Abstract: A method of liquefying a hydrocarbon stream such as natural gas from a feed stream, the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) providing a feed stream (10); (b) dividing the feed stream (10) of step (a) to provide at least a first feed stream (20) comprising at least 90 mass % of the initial feed stream (10), and a second feed stream (30); (c) liquefying the first feed stream (20) of step (b) at a pressure between 20-100 bar to provide a first liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream (40); (d) cooling the second feed stream (30) of step (b) to provide a cooled feed stream (50); (e) combining the first LNG stream (40) of step (c) with the cooled feed stream (50) of step (d) to provide a combined LNG stream (60); (f) reducing the pressure of the combined LNG stream (60) of step (e); and (g) passing the combined LNG stream (60) of step (f) through a flash vessel (12) to provide a product LNG stream (70) and a gaseous stream (80).

Abstract: A method is proposed for converting a portion of associated gas generated during crude oil production into a liquid form which permits the transport of a large amount of methane at moderate temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming a hydrophobic surface for glass or glazing. The method comprises producing particles having an average aerodynamic particle size of less than 200 nm and guiding the particles further onto the glass surface. The particles to be produced according to the invention are hydrophobic particles and the particles are guided onto the glass surface so that they at least partly dissolve and/or diffuse into the glass surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic silica glass body with a birefringence pattern having low fast axis direction randomness factor and glass reflow process. The glass reflow process comprises steps of: providing a glass tube having a notch; and thermally reflowing the glass tube to form a glass plate. The process can be advantageously used to produce fused silica glass plate without observable striae when viewed in the direction of optical axis. Also disclosed are optical members comprising the fused silica glass body and a process for reflowing glass cylinders.

Abstract: Various embodiments described include optical fiber designs and fabrication processes for ultra high numerical aperture optical fibers (UHNAF) having a numerical aperture (NA) of about 1. Various embodiments of UHNAF may have an NA greater than about 0.7, greater than about 0.8, greater than about 0.9, or greater than about 0.95. Embodiments of UHNAF may have a small core diameter and may have low transmission loss. Embodiments of UHNAF having a sufficiently small core diameter provide single mode operation. Some embodiments have a low V number, for example, less than 2.4 and large dispersion. Some embodiments of UHNAF have extremely large negative dispersion, for example, less than about ?300 ps/nm/km in some embodiments. Systems and apparatus using UHNAF are also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing an air cladding type optical fiber by a method other than extrusion molding. A process for producing an optical fiber comprising a hollow glass fiber with an optical transmission glass held to extend in its axial direction at its center, which process comprises a step of heating and drawing a glass rod having three or more holes with an equal diameter provided around its center axis to extend in its axial direction where the distance between each hole and the axis is mutually equal and the distance between adjacent holes is mutually equal, and a portion surrounded by such holes will constitute said optical transmission glass, while applying pressure to expand the holes with one end of the rod closed, to form a preform wherein glass between the holes is in a plate form, and subjecting the preform to wire drawing to form an optical fiber in which said optical transmission glass is held by plate glass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a tubular-shaped knitted covering for a paint roller, or the like, having a pile extending from an outer surface of the covering, through use of a dial needle knitting arrangement. A cylinder needle knitting arrangement may be utilized in conjunction with the dial needle knitting arrangement for forming a tubular-shaped knitted covering for a paint roller having a pile formed from a combination of sliver and yarn fibers in successive courses of the tubular-shaped knitted covering.

Abstract: A sock includes an air escape route that allows humid air to be expelled to the outside of a shoe. The sock may include a first rib area provided in a ground-touching area of a sole portion of the sock, the ribs being formed in a desired direction. A second rib area, in which ribs are formed in a wale direction, may also be provided in an instep portion of the sock. The ribs of the first and second rib areas may be knitted with alternating knitted pile and knitted mesh fabric. Humid air collecting in areas that do not touch the ground passes through the concave portions of the ribs of the first rib area, and is impelled toward the instep side. Air flowing to the instep side of the sock via the first rib area is expelled to the outside of the shoe via the second rib area.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing system for a washing machine including a suds container for receiving wash liquid and at least one supply container for receiving a treating agent. The method includes selecting and activating a wash or treatment cycle from a plurality of wash or treatment cycles using an input device. The treating agent for delivery to the suds container is selected based on suitability information corresponding to the selected wash or treatment cycle. The treating agent is delivered to the suds container at the start of the activated wash or treatment cycle. The activated wash or treatment cycle is performed using a controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering an additive to an appliance are disclosed. The systems may include a user interface configured to accept a user input and a controller connected to the user interface. The controller may be configured to receive the user input and cause an additive delivery system to deliver at least one additive to the appliance. The methods include receiving an amount of the additive to be delivered to the appliance and receiving a time at which the additive is to be delivered to the appliance during a cycle. The method may further include activating an additive delivery system to deliver the amount of the additive at the time to the appliance.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine with automatic laundry products dispensing comprises a plurality of tanks with each one containing one type of laundry product. Pumping means pump the required amount of laundry product into the tub at predetermined times during the wash cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine. In the drum type washing machine, a pollutant remaining in a gasket is removed by water ejected from an odor removing hose. Accordingly, it is capable of preventing the pollutant from being rotted and thus causing odor. And, it is capable of preventing the pollutant from feeding mold in the humid washing machine, thereby preventing being smelly in the washing machine due to the mold.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a washing machine, such as a laundry washing machine or a dishwashing machine provided with an improved washing agent dispenser unit (1).

Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus is provided to improve energy efficiency by generating steam by a steam generating means using ultrasonic waves and reduce production costs and improve working efficiency by reduction of the number of heat suppliers by heating the generated steam by a heat supplier provided at a dryer. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet; a washing tub disposed inside the cabinet to treat laundry put therein; and an ultrasonic steam generating means for generating steam to be supplied into the washing tub by using ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A padlock hasp assembly including a first hasp member (12) and a second hasp member (14) including interface contours including complimentary shaped protrusions and recesses that mate with one another, and a locking assembly housed in the first hasp member (12), the locking assembly including a cylinder lock (10) including a tumbler adapted to bring a locking element into locking engagement with a notch formed in a locking bolt (16), the locking bolt (16) being arranged for sliding motion through a first bore formed in the first hasp member, and when the second hasp member (14) is aligned with the first hasp member (12), the locking bolt (16) is slidable into a second bore formed in the second hasp member (14) so as to lock the first and second hasp members (12, 14) together.

Abstract: A security apparatus, a security system that uses the security apparatus, and a method of using the securing apparatus to secure a portable electronic device to an immovable object. The security apparatus comprises a combination locking mechanism with dials and tumblers, a body coupled to the dials, a reset device coupled to the tumblers, and a reset key configured to interact with the reset device to allow the user to reset the combination associated with the combination locking mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chain lock for round steel chains, comprising two lock halves, each of which is provided with a rear section (4, 5) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the chain lock (1) as well as coupling sections (6 to 9) that adjoin the ends of the rear section (4, 5). One respective coupling section (6, 8) is fitted with a locking pin (16) which extends perpendicular to a parting plane (TE) of the chain lock (1) and encompasses a web-like projection (22) at the free end (18) thereof, on the side facing the other coupling section (7, 9). The projection (22) borders a pocket that extends from one side surface (20) to another side surface (21) of the lock half (2, 3) and accommodates a forked leg (26) of the other lock half (2, 3), which conforms to the contour of the pocket (23). The pocket (23) has external, essentially rectilinear flanks (27, 28) which face the side surfaces (20, 21), the angle (W1) enclosed by the flanks (27, 28) ranging from 120° to 150°.

Abstract: A lockbox with user-configured combination includes a body that has a top surface, side surfaces, an attachment bail and an interior cavity that extends inwardly from an opening in a side surface. The attachment bail extends from the top and slides from an open to a closed position. A first combination lock is located on the top surface and secures the bail in the closed position. A first key lock is located within the interior cavity and controls a combination for the first combination lock. A door is removably secured to the opening. A second combination lock is fitted to the door, controls access to the interior cavity through the opening, and has at least two tumbler rings. The tumbler rings have a plurality of user-selectable positions, each identified with at least one character. A second key lock in the interior cavity controls a combination for the second combination lock.

Abstract: A key alignment system for safety interlock switches uses alignment holes, and alignment pins to compensate for misalignment between a body assembly and a key assembly. The misalignment is often due to normal wear and tear or outright abuse of a gate or other movable member that should be safely interlocked. The key is fixed to a floating plate connected to a mounting plate by a suspension. The alignment pins and holes on or in a fixed alignment assembly and the floating plate can move the floating plate into a position such that the key enters the key hole. Some embodiments incorporate the fixed alignment assembly into the body assembly. The normal function of a keyed safety interlock wherein the key can be caught and held or released is preserved and enhanced by compensating for misalignment.

Abstract: A tumbler-type key for use with a tumbler-type lock apparatus, which includes a support member, a movable member movable relative to the support member, and pin tumblers. The tumbler-type key includes a pattern of recessed portions and non-recessed portions arranged in a code pattern region of the tumbler-type key. When the tumbler-type key is inserted into or removed from the tumbler-type lock apparatus, the recessed portions and the non-recessed portions shift each of the pin tumblers between a locking state and an unlocking state so that movement of the movable member is prohibited or permitted depending on pin tumbler positions. The ratio of the quantity of the recessed portions or non-recessed portions relative to the total quantity of the recessed and non-recessed portions is set to fifty percent or greater to sixty percent or less.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching keys to a purse are disclosed. The apparatus includes a strap, a key-retaining device, a metal clip, and a long strap with a loop on the proximal end through which the distal end may be threaded. The method of the invention includes attaching one or more keys to the key-retaining device, wrapping the apparatus around the handle of a purse, threading the distal end through the loop on the proximal end, and tightening the strap such that the distal end hangs freely while the loop secures the apparatus to the purse.

Abstract: A new fertilizer comprising Urea Phosphite, which is made by reacting phosphorous acid with urea. Urea Phosphite is characterized by being a liquid produced in an unprocessed reaction, and by having phosphite as a phosphorus source and urea as a nitrogen source. The reaction product may be blended with an admix and spray dried, or dissolved in water.

Abstract: A method of disposing of waste material in a waste stream, including positioning a porous foamed glass member characterized by an open-cell interconnected pore network in contact with a volume of liquid to be purified and removing an amount of an undesired material from the volume of liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the surface blasting of hollow spaces or cavities, especially of cavities of gas turbines. According to the invention, shot balls are accelerated with the aid of at least one vibrator, whereby the shot balls accelerated in the ultrasonic range are directed onto surfaces of a cavity that is to be blasted. In that regard, the vibrator is preferably positioned with a small spacing distance, preferably with a spacing distance on the order of magnitude of the diameter of the shot balls utilized for the blasting, from the cavity to be blasted.

Abstract: A shot peening operation is performed on a localized area. A conformable material contains the shot peening elements. The conformable material can conform to the multiple complex shapes of the component to be shot peened.

Abstract: A method for prolonging service life of a machine for bending tubes comprises flame spraying a coating of less than 0.1 mm of molybdenum or molybdenum alloy to at least one surface of a fold smoothing tool.

Abstract: A method of reducing thickness of unbroken rolling stock (14) by longitudinal rolling includes deforming the rolling stock (14) in the width direction with deformation regions (26 to 29; 86 to 88) of the rolls (22 to 25; 82 to 84) penetrating in the rolling stock to the same depth.

Abstract: A punching machine is provided with a tool holder for a punching tool and a die having a cutting edge which can be passed by the punching tool in a machining stroke direction and a return stroke direction. The machine includes at least one work support, supported by at least one spring element. The work support is arranged in the region of the die, and the spring force of the spring element is adjustable.

Abstract: A system and method for auto-calibrating a barcode scanning tunnel to determine the orientation of one or more cameras with respect to a range finder and a conveyor belt comprises providing a scanning tunnel having a moveable surface, at least one range finder having an orientation, at least one camera having an orientation and at least one calibration object having at least one indicia disposed in a predetermined relationship to one or more features of the at least one calibration object, capturing at least one image of the at least one calibration object by the at least one camera, electronically detecting the at least one calibration object at least one indicia and the one or more object features and electronically calculating at least one component of the at least one camera orientation with respect to the moveable surface in response to information obtained from the image and the at least one calibration object at least one indicia.

Abstract: There is provided an inspection method of an oxygen sensor, which includes a sensing portion having a reference electrode, a sensing electrode and an oxygen ion conducting solid electrolyte layer arranged between the reference electrode and the sensing electrode. The inspection method contains the steps of reading a first output value of the oxygen sensor under a condition that the sensing portion of the oxygen sensor is subjected to a first inspection gas and then a second output value of the oxygen sensor under a condition that the sensing portion of the oxygen sensor is subjected to a second inspection gas different in oxygen concentration from the first inspection gas and judging the oxygen sensor to be defective or nondefective based on the first and second output values.

Abstract: In a method for correcting the output signal of a broadband lambda probe of an internal combustion engine, the influence of the air humidity on the lambda value determined by the broadband lambda probe is detected and is deducted by means of a compensation model. For this purpose, a measured air humidity is incorporated in the calibration of the broadband lambda probe during an overrun shut-off phase of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A system measures an amount of wear in athletic footwear by measuring the amount of shock transmitted to a user. The measured shock is used to indicate an amount of how much cushioning has been lost by the footwear. The amount of wear is proportional to the loss of cushioning and an increase in transmitted shock to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a gas sensor configured to detect a specific gas which is a subject for detection, and inspection gas introduction piping configured to lead an inspection gas to the gas sensor, wherein at least a portion of the inspection gas introduction piping serves as ventilating piping configured to ventilate an inside of a ventilation-requiring device.

Abstract: A gas sensor apparatus 3 in an air-fuel ratio detection system 1 includes a gas sensor element 4 which outputs a detection signal corresponding to air-fuel ratio, and a gas sensor control circuit 2 which includes a detection section 20 for outputting a first output signal VIP1, a second output signal VIP2, and a third output signal VIP3 in accordance with the detection signal. This detection section 20 outputs the first output signal VIP1 which changes in accordance with the air-fuel ratio at least within a wide first air-fuel ratio zone, the second output signal VIP2 which changes in accordance with the air-fuel ratio within a narrow zone in the vicinity of the stoichiometric ratio, and the third output signal VIP3 which changes in accordance with the air-fuel ratio within a narrow zone in the lean region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid and accurate detection and discrimination of biological, radiological, and chemical particles in air. A suspect aerosol of the target particulates is treated with a taggant aerosol of ultrafine particulates. Coagulation of the taggant and target particles causes a change in fluorescent properties of the cloud, providing an indication of the presence of the target.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring system and methods of a site are disclosed. The system includes one or more environmental measurement instruments, of which at least one instrument is capable to measure a concentration of particles in a certain size range. The system may also include an instrument that is capable of measuring a first concentration of particles in a first size range and a second concentration of particles in a second size range. The system may also include an instrument that is capable to measure a wind speed and a wind direction. The system may also include one device capable of recording an image of a location related to the site. The system includes a controller in communication with the one or more environmental measurement instruments, and a display device capable of displaying data generated by the one or more environmental measurement instruments. The system contains a network. Alerts can be provided based on conditions of the environment.

Abstract: A system for providing a seal between a rotating part and a stationary part that comprises two seals in series separated by a cavity is disclosed. The cavity may be at low pressure and failure of either seal may be detected by a change in cavity pressure. An alarm may be triggered when cavity pressure rises above a threshold, or when it remains above a threshold for more than a predetermined period of time. In a system comprising multiple cavities, a cavity may be selectively isolated to determine if a seal associated with that cavity is experiencing a leak.

Abstract: An evaporation rate potential is determined to show the feasibility of evaporation within an environment. The environment includes air and a material, such as wood or other building material. The temperature and vapor pressure differences determine the flow of sensible and latent energy from the air to the material, and vice versa. Using these values, the evaporation rate potential is determined for different conditions within the environment so that evaporation and drying can be improved.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a low-cost injection-molded plastic microfluidic device that performs the multiplexing of affinity or chromatographic sample cleanup and enrichment methods and the detection by nanospray mass spectrometry of analytes such as biomarkers in a single package to conserve sample, and processes body fluids with HPLC grade and even next-generation chromatographic resins such as nanoparticles to maximize the sensitivity of the detection.

Abstract: In the present invention, through a provision of a relay stand including a first relaying point, a second relaying point and a plurality of work mounting bases, a discharge/feed process of works between the relay stand and the work feed container and the work accommodation container is performed at the first relaying point and a load/unload process of works between the relay stand and the plurality of work inspection machines is performed at the second relaying point.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for use in an engine by installation of the pressure sensor into an installation hole of an engine head is provided. The pressure sensor includes: a body having a first end; a pressure receiving diaphragm disposed in the first end; a sealing surface disposed on the side surface of the body; and an expansion member, which is disposed on the side surface of the body so that, with respect to the first end of the body, the expansion member is located closer than the sealing surface. When heat is generated by an engine operation after the installation of the first end of the body into the installation hole, the expansion member expands due to the heat to fill in a space between an inner surface of the installation hole and a side surface of the body.

Abstract: An estimation method of the crank angle at which 50% of the fuel mass has been burnt in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine with spontaneous ignition of the mixture provided with a drive shaft coupled to a phonic wheel presenting a number N of teeth; the method contemplates the steps of: reading the passage of each tooth of the phonic wheel in front of a sensor; determining the angular speed of the drive shaft at each tooth event of the phonic wheel; determining at least one harmonic of the speed signal; determining an inverse mechanical model of the transmission; determining at least one torque harmonic by applying the inverse mechanical model to the speed signal harmonic; determining an algebraic function which puts a combustion index into relation with the phase of the nth torque harmonic; and determining the combustion index by applying the algebraic function to the nth torque harmonic.

Abstract: An abnormality detection device of a fuel pump reduces costs and prevents detection error or breakdown by making the fuel pressure sensor unnecessary. The abnormality detection device includes an abnormality detection circuit, a fuel pump driving voltage detection unit to detect the voltage value of an abnormality detection circuit, and a meter. The abnormality detection circuit is constituted by the circuit including a resistance disposed between a battery side of the fuel pump motor to drive the fuel pump and a ground side. If the voltage value detected by the fuel pump driving voltage detection unit is larger than the upper limit or lower than the lower limit of the normal range, the warning lamp of the meter flashes and a buzzer makes an alarm sound. The abnormality detection circuit is housed in the fuel pump module disposed in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A spark plug sensor antenna including an external housing; and a printed circuit board disposed within the exterior housing, the printed circuit board having a first side and a second side and a first plurality of serpentine traces disposed on one of the first side and second side for receiving radio frequency signals generated by the spark of a spark plug.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, first, an engine is locked by an engine shaft locking mechanism. A first motor is operated by torque control and a second motor is operated by number-of-revolutions control. Torque for controlling the second motor in this state is obtained. Based on the obtained control torque, whether the first motor is normal is checked. Successively, the second motor is operated by the torque control and the first motor is operated by the number-of-revolutions control to check whether the second motor is normal in a similar manner.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a tire braking characteristic test apparatus capable of reflecting dynamic characteristic of a vehicle at the time of braking in order to evaluate braking characteristic of tires and also performing a test with easily changing a vehicle condition influencing the braking characteristic of the tires.

Abstract: An improvement is achieved in productivity of a tire by preventing an unacceptably molded green tire, which is produced in a molding process, from flowing to a vulcanizing process. Measures therefor comprise putting an unvulcanized green tire on a mount surface of a mount stage, sticking an information label to a side wall of the green tire with a label sticking device arranged below a through-hole formed in a position, which corresponds to an inside of a bead body of the green tire, on the mount surface, and measuring a weight of the green tire with a gravimeter, which supports the mount stage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collection of pore water samples from a subsurface geologic formation, especially a vadose zone formation having high capillary tension. The method consists of injection of a fluid with known tracer concentrations therein into the formation. The injected displacement fluid develops a wetting front which carries with it the ambient pore water. The mixture of pore water and tracer-bearing displacement fluid is absorbed by a collection system, such as an absorbent member or pumping system. The injection and collection system are attached to a sealing borehole liner for emplacement in a borehole in the formation, and for other functions. Water samples collected in the collector system may be recovered by inversion of the liner, or alternatively by pumping. Samples thus removed from the borehole may be evaluated for chemicals, such as contaminants. The use of the tracer permits pore water characteristics to be distinguished from the motivating displacement fluid.

Abstract: An airflow detection apparatus configured to detect airflow of a fan includes a first transistor, an amplifier, an A/D converter, a microprocessor, an indicating circuit, and a stabilizing circuit configured for supplying a stable current to the first transistor. The base and the collector of the first transistor are connected to a power supply. The emitter of the first transistor is connected to the amplifier and the stabilizing circuit. The amplifier receives a voltage signal from between the base and the emitter of the first transistor. The voltage signal is converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter. The microprocessor processes the digital signal and output an indicating signal to the indicating circuit to indicate airflow status of the fan.

Abstract: An improved flow measuring device, such as a mass flow meter or mass flow controller, providing a high turn-down ratio as compared to prior art devices. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a flow sensor includes a sensor flow path that includes one or more restrictions configured to provide the sensor flow path with a non-linear relationship between a pressure drop across the sensor flow path and the flow of fluid through the flow sensor conduit. Such a flow sensor preferably achieves a high turn-down ratio by way of a variable bypass ratio that is directly proportional to the sensor tube mass flow rate so that the turn-down ratio of the mass flow controller will be ideally proportional to the square of the turndown achievable by the flow sensor conduit fluid sensing portion alone. In some embodiments, the restriction can be employed as a part of a fluid seal having an orifice and disposed between a flow sensor portion of a flow meter and a bypass portion of the flow meter.