Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle has a plurality of heat enhancing means including at least a hot gas heater cycle for heating air blown into a passenger compartment by directly introducing a discharged gas refrigerant from a compressor into an interior heat exchanger. Additionally, an electric heater is provided as another passenger compartment heating enhancing means. When heat requirements are high (outside air temperature is low), both the hot gas heater cycle and the electric heater are activated, and when the heat requirements decrease, the hot gas heater cycle is deactivated first, and then the electric heater is deactivated. Therefore, the adverse effects of a vehicle compartment temperature that the driver is sensing can be avoided. Additionally, controlling vehicle window fogging associated with an operation of the hot gas heater cycle is possible.

Abstract: A fridge-freezer equipped with a deodorizing unit which has a filter including photocatalyst and a light emitting unit including an LED as a light source mounted on a substrate. The fridge-freezer is designed to solve problems posed by conventional fridge-freezers. One of the problems is that in the case of using a glass-tube type lamp such as a black light or a cold cathode tube as the light source, the light source becomes large in size which requires a large space for installation. This does not allow the deodorizing unit to be installed in the compartments in the refrigerator. Another problem is that the deodorizing unit was not designed to be safe for food in case that part of the deodorizing unit is damaged to give harmful damage to food.

Abstract: An assembly (10) of a component (12) of a vehicle air conditioning system to a support structure (14), wherein the component (12) has a first connection element (32) and the support structure (14) has a second connection element (28). According to an important aspect of the invention, either the first or the second connection element (28) comprises a recess (30) therein for receiving the other connection element (28, 32) and a lateral opening (34) for allowing lateral introduction of the other connection element (28, 32) into the recess (30).

Abstract: A refrigerator ice-making apparatus that prevents or reduces interference between a water supply pipe and an ice-making vessel. The rotational axis of a motor driven ice-making vessel is controlled such that contact between the water supply pipe and the ice-making vessel, which is below the water supply pipe, is prevented or reduced. The rotational axis is either offset from the center of the ice-making vessel or varies by contact between the water supply pipe and the ice-making vessel.

Abstract: An air-cooling device comprises compressor (1). Double cavity heat exchanger (2), turbo expander (6) and the freezing chamber (3) containing fan (5) and air cooler (4). Fan (7) is mounted on the same shaft with the turbo expander (6). The first cavities of the heat exchangers (9 and 2), moist separator (8) and the second cavity of the heat exchanger (2) are connected with the compressor (1) input in sequence. In the other appearance the device comprises compressor (44) and turbo expander (49), double cavity heat exchanger (45), freezing chamber (46) containing fan (48) and air cooler (47), double cavity vaporization heat exchanger (51) and moist separator (50). The first cavities of the vaporization heat exchangers (51 and 45), moist separator (50, turbo expander (49), air cooler (47) and the second cavity of the heat exchanger (45) are in sequence connected with the compressor input (44).

Abstract: A can receiving apparatus for a refrigerator. The can receiving apparatus includes an inner case, possibly having a plurality of speed reducing ribs, of a door having ribs. A support member is retained by the door ribs, beneficially using U-shaped fastening members. The support member can include rotation inducing elements that cause the support member to interact with an interior wall to reduce the speed of a can falling through a can receiving space. A stop member prevents cans from falling out of the can receiving space. The stop member can be relieved to reduce the difficulty of removing a can from the can receiving space.

Abstract: The scroll compressor includes a scroll compression mechanism portion in combination of an orbiting scroll and a fixed scroll, a frame for supporting the compression portion, a rotary shaft fitted in the orbiting scroll, a motor portion coupled to the rotary shaft, and a hermetic chamber incorporating the above-mentioned components. Windings of a stator of a motor in the motor portion are formed of aluminum wires which are coated with fluororesin compound, that is, the aluminum wires are coated with fluororesin and is molded with a resin material. Ammonia group refrigerant is used in the scroll compressor. Further, a refrigerating system using the above-mentioned scroll compressor, is incorporated therein with a circuit for injecting ammonia group refrigerant into a compression room in the compression mechanism portion.

Abstract: Controlling the production of a liquefied natural gas (31) comprises measuring the temperature (50) and the flow rate (55) of the liquefied natural gas (31); maintaining the flow rate of the heavy mixed refrigerant (60a) at an operator manipulated set point (80), and determining the flow rate of the light mixed refrigerant (86) from (i) the flow rate of the heavy mixed refrigerant (80) and (ii) an operator manipulated set point for the ratio of the flow rate of the heavy mixed refrigerant to the flow rate of the light mixed refrigerant (81); determining a dependent set point (91) for the ratio of the flow rate of the liquefied natural gas to the flow rate of the heavy mixed refrigerant such that the temperature (50) of the liquefied natural gas is maintained at an operator manipulated set point (90); determining a dependent set point (95) for the flow rate of the liquefied natural gas (95) from (i) the dependent set point (91) for the ratio of the flow rate of the liquefied natural gas product stream to the f

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tongue and mouth stud for dispensing a substance such as a chemical, breath freshener, pleasant flavor, or medication into the mouth of a wearer. This tongue and mouth stud includes a means for dispensing a substance comprised of an internal cavity for storing and dispensing the substance contained within through one or more openings in the surface of the tongue stud that are contiguous with the internal cavity. Furthermore, the means for dispensing a substance may include a sponge positioned within the internal cavity of the mouth and tongue stud.

Abstract: A star-shaped multi-stone setting for receiving five substantially rhomboid-shaped gemstones or diamonds in the star-shaped setting. The star-shaped multi-stone setting includes a prong assembly having at least five prong members; ten side rail members connected to the five prong members to form a star-shaped setting; and a central support member having five radially-extending crossbar members attached at a center connecting point. Each of the radially-extending crossbar members having a pair of retaining insert edge members formed thereon; and the radially-extending crossbar members are connected to the side rail members for forming five seating areas within the star-shaped setting. Each of the five seating areas are used for receiving one of the five rhomboid-shaped gemstones or diamonds therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a crucible. The method includes the steps of (a) bottoming one end of a tube thereby forming a substantially closed end; (b) heating the closed end to a forming temperature; (c) contacting an interior surface of the closed end with a forming tool, thereby altering the interior surface of the closed end to form at least one section with a predetermined wall thickness; and (d) manipulating the at least one section of the closed end to form an orifice.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for press-forming a molten gob made of meltable material, especially of glass or glass ceramics, into a body of specific shape;

Abstract: To provide a molding die for molding an optical element by placing an optical material which is heated and softened in a cavity of a molding die provided with a pair of upper and lower molded dies and a blow mold and pressurizing the optical material with the pair of upper and lower molded dies, wherein a lower die provided a transfer surface molded by transferring the transfer surface of the molding matrix to the molded die material is provided, a coefficient of linear expansion of the molded die material made of glass is reduced to the coefficient of linear expansion of the optical material or below and the molding die is designed to meet T1<T2<T3 where T1 is a glass transition point (Tg) of the optical material, T2 is a molding heating temperature at the time of molding the optical element and T3 is a glass transition point (Tg) of the molded die material.

Abstract: An optical channel (OC) is produced in a tellurite glass (T) by selectively (M) exposing the glass surface to UV laser radiation (L), whereby the exposed areas define an optical channel (OC) photoinduced in the glass (T). The UV laser radiation (L) has a wavelength around 240-270 nm or around 193 nm and may be both continuous wave and pulsed laser radiation. The core of an optical waveguide (OC) can thus be produced in the tellurite glass (T), while a cladding may be provided by means of glass or polymer spinning, sol-gel or other conventional techniques.

Abstract: A method of making an optical waveguide preform includes forming a preform including a first portion and a second radial portion, wherein the second portion includes a dopant, and wherein the first portion exhibits a density greater than the second portion. The method further includes stripping at least a portion of the dopant from the second portion. In a preferred embodiment, the stripped dopant has migrated in a previous processing step.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an apparatus for guiding continuous materials. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises first and second conveyors, each comprising a continuous conveyor belt carried by a set of pulleys including a drive pulley and an idler pulley. The conveyor belts have opposing inner surfaces that are oriented to travel substantially parallel to one another to sandwich continuous materials therebetween. The ratio of the diameters of the idler pulleys to the drive pulleys is greater than about 8:1. In another embodiment of the invention, a chopper is provided. The chopper comprises a cutting roll and a cot member defining a nip region therebetween. The cutting roll has an axis of rotation that is aligned substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of a cot member. The small turning radii permit the conveyor belts to extend within the nip region.

Abstract: A washing machine 10 of the drum type comprises a drum 20 rotatable about a horizontal or inclined center of rotation, a drive motor 50 for rotating the drum, liquid holding chambers 36 for holding a liquid therein centrifugally, means for detecting an eccentric load of laundry in the drum, and control means 72 for adjusting the amounts of liquid in the chambers in accordance with the detected eccentric load. The amounts of liquid in the chambers are adjustable by braking the drum in rotation. The machine has moment of inertia measuring means 60 for detecting the rotation of the drum. The control means calculates the moment of inertia acting on the drum based on the rotation of the drum detected by the moment of inertia measuring means, and adjusts the magnitude of braking force to be applied to the drum in accordance with the calculated moment of inertia so as to decelerate the drum at a constant rate in adjusting the amounts of liquid in the chambers.

Abstract: A process for cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, with lipophilic fluid and water to provide improved cleaning of soils while providing excellent garment care, especially for articles sensitive to water.

Abstract: The invention concerns a washing machine door for a front-load washing machine that has a frontal frame hinged to the housing of the machine and that surrounds a loading opening, into which a transparent frontal door cover is inserted from the drum side and is held in by means of a mounted gallows frame. If according to the invention the provision is made that the frontal frame has bayonet hooks on the backside facing the frontal door cover that are inserted into receiving slots of the frontal door cover and held therein when the frontal door cover is rotated; that at least part of the bayonet hooks provide fashioned screw domes onto which receptacle domes of the gallows frame can be form locked; and that the gallows frame with bent rest tabs can be snapped into the rest slots of the frontal door covering, then a washing machine door-module for various washing machine doors is achieved with simple components without great expense for parts or assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for presetting process variables in at least one actuating element of a rolling train for rolling metal strips, in which guarantee values are predefined. The guarantee values specified, which cover the intended stipulations and the associated tolerance bands for the quality features of the metal strip, are, for example, strip flatness and/or strip contour and/or strip profile. The tolerance bands of the intended stipulations over a predefinable number of metal strips are taken into account in such a way that an optimum set point calculation of at least one process variable is carried out over the predefined number of metal strips.

Abstract: Superplastic forming tools and method in which pairs of stacked metal blanks are serially loaded between heated forming dies that are moved to a closed position on each of the pair of blanks so that a partial perimeter gas seal is established therebetween. A pressure wedge is then introduced between the two blanks along one edge of the pair to act as a stopper or air seal to complete perimeter sealing thereof. The pressure wedge also establishes the operative position of a gas injection port, which directs pressurized air interiorly of the completed perimeter seal of the pair of blanks to force the blanks in opposite direction for the superplastic forming of a pair of discrete parts. The wedge and forming dies are then opened for the removal of a pair of formed parts and for the subsequent loading of additional pairs of stacked sheets for their simultaneous superplastic forming into pairs of parts.

Abstract: A heat dissipation system and method for extracting heat from an integrated circuit device includes a thermally conductive base having substantially planar upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface is disposed across from the lower surface, and the lower surface is adapted to contact an integrated circuit device. A conductive heat exchange portion including an array of fins extends angularly away from the upper surface of the base. The array has a chamber within to house an air movement device so that the air introduced by the air movement device creates a swirling air movement over the heat exchange portion to increase air movement around the heat exchange portion to enhance the heat extraction from the heat exchange portion.

Abstract: The roll stand having at least one roll shaft 2, which carries a roll 6 and is subdivided into sectional shafts 3, 4 for the purpose of being able to change the roll, comprises at least one labyrinth-seal arrangement which is arranged in an annular gap 23, 24 formed between the respective sectional shaft 3, 4 and a bearing device for the roll shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming an end area of a workpiece (2), especially for cold press-forming an end area of a pipe, comprising two force transmitting elements (7, 9) which are guided in a common housing (3). The device is characterised in that a first pressure chamber (26) is located between the two force transmission elements (7, 9) and in that a second pressure chamber (28) is allocated to the second force transmission element (9). When the first force transmission element (7) is in the bracing position, the second force transmission element (9) can be displaced in relation to the first force transmission element (7) in order to form the workpiece.

Abstract: A press for transforming work pieces including a drive apparatus for driving at least one press tappet and at least one tappet element. The drive apparatus is connected with at least one extractor element through a lever linkage. A tool with a tool lower element and a tool upper element which is mounted on the press tappet. At least one extractor element is provided to extract the work piece following the transformation process. A coupling which connects the drive apparatus with at least one extractor element or disengages it therefrom. At least one measuring sensor which is part of a triggering apparatus arranged inside the lever linkage and which is in a position to measure the force acting on the extractor element continuously.

Abstract: A bottle-shaped can manufacturing method for forming a shoulder portion having a slope and a diametrically small cylindrical neck portion integrally by further working a bottom side of a bottomed cylindrical can which is formed thinner at its trunk wall than at its bottom wall by drawing a metallic sheet having a thickness of 0.1 to 0.4 mm and by executing at least one thinning working of a bending/extending working and an ironing working.

Abstract: A periodically transferring mechanism for a self-drilling screw forming machine includes a gear system and a clutch device which controls the engagement of the contact between the contact member of the clutch device and the hosing mounted on the driven shaft. The clutch device is eccentrically connected to a idle gear which has two times of the number of teeth to the active gear so that the clutch device periodically contacts the hosing. A rating switch device is used to switch the transferring rate of the mechanism from 1:1 mold to 2:1 mold.

Abstract: A crimping assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes cam profiles on the ends of the arms. The cam profiles are engaged by the crimping tool and control the input force versus displacement of the tool. The cam profile includes a first portion defined by a radius, a second portion adjacent the first portion and defined by a non-linear equation, and a third portion adjacent the second portion and defined by a linear equation. The assembly further includes a passive mode of failure in the side plates. The arms of the assembly have a hardness greater than the side plates and have a maximum section height at their point of rotation for increasing their strength. The assembly further includes a leaf spring disposed between the arms and held therebetween by pins disposed in holes defined in the sides of the arms. A crimp ring having an increased diameter is disclosed for reducing the crimping force required to crimp 3-inch fittings.

Abstract: A compact, portable and NIST traceable pressure source dynamically generates very low pressures includes at least one adjustable valves in-line with a fluid, such as air, flowing through the valve. A differential pressure is created across a pressure control device downstream from the valve. The differential pressure varies depending on the volume of the gas flow and the amount of resistance to the gas flow. The pressure generating device utilizes a miniature pump to create a pressure, or, alternatively, a vacuum, that causes gas flow. The pressure generating device is compact and capable of providing a very low and stable differential pressure by using a dynamic flow that compensates for temperature changes and volume changes. The compact module may be configured as a plug-in module for existing handheld calibrators for operator ease of use.

Abstract: A monitoring system, such as used to monitor the presence and/or concentration of gases or other such fluids, includes a housing through which fluid is permitted to pass and which includes a heater element. The housing includes one or more vent hole/vent plug combinations and fluid, including gas and/or liquid, passes through the vent hole/vent plug combinations to flow into, through and/or out of the housing. A heater element is located in the housing and maintains the housing interior above the dew point to facilitate proper operation of the sensor element. The heater element, in conjunction with the vent hole/vent plug combinations, facilitates a heated-air plume through the housing to avoid the build up of moisture therein and to expose the sensor element to a steady stream of ambient atmosphere for monitoring the gas concentrations in same.

Abstract: A gas analyzer for a semiconductor treater improved to be capable of monitoring leakage or change of gas composition influencing treatability of the semiconductor treater in situ is provided. A duct is provided on the outer wall of a chamber of the semiconductor treater for taking out gas to be analyzed from the chamber. A gas analytic chamber stores the gas to be analyzed taken out through the duct. A discharge formation part is mounted in the vicinity of the gas analytic chamber. The discharge formation part includes a high frequency generation coil generating a high frequency and forming a plasma of the gas to be analyzed in the gas analytic chamber. This gas analyzer further comprises a spectrometer analyzing the emission wavelength of the plasma of the gas to be analyzed.

Abstract: Devices for determining at least one parameter of a flowing medium according to the related art do not offer sufficient protection of a measuring element from contamination by foreign particles. A device (1) is disclosed having an element (55), for example in the form of a bulge (60), in the channel (20) in which the measuring element (10) is positioned, which deflects the foreign particles and thus protects the measuring element (10).

Abstract: A device for ascertaining a particle concentration in an exhaust gas flow of a combustion device, particularly a diesel combustion device, is provided, which device ascertains very small particle concentrations in the exhaust gas of combustion devices, accompanied by high time resolution. At least one measuring unit is provided for measuring a concentration of an oxidizing agent in the exhaust gas flow, having at least one measuring element sensitive to the oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A state determination apparatus for a humidity sensor is provided for accurately determining the state of the humidity sensor, including the responsibility, from a result detected by the sensor itself. The state determining apparatus is configured to determine a humidity sensor arranged in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine for detecting a humidity within an exhaust pipe. The apparatus comprises an ECU which determines whether or not the internal combustion engine is in a predetermined operating condition, calculates a change state parameter indicative of a change state of a value detected by the humidity sensor based on the detected value of the humidity sensor detected when the internal combustion engine is in the predetermined operating condition, and determines the state of the humidity sensor in accordance with the calculated change state parameter.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor with a plurality of electrodes (21, 3, 4), an electrolyte (7) and a gas-permeable membrane (9) has a reduced cross sensitivity with respect to interfering gases, a short response time and high sensitivity for the measured gas without the service life being reduced. The measuring electrode is a layer of doped diamond (21) on a porous substrate (22).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing one or more glass light bulbs assembled into a sub-assembly for cracks. The apparatus comprises a chamber having an enclosed hollow interior and a door that is adapted to open and close to either allow access to the hollow interior or to seal the hollow interior; a test tray assembly having a plurality of compartments for receiving and holding a plurality of glass light bulbs and sub-assemblies to be tested, said tray assembly adapted and dimensioned to be placed into and enclosed by said chamber; a control assembly for controlling the introduction of oxygen into said chamber; and a source of pressurized oxygen connected to said chamber to supply oxygen under pressure to said chamber under the control of said control assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for measuring the permeability of a coating (3) on a plastic wall (1) to low molecular weight gases, wherein the diffusion coefficient and/or solubility coefficient of the coating (3) relative to the low molecular weight gases are lower than for instance those of the plastic wall (1), wherein the space (4) on the coating side is exposed to a first fluid (5) and is rinsed until only the first fluid (5) fills said space. The invention also concerns a device for implementing said method. In order to measure the barrier property of the coating (3), the first fluid is a test medium (5) containing a component that can be diffused in the plastic wall (1) and absorbed by said wall; after rinsing the space (4), the test medium (5) is removed therefrom; the coated space (4) is then exposed to an extraction medium (7) in which the component can be well dissolved and measured and the concentration of the component in the extraction medium (7) is measured.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the concentrations of the components of a fluid are described, which can be used to measure the concentrations of the components continuously in real time and to monitor a high pressure gas, and is suitably used for in-line monitoring. In the method and the apparatus, a fluid sample is conducted through a measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube has a small aperture with a constant diameter in a fluid flow path. The pressure difference (P1−P2) between the upstream and the downstream of the small aperture and the flow rate at the downstream of the small aperture are measured to determine the concentrations of the components of the fluid.

Abstract: Enzymatic methods are provided for determining the surface triglycerides content in a sample of wood pulp. The methods preferably comprise reacting triglycerides which are present on the surface of the wood pulp fibers in the sample in the presence of a lipase to form glycerol and fatty acids, and then determining the difference between the amount of free glycerol present in the sample and the amount of glycerol formed from said triglycerides. The method is useful as a quick, portable, accurate, and low cost assay for assessing the amount of triglycerides present at various sample points in pulp and paper mills, which advantageously serves as a diagnostic tool for use in controlling the undesirable deposition of pitch during the papermaking process.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the condition of engine lubricating oil includes a sensor having a plurality of spaced apart electrode pairs on a nonconductive polymer film. The sensor is operatively associated with an oil filter, which provides retro-fit capability and easy access for servicing and replacement. The multi-electrode pair design averages signal output to reduce operational electromagnetic interference noise. A forcing-function waveform reactive circuit is applied to the sensor input electrode as a common voltage potential. The output current from the sensor electrodes is then relayed to a current follower amplifier, which converts the output current into an equivalent voltage for comparison with predetermined values. Based on the voltage values, the on-board sensing system will determine the oil's condition, and will trigger a trouble code if the equivalent voltage falls within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A drilling mud monitoring system includes a single measurement chamber which is filled with a predetermined quantity of drilling mud. The chamber is weighed to provide a value representative of the density of the drilling mud. The time needed for the chamber to drain is measured to provide a value representative of viscosity. The system proceeds through a measurement cycle in which the chamber is filled, weighed, timed and washed. At the end of the wash step, the weight of the chamber is compared with an empty weight and if the chamber weighs too much, the conclusion is that drilling mud adheres to the chamber so it is washed again. An alarm is sounded if the mud weight is too low and/or too high or in the case of a machine malfunction.

Abstract: An imaging tube (16) and an apparatus (60) and a method for pre-balancing the imaging tube (16) for use in an imaging system (10) are provided. The imaging tube mass and center of mass are determined. Desired values for the imaging tube mass and imaging tube center of mass are also determined. A mass correction value and a center of mass correction value are calculated in response to the imaging tube mass, the imaging tube center of mass, and the desired values. The imaging tube mass and the imaging tube center of mass are adjusted in response to the mass correction value and the center of mass correction value respectively.

Abstract: A dynamic inertial balancing system (10) uses a shaft (20) mounted to a base (16). A motor (46) or pulley system (42) imparts rotational torque on the shaft. A swing arm (18) is coupled to the shaft and moves through an arc in a horizontal plane in response to the rotational torque. A golf club is mounted to the swing arm. A timer (38) records the time for the swing arm to traverse the arc. The system balances the golf clubs within a set by measuring their moments of inertia. Each golf club is placed on swing arm 18 and the time is measured for the each golf club to complete the swing arc. If torque is constant for all clubs, then by comparing the moments of inertia, i.e. by comparing the time for each club to complete the swing arc, the club set can be balanced.

Abstract: An engine combustion diagnostic system and method for diagnosing an engine improve combustion quality determinations. The method includes the step of linking manifold absolute pressure (MAP) to in-cylinder pressure during calibration of the engine such that a table results. A single in-cylinder pressure measurement is collected during real-time operation of the engine. The method further provides for determining combustion quality for the engine based on the real-time in-cylinder pressure measurement and the table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for calibrating a pressure sensor (7) of a fuel-metering system of an internal combustion engine wherein the fuel-metering system includes: a high-pressure pump (2) for pumping fuel from a low-pressure region (ND) into a high-pressure region (HD) injectors (5) for metering the fuel from the high-pressure region (HD) into combustion chambers (6) of the internal combustion engine with the injectors (5) being drivable in dependence upon operating characteristic variables, and the pressure sensor (7) for measuring the pressure in the high-pressure region (HD).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the mass air flow into an internal combustion engine without the use of a mass air flow sensor. Speed density and throttle position methods of estimating mass air flow are combined using a first Kalman filter. In one aspect of the invention, the input throttle position into the throttle position mass air flow estimate is the measured throttle position obtained from the throttle position sensor. In another aspect of the invention, the input throttle position into the throttle position mass air flow estimate is the output of a second Kalman filter, which uses as its inputs the measured throttle position obtained from the throttle position sensor and the desired throttle position obtained from the pedal position sensor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring deformations of a moving tyre mounted on a rim associated with a vehicle includes a moving station and a fixed station. The moving station is operatively coupled to the rim. The moving station measures, at least intermittently and in at least one direction, a distance between the moving station and an inner surface of the tyre. The fixed station is operatively coupled to the vehicle. The fixed station receives from the moving station, at least intermittently, at least one first signal associated with the measurement. The moving station measures the distance within a time interval when a first antenna associated with the moving station and a second antenna associated with the fixed station are in proximity to each other. Related methods for monitoring deformations of a moving tyre mounted on a rim associated with a vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A keyless entry device includes a plurality of antennas which receive high frequency signals, a high frequency receiver which reproduces data from the high frequency signals received by the plurality of antennas, an intermittent controller which changes over an operation of the high frequency receiver between a continuous operation and an intermittent operation in an interlocking manner with turning on or off of an ignition key of an automobile, and a data processor which outputs data as control signals, wherein when the ignition key is turned on, the keyless entry device is operated as the tire pressure monitoring device and when the ignition key is turned off, the keyless entry device is operated as the keyless entry device.

Abstract: This pressure detector (8) is adapted to be disposed in a tire mounted on a wheel rim (2) provided with a valve (6) permitting the introduction of air into and the withdrawal of air from the tire. This detector (8) is fixed to the valve (6). It comprises, spaced from the point of securement to the valve, a deformable lip (32) creating a substantially continuous bearing zone against the wheel rim (2).

Abstract: A magnetostrictive precipitation gage includes a catch tube having an upper opening configured to receive precipitation therein. A vertical magnetostrictive rod and corresponding magnetic float linearly displaceable thereon are used to determine the fluid level within the catch tube. More particularly, as the fluid level fluctuates in the catch tube, so will the vertical position of the float, which interacts magnetically with the magnetostrictive rod. Accordingly, the vertical position of the float may be detected to determine the fluid level within the catch tube, and calculations regarding precipitation may be performed.