Abstract: The temperature of a Peltier element is regulated by two control loops. In the ranges where only heating or only cooling are intended to be carried out, the regulation is provided via a voltage converter. In the critical operating range which covers the transition between heating and cooling, a low operating voltage is converted to a drive AC voltage with the aid of a polarity reversal switch and both heating and cooling are carried out, depending on the polarity. The temperature is then regulated by varying the duty ratio.

Abstract: In the present method and apparatus, cryogenic liquid and vapor are pumped from a storage tank and the proportion of liquid and vapor is controlled so as to influence flow rate through the apparatus. In an induction stroke, the piston of a reciprocating pump is retracted and cryogenic fluid is drawn from the storage tank into a piston chamber associated with the piston. Flow rate is controlled through the apparatus by controlling the proportion of liquid and vapor supplied to the pump during the induction stroke by supplying substantially only vapor to the pump during a portion of the induction stroke. In a compression stroke, the pump compresses and condenses vapor into liquid and then compresses any liquid within the piston chamber; compressed cryogenic fluid is ultimately discharged from the pump.

Abstract: In a cryogenic vacuum pump, after determining that a power fail recovery mode is on, and that the temperature is below a setpoint, the cryopump is automatically cooled. If the power fail recovery mode is on, and the temperature is above the setpoint, a regeneration cycle is started automatically. If the power fail recovery mode is off, the cryopump may be maintained in an off state. When a command to turn on a pressure sensing thermocouple (TC) gauge is received, the TC gauge is turned on only if there is not a sufficient amount of gas to ignite. When a command to turn on a roughing valve is received, an additional command must be received before the roughing valve is turned on. When a temperature-sensing diode is faulty, temperature control is automatically turned off. During a regeneration cycle, a purge test is performed. If the purge test passes, heaters are turned on. If the purge test fails, the heaters are turned on only if the temperature reaches a threshold within a predetermined period.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cooling a carbonated beverage stored in a container and dispensing non-foamed carbonated beverage. A method of cooling and delivering non-foamed beverage with the apparatus is also provided. The beverage is preferably beer. The apparatus comprises a housing that has a number of chambers. A chamber can optionally be provided for receiving a number of beer kegs. A pressurizing device is attached to a beer keg for maintaining the beer under pressure in the keg. A conduit is received in one of the chambers and communicates between the beer keg and a tap located on the exterior of the apparatus. A water and ice cooling mixture is circulated over the conduit in the same chamber for cooling the conduit. A perforated vessel surrounds the conduit to protect the conduit and the agitators from being damaged by ice particles. At least two agitators for circulating the cooling fluid over the conduit are located in chamber where the conduit is received.

Abstract: An energy-saving refrigeration system circulates a mixture of R-134a, R-32 and R-125 whose composition is controlled using a vapor separator. A vortex generator is a preferred means to separate the mixture. For high thermal load operation, R-32 stays in the circulating line with increased cooling capacity, and R-134a and R-125 are stored in a storage tank. Conversely, for low thermal load operation, R-134a and R-125 stay in the circulating line with increased EER, and R-32 is stored in a storage tank. Multiple storage tanks can be used to control the composition of each refrigerant independently.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and method includes monitoring a cooling system having a refrigerant compressor, evaporator, and condensor, and employs a number of sensors to monitor various operating parameters of the system. A database stores predefined operating parameters for a plurality of cooling systems. The operating parameters are provided to a computer, which compares the provided operating parameters of the monitored cooling system with the predefined operating parameters to provide diagnostic results for the monitored cooling system.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner has a standby RAM having a map memorizing many regions of, for example, preset temperature, each of which is determined by environmental conditions such as the inside/outside air temperatures and the sunlight amount. The air conditioner automatically controls the air conditioning of the passenger compartment of the vehicle based on the information stored in the region of the map determined by the environmental conditions that is regarded as a control preset temperature used for calculating a target blowing temperature in a control flow repeating cyclically. When the preset temperatures read at the previous cycle and the current cycle are different from each other, the control preset temperature is regarded as the preset temperature which changes gradually from the previous one to the current one, whereby the temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment gradually changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for air conditioning for an aircraft cabin (30) comprising at least two distinct turbomachines (1, 2), at least one of which is motorised. When the pressure difference between the cabin and the atmosphere is greater than an upper pressure difference threshold, an economy mode is activated, in which the second turbine stage (23) is supplied exclusively by an air output obtained from the cabin (30). When the pressure difference is lower than a lower pressure difference threshold, a cold mode is activated, in which the compression stages (11, 21) of the turbomachines (1, 2) are connected in series. The drive speed of at least one motor (12, 22) is adjusted such as to adjust the refrigerating power supplied.

Abstract: A method for refrigeration system control according to the invention includes identifying a lead circuit having a lowest temperature set point from a plurality of circuits, wherein each circuit includes at least one refrigeration case. The suction pressure set point for a compressor rack is initialized based upon the identified lead circuit, and a change in suction pressure set point is determined based on measured parameters from the lead circuit. The suction pressure set point is updated based upon the change in suction pressure set point. A first valve position for a first electronic evaporator pressure regulator associated with a first refrigeration circuit is determined based on the determined change in suction pressure set point, which is based upon the measured parameters from the lead circuit. A second valve position for a second electronic evaporation pressure regulator associated with a second refrigeration circuit is based upon a second measured parameter.

Abstract: A refrigerant cycle system includes a variable displacement compressor, and first and second evaporators disposed in parallel. In the refrigerant cycle system, it is determined whether a refrigerant flow amount from the compressor is in a low flow amount area when first and second blowers for blowing air to the first and second evaporators are operated at the same time. When it is determined that a predetermined time passes after the refrigerant flow amount is determined to be in the low flow amount area, the operation of the compressor is forcibly switched between a large discharge capacity and a small discharge capacity. Accordingly, it can prevent oil returning to the compressor from being short due to the operation of the compressor in the low flow amount area.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system mountable on a vehicle has the control function of stopping a vehicle engine automatically when the vehicle stops (eco-run vehicle). The system includes a variable displacement compressor driven by the vehicle engine, and a stop time of the vehicle engine is ensured when the vehicle stops. When the engine is running, the displacement of the variable displacement compressor is adjusted to control the temperature of an evaporator. When the vehicle engine stop request is issued when the vehicle is stopped, the compressor is kept at its maximum displacement and the vehicle engine is either stopped or activated depending on the temperature of the evaporator to control the on and off modes of the compressor.

Abstract: A cogeneration system in which cold is generated by recovering exhaust heat of a gas turbine for driving a generator to drive a refrigerating machine, and the cold is used for cooling intake air for the gas turbine and as a cold heat source for an air conditioner, wherein there are provided a thermal storage tank for storing the cold generated by the refrigerating machine and an electric energy storage equipment for storing electric energy generated by the generator; and cooling of the intake air for the gas turbine, thermal storage, and electric energy storage are controlled in relation to the load of the air conditioner and the electric power load of the generator.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system in which a sealing member is provided with, as an integral part, plates of main lips and sub-lips that are pressed against an air conditioning case in such a manner that the sub-lips stem from the surfaces of the plates. Since the sub-lips are formed to branch from the surfaces of the plates, which form the main lips, the stiffness of the main lips can be improved when rubbed against the air conditioning case when an evaporator (heat exchanger) is inserted into the air conditioning case. Accordingly, unwanted deformation occurring at the end portions of the respective main lips can be controlled, thereby making it possible to enhance the sealing ability of the sealing member for sealing a clearance between the air conditioning case and the evaporator.

Abstract: An alternative powered evaporative cooler has a squirrel cage fan. A low voltage DC motor is provided to power the squirrel cage fan. A pulley system is coupled to the squirrel cage fan and the low voltage DC motor for transferring energy from the low voltage DC motor to rotate the squirrel cage fan. A low voltage DC power source is provided to power the low voltage DC motor.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To improve control of comestible fluid temperature, some embodiments of the present invention have an evaporator pressure regulator to control refrigerant pressure upstream of the refrigeration system compressor and a hot gas bypass valve to control refrigerant temperature.

Abstract: An all electric air conditioning system for an aircraft, wherein the aircraft defines an interior volume having conditioned air at a first pressure. A compressor is provided and is operable to compress supply air to a second pressure. The compressor being operated in response to an electrical drive motor. A passage fluidly couples the compressor and the interior volume of the aircraft. A heat dissipating device, such as a heat exchanger, is positioned in the passage to extract heat energy from the supply air. This arrangement permits conditioning of air within the aircraft without using bleed air from the engines. The use of bleed air results in a significant amount of fuel burn. An optional conditioned air recovery system may be coupled to the interior volume of the fuselage to direct at least a portion of the conditioned air from the interior volume back for further conditioning and use.

Abstract: A laminated heat exchanger includes a plurality of laminated plates, in which a plurality of heat transfer tubes bent into a zigzag form are arranged in contact with each surface of each of the plates, and the plates are laminated so that the heat transfer tubes on one of adjacent plates intersect with the heat transfer tubes on the other of the adjacent plates.

Abstract: A portable ice chest used for maintaining its contents in a cooled or frozen state for an extended period of time. The ice chest includes an insulated cover with an inner compartment and an insulated container with a bottom compartment. The cover is adapted to fit airtight upon the top opening of the container. To maintain the contents of the ice chest in a frozen state, a refrigerant coolant such as dry ice is placed in the inner compartment only. To maintain the contents of the ice chest in a refrigerated state, a refrigerant coolant such as dry ice is placed in the bottom compartment only. Additionally, when no dry ice is placed in either compartments, the present invention can be used as a regular ice chest.

Abstract: A refrigerant cycle system includes a condenser having a condensation portion for condensing refrigerant discharged from a compressor, and a receiver for separating refrigerant from the condensation portion into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and for storing the liquid refrigerant. In this system, refrigerant from the condensation portion flows into the receiver through a first communication hole, and liquid refrigerant in the receiver is discharged through a second communication hole in which a pressure loss is generated. Further, gas refrigerant at an upper side in the receiver is discharged to a downstream side of the second communication hole through a gas bypass pipe.

Abstract: The process and device are used to obtain a compressed product by low temperature separation of air in a rectification system which has a pressure column and a low pressure column. A first flow of compressed and purified feedstock air is cooled in a main heat exchanger system and is fed into the pressure column. At least one fraction from the pressure column is expanded and fed into the low pressure column. An oxygen-rich fraction from the low pressure column is liquid-pressurized and delivered to a mixing column. A heat exchange medium is fed into the lower area of the mixing column and is brought into countercurrent contact with the oxygen-rich fraction. A gaseous top product is removed from the upper area of the mixing column. A product fraction is removed from the rectification system, liquid-pressurized, vaporized in indirect heat exchange with the gaseous top product of the mixing column and is withdrawn as the compressed product.

Abstract: An article of jewelry is disclosed wherein a stretchable filament is threaded through or otherwise attached to a desired number of ornaments and maintained in loop form by a knot tied in the filament. The filament is formed of a material that may be stretched between two extremes: a minimally stretched length and a fully stretched length. The filament further has a relaxed length that is less than the fully stretched length. The filament is selectively adjustable in that the relaxed length may be adjusted upward but not downward. Also disclosed is a method for tying a symmetric, sturdy knot in the stretchable filament that includes the step of simultaneously pulling with substantially equal force on each of the trailing ends exiting the knot in such a way that a portion of the filament including the knot is stretched to or almost to its fully stretched length.

Abstract: A method for producing glass balls, wherein a glass flow is fed between two rollers which are driven synchronously but counter-rotatingly in a flow direction, from a feed tank containing a mass of molten glass. The rollers have hemispherical depressions distributed over the circumference and form spherical beads on a thin glass strip successively in the region of an imaginary contact tangent. A thickness of the glass strip is fixed by the spacing between the rollers externally of the depressions in the region of the contact tangent. Crude balls are separated from the glass strip by a separating device, once the glass strip, containing the spherical beads, is cooled. The crude balls are subjected to a cold surface finishing treatment.

Abstract: A process for producing a synthetic silica glass optical component which contains at least 1×1017 molecules/cm3 and has an OH concentration of at most 200 ppm and substantially no reduction type defects, by treating a synthetic silica glass having a hydrogen molecule content of less than 1×1017 molecules/cm3 at a temperature of from 300 to 600° C. in a hydrogen gas-containing atmosphere at a pressure of from 2 to 30 atms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and device for manufacturing a molded glass object. In the method, glass melt is made to flow from the front end portion of a nozzle; a prescribed weight of the glass melt flowing out is received by a glass melt receiving portion provided on a forming mold moved beneath the nozzle, wherein multiple forming molds are sequentially moved beneath the nozzle; the glass melt gob received is moved from the glass melt receiving portion to a hollow provided on said forming mold; and in the hollow, a molded glass object is formed while blowing gas upward through a gas outlet provided in the bottom of the hollow. The method is characterized in that the front end of said nozzle is constantly positioned outside the space vertically above said gas outlet. Methods of manufacturing press molded articles of glass and optical glass elements are described. In these method, a molded glass object manufactured by the above method is heated, softened, and press molded or precision press molded.

Abstract: A vacuum degassing apparatus for molten glass, comprising:

Abstract: A device for the melting of highly pure optical glasses and/or for the treatment of melts is provided. The device is intended for a subsequent refining or homogenization process making use of the skull technique. The device uses a number of coated metal tubes whose surface is free of glass-coloring ions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a coated optical fiber comprising a first step of obtaining a glass optical fiber by drawing an optical fiber glass preform, a second step of forming the glass optical fiber with two layers of coating, and a third step of applying a twist to the glass optical fiber by using a swinging guide roller; wherein the glass optical fiber has a tension T of at least 2.2 (N/fiber) in the first step; and wherein T/R is 28 to 100, where R (m) is the barrel radius of the swinging guide roller, and the number of swinging movements of the swinging guide roller is 0.33 to 3.33 (s−1) in the third step. According to the present invention, the polarization mode dispersion (PMD value) of thus obtained coated optical fiber can reliably be reduced.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for producing elastic knitted fabric on a Raschel or tricot machine, which uses a knitting machine with basic four bar knitting structure and four thread feeders; the needle guides of the first and fourth bars are threaded with non-elastic yarn, while the needle guides of the second and third bars are threaded with elastic yarn; each elastic thread is worked in plating with the respective non-elastic thread.

Abstract: A water distributor for an automatic laundry or dishwashing machine, comprises a water inlet that is controllable by a programming device of the machine and a movable element controllable by said programming device which serves for supplying water to a predetermined detergent dispenser for carrying a selected detergent towards the washing tub according to the washing program of the machine. The movable element is driven through a shape memory alloy wire electrically connected to a drive circuit that is part of the programming device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine, which is capable of forcibly circulating water from the lower portion of a washing tub to the upper portion of the washing tub, thereby enabling circulation washing of the laundry. The washing machine includes a casing, a washing tub, an arrangement for holding the washing tub in the casing and an arrangement for forcibly circulating washing water. The washing tub is mounted in the casing. The holding arrangement serves to allow the washing tub to be positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle with regard to a vertical axis. The water circulating arrangement forcibly circulates washing water from a bottom of the washing tub to a top of the washing tub and is extended from the bottom of the washing tub to the top of the washing tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine having a drying function, and more particularly, to a washing machine having a drying function, in which structures of a circulation duct and a fan/motor assembly are improved for improving a drying function and a productivity of the washing machine having a drying function.

Abstract: The present invention relates a washing machine of direct drive pulsator manner that is directly connected to a motor. In this washing machine, the conversion of cleansing/dehydrating processes can be smoothly achieved by a floatage clutch capable of being actuated by floatage and gravity to be induced during the supply/drain of water.

Abstract: A safety packing for a product to be exhibited, for example, a CD packing, comprising a housing (1) for keeping the product, with an opening for inserting or removing the product and a locking mechanism comprising a frame part (5) which is securely connected with the housing and a locking element (16) to be moved between two positions, namely a locking position where the product may be prevented from being moved into and from the housing, and an open position where the product may be moved into and from the housing, wherein the locking element is pushed through a spring (26) in the direction of the open position, and a retainer (32) which is movable between a retaining position and a release position, which retainer is pushed in the retaining position through a spring (34), wherein the retainer in the retaining position secures the locking element when this latter is in the locking position relative to the frame part, which retainer can be moved against the spring load through a magnetic force towards the rel

Abstract: A flange junction lock has two identical approximately L-shaped parts, each with a circular nut or bolt cover mounted to a support neck forming one end portion of a shaft having a series of holes along the shaft leading to a free end, the holes being of such size as to accommodate a lock such as a padlock, and a shaft receiver attached to the support neck forming a slot to receive the shaft of the other L-shaped part. The circular covers fit over a nut and bolt head or nut on the opposite sides of the joined flanges while a lock, such as a padlock, secures the shafts together. Each cylindrical cover has a partial end cap which allows the threaded portion of a bolt to extend through and beyond the cylindrical cover while blocking insertion of a socket wrench.

Abstract: An automobile steering lock includes an elongate body, a locking deadbolt, a locking unit, and an engage member. The engage member has an elongate insert groove to cover on a portion of the steering wheel of an automobile. The body is rotated with a rotatable member as a pivot until the bottom of the body rests on the portion of the steering wheel. Then an insert plate of the engage member fits in the engage groove of the body, and an insert member of the locking deadbolt is moved to protrude in the insert opening of the rotatable member of the engage member, with the end of the elongate rod of the body resting on the gauge panel of an automobile, preventing the stirring wheel from rotated for any angle, preventing the automobile from stolen.

Abstract: A method of decreasing resonant frequency shifting of an electrical circuit mounted on a vehicle key includes providing a frame in an opening in the head portion of a vehicle key and locating the transponder in the frame. The frame comprises substantially rigid non-metallic material, and the frame includes a support structure for supporting the transponder while decreasing forces produced on the transponder by thermal expansion and contraction of the head portion of the key, thereby decreasing shift in the resonance of the electrical circuit of the transponder. The frame, the transponder and the head portion of the key are overmolded providing an outer covering that encloses and protects the transponder.

Abstract: A cylinder lock and key combination comprises a lock body, a turnable lock cylinder located inside the lock body, and a set of locking discs located inside the lock cylinder. Each locking disc has a peripheral notch and a key opening and is turnable in the lock body in a first direction by application of turning force to a counter surface bounding the key opening. Each locking disc has an opening position in which its peripheral notch is at the position of an axial slot in the lock cylinder, such that when all the locking discs are in their respective opening positions the peripheral notches form a uniform channel at the position of the axial slot. A locking bar has a locking position in which it prevents turning of the cylinder relative to the lock body and a releasing position in which it is received in the channel formed by the peripheral notches of the locking discs and releases the cylinder for turning relative to the lock body.

Abstract: A method of producing an aqueous solution of water-soluble polyacrylamide (PAM) with a concentration of at least about 5 grams per liter includes the steps of providing a monovalent or divalent cation salt solution, and preferably a calcium salt solution, and adding water-soluble PAM particles to the salt solution such that the PAM particles are essentially all dissolved within about 10 seconds. The PAM particles are characterized by a particle size that is about −100 mesh and consisting essentially of molecules having a molecular weight of at least about 15 million a.u. Preferably, the small PAM particles are produced by a mill that produces bulk quantities of small dry, flowable PAM particles from larger commercial grade particles. Small PAM particles produced in such a mill are essentially all soluble in plain water within about 10 seconds. After solution, the polymer concentrate can be diluted with water to make stock solutions of the polymer for some purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a granular fertilizer which is coated with a water-insoluble material layer (first water-insoluble material layer), a thermosetting resin layer (first thermosetting resin layer), a water-insoluble material layer (second water-insoluble material layer) and a thermosetting resin layer (second thermosetting resin layer) from inner to outer layers, and it can release fertilizer ingredients for a long time, by a smaller amount of coating materials than known coated fertilizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll stand for rolling bar-shaped or tubular material, in which a plurality of rolls 2 form a roll pass. The rolls 2 are each mounted on a roll shaft 8 split in two, the roll shafts being mounted in the stand housing 1 of the roll stand in such a way that they can be shifted radially for the purpose of adjusting the rolls 2 relative to the roll axis 3. In order to be able to permit a simple displacement of the sectional shafts 9, 10 of the roll shafts 8, an axial bearing which axially fixes the roll shaft 8 is either provided on a hub, relative to which the roll shaft 8 can be selectively shifted or fixed in the axial direction, and/or that part of the axial bearing which is connected to the stand housing is arranged in such a way that it can be released from outside.

Abstract: A method and a plant for the hot rolling of strip, in which the rolling stock is rolled in at least one reversing roughing stand with a number of roughing passes into a broken-down strip, and the broken-down strip is transported over an intermediate roller table into at least one Steckel finishing stand and the strip is finish-rolled in the finishing stand with a number of passes into a finished strip having a predetermined thickness, and the strip is finally wound into a coil. The length of the intermediate roller table determined by the length of the broken-down strip is shortened and tandem rolling is carried out in the roughing stand and the finishing stand at least during the last breaking-down pass of the strip.

Abstract: A stand for sheet metal tools is provided that may accommodate different types and sizes of sheet metal tools. The stand is intended to be used with portable sheet metal bending brakes, saw tables, coil slitters and coil holders. The stand has a versatile clamping system utilizing detachable anchor plates that may be secured in different locations and positions on the stand. A longitudinal extension may be incorporated as part of the stand or part of the support structure for sheet metal tools and a rear mounted roller table may also be provided in conjunction with the stand.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a workpiece is provided. The method includes forming a sheet of material having a predetermined shape. A physical marker is then formed on the sheet of material. The physical marker is formed to indicate a position on the sheet of material, where the sheet of material is to be bent.

Abstract: The caster angle of a unibody vehicle may be adjusted by securing a fixed frame member to the vehicle's rocker panel pinch weld to provide an anchor point for adjustment. An hydraulic porter power ram mounted between the forward end of the frame leg and the lower control arm of the steering assembly is used to push the lower control arm forward to the proper caster angle. A stabilizing bar attached to the fixed frame member minimizes twisting of the fixed frame member under hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A disk for calibrating glide heads utilizes a dual-zone configuration of multiple laser melt bumps having selected heights. Averaging the PZT response over many bumps significantly narrows the response distribution, resulting in greater certainty and correlation of the PZT amplitude to bump height. The multiple calibration bumps are circumferentially arranged on a disk surface at a selected radius in a ring-like manner. A second head cleaning zone is provided near the inner diameter of the disk to provide for increased reproducibility of the PZT calibration response. The second zone is densely textured and serves to clean the glide head prior to its use in the calibration zone.

Abstract: A device for impact detection in a motor vehicle has both a precrash sensor and an impact sensor, and when an impact is detected, the noise threshold for the impact sensor is lowered, so that the deployment time can then be determined as a function of the signals of the precrash sensor and the impact sensor. Various features are extracted from the signals of the impact sensor and then compared with continuous threshold functions to detect a deployment case. The deceleration and/or velocity and/or predisplacement may be used as features.

Abstract: The mass of particulate matter in a particle laden gas stream is measured using a single mass detector. Switching means causes the particle laden gas stream and a substantially identical but particle-free gas stream to alternately engage the mass detector during successive measurement time periods. A difference between a reading provided by the mass detector for a current measurement time period and a reading provided by the mass detector for a consecutive measurement time period is determined. This difference intrinsically corrects for volatilization losses occurring during the current measurement time period. A measure of the mass or concentration of particulate matter in the particulate laden gas stream is determined from this difference.

Abstract: A method of locating a talker in a reverberant environment comprises receiving multiple audio signals from a microphone array that include direct path audio signal and reverberation signal components. The direct path audio signal components of the multiple audio signals are detected and are used to weight the multiple audio signals. A position estimate based on the weighted audio signals is then calculated. Periods of speech activity are detected and a final position estimate is generated during the periods of speech activity.

Abstract: An indication of the elasticity of a non-Newtonian fluid is obtained by extending a fluid bridge between a pair of relatively movable surfaces. The extension of a fluid bridge at the break point is determined and used as an indication of elasticity.

Abstract: A method for measuring the viscosity of a green compact includes the steps of finding a corrected value V′ of the sample volume of the green compact, where the corrected value V′ of the sample volume is a volume occupied by the inorganic powder in the green compact; finding a corrected value (dh/dt)′ of the sample deformation rate of the green compact, where the corrected value (dh/dt)′ of the sample deformation rate is the difference between the apparent sample deformation rate and the sample deformation rate due to sintering shrinkage; separating a temperature range X in which sintering shrinkage dominates and a temperature range Y in which plastic deformation dominates with respect to the displacement of the green compact; substituting the corrected value V′ of the sample volume for the sample volume V and substituting the corrected value (dh/dt)′ of the sample deformation rate for the sample deformation rate dh/dt in the Gent equation with respect to the temperature ran