Abstract: A pick-up baler for agricultural produce with a compression piston 9 and a rotary conveyor, which rotates about an axis of rotation 18, comprises rakes 21, 22, which have axes 23 extending approximately parallel to the axis of rotation 18 of the rotor, convey the harvested crop through a supply channel 13, can be swiveled about their rake axes 18 under the control of curves and of which at least one acts as a conveying rake 21, the swiveling of at least one further rake, which functions as a supply rake 22, being controllable as a function of the degree of filling of the supply channel 13 in such a manner that, when a specified degree of filling of the supply channel 13 is reached, the harvested crop, collected there, is conveyed over a baling channel inlet opening 12 into a baling channel 11. The supply rake 22 is guided in a curved path 39, which can be moved from a conveying position into a supplying position, whereas the conveying rakes 21 are guided in an immovable curved path 34.

Abstract: An agricultural bale accumulator (100) comprises a load bed extension module (102) including at least one extension table (104) pivotally connected to a side (124) of a load bed (113) by a hinge (122) and moveable relative to the load bed (113) between a stowed position and an unstowed, bale accumulating, position which is co-planar with a load bed (113) and adjacent to the side (124) of the load bed (113). The agricultural bale accumulator (100) has a first lateral width dimension (160) when the first extension table (104) is in the stowed position to provide a first bale accumulating capacity. The agricultural bale accumulator (100) has a second lateral width dimension (161), greater than the first lateral width dimension (160), when the first extension table (104) is in the unstowed position to provide a second bale accumulating capacity, greater than the first bale accumulating capacity. An extension table support system (130) connected to a main frame (120) and/or the extension table (104).

Abstract: A cabling and yarn double-twisting spindle having pneumatic assistance for a threading up of the yarns to be handled by the spindle is provided. The spindle includes a shaft rotatably supportable in a support hub on a spindle bank. The shaft has a central, axially extending shaft bore, and package top. The package top is secured against rotation and has a hollow spindle axial portion disposed in communication with the spindle shaft bore. A pressurized air injector effects threading up of a yarn component delivered via the hollow spindle axial portion of the package top with another yarn component delivered via the spindle shaft bore, and includes a pressurized air supply conduit in the spindle shaft such that the pulse of air injected by the air injector is operable to produce a suction flow in the hollow spindle axial portion of the package top and in the spindle shaft bore.

Abstract: A sewing yarn is described, with at least two roving. yarns, which are twisted together with one another for the formation of the sewing yarn, whereby each roving yarn has the structure of a core yarn, comprising at least one first multifilament yarn component, forming a yarn core, and a second fiber yarn component spun over the core. In the cross-section of the sewing yarn, the spun fiber yarn covering of at least one roving yarn contains less than 41 individual fibers.

Abstract: An energy guiding chain for guiding hoses, cables and the like has a number of chain links connected to one another in articulated fashion which are formed by parallel straps connected by cross-members. The energy guiding chain can be moved in such a way that it forms an upper strand, a lower strand and a deflection zone connecting the two, where the upper strand rests on the lower strand. In order that the upper strand can be moved lying on the lower strand with the least possible power and low wear, and the chain is of the simplest possible design, at least some of the chain links of the upper strand and/or the lower strand are provided with rollers that can roll on running surfaces provided on the chain links of the opposite strand when the energy guiding chain travels.

Abstract: In a gas turbine having a plurality of hybrid burners, each of which has a pilot burner and a main burner, a different pilot fuel quantity is fed to the pilot burners as a function of the load on the gas turbine. This provides both stable operation of the gas turbine at low loads and effective suppression of combustion oscillations at high loads.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustion includes a combustion chamber mounted within an air supply manifold. The combustion chamber preferably has a fixed downstream portion and a telescopically-movable upstream portion, a burner head provided with a fuel injector, and a primary air inlet from the manifold into the combustion chamber defined between the burner head and an upstream end of the telescopically-movable upstream portion. Movement of the upstream portion of the combustion chamber towards the burner head serves to restrict the primary air inlet while opening a secondary air inlet from the manifold into the combustion chamber downstream of the burner head. Movement of the upstream portion of the combustion chamber away from the burner head serves to open the primary air inlet while restricting the secondary air inlet.

Abstract: A steam-cooled second-stage nozzle segment has an outer band and an outer cover defining a plenum therebetween for receiving cooling steam for flow through the nozzles to the inner band and cover therefor and return flow through the nozzles. To measure the temperature of the buckets of the stage forwardly of the nozzle stage, a pyrometer boss is electron beam-welded in an opening through the outer band and TIG-welded to the outer cover plate. By machining a hole through the boss and seating a linearly extending tube in the boss, a line of sight between a pyrometer mounted on the turbine frame and the buckets is provided whereby the temperature of the buckets can be ascertained. The welding of the boss to the outer band and outer cover enables steam flow through the plenum without leakage, while providing a line of sight through the outer cover and outer band to measure bucket temperature.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing catalyst operation in an internal combustion engine having a two-bank, three EGO sensor structure includes determining the ratio of the arc length between the post-catalyst EGO sensor signal and the arc length of a pre-catalyst EGO sensor signal over a selected time period. If the exhaust bank is a one-sensor bank having only a post-catalyst EGO sensor and no pre-catalyst EGO sensor, the system uses the arc length from the pre-catalyst EGO sensor in the two-sensor bank to calculate the arc length ratio, thereby allowing calculation of two arc length ratios without two matched pairs of EGO sensors. The ratio indicates the efficiency of the catalyst and may be compared with calibratable or experimentally-determined thresholds to monitor converter efficiency over time.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold 10 having a body 12 and a plurality of flanges 14-24. The body 12 is separately fabricated apart from flanges 14-24. The flanges 14-24 are later joined to the body and cooperatively form an exhaust manifold 10.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump unit including at least one hydraulic pump with inlet and outlet ports, a pump case for accommodating the hydraulic pump having an opening through which the hydraulic pump is insertable, and a lid, called a center section, closing the pump case. The center section forms a pair of inlet/outlet passages communicating an end with the inlet and outlet ports of the hydraulic pump and an end opening through a pump case abutting surface of the center section, and a first charging passage by which hydraulic fluid is fed through the pump case abutting surface of the center section. At least one of the pump case and the center section communicates the first charging passage with the pair of inlet/outlet passages via a first hydraulic fluid feeding valve preventing the reverse flow into said first charging passage.

Abstract: A master cylinder having a body (10) with a bore (12) therein in which slides at least a primary piston (20). The primary piston (20) has a compensation passage (58), which in a position of rest, places a pressure chamber (24) in communication with a reservoir (14). The communication between interrupted upon actuation of the master cylinder by a control rod (18) acting on a second piston (48) sliding in the bore (12). A first compression spring (28) and a second compression spring (42) urge the primary piston (20) and second spring (16) toward a rear position of rest. The preload force of the first compression spring (28) exceeding that of the second compression spring (16) such that the second piston (48) is the first to move in response to a force applied to the control rod (18). The rear position of rest for the primary piston (200 and second piston (48) is defined by a same stop (36) which is integral with the body (10) of the master cylinder.

Abstract: A method for a closed-loop or an open-loop control of a forced-induction internal combustion engine that includes an exhaust turbocharger having an exhaust turbine with a variable turbine geometry for a variable adjustment of an effective turbine cross section and with a boost-air compressor, different operating states of the engine are assigned different characteristic maps with engine-operating and/or engine-state variables and the turbine geometry is adjusted in accordance with the characteristic maps between an open position and a pressure build-up position. When there is a change in a significant engine parameter, the system switches between two characteristic maps.

Abstract: A control method for a supercharged internal combustion engine wherein actual supercharging pressure values are adjusted to prescribed desired supercharging pressure values by setting a variable component and influencing the supercharging pressure of a supercharger in accordance with a prescribed control law. In order to monitor the control of supercharging pressure in a supercharged internal combustion engine with the aid of simple means and, if appropriate, to display a malfunction, use is made as control law of a PID controller, the integration component is compared in the integration element of the PID controller with a prescribed tolerance band, and a fault signal is generated if the integration component is outside the tolerance band.

Abstract: A method of providing a user who has installed a solar power generator with appropriate information, including the steps of receiving data of the quantity of generated power and quantity of power draw from a solar power generator connected to a network, calculating the quantity of buy power and quantity of sell power on a time zone basis, reading out a rate table of buy power and sell power, calculating the electric power charge for buy power and sell power classified into contract types, determining the type of contract that is most economical as to the value to be paid to a power company, calculated by subtracting the amount to be received for sell power from the amount to be paid for buy power, and producing appropriate information based on the determined contract type and calculated amount of payment.

Abstract: An improved refrigeration system utilizing one or more vortex tubes. Vortex tubes produce liquid refrigerant from saturated-state vapor refrigerant in a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. The efficiency of a refrigeration system can be improved by placing vortex tubes before and after the evaporator.

Abstract: A system for providing refrigeration to a heat load, especially over a larger temperature range and at a cryogenic temperature, wherein pulse tube refrigeration cools a heat transfer medium to provide higher level refrigeration to a refrigeration fluid, and lower level refrigeration is provided to the refrigeration fluid using a non-pulse tube system.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas cooled hydrogen storage element which includes a hydrogen storage alloy material in which hydrogen flow channels are provided. The flow channels provide pathways through the hydrogen storage material to allow for high speed hydrogen gas flow. A portion of the high speed hydrogen flow is stored within the storage material which releases its heat of hydride formation. The remainder of the hydrogen flows through the hydrogen storage material at a sufficient mass flow rate to remove the heat of hydride formation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a purging apparatus for conducting an air purge required when an equipment such as a split type air conditioner is installed or repaired, and to a to-be purged apparatus and a purging method: a to-be purged apparatus having a to-be purged room with two or more valve openings capable of connecting to a main circuit or to a circuit other than said main circuit; and a purging apparatus having a replacing gas container into which a replacing gas to be exchanged for a to-be purged gas is previously charged and a gas collecting container for collecting gas including said to-be purged gas, one of said valve openings of said to-be purged room and said exchanger gas container can be connected with each other, and the other valve opening of said to-be purged room and said gas collecting container can be connected with each other; said method comprising the steps of: sending said exchanger gas in said exchanger gas container, thereby pushing out said to-be purged gas in said to-be purged apparatus; and coll

Abstract: A method for detecting a low-charge state in an air conditioning system. The method monitors the temperature of the air exiting the evaporator to determine the existence of a low-charge state. A low-charge state exists if the temperature of the air exiting the evaporator is less than a predetermined temperature limit. A low-charge state also exists if the rate with which the difference between the temperature of the air exiting the evaporator and the ambient air temperature is less than a predetermined slope. An air conditioning system having a controller which prevents a compressor from cycling on the detection of a low-charge state is also provided.

Abstract: A controller for a compressor selects a control procedure from a normal displacement control procedure and a temporary control procedure based on information detected by a detector. When the normal displacement control procedure is selected, the controller sends a current, the value of which is based on the detected information, to an electromagnetic actuator. When the temporary displacement control procedure is selected, the controller sends a current having a specific value to the actuator to maximize a target compressor suction pressure. When switching from the temporary displacement control procedure to the normal displacement control procedure, the controller changes the value of the current supplied to the electromagnetic actuator according to a pattern, which is determined based on the detected information, over a predetermined period.

Abstract: The instant invention is a lightweight, hand portable air conditioner or heater with an attachment that encloses a small area thus permitting the enclosed are to be heated or cooled. The apparatus has a housing unit with wheels and a handle for pulling or pushing the unit. The top of the unit has two telescopic extension poles that can be extended the length of a bed. A suitable material placed over the extended V shaped poles creates a small enclosure for a person. The housing unit contains a compressor with a refrigerant, two fans operated by a central motor, and a cool portion and hot portion. The compressor will cool the refrigerant by compressing the gas to liquid, the cool liquid will be diverted to the cool portion and a fan will direct the cool air out of the housing unit through a vent and into the enclosed area created by the material draped over the extended poles. As a result, the enclosed area can be cooled allowing a person inside to rest or sleep comfortably.

Abstract: A molded plastic basepan supporting components of a room air conditioner includes a substantially rectangular bottom wall having a front edge, a back edge and left and right side edges. The bottom defines a top surface and bottom surface, and each of the edges thereof includes a structural side wall section extending upwardly therefrom in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall. A vertically extending substantially hollow structural beam is formed in the bottom wall of the basepan. The structural beam extends laterally from a location proximate the left side wall to a location proximate the right side wall. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the bottom wall is substantially planar and the structural beam is defined by a closed elongated channel extending upwardly into the basepan to define an elongated enclosed wall extending upwardly from the top surface of the bottom wall.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner which can efficiently vaporize the refrigerant using the waste heat of the engine; which has a stable heating capability regardless of the temperature of the outside air, and which can decease the electric power required for the fan and thereby decrease the noise due to the fan, in a heating operation; in order to achieve the object, the present invention provide an air conditioner comprising: a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; an outer heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and outside air; a restrictor for restricting the refrigerant flowing out from a water heat exchanger; and an inner heat exchanger for exchanging heat between inside air and the refrigerant; an engine cooling water circuit comprising an engine for driving the compressor; and a radiator for exchanging heat between engine cooling water and outside air; and a water heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the re

Abstract: An ice guide that snap fits into a water tank of an ice making section of an ice manufacturing machine. The ice guide includes a lattice structure having a pair of substantially parallel first sides and substantially parallel second sides that are perpendicular to the first sides. The lattice structure defines an aperture in a center thereof and has a plurality of rows radiating from the center in an arcuate manner. Each row includes a plurality of spaced rails with each rail having a longitudinal axis directed toward the aperture. Also, a band bounds the rows, wherein the band at each of the first and second sides is positioned at a non-planar altitude higher relative to a horizontal plane passing through the center of the aperture to form a slope along which the dropped ice slides as the ice is directed into a storage bin below.

Abstract: A removable ice bucket for an ice making system for a refrigerator and more particularly a removable ice bucket disposable in a refrigerator for receipt of ice pieces from an ice maker disposed in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. The ice bucket has a base and a plurality of upwardly extending side walls cooperating to form a storage bin. A first handle is formed in an upper portion of a first side walls and a second handle is formed in a lower portion of a second of said side walls. A spout is formed above the first handle. The handles facilitate quick and sanitary removal of the ice bucket from the freezer and dispensing of the ice pieces.

Abstract: A tortilla cooling conveyor with distributed air diffusion (10) having a a housing (12) with chambers separated by a perforated top baffle plate (18T) and a perforated bottom baffle plate (18B). A plurality of perforated conveyors have curved guides at opposite distal ends to orientate the tortillas. Coils/fan are located in the bottom chamber to produce cool dry air which desiccates and reduces the temperature of the newly manufactured tortillas.

Abstract: In a condenser for an air-conditioning system, in particular for an air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle, there is provision for a collector (15) to be formed from a plurality of series-connected tubes (18) which extend between header tubes (10, 11) and the cross section of which is a multiple of the cross section of the flat tubes (13).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an air conditioning unit having a refrigerating fluid loop comprising a compressor, a condenser, a liquid/gas separating reservoir, an expansion device, an evaporator and a pre-expansion device, inserted between the condenser and the reservoir, which is capable of producing a pressure drop ranging between 1.5 and 14 bars to reduce the fluid pressure down to its vapor saturating pressure. The reservoir can also contain a variable amount of liquid to compensate the fluid losses in the loop by maintaining the sub-cooling temperature constant in the condenser and consequently the heating capacity capable of being absorbed by the evaporator.

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 condensing 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: A cryogenic refrigeration system wherein refrigeration is provided to a heat load by a warming multicomponent refrigerant fluid recirculating in a refrigeration circuit and by cryogenic liquid separately provided to the heat load in direct or indirect heat exchange with the heat load.

Abstract: A process for removing impurities such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, water (moisture), carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, methane and trace metals from crude hydrogen bromide and the apparatus for purifying such crude hydrogen bromide.

Abstract: Method for separating a pressurized hydrocarbon mixture containing at least a more volatile component and a less volatile component. The method comprises (a) cooling and partially condensing the hydrocarbon mixture to yield a first hydrocarbon vapor and a first hydrocarbon liquid; (b) work expanding at least a portion of the first hydrocarbon vapor and introducing it into a distillation column at a first column location; (c) reducing the pressure of the first hydrocarbon liquid and introducing it into the distillation column at a second column location; and (d) withdrawing an overhead vapor enriched in the more volatile component from the distillation column; cooling, partially condensing, and separating the overhead vapor to provide a condensed overhead liquid and an uncondensed vapor overhead, introducing the condensed overhead liquid into the distillation column as reflux, and withdrawing from the bottom of the distillation column a stream enriched in the less volatile component.

Abstract: A process for treating natural gas or other methane-rich gas to remove excess nitrogen. The invention relies on membrane separation using methane-selective membranes, but does not require the membranes to be operated at very low temperatures. We have found that, by using a two-step membrane system design, and controlling the operating pressures for the membrane steps within certain ranges, the capital and operating costs of the process can be kept within economically acceptable limits.

Abstract: A body piercing jewelry substitute 10 includes a body 20 having an internal cavity 30. A rim 22 frames the opening 23 to the internal cavity. The rim is positioned on a damp body surface, such as moistened skin or the user's tongue. By creating an area 500 of reduced pressure around the body 20, air is removed from the internal cavity 30, lowering the pressure within the body 20. Where the body piercing jewelry substitute is applied to the tongue, the area of reduced pressure may be created by sucking orally. Where the body piercing jewelry substitute is located on the cheek for example, the reduced pressure may be created by use of a suction cup. When pressure is restored to normal levels around the body, the rim adheres to the damp body surface due to the partial vacuum within the internal cavity. The body piercing jewelry substitute may then moved to a different location by sliding it on the damp body surface.

Abstract: A method for forming glass sheets is performed by a system (10) that includes a furnace (12) having a heating chamber (14) in which a topside transfer device (20) has a downwardly facing surface (22) to which vacuum and pressurized air are supplied to receive and support a heated glass sheet from a conveyor (16) without any direct contact. A forming station (24) located externally of the furnace has a vertically movable upper mold (28) whose temperature is not greater than 500° C. The upper mold (28) cooperates with a horizontally movable lower ring (34) that transfers the heated glass sheet from the topside transfer device (20) to the forming station under the control of a first actuator (40). A second actuator (42) moves the upper mold (28) downwardly to cooperate with the lower ring (34) in forming the glass sheet. The external forming station (24) includes heat loss reducing apparatus (43) for reducing heat loss of the hot glass sheet during the forming.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical fiber preform comprising inserting a core glass rod for use in the optical fiber preform into the quartz glass tube for the optical fiber preform and then welding them in a heating furnace to melt weld them together into a monolithic product, wherein the melting is started in such a state that the lower open edge of said quartz glass tube is placed inside the heating furnace and a gas is supplied from the upper edge of the tube, and after the lower edge portion of the quartz glass tube is drawn out from said heating furnace by melt deformation and stretching by the gravitational force, the gas supply is cut off and the pressure is reduced.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for treating fabrics which comprises a first chamber for forming a reserve of infeed fabric, a second chamber for forming a reserve of outfeed fabric, first means for slowly infeeding the fabric into the first chamber, second means for slowly removing the fabric from the second chamber, a duct allowing for the passage therethrough of the fabric between the first chamber and the second chamber, fabric transport means capable of forward and backward operation which generates a forward and backward movement of the fabric between both chambers, and control means, operation of which causes inversion of the forward and backward movement, and collision members adapted to be impacted by the fabric, which move between a collision position and a free passage position in synchronism with the forward and backward movement of the fabric.

Abstract: A padlock includes an elongated shackle bar, a lock body mounted on a first end portion of the shackle bar, and a lock unit mounted on an opposite second end portion of the shackle bar. The lock body and the lock unit have cross-sections larger than that of the shackle bar. The lock unit includes a tubular lock housing, a key-operable lock core mounted in the lock housing, and a shackle engaging member mounted rotatably in the lock housing. The shackle engaging member has a shackle engaging portion for engaging the second end portion of the shackle bar, and a core engaging portion connected to the shackle engaging portion.

Abstract: A tubular lever lock includes a protruded connection part formed at the cross section of a pawl which slides along an inner spindle and interfaced with the operation of an eccentric hole of an operation globe. The spindles are structured to form and to protrude with a square pole passing through a latch by an appropriate distance. A key holder is formed on an outer bundle and is connected with a lock cylinder of an outer spindle, which enables a catch hub installed inwardly and elastically to rotate. With regard to the inner bundle and outer bundle, when built in, the key holder of the outer bundle causes connection with the operation globe through a square hole of a catch hub as well as a hole of the square pole.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the lock cylinder of a rekeyable padlock. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a rekeyable padlock is provided with a lock cylinder formed within. The lock cylinder includes a cylindrical core formed to receive a key and an outer casing formed around the core. A viewing opening is formed within the casing wall, the viewing opening allowing access to pin openings formed within the core to receive selected pins. The viewing opening is shaped such that it provides a viewing area larger than the pin openings, thereby allowing greater visibility when the pins are placed within the pin openings. The advantages of this viewing opening include greater ease in placing the pins into the pin openings and easier detection when a selected pin is the wrong length and does not sit flush within the lock cylinder core.

Abstract: A locking device with a key-actuated cylinder core has a cylinder guide rotationally supporting the cylinder core and stopping points for tumblers. One area of the cylinder guide is received axially fixed but rotatably in a housing, while the other area is surrounded by a sliding member non-rotatably but axially slidably supported on the cylinder guide. A turning member surrounds the sliding member and is rotatable relative to and synchronously axially movable with the sliding member. A spring acts axially on the turning member. An overload protection device has a control element arranged on the housing and a counter control element, arranged on the sliding member and spring-loaded against the control element, for axially moving the sliding and turning members in an overload situation to release an axial coupling having one coupling member fixedly connected to the cylinder core and another coupling member arranged on the turning member.

Abstract: A water jet peening apparatus which can carry out an efficient peening work on a large-diameter cylindrical structure by injecting a jet stream which contains air bubbles caused by cavitation at a low angle of incidence is provided. The apparatus is comprised of a nozzle which introduces a high pressure water and injects a water jet stream containing air bubbles caused by cavitation at the cylindrical structure disposed in water, wherein the angle of injection of the jet stream is smaller than 45 degrees relative to a tangent of the cylindrical structure.

Abstract: A sheet metal hemming method and apparatus for securing inner and outer sheet metal panels together by forming a generally flat hem along respective peripheries of the two panels. A fixture receives and holds an outer sheet metal panel that is formed to include an upstanding border flange. An inner sheet metal panel is stacked on top of the outer panel. A hemming tool movably supported adjacent the fixture bends the upstanding border flange of the outer sheet metal panel over a periphery of the inner panel and into a position forming an acute angle relative to an underlying portion of the outer panel. The hemming tool also bends an outer portion of the border flange down onto the periphery of the inner panel and into a position over and generally parallel to the underlying portion of the outer sheet metal panel.

Abstract: In a roll changing apparatus of a rolling mill, a stationary roll changing table is provided on a front surface of a work side of the rolling mill. Pull-out rails and upwardly and downwardly movable shift rails are provided on the roll changing table. Shift blocks are provided for detachably attaching to a work roll assembly which has been pulled out, to move the work roll assembly sideways in a shifting direction. Only the work roll assembly to be pulled out can be shifted easily, and replaced with a new work roll assembly without the use of an elaborate foundation structure. Thus, work rolls can be changed swiftly.

Abstract: The method includes making a fluid communication channel (44), which has a selectively variable cross-sectional area profile, in the inner face of a gas spring cylinder (32) so as to permit fluid communication at different selective rates bypassing around or across the piston assembly (68) of the gas spring (52)as the piston assembly (68) moves within the cylinder (32). Preferably the cross-sectional area profile of the fluid communication channel (44) is initially substantially the same throughout the length of the channel(44) and is thereafter selectively changed in certain portions of the channel (44) so as to restrict and in some instances block gas or fluid flow through the fluid communication channel (44).

Abstract: A jig for aligning a wafer-handling system in a calibration location, such as a wafer pickup-dismount location, with respect to a wafer-processing tool. The jig comprises an alignment fixture adapted to be repeatably mounted on the tool and having one or more edge stops. The jig may further comprise an edge-to-center locator adapted to be mounted on the alignment fixture. The edge-to-center locator has a peripheral edge and a center marker that identifies the precise center of the calibration location when the edge-to-center locator edge is positioned in contact with the edge stop or stops. An alignment method for use of the jig is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure insensitive gas process device that includes a gas sensor and restrictions upstream and downstream of the gas sensor. The restrictions result in pressure drops upstream and downstream of the gas sensor which shield the gas sensor from upstream and downstream pressure changes, respectively, rendering the gas sensor and the entire gas process device insensitive to pressure changes. Gas process devices in which pressure insensitivity may be achieved include mass flow controllers as well as other types of devices.

Abstract: A single car tester including a housing having a hanger to mount the housing to a car coupler or ladder of the car. Various configurations of valves and sensors are described to perform a single car test. The controller includes a program for uniquely performing the required tests.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for long-term leakage monitoring, in particular of flat tank structures, comprising a sensor cable arranged on the outer surface of the tank casing. A collection chamber which, with respect to its height, is arranged at least partially below the bottom of the flat tank structure, surrounding its circumference preferably in an annular manner, and which via an inclined cantilever is connected with the lower end of the outer surface of the tank casing, with the sensor cable being arranged on the cantilever or in the bottom area of the collection chamber. According to the invention, a fire signalling sensor is located above the collection chamber which, in the case of a fire, in cooperation with an extinguishing supply, enables the activation of the automatic foaming of the collection chamber.