Abstract: The pressure sensor according to the present invention has a sensor chip having a first semiconductor layer that has an opening portion, and a second semiconductor layer, formed on the first semiconductor layer, having a recessed portion that forms a diaphragm and a base, having a pressure guiding hole that is connected to the opening portion, bonded to the sensor chip. The recessed portion in the second semiconductor layer is larger than the opening portion of the first semiconductor layer. The opening portion of the first semiconductor layer has an opening diameter on the second semiconductor layer side that is larger than the opening diameter on the base side.

Abstract: A system for transmission of signals between modules wherein, for example, it is possible to transmit reliably, between modules, information relating to, for example, the actuation of safety devices. A transmission module for transmitting a pulse signal of a specific period, which indicates the existence of information, generates, in time division, pulse signals by a plurality of signal generating units that are provided in parallel, and then combines these pulse signals into a single time series pulse signal. Then an attempt is made to output this pulse signal towards a receiving-side module through a relay for controlling the output, and the signals appearing at a normally-open terminal and at a normally-closed terminal of the relay are monitored to determine whether or not there is a failure, where the generation of the pulse signal is stopped when a failure is detected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods in which one or more miniature synthetic jet actuators are integrated with a chemical fluidic sensor (ChemFET) to effect inhalation and exhalation of ambient gas samples and induce small scale mixing at the surface of the sensor. The fluidically integrated jet transports ambient gas or liquid into the jet/sensor assembly through integrated gas or liquid channels, impinges the sample gas or liquid on the sensing element, and finally ejects the sample gas or liquid back into the ambient gas or liquid. The response of the sensor in the presence of the active jet is compared to its response when the jet is inactive. The jet actuator directs entrained ambient gas or liquid toward the active surface of the sensor, and the impingement of sample gas or liquid onto the surface of the sensor results in faster response time. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: To provide a fluorescent temperature sensor capable of identifying easily the location of a failure. A fluorescent temperature sensor for producing a temperature signal from fluorescent light from a fluorescent material and that has been optically stimulated comprises a light projecting module having an LED for projecting light at the fluorescent material and a second photodiode for receiving light emitted from the LED and a light receiving module having a first photodiode for receiving the light emitted from the fluorescent material, where the location of a failure in the sensor can be identified based on, at least, the output signal from the second photodiode.

Abstract: A relay failure detecting device able to detect reliably a fault in a relay circuit that provides alternating current power to a load through a relay that is a double-pole switch. Individual common terminals of first and second relays are connected individually to a pair of outputs terminals of an alternating current power supply, individual normally-open terminals of the first and second relays are connected to a pair of power supply input terminals, and a dummy load that is driven by the alternating current power supply through a diode between the individual normally-closed terminals of the first and second relays is provided. A fault in the first and second relays is evaluated from the state of operation of the dummy load when the first and second relays are not driven.

Abstract: Mounting brackets for use in attaching accessory devices to firearms are provided. Some embodiments can be configured as detachable and can comprise multiple transverse members disposed between two connection members and an attachment member. Connection members can be configured for attachment to an exterior firearm surface, such as along a top surface of a fire arm. The second generally parallel member can be spaced apart from the connection members and can comprise an outer surface, which can be configured as Picatinny rail for carrying devices. Transverse members can be disposed between and coupled to the parallel members, and the number of transverse members can. The transverse members can define openings enabling including structural strength, low weight, and compact, sleek design. The transverse members can be angled relative to the parallel members to provide structural and energy absorption features. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described herein.

Abstract: A virtual node ID control unit controls a virtual node ID that specifies a plurality of nodes as a single group. A status control unit controls node statuses that include information indicating the operating statuses of each individual node belonging to the group, and selects an operating mode that is either a priority mode. The local mode operates as an active node, or a standby mode, and the local mode operates as a standby node. A transmission/reception control unit controls the operation of the local node in accordance with the operating mode selected by the status control unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are any electronic system or module which includes embedded actives and discrete passives, and methods for use in fabricating packages containing embedded active devices and/or discrete passive devices. Exemplary apparatus comprises a plurality of build-up layers defining circuit interconnections and that comprise one or more thin film type of embedded passive devices, at least a cavity formed in the build-up layers, and at least an active device and/or at least a discrete passive device disposed in the cavity and electrically connected to the circuit interconnections of the build-up layers. A stiffener may be coupled to an exposed (back) surface of the active device and to an adjacent surface of the build-up layers. The build-up layers may be mounted to a core, and the core may be attached to a printed circuit board. Alternatively, a bottom surface of the build-up layers may be mounted to a printed circuit board without core.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and associated method for communicating information. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a general purpose transceiver having a receiver for receiving an information signal and a transmitter configured to transmit an outgoing signal to a central station. A portion of the information signal can include an instruction code, which may be decoded and acted upon accordingly. Other embodiments and features are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell has anode, cathode and electrolyte layers each formed essentially of a multi-oxide ceramic material and having a far-from-equilibrium, metastable structure selected from the group consisting of nanocrystalline, nanocomposite and amorphous. The electrolyte layer has a matrix of the ceramic material, and is impervious and serves as a fast oxygen ion conductor. The electrolyte layer has a matrix of the ceramic material and a dopant dispersed therein in an amount substantially greater than its equilibrium solubility in the ceramic matrix. The anode layer includes a continuous surface area metallic phase in which electron conduction is provided by the metallic phase and the multi-oxide ceramic matrix provides ionic conduction.

Abstract: A power unit is housed in a casing, and a screw (propeller) is disposed outside the casing, the screw being driven by the power unit. The casing is formed as a watertight case in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a left-right width direction being a longitudinal direction, and the case has at least a front face portion coupled to a stern portion and a substantially flat upper face portion at a substantially same height as a top portion of the stern portion.

Abstract: Computer based systems and program controlled methods reduce investors' exposure to the variability of an asset class's short-term volatility using rules-based long-only investments in various asset classes in which portfolio weights are dynamically rebalanced on a regular basis to a desired target volatility. This is achieved, in part, by constructing an index that represents a portfolio of liquid futures contracts, rebalanced as often as daily with the objective of maintaining the portfolio's volatility at a given level, typically the long-term average risk of that asset class.

Abstract: A colorant composition containing a hydrophobic latex polymer component to impart resistance to water-softening and -staining in a paint film made from a latex paint formulated with the colorant composition, as well as the paint and paint film, and methods for making the foregoing.

Abstract: An electric power generator is particularly suitable for providing back-up power to sites with multiple power requirements. This generator comprises a rack having multiple module bays; at least one power conversion module is mounted in one of the bays and is electrically coupled to a fuel cell stack also mounted in the rack or located remote from the rack. The power conversion module converts the voltage level and/or current type of some of the electricity produced by the stack such that the generator can simultaneously output electricity at multiple voltage levels and/or current types. The rack can be a standardized nineteen relay rack, making the generator relatively compact and compatible with sites configured accept such racks.

Abstract: A method of recovering oil from an oil sands reservoir comprises first applying cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) to a series of generally horizontally extending wells in the reservoir; then applying steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) to at least one vertically-spaced well pair in which one well in each well pair is part of the series of wells to which CSS was applied, while producing oil from at least one single well in the series of wells. In this case, each single well is adjacent to and offset from at least one of the well pairs. The method can then further comprise applying a SAGD blowdown to an injector well of each well pair and producing oil from a producer well of each well pair and from the single well to economic limit.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a platinum resistance thermometer that is stable with reduced resistance value variation over service temperature range through clarification of a quantitative mechanism of resistance value variation with respect to the oxidation/reduction of platinum resistance wire. The process including the steps of (S1) enclosing a purge gas containing an inert gas and oxygen in a protection tube provided with a thermosensitive part of platinum resistance wire; (S2) raising the internal temperature of the protection tube to a temperature region in which the platinum is in reduced form at a partial pressure of oxygen in the purge gas as determined from platinum oxide formation free energy; (S3) replacing the purge gas with an inert gas wherein oxygen is 1 kPa or below; and (S4) sealing the protection tube under the replaced condition.

Abstract: A passive system, apparatus, and method for transferring poultry products exiting the chiller to a cone or shackle line.