Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating uniformly sized spherical ice particles. The apparatus comprises a water feed pump, a vacuum chamber connected to the water feed pump and having a water spray nozzle, boosters discharging the vapor from the vacuum chamber to maintain the inside of the vacuum chamber below a desired pressure and compressing it, a condenser for condensing the vapor being compressed by the boosters, and a vacuum pump for removing noncondensable gases from the condenser.

Abstract: A device for checking the temperature within an enclosure when the temperature in the enclose is to be maintained within a range between to extreme values. The device includes a container having a transparent wall and two separate materials giving rise respectively to changes of state at the temperatures equal to the two extreme values, the materials being contained in a container such that detection of the respective states of the two materials can be determiner through the walls of the container.

Abstract: An improved control method for an electronically controlled variable displacement refrigerant compressor, where the control has normal and high speed displacement control modes, with smooth transitions between such control modes. The displacement control mechanism is in the form of a solenoid valve, and the valve is pulse-width-modulated (PWM) at a variable duty cycle to regulate displacement of the compressor. When the compressor is operating in a normal speed range, a first control mode determines a normal PWM duty cycle to satisfy cooling demand; when the compressor is operating in a high speed range, a second control mode determines an alternate PWM duty cycle based on compressor speed. The solenoid valve is operated in accordance with the duty cycle corresponding to the lower displacement. A smooth transition from the normal control mode to the high speed control mode is achieved by scheduling the alternate duty cycle as a function of compressor speed.

Abstract: A frost detecting device including a frost detector which detects the amount of frost from the temperature difference between a detecting thermal sensitive element and a compensating thermal sensitive element is provided. The frost detecting device includes: a frost detector 1 made up of a detecting thermal sensitive element and a compensating thermal sensitive element; an amplifier circuit 2 for amplifying an output signal from the frost detector 1; a comparator circuit 3 for comparing an output voltage from the amplifier circuit 2 with a set level; an operation detecting circuit 5 for detecting operating conditions of a compressor and a cooling fan 4; and a judging circuit 6 for detecting the amount of frost in accordance with output voltages from the operation detecting circuit 5 and the comparator circuit 3. The output from the comparator circuit 3 is used to detect the amount of frost only when the compressor and the cooling fan 4 are both in operation.

Abstract: A multiple type air conditioner has an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. The outdoor unit has a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. Each indoor unit has an indoor heat exchanger. A bypass pipe connects the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor, and the opening degree of the bypass pipe is controlled by a bypass valve. The temperature of the refrigerant circulating from the indoor heat exchanger to the compressor is sensed by a sensor. As the temperature of the refrigerant sensed by the sensor increases, the opening degree of the bypass pipe decreases. Thus, the amount of refrigerant supplied to the indoor heat exchanger and that of refrigerant bypassed by the bypass pipe are controlled according to the temperature of the refrigerant, whereby the cooling efficiency is enhanced. Further, the difference in pressure between the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger and that flowing out of the bypass pipe is lowered, whereby noise is reduced.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a modulatable compressor and a Rankine cycle refrigeration circuit having at least two evaporators. The flow rate of the compressor is modulated in response to the sensed temperature of the masses being cooled, and the control circuit switches valves to control the refrigerant flow path and modulates the flow rate of the compressor to optimize the efficiency of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A vapor compression system in which a quantity of a refrigerant circulates between at least two pressure levels in a condenser and an evaporator respectively, comprises a compressor (1) for increasing the pressure of refrigerant vapor; a condenser (5) for high pressure refrigerant vapor received from the compressor; an expansion device (13) such as a valve across which the pressure differential between the condenser and the evaporator is maintained, to control the withdrawal of liquid refrigerant from the condenser according to the volume of liquid refrigerant that is within or behind it; an evaporator (15) for liquid refrigerant received from the condenser; a receiver (21) into which refrigerant is discharged from the evaporator, with a vapor withdrawal conduit (25) through which vapor is withdrawn from the receiver for supply to the compressor, the receiver including a reservoir (23) into which liquid refrigerant discharged from the evaporator collects, to control supply of liquid refrigerant to the compres

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle having an exhaust pipe for dispensing engine exhaust gas. Includes a container for containing a liquid coolant, a pump for driving the coolant, and a heat exchanger connected to the container and associated with the exhaust pipe to enable the exhaust gas to vaporize the coolant. The system includes a jet device having a side opening and incorporating a nozzle adjacent to the side opening for produce a jet of a first part of the coolant passing through it, thereby creating a negative pressure, due to the venturi effect, at the side opening. An evaporator is provided for the entry of a second part of the coolant, which evaporator is connected to the side opening of the jet device for the application of the negative pressure thereto, thereby causing evaporation of the second part of the coolant entering into the evaporator to produce a cooling effect for cooling the air supplied into a cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular air conditioning system comprises a self-contained refrigeration power cell, a heat exchanger remotely located from the refrigeration power cell, and a low pressure refrigerant communication circuit operably coupling the refrigeration power cell to the heat exchanger. The refrigeration power cell comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator which are serially coupled to form a high pressure closed refrigeration circuit. A drive mechanism, such as an electric or hydraulic motor, or conventional belt, is coupled to the compressor. The low pressure refrigerant communication circuit thermally interfaces with the condenser to remove heat from the high pressure closed refrigeration circuit. Alternatively, this circuit thermally interfaces with the evaporator to remove heat from the low pressure refrigerant. This heat exchanger is adapted to mount in the cabin of an over-the-road or off-road vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an electrical component is disclosed which comprises a sorber containing a sorbent; a condenser in fluid communication with the sorber; an evaporator in fluid communication with both the sorber and the condenser and connected in heat-exchange relation to the electrical component; wherein a sorbate which has been condensed in the condenser is evaporated in the evaporator, thereby absorbing heat from the electrical component, and then adsorbed onto the sorbent; an electromagnetic wave generator; a waveguide coupler for directing the electromagnetic waves to the sorbent; wherein the sorbate is desorbed from the sorbent by the electromagnetic waves and condensed in the condenser; and wherein the desorption of the sorbate from the sorbent is substantially isothermal.

Abstract: The combined air exchange and air conditioning unit is used for conditioning air from a conditioned space. The unit comprises an exhaust air chamber, a return air chamber, a supply air chamber, and a fresh air chamber. A supply blower is used for drawing air from inside the supply air chamber to the outside and an exhaust blower is used for drawing air from inside the exhaust air chamber. A central plate damper is provided for regulating air transfers between the chambers. The damper plate is movable within a position range defined between two extreme positions, the first position allowing a connection of the return air chamber with the supply air chamber and a connection of the fresh air chamber with the exhaust air chamber, the second extreme position allowing a connection of the return air chamber with the exhaust air chamber and a connection of the fresh air chamber with the supply air chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a blowing fan being capable of blowing bilaterally in a cool air duct. When a door is opened, the blowing fan blows to discharge cool air from the cool air duct, so the air curtain for shutting off a cooling compartment is generated. When the door is closed, the blowing fan blows to draw cool air in the cooling compartment into the cool air duct, so the circulation of the cool air is actively performed, and the cooling efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system including a compressor, a condenser coupled to the compressor, an evaporator coupled to the condenser, and an accumulator coupled between the evaporator and the compressor, an adsorbent unit in the accumulator, the adsorbent unit including a casing and adsorbent in the casing, and the casing being fabricated of a fabric which does not produce a thumping noise emanating from the accumulator when the compressor is cycled on.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming an initial anticorrosive film in an absorption chiller-heater, by selecting optimal conditions of absorbent solution, steel material surface and film-forming operation for forming a good initial anticorrosive film. In the process for forming an initial anticorrosion film in an absorption chiller-heater having steel parts and containing an absorbent solution comprising lithium bromide as its main component and containing a lithium molybdate corrosion inhibitor according to the present invention, the main characteristics are that at least part of the steel parts of the absorption chiller-heater contacting with an absorbent solution at a temperature of higher than 100.degree. C. include a bare metal surface having an arithmetic mean surface roughness of not more than 1.0 .mu.

Abstract: A refrigeration system capable of providing cooling during at least a portion of a repeatable refrigeration cycle, the refrigeration system comprising at least one sorber having a housing forming an enclosure, a sorbent located within the enclosure, an evaporator in fluid communication with the enclosure, a condenser in fluid communication with both the enclosure and the evaporator, wherein a sorbate is evaporated in the evaporator to provide a cooling effect and then adsorbed by the sorbent, an electromagnetic wave generator, a waveguide coupler for coupling electromagnetic waves generated by the generating means to the sorber, wherein during a desorb portion of the refrigeration cycle the sorbate is desorbed from the sorbent by the electromagnetic waves and then condensed in the condenser, wherein the desorption of the sorbate from the sorbent is primarily isothermal, and a controller for controlling the operation of the generator, wherein the generator is selectively activated and deactivated to initiate a

Abstract: An air-conditioning condenser has a reservoir screwed axially into a base which itself is brazed onto a header box of the condenser. The reservoir communicates with the header box through pipes formed in the base. The condenser is suitable for use in the air conditioning apparatus for automobile passenger compartments.

Abstract: A process and a system for the low-temperature separation of air by rectification is provided. A liquid fraction is obtained in a rectifying system, stored in a tank and at least a portion of the liquid fraction taken out of the tank and brought to an increased pressure. During normal operation, the liquid fraction, which was brought to an increased pressure, is heated in a preheat exchanger and evaporated in the main heat exchanger. During an operating disturbance, at least a portion of the liquid product is removed from the tank, evaporated and used for an emergency supply.

Abstract: A mold support frame assembly including a pair of mold support frames between which a connector extends and cooperates with to provide a thermally stable center. Each mold support frame includes a linkage extending between a pair of spaced legs and having a connection to a mold positioning member adjacent a centering location thereof so that thermal expansion and contraction takes place about the centering location. The connector includes a second mold positioning member that extends between the pair of mold support frames and has a second mold centering location. A second linkage extends between the pair of mold support frames and has a connection to the second mold positioning member adjacent its second mold centering location to provide thermal expansion and contraction of the second mold positioning member about its second mold centering location.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for forming glass sheets includes a topside transfer platen (44) that releases a heated glass sheet onto a mold supported in an upper position by a mold support frame assembly (62) which then moves the mold vertically downward and rotationally to a lower position for movement horizontally on a track (66) from below the topside transfer platen for continuation of the forming. The apparatus includes an elevator mechanism (84) having a pair of elevators (86) and an associated pair of actuators (88) that are movable different extents in order to provide the vertical and rotational movement of the mold frame support assembly (62).

Abstract: A glass gob delivery system for conveying gobs of molten glass from an oscillating gob delivery chute to a blank mold of a glass container forming machine of the I.S. type. The delivery system comprises an elongate trough that extends downwardly from an inlet to an outlet and a deflector with an inlet near the outlet from the trough and an outlet near the blank mold. The trough has a cross-section in the form of an upwardly facing U whose opposed legs extend parallel or substantially parallel to one another, the spacing between the opposed legs tapering gradually from a greater spacing at the inlet to a lesser spacing at the outlet.

Abstract: A cooling system for use with a glassware machine having a plunger, a mold and a valve. The system includes a supply of cooling fluid such as air. The system further includes devices for cooling the plunger, the mold and the valve that are in communication with the supply of fluid.

Abstract: In a circular knitting machine shut-down positioning and needle/feeder position control method, two signals of 90.degree. phase difference are obtained from an encoder and then processed through a pulse generator for controlling the positioning of the forward/reverse rotation of the needle signal for controlling the positioning of the forward/reverse rotation of the needle cylinder and the value of the distance between the point of origin of the needle cylinder and the point of origin of the encoder are inputted into a needle position processing circuit for processing into a control signal, permitting the control signal thus obtained to be inputted into a main control circuit of the circular knitting machine for determining the real position of the first needle and the first feeder of the circular knitting machine.

Abstract: A device and method for fastening to equipment subject to theft and provided with a security slot. The device is inserted in the security slot located in the shell of the equipment. The device includes of two similarly-shaped plates having a hooked tang protruding from one edge. The plate tangs are inserted through the security hole so that the hooks grip the hole edges and the plates are wedged in back-to-back. The device further includes a locking mechanism such as a tab defining an aperture, through which a cable or lock is passed to hold the plates together in place. The device may include a saddle to cover the plates, or may include one plate bearing a locking member to rotatably engage the equipment to secure it against theft.

Abstract: A keylock assembly including both a keylock device for locking a door to a chassis frame and a securing device for securing the door to the chassis frame so that the door can be secured to the chassis frame without having to lock the door. The chassis may house a computer system that includes a processor and a peripheral device. The keylock device includes a latch member and a keylock wherein the securing device includes a threaded portion screwed into the keylock to attach the latch member to the keylock. One example of a securing device attached to the keylock device is a ball stud. To secure the door to the chassis frame, the ball stud engages a corresponding structure, such as a two pronged clip, when the door is in a closed position with respect to the chassis frame. The door may be removably and pivotally attached to the housing frame via a hinge.

Abstract: A locking device for use in connection with an energy controlling apparatus, such as a valve, or regulator, to prevent unauthorized persons from changing the position of a rotatable shaft of the apparatus that controls the amount of energy that flows through the apparatus. The locking device includes a handle used to manually set the position of the shaft. It also includes a gear that is rotatably mounted in the handle and is fixed to the shaft of the apparatus. A first locking mechanism carried by the handle mechanically and selectively couples the handle and the gear through a key access to the lock. A spring-biased ratchet mechanism may be provided to permit rotation of the shaft in one direction only. A personal locking mechanism with only a single key is selectively lockable to the handle so that in the locked position it prevents access to the first locking mechanism.

Abstract: A door lock has a first handle, a second handle, and a lock device disposed between the first handle and the second handle. The lock device has a disk disposed on the second handle, an annular cover disposed on the first handle, a sleeve disposed on the disk, an annular dish, an annular spring, a cage ring, and an annular cage seat disposed in the annular cover in order, a case disposed between the sleeve and the annular cage seat, a draft block inserted in the case, a core inserted in the first handle, a tube inserted in the second handle, a button inserted in a rear end of the tube, an extended rod extending from the button and inserted in the tube, a pipe inserted in the first handle, a collar inserted in the disk, a positioning plate inserted in the sleeve, a hollow cylinder device inserted in the pipe, a compression spring inserterd in the hollow cylinder device, and a block seat disposed in the draft block.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle latch system has a latch having a locking element displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a latching element actuatable in the unlocked condition of the latch to unlock the latch and ineffective when actuated in the locked condition of the latch. An outside door handle connected to the latching element is movable between an actuated position and an unactuated position and a key having a transponder can fit in a rotatable body carrying an electrically powered transponder reader that can read a code of the transponder of the key. An electrically powered electromagnetic coupling has one part connected to the body and another part connected to the locking lever and can be energized to close and couple the two parts together and thereby connect the body with the locking lever. An electrically powered controller connected to the transponder reader and the coupling can energize and close the coupling when the transponder in the key matches a predetermined code.

Abstract: A door lock (1), preferably operable both by a mechanical key (C) with a key cylinder (60) and by an electronic signal and having inside and outside handles (A, B) mounted on inside and outside hollow spindles (10, 50), for mounting on a door having an inside face and an outside face, has a cylindrical lock chassis (80) with a provision for retracting a latch bolt (4) in response to rotation of either of the hollow spindles (10, 50); a member (40) for selectively locking the outside spindle (50) against rotation; a reversible electric motor (20) mounted coaxially within the inside spindle (10), the motor being secured against rotation but free to slide axially against resistance provided by a biasing member (21), and having a motor shaft (31) extending through the cylindrical lock chassis (80) to operably engage the member (40) for locking the outside spindle (50); a power supply (101) for the motor (20); and a mechanism (42, 45, 61) for selectively moving the member (40) between locked and unlocked positions

Abstract: A mechanism for locking the back cover of a combination lock to the lock housing is described having two sequentially and phased moveable parts, each having an aperture through which a locking member may be inserted, the apertures are disposed in parts moveable in parallel and adjacent planes and a portion of each aperture is at all times aligned with the other aperture such that a third member may extend through the apertures. The apertures have enlarged portions which will pass the third member and channel portions which prevent withdrawal of the third member while permitting movement of the moveable parts. The third member is carried by the back cover of the lock and can only be withdrawn by sequentially withdrawing from a first moveable part, shifting the moveable parts to a second position and withdrawing from the second moveable part.

Abstract: An axial pin tumbler lock and key assembly comprise a housing with an axial pin tumbler barrel fixed within the housing and including passages for storage of key change tumblers. A rotatable forward barrel and spindle include axial pin tumblers movable in response to the insertion of an appropriate key of the type having a hollow cylindrical barrel for engagement with the tumblers. The key includes detents on the inside surface of the cylindrical barrel and radial ribs on the outside surface thereof for actuation of the front barrel.

Abstract: A method and system are provided that enable an operator without skills in performing bending operations to easily and quickly perform precise bending operations on a sheet workpiece by following a skilled operator's experience, hints or data. The method may include: storing data for a shape of a part; storing data related to a bending order for manufacturing the part from a workpiece; selecting tools for performing each bending operation; storing data for the selected tools or dies; storing bending press control data for controlling the operation of the bending press to perform the bending operations in accordance with the bending order; and storing bending operation support information for supporting an operator for performing the bending operations by using the bending press.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for a surface treatment of a metallic product. In this method, by conducting one step of injecting mixture shots including at least two types of shots comprised of different or same materials consisting of high hardness metal or metallic component and having different shot diameters between 0.6 and 0.03 mm onto the surface of a metallic product at an injection pressure of not less than 0.29 MPa or not less than 50 m/sec, the residual compressive stress of the surface of the metallic product and that of a lower surface layer are made at least -1200 MPa and that of a portion having a depth of about 50 .mu.m below the surface of the metallic product is made -1300 MPa or higher.

Abstract: A method for producing press-rolled tubes (3) with a press mandrel (1) and one or more pressure rollers (2), with the tube (3) being arranged between the press mandrel (1) and the pressure rollers (2) and being plastically deformed by means of force loading of the pressure rollers (2). To produce tubes with end wall thickenings, in a first working operation, a first press mandrel (1a) with a tailstock-end shoulder (4) is used. The pressure rollers (2) begin their transforming work at the tailstock-end shoulder (4) and work in the direction of the machine spindle. The half-finished tube (3a) is taken from the first press mandrel (1a), and, in a second working operation, the half-finished tube (3a) is clamped at the end with the wall thickening (5) which has already produced into a lathe chuck (6) (tensioning spindle or similar) mounted in the press-rolling machine, and a second press mandrel (1b), fastened on the tailstock end and having an outer diameter (d.sub.

Abstract: A boost bend method of making tight radius bends in boiler tubes, such as bends having a radius of 1.times.D or less, in which a selected portion of the intrados of the tube is heated in a controlled manner thereby reducing the necessary tube wall thickness relative to the diameter of the tube for 180.degree. bends. Tubes bent using the method may have wall thicknesses of about 6.6% of the tube diameter and suffer less than about 7% thinning of the extrados tube wall.

Abstract: A bending machine has a machine bed on which a pipe supporting carriage is mounted to move a pipe in a first direction toward a dual bend head assembly at the forward end of the machine bed. The assembly has a support frame and first and second spaced bend heads each rotatably mounted on the frame for rotation about a horizontal bend axis aligned with the bend axis of the other bend head. Each bend head has at least one pair of opposing bend and clamp dies defining a die cavity. The dual bend head assembly is movably mounted on the forward end of the machine bed for movement in a horizontal direction transverse to the pipe axis between at least two horizontally spaced positions in which the pipe is aligned with the die cavity of the first and second bend head, respectively.

Abstract: A decamberer for strip of approximate rectangular section has opposed rollers defining a downstream extent each with grooves receiving the strip edges and maintaining the strip in an approximate plane, and defining when viewed perpendicular to the plane an undulatory shape and with a progressively decreasing amplitude of oscillation.

Abstract: Device to remove working rolls in a four-high rolling stand includes an upper working roll (11a) and a lower working roll (11b), associated with respective supporting chocks (12a, 12b), and relative back-up rolls, upper (13a) and lower (13b), associated with respective supporting chocks (14a, 14b). At least the chocks (14b) of the lower back-up roll (13b) laterally and partly contain the chocks (12b) of the lower working roll (11b). A pair of sliding rails (15) are mounted on board the chocks (14b) of the lower back-up roll (13b) and are movable vertically with respect thereto, the rails (15) including a first lowered, or inactive position, and a second raised, or working position, associated with the chocks (12b) of the lower working roll (11b) the chocks (12b) are associated at the lower part with relative sliders (21) suitable to cooperate with the rails (15) located in the raised positions.

Abstract: A roll stand with work rolls supported by a back-up roll either directly or through an intermediate roll, particularly work rolls which are axially displaceable in opposite directions, wherein at least one of the rolls of the roll stand is constructed with varying resilience over the length thereof, particularly with a greater flattening behavior in at least a portion thereof. For this purpose, at least one of the rolls has in the area between the roll neck and the outer surface of the roll at least one notch extending concentrically about the axis.

Abstract: A straightening machine for rolled beams, particularly I-beams, wherein at least one of the two straightening disks which rest from the inside against the beam flanges and are supported by a straightening shaft is axially adjustable. One of the straightening disks is fixedly connected to the straightening shaft through a mounting sleeve, while the other straightening disk is fixedly positioned in accordance with its adjusting dimension on a sliding sleeve which is adjustably mounted on the sleeve. Optionally, the mounting sleeve can be coupled to the sliding sleeve, on the one hand, and the sliding sleeve can separately be coupled to a piston/cylinder unit, on the other hand.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of a lower die having a groove-like cavity formed at its upper surface; a rotary die supported in the cavity of the lower die at both ends thereof by a shaft and rotatably stored in it; an upper die arranged above the rotary die; and a driving device for rotating said rotary die in a downward direction after the upper die is opened and for retracting it. The cavity is formed with some protrusion steps at its inner circumferential surface for use in supporting the rotary die when pressed. The rotary die is formed with a forming part for gathering and bending a metallic plate at its upper surface to be extended in a longitudinal direction of the rotary die. The gathering and bending blade to be fitted to the forming part of the rotary die is formed at the upper die.

Abstract: A sheet bending brake includes a bending member pivotingly associated with the fixed jaw and configurable therewith in at least one of a clamping and pressing arrangement. The bending member includes semicircular-shaped projecting flange elements that are adjustably positioned within respective complementary grooves formed in the fixed jaw. The movable upper jaw and fixed lower jaw are rotatingly adjustably secured to the "C"-shaped frame member, permitting the frame and jaw assemblies to be reconfigured in various relative orientations to thereby adapt the brake to front feed, end feed, and rear feed applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming tapered metal container bodies from relatively hard material having a Rockwell hardness within the range of 73 and 79. A disc-shaped blank is formed into a cup having an integral bottom wall and cylindrical sidewall, wherein the sidewall has an axial height generally equal to one-half the axial height of the desired final container body without thinning the metal. The cup is then redrawn at a first redraw station to form a first stage container body having the desired axial height and bottom wall diameter with the sidewall being cylindrical or having a very slight taper. This first stage container body is then redrawn at a second redraw station to impart a taper of between 2.degree. and 4.degree. to the sidewall without affecting the axial height of the sidewall or the metal thickness thereof. The apparatus includes a draw station and at least two redrawn stations and may include a die for profiling the bottom wall of the final container body.

Abstract: An anti-intrusion barrier comprising a corrugated metal sheet and at least one mounting flange integral with the sheet. The flange comprises extensions of the corrugations which have been collapsed inwardly upon themselves so as to provide a plurality of plateaus each defined by a pair of pleats formed by collapsed walls of the corrugations.

Abstract: A determination as to whether or not the absolute value PCHK of the deviation between a detection value PTANK of a pressure sensor and its average value PTANKAVE exceeds a predetermined pressure DLEAKCHK is repeated within a predetermined time TINTVAL. The number of times the absolute value PCHK has exceeded the predetermined pressure DLEAKCHK is measured on a failure determination counter C91BNG. When the value of the counter C91BNG exceeds a determination threshold value 91BJVD, it is determined that the pressure sensor fails (time t10).

Abstract: A device for determining the level of nitric oxide in an exhaled airstream belonging to a living organism selected to have its lung function evaluated, where an initial device is arranged to determine the current portion of nitric oxide and/or the distribution of nitric oxide over time during an exhalation phase. During the commencing period of the exhalation phase, the exhaled air is arranged to pass with no or with only a very small resistance or back-pressure to a free space, and during the remaining period, the exhaled air is arranged to pass through the initial device against the action of a suitable resistance or back-pressure. The level of nitric oxide is measured during this remaining period.

Abstract: A leak sensor system for use in liquid processing equipment is disclosed. Liquid is detected by a sensing resistor whose impedance decreases dramatically in the presence of liquid. The effect of this impedance drop on the output voltage of he sensor indicates a wet or moist state which may indicate leakage from the liquid processing. A terminal resistor is in the circuit beyond the sensing resistor ro provide a warning indicator when the sensing resistor is damage or disconnected. The leak sensor system is particularly useful in centrifuge equipment, e.g., for the processing of blood.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods whereby flexible walled containers may be automatically pressure tested at a pressure testing station for the purpose of determining the presence of defective containers. Detected defective containers may thereafter be transported to an ejector station and ejected physically from their respective supporting tray. The pressure testing station is provided with an array of pressure testing heads which are moveable reciprocally towards and away from the containers while supported in their tray. Each of the pressure testing heads thus makes sealing contact with the rim of an individual respective one of the containers supported in the tray. The ejector station is provided with an array of ejector assemblies equal in number to the number of containers supported on a tray and oriented at an angle relative to a vertical cross-machine plane. If a container is determined to be defective (i.e.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring energy dissipation during oscillatory operation of an atomic force microscope (AFM). Interaction between the AFM's probe and another medium of interest dissipates energy. This dissipation is reflected by an effect on one or more parameters of probe oscillation such as the amplitude of probe tip oscillation and/or the phase of the probe tip relative to the probe's base. The invention is capable of obtaining an indication of energy dissipated during operation of the AFM by measuring one or more of these parameters and by combining them to produce an energy dissipation signal. In the typical case in which the medium of interest is the sample, an indication is obtained of energy dissipated due to interaction between the probe tip and the sample surface.

Abstract: A method for determining an approximate, instantaneous fuel economy of a gasoline powered motor vehicle. The method involves determining a nominal fuel flow through fuel injectors of the vehicle's engine under static pressure conditions and adding to this value a determined additional quantity of fuel flow through the injectors which is caused by dynamic conditions such as engine rpm, vehicle speed, etc. The additional quantity of fuel flow is determined in part by monitoring a pressure drop across the intake manifold of the vehicle. The temperature of the fuel and the octane rating of the fuel are estimated and used to help determine a fuel density value. The fuel density value is then used to determine a total volume of fuel used. The total volume of fuel used is then ratioed with distance information to provide a fuel economy value.

Abstract: A test instrument used by mechanics who trouble-shoot or who rebuild automatic transmissions for automobiles, truck and other conveyances, or who repair automatic transmission solenoids and pressure switches. Simulated operating conditions are provided which allow the testing of solenoids and pressure switches which have been removed from an automatic transmission.