Abstract: An information collecting apparatus and collecting/analyzing system, including an input unit for sampling digital signals input from each part of an object to be measured, a transfer unit for transferring the digital signals via a communication interface to a host computer in substantially real time, and a control unit for controlling the input unit and transfer unit; and a host computer, including a signal processing unit for processing digital signals transferred from the information collecting apparatus, a storage device for storing processed digital signals in substantially real time, display units for displaying various types of images based on digital signals stored in the storage device, and a control unit for controlling the signal processing unit, storage device and display units.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for displaying gene expression patterns of multiple genes that change according to the experiment cases, where a first axis represents the genes and a second axis represents the experiment cases. The method comprises two steps. The first step consists of designating a segment along the second axis in the expression pattern data of the multiple genes. The second step comprises clustering the expression pattern data within the designated segment along the second axis based on a predetermined reference value, repeating clustering within the same cluster in a forward or reverse direction along the second axis while changing the reference value, and displaying the results according to a predetermined display format.

Abstract: A spreader for lifting freight containers includes a frame having a number of pickup elements mounted thereon, a processor and a data storage device mounted on the frame. The processor is coupled to an interface device to receive outputs from a number of sensors mounted on the spreader and to store data received from the sensors in the data storage device.

Abstract: A bar gun includes a housing assembly with valve seats, separate inlets to those seats and separate outlets from those seats. Valve elements are operatively mounted to the housing to cooperate with the valve seats. Actuators are pivotally mounted relative to the housing assembly to provide two valve actuations per actuator. A bar gun handle is arranged relative to the actuators to improve access to the actuator levers. A low-current electro-luminescent element is arranged behind a light-transmitting cover to improve visibility of labeling on the gun. Actuator bars are pivotally mounted below valve lifters on the actuators. Syrup valve elements and carbonated and noncarbonated water elements are located below the actuator bars to be actuated by the actuator bars to create the appropriate mix. Lost motion is provided between the actuator bars and the syrup valve elements to accommodate differentials in pressures between the waters and the syrups.

Abstract: An electronic throttle apparatus permits aggregating of various parts and rationalization of installation, and can simplify assembling operation and wiring operation to an engine room for rationalization of an installation space. The throttle apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body housing therein a throttle valve and disposed in an air intake of the engine, a throttle actuating motor, a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle valve angle and an air flow sensor located on upstream of the throttle valve and measuring an intake air flow rate. The throttle actuating motor, the throttle position sensor and the air flow sensor are mounted on the throttle body.

Abstract: The present invention is in a “virtual RPM sensor” which is preferably implemented by means of a software process. The software determines the RPM of a rotating machine using an adaptive signal processing algorithm. Preferably, the input to the software system of the present invention is digitized waveform data from either a vibration transducer on a rotating machine or vibration data stored in a database or file. The present invention permits the determination of the RPM of a rotating machine without the requirement of additional hardware so that readings may be obtained inexpensively, accurately and without interrupting machine operation.

Abstract: An arrangement for forming an opening in an auto interior trim panel or piece normally having no visible indication of the opening just prior to inflation of an inflatable air bag, allowing deployment of the air bag into the passenger compartment of vehicle, the arrangement including a linear element positioned below the skin of the trim panel or wheel cover in a pattern corresponding to the opening. In a first embodiment a heat generating element is employed as the linear element which when activated degrades the covering skin layer of the trim piece in pattern shape. In a second embodiment detonating cord enclosed in a metal tube is employed with a series of holes directing the energy of detonation to sever the panel skin material. In a third embodiment a split sleeve having explosive coating on the inside is used to create a flame front severing the panel skin in the appropriate pattern.

Abstract: A wind energy installation having a tower, a gondola supported by the tower, a rotor mounted in the gondola, and at least one pressure pump that is mechanically driven by the rotor and that feeds a raw water-treating reverse osmosis plant, the components of the reverse osmosis plant being arranged within the tower.

Abstract: A power supply line is wired in a loop from a battery power supply, and a power supply relay circuit is installed intermediately of the power supply line such that power is supplied from the power supply relay circuit to an electric load connected to a terminal unit of an intensive wiring line. By this arrangement, not only wires for control signals but also wires for power supply can be reduced. The terminal unit may serve also as the power supply relay circuit.

Abstract: A sludge concentrating apparatus comprising a sludge tank for storing sludge and a filter cloth having a shape of endless belt which turns between upper and lower rollers, further comprising filtering means of which at least the lowermost of rollers is immersed in the sludge, washing means of the filter cloth, and a filtrate chamber having a filtrate introducing port in contact with the filter cloth and a weir, wherein a sludge distributing tank serving as sludge introducing means into the sludge tank is provided near the upper end of the filtrate introducing port, and a concetrated sludge discharge tank serving as concertrated sludge introducing means with the filter cloth in between; said sludge concentrating apparatus further comprising coagulant adding means for adding an acid, and a flow adjustment device serving as a sludge uniform feeding means which feeds sludge fed into the sludge tank uniformly in the width direction of the filter cloth.

Abstract: An under bump metallurgic (UBM) layer which is adapted for a chip is disclosed. The UMM layer alleviate the loss of electromigration resulting from current crowing effect at the corner of UBM layer near the transmission line. By increasing the thickness of the UBM layer at the particular region which is close to the transmission line, losses of the UBM layer due to electromigration can be compensated. The life time of the chip is, therefore, enhanced.

Abstract: The thermal decomposition of Athabasca asphaltene at relatively low (<350° C.) temperatures is believed to proceed by elimination of groups situated on peripheral sites of the asphaltene. More severe degradation of the asphaltene structure does not occur until elevated (>350° C.) temperatures are attained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and method for treating liquid hydrocarbons in order to remove acidic impurities, such as mercaptans, particularly mercaptans having a molecular weight of about C4 (C4H10S=90 g/mole) and higher, such as recombinant mercaptans.

Abstract: A ground block connector is provided by forming a slot in a protrusion of a housing for an electrical device. A compression bolt is screwed into a threaded hole in the protrusion into the slot, for captively retaining a U-shaped compression electrical contact in the slot, whereby movement of the screw in one direction moves the contact toward the bottom of the slot, for compressibly retaining an end of a ground wire between the bottom of the contact and bottom of the slot.

Abstract: A semiconductor package structure with a microstrip antenna comprises a packaging substrate, a chip and a microstrip radiation device. The packaging substrate has an upper surface having a packaging area on which the chip is disposed and a peripheral area on which the microstrip radiation device is disposed for transceiving a signal of the chip.

Abstract: An occupant safety restraint system (“OSR system”) (10) and method for fully deploying an airbag (20) before an occupant contacts the airbag (20). In one embodiment, the OSR system (10) includes a seatbelt restraint system (12), a variable-output airbag system (14), and a controller (16) coupled to the seatbelt restraint system (12) and the airbag system (14). The seatbelt restraint system (12) includes a seatbelt restraint (24) for restraining the occupant and a seatbelt-tension sensor (28) for detecting a load or tension in the seatbelt restraint (24). The controller (16) utilizes the seatbelt load for determining a current seatbelt-tension rate and actuating the airbag system (14) to deploy the airbag (20) at one or more output rates. In other words, the controller (16) can utilize the seatbelt restraint system (12) and the airbag system (14) in combination for regulating the output rate of the airbag system (14).

Abstract: Apparatus for creating a local reduction in wave height comprises a buoyant or semi buoyant top surface portion (20) with drag inducing elements (26) disposed below said portion. The drag inducing elements (26) may be compressible or inflatable and collapsible. The apparatus is especially suitable for temporary usage at a given site, after which is may be transported to another site or stored. The compressible or collapsible nature of the drag inducing elements (26) facilitates transport and storage by minimising the volume of the apparatus when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, for filtering, containing and removing mold spores and other undesirable particulates in conjunction with a conventional vacuum cleaner. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing that contains a HEPA filter. The cylindrical housing is connected to an exhaust tubular connection which connects to a conventional vacuum or other vacuum source. The cylindrical housing is also connected to an intake tubular connection for drawing in a stream of air from which particles will be filtered. The cylindrical housing also includes a valve for selectively sealing the interior of the cylindrical housing from the atmosphere. According to one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a pressure relief valve for controlling the vacuum pressure. According to another embodiment, the apparatus includes a clamp for securing the apparatus to hoses of various sizes.

Abstract: A clip on welder includes two pairs of opposed grippers defined by pivotally attached upper and lower frames for latching the welder to heat weldable material, such as a length of tubing, upon actuation of a start button by an operator; thereafter, the welder operates unattended. At least a jaw of a pair of jaws disposed intermediate the two pairs of grippers heats the material compressed and lodged therebetween to form a weld in or across the material. A source of gas, such as air, under pressure selectively connected to a bellows provides the power to pivot the upper and lower frames into gripping engagement with the material. A source of electrical signals provides the power to heat the material intermediate the pair of jaws. One or more thermocouples senses the heat of the jaws and generates signals used to control the application of power and to control cooling. After completion of the weld, cooling air is directed to the jaws until the thermocouple(s) signal(s) indicates a sufficiently low temperature.

Abstract: The invention concerns thermoplastic polymeric compositions, comprising polyamide, having a high plastic strain temperature and good paintability. Said compositions comprise a polyamide, a rubber copolymer and vinyl monomers, made compatible by a styrene polymer.