Abstract: A helical-screw rotary compressor having a twin rotor configuration or a multi-rotor (i.e., at least three) configuration with defined compressor induction and discharge ends has at least one unloader piston disposed at said compressor discharge end.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic self-adjusting thermally powered expansion valve for controlling the flow of refrigerant to an evaporator of a refrigeration system. The valve includes a differential fluid amplifier transducer which produces a constant flow of refrigerant independent of the liquid line pressure and includes a generally cylindrical interior with an inlet chamber having an inlet port and an outlet chamber having an outlet port and an orifice between the chambers providing a passage for the flow of refrigerant through the valve. The flow of refrigerant through the valve is regulated by a valve element, which moves longitudinally within the chambers with respect to the orifice. The longitudinal position of the valve element is controlled by force generators and sensors. The position of the valve element depends on the fluid pressure and the size of the pressure disks, and the spring constant of the compression spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerating system and a method of operating a refrigerating system. The refrigerating system includes a compressor, a gas cooler used as a heat-dissipation type heat exchanger, an expansion valve used as a throttling means, an evaporator used as a heat-absorption type heat exchanger and an accumulator, which are connected in series with each other to form a closed circuit. The closed circuit is adapted so that the higher pressure of the closed circuit becomes the supercritical pressure of a refrigerant circulating the closed circuit. This has a control characteristic property wherein the lower evaporating pressure increases as the higher pressure increases.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling (TEC) device is thermally coupled, in close proximity, to a GMR head chip. When power is applied to the TEC device, heat is extracted from the GMR head chip by heat transfer to the cold end of the TEC device and rejected by heat pipes or cooling fins along the slider arm, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, a TEC device is integrated with the GMR head chip such that the cold end of the TEC device is physically and thermally coupled with the GMR head chip. Heat is transferred from the GMR head chip to a thermal spreader pad on the `hot` end of the integrated GMR/TEC device.

Abstract: A cooling and heating device that may be used in conjunction with a perso air conditioned apparatus is disclosed. The cooling and heating device not only cools the user of the personal conditioned air apparatus, but provides for heating a user by harnessing the by-product of the cooling process, as well as provides ballistic protection for the person using the personal conditioned air apparatus.

Abstract: An evaporator unit for use in the passenger compartment of a small bus that includes a low profile cabinet mounted in the ceiling of the passenger compartment against the back wall of the compartment. The cabinet contains a housing having a floor that slants downwardly from front to back and an evaporator coil is mounted in the front of the housing that is tilted rearwardly to reduce the height of the cabinet. A tangential blower wheel is mounted behind the coil and arranged to pass air from an inlet in the floor of the housing through the coil and out of the cabinet outlet. A shroud surrounds the blower wheel that cooperates with a baffle plate to efficiently conduct air through the unit. The top edge of the baffle forms the lower lip of the shroud exit region and the plate extends downward so that its lower edge is adjacent to the bottom of the coil to establish a converging air passage with the rear face of the coil to evenly distributes the air flow passing through the coil.

Abstract: A heat exchange unit for incorporation internally of a food or beverage container in such a manner that the external surface thereof is in contact with the food or beverage. A food grade coating is adhered to and completely covers the entire exterior surface of the heat exchange unit to preclude direct contact of the food or beverage with surface of the heat exchange unit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prevent ice making water from splashing outside of an ice making water tank with a simple means. Flat members are provided at the right and left outermost portions of an ice making unit such that the front ends, the rear ends and the lower ends of the flat members are elongated forward, rearward and downward with respect to the front ends, the rear ends and the lower ends of the ice making plates to prevent the ice making water from splashing to the right and left outside of the ice making plates. Moreover the flat members can be provided as side plates comprising the ice making unit. Further, notches can be provided at the lower front corner portions of the side plates. Or a front cover having an inclined portion with the lower end inclined to the rearward can be provided forward the front of the ice making unit.

Abstract: The supercritical refrigerating apparatus has refrigerant bypass means for bypassing a heat exchanger according to a physical value of the refrigerant. Therefore, the temperature of refrigerant on a suction side of the compressor becomes lower than that of refrigerant sucked into the compressor via the heat exchanger. As a result, the refrigerant temperature in a refrigerant passage extending from a suction side to a discharge side of the compressor is decreased, thereby preventing breakage of the compressor.

Abstract: An air conditioning system including a refrigeration system with two evaporators having dissimilar heat transfer surfaces which combine to produce a cooling effect. The first evaporator includes a first heat transfer surface with a high efficiency or heat rejection (heat absorption) rate which is optimally configured for use in an environment having a low humidity level. The second evaporator includes a second heat transfer surface with a lower efficiency or lower heat rejection (heat absorption) rate as compared to the first heat transfer surface but which performs better in environments having higher humidity levels. Refrigerant to the first and second evaporators is controlled for a given ambient air humidity level to attain maximum efficiency. A cooling method for a refrigeration system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for more efficiently cooling and liquefying industrial gas wherein refrigeration for the cooling and liquefaction is generated using first and second defined multicomponent refrigerant fluids in separate refrigeration circuits to cover a wide temperature range from ambient to cryogenic temperature.

Abstract: A method allowing a gaseous mixture such as a natural gas to be liquefied by using a first compressed coolant mixture M.sub.1, at least partially condensed by cooling with the aid of an external coolant fluid, then subcooled, expanded, and vaporized, and a second compressed coolant mixture, cooled with the aid of an external coolant fluid, then cooled by heat exchange with the first coolant mixture M.sub.1 during the first cooling stage (I), after which it is in an at least partially condensed state. The second partially condensed coolant mixture is sent without phase separation to a second cooling stage (II) where it is fully condensed, expanded, and vaporized at at least two pressure levels. The subcooled natural gas is expanded to form the LNG produced.

Abstract: A process for the separation and liquefaction of component gasses from a pressurized mix gas stream is disclosed. The process involves cooling the pressurized mixed gas stream in a heat exchanger so as to condense one or more of the gas components having the highest condensation point; separating the condensed components from the remaining mixed gas stream in a gas-liquid separator; cooling the separated condensed component stream by passing it through an expander; and passing the cooled component stream back through the heat exchanger such that the cooled component stream functions as the refrigerant for the heat exchanger. The cycle is then repeated for the remaining mixed gas stream so as to draw off the next component gas and further cool the remaining mixed gas stream. The process continues until all of the component gases are separated from the desired gas stream. The final gas stream is then passed through a final heat exchanger and expander.

Abstract: The invention is a process for liquefying a compound A from a mixture comprising at least compound A and at least one compound B. The mixture is available at a pressure P1 with separation of the at least one compounds B and/or of compound A being performed by distillation at a pressure substantially close to pressure P2 in order to produce at least a stream mainly comprising the compound A and at least a stream F4 comprising most of the at least one compound B. The invention has an application of methane and/or helium extraction during liquefaction of a natural gas.

Abstract: A body piercing assembly is provided that is comfortable to wear even when sleeping and is easily manipulable when it is desired to change the decorative portion of the earring. A post has an attachment element for affixing an ornament thereto. A piercing element is provided that is adapted for being driven from a first side of a body part through to a second side of the body part, such as by a powered "piercing gun." A tubular back portion admits at least a front section of the post and is reversibly affixable thereto. A back element includes a generally flat disc adapted to ensure maximum comfort to the wearer and a generally cylindrical tube for receiving and reversibly mating with at least a rear section of the post. An additional embodiment includes a device for affixing two ornamental objects into a body pierce simultaneously. A post element is dimensioned for insertion through a pierced body part. The post element is attachable to a decorative object at both a first end and a second end.

Abstract: An article of jewelry which includes a facet-cut gem stone having a girdle and a culet. The gem stone is secured by novel connecting members having a bearing surface adapted to hold the gem stone at the vicinity of the gem stone girdle in conjunction with the insertion of the culet of the gem stone into a recess in the article of jewelry.

Abstract: The present invention provides lead and cadmium free glass enamel compositions. In one embodiment of the invention, glass frits include from about 0.1 percent by weight to about 15 percent by weight Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, less than about 3 percent by weight alkali metal oxides, less than about 3 percent by weight ZnO, less than about 1 percent by weight B.sub.2 O.sub.3, and precursors from which Bi.sub.2 SiO.sub.5 can be crystallized upon firing, said precursors including Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 and SiO.sub.2. Glass frits according to the present invention preferably further include up to about 25 percent by weight of coloring oxides, such as CeO.sub.2, Co.sub.3 O.sub.4, In.sub.2 O.sub.3, SnO, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, CuO, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, MnO.sub.2, MoO.sub.3, NiO, and V.sub.2 O.sub.5. By incorporating various amounts of coloring oxides into the compositions, the degree of crystallization and the rate at which crystallization occurs upon firing of the compositions can be controlled.

Abstract: In a method for molding glass products having a fine structure as of an optical fiber holder with a high size precision, a mold used for the molding has the fine structure in a size such that a size difference occurring when the glass product is cooled down to a room temperature where at the end of molding with a pressure a size of the fine structure of the mold for glass product and a size of a fine structure of the glass product formed by transfer of the fine structure of the mold are the same as one another is so adjusted that a size of the fine structure of the completed glass product falls within a permissive size precision range. The mold may has a size satisfying, as a size of a fine structure at a room temperature, a formula [1+(.alpha.g-.alpha.m).times..DELTA.T+.alpha.g'.times..DELTA.T'].times.Sg, wherein Sg denotes a size of a fine structure of thc glass product at the room temperature; .alpha.

Abstract: A large optical preform 303 is made by a modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process by depositing successive layers of core and cladding materials onto the inside surface of a rotating glass tube 33 having a hydroxyl ion (OH.sup.-) level that is less than 0.5 parts per million (ppm) by weight. The tube is then collapsed inwardly to form a core rod 301 in which the deposited core material 31 has a diameter that is greater than about 5 millimeters and the deposited cladding material 32 has an outside diameter that is less than about 15 millimeters. A machine-vision system 140, 150, 160 monitors and controls the diameter of the glass tube by regulating the pressure within the tube. Moreover, the machine-vision system monitors and controls the straightness of the tube by varying its rotational speed according to angular position. After the core rod 301 is formed, it is plasma etched to remove contaminants, and then overclad with two glass jackets 34, 35 having a hydroxyl ion (OH.sup.

Abstract: A knitted article is produced on a flat knitting machine with a carriage and at least one cam system, wherein the carriage speed is controlled within a knitting row in dependence on pattern types produced by individual needles or needle groups, as well as on the properties of knitting thread or threads continuously so that the carriage at each location of the knitting row is moved with a maximum possible speed at which it is guaranteed that no knitting thread is torn.

Abstract: A yarn feeder device for feeding elastic (soft) yarns to a yarn consuming station whose yarn demand fluctuates over time. The device has a control unit which ascertains the current yarn demand or to which the current yarn demand is reported. In accordance with this demand, a yarn feed wheel is driven at a rotary speed suitable for the yarn demand. The yarn travels via a tensioning device to the yarn feed wheel. The tensioning device is arranged such that the yarn is stretched in a defined way. As a result, a fixed association between a desired yarn feed quantity and the rotary speed of the yarn feed wheel is enabled.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tubular knitted article with a toe end closed by a machine provided with a cylinder (1). The machine has a first and second series of needles disposed opposite to each other on corresponding semicylindrical portions of the same cylinder (1) and has a plate (3) provided with hooks (30). The process includes an initial step for the formation of the fabric of the toe in the form of a pocket (SC) by utilizing the needles (2) of the first series and corresponding hooks of plate (3). Steps for the removal and transfer of the fabric portion engaged by the hooks of the plate (3) by a 180.degree. rotation about a diametral axis of said cylinder (1) to dispose this fabric portion in correspondence of the needles (20) of said second series.

Abstract: A warp knitted cut pile fabric having an opening pattern and superior elasticity, which is endowed with air permeability and decorative effect by forming openings therein.

Abstract: A textile structure with dual layers is knitted in a single operation such that linking threads forming the core of the structure have an orientation that can be adapted to requirements, in both the warp and weft directions. To achieve this, each course of linking threads is engaged alternatively on each layer with selected stitches on a single course of stitches. In addition, two consecutive courses of linking threads are engaged on one of the layers with a single course of stitches and, on the other layer with non-consecutive courses of stitches.

Abstract: A knitting machine has multiple stage sinkers which have multiple stages of butts in the rear part. A cam track fashions complicated patterns using the multiple stage sinkers. A mechanical or electronic device is installed to a top plate on an upper portion of a circular knitting machine. This device controls the sinkers.

Abstract: A lid seal for an automatic vertical axis washer. The lid seal includes rigid and flexible components and generally attaches to a flange of the lid along at least a portion of a lid periphery. When the lid is closed, the lid seal engages the washer housing to eliminate or greatly reduce operational noise and wash fluid spray from escaping through gaps between the lid and the washer housing. In addition, the lid seal acts to improve lid closure sound quality. In doing so, the user is provided with a simple and low cost method to reduce noise and wash fluid spray nuisances associated with the operation of an automatic vertical axis washer.

Abstract: Improved squiggle keys and cylinder locks include a squiggle key groove formed along a first broad surface of the squiggle key and a plurality of bittings formed along a second opposite broad surface of the squiggle key. The cylinder lock includes a plurality of rotatable discs that have groove-following elements that are rotated via the groove on the key. The rotatable discs operate to prevent a plug of the cylinder lock from rotating unless a correct squiggle key is inserted into a keyway in the plug. The bittings formed along the second opposite broad surface of the squiggle key are generally circular and have inner regions with a different depth than outer regions of the bittings. As a result, tumbler pins can be located along the inner and/or outer regions of the bittings which enables increased keying capabilities and variations and which enables a common lock to be operated by keys for different cylinder locks.

Abstract: A locking apparatus is provided that includes a unitary driver comprising a driving portion and a tenon portion. The driver is machined as a single part. A hollow housing is provided with an open end for receiving the driver. The tenon extends from the open end. The driving portion is rotatable in the housing between locked and unlocked positions. A channel is provided between opposing surfaces of the housing and the driver, within the interior of the housing. A retainer is received in transverse openings communicating with the channel. A number of retainer members may extend into the housing to engage the driving portion of the driver. A detent feature may be provided to identify discrete locked and unlocked positions. A locking latch is coupled to the tenon. A stop member is coupled to the housing. The stop member extends along the housing and engages the drawer to prevent removal of the housing from the drawer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a security device for securement to a door in association with a latch mechanism having a face plate and knob to selectively prevent unauthorized turning of the latch mechanism and knob. The device includes a plate for securement to the door in association with the face plate of the latch mechanism. A hood element selectively prevents rotation of the latch knob, the hood element being reciprocable relative to the plate means into and out of engagement with the latch knob. The plate and the hood element preventing rotation include cooperating locking mechanisms when the hood element is brought into contact with the latch knob. There is also a release mechanism for releasing the locking mechanisms. Preferably the locking mechanisms are of the pawl and ratchet type.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a tube received in an outer handle and a first driving tube is rotatably received in the tube. The tube has a cruciform groove defined through the wall thereof and a driving disk is movably received in the first driving tube has two slots with two protrusions of the driving disk extends through the two slots. An inner handle has an actuating plate extending therethrough which is fixedly connected to the driving disk so that when locking the lock assembly by pushing the lock button, one of the protrusions of the driving disk is moved to be received in the transverse portion of the cruciform groove so that the handles are allowed to rotate a larger rotational angle.

Abstract: In the non-destructive testing of still readily deformable steel for interior flaws by ultrasound waves emitted by an ultrasound probe at a roll used for rolling the steel, the ultrasound waves are passed through the roll serving as forward run for the ultrasound waves before they impinge upon the steel to be tested and the ultrasound waves are so oriented that they impinge on the surface of the steel at a point where the steel has the closest contact with the roll and where the maximum slap-back occurs.

Abstract: A method for hydroforming a metallic tube comprising primary hydroforming and secondary hydroforming, wherein in the primary hydroforming step, the metallic tube is formed such that a circumferential length of an expanded portion of the primary-hydroformed tube as measured at a wall center region of the expanded portion becomes substantially equal to or slightly shorter than a circumferential length of an expanded portion of a product as measured at a wall center region of the expanded portion, and in the secondary hydroforming step, movable pads incorporated in the dies press the expanded portion formed through primary hydroforming so as to finish the cross-sectional profile of the expanded portion into that of the expanded portion of the product, and said primary hydroforming and secondary hydroforming are continuously performed within the dies. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the hydroformation method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a hub disk, in which a circular blank-like workpiece is placed in a flow-forming machine and fixed with at least one overarm support, an area of the outer contour of the overarm support corresponding to an area of the inner contour of a hub to be formed, the circular blank-like workpiece is rotated, at least one roller is infed and substantially radially moved in, a material flow taking place on the workpiece, and the radial moving in of the roller is ended when the distance between an area of the outer profile of the roller and the overarm support corresponds to the desired thickness of the hub wall and during the infeeding of the roller the workpiece is initially contacted by a cutting or separating edge of the roller and the material flow along the roller and therefore the axial length of the hub is limited by the roller geometry.

Abstract: A surface smoothing system for smoothing a burr formed on a surface of a workpiece without dispersing waste dust includes a holder provided with a plurality of curved parts each projecting therefrom in a rocking manner and a rotation drive unit for rotating an end face from where the curved part held by the holder partially projects so that the curved parts contact the workpiece and smooth out the burr.

Abstract: A continuous light-section or wire train includes finishing and sizing mill units arranged following the intermediate rolling section of the train, cooling sections and temperature equalization sections arranged in front of, between and following the finishing and sizing mill units, and rolling stock collecting devices arranged following the cooling sections and temperature equalization sections.

Abstract: A method for forming a one-piece steering shaft member, such as an externally splined male steering shaft member (or yoke shaft) or an internally splined female steering shaft member (or slip yoke) is disclosed. A hollow cylindrical tube is initially provided which is preferably formed from a blank of a metallic material, such as aluminum, having an elongation factor of at least fifteen percent. It is desirable that the tube have a uniform wall thickness and define an outer diameter which is substantially uniform along the length thereof. The outer diameter of one end of the tube is reduced from its original diameter while the outer diameter of the opposite end is maintained at its original diameter. A splined surface is formed in the reduced diameter end portion of the tube. The splined surface is formed on the external surface of the yoke shaft and on the internal surface of the slip yoke. A yoke member is then formed in the opposite end of the tube.

Abstract: A transfer feeder for a forging press includes a pair of parallel feed bars each having article-grasping claws, the feed bars being able to make a three-dimensional movement (i.e., an advance-return movement of the feed bars in a longitudinal direction, a clamping-unclamping movement of the feed bars in a widthwise direction, and a lift-down movement of the feed bars) so as to feed forging workpieces from one step of a pressing process to another. The transfer feeder further includes lift-down devices each for making a lift-down movement relative to a corresponding transfer frame through a lift-down linear-movement mechanism, advance-return devices each for making an advance-return movement relative to a lift-down frame of the associated lift-down device through an advance-return linear movement mechanism, and clamping-unclamping devices each for making a clamping-unclamping movement relative to an advance-return frame of the advance-return device through a clamping-unclamping linear-movement mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the lubricity of an oil well drilling fluid, whereby a sample in a cell holder may be subjected to a desired pressure, temperature, kinetic friction, and lubricating fluid to simulate drilling conditions in a well bore, and particularly to simulate the drilling conditions of a non-vertical well bore such as encountered in horizontal drilling which generates sliding non-rotational frictional forces.

Abstract: A system that can accurately monitor and control low concentrations of ethylene gas includes a test chamber configured to receive sample gas potentially containing an ethylene concentration and ozone, a detector configured to receive light produced during a reaction between the ethylene and ozone and to produce signals related thereto, and a computer connected to the detector to process the signals to determine therefrom a value of the concentration of ethylene in the sample gas. The supply for the system can include a four way valve configured to receive pressurized gas at one input and a test chamber. A piston is journaled in the test chamber with a drive end disposed in a drive chamber and a reaction end defining with walls of the test chamber a variable volume reaction chamber. The drive end of the piston is pneumatically connected to two ports of the four way valve to provide motive force to the piston.

Abstract: Gas sensor materials composed of carbon mixture or metal-containing carbon mixture obtained as evaporated matter by arc discharge which occurs by passing an alternating current or a direct current with electric current density of 0.8 to 3.5 A/mm.sup.2 on discharge surfaces of carbon electrodes or metal-containing carbon electrodes in an inert gas under a pressure of 0.1 to 600 torr.

Abstract: On-site percolation testing apparatus comprising a constant head flow unit disposed within a generally cylindrical, percolation chamber to be positioned within the in-ground test site. The constant head flow unit includes a J-shaped conduit for intermittently delivering water from a predetermined supply of water to the chamber. A first end of the conduit extends up from and out of the chamber in direct communication with the water supply. A second end thereof, disposed within the chamber, includes an automatic shut-off valve to control the flow of water through the conduit into the chamber. Cooperating with the shut-off valve is a floating member positioned to move up and down as the water level changes. As the floating member moves down it contacts the shut-off valve and opens same to release water into the chamber. With the water rising, the floating member moves out of contact with the valve allowing the water pressure of the incoming water to again close the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting sealed packages of product includes a conveyor belt for receiving the packages. An inspection belt contacts the packages and moves away from the conveyor belt a particular distance depending on whether the packages are properly sealed. When engaged by a package with a good seal, the inspection belt is moved a first distance which causes an indicator carried thereon to send a signal which prevents removal of the good package from the conveyor belt. However, when a leaky bag contacts the inspection belt, the inspection belt is moved a second distance which is insufficient to cause the indicator to send a signal. Consequently, the improperly sealed package is removed from the conveyor belt. The inspection belt may be mounted for linear or pivotal movement upon being contacted by the packages carried by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An electro-rheological (ER) fluid damper control system employs fuzzy logic to attain real time control in a highly responsive manner. The ER fluid damper is interposed in a vehicle between its sprung mass (vehicle body) and unsprung mass (suspension). Signals corresponding to the velocity of the sprung mass and the relative velocity between the sprung and unsprung masses are generated by pairs of accelerometers and electronic integrators. A fuzzy rule, taking into account weighted values of these input signals, is applied to the signals to determine an output value which, in turn, establishes a control signal for application to the electrodes of the ER fluid damper. As the velocity signals change, the voltage applied to the electrodes also changes, thus adjusting the fluid viscosity and mechanical responsiveness of the ER fluid damper.

Abstract: A glide head apparatus for testing surface characteristics of a disc includes a gimbal, a slider and an actuator including a piezoelectric material disposed between the gimbal and the slider. A voltage applied across the piezoelectric material is controllable to cause the piezoelectric material to expand or contract depending on the applied voltage so as to vary the fly height between the slider and a disc under test. The fly height can be varied without substantially varying the linear velocity of the disc under test. Methods of testing surface characteristics of a disc using the glide head apparatus also are disclosed.

Abstract: A brake tester which is capable of mapping the position of the brake shoe in its extended position. The tester includes a plurality of sensors which are mounted about the brake assembly. The sensors are capable of measuring the distance between the sensor and the brake shoe. In the preferred embodiment, laser sensors are rotated about the brake assembly while the brake shoe is fully extended. The sensed signal is recorded and compiled to generate a mapping of the brake shoe. Alternatively, a plurality of stationary capacitive proximity sensors are disposed about the brake shoe generating a distance signal indicative of the distance between the brake shoe and a simulated drum surface. Such mapping tests for accurate displacement of the brake shoe can predict premature shoe wear and particular wear zones. A secondary function maps the entire surface of the brake shoe lining/friction pad when initial contact is made with the drum surface using the laser sensor.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for detecting rotations of a pneumatic tire on a vehicle comprising two spaced apart mounting points for attachment to the radially inner surface of the tire tread region, a contact member between the mounting points for contacting the inner surface of the tread radius of the tire between the two mounting points and signal producing means comprising a piezo-electric device which is adapted to produce a signal when the contact member is moved radially of the tire relative to the two mounting points wherein damping means are provided so that a signal is generated when the movement occurs rapidly but slow movement generates no signal so that on rotation of the tire on a vehicle a signal is produced each time the tread region to which the sensor is attached becomes changed in radius at the contact patch of the tire but when the tread radius changes slowly when there is a pressure change in the tire and the movement is slow no signal is produced.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the dynamics of particle motion in a liquid-solid media including the rate of settling of particles, the identification of unsettled particle clouds, and the identification and control of the bed level of settled particles in a slurry within a settler is provided. The system includes an ultrasound transducer and a receiver for detecting echoes from particles in the slurry. The echoes are processed to determine the bed level of the settled particles, the position of unsettled particle clouds, and the rate of settling of the particle clouds.

Abstract: A base of a detection pipe is fixed. A vibration piece has its one end fixed to a closing portion and the other end provided with a permanent magnet. An electromagnet is closely attached inside the detection pipe such that it is arranged in a direction of axis of the permanent magnet, thereby forming a folded cantilever. Vibration is detected by a distortion detecting element, and the output therefrom is amplified by an amplification circuit for driving the electromagnet. Thus, the detection pipe, closing portion and vibration piece are repeatedly vibrated.

Abstract: In a tuning fork type vibration element provided in a tuning fork type vibration gyro, the sum of inertial moments of a base to an inertial moment of two arms is 1.0 or larger. The inertial moment of the two arms is obtained by multiplying the square of a rotation radius, which is a distance from a center axis of torsional vibration as a center position between the two arms to a center of gravity of the two arms with a mass of the two arms, and the inertial moment of the base is obtained by multiplying the square of the rotation radius from the center axis of the same torsional vibration.

Abstract: A precision, micro-mechanical semiconductor accelerometer of the differential-capacitor type comprises a pair of etched opposing cover layers fusion bonded to opposite sides of an etched proofmass layer to form a hermetically sealed assembly. The cover layers are formed from commercially available, Silicon-On-Insulator ("SOI") wafers to significantly reduce cost and complexity of fabrication and assembly. The functional semiconductor parts of the accelerometer are dry-etched using the BOSCH method of reactive ion etching ("RIE"), thereby significantly reducing contamination inherent in prior art wet-etching processes, and resulting in features advantageously bounded by substantially vertical sidewalls.