Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating the surface of a sample including a cantilever, a first tip mounted on the cantilever, and a second tip mounted on the cantilever, the first and the second tip being configured to combine to form an imaging probe and to separate to form a manipulation probe. The first and second tips are configured to form a first position characterized in that the tips combine to form an imaging tip and the first and the second tip are configured to form a second position characterized in that the tips separate to manipulate particles on a surface of a sample. The tips can be configured to form the first position when a voltage is applied across the tips, and preferable extend downwardly from the cantilever substantially perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel metering device comprising a fuel chamber, a fuel inlet which can be opened and closed and leads to the fuel chamber, and at least one fuel outlet leading from the fuel chamber to a suction channel of an internal combustion engine. Part of a wall of the fuel chamber consists of a first element which can be moved according to a pressure difference between a pressure in the fuel chamber and an ambient air pressure, the element being coupled to a closing element for opening and closing the fuel inlet. The said fuel metering device enables a quantity of fuel, which is supplied to the suction channel for a pre-defined operating position of the internal combustion engine, to be automatically regulated according to the ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope method and apparatus that modifies imaging dynamics using an active drive technique to optimize the bandwidth of amplitude detection. The deflection is preferably measured by an optical detection system including a laser and a photodetector, which measures cantilever deflection by an optical beam bounce technique or another conventional technique. The detected deflection of the cantilever is subsequently demodulated to give a signal proportional to the amplitude of oscillation of the cantilever, which is thereafter used to drive the cantilever.

Abstract: A liquid primary fuel is ignited by HCCI with the assistance of the early injection of a liquid pilot fuel. Pilot fuel injection and/or ignition are preferably controlled so as to permit the injected pilot fuel to become thoroughly distributed through and mixed with the primary fuel/air charge in the combustion chamber and vaporized prior to ignition. Pilot fuel having a lower autoignition temperature will be ignited by compression ignition, followed by the ignition of the homogeneous mixture of the primary fuel and air. HCCI combustion of the primary fuel is facilitated by 1) selection of the properties of the primary and pilot fuels and 2) obtaining a homogenous mixture of primary fuel and air by injecting primary fuel into the engine's intake air stream in the form of finely atomized droplets having a mean diameter in the micron range.

Abstract: An optical module includes at least one optical fiber, a gradient index rod lens, and an optical element. The rod lens is placed at a position separated from an end surface of the optical fiber by a space. The optical element is separated from the rod lens. Outgoing light from the single optical fiber is inputted to the optical element via the rod lens, and light reflected by the optical element is coupled to the optical fiber via the rod lens. When a distance between the rod lens and the optical element is longer than a predetermined value, and a lens length optimized for the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined pitch, the rod lens has end surfaces perpendicular to an optical axis.

Abstract: A selenating reagent obtained by reacting lithium aluminum hydride with selenium powder in an organic solvent. In addition, a method for preparing a selenating reagent includes reacting lithium aluminum hydride with selenium powder in an organic solvent. Also, a method of preparing a selenium-containing product includes reacting the selenating reagent, prepared as stated, with at least one second compound which may be acyl chloride.

Abstract: A reactor comprises a reaction zone, optionally containing a catalyst bed, and heat exchange means inoperative contact with the reaction zone, e.g. embedded in a catalyst bed, and arranged so as to received reactants for heat exchange purposes, wherein the heat exchange means is formed from a plurality of superposed metal plates wherein fluid flow channels have been formed, according t a pre-determined pattern, the channel-bearing plates being aligned during superposition to define discrete heat exchange pathways respectively for reactant and working fluids, and the said plates are diffusion bonded together.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the level or amount of a material within a container is provided. The device includes a detection mechanism that can be a direct detection mechanism or an indirect detection mechanism. When the detection mechanism senses an upper level of the substance in the container that is below a predetermined lower limit for the substance, the mechanism operates an alarm mechanism to emit an audible and/or visible alarm to alert an individual to the low level of the substance within the container. The alarm mechanism can be integrally formed with the detection mechanism, or can be spaced from the detection mechanism in order to provide a more accessible point for the viewing or hearing of the alarm emitted by the alarm mechanism.

Abstract: A touch sense interface provided with an arm mechanism including an arm joint, a touch sense finger base arranged in the arm mechanism, and touch sense fingers arranged on the base. The touch sense fingers each include a fingertip engaging portion, which engages an operator's finger, and a finger joint. A first detection unit detects the position and posture of the operator's hand to generate a position and posture detection signal. A control unit, which is connected to the first detection unit, controls the arm joint in accordance with the position and posture detection signal and arranges the base opposed to the hand of the operator. A second detection unit, which is electrically connected to the control unit, detects the movement of each fingertip and generates a movement detection signal. The control unit controls the active finger joint in accordance with the movement detection signal.

Abstract: A vial illumination feature for a tool, such as a level, is configured so as to emit light toward a vial when the tool is used in a darkened environment. The vial extends across an opening or a space defined by the tool, and one or more vial retainer members engage the ends of the vial to maintain the vial in position within the opening or space. The vial illumination feature is carried out by forming the one or more vial retaining members of a luminescent material. The luminescence of the one or more vial retaining members functions to absorb light when the tool is exposed to light, and to emit light toward the surfaces of the vial when the tool is in a darkened environment, to illuminate the vial and to enable the bubble of the vial to easily be viewed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel constructional principle for electric heaters, wherein the functions of frame and resilient means are separated from one another. As a frame for an electric heater, a housing is used that consists of two half-shells. Positioning aids for the PTC heating elements are arranged in the housing. The longitudinal sides of the housing are essentially made open to allow for air throughput through the heating register. A resilient device is additionally inserted into the housing, the resilient device compressing the layered structure of radiator elements, PTC heating elements and contact sheets. After the heater has been assembled, the resilient device can be inserted through a lateral opening into the heater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic spring percussion mechanism comprising a driving piston moving back and forth in a housing of the percussion mechanism and a percussion piston, wherein a pneumatic spring is configured between the driving piston and the percussion piston. The movement of the driving piston can be transmitted to a percussion piston by means of said pneumatic spring. The driving piston can be driven by an electric linear motor and is connected to an aromatic of the linear motor, forming a single piece therewith. This arrangement makes it possible to eliminate the use of a conventional rotary motor and a crank mechanism to drive the driving piston.

Abstract: A reactor comprises a plurality of reaction zones divided by heat exchanger panels but in fluid communication via the panels, the reaction zones being arranged in a spiral configuration whereby the reaction zones form a flow path for reactants that extends between a central part of the reactor and an outer peripheral part thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to steerable vibration plates that are set vibrating by rotating unbalanced masses. By twisting the unbalanced masses relative to one another the resulting forces and their direction of action can be changed, thereby influencing the travel speed of the vibrating plate and its direction of travel. The inventive vibration plate is characterized in that the unbalanced masses disposed on a common shaft can be adjusted independent of external forces and torques since the adjustment piston adjusting the unbalanced masses is braced in the adjustment cylinder to a much higher degree than would be possible with conventional coil springs. To this end, every adjustable unbalanced mass is associated with a double-action hydraulic cylinder that comprises two liquid chambers. The connection of said chambers to a storage and a pump can be locked in order to fix the piston which can be adjusted within the hydraulic cylinder.