Abstract: A portable lightweight cooling apparatus for cooling a human body is disclosed, having a channeled sheet which absorbs sweat and/or evaporative liquid, a layer of highly conductive fibers adjacent the channeled sheet; and, an air-moving device for moving air through the channeled sheet, wherein the layer of fibers redistributes heat uniformly across the object being cooled, while the air moving within the channeled sheet evaporates sweat and/or other evaporative liquid, absorbs evaporated moisture and the uniformly distributed heat generated by the human body, and discharges them into the environment.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an air directing housing is provided for an air conditioning unit of the type having a basepan which supports indoor and outdoor sections. The basepan includes a vertical wall extending upwardly for a part of the height of the unit to define a lower portion of a partition which separates the unit into the indoor and outdoor sections. The indoor section includes an evaporator disposed in the basepan generally forwardly of the partition. A centrifugal fan is mounted between the evaporator coil and the vertical wall for rotation about an axis extending from front to back of the air conditioning unit. The fan is a centrifugal flow fan which has a circular inlet at the front thereof. The air directing housing is adapted to be mounted in the basepan rearwardly of the evaporator coil and surrounding the fan. The housing includes a lower section having a front wall which has a circular opening formed therein which is substantially coextensive with the circular inlet of the fan.

Abstract: A room air conditioner of the type having a partition, which divides the indoor and outdoor sections of the air conditioning unit. The partition has an exhaust opening for exhausting room air into the outdoor section. An improved exhaust and control arrangement includes a scroll structure mounted in the indoor section for directing conditioned air into the space to be cooled. The scroll structure has a rear wall in confronting relation with the partition and has an exhaust opening therein in fluid communication with the indoor section side of the exhaust opening in the partition. Support structure is provided in the indoor section located laterally of and forwardly of the exhaust opening in the partition. The partition is provided with a second opening therethrough adjacent the support structure. A one-piece exhaust actuation device includes an elongated actuating arm.

Abstract: Heat exchange equipment comprising a compressor which is connected to an indoor heat exchanger and also to two outdoor heat exchangers, and flow-direction changing means to change the direction of flow in the heat exchangers whereby each of the outdoor heat exchangers can be defrosted whilst the other continues to remove heat from its surroundings. Pressure lowering means are provided between the two outdoor heat exchangers.

Abstract: A combination heating and cooling apparatus which comprises a compartment into which an item to be heated or cooled may be placed; an electromagnetic wave generator; wherein during a first mode of operation of the apparatus, the electromagnetic waves are directed into the compartment to heat the item; at least one sorber having a housing defining an enclosure; a sorbate/sorbent compound located within the enclosure; a waveguide for coupling electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generator to the sorber; wherein electromagnetic waves transmitted by the electromagnetic wave generator are propagated through the enclosure to desorb the sorbate from the sorbate/sorbent compound; a condenser connected to the sorber; an evaporator connected to both the condenser and the sorber and positioned in heat exchange relation with the compartment; and a controllable valve interposed between the condenser and the evaporator; wherein sorbate which is desorbed in the sorber is condensed in the condenser and

Abstract: A motor having gears which transmit rotations of a rotor to an output shaft through a gear mechanism made of gear trains, comprises a gear mechanism provided with an intermittent rotation mechanism including a primary gear which rotates upon receiving rotations of the rotor and a secondary gear which meshes with the primary gear and rotates intermittently. The primary gear has a tooth unit for driving the secondary gear, a tooth-shaped hole, which is provided adjacent to one side of the tooth unit and with which a meshing tooth of the secondary gear meshes, and a control unit which is provided adjacent to the other side of the tooth unit so as to stop the secondary gear for a given period such that the primary gear is asymmetric around the tooth unit. When the primary gear rotates in a predetermined direction, the meshing tooth meshes with the tooth-shaped hole to intermittently rotate the secondary gear.

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: A cooler is disclosed having a plurality of plate shelves, an accessory tray and a screw on lid with carrying handle. The container is cylindrical in shape and sized to accept a standard nine (9) inch to ten and one-half (10 ½) inch diameter dinner plate in a level, upright position on one or more shelves. The first shelf is the floor of the cooler which has a raised rim along its perimeter for accepting a standard shaped plate with a circular border rim and concave center. The second shelf is comprised of a protruding rim inside the cooler upon which another plate may rest. Alternatively, the accessory tray may rest on the second shelf The accessory tray is molded to fit upon the protruding rim inside the cooler. The accessory tray has compartments for securing cans or bottles containing beverages so that they will not roll about, compartments for silverware and space for additional food items such as condiments.

Abstract: A beverage container having a beverage compartment and an ice compartment. Prior to beverage consumption, the container is placed in a dual-temperature environment that freezes the beverage in the ice compartment but doesn't freeze the beverage in the beverage compartment. A barrier inside the beverage container minimize the mixing of the beverage in one compartment with the beverage in the other compartment, allowing the beverage in the ice compartment to freeze while the beverage in the beverage compartment does not. Once removed from refrigeration, the frozen beverage in the ice compartment keeps the beverage in the beverage compartment cool for an extended period of time.

Abstract: An accessory item that is used in combination with a pre-existing ice chest for providing increased insulation in a manner which reduces ice melt time, with the item being in the form of an adjustable wrap which is of a shape and size to fit various sized ice chests of user choice.

Abstract: A condenser capable of separating oil is provided, including a mesh 80 disposed at the opening 75a of a coolant inlet 75 in a header 72 in which the coolant inlet 75 is provided, and a return path 78, communicating with an intake side of a compressor, is provided at the lower side of the coolant inlet 75 in the header 72.

Abstract: An auxiliary thermal storage heating and air conditioning system having an output for selectively delivering warm and cool air to the passenger area of a motor vehicle incorporates a reactor containing a metal salt or a complex compound formed by absorbing a polar gas refrigerant on a metal salt comprising a halide, nitrate, nitrite, oxalate, perchlorate, sulfate or sulfite of an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin or aluminum, or sodium borofluoride or a double metal halide. In a preferred embodiment, the reactor contains a sorbent/substrate composition comprising a substrate material inert to the polar gas and incorporating the salt or the complex compound. One embodiment utilizes apparatus having a heat exchanger which selectively functions as an evaporator for a cooling mode and a condenser for a heating mode, and inside and outside coils for transferring system generated thermal energy.

Abstract: A refrigeration method using a non-aqueous, non-hydrocarbon refrigerant to contact a hydrocarbon composition comprising a hydrocarbon vapor phase and a hydrocarbon liquid phase in order to lower the temperature of the hydrocarbon composition by lowering the partial pressure of the hydrocarbon vapor phase.

Abstract: The process recovers NF3 from a multicomponent fluid containing NF3, one or more components less volatile than NF3, and one or more components more volatile than NF3. The process uses a first distillation column and a second distillation column, each distillation column having a top and a bottom. The process includes the following steps: feeding the multicomponent fluid to the first distillation column at a first feed location below the top of the first distillation column; feeding a cryogenic liquid to the first or second distillation column adjacent the top of the first or second distillation column; withdrawing a mixture containing NF3 from the first distillation column; feeding the mixture to the second distillation column at a second feed location; separating NF3 from the mixture in the second distillation column; and removing a stream of NF3 from the second distillation column.

Abstract: Liquid CO2 is expanded in specially designed primary and secondary nozzles to produce frozen solid CO2. The impurities initially contained in the liquid CO2 are trapped inside of the frozen CO2, which is collected in a clean container. The container is emptied on top of a high purity surface. The impurities are concentrated on the surface, since these impurities are non-volatile and do not escape with the CO2 gas formed as the frozen CO2 is heated by the ambient temperature to its sublimation point. After all of the frozen CO2 has sublimed, the surface can be analysed by standard analysis methods to determine quantity and composition of the impurities. The determination and quantification of non-volatile impurities, such as organic oils and greases, in the CO2 supply that feeds, for example, cleaning systems utilizing CO2, is thus made possible.

Abstract: Air is separated in a triple column system comprising a high pressure column, an intermediate pressure column and a low pressure column. An argon enriched liquid from the low pressure column feeds an argon column. Oxygen enriched fluids containing at least 95% oxygen are removed from the argon column and optionally from the low pressure column.

Abstract: In an integrated power generation system, part of the air from a gas turbine compressor is separated in a single nitrogen wash column to remove oxygen and the gaseous nitrogen produced at the top of the column is sent back to a point upstream of the expander of the gas turbine. The wash column may be fed with liquid nitrogen from an independent air separation unit in which air is separated. Liquid from the bottom of the wash column may be fed back to the air separation unit. In order to boost production of an air separation plant, an additional plant is linked with the original plant. For example, air may be separated in a single nitrogen wash column to remove oxygen and gaseous nitrogen is produced at the top of the column. The wash column is fed with liquid nitrogen from the high pressure column of the air separation unit. Liquid from the bottom of the wash column may be fed back to the air separation unit.

Abstract: For producing ultrapure nitrogen by low-temperature fractionation of air in a rectification system having at least one rectification column, compressed and purified feed air is conducted into a high pressure column, an oxygen-free pressurized nitrogen fraction is produced from the high pressure column, conducted into a low-pressure column and in the low-pressure column carbon-monoxide-free low-pressure nitrogen is produced as overhead gas. The oxygen-free pressurized nitrogen fraction (1) is either taken off in the liquid state from an upper region of the high pressure column or is provided from a liquid tank (22) containing stored oxygen-free nitrogen and the oxygen-free pressurized nitrogen fraction (1) is expanded into the bottom-heated low-pressure column (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact member or covering (1) for covering structures (4,9) that come into contact with glass objects (12) during their forming process. The covering is a relatively compact non-woven fiber web (2) with apertures (10) and comprised of randomly oriented fibers which are composed, for example, of stainless steel. This covering can, for example, be used to cover tempering and pressure rings which are used in the process of forming glass plates.

Abstract: A method for the production of a knitted material and a warp knitting machine for realizing the method is being described by which longitudinal conveyors are driven in such a manner so that the longitudinal conveyors are driven at least partially intermittently and/or continuously with at least at times varying speeds so that the weft threads are being guided into the area of the knitting needles according to a pattern and at arbitrary points in time and one after the other in arbitrarily desired numbers which will result in an indefinitely long and freely selectable weft thread pattern repeat. According to a further aspect of the invention an arrangement is being described in which the arrangement includes a warp knitting machine having a separate frame.

Abstract: A circular knit blank for use in the manufacture of undergarments and the garments so manufactured comprising a tubular knit body having an elastomeric yarn on selected courses, wherein said tubular body contains at least one area of control that has a stitch pattern increasing its modulus by about 8%, to provide a balance of comfort and control. The stitch pattern is preferably a 1 by 1 alternating tuck.

Abstract: A pantyhose garment is provided that has relatively sheer leg portions that end with knitted-in welts just below or above the knees, and a reinforced control top portion having good shaping and control characteristics that terminates at the top of the waist region with a knitted-in welt. The pantyhose under garment provides the user with shaping support, and because the lower leg is bare, it gives the user the freedom to wear any type of shoe (i.e., open-toed shoes, sandals, etc.). Pantyhose worn with open-toed shoes are usually undesirable, and also dangerous because the foot may slip in the shoe due to the lack of friction between the pantyhose and the shoe. In addition, there are many occasions when the user wants a more casual look in clothing, and therefore pantyhose on the foot and ankle would not be desired. The reinforced control top portion extends down the leg portions of the pantyhose far enough to provide support over the “saddlebag” and cellulite regions of the body.

Abstract: A knitted elastomeric fabric according to the present invention includes a ground yarn, a laterally laid in yarn laid into the ground yarn and at least two elastomeric yarns laid into the ground yarn. One of the elastomeric yarns is laid into the ground yarn to form, along with the laterally laid in yarn, a base elastomeric fabric. The second elastomeric yarn is laid into the ground yarn so that at least the ground yarn, the laterally laid in yarn, and the pattern elastomeric yarn form a pattern elastomeric zone, wherein the pattern elastomeric zone and base elastomeric fabric have differing elastomeric properties. A knitted elastomeric fabric according to the present invention may also include additional yarns. For example, the fabric may include an inlaid Jacquard or lace yarn creating a lace pattern.

Abstract: A fabric with an open mesh structure includes raised members that effectively separate the wearer from the fabric base. The raised members add a third dimension of depth or thickness to a traditionally two-dimensional piece of apparel allowing the fabric base to remain separate from the wearer's body which provides greater comfort and breathability to the wearer. The raised members are placed in useful proportion with the open holes and closed spaces of the fabric enhancing the quality and functionality of the apparel.

Abstract: A key assembly for mounting an electronic component in the head of the key. The electronic component is mounted in either an opening such as a bore or recess formed in the key head, or a carrier connected to the heel end of the key shank. In the former case, a closure member such as a plug or adhesively backed panel member is employed to close off the opening. In the latter case, the carrier is encapsulated within a plastic key head.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method of manufacturing a shift gearwheel (1) with coaxially disposed and axially projecting shift teeth (5), which have an axial undercut. To said end, a shift gearwheel blank (1) having preformed shift teeth (5) and a forming tool (16) having corresponding tooth recesses (18) are brought into engagement and set in gyratory motion relative to one another. Further described are a device for effecting the method and a shift gearwheel (1), which may be manufactured by the method. The latter is notable for the fact that the flanks (23, 24) of the shift teeth (5) upon completion of the manufacturing method are concave so as to produce an undercut.

Abstract: A three-roll-type reducing mill including three forming rolls brought into contact with an outer periphery of an electro-resistance-welded steel tube for reducing its diameter. Two left and right sliding brackets respectively mounted with two follower forming rolls are sidden symmetrically with respect to a center of a main forming roll and simultaneously only by rotation of a single adjusting screw shaft, thereby enabling the diametrical reduction of the steel tube to be adjusted on-line and speedily.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mill for rolling pipes or other bodies such as flat blooms, bars, rods and the like. The rolling mill is formed by an outer load-bearing structure in which holders are accommodated so as to be extractable therefrom; in the holders there are mounted lever arms (18, 19, 20) that are pivotable transversely to the rolling axis along which the pipes or bodies to be rolled advance. The arms support the working rolls (48, 49, 50) at one end and, at the other end, are secured to the respective holder by means of a pin (22, 23, 24). In the rolling mill of the invention, there are advantageously means for rotating the olders about the rolling axis; this enables the rolls (48-50) to be brought back to the ideal working condition when their dimensions are reduced as a result of periodic machining to which they are subjected for maintenance and their working attitude can no longer be reestablished solely by the swinging movement of the lever arms (18-20) that support them.

Abstract: Method and device to reduce and eliminate vibrations in a rolling stand for plane rolled products comprising working rolls associated with by motor a kinematic chain, there being included nozzles to deliver a mixture of water and lubricant to the surface of each of the working rolls; the method providing to measure the effective value of torque transmitted to each of the working rolls and to selectively vary the percentage of lubricant contained in the mixture delivered to each of the working rolls according to the effective torque measured.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing semiconductor devices is carried out using an apparatus comprising a conversion mechanism having a drive shaft (11), a first rod (12) connected to the drive shaft (11), and a second rod (13) connecting the second rod (12) to a third rod (14) which is guided by means of a linear bearing (16, 17). The mechanism has a lever (21) extending substantially in a transverse direction (x) perpendicular to a stamping direction (z). The third rod (14) is coupled to the lever (21) via a first coupling, in this case a fourth rod (33) which is coupled at a first end to the third rod (14) via a rotary coupling (31) and is coupled to the lever (21) via a rotary coupling (32). The lever (21) is further coupled to the chassis (50) via a second coupling (40) and is coupled to a plunger (71) via a third coupling (60).

Abstract: Forming apparatus includes a binder with novel flow lock beads that engage edge portions of a sheet metal blank during metal drawing. In an initial step, the beads draw inner portions of the edge portions into a die cavity to partially form a component. In a second step, the beads are inserted into bead recesses in an opposing die, locking the edge portions in place and causing stretching of the metal in a final portion of the drawing stroke. Stresses in the resulting component are relieved by the stretching process which may be selectively used in forming a component with varying draw depths across its length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a hydraulic pressuring device with a stationary part (26) and a moving part (24), whereby the moving past (24) is moved relative to the stationary part (26) until a predetermined pressure is reached. In order to operate a hydraulic pressuring device of this type, for example a cable shoe (connecting) or riveting tool pressing device, whose handling is especially improved, the invention provides that moving part (24) returns automatically and completely to the initial position thereof when a predetermined pressure is reached.

Abstract: A clamping device including a housing having a base portion slideably mounted to be positionable along the width of a carriage, the carriage being slideably mounted to be positionable along the length of a guide track. The housing includes a clamping jaw pivotally mounted therein and activatable by a hydraulic cylinder. The carriage is designed to interlock with the base portion of the housing and with the guide track upon activation of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Abnormality of a yaw rate sensor, including a state in which the neutral point is normal, but the sensitivity is abnormal, is detected with high accuracy, irrespective of the situation of a road surface traveled. A lower one of an output from a dividing device for dividing a vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detecting device by a minimum radius of turning of a vehicle and an output from a dividing device for dividing a gravitational acceleration by the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detecting device, is selected in a low-select device. It is determined in an abnormality determining device that the yaw rate sensor is abnormal when a yaw rate detected by the yaw rate sensor exceeds a value selected in the low-select device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously or repeatedly monitoring road surface friction utilizes a separate test wheel attached to a vehicle and in contact with a road surface and a device for detecting slippage of the test wheel resulting from applying either a braking or accelerating torque on the test wheel. A signal corresponding to the applied braking or accelerating torque at the moment slip is detected and used to provide an indication to the driver of the slip condition. The method and apparatus is useful in vehicles as well as aircraft or in other applications where it is desired to monitor road friction. An embodiment of the invention applies and maintains a measured vertical force to the surface of the test wheel of the friction monitor utilizing an electromagnetic force field under processor control. The processor can combine signals from the vertical force torque motor circuit, and the test wheel torque motor circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and process is provided for establishing values of the quality of gaseous hydrocarbons in gas extracted from mud while drilling. Two rare earth sensors, without a coating, are exposed to the extracted gas. The first sensor is pre-calibrated and outputs a signal proportional to the relative concentration of light hydrocarbons. The second sensor is precalibrated and outputs a signal proportional to the relative concentration of heavy hydrocarbons. Preferably a second sensor is selected which, during calibration outputs a signal which is also proportional to the relative concentration of light hydrocarbons in a light sample gas and outputs a signal which is inversely proportional to the relative concentration of heavy hydrocarbons in a heavy sample gas. The difference of the two signals is obtained and is compared to the first sensor signal as being indicative of the quality of any hydrocarbons present in the extracted gases.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor for determining the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine. The sensor includes an outer electrode exposed to the exhaust side and a reference electrode exposed to the ambient air. In the sensor, a space adjacent to the reference electrode or surrounding the reference electrode has an adsorbing and/or absorbing agent, which is introduced, for example, in a loose powder packing or a multiple pellet packing. Other versions of the novel oxygen sensor also have an oxygen supplying material, such as, for example, Mn-oxide, Ba-oxide and/or Ce-oxide, to help promote combustion of exhaust gas components/pollutants and any residue chemicals left remaining from the sensor manufacturing process.

Abstract: There are provided with a gas detecting sensor and a gas detecting device for controlling a ventilation system of a vehicle using the gas detecting sensor. The gas detecting sensor of the present invention includes two kinds of gas sensing layers separately formed and a heater assembly for heating the two sensing layers to different temperatures.

Abstract: A remotely actuatable diagnostic valve biased normally open is disposed in the air inlet of a vehicle fuel tank vapor storage canister and a thermistor disposed to sense vapor temperature above the liquid level in the fuel tank. Upon engine shutdown, the valve is remotely actuated to close. When the fuel vapor in the tank cools to form a vacuum in the tank, the vacuum overcomes the valve bias and holds the valve shut when the valve is remotely de-actuated. A valve position sensor provides confirmation that the valve has been held shut by the vapor vacuum when the valve is de-actuated. If a leak exists the vacuum will be insufficient to hold the valve closed after remote de-actuation; and, the valve is biased open, whereupon the valve position sensor provides a fault indication signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure is provided for testing and evaluating the sealing effectiveness of dynamic seals of the type having at least one and often at least two dust-excluding seals. Included is a housing having a support wall formed with an opening through which a representative shaft is supported for rotation. An annular gap exists between the shaft and wall opening and is closed by the test seal. A dust chamber is provided on the atmosphere side of the test seal and includes a slow speed dust redistribution device which gathers and transports dust from the bottom of the chamber to the top where it is released and falls back into the chamber. A high speed beater agitation device disperses the released dust to maintain a constant density dust cloud environment within the dust chamber. A dry dust collection chamber is provided on the opposite oil side of the test seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the viscosity of a sample solution which comprises an input tube for transporting a sample solution flow towards a splitter for diverting input flow into two distinct flow streams where three capillary tubes are located in the two flow streams placed downstream from the flow splitter, where each flow stream has one or two capillary tubes a delay volume, and a flow through transducer having hydraulic connections placed in one stream or in two streams used for measuring the pressure difference across the capillary tubes.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing in a gas stream a vapor of a liquid. The sensor includes a micropore and a wet temperature sensor. The micropore has an evaporation end and has a lumen to conduct liquid from a supply of the liquid for evaporation at the evaporation end. The wet temperature sensor has a heat sensitive part in contact with the liquid in the micropore. The heat sensitive part circumscribes the micropore and forms part of the lumen. Heat loss due to evaporation of the liquid when the wet temperature sensor wet with the liquid is placed in the gas stream will result in the temperature sensed by the wet temperature sensor being lower than the non-evaporative temperature of the gas stream. This lowering in temperature can be measured to determine the concentration of the vapor in the gas stream. An example of such a sensor has a thermocouple junction having micropores passing through the thermocouple junction.

Abstract: A method for automatic control of a friction clutch (1) in a vehicle, which clutch is designed to be disengaged and engaged by a clutch actuator (3) under automatic control. An initial partially engaged clutch stroke position (Q1) and an initial clutch stroke position (P1) at which fluid pressure in the clutch actuator reaches a prescribed value are detected to obtain a difference (R1) between said two clutch stroke positions prior to initiation of automatic clutch control. The friction clutch wears as it is used. Therefore, both of the partially engaged clutch stroke position and the clutch stroke position attaining the prescribed fluid pressure value change while the automatic clutch engagement/disengagement control is being performed. However, the difference between these two clutch stroke positions does not change.

Abstract: A device for measuring the mass of a flowing medium having a measurement element accommodated in a measurement support, and a flow rectifier with a grid provided upstream of the measurement element. For simple production and accurate alignment of the grid, a carrier ring is provided, which carries the grid, so that there are two parts, that is, a flow rectifier and a carrier ring with the grid; by crimping over an annular edge of the measurement support, a durable fastening of the flow rectifier is accomplished. The device is intended for measuring the mass of a flowing medium, of aspirated air in internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A filling level measuring device operating with microwaves and to be fastened on a container (3) is provided, the device having a housing (11) and a rod-shaped antenna (7) pointing into the container (3) and the device being designed such that the antenna (7) does not transmit or receive microwaves in the region of a measuring device fastening and the transmitted power is not impaired by condensate or moisture. According to a first solution variant, the antenna (7) is fastened in the housing (11) and a section of the antenna (7) in the region of the measuring device fastening is surrounded by a metallic sleeve (8). According to a second solution variant, a sleeve (8a) in which the antenna (7) is fastened is formed onto the housing (11).

Abstract: A liquid level control system utilizes a sensor that is attached to a fixed support relative to a liquid container and transmits radio-frequency signals to a remotely located liquid supply system depending upon fluctuations in the liquid level. In the context of a swimming pool, the sensor housing is attached to a sidewall of the pool, at the desired water level. A sensor circuit located within the housing floats at the liquid level, and as changes occur, movement of the floating sensor results in the transmission of signals to either activate or deactivate a supply valve that supplies replacement water to the pool. A small opening located at an upper portion of the sensor housing cooperates with the floating sensor to dampen the motion of the sensor, providing a more accurate reading of the liquid level.

Abstract: In a fuel tank (1) for a motor vehicle, a carrier (12) of a fuel level sensor (8) is manufactured in one piece with a wall of the baffle (4). As a result, the fuel tank (1) is composed of a very small number of components and can be mounted in a particularly simple way. In the region of a mounting for a lever arm (9) carrying a float (10), the carrier (12) is spaced from the baffle (4). The lever arm (9) can thereby engage round the mounting. The filling level sensor (8) has high stability as a result.

Abstract: A device for detecting snow and ice which has a humidity sensor and an ambient temperature sensor. An evaluator switch is controlled according to a humidity sensor-measured variable, producing a control signal at set humidity values for defrosting a surface which is being monitored for snow and ice. The ambient temperature sensor activates the humidity sensor within a temperature range of between +2° C. and −12° C. The humidity sensor itself has a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heating element. The current consumption of the heating element is used as a measure of humidity. Both the ambient temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are positioned at a mutual distance in a longitudinally extended sensor cartridge made of plastic. The temperature sensor is thermally decoupled from the PTC heating element. The PTC heating element is built into a metal sleeve in such a way that it is corrosion and humidity proof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the rate of angular rotation of a moving body and, in particular, for alignment of the dither motion and the Coriolis acceleration sensing direction in a sensor adapted to be formed, i.e. micromachined, from a silicon substrate.

Abstract: A digital control system for a vibrating structure gyroscope having a vibrating structure (3), at least a primary drive (4) for putting and maintaining the vibrating structure (3) in vibratory resonance, and at least a primary pickoff (2) for detecting vibration of the vibrating structure (3), includes a digital processing unit (22) for receiving output signals from the pickoff (2) for processing the received signals and for passing them to the primary drive (4) via digital to analogue converters (20). The system includes sampling at selected intervals of time the output signals before passage to the digital processing unit (22) and a variable frequency oscillator (23) connected to and under the control of the digital processing unit (22) for controlling the sampling intervals.