Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation control method of an air-conditioning apparatus and an air-conditioning apparatus that prevent a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses from simultaneously restarting upon their automatic recovery after a recovery of power and from stopping again due to a voltage drop. The air-conditioning apparatus of the present invention is provided with an automatic recovery control circuit (21) for deciding a delay time until a restart based on set data for deciding operation works of the air-conditioning apparatus or randomly, thereby to restart the air-conditioning apparatus with the decided delay time.

Abstract: The control settings of a vehicle climate control system are adjusted in accordance with a relative ambient humidity correction to compensate for variations in relative ambient humidity, and the correction is based on normally measured system operating parameters. The ambient humidity correction value is determined according to a difference between the cooling performance of the system and the ambient heat energy absorbed by the system. The cooling performance of the system is determined during an initial period of vehicle operation based on the time required to reduce the initial evaporator temperature by a predetermined amount. Once steady-state operation of the system is achieved, the cooling performance of the system is determined by the steady-state deviation of the evaporator outlet air temperature from a target temperature of the system. The ambient heat energy absorbed by the system is determined based on the temperature of the ambient air and the flow rate of air through the evaporator.

Abstract: In an air conditioner including a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a pressure-reducing mechanism, an indoor heat exchanger and an accumulator which are successively connected to one another to construct a loop-like refrigerant circuit, non-azeotropic mixture refrigerant composed of first refrigerant having a high boiling point and second refrigerant having a low boiling point being filled in the refrigerant circuit and the flow of the non-azeotropic mixture refrigerant being inverted between cooling operation and heating operation by operating the four-way valve, when one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, the first refrigerant of the non-azeotropic mixture refrigerant is stocked in the accumulator while the second refrigerant of the non-azeotropic mixture refrigerant is circulated in the refrigerant circuit, thereby increasing the refrigerant pressure in the evaporator.

Abstract: The compressor in a refrigeration system is controlled solely by a variable speed drive which controls the motor of the compressor by virtue of the varying of the frequency of the electricity provided to the motor. To minimize the initial cost and to minimize operating costs, the variable speed drive is cooled by refrigerant from the refrigeration system which permits the use of a smaller drive, and the variable speed drive is operated at, or approaching, a unity power factor.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for maintaining edible substances at a low temperature of the present invention includes a serving pan, an element for retaining or holding the serving pan, and a refrigeration tube and a glycol medium surrounding the pan is disclosed. The refrigeration tube and glycol medium act together in order to maintain the pan at a low temperature for a prolonged period of time and to provide an even cooling of the pan. In a second embodiment, the refrigeration tube may be surrounded by the glycol medium. In a further embodiment, the system may be used to heat food rather than to cool food by using a heat pump alone or in combination with electric heating elements. In yet another embodiment, the glycol medium may surround only the sides or only the bottom of the pan.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit having an indoor section and an outdoor section that are separated by a dividing wall. A fan motor is mounted in a support housing within the outdoor section. The housing has a front panel containing an opening for supporting the motor so that the front section of the motor is positioned within the housing and the rear section of the motor extends outwardly from the front panel. A protective baffle is secured to the front panel that extends outwardly over the rear section of the motor. The housing and the baffle combine to shield the motor from the outside elements so that ice and snow cannot build up on the motor.

Abstract: An air cooler has a casing containing two air flow paths through one of which cooled fresh air is supplied to a house, while the other receives stale air from the house. An efficient heat exchanger pre-cools the fresh air with the heat extracted from the stale air, Further cooling is achieved by evaporative cooling of water from two honeycomb structures respectively spanning the two air flow paths. A pump circulates cooled water to the upper end of one of the structures from the lower end of the other structure which receives, at its upper end, the water which has percolated down through the upper structure.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an ice-making machine having an eccentric driving means and features of reduced wear and tear due to the movement of rotating rods, the machine being composed so that a plurality of heat transfer pipes 3 and rotating rods 4 which rotate inside the heat transfer pipes 3 are disposed in a shell 2, liquid to be cooled is supplied to the inside and refrigerant to the outside of the heat transfer pipes 3 respectively, the liquid to be cooled is cooled so as to form ice crystal on the inside surfaces of the heat transfer pipes 3, the ice is scraped by the rotating rods 4 and taken out as ice grains together with the liquid to be cooled, the rotating rods 4 being passed through the holes 5a provided on a driving plate 5 which is connected with a driving shaft 13 by the medium of a eccentric drive means 13a or 17 to be revolved to the effect that the rods 4 are revolved by the revolving of the driving plate 5 while rotating in the holes 5a.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a large block of frozen liquid having vertically-disposed heat transfer tubes positioned within an open-bottom, walled mold, and elevator means to raise and lower a platform or a tray to seal with the mold as a bottom to receive and retain the liquid. Once frozen, the block is removed by lowering the platform or tray in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A self-contained liquid storage, delivery, and automatic fill apparatus and method for a semi-frozen or chilled liquid beverage machine having a bowl to contain semi-frozen beverage. The apparatus includes a housing having at least one refrigerated storage cavity in the housing for receiving a bulk storage container of liquid beverage. The housing includes a planar surface, the planar surface adapted to support the beverage machine thereon. A fluid conduit is provided for passing the beverage from the bulk storage container to the beverage machine.

Abstract: A process for annealing copper or copper-containing components, such as copper tubing, and/or for selecting copper with an appropriate grain size, such that potable water in contact with the properly treated and/or selected copper, has substantially decreased copper emissions, and may comply with ANSI/NSF 61. In one preferred embodiment, an ANSI/NSF 61-compliant water cooler may be constructed using a storage tank with wrapped copper water tubing treated and/or selected in this manner. The storage tank is preferably designed from non-copper components.

Abstract: A cooling air arrangement for an aircraft air conditioning unit includes an air inlet, a heat exchanger, an outlet plenum, first and second air outlet channels branching from the plenum, and a fan arranged in the first outlet channel. During flight of the aircraft, external ram air driven into the air inlet flows primarily through the second outlet channel. During ground operation, the fan primarily sucks cooling air through the first outlet channel, which merges back into the second outlet channel at an air mixing junction that functions as an injector nozzle and a non-return flap valve. The first outlet channel is provided in a spiral housing of the fan, or in a smooth curved duct. The air inlet and outlet of the cooling air arrangement, and the air outlet of the air cycle machine, are oriented in the same direction, e.g. the flight forward direction.

Abstract: A positive pressure heat pump system and method wherein a heat pump is housed within a cabinet having an outdoor blower section and a segregated indoor blower section. The heat pump condensing coil is positioned within the outdoor air blower section and a cooling coil is positioned within the indoor blower section. A variable angle vane is operable to divert pressurized and heated outdoor air, downstream of the condensing coil, from the outdoor air blower section into the indoor air blower section, upstream of the cooling coil, so that cooled and pressurized air is recycled into the interior of a building to maintain a positive pressure within the building relative to the surrounding ambient environment.

Abstract: A plate mainly used for serving sushi on a revolving conveyor in restaurants. The plate is provided with a central recess with an ice disc set inside and covered with a transparent cover that is prevented from falling off the plate accidentally, so that the interior of the plate being carried on the conveyor is kept cool in order to keep the sushi fresh on the plate and prevent the sushi from coming into contact with outside air.

Abstract: An expansion valve 1 comprises a prism-shaped body 10, and a valve chamber 20 is formed within the body 10. Refrigerant supplied from a compressor flows into the valve chamber through a passage 22, passes between a valve means 42 and a valve seat 23, and travels toward an evaporator through a passage 24. Refrigerant returning from the evaporator enters the body 10 through a passage 26, and after the refrigerant temperature information is transmitted to the operating shaft 40, the refrigerant flows out through a passage 28 toward the compressor. Passages 22 and 28 open to a first side surface of the body, and passages 24 and 26 open to a second side surface orthogonal to the first surface. Such structure improves the degree of freedom for mounting the expansion valve 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioner with a refrigerant loop containing a compressor, an evaporator, an accumulator positioned on the low-pressure side between the evaporator and the compressor, and an internal heat exchanger with a high-pressure side heat transfer channel and a low-pressure side heat transfer channel. According to the invention, the internal heat exchanger has a multichannel tube wound into a radial spiral or a meander shape. In addition or alternatively, the internal heat exchanger contains a multichannel tube which is positioned in the air current path of a cool air current of a high-pressure side condenser/gas cooler. Utilization, for example as a CO2 air conditioner in motor vehicles.

Abstract: A plant for the separation of air includes at least three columns, including an auxiliary column and two other columns, of which at least one is fed with air and of which that operating at the lowest pressure operates between 2 and 10 bar. A flow between 40 and 95 mol % of argon originating from the auxiliary column is optionally mixed with a gas enriched in nitrogen from the column operating at the lowest pressure. The auxiliary column operates at the same pressure as the column from which it is fed.

Abstract: A device for dividing laminated glass (3) has two supports for laminated glass (3) which has been scratched (13, 14) on both sides and in a gap (4) between them two beams (5) which are made as suction beams. The beams (5) can be swivelled using drives (8) around horizontal axes (6) which are parallel to the dividing line such that the laminated glass (3) is arched on the one hand up and then down. By the swivelling of the beams (5) and the associated arching of the laminated glass pane (3) the fractures in the two glass panes (9, 10) are opened along the scratch lines (13, 14) which were produced beforehand, the scratch line (13) or (14) which lies on the convex side of the arched laminated glass pane (3) being opened.

Abstract: An optical fiber having optical characteristics that systematically vary along its length is made by inserting a plurality of cylindrical tablets into a cladding glass tube and overcladding the tube with particles of cladding glass. Each tablet contains a core region, and it optionally contains a layer of cladding glass Adjacent tablets are capable of forming optical fiber sections having different optical properties. Prior to consolidating the glass particles, chlorine flows through the tube and over the tablets. When the tube begins to sinter, the chlorine flow is stopped and the sintering particles generate an inwardly directed force that causes the tube to collapse inwardly onto the tablets which concurrently become fused to each other. The resultant draw blank can be drawn into a low loss optical fiber. This method is particularly useful for making dispersion managed single-mode optical fibers.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a glass product not having a rotatively symmetric body like an optical fiber fixing member but having a fine structure as of optical fiber engagement portions, to transfer the fine structure with a high precision without creating molding burrs, includes the steps of placing a glass material in a cavity defined by a lower mold, an upper mold, and a side mold, molding the glass material in the cavity with pressure into the glass product in so controlling that the glass material has a viscosity range of 106.5 to 109.

Abstract: A laundry aid dispenser for a washing machine allows simple introduction of laundry aids into cups whose volumes are visible to the user and held within the console of the washing machine. A vertically oriented valve and flush chamber arrangement allows for the removal of the cups and the dispensing of viscous laundry aids such as fabric softener with reduced accumulation and buildup. The configuration also allows easy access to critical channels and parts of the dispenser as well as flexible electronic control of the dispensing times. Color-coding, keying and other indicia simplify the consumer's identification of the proper laundry aid for each cup.

Abstract: A ring roller, used in the hide splitting process as a hide transport device, is described that is continuously self cleaning and which provides a constant gap between outer rings of a ring roller. The ring roller is capable of directing pressurized water, or other gaseous and/or liquid fluid from the internal to the external surface of the ring roller. The constant supply of pressurized water, or other gaseous and/or liquid fluid from the internal to the external surface of the ring roller prevents the entry of lime solution, flesh, fat, grease, and other materials that result from the hide splitting process, into the ring roller. Therefore, the ring roller constantly and continuously provides optimum, consistent, high quality performance. Maintenance downtime for the ring roller is minimized. The ring roller, properly operated, will perform to expected design and operational parameters.

Abstract: A clutch lock for preventing starting or operation of a recreational vehicle. The clutch lock includes a clutch member, a locking mechanism, and a handle. The clutch member includes two legs, connected at one end, to form a U-shape. The clutch member is placed through the housing on a vehicle's clutch. The locking mechanism operates to connect the two open ends of the legs of the clutch member to fix the clutch lock to the clutch housing. The lock is operable between a locked position where the clutch lock is fixed to the clutch housing and an open position where the locking mechanism may be removed to allow removal of the clutch lock. The handle extends away from the clutch member such that it makes contact with the frame of the vehicle to prevent the clutch from rotating and, thus, the vehicle from starting.

Abstract: A tire clamp for immobilizing a vehicle including a fixed bar having a generally L-shaped configuration. The fixed bar is comprised of a horizontal segment and a vertical segment. The horizontal segment is comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion has a plurality of sharpened teeth extending downwardly therefrom. The vertical segment has an inwardly angled lower portion. The fixed bar is positionable with respect to a tire with the horizontal segment disposed above and extending across the tire with the plurality of teeth abutting the tire and pointed thereat. A movable bar has an inwardly angled lower portion and is coupled with the fixed bar and is slidably mounted thereon. The movable bar is positionable with respect to a tire with both inwardly angled lower portions positioned against an exterior of the rim the tire is mounted on while the sharpened teeth remain oriented toward and abutting the tire.

Abstract: A combination lock having a housing, a shackle, a dial, a pushbutton, and a lock assembly. The lock assembly is made of a group of rotating disks having windows that can be aligned to open the lock. When the dial is turned according to the combination of the lock, the windows become aligned so that the user can depress the pushbutton to release the shackle. The pushbutton travels in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the dial. When the shackle is locked again, the pushbutton returns to its original position. As the pushbutton travels back to its original position, portions of the lock assembly are turned so that the combination must be reentered in order to reopen the lock.

Abstract: A lock for securing a lowered or non-lowered landing gear of a tractor trailer comprising two hinged interlocking halves secured by a keyed locking cylinder which has a pin intersecting apertures in flanges of the halves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for starting and for locking/unlocking a motor vehicle, of the type comprising: a key (11) carrying at least one control for locking/unlocking the vehicle, a support (12) designed to accommodate the key in an appropriate housing (13) and to detect the presence of this key in the housing, and an element for starting/stopping the vehicle engine, the device being characterized in that the starting/stopping element is a bistable button (15) formed on the support (12), the said button (15) furthermore constituting a structure for immobilizing the key (11) in the housing (13) when the vehicle is in operation.

Abstract: A drive device for locking a conditionally opening lock, including a motor means (MT) comprising a drive element (36) having an axis of rotation (X1), a transmission arm (26) mounted about an axis of rotation (X2) distinct from the axis (X1), a locking block (PVI) connected mechanically to the arm (26) and adapted to occupy an active position (P1), to oppose the displacement of a bar, and an inactive position (P2) allowing displacement thereof, and elastic means (48) for putting the locking block (PVI) under bias, when the block's displacement is impeded by the bar, wherein the elastic means (48) are arranged between the drive element (36) and the transmission arm (26), these elastic means (48) being in direct driving contact with a coupling surface (54) of the transmission arm (26).

Abstract: A locking assembly is provided for a pivotally openable window or door security grille (14, 82) of a building. To unlock the security grille (14, 82), a user operates an electric punch key pad (52) to cause a solenoid rod (168) to disengage a depression (182) and the operates a handle (54) to cause an actuator support bracket (100) to pivot in a forward direction from a first reference location to a second reference location against the influence of a coil spring (132), whereby a catch surface (130) no longer engages against a shaft member (26) which is free to leave a lockable location and allow the security grille (14, 82) to be pivoted to an opened position, and whereafter a slidable pin (152) engages a depression (150) under the influence of a coil spring (156).

Abstract: A secure container comprises an external wall including a door (56) and a lock (36) for securing the door (56). The lock (36) comprises a lock mechanism (47) located internally of the wall (56) and a plate (40) mounted between the wall (56) and the lock mechanism (47). The plate (40) is tiltable in response to applied pressure.

Abstract: A motorized security locking system which is intended to be placed on the door of a high security enclosure and whose operation is reliable and more compact. The motorized security locking system includes: a case (1); a sliding bolt (3) movable in translation between an “in” position and an “out” position, and including a front end face (37), a back end face (39), two lateral faces (41), first (43) and second (45) longitudinal faces; and a controller (5) for controlling the movement of the sliding bolt, and including a motor (21), an actuator for actuating the motor, and a cam and a lever (25, 27), for connecting the motor to the sliding bolt, to transmit the drive force from the motor (21) to the sliding bolt (3) and to assure the movement thereof. The motor (21) is a motor with a single rotational direction.

Abstract: A tool controlling apparatus includes a position controlling unit and a torque controlling unit for carrying out the conversion between the position control and the torque control of the tool for pushing the work, and the conversion of the torque in the torque control in a moment by using a servo motor in the course of process of the work.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing leadthroughs on hollow profiles acted upon by a high fluidic pressure in an internal high-pressure forming tool. Dome-like secondary shaped elements are formed outwards in a radial direction from this hollow profile by the fluid pressurizing. The secondary shaped elements are then reverse drawn into the interior of the hollow profile by a punch while held at the prevailing internal high pressure, whereupon, to open the leadthrough, a punched slug is cut out of the base of the reverse-drawn secondary shaped element by the punch. To ensure the process reliability when producing the leadthrough even in the case of a hollow-profile material having low formability and to retain the strength of the hollow profile in the transition region to the leadthrough, in each case a secondary shaped element is formed out of the hollow profile at two opposite locations.

Abstract: A system and method for hydroforming hose fittings (10) for use with hose assemblies (30).

Abstract: A method for flow-forming a part having an inner collar and an outer collar surrounding the inner collar, including clamping a workpiece having a radial section to a spinning tool in a flow-forming machine, splitting a first material off the radial section while rotating the workpiece by radially infeeding at least one spinning roller having a separating edge to form and shape the inner collar against the spinning tool, axially engaging a sliding sleeve displaceably mounted on the spinning tool over the inner collar, splitting a second material off the radial section by radially infeeding the at least one spinning roller while rotating the workpiece, and pressing the second material against the sliding sleeve to form and shape the outer collar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support tool for supporting a crankshaft journal during machining. The support tool includes a support housing having an opening and a support roller having a central portion received in the opening. The central portion is supported in the opening, preferably by a plurality of needle bearings, and includes opposing end portions. Opposing roller portions extend radially outwardly from each of the opposing end portions. The opposing end portions have an outer cylindrical support surface for supporting a crankshaft journal. Each of the opposing roller portions include a lateral crankshaft engagement surface and an inner surface in spaced relationship from the lateral crankshaft engagement surface. The inner surfaces are arranged adjacent to the support housing. An annular corner joins the outer cylindrical support surface and the lateral crankshaft engagement surface and is arranged within a tangential plane on the outer cylindrical support surface.

Abstract: A machine for bending threadlike material such as tubes, rods, profiles or metal wire comprises a machine bed, having parallel guides movably supporting a carriage for feeding, rotating and angularly locating the tube, the machine bed having a T-shape, the cross member of the T-shape body being provided, at the top and bottom thereof, with parallel guides supporting a controllably driven movable carriage having a bending head provided with a fixed shaft supporting, at the two end portions thereof, bending dies with corresponding swinging bending arms, the bending head being supported by a horizontal shaft and being adapted to be controllably driven about the axis of the horizontal shaft.

Abstract: A roll-forming apparatus is provided with a plurality of roll-forming stations adapted to facilitate the formation of either a C-shaped component or a Z-shaped component from a sheet of material. The roll-forming stations have forming rolls that make contact with the sheet of material and a pair of telescoping arbor assemblies that support the forming rolls so that the lateral distance between the forming rolls may be adjusted. The roll-forming apparatus has a number of movable forming rolls and a number of fixed forming rolls having two different forming surfaces to facilitate the formation of both C-shaped and Z-shaped components.

Abstract: There is provided means for bending a small diameter metal pipe capable of accurately finishing all of bending operation by a single bender even when a linear length of a pipe distal end portion is short. A method of bending a small diameter metal pipe for chucking one end of the small diameter metal pipe to be worked, setting a working direction and carrying out bending operation from a front end side of other end to the one end, characterized in that bending operation of one step or several steps is carried out previously from a pipe distal end of the one end, a portion subjected to the bending operation is chucked and bending operation is successively carried out from the front end side of the other end toward the one end subjected to the bending operation under the state.

Abstract: A bottom forming station for forming a metal can having a sidewall and base portion is provided. The bottom forming station comprises a punch sleeve. The punch sleeve comprises a body having a sidewall that defines a bore for securely receiving a punch nose. The punch sleeve sidewall has a first section that corresponds to the shape of at least a portion of a beverage can base. The punch sleeve sidewall has a second section that corresponds to at least a portion of a beverage can sidewall profile. The second surface is integrally coupled with the first surface. The punch sleeve sidewall has a third section that is adapted to communicate with a punch nose and form a slip line that has a junction area in a non-active area. The third section is integrally coupled with the first and second sections. A bottom forming station also comprises a punch nose. The punch nose includes a body having a sidewall. The sidewall has a first section that corresponds to the shape of at least a portion of a beverage can base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (2) for providing at least a bead (4) on a side wall portion (10) of a metal container (8). The apparatus includes a mandrel (16) over which side wall portions (10) of the container are disposed. The mandrel (16) has reaction members (20) with reaction surfaces for supporting the side wall portion internally and a plurality of forming members (18) surrounding the mandrel having forming surfaces being substantially parallel with the reaction surfaces but separated therefrom to define a gap between the surfaces which receives the side wall portion (10). The reaction members (20) and forming members (18) are capable of displacement towards and away from one another such that the gap between the reaction surfaces and forming surfaces can effectively expand and contract. The reaction surfaces and forming surfaces are provided with complementary formations thereon to deform the side wall portion therebetween and form a bead (4) therein.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus with an associated, exchangeable pressing tool. The pressing apparatus has a drive unit and a connection unit for connection to a pressing pincer. The connection unit has two holding plates. The pressing pincer with its two T-shaped carrier plates is inserted between the holding plates. A connection bolt is pushed through the holding plates and a receiving opening on the T-shaped carrier plates and is secured. The pressing apparatus is thus ready for use. The pressing pincer with an actuation bears with its two pivot arms on bearing surfaces on the apparatus. With a further retraction of the pressing pincer the pivot arms are pushed out laterally and thus the pressing is undergone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calibrating the sensitivity of an acceleration sensor device, which can suppress the sensitivity thereof in the direction of each of orthogonal axes other than that thereof in the direction of an orthogonal axis to be measured. This method is performed so as to calibrate the sensitivity of an acceleration sensor device which detects an acceleration by using an acceleration detecting device comprising a pair of piezoelectric elements. According to this method, when oscillations are applied to the acceleration sensor device, the absolute values of electrical outputs of the piezoelectric elements of the pair are brought close to each other by applying a voltage of a polarity, which is opposite to the polarity of polarization being already present therein, to the piezoelectric element, whose electric output has an absolute value larger than the absolute value of the electric output of the other piezoelectric element of the pair.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for impact testing of vehicle components at a sub-system level includes a mobile unit and a vehicle sub-system. In an exemplary application, the vehicle sub-system includes a steering column and steering shaft. The vehicle steering column is securely mounted to the mobile unit and a mass element is secured to the steering shaft. By advancing the mobile unit into a rigid barrier at a predetermined speed, full-scale column collapse and energy absorption tests can be accurately analyzed at a significantly reduced cost and time.

Abstract: An assembly for measuring the condition of fruit and vegetable is disclosed which comprises an expandable resilient bellows arrangement (10) having a passive sensor (22) mounted therein. In use, the bellows (10) can be expanded so as to bring the passive sensor (22) into contact with, or adjacent to, and item of fruit or vegetable whereby the sensor can react to a property of the fruit or vegetable and produces a signal related to that property. The bellows (10) can the be contracted away from the fruit or vegetable. The sensor (22) can detect the properties of, for example, surface gas detection, chlorophyll fluorescence, visible and Near Infra Red spectrometry and change transfer. An arrangement is also disclosed in which a plurality of bellows (10) are mounted on a rotatable mounting (510) whereby by rotation of the mounting (510), the bellows (10) can be brought sequentially into a position in contact with, or adjacent to, a respective fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: A method for identifying an unknown gas using a diffusion limited sensor providing an electrical signal output when exposed to the gas. According to the method, a sensor is disposed in a chamber of fixed volume and having a gas input and gas output through which the gas flows, and the chamber is connected to a source of a known test gas of known concentration and known diffusion coefficient Dk. The input to the chamber is opened, causing the sensor to be exposed to the known test gas until a steady state electrical signal output from the sensor is obtained. The time Tk necessary for the sensor to attain a predetermined percentage of the steady state output is determined. The chamber is then connected to a source of unknown gas, and the input is opened, and time Tu necessary for the sensor to attain the predetermined percentage of a steady state output for the unknown gas is determined.

Abstract: A measuring system and process for measuring the size distribution of particles in an aerosol with a time-varying flow utilizing a measuring instrument that utilizes a time-invariant flow rate is provided. The process includes employing a vacuum source to establish a constant flow through the measuring instrument. The vacuum generated by the vacuum source is used to draw an aerosol stream through an inlet incorporating a second stream of relatively particle free gas. The first and/or the second stream may be adjusted so that at any instant of time, the sum of the two streams is a constant value equal to the flow rate through the measuring instrument.

Abstract: A heater pattern for a heater of a gas sensor in which a temperature profile is manipulated utilizes a thermistor element arranged in an electrically serial configuration and disposed on a substrate. The thermistor element is arranged so as to define an edge pattern extending about a perimeter of the substrate and a center pattern serially connected to the edge pattern. The center pattern extends over a portion of the substrate that is intermediate the perimeter of the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the thermistor element is screen printed onto the substrate to a thickness of about 5 microns to about 50 microns, and preferably to a thickness of about 10 microns to about 40 microns. The edge and center patterns are furthermore preferably formed of materials having differing coefficients of thermal resistivity, e.g., platinum and platinum/palladium blends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring lengths pneumatically. According to the invention, the medium used for measuring is conducted through a front nozzle and a measuring nozzle, onto a deflection plate. The distance of the deflection plate from the measuring nozzle is determined from the change in pressure p2 occurring between the front nozzle and the measuring nozzle. The pressure p1 in front of the front nozzle is also measured and the length value resulting from the pressure measurement between the front nozzle and the measuring nozzle is corrected according to said pressure p1. This ensures that a high level of measuring accuracy can be achieved using a small quantity of compressed air.

Abstract: A sensor system that monitors agent breakthrough through a vapor barrier and related test process. The system includes a substantially airtight test chamber for retaining the vapor barrier, which may be formed of one or more layers of one or more materials. A sensor element array placed adjacent to the barrier under test includes elements that are sensitive to one or more agents of interest and elements that are insensitive to such agents. The insensitive elements provide a baseline reference signal that is compared to the output signal of the sensitive elements. As the agent contacts the array, the electrical signal output from the sensitive elements changes in comparison to that of the reference elements. The sensor array is sensitive enough to detect low levels of the agent when the agent passes through the barrier. A control system is used to regulate and monitor environmental conditions within the chamber and to process electrical signals from the sensor array.