Abstract: A wave plate is disclosed which includes a glass plate having a thickness of at least 0.1 mm and at most 5 mm. The glass plate has a plurality of strip-shaped birefringent regions substantially in parallel with a surface of the glass plate. The axial directions of the strip-shaped birefringent regions are the same with one another, and substantially in parallel with the surface of the glass plate. The wave plate has a retardation value of from 80 to 450 nm as measured with incident light having a wavelength of 540 nm.

Abstract: An appliance system that includes an appliance group containing at least two appliances, a first appliance designed to perform a first consumer function related to the first appliance and a second appliance that is separate from the first appliance and designed to perform a second consumer function related to the second appliance. The appliance system also includes a thermal energy generator, typically a heat pump, where the thermal energy heats at least one thermal energy bearing fluid and is operably connected to the first and second appliances to deliver thermal energy to the first and second appliances simultaneously or at different times via one or more of the thermal energy bearing fluids.

Abstract: A tub having a structurally strengthened rear wall and a washing machine with the same therein are disclosed. A washing machine includes a bearing housing having a flange part and a tub part injection-molded with the bearing housing inserted into a wall thereof, the wall having a recessing part and a projecting part formed on an inner or an outer surface thereof along a circumferential direction, and a circumferential rib or a radical rib formed on the recessing part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clothes treating apparatus with a liquid supply unit. The clothes treating apparatus comprises: a body; a drum accommodated in the body; a steam generator communicated with inside of the drum, and configured to inject steam into the drum; a reservoir configured to store liquid to be supplied to the steam generator, and having an outlet at a bottom surface thereof; a closure having a check valve, and configured to close the outlet; and a reservoir accommodation portion configured to temporarily store the liquid discharged through the check valve, and communicated with the steam generator for flow of the liquid, wherein the check valve is configured to be open only when the reservoir has been mounted to the reservoir accommodation portion.

Abstract: A swing handle assembly (500) comprising a swing handle member (510) and a supporting frame (520) therefore where when the handle member substantially contacts the frame, the handle assembly is in a closed condition. The handle member (510) comprises at least an outer surface (511) and two side walls (512), each side wall including an opening (513) therein wherein the openings are substantially aligned to define a passageway (513) through the handle member. The supporting frame (520) bears a capture means (521), which capture means is substantially receivable within the handle member and is in substantial alignment with the passageway therethrough when the handle assembly is in the closed condition, such, that to then place the handle assembly in a locked condition, a separate securing means (900) is able to be passed through the passageway and the capture means.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for providing physical retention of a key or keys within a receptacle, such as one or more vehicle keys or keys to a safe, and for providing an input feature, such as a breath or blood analysis device, and other features to prevent access to the keys until a suitable input is provided. For example, each key may be physically retained within the receptacle and prevented from being used until a breath, blood, or other sample input has been received that indicates a blood alcohol level is below a pre-determined limit, such as a legal limit for driving a vehicle. Various features then allow access to the key upon the legal limit being met.

Abstract: A deadbolt reinforcement assembly and entrance door security system are provided, comprising a deadbolt reinforcement cylinder adapted to receive a deadbolt assembly within a deadbolt bore; a door reinforcement plate having opposing flanges extending over the interior face and exterior faces of the door; and door reinforcement bolts inserted through the door and establishing a secure fit between the opposing flanges. The bolts are secured by a threaded nut on the exterior face of the door with a smooth head to prevent disassembly from the exterior side. A reinforced deadbolt striker plate and security hinges are also provided, such that all weak areas of the door are more resistant to attempts to breach the door.

Abstract: A door lock includes an engaging member having a lock core hole. The lock core hole includes a large section and a small section. The large section is formed in an end of the engaging member that is detachably received in a shank of an outer handle. An interchangeable lock core is removably received in the large section. An end of an outer spindle is extended out of a lock body of the door lock and is detachably received in the small section of the lock core hole of the engaging member. The lock core has an outline corresponding to the large section of the engaging member. The lock core can be removed and replaced with a new one. The engaging member can be detached from the outer spindle and the outer handle and replaced with a new engaging member corresponding to the outline of the new lock core.

Abstract: Security enhancing idea for improvement directly relating to a well known security vulnerability in conventional keyed cylinder locks. Secure Slots inventive improvement idea will, when implemented create a security barrier for these lock types as well as others as it solves a prior well known tampering security weakness.

Abstract: An electronic door lock mounts to a door and includes an inner side and an outer side. The electronic door lock is operable to control access to an access controlled area positioned adjacent the inner side of the door. The electronic door lock includes an outer base connected to the outer side of the door, an inner base connected to the inner side of the door, a locking mechanism coupled to the door and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to a control signal, and a control circuit disposed within the inner base and operable to generate the control signal in response to an input credential. An attachment interface is at least partially formed as part of the outer base.

Abstract: A door lock for use with an overhead door having a plurality of rollers or a bar moving along a track, includes a movable latch and a release mechanism. The movable latch is associated with the track and biased toward a door-locking position. The latch is configured to allow at least one of the rollers or bar to pass the latch as the overhead door closes. The latch is also configured to engage a roller or bar to prevent movement past the latch as the overhead door attempts to open. The release mechanism is mechanically coupled to the latch for withdrawing the latch from the track to allow the roller or bar to pass by the latch and the overhead door to open. A door position sensor is also disclosed including a movable lever and an electronic means for sensing the position of the lever.

Abstract: A system for operating an electric door release having an actuator powered by an energy harvester. The actuator may be a piezoelectric actuator and the harvester may be a piezo harvester. The system may further include a power module, a rechargeable battery and a voltage boost circuit disposed between the energy harvester and the actuator. When a piezoelectric actuator is used, a recycle actuator discharge circuit may be disposed between the piezoelectric actuator and the power module battery for recapturing a portion of the energy delivered to the piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric harvester may include an energy input portion whereby the piezo electric harvester is excited by the energy input portion. The energy input portion may include a circular or linear driving gear for exciting the piezoelectric harvester or a stepper motor generator, driven by movement of a door. The harvester may also be a stepper motor/generator.

Abstract: A locking system is set forth having a key and a lock cylinder. The lock cylinder has a cylinder core journalled in a housing and having a keyway for inserting the key. A plurality of tumblers actuable by the key and an additional blocking element movably arranged in a guide passage of the cylinder core project into the keyway, said additional blocking element being displaceable obliquely or transversely to the direction of insertion of the key. The additional blocking element is made for cooperation with a counter-element arranged at the key blade with a key introduced up to the maximum insertion depth. The counter-element is in this respect arranged in a groove or recess starting from the key tip and extending in the longitudinal direction of the key blade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a fertilizer, comprising an amino acid selected from the group of L-glutamine, L-asparagine and L-arginine as major nitrogen source, optionally together with inorganic nitrogen and/or a suitable preservative, for stimulating root growth, inducing more fine roots, increase the number of root tips and/or for stimulating mycorrhiza development.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a metal strip (1) includes a number of rolls (2, 3, 4, 5) over which the metal strip (1) is guided in a transporting direction under a strip tension that insures that the strip is flat to a large extent at least between two rolls (2, 3) and a light source (6) operable for illuminating an area of the metal strip (1) as it moves in the transporting direction. Two cameras (7, 8), which are located in a region of the light source (6) at a distance from each other, are operable for photographing the area of the metal strip (1) illuminated by the light source from two different directions.

Abstract: Provided is an annealing device which comprises at least one section and in which the at least one section is filled with a gas constituting a non-reducing atmosphere or a weakly reducing atmosphere, as well as a device for producing plated steel sheet comprising the annealing device, and a method for producing plated steel sheet by means of such a device to substantially improve the quality of plating onto hot-dipped steel sheet, including the plating properties, alloying properties, anti-pickup properties, plating adhesion properties, anti-flaking properties, anti-cratering properties and anti-ash properties, by using prior-art annealing equipment and heat-treatment cycle without any additional oxidation-reduction heat treatment process or large quantities of high-cost alloying elements.

Abstract: A method for increasing diffusibility of metallic surfaces and its applications in surface treatment of metallic implants, which combines a mechanic means and a chemical means, whereby the mechanic means increases the diffusibility of the surface while the chemical means forms a chemically modified surface layer for improved properties suitable for particular application of the metallic materials, especially in the bio-medical areas. This surface treatment can increase the hardness and corrosion resistance of stainless steel and reduces Ni release from implants made from NiTi wires.

Abstract: Surface texturing is employed to modify the topography of one or more surfaces (radial or cylindrical) of the sealing system for a roller cone rock bit. The surface texturing results in a dimpled surface which retains additional lubricant helpful in reducing friction in the boundary and mixed lubrication regimes. Shot peening is disclosed as one method for texturing the desired surface.

Abstract: Provided are a conveying jig, a method of manufacturing the conveying jig, and a method of heat-treating metal rings using the conveying jig. The conveying jig is provided with a base and ten holding shafts raised from the base. Ridges and grooves are alternatively provided in the side wall of each holding shaft. The metal rings are held in position by being engaged in the grooves in the holding shafts. The space enclosed within the holding shafts is communicated with the atmosphere, and this allows, when the metal rings held by the conveying jig are subjected to heat treatment in a heat treatment furnace, an atmospheric gas to circulate in the space enclosed within the holding shafts.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for compacting a CIGS thin film in a non-vacuum environment are provided. According to the present invention, a substrate having a CIGS light absorbing layer configured thereon is processed with a soft baking process. Then, a pneumatic cylinder is employed for providing a pressure for driving a roller which is fixed to a holder. The holder is connected to the pneumatic cylinder. The roller is driven to downwardly apply a pressing force onto the CIGS light absorbing layer. The substrate is then moved back and forth to compact the CIGS light absorbing layer uniformly.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] A high alloy pipe can be produced that has not only a corrosion resistance required for oil well pipes but also has a targeted strength, without excessively adding alloying components, by selecting the working conditions at the time of the cold rolling. [Solution] A method for producing a high alloy pipe having a minimum yield strength of 758.3 to 965.2 MPa, comprising: preparing a high alloy material pipe having a chemical composition consisting, by mass %, of C: 0.03% or less, Si: 1.0% or less, Mn: 0.3 to 5.0%, Ni: 25 to 40%, Cr: 20 to 30%, Mo: 0 to 4%, Cu: 0 to 3% and N: 0.05 to 0.

Abstract: The preset invention is directed to an embossing tool. The embossing tool includes a drive mechanism that advances a tape, an embossing mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism cuts the tape to form a tag. The cutting mechanism also forms a mounting feature in the ends of the tag. The cutting mechanism includes a pair of dies with openings therethrough and at least one punch moveable within the openings for engaging the tape.

Abstract: A steel plate is heated so that an average temperature becomes Ac3 point or higher, a press forming is performed on the steel plate by use of a mold, and the steel plate is cooled during press forming. A formed product is removed from the mold, and the formed product is cooled further. In the hot press forming method, although a quantity of change in shape of the formed product decreases as a removal temperature of the formed product decreases. When the removal temperature of the formed product is lower than 322° C., no more improvement on an accuracy of the formed product can be realized, and a time during which the mold is occupied exclusively to cool the formed product becomes long. When the removal temperature of the formed product is 510° C. or lower, the rate of change of the quantity of change in shape with change in temperature is increased drastically, whereby an increase in accuracy of the formed product can be realized.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an anchor bolt sleeve includes heat treating a steel blank, and cold working the steel blank into an anchor bolt sleeve subsequent to the heat treating, the anchor bolt sleeve being expandably receptive to a wedge of an anchor bolt.

Abstract: A method for forming at least one rib and a step shoulder bottom of a can body in a single drawing operation from a redrawn cup or preform which has a closed end with an inwardly tapering annular periphery that includes sufficient material to enable formation of the step shoulder bottom without having the at least one rib drawn into the step shoulder bottom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending press (1), in particular a press brake (2), for producing workpieces (3) by bending between a bench beam (11) equipped with at least one bending tool (4) disposed in a stationary arrangement on a machine frame (5) and a pressing beam (14) equipped with at least one bending tool (4) which can be displaced relative to the bench beam (11) in linear guides (13) of the machine frame (5) by means of at least one drive means (19) secured to a support bearing device (25). The support bearing device (25) is provided in the form of at least one mounting plate for at least one drive means (19). The latter constitutes a mounting ring for the drive means (19), some regions of which are provided with orifices or peripheral recesses surrounding the mounting ring and weakened zones (38) are provided in the pressing beam (14).

Abstract: A method for controlling testing apparatus having a plurality of device stations for test, a plurality of measuring portions measuring an identical item, and a matrix switch changing a coupling combination between the plurality of the device stations for test and the plurality of the measuring portions, including: performing checking step of a measuring portion with respect to the plurality of the measuring portions, the checking step measuring the measuring portion by measuring a standard device; and performing checking step of a device station for test with respect to the plurality of the device stations for test, the checking step mounting a standard sample on the device station for test and checking the standard sample with use of the measuring portion coupled to the device station for test on which the standard sample is mounted.

Abstract: A machine for plasma treatment of containers, including a chamber for receiving a container to be treated, the chamber connected to a primary vacuum circuit. A pressure sensor is connected to the chamber. There is a first mechanism for communicating the pressure sensor with the chamber; a secondary vacuum circuit dependent on the first circuit and connected to the pressure sensor; and second mechanism for communicating the pressure sensor with the secondary vacuum circuit.

Abstract: In a method for alerting to the wear of a tyre that includes a tread strip equipped with at least one circumferential groove, the running noise made by the tyre running along a ground is measured, from the measured running noise, a noise emitted in a predetermined range of frequencies close to a predetermined resonant frequency of a portion of the circumferential groove during running is isolated, the amplitude of the isolated noise is measured, and the measured amplitude is compared against a predetermined alert threshold.

Abstract: A system for simulating wet runway conditions by using a liquid container that is placed inside an aircraft. The liquid container is connected to a nozzle that sprays water in front of the wheels of the aircraft. A valve is used to control the flow of water from the nozzle. Systems, such as the braking system of the aircraft, can then be tested in wet runway conditions simulated by the system. The amount of water sprayed from the nozzle can also be electronically controlled in relation to the speed of the aircraft, such that the nozzle sprays a nearly uniform layer of liquid in front of the wheels. The system can also be modified to include two tanks to manipulate the center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: An emission test system may include at least one controller configured to determine, directly or indirectly, a quantity of diluted exhaust sample in a container at the completion of an emissions test, and to cause additional diluent gas to be added to the container based on the determined quantity.

Abstract: The particulate matter detecting device of the present invention includes: a sensor element having a plate-shaped element substrate, at least one pair of measurement electrodes arranged on one end face of this element substrate, a heater electrode arranged on either of end faces or inside of the element substrate, and a plurality of lead terminals arranged on the other end face of the element substrate and electrically connected to each of the measurement electrodes and the heater electrode; and an outer sheath body having a columnar barrel portion and a barrel-portion end face arranged on one end face of the barrel portion, in which the sensor element is arranged in the barrel portion of the outer sheath body such that the pair of measurement electrodes is exposed from an open frontal area of the barrel-portion end face.

Abstract: A particulate matter detecting device includes a sensor element having a measurement electrode and a heater electrode provided on one end portion of a plate-like element substrate, a cylindrical lead terminal cover member having the sensor element inserted into a penetration portion that penetrates in an axial direction thereof so that the sensor element is held inside a detecting device external cylinder, and the detecting device external cylinder. The penetration portion includes a first penetration portion having a size corresponding to that of a cross section of the sensor element, and a second penetration portion with a larger cross section perpendicular to the penetration direction than that of the first penetration portion. An electrical insulating sealant is filled in a gap between the second penetration portion and the sensor element inserted into the second penetration portion so that the sensor element and the lead terminal cover member are fixed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing the performance of a catalytic converter (3) of a petrol automobile onboard the vehicle, the catalytic converter being mounted on the exhaust line (1) of the vehicle, wherein said method comprises placing two oxygen probes (5, 6) on the exhaust line (1) upstream and downstream from the converter (3), respectively, analysing the signals (7, 16) thereof, and comparing the signal (16) of the downstream probe (6) with a threshold in order to carry out a passive diagnosis during a first period of the lifespan of the converter (3), after which, during a last period of the converter lifespan, an intrusive diagnosis of the converter (3) performance is carried out using the two probes (5, 6) and a diagnosis automaton, by measuring the oxygen storage capacity of the converter (3).

Abstract: A device for measuring the concentrations of paramagnetic gases in a gas sample has at least one modulatable magnetic flux source, which has an air gap, to which a gas sample can be fed. A controllable power source, for generating current and voltage signals, is coupled with the modulatable magnetic flux source in order to generate a modulatable magnetic flux within the air gap. Two measuring points are arranged at least partly within the air gap. Each measuring point has an electrically controllable heating device and a heat conduction-measuring unit or resistive measuring device. Each measuring point is coupled with a variable power source to heat the heating device to a working temperature. Each measuring point is coupled with a measuring circuit to measure heat conduction measured signals generated by the heat conduction-measuring unit, from which the concentrations of paramagnetic gases, which are contained in the gas sample, can be derived.

Abstract: A particulate monitor includes a housing, an air-moving device coupled to the housing, and an air passageway disposed at least partially within the housing. The air-moving device is operable to create an airflow through the air passageway. The particulate monitor may include a real-time measuring device positioned at least partially within the housing and in fluid communication with the air passageway and a particulate collection device positioned at least partially within the housing and in fluid communication with the air passageway. A collection device may be positioned downstream of the real-time measuring device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a linear guide with a carriage that can be displaced along a rail on a lubricated rolling contact is provided having a sensor device for detecting a state of a lubricant for lubricating the rolling contact. In order to allow a quick determination of the state of the lubricant with simple measures, an oscillation time signal is detected by a sensor device from which a characteristic value that increases with increasing degradation of the lubricant is determined by an effective value determination after high-pass filtering. When the characteristic value exceeds a specified threshold value, measures are initiated for improving the lubricating properties.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus comprises a rotating plate 17, a torque detection plate 18 disposed on a same axis parallel to the plate 17 with a given gap, a torque sensor about the plate 18 through the specimen held between two plates. The plate 18 is a total reflection prism which is made from a material that has a greater refractive index than the specimen and transmits UV and infrared light. An ultraviolet beam is directed onto the specimen through the prism. An infrared beam is directed into the prism. The infrared beam emerging from the prism after total reflection from the interface between the prism and the specimen is detected. A signal processor analyzes the infrared absorption spectrum of the specimen on the basis of the infrared beam. While the viscosity of the specimen in the curing process is measured, the signal processor simultaneously measures the infrared absorption spectrum.

Abstract: A method for estimating the viscosity of a liquid in an aspirating or dispensing probe, includes: measuring a reference pressure which is the pressure inside a metering tip when no dispense or aspirate is occurring (Pref); dispensing or aspirating a liquid having a volume of air between the liquid and the pumping mechanism of the probe; stopping the aspirate or dispense; measuring the pressure (Pstop?) inside the tip at a time (t) which is the time when the aspirate or dispense is stopped; measuring the pressure (Pstop?) inside the tip at a time (t?) after t; and estimating viscosity as a function of Pref, Pstop, and Pstop?. In a preferred embodiment, the method is carried out on a diagnostic analyzer.

Abstract: There is provided a method for thermally focusing the elution times of compounds of a liquid chromatography system comprising a pre-column and a separation column as well as to provide a liquid chromatography system, wherein the chromatographic separation of a mixture of substances is optimized.

Abstract: An indentation assembly for sub-micron testing includes an indentation tip and a tip holder coupled with the indentation tip. The tip holder includes a first thermal conductivity and a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A tip holder mount configured for coupling with a transducer and the tip holder, the tip holder mount having a second thermal conductivity greater than the first thermal conductivity, and the tip holder mount has a second coefficient of thermal expansion greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The tip holder mount has a mount length, and the tip holder further has a tip holder length greater that the mount length. The tip holder remotely positions the tip holder mount relative to the indentation tip. The tip holder length, volume and the first thermal conductivity cooperate to throttle heat transfer through the tip holder prior to reaching the tip holder mount.

Abstract: In a method and a device for checking the adjustment of a plurality of actuators driven by a common drive in different mass flow channels of an internal combustion engine, the actuators are adjusted between a first limit stop and a second limit stop in the particular mass flow channel. The actuators are brought by their common drive to the first limit stop. A first value of a variable that is characteristic of a position of the common drive of the actuators is determined when the first limit stop is reached. The actuators are brought by their common drive to the second limit stop. A second value of the variable that is characteristic of the position of the common drive of the actuators is ascertained upon reaching the second limit stop. A difference is determined between the first value and the second value. The difference is compared in terms of absolute value to at least one predefined threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a comprehensive test bed for vehicle body, which comprises an vehicle body static strength testing apparatus, an vehicle body air tightness testing apparatus, an vehicle coupler strength testing apparatus and an vehicle body mode testing apparatus, wherein the tested vehicle body is provided with a strain foil and a displacement sensor; and the strain foil and the displacement sensor are connected with a data acquisition system. The comprehensive test bed for the vehicle body can perform an vehicle body static strength test on various rail passenger vehicles, an vehicle body steel structure vibration mode test, an vehicle body partial assembly vibration mode test and an vehicle body air tightness test, and can realize strength tests on partial key components of the vehicle body (a transition vehicle coupler, a return vehicle coupler, an vehicle body chassis cross beam, a hoisting structure, an end structure, and the like).

Abstract: A powertrain test installation is disclosed that includes a polymer base, which is supported on a concrete slab, for example. A dynamometer is mounted on the polymer base. A frame is mounted to the polymer base and is configured to support a powertrain component to be coupled to the dynamometer. The powertrain test system is installed, for example, by providing a floor, which is a concrete slab, for example. The floor is cut to provide a gap between a support floor and an adjacent floor that is arranged about the support floor. A polymer base is arranged on the support floor interiorly of the gap so that the polymer base is isolated from the adjacent floor. A dynamometer is secured to the polymer base. A frame is secured to the polymer base and is configured to support a powertrain test component, such as an electric motor.

Abstract: Processes and systems for logging production of fluid produced into a well bore without intervention of the well are disclosed. Two or more markers may be introduced into produced fluid at spaced apart locations along a well. The time for each marker to reach a common point may be measured and production rates for produced fluids at each spaced apart location may be calculated.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining downhole fluid temperatures are described. An example apparatus for measuring a temperature of a downhole fluid includes a sensing element for measuring a physical or chemical property of the downhole fluid, and a plurality of electrical connections to enable the sensing element to measure the chemical or physical property and provide an output signal representative of the chemical or physical property, wherein at least one of the electrical connections is configured to function as a thermocouple to sense a temperature of the downhole fluid.

Abstract: A pressure-receiving cylinder (11) is in a columnar shape extending in the direction of a center axis (O), and having an orthogonal cross section to the center axis (O) that defines a rotationally symmetrical contour. In a piezoelectric ceramic structure (12), piezoelectric ceramic modules are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the center axis (O), each piezoelectric ceramic module including a pair of piezoelectric ceramic and electrodes connected thereto in the polarization direction. Containers (8, 10) are connected to respective ends of the piezoelectric ceramic module (15) in the polarization direction, and apply a stress corresponding to an external force received by the pressure-receiving cylinder (11) to the pressure-receiving cylinder (11) and the piezoelectric ceramic structure (12). Respective voltages output by the plurality of piezoelectric ceramic modules are added together.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement including a probe and a bracket that are provided for a calorimetric mass flow meter for measuring the mass flow in a measuring tube. The probe is mounted in the bracket in such a manner that the probe is guided essentially without contact with a radial spacing through a probe recess a wall of the measuring tube and is positioned in a cross section of a flow-through area of the flow of the measuring tube. The bracket is designed in such a manner that the probe is thermally de-coupled from the measuring tube. The sensor arrangement for the calorimetric mass flow meter is capable of increasing the measuring accuracy and increasing the flexibility during operation.

Abstract: A robust sensor, such as a robust flow sensor or pressure sensor, is provided. In one illustrative embodiment, a robust flow sensor includes one or more flow sensor components secured relative to a membrane, and a substrate for supporting the membrane. In some cases, the one or more flow sensor components may be substantially thermally isolated from the substrate by the membrane. One or more wire bond pads may be situated adjacent to a first side of the substrate and may be provided for communicating signals relative to the one or more flow sensor components. A top cap may be situated adjacent to the first side of the substrate and secured relative to the substrate. The top cap may define at least part of a fluid inlet and/or an outlet of the flow sensor assembly, and may at least partially define a flow channel that extends from the inlet, past at least one of the one or more flow sensor components, and out the outlet of the flow sensor assembly.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring fluid in a fluid supply vessel during operation including dispensing of fluid from the fluid supply vessel. The monitoring system includes (i) one or more sensors for monitoring a characteristic of the fluid supply vessel or the fluid dispensed therefrom, (ii) a data acquisition module operatively coupled to the one or more sensors to receive monitoring data therefrom and responsively generate an output correlative to the characteristic monitored by the one or more sensors, and (iii) a processor and display operatively coupled with the data acquisition module and arranged to process the output from the data acquisition module and responsively output a graphical representation of fluid in the fluid supply vessel, billing documents, usage reports, and/or resupply requests.