Abstract: A magnetostrictive transducer assembly for generating a longitudinal elastic guided wave of a selected frequency and mode and for guiding the wave into an open end of a heat exchanger tube for testing the tube. The transducer assembly comprises a current-carrying coil of wire, a magnetostrictive material wrapped around the coil of wire, a mechanism for pressing the magnetostrictive material against an inner surface of the tube, and one or more biasing magnets placed in the vicinity of the current-carrying coil of wire and the magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: A toggle clamp locking mechanism for selectively coupling a work piece. The mechanism includes a base structure; a primary locking system movement between a retaining position and a release position, the primary locking system having a handle member pivotally coupled to the base structure, an action for engaging the workpiece in the retaining position and releasing the workpiece in the release position, and a linkage system mechanically interconnecting the handle member with the action. A second locking system having an engagement member is provided having a cam follower cammingly engaging a first detent when the primary locking system is in the retaining position preventing the primary locking system from moving from the retaining position. The second locking system is actuatable to disengage the cam follower from the first detent to enable movement of the primary locking system to move from the retaining position.

Abstract: An oral care composition comprising zinc phosphate, stannous fluoride, arginine or lysine and an organic acid buffer system, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: A through via structure includes a conductive wiring, at least one dielectric layer over the conductive wiring, a via hole in the at least one dielectric layer and exposing the conductive wiring, and a conductive via in the via hole. The conductive via includes a conductive barrier layer in a bottom portion of the via hole, and a conductive layer in a top portion of the via hole.

Abstract: A portable lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner that easily maneuverable includes a dirt bin that may be easily emptied and a pivoting handle apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are present for manufacturing a part. The part is comprised of a metal alloy and is positioned to form a positioned part. An electromagnetic field is generated that heats the positioned part. A surface of the positioned part is exposed to an inert gas, while the electromagnetic field is generated to create an inverse thermal gradient between an exterior of the positioned part and an interior section of the positioned part to form a heat treated part.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure is disclosed that includes a p-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) array having a first set of oxide diffusion layer (OD) structures, an n-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (NMOS) array having a second set of OD structures, and a dummy buffer zone surrounding the PMOS and NMOS arrays. The semiconductor structure has a uniform spacing between OD structures in the first and second sets of OD structures and between the PMOS and NMOS array, such that no dummy buffer zone is included between the PMOS array and the NMOS array.

Abstract: A steering system is described for a vehicle having steerable wheels. A hydraulic charge pressure circuit may be configured to provide charge pressure to one or more hydraulic components of the vehicle and a hydraulic drive pressure circuit may be configured to provide working pressure to one or more other hydraulic components of the vehicle. Hydraulic machines may rotate front wheels in order to drive the vehicle, and a front valve assembly may control steering of the front wheels by controlling the hydraulic machines. The hydraulic machines may be driven to rotate the front wheels by the working pressure from the hydraulic drive pressure circuit, and the front valve assembly may control the front hydraulic machines to steer the agricultural vehicle by controlling flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic charge pressure circuit through the front valve assembly.

Abstract: A method for controlling braking of a vehicle is configured to prevent a jerk which occurs when a driver removes his or her foot from a brake pedal when the vehicle is parked or stopped using a parking gear. The method is carried out such that a constant braking force is transferred to front and rear wheels, and braking pressure is gradually removed by using Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in consideration of a longitudinal direction acceleration in a state where the vehicle is parked or stopped.

Abstract: A clock duty cycle calibration and frequency multiplier circuit used in a square wave frequency multiplier has a multiplexing module, which performs a phase-inversion operation on a clock signal according to a control signal; a calibration module which adjusts the duty cycle according to a control signal, and outputs a clock signal with a 50% duty cycle; a delay module, which performs a delay operation on the clock signal according to a control signal; a detection module, which compares the clock signal and outputs a feedback signal; a control module, which outputs a control signal according to the feedback signal; a frequency multiplication module, which performs a frequency multiplication operation on the clock signal. Therefore, high-precision clock signal frequency multiplication is implemented with relatively low circuit complexity and low cost.

Abstract: Crossflow between two adjacent reservoir layers through leaky cement sheaths in offset wells during transient-pressure tests in one of the two reservoir layers is diagnosed and quantified. The obtained measures are determined based on individual well and layer properties. The pressure drawdown in the reservoir layer in which pressure transient testing is being performed is measured as a function of time. The longitudinal conductivity of a leaky cement sheath in an offset well and the pressure drawdown in the tested reservoir layer simultaneously control the crossflow rate to the tested reservoir layer from the adjacent reservoir layer at a given time.

Abstract: A fixed-line rotary trimmer head is provided having pivoting posts (line holding mechanisms) which allow folded strips of trimmer line to pivot out of the way when impacting stones, metal posts and the like to reduce wear and tear on the line and reduce line breakage, the trimmer line is loaded from the underside of the trimmer head and follows an approximate 90 degree curvilinear channel so that the distal ends of the line extend out the side of the trimmer head for use, the trimmer head also comprises means for pushing the trimmer line partially out of the channel for ease of use and for removal of unused trimmer line.

Abstract: A coordinate detecting apparatus includes: a plurality of light-emitting and -receiving units arranged along an outer edge of the coordinate input area, the plurality of light-emitting and -receiving units each including a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part; at least one retroreflective member arranged along the outer edge of the coordinate input area; and a control unit to control the plurality of light-emitting and -receiving units to detect coordinates of a position of input made with a designation input unit in a first detection state or a second detection state.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a manuscript reader configured to read a manuscript, an embedment processing unit configured to perform a process of embedding additional information into data of the manuscript that has been read by the manuscript reader. The embedment processing unit embeds, as the additional information, a pattern including a plurality of dots arranged in such a shape that an inclination of the manuscript is detectable.

Abstract: A snap-action valve assembly for an exhaust system is provided that includes a first conduit and a second conduit that are joined to together to define an exhaust passageway. A valve flap is disposed within the exhaust passageway for controlling exhaust flow. A shaft supports the valve flap in the exhaust passageway for rotation between open and closed positions. First and second bushings support the shaft. A pad made of wire mesh is attached to the valve flap. The pad includes an end portion that contacts the first or second conduit in the closed position and side wings that contact the first or second conduit in the open position. A resilient tongue may support the pad on an angle relative to the valve flap and a mass damper may be attached to one end of the shaft. These features dampen vibration and reduce valve flap flutter.

Abstract: A human machine interface (HMI) minimizing the number of gestures for operation control in which user-intended operation commands are accurately recognized by dividing a vehicle interior into a plurality of regions. The HMI receives an input of a gesture according to each region, and controls any one device according to the gesture. Convenience of a user is improved because the gesture may be performed in a state in which region restriction is minimized by identifying an operation state and an operation pattern of an electronic device designated according to each region to recognize the user's intention when the user performs the gesture in a boundary portion between two regions or even in multiple regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a headlamp shield is provided, which simplifies the operation structure of a bi-functional headlamp shield to reduce costs and improve quality. The apparatus includes a shield that rotates integrally with a rotary shaft thereof, and a coil section formed to cylindrically surround the rotary shaft, and that is configured to generate an electromagnetic force for moving the rotary shaft in a linear trajectory when a current is applied to the coil section. Further, a motion direction switching component adjusts the linear axial movement of the rotary shaft to axial rotation thereof.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Balconglav’, characterized by its medium purple-violet colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, low growth vigor, and compact-mounded growth habit, is disclosed.