Abstract: A modular escutcheon for a door lock including a plurality of covers. Each higher cover may progressively project outward from the surface of a door more than the covers below. Top and bottom edges of adjacent covers abut to form a joint, which may be partly or completely concealed resulting from the outward projections of higher covers. An escutcheon system may be provided that includes interchangeable parts, for example, there may be several different intermediate covers for use with the same lower and upper covers, or different upper covers that may be used in the same position. A variety of lock operating devices may be provided with the different covers to achieve different systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synchronizing a bi-directional transmission of data between a transmitter and a receiver based on the transmission of frames (10) having a predefined bit length, with a predefined first bit length (20) being provided in each frame (10) for the transmission of data from the transmitter to the receiver and a predefined second bit length (30) for the transmission of data from the receiver to the transmitter, with a trigger pulse (40) being sent to the receiver parallel to and independently from the transmission of the data between the transmitter and receiver, which pulse triggers a data collection process at the receiver, wherein the frame (10) has a time slot (50), during which no information is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver and also not from the receiver to the transmitter, and wherein the trigger pulse (40) is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver during this time slot (50).

Abstract: A method of roll forming a metal plate with a desired bend. The method includes a first step of providing a roll press having at least a first and second set of bending rollers; a second step of positioning a lead end of the metal plate past the first set of bending rollers prior to the first set of bending rollers applying a bending force to the metal plate; a third step of applying a bending force with the first set of bending rollers to the metal plate at a point behind the lead end; and a fourth step of moving the lead end of the metal plate past the second set of bending rollers prior to the second set of bending rollers applying a bending force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a milling device for inline-rolling a steel band which is produced especially by means of a twin-roll continuous casting process. Said milling device comprises at least two rolling units (20, 30) with working rolls (21, 31) that mill the steel band (11) and support rolls (22, 32) which support said working rolls. The working rolls and support rolls are rotatably mounted in bearing housings (23, 24, 33, 34). At least two rolling units (20, 30) are disposed successively in a monolithic or multipiece frame structure (15) such that the rolling temperatures between the rolling units differ only slightly while a simple and inexpensive design is created.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to sheet material forming technology and the forming of structures there from. The invention relates to incremental forming of sheet material (1) with localised heating (5) and more particularly to a system and method for incrementally forming a sheet blank (1) that is at the same time heated by a dynamically moving heating source (5). This dynamic and localised heating locally changes the mechanical properties of the sheet material (1), thus facilitating the forming process.

Abstract: A mandrel usable for expanding a medical device is disclosed. The mandrel includes a first tube portion having a first lumen and a first tube diameter. A second tube portion extends from the first tube portion; the second tube portion is configured to receive a medical device. A second tube diameter is smaller than the first tube diameter. A plurality of tube segments are separated by a plurality of slots formed in the mandrel, while a second lumen is in communication with the first lumen. At least a portion of the plurality of tube segments is moveable outwardly to expand the medical device.

Abstract: A calibration system for a flow meter includes a flow simulator, the flow simulator including a receiver configured to receive flow meter transducer signals from a flow meter. A simulation subsystem is configured to create simulated transit time signal pulses, and to transmit the simulated transit time signal pulses to the flow meter at preselected time intervals. A calibration subsystem is configured to receive from the flow meter a transit time differential value generated by the flow meter based on the simulated transit time signal pulses and output a calibration factor to the flow meter.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph oven including a housing, a capillary tube and a thermal control assembly. The housing defining a capillary tube receiving space and having at least one outlet port to permit the passage of a fluid from the capillary tube receiving space of the housing. The capillary tube is positioned in the capillary tube receiving space of the housing and has a gas inlet end connectable to a gas injector and a gas detector end connectable to a gas detector. The thermal control assembly is in fluid communication with the capillary tube receiving space of the housing and is connectable to a source of a temperature regulating fluid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a liquid leak sensing structure is provided with a casing including a lower wall, a circulation unit received in the casing and providing circulation of a liquid, a liquid leak sensor interposed between the lower wall of the casing and the circulation unit, and a liquid absorbing member interposed between the liquid leak sensor and the circulation unit. The liquid absorbing member permits part of a liquid from the circulation unit to flow therethrough toward the liquid leak sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides for a pressure-based tester for testing integrity of a platform assembly. The platform assembly includes a pair of assembled platform components fastened together and a fluid path extending into both components, the platform assembly suitable for supporting printhead integrated circuits to be tested. The tester includes a housing assembly, a regulated gas supply arranged in the housing assembly, and a retaining mechanism in fluid communication with the gas supply and configured to retain the platform assembly in fluid communication with the gas supply during testing of the platform assembly.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a lubrication containment system is set forth herein. In one lubrication containment system, a seal runner can be fixed to the rotatable structure and seal against a static radial seal supported by the sump housing. The method also includes the step of rotating the structure relative to the sump housing. The method also includes the step of directing test fluid to the structure inside the sump housing. The method also includes the step of quantifying an accumulation of test lubricant at the seal runner during rotation by omitting the radial seal from the lubrication containment system. As a result, test lubricant can pass out of the sump housing. The amount of test lubricant that passes out of the sump housing, past the location where the seal runner would be or would have been, corresponds to the amount of lubricant that accumulates at the seal runner during operation in the field.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for measuring and detecting properties of a variety of particles or cells in suspension. Properties, such as, for example, velocity of particles, concentration and/or size may be measured according to the methods of the invention. Acoustic energy may be introduced to a focal zone and narrow band interrogating signals may be used. The acoustic energy may cause movement or streaming of the fluid or suspension. The acoustic streaming may allow a Doppler effect measurement without any other source of velocity.

Abstract: The fouling caused by a refinery feedstock on one or more refinery processes, said process comprising: (i) providing a plurality of refinery feedstocks and/or a plurality of fractions of one or more refinery feedstocks, (ii) providing an array comprising a plurality of metal samples representative of metallurgy present in a refinery, (iii) contacting each of the plurality of metal samples with one or more of said (iv) refinery feedstocks or fractions under non-static conditions, and determining the fouling of said refinery feedstock or fraction thereof. Preferably, the metal samples are in the form of a microfabricated array and the testing is carried out in parallel using high throughput experimentation.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine includes determining a relative position between a first camshaft and a second camshaft during a startup event of the engine when the first camshaft is at a first home position and the second camshaft is at a second home position. The first home position is a first preset angular position of the first camshaft relative to a crankshaft. The second home position is a second preset angular position of the second camshaft relative to the crankshaft when the engine is in an OFF state. The method includes generating a first estimate of the first home position. The method also includes diagnosing a mis-build of the engine based on the relative position, the first estimate and a second estimate of the second home position.

Abstract: A method of verifying the strength of a vehicle in combination with auxiliary equipment fitted includes steps in which the vehicle chassis number or specification number are specified so that the vehicle specification and its parameters can be collected in a vehicle database, the parameters of the auxiliary equipment are specified, and a strength calculation for the vehicle is performed, based on the parameters of the vehicle and auxiliary equipment. In this way an assessment whether a reinforcement is needed when auxiliary equipment is fitted to a vehicle can be made.

Abstract: A method of measuring the profile, in three dimensions, of a pavement on which vehicles fitted with at least one tire may run. A first topographical measurement is carried out on site with a precision of at least one millimeter of an elementary surface of said pavement, then the points of contact between said surface and the tread of a given tire are defined and at least a second topographical measurement of said points of contact is carried out on site so as to obtain a three-dimensional representation, with a resolution of the order of one micron, of the microroughness of said points of contact.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting ice particle accumulation is disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, a method for detecting ice is described in which a parameter within an interior volume of a heated conduit is measured. The method also includes detecting the presence of an accumulation of ice particles based on the parameter measured within the interior volume of the heated conduit.

Abstract: A Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) inertial sensor systems and methods determine linear acceleration and rotation in the in-pane and out-of-plane directions of the MEMS inertial sensor. An out-of-plane linear acceleration of the MEMS sensor may be sensed with the first out-of-plane electrode pair and the second out-of-plane electrode pair. An in-plane rotation of the MEMS sensor may be sensed with the first out-of-plane electrode pair and the second out-of-plane electrode. An in-plane linear acceleration of the MEMS sensor may be sensed with the first in-plane sense comb and the second in-plane sense comb. An out-of-plane rotation of the MEMS sensor may be sensed with the first in-plane sense comb and the second in-plane sense comb.

Abstract: A panel inspection apparatus includes a resonant frequency extracting unit for extracting a plurality of resonant frequencies of a panel, a resonant frequency selecting unit for selecting a combination of resonant frequencies consisting of two resonant frequencies A and B with different vibration propagation paths among the extracted plurality of resonant frequencies, a non-defective range generating unit for generating a non-defective range on a coordinate system in which resonant frequencies A and B are taken on coordinate axes by statistically processing a set of the resonant frequencies A and B selected for each of a plurality of non-defective panels determined as non-defective in advance, and a panel quality determining unit for determining whether the quality of the panel to be inspected is good based on comparison between resonant frequencies A and B selected for the panel to be inspected and the non-defective range generated by the non-defective range generating unit.

Abstract: A scanner device for performing nondestructive testing of a tube includes an ultrasonic probe, a waveguide (wedge) secured relative to the probe, and an encoder secured relative to the probe. The waveguide has a surface contoured in relation to a radius of a tube to be inspected, and the encoder provides a signal indicative of a location of the probe relative to the tube as the probe, waveguide, and encoder are moved in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the tube. In one example, the tube is part of a waterwall, and the surface of the waveguide extends substantially from a web on one side of the tube to a web on the opposite side of the tube. The waveguide may be removably secured relative to the probe such that the waveguide can be replaced with a waveguide having a different surface contour in relation to a different radius of a different tube to be inspected.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.

Abstract: An industrial process transmitter apparatus includes a housing chassis of a first metallic material and a housing skin of a second metallic material. The housing chassis includes a substantially cylindrical body portion, a first circumferentially extending support member located at or near a first end of the body portion of the housing chassis, and a second circumferentially extending support member located at or near a second end of the body portion of the housing chassis opposite the first end. The first circumferentially extending support member extends radially outward from the body portion, and the second circumferentially extending support member extends radially outward from the body portion. The housing skin is fitted over the housing chassis and is in physical contact with both the first and second circumferentially extending support members. The housing skin is spaced from the housing chassis in between the first and second circumferentially extending support members.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a pressure vessel having a longitudinal axis, a retaining strap disposed around the pressure vessel, a carrier element having an aperture formed therein to receive the retaining strap therethrough to secure the carrier element to the pressure vessel, and a mounting element coupled to the carrier element and adapted to be coupled to a mounting point to secure the pressure vessel, wherein the longitudinal axis of the pressure vessel is disposed at an non-horizontal resting angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a testing device for tube bundle reactors, with a multitude of tubes (22) arranged as a bundle. At least one probe (12) is movably mounted in or on the testing device (10) and has, in particular, a drive (32) for its movement.

Abstract: An entrapment prevention and detection device for an opening/closing mechanism detects entrapment with a simple structure and does not occupy much space. When a foreign object, such as a human body part approaches a window glass, such as an automobile window, the capacitance of a capacitive sensor increases. A control circuit compares a most recent capacitance obtained by a capacitance detection circuit with a previous value and if the most recent capacitance value is greater than the previous value, when the glass is being raised (closed), the control circuit determines that a foreign object has approached the glass and then stops or lowers (opens) the glass.

Abstract: A method includes rotating a rotor, measuring a rotor rotational time for the rotor to complete a revolution, determining a blade interval by dividing the rotor rotational time by a number of blades carried on the rotor, establishing an active hold-off time interval as a percentage of the blade interval time, directing a beam of light at the blades of the rotor using a laser, sensing light reflected from the blades, generating an output signal as a function of the sensed light, establishing a signal amplitude threshold, analyzing an amplitude of the output signal to trigger the active hold-off time interval when the amplitude reaches the signal amplitude threshold, and generating a blade arrival signal as a function of triggered active hold-off time intervals. The output signal is not analyzed within each active hold-off time interval.

Abstract: A wireless-enabled tightening system for fasteners is disclosed. The system includes a visual designator configured to project an indicator onto a workpiece. The system also includes a torque wrench comprising a wireless transmitter and a means for identifying whether the correct torque has been applied to a fastener on the workpiece and configured to provide a feedback for a user. The system also includes a camera configured to capture an image of the workpiece when an appropriate amount of torque has been applied to the fastener. The system further includes a microprocessor for determining sequence of the fastener and identifying the tightened fastener.

Abstract: A detecting device including a pressure sensor that is deformed by a load from an outside and causes stress dispersion includes a slip detecting unit that calculates a pressure center position using a pressure value detected by the pressure sensor, calculates a movement value of the calculated pressure center position using a temporal change of the pressure center position, and detects a slip on the basis of the calculated movement value of the pressure center position. The pressure sensor has a multilayer structure in which two detecting units that detect pressure are arranged to hold a viscoelastic body made of a viscoelastic material that is deformed by a load from the outside.

Abstract: A measurement device can detect a degree of bending of a linear body with a sensor when compressive force in a direction of longitudinal axis is applied to the linear body as a result of contact of a tip end of the linear body with an obstacle. Then, the detected degree of bending of the linear body is converted to compressive force in the direction of longitudinal axis applied to the linear body based on predetermined correlation between the degree of bending and the compressive force, so that presence of an obstacle in a direction of travel of the linear body can be sensed based on increase in the compressive force. In addition, as the same measurement device is applicable to linear bodies of various shapes and materials, cost effectiveness is achieved.

Abstract: A sampling device (10) includes a sample extraction portion (28) which reciprocates within a cylindrical sample housing portion (26). The sample housing portion is axially moveable through a gate valve (22) to permit removal and maintenance of the sample extractor.

Abstract: A kit of component parts for forming at least first and second grease sampling devices includes a number of housings, piston bodies, and piston shafts. A first grease sampling device has a piston movable in the barrel and vent holes that resists the buildup of back pressure when the device is filled with a grease sample. A second grease sampling device includes a push rod extending from the piston that enables a representative grease sample to be obtained from a bearing, gear or other lubricated part that is not easily accessible.

Abstract: A mechanism for sensing the direction of a vehicle, or other application using a drive device such as a hydrostatic transmission. An actuation mechanism is mounted to a rotatable shaft or gear in the drive device and has an actuated position when the shaft or gear is rotating in a first direction and an unactuated position when the shaft or gear is rotating in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A robot head, for example for use in surgery, provides a back-drivable system allowing a surgeon to closely control the position of a cutter or other tool. The cutter is mounted at the end of a telescopic arm (20) which can be rotated about two independent perpendicular axes. Rotation about each axis is controlled by a separate motor (30?) which turns a lead screw (32). A bearing (34) travels along the lead screw and changes the angle of an offset crank (36) to cause the required rotation about the axis. The current rotational position about each axis is determined by a sensor at the output. A second sensor independently determines the position of the corresponding motor (30) and the two measured positions are compared. If they differ, the power to the cutter is immediately switched off.

Abstract: An organ type accelerator pedal includes a footplate, a housing, and a pedal arm. One end of the footplate is fixed to a floor panel, which is provided below a driver's seat. The housing is spaced apart from the footplate and fixed to a dashboard. A middle portion of the pedal arm between both ends thereof is attached to the housing by a first connector so as to elastically rotate, and one end of the pedal arm facing the footplate is attached to the other end of the footplate by a second connector so as to elastically rotate. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the durability and life span of the accelerator pedal, to significantly improve operation feeling and safety of the accelerator pedal, and to prevent operation noise from being generated.

Abstract: A hot stick switch head is described and shown in the specification and drawings having a body, a jaw assembly attached to the top end of the body, and a base attached to the bottom end of the body. The base is adapted to be attached to an insulated pole or “hot stick.” The body has a channel extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the body. The jaw assembly has an open position and a closed position for securing high-voltage fuses, fuse barrel assemblies, or other similar or related devices during removal and installation.

Abstract: A Window covering cutter has its base board installed with a first clamping device for clamping a Window covering, and a knife device that is positioned next to the first clamping device, having a cutting opening, a driving plate movably fixed at a side of the cutting opening, and a knife fixed on the driving plate to reciprocate transversely to cut the Window covering. A measuring device is set at one side of the knife device for stably positioning the Window covering and measuring a length between its blocking plate and the cutting opening, providing a swift and precise measurement for cutting. So, the invention can be easily operated to esthetically cut a Window covering.

Abstract: A pizza cutting apparatus and portions of the apparatus, and methods of forming the apparatus and of disassembly. The apparatus includes a simple frame assembly made from sheet metal, an actuator assembly and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes a central hub, a number of attached blade and guard combinations, a shaft with a flange and an elastic band. Each blade includes two spaced apart openings, one to receive the flange and the other to be engaged by the band so as to restrain the blades mounted in the hub. Each guard includes perforations for easy gripping by an operator. A blade is removed by having the operator safely grip each guard to stretch the band so as to disengage the blade from the flange and then return and rotate the blade to disengage the blade from the band.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, rechargeable, reusable, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching a bullet of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case, a piston sleeve, a propellant unit, and a bullet choice of a solid light weight material for inanimate-target applications or a “marking” version for non-lethal live-target training applications. Cartridge includes a piston sleeve and a primary case coupled together via a channel and cog locking/traveling/unlocking system. The primary case includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and provides the channels to receive piston sleeves cogs for a locking/traveling/unlocking feature. The piston sleeve includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive configured bullet.

Abstract: A power steering device for a vehicle which is disposed in the transmission path between a steering handle and a steerable vehicle wheel, comprises a servo cylinder having two pressure chambers, which are separated by a working piston and are each connected to a pressure supply unit. A valve plunger, which seals a bypass channel between the pressure chambers, is movably disposed on the working piston. Furthermore, an adjustment bushing comprising an adjustment section is disposed in the servo cylinder, the valve plunger being moved against this section upon approaching an axial limit position, thereby opening the bypass channel. The adjustment bushing is clamped into the servo cylinder, yet held displaceably, wherein, on the adjustment bushing, a sealing section is provided, which is to be moved into a sealing position with the working piston so as to interrupt the flow connection between the pressure chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic distributor (2) of a servo-control (1) of an aircraft, the hydraulic distributor comprising main distributor member (10) and emergency distributor member (20) that are coaxial, said emergency distributor member (20) being caused to move by said main distributor member (10) in the event of said main distributor member (10) seizing, said hydraulic distributor being provided with a detector device (60) for detecting said seizing. The detector device (60) is provided with a reed switch (66) and with amplification means (62, 69, 68) for amplifying said movement of the emergency distributor member, said amplification means comprising a lever (62) having a magnetized free end (62?) that activates said reed switch (66) in the event of said emergency distributor member (20) moving.

Abstract: A self-tightening retaining system for securing a closure in position closing an access port of a pump housing. The system includes a retaining cover for obstructing removal of the closure from a bore of the access port. The cover has external threads interengageable with screws threads of the bore. A locking device is configured for being secured to the cover such that the locking device rotates together with the cover. The locking device has a fastener receivable in a hole of the closure and has external threads interengageable with threads of the hole. The threads of the cover and the threads of the fastener are spiraled in opposite directions such that when the cover rotates in a loosening direction, the fastener becomes tightened in the hole of the closure thereby stopping the rotation.

Abstract: A smoking system for cooking food products includes a controller, a smoke generator electrically coupled to the controller, a smoke chamber including first and second trolleys juxtaposed side-by-side, and a first duct with opposed ends directly coupled to the smoke generator and the smoke chamber. The system further includes a plurality of circulation motors, second and third ducts directly coupled to the motors and the trolleys respectively, and a cleaning section in fluid communication with the first and second trolleys. A ventilation motor is directly connected to the cleaning section, and a fifth duct is provided with an associated damper.

Abstract: An inking device of a printing unit includes an ink reservoir, an ink film pick-up roller which has a shaft, and an inking roller having a shaft. A detector detects the distance between the inking roller and the pick-up roller and/or an angular displacement of the two shafts relative to each other and providing an output signal which represents this distance and/or this angular displacement. A controller angularly the second shaft relative to the first shaft, and the controller is capable of reducing the angular displacement and of positioning the pick-up roller in accordance with the output signal.

Abstract: A perforating charge for use in a wellbore includes an explosive and a liner to be collapsed by detonation of the explosive. The liner includes at least a first liner portion and a second liner portion which have different cohesiveness.

Abstract: A projectile for use in a barrel with stacked projectiles, particularly for a weapon which can be reloaded by a user in the field. The projectile includes a chamber containing a propellant charge, with an exit from the chamber for release of propulsion gases into the barrel. A seal blocks the exit and is opened by ignition of the propellant within the chamber but is resistant to gases produced by ignition of propellant in other projectiles in the barrel. The exit and seal are provided in a range of different forms. The exit may be an aperture in a wall of the chamber with the seal as a moveable barrier, such as a valve-like structure, for example. The seal may also include a rupturable or deformable barrier across the aperture. Alternatively the seal is a thin barrier around the charge such as a wax coating and the exit involves a disintegrable character of the barrier. The seal may also be an inherent property of the geometry of the chamber.

Abstract: A round, according to various aspects of the present invention, comprises an electrified projectile and a case. The projectile delivers a current through a target to incapacitate the target by causing skeletal muscle contractions. The case mechanically couples to a rear portion of the projectile to hold the projectile in the case.

Abstract: A railroad locomotive includes a naturally aspirated reciprocating internal combustion engine driving a traction generator. A speed control system and load regulator provide an output signal which is operated upon and modified by a controller in response to the barometric pressure at which the locomotive is being operated.

Abstract: A transporting means of a chair lift or of a cableway system has a safety bar, a device for closing the safety bar, an energy storage device, a device for charging the energy storage device and a blocking device which prevents the energy storage device from being charged. The blocking device can be activated and deactivated. The opening of the safety bar is prevented in the active state of the blocking device. The blocking device prevents the safety bar from being opened over at least part of the distance covered by the safety bar between its fully open position and its fully closed position, in particular over the entire distance.

Abstract: An improved table design, providing a simple, multiple terraced, multiple configuration, and fully collapsible display by means of simple mechanical adjustments to the table. The entire surface of the table is comprised of tabletops nested within tabletops, forming a contiguous unified horizontal tabletop surface. A means is provided for lifting each nested tabletop to a higher elevation, thus creating a terrace above the surface of the respective surrounding tabletop. Said means of lifting said nested tabletops having minimal downward protrusion from the horizontal plane of the bottom of the primary tabletop, whereby said table can be manufactured as a fully portable table if desired. Combinations of said nested tabletops and elevated tabletops at variable heights allow the user to create a multitude of possible configurations. An optional magnetically attractive material on, in, or near the vertical edge of each tabletop facilitates easy decoration of the table with magnetic items.

Abstract: A knockdown shelf structure includes multiple unit board members, each of which forms first jointing portions and second jointing portions, wherein each first jointing portions is engageable with a corresponding one of the second jointing portions of another unit board member so as to joint and securely couple these two unit board members to form a large span of support board by jointing a large number of unit board members together and wherein each unit board member has a bottom forming third jointing portions; and multiple elevating members, each of which has a top rim structured to be jointable to each of the third jointing portions of the unit board member so as to elevate the unit board member upward, whereby a shelf structure for supporting articles thereon is formed by assembling the unit board members and the elevating members together.