Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for producing a glass sheet comprising lower thermal shields positioned below cooling doors for minimizing radiative heat loss from a forming body used to form a ribbon of molten glass from which a glass sheet is cut, and upper thermal shields positioned between the cooling doors and a root of the forming body for minimizing radiative heat loss from the forming body. The thermal shields are typically arranged as pairs and positioned on horizontally opposite sides of a flow of molten glass descending as a continuous ribbon from the forming body. Each thermal shield of the lower and upper thermal shield pairs may comprise a plurality of segments, including end segments and a central segment, wherein the end segments may be separately movable relative to the central segment, allowing an edge of the thermal shield adjacent the ribbon to be varied.

Abstract: A glass manufacturing apparatus comprises a forming device configured to produce a glass ribbon and a control device configured to independently operate a first pull roll apparatus and a second pull roll apparatus such that at least one of a first upstream pair of draw rolls rotates with a substantially constant torque and at least one of a first downstream pair of draw rolls rotates with a substantially constant angular velocity. In further examples, methods of manufacturing a glass ribbon are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for controlling glass flow in, for example, a downdraw glass manufacturing process (e.g., the fusion downdraw process). The methods and apparatus are particularly well-suited for use in the manufacture of glass sheets such as the glass sheets used as substrates in display devices, e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for refining a load of silicon(s) that comprises a crucible (5) including at least one sole (20) made of a first refractory material having good heat conductivity, means (26, 28) for cooling the sole, a protection member (30) made of at least a second refractory material having low heat conductivity and to be provided between the crucible and the load, and induction heating means (23, 24) of the load including a winding (23) provided in or under the sole.

Abstract: Provided is a silicon electromagnetic casting apparatus that is capable of stably producing polycrystalline silicon used as a solar cell substrate material, having a bottomless cold mold and an induction heating coil, the apparatus for pulling down the silicon melted through electromagnetic induction heating by means of the induction coil and solidifying the silicon melt; further including a plasma torch for generating a transferable plasma arc and a top heater configured so as to face a top surface of the molten silicon, the top heater for generating heat through electromagnetic induction by means of the induction coil. The apparatus enables, upon production of a high quality polycrystalline silicon ingot as a solar cell substrate material along with plasma heating, stable production thereof without cracking in a final solidification portion.

Abstract: A method for producing synthetic quartz glass comprises providing a liquid SiO2 feedstock material containing octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane D4, vaporizing the SiO2 feedstock material into vapor, converting the vapor into SiO2 particles, depositing the particles to form a porous SiO2 soot body, and vitrifying the soot body, forming the synthetic quartz glass. To produce cylindrical soot bodies with outer diameters above 300 mm and improved material homogeneity, the liquid feedstock material contains additional components comprising hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane D3 and the linear homolog thereof with a weight fraction mD3, decamethylcyclohexasiloxane D6 and the linear homolog thereof with a weight fraction mD6, and tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane D7 and/or hexadecamethylcyclooctasiloxane D8 and the linear homologs thereof with a weight fraction mD7+, wherein the weight ratio mD3/mD6 is between 0.5 and 500 and the weight fraction mD7+ is at least 20 wt. ppm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing synthetic quartz glass, comprising the steps of: (A) providing a liquid SiO2 feedstock material (105), which comprises more than 70% by wt. of the polyalkylsiloxane D4, (B) vaporizing the SiO2 feedstock material (105) into a gaseous SiO2 feedstock vapor (107), (C) converting the SiO2 feedstock vapor (107) into SiO2 particles, (D) depositing the SiO2 particles on a deposition surface (160) while forming a SiO2 soot body (200), (E) vitrifying the SiO2 soot body (200) while forming the synthetic quartz glass, According to the invention it is provided that vaporizing the heated SiO2 feedstock material (105) comprises an injection phase in an expansion chamber (125) in which the SiO2 feedstock material (105) is atomized into fine droplets, the droplets having a mean diameter of less than 5 ?m, preferably less than 2 ?m.

Abstract: A known method for producing synthetic quartz glass comprises the method steps of: forming a stream of a SiO2 feedstock material which contains octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) as the main component which has a reference molecular mass assigned to it, feeding the stream to a reaction zone in which the feedstock material is converted under formation of amorphous SiO2 particles by pyrolysis or hydrolysis into SiO2, depositing the amorphous SiO2 particles on a deposition surface while forming a porous SiO2 soot body, and vitrifying the SiO2 soot body while forming the synthetic quartz glass.

Abstract: A known method for producing synthetic quartz glass comprises the method steps: providing a liquid SiO2 feedstock material, which contains octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane D4 as the main component, vaporizing the SiO2 feedstock material into a feedstock material vapor, converting the feedstock material vapor into SiO2 particles, depositing the SiO2 particles on a deposition surface while forming a porous SiO2 soot body, and vitrifying the SiO2 soot body while forming the synthetic quartz glass.

Abstract: In the washing machine (1) of the present invention, first the type of the laundry placed in the drum (2) is determined and the amount of laundry is provided to be estimated correctly by means of using the detected laundry type information in determining the valve (4) opening pressure level (Pva1) and the valve (4) closing pressure level (Pvu1) in the water receiving step.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing wardrobing is presented. An anti-wardrobing device for attachment to a merchandise item includes a ribbon, a branding plate and a lock. The ribbon has a first end and a second end adapted to be placed through the merchandise item. The branding plate is adapted to display information about the merchandise item, branding of merchandise item. The lock is located at one end of the branding plate. The lock is adapted to be locked to the ribbon so that the ribbon is looped through the merchandise item and then locked so that the ribbon cannot be removed from the merchandise item without cutting the ribbon.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing wardrobing is presented. A method loops the ribbon through a merchandise item. A branding tag is locked onto the ribbon so that the ribbon cannot be removed from the merchandise item without cutting the ribbon or breaking the branding tag. The branding tag contains branding information related to the merchandise item. When the item is returned, a determination is made if the ribbon and/or the branding tag have been tampered with. The method does not provide a refund when tampering has occurred.

Abstract: A safety shield for double-lock leg cuffs having a first lock for disengaging or releasing the leglets after the same have been applied to the legs of a prisoner, and a second lock for fixing the preset contracted position of the leglets on the prisoner's legs. The box-like shield comprises access slots in a wall thereof through which a portion of the associated leg cuff key may be inserted to actuate the second lock without opening the shield or revealing the first lock or removing the shield from the leg cuffs. This arrangement permits the shields to be secured over the leg cuffs prior to application to a prisoner and thereby enhances the officer's safety. The safety shield is also suitable for use with handcuffs including a pair of wristlets pivotally and rotatably connected by either an enlarged ring portion or a short link chain.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of locking systems that include a barrel lock. The barrel lock is configured to damage, deface, and/or capture a key that is inserted into the barrel lock. Additionally, some embodiments include a locking mechanism adapter that can allow the locking mechanism to be operated by a key if the user has knowledge about the properties of the barrel lock.

Abstract: The vehicle door hardware assembly includes exterior and interior housings each having a handle or paddle for opening the door. The outer housing includes a plunger which is normally extended, and can be retracted by either the exterior or interior handle when the door is unlocked. A deadbolt is also provided on the exterior housing. A main lock can be slid between locked and unlocked positions to preclude or allow movement of the paddle. A pair of key cylinders is provided on the exterior housing for actuating the deadbolt and the main lock. Power units can be connected to the lock and deadbolt via actuators. The deadbolt and lock are also movable by a pair of knobs on the inside housing.

Abstract: A device to prevent removal of fuel and oil caps includes a pin having a shaft with a first and second end; a head at the first end of the shaft; a locking element at the second end of the shaft; a pad having an adhesive surface that fixes to the cap; a grommet that forms an aperture in the pad that receives the shaft of the pin so that the pad rotatably retains the pin to the cap; and a cover that is rotatably retained over the cap by the pin and the locking element so that the cap generally covers the cap and rotates independently from the cap, thereby deterring removal of the cap.

Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for producing organic fertilizer. The method may, for example, yield nutrient-rich fertilizer that may have various agricultural and other industrial uses.

Abstract: A water-insoluble phosphate fertilizer, methods of producing, and methods of using the same are provided. The fertilizer may comprise at least one alkaline earth metal selected from calcium and magnesium and optionally at least one nutrient ion selected from the group consisting of potassium, ammonium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, chlorine, iodine, molybdenum or selenium. The fertilizer compounds are preferably water-insoluble, dilute acid-soluble, and free-flowing powders.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring and conditioning strip material are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a plurality of sensors located along a width of a moving material. Each of the plurality of sensors corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of longitudinal zones located along a width of the moving material. The apparatus also includes a material condition monitor configured to determine the condition of the moving material, and a feedback unit coupled to the material condition monitor and configured to be coupled to a plurality of different types of material conditioners. The feedback unit is configured to map each of the plurality of sensors to at least a respective one of a plurality of adjustable backup bearings based on being coupled to any one of the material conditioners.

Abstract: A magnetic pulse forming device for a roll forming system includes forward and rearward guide rolling means, a guiding means including guiding rails disposed on the base between the forward and rearward guide rolling means and guide frames movably disposed on the guiding rails, a magnetic forming means including an upper plate connecting the guide frames corresponding to an upper surface of the forming beam, a coil housing assembled to the upper plate and a coil disposed within the coil housing and electrically connected to a pulse generator to generate a magnetic pulse by input current, a movement detector, a synchronizing motor connected to the lead screw to rotate the lead screw and a screw housing engaged with the lead screw and moving the guide frames with the forming beam in the process direction by rotation of the lead screw, and a forming mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a collar to the end of a pipe. The apparatus comprises an attachment clamp surrounding the pipe and a body part, connected by hinging to a pivoting cradle having a forming cone, which can enter the end of the pipe. In the method, the forming cone is moved axially and obliquely to the central axis of the pipe, inside the pipe until it contacts the inner surface of the pipe, the forming cone being loaded with the desired load pressure against the inner surface. The forming cone is then pivoted using a pivoting cradle outwards from the central axis of the pipe, around the inner edge of the attachment clamp, and the forming cone and pipe are simultaneously rotated with respect to each other around the central axis of the pipe until the desired collar has formed.

Abstract: A coil wire material is bent by a first roll, a second roll, and a third roll. The bent coil wire material is pressed in a screwing direction, to shape a coil spring having a desired diameter and a pitch. A desired pitch can he accurately formed in a manner that a second roll provided on a downstream side of a conveying direction of the coil wire material is configured to be able to move hack and forth along the screwing direction of the coil spring and to be tiltable about an axis of rotation parallel to the conveying direction of the coil wire material.

Abstract: A rolling mill stand and related rolling mill for rolling rod-shaped bodies, even large in size, which meets the requirement of stiffness uniformity of the rolling mill stands in the transversal direction, all the hydraulic capsules being firmly fixed to the external structure of the rolling mill and providing for the side change of the rolls of each stand. The arrangement of rolling rolls and related extensions of each rolling mill stand is such to avoid problems of corrosion and damaging to the extensions themselves and to the reducers due to the drainage of the cooling waters.

Abstract: The utility model provides an apparatus for correcting upwarp deformation of a large member (11) of a stainless steel car roof, being characterized in that, comprising a crossbeam (1), end support columns (2), a middle support column (3), an arc-shaped positioning body (5), crossbeam pull rings (7), a thin steel taut strap (8), and tighteners (9), the end support columns (2), the crossbeam (1), and the middle support column (3) constitute a supporting part, the arc-shaped positioning body having the same arc shape as an inner arc of the large member of the stainless steel car roof is arranged on the middle support column (3), the thin steel taut strap (8) covers an exterior contour surface of the large member (11) of the stainless steel car roof, and is connected via the tightener (9) to the crossbeam pull rings (7) respectively fixed at two ends of the crossbeam (1).

Abstract: A hand held flaring tool includes a receiving portion for receiving an end of a tube, a stop element, a locking mechanism and a flaring mechanism. The stop element is movably disposed at the receiving portion and is movable between a stopping position, where the stop element limits insertion of the tube at the receiving portion to set the tube at an appropriate location for flaring the end of the tube, and a flaring position, where the stop element is moved to a position remote from the end of the tube. The locking mechanism is operable to lock the tube at the receiving portion when the tube is inserted into engagement with the stop element. The flaring mechanism is operable to move a flaring mandrel towards and into engagement with the end of the tube to flare the end of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stamping die of a joining backplane and a processing method of a joining backplane. The processing method of the joining backplane, comprising: plates of the heatsink plate and the supporting plate are put into the same die for processing; then, the heatsink plate and the supporting plate, which are processed, are joined and fixed. In the present invention, because the heatsink plate and the supporting plate are processed simultaneously on one set of dies, the original processing courses of two plates are merged for reducing half of the processing steps. In addition, because the heatsink plate and the supporting plate are simultaneously processed in the same die, the two plates have good consistency and better planeness in joining.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an MEMS sensor and a method for compensation of a quadrature error on an MEMS sensor, which is intended for detection of movements of a substrate, especially accelerations and/or rotation rates. At least one mass arranged on the substrate and mounted to move relative to it is driven by means of drive electrodes. The mass/es execute a movement deviating from the prescribed movement due to a quadrature error. A deflection of the mass/es occurring due to Coriolis force and quadrature error is detected with detection electrodes. It is proposed according to the invention that a capacitance change be detected as a function of drive movement of the mass/es by means of compensation electrodes. A compensation charge dependent on the quadrature error of the MEMS sensor is generated on the compensation electrodes. For compensation, the distorted or incorrect charge generated by the quadrature error in the detection electrodes is compensated with the compensation charge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a gyro sensor offset automatic correcting circuit, a gyro sensor system, and a method for automatically correcting offset of a gyro sensor. There is provided a gyro sensor offset automatic correcting circuit, including: a signal gain controller receiving and amplifying output signals of each sensor electrode, while removing at least some of offset by a driving signal component included in each output signal by controlling a variable resistor(s); and an amplitude detector detecting the output signal of the signal gain controller to control the variable resistor(s) so that the output signal of the signal gain controller is maintained within a predetermined range. Further, there are provided a gyro sensor system including the gyro sensor offset automatic correcting circuit and a method for automatically correcting offset of a gyro sensor.

Abstract: A method for measuring a metal surface treatment of a metal component includes creating a solid model of the metal component, identifying surface locations on the metal component at which a set of structural properties is specified by design, and identifying a simulated location on the solid model corresponding to the identified surface location on the metal component. The method includes preparing a simulation fixture plan for fabricating a simulation fixture having an element for supporting a test strip holder thereon at the identified simulated location, and then fabricating the simulation fixture. A test strip holder is positioned at the identified simulated location on the simulation fixture, and a test strip is positioned in the test strip holder. The simulation fixture is subjected to the metal surface treatment wherein the simulation fixture has the test strip holder positioned thereon and the test strip holder has the test strip positioned thereon.

Abstract: A CPU (11) of an ECU (5) obtains the present exhaust gas temperature from temperature sensor (3), and calculates the difference with an exhaust gas temperature obtained in a previous computation cycle. When the exhaust gas temperature tends to increase, the absolute value of the difference is equal to or greater than 20° C., and a flag indicating that the processing of correcting a target impedance of a cell (21) of an oxygen sensor (2) is being performed is OFF, the CPU determines that the engine is in a transition period. The CPU then obtains a correction value for the target impedance of the cell of the oxygen sensor on the basis of the exhaust gas temperature. The CPU corrects the target impedance of the cell by the correction value, and feedback-controls electric power supplied to a heater (26) on the basis of the corrected target impedance.

Abstract: A device (10), which contains at least one exhaust gas probe (16), is proposed for measuring at least one exhaust gas component in an exhaust gas duct (14) of a combustion process. The device is characterized in that the exhaust gas probe (16) comprises at least one air connection (20), at least one air duct (60) leading past a sensing element (64) of said exhaust gas probe (16) and connected to the air connection (20) as well as at least one air outlet opening (22).

Abstract: A detecting apparatus that detects an abnormality of imbalance of air-fuel ratios among cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, which is equipped with a variable working angle mechanism of an intake valve, the detecting apparatus includes an abnormality detection portion that detects a parameter regarding rotational fluctuations of each of the cylinders and detects whether or not there is an abnormality of imbalance of air-fuel ratios among the cylinders. The abnormality detection portion refrains from determining that the air-fuel ratios are normal when the working angle at the time of detection of the parameter is within a predetermined large working angle range, and determines that the air-fuel ratios are normal when the working angle at the time of detection of the parameter is within a predetermined small working angle range that is on a small working angle side with respect to the large working angle range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a multi-layer chip for gas chromatography and a method of fabricating the multi-layer chip. The multi-layer chip is fabricated by: forming fine channels at the same positions of a plurality of substrates using only a single photo mask and an alignment key; and stacking the substrates. That is, the multi-layer chip can be fabricated by a simple method, and the total length of the fine channels can be increase without a limit by stacking more substrates. In addition, layers of the substrates can be coated with different stationary phases, and a temperature control device can be attached to heat transfer contact portions of the multi-layer chip for controlling the temperature of the multi-layer chip rapidly and precisely. Therefore, the multi-layer chip may be useful for high-separability gas chromatography to separate and analyze an infinitesimal amount of a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sample to be analyzed, wherein said sample is guided by means of a carrier gas through a separator unit having a downstream thermal conductivity detector providing a chromatogram having peaks for different analytes as a measurement signal. When using a thermal conductivity detector having a heated gold thread coated with a parylene F, hydrogen is used as a carrier gas, and a peak for the analyte hydrogen sulfide is generated by differentiating the chromatogram at the location of said analyte. The invention permits unlimited use of hydrogen as a carrier gas, even if the analyte is oxygen.

Abstract: A system for detecting a mold condition has a base unit configured to receive and display the temperature and the humidity from a remote sensing unit. The base unit is configured to determine if a mold condition is present at a location of the remote sensing unit based on a time interval the remote sensing unit detects the humidity and the temperature above predetermined thresholds, and display an indicator if the mold condition is present. A method of detecting a mold condition includes wirelessly transmitting a detected humidity and temperature from a sensing unit to a base unit, monitoring the temperature and the humidity across a time interval, and providing an indicator if the mold condition is present when the temperature and the humidity are above predetermined thresholds for the time interval.

Abstract: The shut-off valve testing system provides for the testing of the main shut-off valve of a combustible gas supply line in such facilities as refineries, factories, or other plants utilizing such gaseous fuel. The system includes a combination hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder receiving pneumatic pressure from a suitable source, the cylinder communicating hydraulically with a hydraulic actuator for the main shut-off valve. The system provides for testing of the shut-off valve by actuating the valve through a portion of its full travel, thus confirming that the valve is free. This is accomplished by shutting off the pneumatic pressure to one side of the hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder, and opening the hydraulic line between the cylinder and the actuator. Thus, hydraulic pressure from the actuator can bleed to the cylinder, allowing the actuator to move to the extent of the limiting spring and/or pneumatic pressure to the opposite side of the cylinder.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a composition of a fuel mixture, in particular for determining the ethanol content and/or a water component in the fuel mixture. Fuel flows sequentially through spatially separated sensor elements. The sensor elements generate time-dependent output signals, which are unambiguously dependent on the ethanol content of the fuel mixture. A difference between the time-dependent output signals is ascertained and subjected to a plausibility check. A received plausibility-checked output signal is ascertained, having at least one item of information about the direction of change in the ethanol content of the fuel mixture.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining metal content in a container of water. The method includes contacting a substrate with the water for a predetermined period of time. The substrate is then dried and analyzed to determine the metal content of the substrate surface. A determination is then made of the metal content in the water from the metal content on the substrate surface.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for use in a fluid medium. The ultrasonic transducer includes at least one housing and at least one transducer core at least partially accommodated in the housing. The transducer core includes at least one acoustic-electric transducer element. At least one damping material is also accommodated in the housing. The damping material includes at least one matrix material, at least one first filler introduced into the matrix material, and at least one second filler introduced into the matrix material. The first filler has a lower specific gravity than the matrix material. The second filler has a higher specific gravity than the matrix material.

Abstract: Surface texture measuring apparatus includes a measurement arm table storing mass of an entire measurement arm, an arm length from a supporting point to a stylus, and a horizontal and vertical barycenter of the measurement arm in a horizontal posture for each type of the measurement arm in which a second measurement arm having a different mass is attached; a measurement arm specifier; an inclination angle detector detecting an inclination angle of the detector; and a controller reading out from the measurement arm table the mass, the arm length, the horizontal barycenter, and the vertical barycenter for a specified measurement arm, calculating a difference between a measurement force of the measurement arm in the horizontal posture and a measurement force of the measurement arm in an inclined posture based on the read-out information and the inclination angle detected by the inclination angle detector, and adjusting a measurement force.

Abstract: A test system of a fluid pump which has a pump includes a test fixture which supports the fluid pump, a fluid flow path, and a connecting pipe arranged at the test fixture and having one end side connected to a discharge port of the pump and the other end side connected to the fluid flow path. The connecting pipe has a main pipe member, a movable pipe member arranged slidably inside the main pipe member and having an end which is positioned sticking out from the main pipe member, and a seal clamp provided at an end of the movable pipe member. When the movable pipe member receives fluid pressure inside of the main pipe member, the seal clamp which is pushed against the discharge port of the pump holds the discharge port of the pump liquid-tightly.

Abstract: The position sensor includes a shift lever used to select one of five ranges P, R, N, D, and B, fixed contacts corresponding to the ranges P, R, N, D, and B, and movable contacts configured to be electrically connected to the fixed contacts. The fixed contacts include regular fixed contacts, first backup fixed contacts, and second backup fixed contacts. The first and second backup fixed contacts have their lengths in the moving direction of the movable contacts configured to be longer than the length of the regular fixed contact that corresponds to the first and second backup fixed contacts.

Abstract: A method of producing an insert molded sensor assembly having at least one sensor element accommodated on a first side of a circuit board of the sensor assembly. During a first step, a plurality of pins are introduced and penetrate through the circuit board. The circuit board, including the at least one sensor element, is then disposed, during a second step, into a two-part insert mold tool so that the pins are supported on both sides of the circuit board in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the circuit board. A defined spacing distance, between a surface of the sensor element and the insert mold tool, is produced by the pins. During a third step of the method, the insert mold tool is filled with insert molding material, particularly a duroplast.

Abstract: The jig may include a base plate having mounting surfaces, upper mounting holes formed in the mounting surfaces and disposed symmetrically, lower mounting holes formed through both of the mounting surfaces, respectively, and disposed under the upper mounting holes, an upper support bracket having one end connected to both of the upper mounting holes and another end fixed and connected to one mounting surface, a lower support bracket having one end connected to both of the lower mounting holes and another end fixed and connected to another mounting surface, a first sample fixing rod connected and supported across the upper support bracket at both sides, and a second sample fixing rod connected and supported across the lower support bracket at both sides.

Abstract: Blow-out testing devices which include a box-like housing defining two contiguous inner chambers communicating directly with one another through an inner aperture which is closable by applying a blow-out panel thereupon are provided. In such devices at least one of the two chambers is provided with a hermetically closable door. Both chambers are pressurized and sealed. Opening the door, an instant pressure drop is caused in one of the two chambers. The pressure within the other chamber causes the panel to break. Methods for blow-out testing are also provided.

Abstract: A tire internal pressure measuring system includes a detector for detecting the internal pressure of a tire, and an acquisition device for acquiring data relating to the internal pressure of the tire detected by the detector. An antenna unit of the acquisition device generates induced electromotive force in an antenna unit of the detector by electromagnetic induction, and acquires a resonant waveform in tune with the resonance of an LC resonance circuit configured from a capacitance sensor charged with the electromotive force generated in the antenna unit and the antenna unit. The acquired resonant waveform is frequency-divided, and a capacitor (C) is charged during a period from the rising edge to the falling edge of the waveform obtained by the frequency dividing. The value of charged voltage is associated with the tire internal pressure.

Abstract: A fluid volume measuring device for use in a hydraulic system, includes a conduit element which holds hydraulic fluid, a transfer arrangement axially movably along a displacement path within the conduit element. A contact-free sensor is functionally connected with the transfer arrangement. The sensor detects a displacement of the transfer arrangement along the displacement path relative to the conduit element.

Abstract: An embodiment of concentrically-mounted disks, designed for sailing, which can be used in conjunction with a navigational chart and/or a compass to calculate boom/mainsail angles in degrees relative to a sailboat's course heading, calculating all sailable compass headings. Calculations factored by transitioning boom/mainsail angles, apparent wind ratios, angle of attack, and the areo-hydrodynamics of sailing. Further providing depictions of course heading, relative position of boom/mainsail, apparent wind direction, and coordinates relative to a navigational chart.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that comprises a vibrating member (402). The vibrating member (402) is for a vibrating densitometer (400). The vibrating member (402) includes one or more apertures (420). The one or more apertures (420) are sized and located in the vibrating member (402) to increase a frequency separation between a resonant frequency of a desired vibrational drive mode and a resonant frequency of one or more undesired vibrational modes.

Abstract: A method for determining the density of contact trace objects with magnetic levitation is described. The density of samples of glitter and of gunpowder was determined, and the feasibility of magnetic levitation as a possible means of characterizing forensic-related evidence is discussed. The magnetic levitation device (composed of two permanent magnets with like poles facing) and the method described provides a means of accurately determining the density of trace objects that is inexpensive, rapid, verifiable, provides documentation, is independent of the specific apparatus or analyst, and provides numerical values (rather than a comparison between questioned and known samples) that may be entered into a searchable database.