Abstract: Provided is a device for supplying seal air to the bearings of a gas turbine engine which allows the seal pressure to be kept even between the front and rear gear boxes without complicating the passages for supplying the seal air to the bearing boxes. Sealing air drawn from a part of high pressure compressor is conducted through passages defined between the inner periphery of the rotors of the high pressure compressor and a high pressure turbine and the outer periphery of the outer shaft, and is distributed to the front and rear bearing boxes. By appropriately providing narrowed parts in these passages, seal air is evenly distributed between the front and rear bearing boxes. Thus, even in case of a failure of one of the oil seals, any concentrated leakage of the lubricating oil can be avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are set forth for transferring a cryogenic fluid. A polymeric, coaxial (i.e. “tube-in-tube” geometry) transfer line is utilized where a first portion of the cryogenic fluid flows through the inner tube while a second portion flows through an annulus between the inner tube and outer tube which annulus is at a lower pressure than the inside tube. In one embodiment, the inner tube is substantially non-porous and the transfer line is preceded by a flow control means to distribute at least part of the first and second portions of the cryogenic fluid to the inner tube and annulus respectively. In a second embodiment, the inner tube is porous with respect to both gas permeation and liquid permeation such that both a gaseous part and a liquid part of the first portion permeates into the annulus to form at least a part of the second portion.

Abstract: A system for producing color water and colored ice cubes in various shapes, having a control unit with front panel buttons which allow a user to select a color. Dye reservoirs are provided which are selectively dispensed into a mixing chamber to provide the selected color, where they are combined with water and chilled. The colored water is provided to a dispensing unit which selectively dispenses the colored water, or creates colored ice cubes for subsequent dispensing. Ice trays are removably secured within the dispensing unit to allow various shaped ice cubes to be produced.

Abstract: A refrigerant mixture for a mixture throttle process contains from 0.06 mol/mol to 0.20 mol/mol propane, from 0.26 mol/mol to 0.36 mol/mol nitrogen and from 0.20 mol/mol to 0.38 mol/mol methane, the remainder being ethane.

Abstract: An air conditioning system that can be driven by solar energy. A solar collector used energy from the sun to evaporate water from a desiccant fluid. The desiccant fluid is then flows into a mass transfer device which removes moisture from an air stream. Calcium chloride is the preferred desiccant material and can serve as an energy-storage medium. Electric or fuel backup can be used with this system to regenerate the desiccant material. In some embodiments an indirect evaporative cooler is added to provide sensible cooling. A new desiccant cooling system that is specially designed to work with the properties of this desiccant and meet comfort requirements of conventional air conditioning.

Abstract: An expansion valve comprises an orifice 30 formed in a valve body 10 and a valve member 9 fixed to a movable member 18. Movement of a diaphragm 4 is transmitted to an actuating rod 17 via a member 16, and the actuating rod 17 actuated the movable member 18 to control the opening amount of the path between the valve member 9 and the orifice 30. An orifice member 100 affixed to the orifice 30 is made of a material harder than the valve body 10, and free from erosion or other damage by a refrigerant, which will otherwise occur at the valve opening portion.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle comprises a compressor, an electric motor for driving the compressor, a device for variably controlling a rotational speed of a drive shaft of the compressor based on a target rotational speed of the drive shaft of the compressor; a device for limiting the rotational speed of the drive shaft of the compressor to less than the target rotational speed of the compressor when a first value of a current detected at the electric motor is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value; and a device for terminating the limiting of the rotational speed of the drive shaft of the compressor when a second value of the detected current is less than a second predetermined value during the limit operation.

Abstract: An improved micro-cabinet or vault that facilitates the underground storage of electronic equipment, such as instrumentation for wireless telecommunications antenna systems. The micro-cabinet of the present invention is formed of a metal weldment, preferably stainless steel, which enables it to be made comparatively small without sacrificing strength or equipment security. Because of its reduced size, the micro-cabinet can easily be placed in a public right of way. The micro-cabinet is substantially water-tight with a cooling system and a water evacuation system.

Abstract: A portable and securable liquid holder and dispenser having an outer shell formed from a stiff material, the liner having a top defining an opening surrounded by a top edge, a liner sized to insertably fit within the outer shell, the liner further having a top lip and sides, the top lip extending outward from the sides, the lip further sized to abut the top of the outer shell when inserted therein to locate the liner, a cup sized to insertably fit within the liner, the cup having a flange formed around the top periphery thereof, the flange sized to abut the top surface of the liner when the cup is inserted therein, the cup further having a top seal extending upwardly from the flange, a cover sized to removably sealably attach to the cup, the cover having a mating seal formed thereon to mate with the top seal of the cup and an aperture formed therein, means for withdrawing liquid from the cup, the means for withdrawing liquid insertable through the aperture defined in the cover, and means for selectively attac

Abstract: A combination includes a tray providing a flat upwardly facing surface and a plurality of raised edges forming compartments on the flat surface. The tray is made, in part, of a material adapted for phase changing thermal absorption such as, so called, blue-ice. A plurality of food containers each have a flat bottom surface adapted for intimate contact with the flat surface of the tray. The containers also provide a peripheral bottom edge adapted for snap engagement with the raised edges of the tray for holding the containers on the tray.

Abstract: A nozzle of converging-diverging shape for creating mist flow at supersonic velocity comprising: a throat having a characteristic diameter D*; an inlet having a characteristic diameter D1, positioned a distance L1 upstream of the nozzle throat; and an outlet having a characteristic diameter D2, positioned a distance L2 downstream of the nozzle throat, wherein the ratio of L2/(D2−D*) is larger than 4, but smaller than 250; an inertia separator based thereon, and a method for supersonic separation of one or more components of a predominantly gaseous stream.

Abstract: Starting with an article of the so-called “gas pipe” type which is formed from two concatenated spiral components (1, 3) and is deformed into a noncircular configuration, the article is cut lengthwise (7) to cut the turns of the two components, which remain connected without relative movements.

Abstract: For heat conditioning flat panel glass substrates the substrates are directly exposed in vacuum to the radiation of lamps, the lamps being selected so that their spectral radiation characteristics (b, c) fit with the absorption characteristics (a) of the glass of the substrate.

Abstract: A glass sheet quench station (16) includes first and second quench sections (24 and 26) that cooperate with a three position shuttle (28) and a control (30) to transfer glass sheets through the quench station with partial quenching performed at the first quench station and completion of the quenching at the second quench section. This glass sheet quenching method with two stage quenching shortens the cycle time to provide increased production.

Abstract: A lock in combination with a name card case to be used for securing and providing an identification of an item such as a suitcase. When the lock is at a securing state, a latch firmly engages a securing hook to be looped to the item. When the lock is at a releasing state, the latch disengages with the securing hook to release the item. Moreover, during the releasing state, the lock can be slid toward a side of the name card case until the lock and the name card case are separated. At this time, a name card can be received in the name card case and the lock can be slid back on the name card case again. Therefore, when the lock is used to the secure the item, the name card can provide the identification of the item.

Abstract: A physical security system with a combination lock for connecting specially designed security slots in portable devices, including portable electronic devices such as laptop computers, personal data assistants.

Abstract: A gravity latch for a gate has a front unit having a key operated lock accessible from its front face and a latching tongue mounted in a housing and adapted to capture and retain a striker pin for use with the latch and mounted on a gate, the front unit having a locking element adapted to be displaced by the lock when key operated and a connection arrangement for, connecting to a separate rear unit adapted to be mounted on the opposite side of the gate post. The rear unit has a similar key operated lock and connects through a connection element of an elongate form. A lost-motion connection is provided in association with each lock so that each lock can be actuated independently and either can lock or unlock the latching tongue, and when the tongue is unlocked the rear unit, through a push-button can displace the tongue to release the striker pin.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a cremation urn inside a columbarium chamber or to another appropriate wall surface and a hidden lock for a funeral chamber shutter system are disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a male locking member which is rigidly securable to a wall surface, and a female receiving member in one of the top walls, bottom walls and sidewalls of the cremation urn. The female receiving member is securely interlockable with the male locking member. The locking mechanism also includes fastening means for securing the male locking member to the wall surface.

Abstract: A flush mountable operating assembly has paddle-type handle nested in a housing-defined recess for pivoting between non-operated and operated positions. An operating linkage for drivingly connecting the paddle handle to one or a plurality of adjacent or remotely located latch assemblies includes overlying first and second arm that are connected to the housing for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis. A lock cylinder is carried by the housing and is coupled to a connecting element for positioning the connecting element at selected locations along the lengths of aligned slots that are formed through the first and second arms. The position of the connecting element in the slots, and the configuration and orientation of the slots determine whether the arms are drivingly connected or disconnected. When connected, the arms pivot in the unison when the handle is moved to its operated position to cause the latch operation.

Abstract: A latch mechanism which includes two paddles that are engaged by a lock plate. The lock plate is configured to swivel into engagement with lock portions of the paddles, thereby generally locking the paddles in place. Preferably, the lock plate engages a substantial width of the lock portions to avoid creating an undesirable asymmetrical loading condition. As a result of engaging a substantial width of the lock portions of the paddles, the locking of the paddles is robust and reliable. Preferably, the lock portions on the paddles include a retention ramp that engages corresponding structure on the lock plate. The retention ramp renders the engagement between the lock plate and paddles generally more effective.

Abstract: An automobile steering lock includes a protective plate, a lock member, a block plate and an activating rod. The protective plate covers the steering wheel of an automobile and is connected with other components. The lock member fixed on a side of the protective plate and has a lower portion provided with a projection to extend out of or shrink into its outer surface by a key. The block plate is pivotally connected with a side of the protective plate and possible to swing for a preset angle to press a portion of the steering wheel. The activating rod has a tubular portion formed in an upper end and the tubular portion has an inner annular groove for the projection of the lower portion of the lock member to extend in and lock or shrink and unlock the lock member by handling a key.

Abstract: A dual mechanism lock; a combination lock structure is embedded into a external cylinder by a flexibly moving fixing plate; a combination wheel mechanism comprising a plurality of combination wheels and a latching wheel; the latching wheel can be embedded into the fixing plate; the other end of the fixing plate is coupled to an elastic member at the top portion in the lock body; the lock body is coupled to an external cylinder by the coupling base; an internal cylinder is sheathed into the external cylinder; the internal cylinder includes a lock core, such that the outer end of the external cylinder is a knob; a lock tongue is disposed at the inner end of the external cylinder; the key or the combination lock can produce coupling and detachment for the external cylinder through the lock core of the internal cylinder.

Abstract: A customer key actuated lock includes a retention mechanism which prevents counterrotation of the customer key plug to roation from the locked position toward the unlocked position and further includes a release mechanism to disengage the retention mechanism.

Abstract: A method for controlling flatness of a strip (1) of rolled material rolled to a first flatness target and coiled and that is subsequently uncoiled, and a system which employs the method. Measurements of the flatness of the strip (1) during rolling are compared to both the first flatness target and to a second flatness target, a Mill Flatness Target 2. A flatness target for each of one or more subsequent processes, a Post Rolling Flatness Target (PRFT) and a measured flatness error is used to adapt a control signal for a mill stand (5) to control and regulate the flatness of subsequent production of rolled material of the same specification. The adaption may be made using different statistical techniques including fuzzy logic and neuro-fuzzy logic control methods. In the preferred embodiment, flatness measurements after decoiling are also fed forward to at least one subsequent process 12 and used to adapt control signals to regulate flatness of the current strip in the subsequent process 12.

Abstract: A fluid form that is used to produce deep-drawn articles (cf. 10) on any presses, and includes a ram (2), a hold-down plate (3) and a die (4), which can be filled, preferably, with water, wherein the sheet metal (10) to be deep-drawn is guided transversely between die and hold-down plate, should be improved in such a manner that no additional tools are required to trim the deep-drawn articles (cf. 10) and, optionally, for other operations. Hereby, the configuration of the respective fluid form as combination tool (1) is provided for the deep drawing operation and for further operations, such as trimming, wall profiling, notching, perforating or the like.

Abstract: A resinous die for press-shaping a blank material into a desired configuration, which comprises a die member and a mating punch, both having respective shaping portions. Each shaping portion is formed of an epoxy resin layer provided at portions thereof where a relatively low surface pressure is applied, and a plurality of reinforcing pieces provided in an embedded fashion at portions thereof where a relatively high surface pressure is applied, for reinforcing the shaping portion. This arrangement imparts increased durability to the shaping portion and hence the die while keeping the cost of manufacture of the die to a minimum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a low molecular weight compound in a solution which utilizes a quartz resonator and which comprises capturing a low molecular weight compound between an adsorptive film (A) for a low molecular weight compound provided on the surface of a quartz resonator and an adsorptive film (A) for a low molecular weight compound provided on the surface of a signal enhancing material and comprises detecting the shift in frequency of the quartz resonator before and after the capture.

Abstract: Sensors for monitoring environmental variables such as chemical composition are disclosed. These low-cost sensors comprise multiple layers in a laminated stack. Very high numbers of sensing layers (e.g., 500) may be incorporated into a single laminated sensor device. The sensors may be produced from nanostructured materials. Additionally, multilayer magnetic, optical, photonic, thermal and biomedical sensors are disclosed.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element and a housing having an accommodation hole in which the sensor element is disposed. The housing has at an axial end thereof a cold crimped portion which cooperates with a shoulder portion of the accommodation hole to fixedly hold therebetween the sensor element. The cold crimped portion has an inward flange section, a hollow cylindrical section and a bent section between the inward flange section and the cylindrical section. The cold crimped portion is shaped so as to vary in thickness suddenly at or adjacent the bent section so that the cold crimped portion is assuredly bent at a predetermined position. A method of producing a gas sensor is also provided.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor employs a hydrogen-sensitive semiconductor layer that is applied to a carrier substrate. The hydrogen-sensitive semiconductor layer includes a first and second semiconductor layers that consist of strontium titanate so as to compensate for temperature fluctuations in the hydrogen-sensitive semiconductor layer. The first and second semiconductor layers include a respective and different electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A method for measuring physical properties or characteristics of liquids uses an acoustic transfer system that utilizes Rayleigh waves. A wave guide with at least one test section formed from a solid surface made from non-piezo-electric material, contacts the liquid medium to be measured and/or a transfer system. A sender sends acoustic wave energy that includes at least one Rayleigh wave, and at least part of the acoustic wave energy leaving the sender passes at least once through a mode converter on its way to the receiver, whereby this part of its wave energy is converted at least partly from a Rayleigh wave (RW) into a volume sound wave (VW) or vice versa. The physical characteristics or physical properties of the liquid are then determined using changes of at least a parameter of the Rayleigh wave.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing seals of packages or containers incorporating gas permeable materials wherein the packages are placed between opposing components of a vacuum test chamber such that the seals of the packages are open to a pressure testing system. A flexible bladder backed by a foam material or pressurized fluid seal the gas permeable material afterwhich at least a partial vacuum is drawn to create pressure differential between interior sealed spaces of the packages and the exterior of the package seals. In some embodiments, flexible bladders are provided to initially seal opposite surfaces of packages having opposite gas permeable material covering layers.

Abstract: A method for generating indicators relating to the condition of lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine. A set of variables relating to operation of the internal combustion engine serve as proxy variables for brake mean effective pressure developed by the internal combustion engine. Operation of an engine is monitored to develop values for the proxy variables. Soot being added to the lubricating oil from the developed values and accumulated to provide an estimate of total soot in the lubricating oil. Lubricating oil temperature is periodically monitored and a history of the lubricating oil temperature measurements is kept to allow generation therefrom of an estimate of shear of the lubricating oil. Accumulated estimate of soot is kept as a distance remaining until the lubricating oil becomes unsuitable for continued use in the internal combustion engine. Similarly, estimated shear is expressed as a distance until the lubricating oil is to be replaced.

Abstract: A method for generating indicators relating to the condition of lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine. A set of variables relating to operation of the internal combustion engine serve as proxy variables for brake mean effective pressure developed by the internal combustion engine. Operation of an engine is monitored to develop values for the proxy variables. Soot being added to the lubricating oil from the developed values and accumulated to provide an estimate of total soot in the lubricating oil. Lubricating oil temperature is periodically monitored and a history of the lubricating oil temperature measurements is kept to allow generation therefrom of an estimate of shear of the lubricating oil. Accumulated estimate of soot is kept as a distance remaining until the lubricating oil becomes unsuitable for continued use in the internal combustion engine. Similarly, estimated shear is expressed as a distance until the lubricating oil is to be replaced.

Abstract: A method for the non-destructive, in-situ assessment of a resilient elastic substrate, said method comprising the steps of: applying detector means to a surface of said substrate; urging said detector means into said substrate at a substantially constant speed to a predetermined depth; holding said detector means at said predetermined depth for a predetermined time; releasing said detector means, allowing elastic recovery of said substrate; and processing compressibility and/or elastic recovery of said substrate during said urging, holding and/or releasing steps.

Abstract: A wear indicator is provided for use on sports balls and other articles of manufacture, the wear indicator consisting of one or more dots imprinted upon the surface of the article, each dot manifesting a different degree of resistance to wear due to article use and each dot being composed of a mixture of pigment and a rubber cement hardener in which the resistance to wear is proportional to the ratio of the hardener to the pigment, or in which each dot is of a selected thickness and wear resistance proportional to its thickness. A brand name also may be imprinted on the surface of the article either as a permanent marking or to signify a predetermined degree of wear when no longer visible to the eye.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a fuel injection pump for an engine fuel injection system comprising determining the pressure made available to an injector nozzle at a portion of the injection cycle before the top dead center position of the engine crankshaft. A solenoid-operated control valve establishes a rate of fuel delivery through the injector nozzle. The method calculates a boot current for the valve, which will achieve optimum pressure delivery through the nozzle. An electronic controller for the injection system calibrator relies upon an algorithm to find the lowest and the highest boot current level that will achieve injector stability. The logic of the system will increase the precision of the boot current by repeated substitution of incremental current values to determine an upper limit and a lower limit for the boot current.

Abstract: A high speed uniformity measurement device is provided in which high speed uniformity of a tire conveyed on a production line is measured automatically and continuously. At the high speed uniformity measurement device, a lower spindle is disposed so as to be movable up and down, and a lower side half rim is mounted to a distal end of the lower spindle. An upper spindle is provided, and a sensor for measuring high speed uniformity is provided at the upper spindle. An upper side half rim is mounted to a lower end of the upper spindle. A lock and unlock mechanism, for locking and unlocking the half rim, is formed at an upper side of the lower side half rim and at a lower side of the upper side half rim.

Abstract: A suspension support with volume indication for a LPG tank comprising a slidable upright pole, a securing rail having an opening as a sliding path, a retractable restoring device, a plurality of suspension hooks and a measuring device with a display capable of showing level indication is disclosed.

Abstract: A new apparatus is provided for the quantification of the adhesion of a film over a substrate. In particular, the peeling force and the rate of peeling are quantified by providing a first means for measuring the peeling force, a second means for measuring the rate of peeling, a third means for securing a piece of wafer, an adhesive tape, a tape holder and a resilient, flexible component.

Abstract: In a flow rate sensor, a sensing passage, into which a fluid is introduced and in which a flow rate sensing element is disposed, a support member for supporting the sensing passage, and a circuit case, in which an electronic circuit unit for controlling the flow rate sensing element is accommodated, are formed integrally with each other, and the support member extends into a main passage through a hole opened to the main passage so as to position the sensing passage in the main passage. A structural member, the outside shape of which is formed to have a fluid resistance approximately similar to that of the portion of the support member extending from the hole, is disposed at a position approximately symmetrical with the portion of the support member extending from the hole about the sensing passage.

Abstract: A system for indicating an amount of a process liquid contained within an interior of an ampoule. A first conduit is in selective fluid communication with the interior of the ampoule, and has a first opening configured for disposal below an upper surface of the process liquid. The first conduit introduces a carrier gas into the interior of the ampoule. A second conduit is also in selective fluid communication with the interior of the ampoule, and has a second opening configured for disposal above the upper surface of the process liquid. The second conduit receives the carrier gas from the interior of the ampoule. A pressure differential sensor is disposed between and is in selective fluid communication with the first conduit and the second conduit. The pressure differential sensor senses a pressure differential between the first conduit and the second conduit.

Abstract: Level indicator for controlling the levels in a boiler or similar, comprising two conductive material rods, inserted in a single insulating material mold body, suitable for withstanding high pressures and temperatures, said rods protruding at different heights from the body; said insulating body being applied to a single hole of the boiler or tank in which the minimum and maximum level is to be monitored.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical liquid level float switch that continuously actuates a switch on sensing a change in the liquid upon reaching a threshold level, where the float-switch requires manual reset once the switch has been actuated. The float switch has an elongated stem with a reed switch embedded in one end of the stem, and a float with a magnetic portion. The float is constrained to move between a stop below the switch and an upper stop above the switch. When the float is abutted against the upper stop, it is aligned with the switch. Once aligned with the switch, the switch is actuated. The float is held is alignment with the switch by a magnet located in the upper stop, where the magnet can support the weight of the float. Once the switch is actuated it remains actuated, unless the float is physically separated from the magnet.

Abstract: An infant drinking cup is described. The infant drinking cup is a first color when at room temperature. When the cup is filled with a cold beverage, the portion of the cup below the fill line changes to a second color. When handled by an infant, those areas below the fill line in contact with the infant's warm hands change color back to the first color. The process is fully reversible, such that the infant drinking cup can change from the cold color to the warm color, and vice versa, repeatedly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a MEMS sensor including a sense element and a single anchor that supports the sense element arranged in a central hub-like fashion that reduces the effects of thermal stress. Usually, two or more anchors are required to suitably constrain the sense element's motion. The anchor disclosed herein, however, supports the sense element with connection elements having a connection geometry that substantially limits the motion of the sense element to a single-degree-of-freedom. The connection elements may include, for example, converging flexures, an extender bar, or both.

Abstract: A device comprised of at least a pair of accelerometers and a tilt sensor mounted in fixed relation to a datum plane defining surface (sole of a shoe) may be used for extracting kinematic variables including linear and rotational acceleration, velocity and position. These variables may be resolved into a selected direction thereby permitting both relative and absolute kinematic quantities to be determined. The acceleration is determined using a small cluster of two mutually perpendicular accelerometers mounted on a shoe. Angular orientation of the foot may be determined by double integration of the foot's angular acceleration (which requires a third accelerometer substantially parallel to one of the two orthogonal accelerometers). The two orthogonal accelerations are then resolved into a net horizontal acceleration or other selected direction which may be integrated to find the foot velocity in the selected direction. The average of the foot velocity corresponds to the subject's gait speed.

Abstract: A small-sized, high detection sensitivity and high performance acceleration sensor having directional or non-directional sensitivity is disclosed. The acceleration sensor is provided with a vibrator having uni-directional polarization and a weight connected to the vibrator. The weight is supported at the position different from the center of gravity of the total body of the vibrator and the weight itself. The vibrator is disposed so that its direction of polarization axis is either consistent or inconsistent with an axis of the torsion of the vibrator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acceleration sensor which can be provided in a place with extreme ambient temperature variations, for example, near a vehicle engine, and an acceleration detecting system having the acceleration sensor, which are used to control an occupant protection device such as an airbag. In an acceleration sensor (1, 40, 50, 160), gain of an amplifier circuit (4, 5, 6, 41, 42, 43, 51) which differentially amplifies outputs of a piezo-electric element (3) is adjusted by temperature compensation means (9), and thereby an output-temperature characteristic of the piezo-electric element (3) is compensated. Also, a capacitor (8) is inserted in parallel with the piezo-electric element (3), and thereby a composite capacity is increased. By this, a lower cut-off frequency is set to a lower frequency without increasing resistor values of a bias resistor circuit (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring the lift of a transport infrastructure road level and industrial floors. The apparatus comprises a wheel borne by a chassis pivotally mounted on a trailer towed by a vehicle. An unbalanced member causes the wheel to vibrate. The vertical acceleration of the chassis and of the wheel and the angle of the centrifugal force of the unbalanced member with the vertical, are continuously measured. The total force applied by the wheel, the chassis and the unbalanced member is calculated from the measurements of the accelerations, as is the deflection of the road level by double integration of the acceleration of the wheel.