Abstract: Three or more glass particle synthesizing burners are arranged to be opposed to a rotating glass rod. The glass rod and the glass particle synthesizing burners are reciprocated in parallel and relatively to deposit glass particles synthesized by the burners on the surface of the glass rod, thereby producing a soot body. The glass particle synthesizing conditions of the burners arranged at both ends are changed to have a greater deposition amount of glass particles per unit time in part or all of its movement range than other burners.

Abstract: A method of making optical quality films is described. A silica film is deposited on a wafer by PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition). The deposited film is then subjected to a first heat treatment to reduce optical absorption, wafer warp, and compressive stress. A second film is deposited. This step is then followed by a second heat treatment to reduce optical absorption, wafer warp and tensile stress. The two heat treatments have similar temperature profiles.

Abstract: A preform overcladding device is provided. The preform overcladding device includes an injector for providing particles having a predetermined material, and a preheater for preheating the particles provided by the injector. The preform overcladding device also includes a heater for heating and depositing onto a preform the particles preheated by the preheater.

Abstract: An improved padlock having a shackle retainer assembly that can be removed without removal of the padlock key locking assembly and/or convertible from a key retaining to a key nonretaining lock, or vice versa, by removal or insertion of a pin on the driver end of the key cylinder assembly.

Abstract: This invention involves a locking apparatus for semi-trailers and/or freight delivery units. A pin plate is attached to a standard trailer swing door, roll-up type door or another type of door. A housing is placed in the floor of the semi-trailer. A pin located within the housing is slidable within the housing from an unlocked position to a locked position, whereby the pin is raised to engage a pin plate secured to the semi-trailer door. A cam lock or another lock is used to keep the pin raised in the locked position.

Abstract: A lock assembly has an outer cap, an inner cap, three latch devices and a transmitting device. The latch devices are mounted between the outer cap and the inner cap, and each has a cylinder and a bolt. An actuating shaft is connected to the first cylinder, and an inner handle is connected to the actuating shaft at one end of the actuating shaft corresponding to the inner cap. The transmitting device is connected to the cylinders of the latch devices to actuate the cylinders to an unlocked condition simultaneously. Accordingly, when the inner handle is rotated, the cylinders of the latch devices will be simultaneously unlocked.

Abstract: The present invention is a covered latch assembly. The covered latch assembly includes a recessed latch housing that supports a retractable latch and a stationary catch. The covered latch assembly comprises a cover assembly that is pivotally attached to the latch housing. The cover assembly is pivotable between an access position wherein the latch is exposed and can be grasped and a secure position wherein the latch is shrouded and cannot be grasped.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock with mechanical lock elements in a lock unit, the door lock includes a lock mechanism with several interacting elements in a control unit which is arranged at a location that is spatially separate from the lock unit in or on a motor vehicle door or hatch. The lock unit is connected to the control unit by a remote power transmission in the form of a Bowden cable, and the lock element in the lock unit can be mechanically actuated from an element of the lock mechanism in the control unit by the remote power transmission. In the lock unit, there is at least one component which is to be supplied with electricity to be triggered and/or to be interrogated, the at least one component is electrically connected by an electrical connecting element to lock electronics in the control unit, and the electrical connecting element is integrated into or combined with the mechanical power transmission.

Abstract: An improved structure of electric lock disclosed herein employs only one electromagnetic coil and a DC power source formed of 4 3A-type dry battery unit for operating the lock instead of using two coils and an AC large power source along with a clumsy conductor layout, and a skilful arrangement of mutual positions between the driven rod and the extended portion of the actuated rod can produce an amplified driving torque effect from this minimized DC power source. Besides, the key function is controlled by a coded chip attached thereon to identify the visitor.

Abstract: A lock device having a rotatable identification brand includes a lock body defining a receiving space and formed with at least one view window, a rotatable member rotatably mounted in the receiving space of the lock body and provided with identification information that may be seen through the view window of the lock body, and a drive mechanism mounted on the rotatable member for rotating the rotatable member. The rotatable member may be driven and rotated by the drive mechanism, so that the user may watch the information printed on the rotatable member through the view window, thereby facilitating other people identifying the owner of the lock device, and thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the lock device.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting and stabilizing organic wastes where organic waste is intimately mixed with one or more mineral by-products to produce a mixture having a pH of less than about 9. The mixture is heated and dried to produce a stable, granular bio-mineral product that may be used for example, as a fertilizer, soil amendment or as a soil substitute. Also provided are stable, granular bio-mineral products formed by the methods of the present invention and fertilizers, soil amendments, and soil substitutes that include these stable, granular bio-mineral products. Further provided are systems for disinfecting and stabilizing organic waste, and systems for making a stable, granular bio-mineral product.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing fertilizer nutrients from poultry litter. The method of the invention includes heating and pasteurizing raw material; drying the heated and pasteurized material; reducing the dried material to a powder; and pelleting the powder to granular and homogenized pellets. The poultry litter fertilizer is high in nitrogen and provides a good source of nutrients for many crops.

Abstract: Controlled release fertilizers are provided and methods for their preparation, wherein the controlled release fertilizers are obtained through self-assembling molecules on the surfaces of the fertilizer particles, and then, preferably, linking these molecules into a network with another component. The designed molecules have a hydrophilic portion, which can interact with fertilizers, and a hydrophobic portion that make the molecule self-assemble and setup a moisture barrier. The molecules also preferably have at least two functional groups in order to form a network.

Abstract: A bending machine comprises a bending unit moved by hydraulic actuators controlled by a variable displacement hydraulic pump provided with an electronic closed-loop flow rate, pressure and power control system including an electrically controlled proportional valve. The valve includes a valve spool for the control of the swivel angle of the pump and a proportional solenoid for moving the valve spool to a position corresponding to a desired swivel angle of the pump. The control system includes an inductive position transducer, a pump swivel angle transducer, a pump pressure transducer and a programmed electronic control unit which receives position, swivel angle and pressure signals from said transducers and predefined pressure, power and flow rate commands and supplies a control signal to said proportional solenoid.

Abstract: A coating for superplastic forming (SPF) and quick plastic forming (QPF) tooling and an SPF/QPF process made possible with the coating. The coating defines the forming surface of an SPF/QPF tool, and consists essentially of either a tungsten carbide cermet or a chromium carbide cermet. The coating preferably comprises a metal matrix containing tungsten carbide or chromium carbide particles having a particle size of not more than 0.1 micrometer, and is preferably prepared to have a surface finish of not rougher than 0.3 micrometer Ra. An SPF/QPF process that makes use of a tool whose forming surface is provided with the coating can be performed without depositing any lubricant on the forming surface or workpiece.

Abstract: When working a linear guide rail having one or more raceway grooves 2 on the side surfaces thereof, using rotary dies each including on the circumferential portion thereof a projection-shaped working portion matched in shape to the raceway groove 2, the raceway grooves 2 are rolled onto a rail blank work W. Since the raceway grooves 2 can be rolled with high accuracy by a single working step, the working time of the raceway grooves as well as the working cost thereof can be reduced.

Abstract: A multi-row rolling mill has in one housing at least two groups of rolls including at least one pair of work rolls, and constructed so that when the workpiece to be rolled is passed one time, it can be rolled using said respective work rolls. The multi-row rolling mill is characterized in that it is provided with a means for removing the workpiece if the workpiece stops moving between said roll groups.

Abstract: The apparatus for extrusion of material includes a process chamber provided in front of a die thereby serving to control parameters of the extrusion method. A die hold is provided to serve both as a structure for mounting a die in the front end of a hollow stem and a process chamber in front of a die. Preferably the process chamber is provided with structure for establishing resistance to the material to control the flow of material through the chamber. The control structure is adapted to serve both as a temperature regulating device for achieving an optimum temperature of the metal inside the process chamber and as a position controlling device for controlling the position of the metal inside the process chamber during the loading of a new billet.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which can crimp or compress an intraluminal device or measure the radial strength of an intraluminal device. The device includes a first disk and a second disk for imparting movement to a number of spaced apart moving elements attached to linear sliders on the first disk. In one configuration, rotational movement is imparted to the second disk which causes the tips of the moving elements to move is a linear direction toward the center of the opening formed by the elements thereby closing in on the device. In another configuration, rotational movement is imparted to the first disk and the tips move along an arcuate path from the perimeter of the opening toward the center of the opening.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a vehicle repairing device capable of pulling out a damaged portion to a predetermined position safely and easily. A device for pulling out a damaged portion of a panel surface to a normal position includes a first puller having a first fixing portion to be fixed to the damaged portion and adapted to pull up the first fixing portion in a state in which it is fixed to a predetermined range of the damaged portion, and a second puller having a second fixing portion to be fixed to the damaged portion and adapted to pull up the second fixing portion in a state in which it is further locally fixed to the damaged portion of the panel surface to be pulled up by the first puller.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus and method for automatic setting of injectors are disclosed. The setting is carried out via accurate adjustment of the distance between an actuator and a lever element. In the process, an injector to be set is provided in the correct position in a measurement and setting station and is coupled to a pressure generating device. The setting element of the injector is then rotated in such a way that the injector switches through at a specific setting of the setting element. At the same time, the current values for the torque applied to the setting element, for the angular position of the setting element, for the exciter voltage applied to the actuator and for the pressure drop caused by the switching-through action are registered and compared with predefined parameters. If all the measured values agree with the predefined parameters, then the injector has been set correctly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for easily measuring nitrogen oxide concentration of an engine vehicle emission. The method can measure vehicle emission from an engine of a vehicle in travel with high precision even in regions other than the lean region, that is, regions from the stoichiometrical region to the rich region by using a NOx sensor exclusively used for the lean region. The present invention has an arrangement in which a NOx sensor that is exclusively used for the lean region is installed in an exhaust pipe 3 connected to the engine 2. Air (secondary air) A is introduced into the exhaust pipe 3 on the upstream side of the NOx sensor 6 so that the NOx sensor 6 is allowed to measure the concentration of NOx in the engine vehicle emission diluted by air A. Thus, the NOx concentration in the engine vehicle emission before dilution G is obtained by using the measured value of the NOx concentration after dilution and by using a dilution ratio.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing resonance in a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus of a fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The device includes a housing defining an interior chamber, a pressure operable device separating the interior chamber into first and second portions, and a device preventing resonance. The pressure operable device includes a poppet that is movable along an axis and a seal that is adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. The device preventing resonance includes at least one of a dashpot defined by the housing and the poppet, a gap between the poppet and the seal, and a resilient element applying a force biasing the poppet toward the seal.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for measuring the size, concentration and size distribution of particles in a fluid by determining the characteristics of an acoustic speckle signal of the particles and relating these characteristics to the size and concentration characteristics of the particles. The method and the apparatus are especially useful for the measurement of the size distribution of small particles in optically opaque liquids.

Abstract: There is provided a ultra micro indentation testing apparatus comprising: a lever stand (4) provided with a center lever (3) having a silicon probe (1) and a diamond indenter (2) disposed therein; a moving mechanism (7) for moving the lever stand (4) in a triaxial direction; aindentationg-in mechanism (6) for pushing the diamond indenter (2) in a sample; a displacement gage (10) for measuring a displacement of the silicon probe (1) or the diamond indenter (2); and an optical picture device (11) for use in positioning the silicon probe (1) or the diamond indenter (2) and observing the surface of the sample; wherein the apparatus has, in combination, all of the hardness measuring function based on measurement of the force and depth of the diamond indenter pushed in the surface of the sample, the atomic force microscopic function of acquiring the shape of the surface of the sample based on a displacement of the diamond indenter or the silicon probe, and the optical microscopic function of observing the surface o

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint, preferably for vehicle suspensions or steering mechanisms of motor vehicles, with a joint housing and a pivot pin, which is mounted rotatably and deflectably in a spherical bearing surface by means of a one-part or multipart bearing shell, wherein the bearing shell itself is fixed in the joint housing and wherein the joint housing or the pivot pin is fixed against the vehicle suspension in an electrically insulated manner, in which the joint housing 1 and the pivot pin 2 are connected according to the present invention to a potential difference-measuring means 13 by means of electrical contacting 12, 14 and the spherical bearing surface of the pivot pin 2 and its corresponding opposite surface in the joint housing 1 are electrically insulated against each other.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for the detection of a pressure drop in a tire. Herein an evaluating unit determines the temporal modification of the temperature in the tire and produces an alerting signal if the temporal modification of the temperature falls short of a predetermined temperature modification threshold value. In presence of an evaluating signal, the evaluating unit determines the temporal modification of the air pressure and produces an alerting signal, if the temporal modification of the air pressure exceeds an air pressure modification threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention comprises and system and method for detecting a change in the state of pneumatic tires. The change of state refers to the state of internal air pressure, temperature or other such parameter. Herein, a difference of at least two successive readings are taken or a further analysis is performed and either is compared with a threshold value below which a change of state has occurred.

Abstract: An open jet wind tunnel having a test section, a nozzle exit and a collector in which the leading edge of the collector is configured with at least a portion being non-uniformly spaced from the nozzle exit.

Abstract: A subsurface formation petrophysical evaluation method including: determining formation porosity and permeability using a quantitative indication of formation composition; estimating water-filled formation resistivity using the formation porosity; associating differences between measured formation resistivity and estimated water saturated formation resistivity with the presence of subsurface hydrocarbons; and estimating irreducible formation water saturation using the formation porosity and the formation permeability. The invention further involves an apparatus adapted to carry out the inventive method.

Abstract: A yarn sensor (25) for monitoring at least one parameter of a traveling yarn (17), e.g., in spinning and bobbin-winding machines, has a measuring gap (16) and a housing made of a non-conductive plastic material for containing electronic components. The housing surface is covered by a metallic coating such that the electronic components are surrounded by the coating (21). At least a portion of the surface inside the measuring gap (16) is free of the coating (21). The metallic coating is connected with a heat conductor to remove heat via the metallic coating (21). Undesirable effects on the measurement results can be substantially reduced, and the quality of the measurement results can be increased.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. Moreover, the sensor is smaller and lighter and has fewer parts, thus providing better manufacturability. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in the fluid sampling portion. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention. The present invention further provides improved electromagnetic interference performance.

Abstract: A multiaxial inertial sensor system, for example, a rotational rate and acceleration sensor system for driving dynamics regulation in motor vehicles, in which a plurality of sensor chips are assigned to respective sensor axes and are mounted on a plurality of rigid circuit substrates at a wafer level. The circuit substrates may be oriented according to a respective sensor axis and are electrically contacted to the substrate, and the circuit substrates are electrically and mechanically interconnected by flexible or rigid connecting structures.

Abstract: A control signal generator transmits a first signal to a movable electrode and a fixed electrode to detect a change in a capacitance formed between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode during a normal physical quantity detection timing interval. Also, the control signal generator transmits a second signal to the movable electrode and the fixed electrode instead of the first signal to move the movable electrode for diagnosing a malfunction of each of a plurality of physical quantity detection portions during a self diagnosis timing interval. The control signal generator transmits the second signal to the movable electrode and the fixed electrode of each physical quantity detection portion during a different timing intervals.

Abstract: A method of testing the hearing of a user utilizing a computer system that includes a computer and a speaker. The computer can output an electrical signal to the speaker and the speaker is operable to convert the electrical signal into a stimulus. The computer system has a tone control that controls the spectral components of the electrical signal. The method includes: downloading a computer program from a server to the computer; executing the computer program on the computer, the execution of the computer program setting the tone control; generating a stimulus; and receiving an input from the user that indicates whether the user heard the stimulus.

Abstract: An optical pressure monitoring system includes a tube from an infusion set and an optical signal sensor disposed to detect changes in the diameter of the tube and thereby determine pressure changes within the tube. By selecting the position of the tube relative to the optical signal emitter and optical signal receiver, the optical signal sensor can both detect pressure changes and provide an integrity check for both the functioning of the optical signal sensor and the placement of the tube. By modifying the tube to exaggerate changes in tube diameter responsive to pressure changes, the sensitivity of the optical signal sensor can be increased.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas storage container has a canister with at least one outlet opening for charging and discharging gas, the canister enclosing a metal hydride capable of absorbing and desorbing hydrogen gas and a gauge for measuring the capacity of hydrogen remaining within the hydride material. To further permit distribution of the hydrogen throughout the hydride material, a porous matrix may be disposed within said metal hydride material for providing efficient distribution of hydrogen gas to said metal hydride material. The fuel gauge may further comprise subassemblies for determining the hydrogen capacity, each of which depends for operation on a different property of the metal hydride material.

Abstract: Pressure measurement unit in a pressure measurement system A pressure measurement unit in a pressure measurement system has a housing section (8) which has an internal space (9) with internal surfaces, and a ceramic unit (1) which has a pressure diaphragm (2) and at least one external surface, with the ceramic unit (1) held in the press fit in the housing section (8) and with radial holding stresses operating between the external surface of the ceramic unit (1) and the internal surfaces of the housing section (8). In a method for manufacturing a corresponding pressure measurement unit with a housing section (8) and with a ceramic unit (1) which has a pressure diaphragm (2) and at least one external surface, with holding stresses built up between the housing section (8) and the ceramic unit (1), which hold the ceramic unit (1) in the internal space of the housing section (8).

Abstract: A corrosion proof pressure transducer for measuring exhaust gas pressure includes a chip with a semiconductive diaphragm, electronics, and conductive pads thereon; with leads sonically bonded to the pads. To preclude degradation of the transducer by internal combustion engine exhaust gases, the chip may have (1) a thin glass passivation layer, (2) a vacuum deposited polymeric coating and (3) a layer of gel, thereon.

Abstract: A pressure detection device for detecting pressure of fluid that comprises a housing, a pressure-transmission medium, a sensor chip, at least one terminal pin, a sealant and a film. The pressure of the fluid is transmitted to the pressure-transmission medium such as silicone oil, and the sensor chip detects the pressure of the pressure-transmission medium. The terminal pin for the electrical connection between the sensor chip and an outside device is fixed into the housing, and a contact protrusion that is exposed in the housing for being electrically connected with the sensor chip is formed at one end of the terminal pin. The sealant such as poly-monochloro-para-xylylene is put around the contact protrusion for sealing the pressure-transmission medium. The film such as poly-monochloro-para-xylylene for avoiding the contact between the pressure-transmission medium and the sealant is coating the sealant.

Abstract: A method for analyzing creep characteristic of a plastic molded substance is provided wherein the creep characteristic can be analyzed of an actual plastic molded substance having various shape and fastening conditions with high precision. The main stress value for each section of the analysis target is read out, hydrostatic stress &sgr;m of each section is calculated from the main stress value, and the stress condition is determined to be tensile stress when &sgr;m is positive and to be compressive stress when &sgr;m is negative. Tensile or compressive characteristic value is assigned based on the stress condition at each section, and creep is calculated for a predetermined time period based on the characteristic value. By employing characteristic values depending on the stress conditions of each section, precision of creep characteristic analysis is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: The onset of rolling contact fatigue in an object may be detected by measuring the residual stresses in the surface of the object, and monitoring changes in their magnitude or their direction. The values of residual stresses in the surface are those averaged over a depth that may be in the range say 0.1 mm to 8.0 mm, for example about 2.5 mm. For ferromagnetic objects such as rails, the method may utilise an electromagnetic probe. Prior to rolling contact fatigue the surface stresses are compressive, and the onset of rolling contact fatigue may be characterised by a marked decrease of the stress in the generally transverse direction.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring heat flux from a test material exposed to a flame. The device includes of an elongate element defining a passageway for a fluid, a fluid flowing through the passageway, a mechanism for measuring the rate of water flow through the passageway, and a plurality of temperature-sensing elements positioned along the passageway and within the elongate element. The temperature-sensing elements are spaced from one another longitudinally with respect to the passageway.

Abstract: An air flow meter which can decrease the error due to the backflow. Throttle valve 17 which opens and shuts the air intake passage is installed in the air intake passage of the internal combustion engine. The first sensor part 161 is installed in the air intake passage in the upstream of throttle valve 17. Further, the second sensor part 141 is installed in the air intake passage in the downstream of throttle valve 17. Pulsation compensating means 671 corrects the pulsation of the air flow rate signal detected by the first sensor part by using the output signals of the first and the second sensor parts 161, 141 based on each cylinder of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Described and illustrated is a mass flowmeter operating by the Coriolis principle, incorporating a fluid-conducting Coriolis conduit (1), at least two oscillators (2) associated with and exciting the Coriolis conduit (1), as well as at least two detectors (3) associated with the Coriolis conduit (1) for capturing Coriolis forces and/or Coriolis-force-derived Coriolis oscillations, said Coriolis conduit (1) permitting excitation in a first oscillation pattern and in a second oscillation pattern independent of the first oscillation pattern.

Abstract: An arrangement for the detection of relative movements of two objects with four measuring cells as vertical measuring means for the detection of a relative movement perpendicular to an imaginary plane, with the measuring cells being arranged in such a manner that their vertical projections onto the plane are arranged at an identical angular distance from each other about a centre. Further, a force and/or moment sensor with a first board and a second board which are elastically connected with each other and movable relative to one another.

Abstract: When shape anisotropy energy of giant magnetoresistive elements (GMR elements) is expressed by A*Js*(Br/&pgr;) using saturation magnetization Js of a free magnetic layer and remanent magnetic flux density Br, A is set within a range of −350<A<0, and pairs of the GMR elements having opposite directions of fixed magnetization are electrically connected so that a differential of electric resistance values between electrode layers is outputted.

Abstract: An automatic sample analyzer includes: a pipette, a pipette driving device which moves the pipette to a sample vessel present in a predetermined position to cause the pipette to suck up a sample from the sample vessel, and then moves the pipette to an open vessel provided in another predetermined position to cause the pipette to discharge the sample into the open vessel, and an analyzing section for analyzing the discharged sample, the pipette driving device comprising a vertically movable main arm and an elongated guide arm cantilevered by the main arm and extending horizontally, the guide arm having a smaller flexural rigidity than the main arm, wherein the main arm vertically moves the pipette when the sample is to be sucked up from the sample vessel, and the guide arm guides the pipette to the open vessel and then vertically moves the pipette when the sample is to be discharged into the open vessel.

Abstract: A bailer having multiple check valves to minimize leakage of sample fluid from the bailer. A primary check valve assembly including a ball and a seat are disposed at a lower end of the bailer. At least one auxiliary check valve assembly is positioned above the primary check valve assembly. When a first auxiliary check valve closes, the hydrostatic pressure applied to the primary check valve is reduced significantly and leakage through the primary check valve is reduced. When a second auxiliary check valve closes, the hydrostatic pressure applied to the first auxiliary check valve is reduced and the same benefits are obtained for the first auxiliary check valve. Particulate matter is collected in an annular trough formed in the primary check valve assembly and in pockets that form a part of each auxiliary check valve assembly.