Abstract: A multi cylinder compressor/expansion engine having a centrally mounted drive shaft. A cylinder barrel is mounted on the drive shaft and both the cylinder barrel and the drive shaft rotate about a common axis. There is a plurality of cylinders in the cylinder barrel with pistons disposed in each of the cylinders. Some of the cylinders are compression cylinders and some of the cylinders are expansion cylinders. The compression cylinders discharge a fluid at a first high pressure from the engine. The expansion cylinders receive fluid at a second pressure which provides energy to the engine thereby reducing the energy required for the engine to rotate the drive shaft.

Abstract: To provide a refrigeration apparatus and a heat exchanger used for the refrigeration apparatus capable of exhibiting the cooling capacity of the same level even if an alternate refrigerant is used without largely changing constituent parts of a refrigeration cycle. In the refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention, a ratio of the number of tubes of the supercooling section (17) to the total number of tubes (20) of the condensing section (16) and the supercooling section (17) is set such that cooling capacity obtained by an increased enthalpy difference with the same flow rate of refrigerant by the supercooling section (17) becomes equal to cooling capacity of a refrigeration cycle of the HFC134a refrigerant.

Abstract: A natural gas liquefaction system employing a high pressure pre-cooling refrigeration cycle. The natural gas liquefaction system can be advantageously employed in cold weather regions and/or in regions that exhibit large variations in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method for selective extraction of natural gas liquids from “rich” natural gas. The method involves interacting a rich natural gas stream with Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) by mixing Liquid Natural Gas into the rich natural gas stream to lower the temperature of the rich natural gas stream to a selected hydrocarbon dew point, whereby a selected hydrocarbon liquid carried in the rich natural gas stream is condensed.

Abstract: A process for producing variable gaseous nitrogen and variable gaseous oxygen by air distillation, during a period of high demand for gaseous nitrogen and for gaseous oxygen, liquid nitrogen is drawn off from a storage vessel, the liquid nitrogen is vaporized by heat exchange with a first flow of compressed, purified and cooled air, the vaporized nitrogen is sent to the customer and the first flow of liquefied air produced by the heat exchange is sent to a liquefied air storage vessel, liquid oxygen is drawn off from a storage vessel, the liquid oxygen is vaporized by heat exchange with a second flow of compressed, purified and cooled air, the vaporized oxygen is sent to the customer and the second flow of liquefied air is sent to the storage vessel.

Abstract: A combination string instrument/pick article of jewelry comprises a simulated miniature sized string instrument, such as a guitar, which includes a neck and a body and which is in the miniaturized shape of a corresponding full sized instrument. The body has an attachment area on its front face. A full size pick is mounted in the attachment area. The pick contains designator information on its front face, such as information to identify the string instrument for which the pick is intended to be used.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user. The device includes a pair of casings, a clamping mechanism and a pad. Each casing of the pair of casings includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an inner surface and an outer surface extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The clamping mechanism is adapted to pivotally couple the pair of casings at the first end portion of the each casing of the pair of casings such that the pair of casings pivotally moves to assume an open position and a closed position. The pair of casings is adapted to receive the portion of the ear therebetween in the closed potion of the pair of casings. Moreover, the pad is disposed on the inner surface of the each casing of the pair of casings.

Abstract: A process for producing spherical inorganic particles which have high flowability, can be incorporated in a high proportion, and are useful as a filler for composite substrates such as printed wiring boards and encapsulating materials. Also provided is a process for producing spherical inorganic particles which have high flowability and can be incorporated in a high proportion and which are useful as a filler for encapsulating materials and give an encapsulating material having high electrical insulating properties. One of the processes for producing spherical inorganic particles comprises: (a1) pulverizing a silicate-containing inorganic material to form a pulverization product; (b1) heating the pulverization product in an atomized state to form the pulverization product into spherical particles; (c1) spraying water over the spherical particles to cool them while maintaining the atomized state of the spherical particles; and (d1) collecting the spherical particles.

Abstract: A method for removal of gaseous inclusions from a viscous liquid in which a layer of filter particles is positioned in the viscous liquid and the viscous liquid is passed through the layer of filter particles, whereby the gaseous inclusions combine or coalesce within the layer of filter particles, forming larger gaseous inclusions which rise to the top of the viscous liquid and escape therefrom.

Abstract: A neck ring for molding a glass container neck finish that includes at least one closure attachment feature. The neck ring includes two semi-annular bi-metal neck ring halves, each consisting essentially of a neck ring insert of wear-resistant metal construction, and a neck ring body of heat-conductive metal construction different from said wear-resistant metal construction and formed around said neck ring insert so as to embed it in said neck ring body. Each of said neck ring halves has a glass-contacting cavity face that includes a first surface portion formed by said inserts for molding the at least one closure attachment feature on the neck finish, and a second surface portion formed by said bodies for molding portions of the neck finish excluding the at least one closure attachment feature.

Abstract: A sinker set comprising a coulier sinker (11) and a plush sinker (12). The sinkers (11, 12) can be moved together in a direction transverse to a knitting needle (2). The sinkers have spaced apart edges for the accommodation of stitches. In order to adjust the distance between these edges, the sinkers (11, 12) can be moved relative toward each other in the driving-out direction of the needle. To do so, they have spaced apart guiding edges (17, 18; 27, 29, 30) that are in contact with various support surfaces or guiding surfaces (20, 22; 26, 32, 33).

Abstract: A washing and drying machine includes a water tank, a rotary drum, an irradiating light source and control means. The rotary drum is rotatably supported in the water tank. The irradiating light source is for emitting a light beam including ultra-violet ray to the inside of the rotary drum. The control means controls the irradiating light source such that the light beam including the ultra-violet ray is emitted to the inside of the rotary drum after the end of the drying process.

Abstract: A circulatory washing machine, in which water stored in the bottom of a tub is circulated and supplied to a drum. The washing machine includes a tub for containing washing water; a drum rotatably installed in the tub; a circulation unit for circulating the washing water stored in the tub to the upper portion of the drum; and a spray nozzle for spraying the washing water, circulated by the circulation unit, to the rear portion of the inside of the drum.

Abstract: A laundry machine is disclosed. A laundry machine includes a main laundry machine washing or drying laundry and an auxiliary laundry machine comprising a body installed in a predetermined portion of the main laundry machine, a drawer detachably from the body and a steam supply device installed in the main laundry machine, the drawer supplying steam to the drawer selectively.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet constituting the external appearance of the washing machine, a tub mounted in the cabinet for receiving wash water, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving laundry to be washed, a circulation unit for circulating wash water in the inner lower part of the tub through the upper part of the tub, and at least one circulation nozzle for spraying the wash water, supplied by the circulation unit, inwardly of the drum along a rotation axis of the drum in a longitudinal direction of the drum. According to the present invention, it is possible to improve washing or rinsing efficiency of the washing machine.

Abstract: A combination locking system has a combination lock comprising a plurality of sets of thematic component pictorial indicia imprinted upon a set of tumblers that when sequentially realigned form a series of gestalt composite images recognizable to a human operator. Only one of the composite images is the correct combination that unlocks the lock. A second embodiment of the combination locking system has a combination lock comprising a plurality of morphosyntactically conformational, paradigmatic semantic word string indicia that together form a myriad of grammatical and meaningful phrases, only one of which is the correct combination.

Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided comprising a frame comprising at least three interconnected sides. A plurality of interconnected frame members define the at least three interconnected sides of the device. A longitudinal extent or a vertical extent of one of the interconnected frame members is slidably movable within a bore of a longitudinal extent or a vertical extent of another of the interconnected frame members to a desired position, thereby allowing the device to be adjusted in one of a horizontal or vertical direction. The plurality of interconnected frame members define at least a rectangular-shaped region on each of the at least three interconnected sides.

Abstract: A locking device is adapted for receipt within the main cavity of an underground enclosure. The locking device includes a container having a main body and a container top which define an interior compartment for holding the items of the underground enclosure. The main body is adapted to be assembled in the main cavity of the underground enclosure and is sized to be retained within the underground enclosure. The container top has a selective open position to allow access to the interior compartment of the main body and a selective closed locked position to deter access thereto. An arm assembly coupled to the container top is moveable between an extended engaged position to retain the container top on the container and a collapsed disengaged position to allow release of the container top from the container.

Abstract: A lock is provided for a vehicle. The lock system comprises a linear actuator, a deadbolt lock for the vehicle and a flexible Bowden cable connecting the linear actuator to the deadbolt lock, wherein the flexible Bowden cable is the sole connection between the linear actuator and deadbolt lock.

Abstract: An automobile gearshift lever lock includes an outer decorative cover, a latch, a lock, a coupling element, and a steel mounting plate. The lock includes a core and a securing mechanism. The lock is housed, around an outer circumference thereof, by a lock shell. The coupling element forms an open channel. The lock shell is fit into the open channel of the coupling element and fit over the lock to form a unitary device, which can be mounted to the mounting plate by various means. Opposite sides of the lock are protected by protection members. The core is provided, on a front surface thereof, with a protective face plate. As such, the mechanical strength of the lock is enhanced and the lock can be protected against any damage to thereby reduce the chance of automobile burglary.

Abstract: An electronic lock replaces mechanical locks in cam lock, cabinet lock and switch lock applications, as well as other locks for file cabinets, desk and cabinet drawers, access panels and other secure situations that often utilize relatively simple lock mechanisms. In a preferred embodiment the lock is without a keypad, accessed by an electronic key making contact with a terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant nutrition formulation and method thereof, and more particularly to a plant nutrition formulated by recovery filtrate from non-woody fiber plant biopulping and method thereof. The present invention provides a plant nutrition formulation including steps of providing a culture solution containing a culture medium, a non-woody fiber plant material and microbial suspension, fermenting the culture solution for preparing a biopulping solution, filtrating the biopulping solution for preparing a filtrate, and formulating the filtrate for preparing a plant nutrition.

Abstract: The present invention provides 1) a convenient and novel method for supplementing irrigation water to produce a compound fertilizer that takes into account ambient concentrations of one or more of the nutrients in the irrigation water; 2) a convenient and novel method of prescribing the constituents of compound fertilizers based on predetermined ratios between a desired final concentration of an index nutrient and a desired concentration of at least one non-index nutrient; and, 3) a convenient and novel method of formulating compound fertilizers by providing a graduated series of stocks that accommodate wide variation in ambient concentrations of an index nutrient in local irrigation waters.

Abstract: A method regulating flatness of a metal strip at a roll housing output including at least one dynamic flatness actuator. A rolling process characterizes flatness of the strip by measuring a quantity D in n points distributed across the strip width, from n measurements of the quantity D. Then, using an action model of flatness regulation and an optimizing method, an overall setpoint including at least one elementary setpoint is determined for the dynamic actuator, such that a calculated flatness residual defect criterion is minimal, and executing the overall setpoint. The action model on the flatness used for determining the overall setpoint includes, for the dynamic actuator, as many submodels as there are points for measuring the quantity D characteristic of flatness, each submodel enabling the effect of the dynamic actuator on the quantity D to be calculated at the corresponding point when a setpoint is applied thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for marking parts by percussion including a mobile punch (3) adapted to strike a part (2) to be marked so as to deform it, the device being characterized in that it includes impact detection means capable of detecting impact of the punch (3) on said part (2) to be marked and processor means functionally connected to the impact detection means to evaluate the time between the impact time and a predetermined origin time before the impact time.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the shape of a surgical linking device that is to be attached to a bony body structure such as the spinal column based on digitized locations of a plurality of attachment elements engaged to the bony structure. The method is implemented by a computer system through a GUI to generate an initial bend curve to mate with the plurality of attachment elements. The initial bend curve may be simplified based on user input to the GUI to reduce the number of bends necessary to produce a well-fitting linking device and may be altered to help obtain the goals of the surgery.

Abstract: A pouring reel for forming a long product moving at an incoming velocity into an annular coil comprises a central mast lying on a vertical axis. A cylindrical tub surrounds and cooperates with the mast to form an annular chamber, the bottom of which is closed by a coil plate. An entry pipe is arranged to deliver the product downwardly for accumulation in the chamber as a series of superimposed rings forming the annular coil. A first drive mechanism rotates the tub about the vertical axis, and a second drive mechanism rotates the mast about the same axis. The first and second drive mechanisms are operable independently of each other to thereby permit the tub and the mast to be rotated at surface velocities substantially matching the incoming velocity of the product.

Abstract: A twisting device comprises at least one conductor coupler configured to engage a plurality of the conductors and at least one drive operably connected to the conductor coupler. The at least one drive is configured to rotate the conductor coupler in order to bend the plurality of the conductors and simultaneously move the conductor coupler in an axial direction relative to the electric machine component. An associated method of bending conductors positioned in a component of an electric machine comprises first engaging a plurality conductors with a conductor coupler. Thereafter, the plurality of conductors are bent by rotating the conductor coupler while simultaneously moving the conductor coupler in an axial direction relative to the component of the electric machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotationally locking a rolling-mill roll in the bearing mount LS in a rolling-mill frame has an axially shiftable housing fitted to the stub (WZ) of the roll, having a planar flange (FA) that in one position of the housing bears on an abutment face of an abutment element fixed in the bearing mount (LS).

Abstract: The present invention relates to crimping pliers for crimping a work piece. The crimping pliers comprise two hand levers. The hand levers are linked with tools or dies for applying a crimping movement upon the work piece. The dies are housed in a head of the crimping pliers. A locator has a pivoting degree of freedom with respect to the head around a pivoting axis which has an orientation parallel to a main extensional plane of said head and transverse to the degree of freedom of the dies during the crimping process. The locator comprises an activating element with an extension being designed and arranged such that said extension is located in the access area of a finger of a hand of a user of said pliers gripping or contacting the hand levers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cup-shaped members used in conjunction with a single-acting or a double-acting press having an outer punch assembly, an inner punch assembly and a base. A draw pad and a cutting edge are carried on the outer punch assembly, a draw horn is carried on the inner punch assembly and a blank and draw die is carried on the base. The draw pad and the draw horn oppose the blank and draw die such that the draw pad clampingly engages the blank and draw die in order to exert a clamping pressure on the pressure piston system having first and second pistons vertically stacked with respect to one another. The pressure piston system includes a damping member located within the pressure piston system for continuously increasing the clamping pressure during advancement of the outer punch assembly toward the base of the press.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for checking and/or calibrating a passenger recognition device arranged in a vehicle seat, in the case of which device a child's seat can be pressed against a vehicle seat and in the case of which method a vehicle seat is loaded with a child's seat and a corresponding reaction from the passenger recognition device in the vehicle seat is evaluated.

Abstract: An impact detection sensor is attached to a packaging container. When the packaging container is subjected to impacts downward in a vertical direction twice, i.e., a bottom surface of the packaging container is subjected to impacts twice, a weight moves downward in the vertical direction by the application of the first impact, and is seen through a weight indicator unit located on the bottom of an impact detection sensor. At the time of the application of the second impact, the weight moved downward in the vertical direction is prevented from moving back to. an initial position by a pressing portion, and seen through the same bottom weight indicator unit.

Abstract: A sensing element for catalytic combustion type gas sensor includes: a heat conducting layer (12); a heater coil (13) buried in the heat conducting layer (12); and a combustion catalyst layer (11) coating or carried by a surface of the heat conducting layer (12) and causing combustion of a detection target gas brought into contact therewith, wherein the combustion catalyst layer (11) and the heat conducting layer (12) are both made of a firing material whose main component is tin oxide. Preferably, the heat conducting layer (12) is made of fine powder of the firing material, the firing material being produced by firing at a higher temperature than a temperature for producing the firing material of the combustion catalyst layer (11). Accordingly, durability and waterproof performance of the gas sensor itself can be enhanced, and without the need to take measures such as special environment setting, mounting thereof on a FCV can be realized.

Abstract: This invention provides a chromatographic apparatus comprising an introduction part for a carrier gas as a main mobile phase medium, a sample injection part, a separation column comprising a stationary phase formed by coating a polymeric material, a part for housing the separation column, and a detector. The sample injection part is provided between the carrier gas introduction part and the inlet of the separation column. The chromatographic apparatus further comprises a solvent introduction means for adding a liquid solvent as a second mobile phase medium to a carrier gas and mixing them together, a mechanism for regulating the amount of the carrier gas introduced and the amount of the solvent added, and a mechanism for regulating the temperature of each flow passage. A plurality of clogging liquid stoppers, of which the liquid film thickness is equal to the inner diameter of a capillary column, are partly provided at predetermined intervals within the column in a longitudinal direction of the column.

Abstract: A photo acoustic trace gas detector (100) is provided for detecting a concentration of a trace gas in a gas mixture. The photo acoustic trace gas detector (100) comprises a light source (101), an optical cavity (104a, 104b), ratio modulating means (105, 111) and a transducer (109). The optical cavity (104a, 104b) contains the gas mixture and amplifies light intensity. Maximum amplification is provided when a ratio of a wavelength of the light beam and a length of the optical cavity (104a, 104b) has a resonance value. Ratio modulating means (105, 111) modulate the ratio for transformation of the light beam into a series of light pulses for generating the sound waves, an amplitude of the sound waves being a measure of the concentration of the trace gas. A transducer (109) converts the sound waves into electrical signals.

Abstract: A computer system and method for measuring air density in a computer chassis. The computer chassis includes a fan, an ambient air temperature sensor, and a heat-generating device with a heat sink, a heat sink temperature sensor, and a controller. The controller controls the fan speed and applies a known amount of thermal energy to the heat sink, then determines the air density from the difference in temperature between the ambient air and the heat sink. The controller may then use the air density determination to adjust the air flow rate through the computer chassis to provide a proper air flow rate for cooling.

Abstract: Provided is a vapor phase decomposition (VPD) device for a semiconductor wafer pollutant measurement apparatus and a door opening and closing device thereof. The VPD device includes: a rectangular vessel-shaped main body of the VPD device and a door which covers in a sealed form or opens the wafer inlet of the VPD device. Here, a predetermined space is formed in the inner portion of the rectangular vessel-shaped main body, support plates are formed on the bottom of the rectangular vessel-shaped main body and gas discharge and suction nozzles are located therein. In addition, a transparent see-through window is formed on the upper surface of the rectangular vessel-shaped main body, a detection electrode for controlling an inner atmosphere is formed at the center of the transparent see-through window, and one side surface of the rectangular vessel-shaped main body is opened to thus form a wafer inlet for introducing a wafer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.

Abstract: A mechanical seal device capable of preventing a sealing ability from being lowered by the irregular displacement of the seal surface of a sealing ring and by the deterioration of a packing for sealingly fitting the sealing ring by heat generated due to its slidable contact with the sealing ring. The mechanical seal device comprises the rubberlike elastic material annular packing having a joining face fitted peripheral surface (inner peripheral surface ) of a stepped hole and an adhesive face on the inner peripheral side of the joining face and having an insertion tip part at its insertion tip inserted into the fitting peripheral surface and the sealing ring for fixing having a fitting surface joined to the adhesive face of the packing, a rear surface fitted to the support face (bottom face ) of the stepped hole, and a seal surface on the opposite side of the rear surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ultrasonic coupling between a coupling fluid and an object using micro surface tension and capillary effects are provided. The apparatus may include a chamber comprising a wall, a bottom, and a fluid inlet. The fluid inlet may allow a fluid to enter the chamber. Portions of the wall may have a number of slits with dimensions that allow a controlled overflow of the fluid to hold a top surface of the fluid in a stable contact with the object when the fluid is flowing into the chamber. The object may be located at a distance from the top of the wall. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A displacement detector capable of making a measurement in two directions of measurement 180 degrees different from each other without the need of a switching operation has been disclosed.

Abstract: An alternator and starter tester system having a starter current zero test. The current is measured before and after a solenoid of a starter motor is energized and deenergized to determine if the starter motor should be failed. This allows the operator to quickly determine if the starter motor is stuck on during normal starter motor testing.

Abstract: A flow detector has a housing (1) with tongues (8), which allow to anchor it to a support to withstand pulling forces. The housing further comprises pegs (41) provided to mate with openings or recesses in the same support, which allow to secure it against lateral forces. The tongues (8) and pegs (41) are mounted to a hull (7) of a housing (1) of the detector, which carries on its opposite side an inlet (4a) and an outlet (4b) for the fluid to be measured. Connectors (5) are provided on the same side as the tongues (8) and the pegs (41) for connecting the detector to an external system. This design is robust and allows to mount the detector to the support in quick and secure manner.

Abstract: A fluid level gauge assembly for measuring a level of a fluid in a fluid container is provided. The fluid level gauge assembly includes a first coaxial cable section having a first end and a second end, the first coaxial cable section including a first center conductor, a first outer conductor and a solid dielectric between the first center and outer conductor; a second coaxial cable section having a first end and a second end, the second coaxial cable section including a second center conductor, a second outer conductor and an air dielectric between the second center and outer conductor; and a coupling between the second end of the first coaxial cable section and the first end of the second coaxial cable section. The second coaxial cable section being disposed in a fluid for determining a level of the fluid.

Abstract: A method for fixing a fuel level sensor in a fuel tank having an upper and a lower wall, the sensor having a foot and a top. The method fixedly secures the foot of the sensor to the bottom wall of the fuel tank through a molded-in retainer, and elastically fixes the tubular top of the sensor to the top wall the tank through a molded-in retainer as well.

Abstract: Provided is a dynamic balancing apparatus using a linear time-varying angular velocity model, which includes a rotational shaft on which a rotational body having a rotating unbalanced mass is installed; a linear time-varying angular velocity generator which allow the rotational shaft to be rotated at a linear time-varying angular velocity; a support for supporting both sides of the rotational shaft; and a transducer for measuring applied force or vibration transferred to the support by revolution of the rotational shaft having a linear time-varying angular velocity.

Abstract: Suspension and coupling beams of oscillating masses in a device which serves, for example, as a gyro and that includes oscillating masses form a single continuous network that allows the device to have a compact design. Preferably, a junction beam surrounds the two masses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for driving and simultaneously determining the deflection (x(t)) and/or the rate of motion (v(t)) of an electrostatically excited oscillator element. According to said method, the deflection (x(t)) and/or the rate of motion e (v(t)) of the oscillator element is/are determined based on the excitation current (i1(t), i2(t)) flowing during electrostatic excitation. Also disclosed are an assembly for carrying out the inventive method as well as a rotational speed sensor (40) to be used in connection O with said method and said assembly.

Abstract: A method for operation of and simultaneous analysis of a rate-of-turn sensor, comprising an oscillator element and a Coriolis element arranged on the oscillation element is disclosed, comprising the following method steps: generation of a digital operating signal with an excitation frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the oscillator element, digital to analogue conversion of the digital operating signal and operation of the oscillator element with the analogue operating signal, recording a Coriolis speed of the Coriolis element occurring about a normal to both oscillation axes due to the rotation of the rate-of-turn sensor with generation of an analogue Coriolis' signal proportional to the Coriolis speed, analogue-to-digital conversion of the analogue Coriolis signal, phase-sensitive multiplication of the digital Coriolis signal with the digital operating signal to form an intermediate signal, generation of a control signal proportional to the rate of turn of the rate of-turn sensor from the i