) to retard and stop the growth of bacteria thereby getting rid of the unpleasant gasses and odors stemming from activity and growth of bacteria.

Abstract: A refrigerator having its heat exchanger outdoors. In one embodiment, a thermos is attached to the front of a window air conditioner. In another embodiment, the refrigerator has gated conduits to allow cold outdoor air into the refrigerator. The refrigerator has a compressor that circulates refrigerant in an auxiliary evaporator adjacent to the refrigerator compartment to freeze the water in the evaporator at night and to allow the ice to keep the refrigerator cold. In another embodiment, the refrigerator is combined with a heat pump such that the outdoor heat exchanger of the heat pump and the outdoor heat exchanger of the refrigerator are in close thermal contact. Another embodiment includes a heat pump having a second evaporator near the refrigerator compartment to cool the inside of the refrigerator compartment and heat the home simultaneously by transferring the heat from inside the refrigerator to the indoors.

Abstract: A portable food storage chest comprising an open topped rectangular container body comprising a bottom wall, a rear wall, a front wall, and two sidewalls. The bottom wall, rear wall, front wall and two sidewalls are attached along peripheral edges thereof. The interior of the body is segmented into four sections: first and second wet compartments; a dry compartment located intermediate between the first and second wet compartments; and a third wet compartment located between the first and second wet compartments and between the dry compartment and the rear wall of the body. The dry compartment has slidable drawers that are capable of containing a variety of food items. Preferably, there are three slidable drawers in the dry compartment. Each of the slidable drawers are insertable into a drawer body, which has a bottom wall, top wall, rear wall and two side walls, thereby forming a watertight drawer enclosure.

Abstract: The present provides a cryogenic thermal battery arrangement for maintaining a superconducting magnet coil or similar apparatus at cryogenic temperature for a required shipping period, such as thirty days, without consuming a significant amount of costly cryogen. According to another aspect, the invention allows extended shipping periods without incurring excessive costs.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a refrigeration cycle which uses HFC-152a as refrigerant, and can be operated stably without hunting of the superheat degree. A charge amount of refrigerant is increased, and refrigerant at an inlet of an expansion device is placed in a state where the subcool degree is ensured to be at least 5 degrees such that the subcool degree does not become equal to zero by variation in pressure. This suppresses fluctuation in the superheat degree of refrigerant at an outlet of an evaporator to thereby stabilize the system. In this state, to enhance the efficiency of a compressor, the superheat degree can be increased by decreasing the set value of the expansion device.

Abstract: An evaporator using a CO2 refrigeration that prevents a raise in vapor quality of refrigeration in an evaporator passage to obtain heat exchanging efficiency. The evaporator for use in a refrigeration system includes a refrigerant inlet for introducing a refrigerant, a refrigerant outlet for discharging the refrigerant, and an evaporator passage for causing the refrigerant introduced via the refrigerant inlet to evaporate and leading the refrigerant to the refrigerant outlet. An intermediate outlet is provided at an intermediate portion of the evaporator passage. A refrigerant high in vapor quality among the refrigerant passing through the intermediate portion from the refrigerant inlet flows out of the intermediate outlet to prevent a raise in vapor quality of refrigerant.

Abstract: A semi-mount ring system includes a set of semi-mount shanks and a set of semi-mount heads. Each semi-mount shank includes a substantially similar head mounting mechanism. Each semi-mount head includes a stone mounting mechanism, one or more stones or the like secured within the stone mounting mechanism, and a substantially similar shank mounting mechanism. The head mounting mechanism of the shanks and the shank mounting mechanism of the heads are of a mating form, thereby allowing any semi-mount head to be detachably secured to any semi-mount shank to form a ring that has the appearance of a completed ring. In this fashion, a customer, for example, may select a custom ring and view the ring in its final form before the ring is completed.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanism and/or method by which objects can be studded with gemstone/gemstone imitations and where the stones are not set from the top of the object as has traditionally been the case in jewelry etc., but rather from the back allowing for both a cleaner finish, and also a system where the stones are removable, and therefore, easily interchangeable.

Abstract: A float bath and a float-forming method is provided, which can form a glass having high forming temperature without shortening the lifetime of straps for supplying electricity to heaters. A float bath 10 has a bottom 12 filled with molten tin 11, and a roof 14 for covering the bottom 12. A space in the roof 14 is separated into an upper space 20 and a lower space 21 by a roof brick layer 16, and heaters 18 are disposed through holes 17 formed in the roof brick layer 16. The thickness of the roof brick layer 16 is at least 320 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending and tempering glass panels includes a glass panel being heated to a tempering temperature and passed from a furnace's conveyor into a bending and tempering section for an arched roller mould, the glass bending upon its arrival thereon. The bent glass is subjected to a tempering blast. The first roller mould and a tempered glass article thereon are shifted out of the bending and tempering section in a direction substantially matching its own axis of curvature or the direction of rollers. The second, vacant roller mould is shifted into the bending and tempering section for receiving the next glass article to be bent, the bending-tempering of which is performed at the same time as the bent and tempered glass article is being removed from the first roller mould. The gained benefits include an increased capacity, a shortened cycle time and an economically attractive, durable construction.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of a preform for optical fibres during a chemical deposition process for the formation of a preform is disclosed. The apparatus has at least one elastic constraint associated with at least one end portion of an elongated element made of a chemical deposition substrate for the formation of the preform, a device for inducing an oscillation, for example axial, on said elongated element, a device for detecting the frequency of oscillation of said elongated element, and a device for calculating the weight of the preform according to the detected frequency of oscillation. Advantageously, the device allows the realisation of a method for measuring the weight of the preform wherein the errors in measurement caused by thermal drift effects, by the axial distribution of the masses on the preform and by loads which are different from the mass of the preform in formation are reduced to below the required precision in measurement.

Abstract: A system for fabricating an optical fiber preform including glazing the outside surface of the preform using inductive heating, the system including a plasma torch for localized heating of the preform during the glazing, and an injector for injecting into the plasma in the area of the outside face of the preform on which the plasma impinges a gas which is substantially free of silica particles to reduce the power of the plasma during the glazing operation.

Abstract: To the outer peripheral surface of an optical fiber made of quartz or glass and having a core and a cladding is applied a microporous silica solution, which is synthesized from a mixture of silicon alcoxide, active alcohol for facilitating hydrolytic action, alcohol, and water, by means of the sol-gel process, followed by baking to form a thin film of microporous silica made chiefly of silicon. Microporous of the thin film of microporous silica have function of cushioning to cushion and restrain that micro cracks much existing in the cladding undergo growth when the optical fiber is bent so that the optical fiber is likely to be broken. And the thin film of microporous silica which made chiefly of silicon has high heat-resistant properties similarly to the optical fiber itself. Accordingly, a heat-resistant optical fiber very excellent in heat-resistant properties is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steam cleaner with a secondary heating means in addition to a primary heating means. Said primary heating means can produce water steam with temperature about 100° C., said secondary heating means can further heat the water steam produced by said primary heating means to a high temperature from 100° C. to 350° C. The steam cleaner of the present invention is easily operated, and the clean effect is better.

Abstract: A magnetic lid closure sensor uses a magnet sensor element mounted within the washing machine housing below the closed lid. Flux directors conduct flux from a magnet in the lid to the magnet sensor. A lock mechanism employs a hook engaging an aperture in the lid so that opening of the lid does not impart a torque to the hook such as would disengage it, allowing the hook to be activated and deactivated with a simple bi-directional solenoid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peroxide generating device for application in an automatic fabric washing machine, comprising an electrochemical cell for the production of peroxide from tap water and air, and a pH modifying device for the production of acidic and alkaline water. Thereby enabling washing of the fabric articles without the need for added chemicals and improved fabric care, due to the separate dosing of peroxide.

Abstract: A electronic padlock is disclosed with remote control device. The electronic padlock has a tamper detection mechanism, a camera, and a speaker. The padlock can be remotely controlled using a remote device, such as a device similar to a garage door opener or a cell phone.

Abstract: An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. The equipment must have an external wall provided with a specially designed, approximately rectangular slot having preselected dimensions. An attachment mechanism includes a housing for a spindle having a first portion rotatable within the housing, a shaft extending outwardly from the housing, and a crossmember at the end of the shaft having peripheral dimensions closely conforming to the internal dimensions of the slot. An abutment mechanism also emanates from the housing, and is located on opposite sides of the shaft intermediate the housing and the crossmember. The peripheral cross-sectional dimensions of the abutment mechanism and the shaft in combination closely conform to the dimensions of the slot. The length of the shaft from the housing to the crossmember is approximately equal to the thickness of the external wall of equipment.

Abstract: A steering column lock assembly and a method of operating the same, the steering column lock assembly including a steering column having a gear portion and a rotatable shaft; an actuator operably attached to the steering column, the actuator being free to translate with respect to the steering column; and a lever arm operably attached to the steering column; wherein translation of the actuator engages the lever arm with the gear portion to lock the steering column.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a central locking system for at least vehicle doors, with which system an electrical switch for changing the central locking system over to a locking or an unlocking state is associated, and an opening lever, which is pivotably disposed at an inside at least of one vehicle door, for opening thereof. The switch is associated with the opening lever inside the vehicle door such that, when the opening lever is pivoted out of an inoperative position into a first switched position, it effects a locking or an unlocking state of the central locking system, and the locking or unlocking state is maintained until the opening lever is again pivoted into its switched position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tank cap of a fuel tank which can easily open a cover covering a key hole. A tank cap for closing a fuel supply port of a fuel tank is provided on an upper surface of the tank cap with a key hole and a cover covering the key hole. The cover opens and closes the key hole by making the cover swing via a support shaft. Finger catch concave portions are formed at least on both sides of the cover in an axial direction of the support shaft, and each of the finger catch concave portions is structured such that it is possible to insert a finger thereinto and to pinch both side edges in the axial direction of the cover by the inserted finger. Further, a leading end portion of the cover is preferably formed in a tapered shape in a plan view.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition having as its principal component inedible egg product that has been classified as unfit for human consumption. The inedible egg product is pasteurized and may be dried into powder form or utilized as a liquid. The fertilizer composition may be organic and may optionally contain additional components. In dried form, the organic fertilizer composition can be tilled directly into the soil. Because it utilizes inedible egg product, the organic fertilizer composition has several advantages compared to traditional organic fertilizers, particularly a short release time, cost-effectiveness, lack of undesirable residual components, and availability.

Abstract: In the cold rolling process by pilger rolling that holds a mandrel between each of paired roll-dies, by optimizing the side relief rate SR and the pass schedule factors such as the Area Rd, ID Rd and the feed rate F of the workpiece material, and further by properly selecting the taper ?1 in the primary deformation zone of mandrel and the taper ?2 in the final size reduction zone thereof, the dimension-related shape characteristics (near-perfect round shape) of the tube inside surface after the final finishing rolling process by pilger rolling can be ascertained to thereby ensure excellent surface property without requiring a new apparatus, and further without causing the decrease of the product yield and/or the increase of the manufacturing costs. Thus, this can be widely applied for producing steam generator tubes which exhibits high S/N ratio in the inner coil eddy current testing.

Abstract: In the cold rolling process by pilger rolling that holds a mandrel between each of paired roll-dies, by optimizing the side relief rate SR and the mandrel factors like the taper ?1 in the primary deformation zone of the mandrel and the taper ?2 in the final size reduction zone thereof, and the feed rate F of the workpiece material, and at the same time by properly adjusting the relationship between the side relief rate SR and the feed rate F, the dimension-related shape characteristics (near-perfect round shape) of the tube inside surface after the final finishing rolling process by pilger rolling can be ascertained to thereby ensure excellent surface property without requiring a new apparatus, and further without causing the decrease of the product yield and/or the increase of the manufacturing costs. Thus, this can be widely applied for producing steam generator tubes which exhibits high S/N ratio in the inner coil eddy current testing.

Abstract: A flanging device for beading a flanging web of a component part around a flanging edge. The flanging device includes a tool head; a first flanging die and a second flanging die which the tool head simultaneously bears, situated in a processing position, and one of which is arranged following the other in a processing direction.

Abstract: A folding brake includes a frame having a pair of vertically disposed and spaced side members and a lower clamp member rigidly attached to each side member and disposed in a horizontal plane. An upper clamp member is pivotally positioned in relationship to the lower clamp member for selectively clamping a workpiece positioned thereon. A first drive member generates a clamping force and selectively moves the upper clamp member. A pivotally mounted bend rail is engageable with a portion of such workpiece protruding beyond a front edge of the lower clamp member. A second drive member generates a bending force and selectively pivots the bend rail in a first direction to apply the bending force to such workpiece and in a second direction to disengage the workpiece. A controller is provided for operating the first and second drive members.

Abstract: A hole punching method capable of executing hole punching with high material yield at a low load and preventing occurrence of underfill is provided.

Abstract: A control device of a die cushion mechanism, by which a force between a slide and a die cushion may follow a commanded value even in the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the slide and, moreover, a problem such as vibration of the mechanism may be prevented in the gradual acceleration or deceleration of the slide. The control device includes a slide position detecting part, such as a position sensor, for detecting the position of the slide and a correcting part for correcting a current commanded value using an acceleration of the slide, obtained by second-order differentiation of the position of the slide detected by the position sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining the life span for secure use of a pipeline comprising the steps of a) defining an area for surface corrosion analysis on the pipeline, b) providing a corrosion scanning system for scanning the defined area on the pipeline, c) localizing and measuring the corrosion on the surface of the defined area by means of the corrosion scanning system, d) determining the remaining wall-thickness of the pipeline at the defined area by means of the corrosion scanning system, and e) processing the surface condition data related to corrosion at the defined area obtained in steps c) and d) to determine the life span for secure use of the pipeline. In another aspect the present invention relates to a corrosion scanning system for performing for performing the method according to the invention. In another aspect the invention relates to a prediction system for predicting the secure life span of a pipeline.

Abstract: A crimp contact includes a wire hold portion crimped onto and holding therein core wires of an electrical lead. The wire hold portion has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls bent in such a manner as to bring ends of the side walls into contact with each other to define a wire accommodation space and satisfies the following equations: {(W1?W2)/2}/W3?1.2 and H2/H1>0.5 where W1 is a maximum width of the wire hold portion; W2 is a maximum width of the wire accommodation space; W3 is a minimum thickness of the bottom wall; H1 is a maximum thickness of the wire hold portion; and H2 is a maximum distance from an outermost point of the side wall to a tip point of the side wall end along a thickness direction of the wire hold portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a calibration apparatus for vacuum gauge having a combined use for an 1 Torr level, a 10 Torr level, and a 100 Torr level vacuum gauge.

Abstract: To provide a gas sensor in which connection terminals are stably brought into contact with electrode terminal portions of a sensor element without superfluous load applied on the sensor element. A pair of element guide portions 33 are provided in a sleeve 30 in which a plate-like sensor element 10 is inserted. The pair of element guide portions 33 protrude from an opening end surface on a rear end side of an axial hole 31, store either of widthwise opposite side ends of the sensor element 10 and restrain the sensor element 10 from being inclined. The sensor element 10 is positioned coaxially with the sleeve 30 by the element guide portions 33. Electrode holders 40 in which electrode fitments 60 are held are fitted to the element guide portions 33 so that the electrode fitments 60 are brought into contact with electrode terminal portions 15 and 16 of the sensor element 10.

Abstract: Integrated apparatus and method for hematological analyses, wherein the apparatus comprises, arranged substantially in line and integrated substantially in a single machine, a device (14) of the optical type to detect substantially instantaneously the speed of blood sedimentation (ESR) by measuring the optical density, or absorbance, of the blood sample, and a measuring assembly (18) with a cell-counter function or suchlike.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a device for forming an interface between a first and a second essentially immiscible liquid, especially for the measurement of the surface tension at said interface. According to the invention, a volume of the first liquid is added to a first well having a closed bottom, walls and an upper opening in a horizontal surface. A volume of the second liquid is added to a second well, e.g. in the form of a bore or a sleeve having an upper well opening and a lower well opening which lower well opening rests in a sealing relationship on the said horizontal surface, the said surface closing the lower opening, but in sliding engagement therewith. The lower opening of the second well is brought into alignment with the upper opening of the first well, thus depositing the volume of the second liquid on top of the surface of the volume of the first liquid, to form the desired liquid-liquid interface.