Abstract: The invention relates to a cool air controlling apparatus for concentrically cooling a region in a refrigerator where a new load is stored. The apparatus comprises: the first cool air duct provided along a compartment wall of a refrigerator with a certain length for allowing the cool air introduced from a blowing chamber to flow therethrough; the second cool air duct having a variable length provided downward from a front end of the first cool air duct; length adjusting means connected to the second cool air duct for adjusting the length of the second cool air duct; and rotation adjusting means attached to a lower end of the second cool air duct for carrying out rotation and injecting the cool air. The entire temperature distribution is uniformly maintained in a refrigerating chamber thereby greatly reducing power consumption.

Abstract: A method for controlling a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system having an air vent associated with a window for blowing an air flow of controlled temperature thereon; the HVAC system having a refrigeration unit with a compressor and an evaporator, and blowing means for forcing air over the evaporator to the air vent. The method includes a first step (a) of activating the compressor while deactivating the blowing means during a first period for condensing moisture of the air contained in the HVAC system. The method includes a further step (b) comprising, at the expiry of the first period, activating the blowing means and keeping the compressor active during a second period for sufficiently reducing the dew-point temperature of air blown by the HVAC system, and deactivating the compressor at the expiry of the second period.

Abstract: A cooling fan motor drive apparatus for use in vehicle is equipped with first to fourth semiconductor switches for driving first and second cooling fan motors upon receipt of a power supply voltage through power supply lines. A control unit implements control on openings and closures of the first to fourth switches to establish first and second power supply systems between first and second power supply lines for performing serial and parallel operations of the first and second cooling fan motors. The control unit closes the second and fourth semiconductor switches when the first and second cooling fan motors are driven in series and closes the first, second and third semiconductor switches when the first and second cooling fan motors are drive in parallel.

Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration and freezer system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion devise and an evaporator which includes an evaporator coil having an inlet and an outlet which coil is in heat exchange relation with an air medium along substantially the entire coil length. The inlet to the evaporator coil is in flow communication with an outlet of the expansion devise via an evaporator feedline.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for cooling a logic module includes an evaporator housing including an evaporator block in thermal communication with the logic module. The evaporator housing includes a humidity sensor for detecting a humidity within the evaporator housing. The system further comprises a controller for controlling a refrigeration unit supplying cold refrigerant to the evaporator block in response to the operating conditions of the logic module and the temperature of the evaporator block. In another aspect of the invention, two modular refrigeration units are independently operable to cool the evaporator block, and each refrigeration unit is controllable in various modes of operation including an enabled mode in which it is ready to cool the evaporator and an on mode in which it is actively cooling the evaporator. In another aspect of the invention, the evaporator block and a heater on a reverse side of the circuit board are particularly controlled during concurrent repair operations.

Abstract: An energy efficient air distribution system placed within the conditioned space of a building comprising a duct having an interior volume for conducting air. One of the exterior surfaces may have an ornamental design providing the impression the device is actually cornice molding. An opening extends through the duct wall for releasing conditioned air from the duct interior into the conditioned space. Opening is positioned on the duct to be visibly obscured. In one embodiment, a flow control mechanism is positioned adjacent to the opening for controlling the amount of conditioned flowing through the opening.

Abstract: A condenser that includes a top manifold defining a first volume of space and a bottom manifold positioned below the top manifold and defining a second volume of space that has a magnitude that is different than the magnitude of the first volume of space. A core positioned between the top manifold and the bottom manifold, the core including a first set of condenser tubes that are in fluid communication with the top manifold and a second set of condenser tubes that are in fluid communication with the bottom manifold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting a device is provided in which characteristics of the device used at low temperature such as a high temperature superconductive filter are measured and adjusted without deterioration of the device. The device used at low temperature is disposed within an atmosphere of substitutional gas such as nitrogen and the like. The device is cooled by using cryogen, for example, liquid nitrogen, stored in a bath which is disposed in a glove box. The cryogen has a temperature near the temperature at which the device is used. The device is placed on a cooling stage which is partially soaked in the cryogen, thereby said device is cooled by the cryogen having a temperature near the temperature at which the device is used. Characteristics of the device are measured and adjusted while cooling the device by using the cryogen.

Abstract: To provide a refrigerating cycle apparatus which uses carbon dioxide as a working medium, in which a problem associated with reliability arisen from introduction of water into a refrigeration cycle has been solved.

Abstract: A dryer for a refrigerant circuit of a refrigerator includes a housing with a first and a second passage orifice. The cross-section of the first passage orifice includes a circular main portion, which is provided for receiving an evacuating line, and a lateral bulge, which is provided for receiving a capillary tube. A method for mounting the dryer is also provided.

Abstract: In a refrigerant cycle system with an ejector pump, refrigerant to be introduced into a nozzle of the ejector pump is heated in a heat exchanger using waste heat from a vehicle engine as a heating source, and any one of a first mode, a second mode and a third mode can be selectively set based on a thermal load of an evaporator. In the first mode, refrigerant circulates from the evaporator toward a radiator only by the ejector pump. In the second mode, refrigerant circulate from the evaporator toward the radiator only by a compressor. Further, in the third mode, refrigerant circulates from the evaporator toward the radiator by using both the ejector pump and the compressor. Accordingly, the waste heat can be effectively recovered while a flow resistance of the refrigerant can be restricted.

Abstract: A receiver-tank for use in a refrigeration cycle of this invention is provided with a filtering layer 435 formed so that an upper space 402 is formed above the filtering layer 435 in a tank main body 401. An upper end of a refrigerant outlet 441 in a tank bottom wall 421 is opened toward the upper space 402. The refrigerant flowed into the tank main body 401 from the refrigerant inlet 431 passes through the filtering layer 435 upwardly, and forms liquid-stagnation R in the upper space 402. The liquefied refrigerant of liquid-stagnation R flows out of the refrigerant outlet 441. Thereby, only the stable liquefied refrigerant can be extracted more assuredly.

Abstract: The pressurized waste nitrogen (11) from a column of an air separation unit (10) is sent, optionally after being compressed, to a combustion chamber (15) where it is heated, to a turbine (17) in which it is expanded and again to the combustion chamber (15) where it is mixed with the flue gases in order to give up waste heat thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the power efficient production of high-pressure gaseous oxygen product. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid oxygen stream is pumped to a low to medium pressure and warmed within a first heat exchanger such as a brazed aluminum plate fin heat exchanger. The liquid oxygen stream is then pumped to a further pressure and then vaporized in a second heat exchanger to produce a high-pressure gaseous oxygen stream. In an embodiment, a high-pressure air stream may be utilized in the second heat exchanger for vaporizing the oxygen stream and cooling the air stream. The air stream may be utilized as a feed for the cryogenic air unit. A portion of the air stream at a medium pressure may be utilized in the first heat exchanger. A portion of the air stream may also be expanded to recover energy.

Abstract: The process according to the invention reduces the effort required to shape a glass piece. In this process a liquid glass piece is provided on a structured supporting surface of an electrically conducting base. A voltage is applied across the liquid glass piece by connecting a voltage source between a contact position on the liquid glass piece and the electrically conducting base. The apparatus for performing the process has an electrically conducting base on which the liquid glass piece is supported and a device for applying a voltage between a contact position on the liquid glass piece and the electrically conducting base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a diffraction grating device, in which an optical waveguide is irradiated, by way of a phase grating, with light capable of inducing a refractive index modulation in an optical waveguide region of the optical waveguide so as to form a diffraction grating in the optical waveguide region. In the present invention, when modulating the refractive index of the optical waveguide region of an optical fiber, the intensity of refractive index modulation inducing light emitted from a laser light source so as to irradiate the phase grating is adjusted according to individual positions on the phase grating. Alternatively, the scanning speed of a mirror scanned by a stage is adjusted according to the individual positions on the phase grating. Here, the amount of irradiation of refractive index modulation inducing light at each position on the phase grating is adjusted so as to cancel the diffraction efficiency distribution of phase grating.

Abstract: Glass is produced by depositing presintering composition on a preform set into move in front of a plasma torch which moves back and forth substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the preform, a first feed duct feeds the plasma with grains of the presintering composition while optionally a second feed duct feeds the plasma with a fluorine or chlorine compound, preferably a fluorine compound, mixed with a carrier gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying traction to an elongate cylindrical element (5) produced by fusion of an end portion (2a) of a preform (2) of glass material, in which a traction device (3) is capable of being connected to a portion (5i) of the elongate cylindrical element (5) to provide traction of the elongate cylindrical element along an axis (6). A device (4) for the rotation of the elongate cylindrical element applies a twist to the elongate cylindrical element (5) about the axis (6) simultaneously with the traction.

Abstract: In a known procedure for the manufacture of an optical fiber by drawing from a preform with a core-clad structure or from a coaxial arrangement of several components forming a core-clad structure, a core cylinder is produced with a soot deposition method, with the core cylinder having a core glass layer of a higher refractive index, “nK”, and outer diameter, “dK”, said core glass layer being encased by a first cladding glass layer having a lower refractive index, “nM1”, and outer diameter, “dM1”, followed by applying a second cladding glass layer onto the core cylinder. The modification of this procedure according to the invention is characterized by its lower optical fiber production costs. This is achieved by providing the second cladding glass layer (4) in the form of a cladding tube manufactured in a separate step of the procedure, said cladding tube having a mean OH concentration of max. 1 wt.

Abstract: A flat bed knitting machine having an oil feeding device is disclosed. Lubricant oil is fed, just when needed, to knitting members, such as needles, jacks and sinkers. The numbers of operations of knitting members are counted, and when a counted number exceeds a predetermined value, lubricant oil will be sprayed from a jet-type nozzle to the relevant knitting member.

Abstract: This knitted boxer comprises a shorts part (3) forming two leg openings and a crotch part; the crotch part is made of a knitted part of two adjacent pieces of different tension, with a pinched piece (25) sewn onto a front seam (10) connecting the two leg openings and a non-pinched part sewn onto a rear seam connecting the two leg openings, the rear seam being longer than the front seam.

Abstract: A cable lock assembly has a base, a cylinder, a cable and a cord holder. The base is adapted to be attached to the computer with a fastener. The cylinder is mounted on the base and has a lock unit, a keyhole and a lock post. The cable is detachably connected to the base with one end and locked by the lock post. The other end of the cable is used to loop around an object. The cord holder is detachably attached to the base and locked by the lock post to hold the cords of the computer. Consequently, the computer can be locked to an object with the cable lock assembly. The computer will not be stolen or inappropriately moved even if the cords of the computer are cut off or are pulled out from the computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a substrate includes a shelf capable of holding the substrate; a body which encloses the shelf, the body having an open side; and an outer door frame pivotally coupled to the body and defining an opening. The apparatus also includes an inner door which fits into the opening. The body's open side is substantially covered by the inner door and by the outer door frame when the inner door and outer door frame are in closed positions. The apparatus can include a double hinge for pivotally coupling the outer door frame to the body. It can also include a bolt that is movably attached to the inner door, so that the inner door has a locked position in which the bolt extends into the frame and an unlocked position in which the bolt retracts from the frame.

Abstract: An improved anti-theft device includes a fastener covered by a circumferential sleeve intended to slip to prevent torque application directly to the fastener, and a corresponding adapter for connecting a tool, such as a socket wrench, to the fastener. An outer face of the fastener comprises an open abutment wall for engagement by an open actuating wall of the adapter, and at least one locating pin communicates between the fastener and adapter. The invention allows unique configurations of the locating pins and walls for giving the adapter the quality of a key. Torque transmission from the adapter to the fastener is more evenly distributed over a greater surface area as compared with prior art anti-theft fasteners and adapters utilizing pins only for torque transmission.

Abstract: A security door having improved security features. The door has a retractable, multiple pin deadbolt bar that can be operated by an inner or outer door handle. The inner door handle has shaft with an external screw thread that allows the handle assembly to be attached to and supported by a stabilizer mounted on the door. The door is attached to a door frame with internally mounted hinges that provide 180° rotation in only one direction such that the door may be opened to rest against the wall to which it is attached but may not be pushed in. A security bar is attached to door side panel where the hinges are located to prevent the door from being pulled out if the hinges broken. The door's lock may be controlled by a remote keypad or wireless device.

Abstract: A central locking system for a building having at least one window or door, the system comprising a central control unit in communication with a storage means for retaining pressurised fluid, the storage means being in fluid communication with at least one locking mechanism operable in response to a signal from the central control unit to the storage means to move between an inoperative position in which the opening and closing of the associated door or window is unimpeded and an operative position in which the opening and closing of the door or window is impeded.

Abstract: An electronic locking system comprises a cylinder housed within and rotatable with respect to a shell. A key has a power supply. At least one of the key and the cylinder is capable of generating a signal when the key is electrically connected with the cylinder. An electrically powered locking mechanism is housed within the cylinder and includes a lock member moveable between an open position and a locked position. The lock member in the locked position interferes with movement of the cylinder. A power source is connected to the locking mechanism in response to the signal. The locking mechanism allows movement of the lock member from the locked position to the open position in response to the signal so that the cylinder may be rotated within the shell. The cylinder further includes an interfering member that resists movement of the locking member. In addition, a biasing mechanism urges the cylinder toward a home position when the cylinder is rotated away from the home position.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a core rotatably received in a casing and the core has first passages each having a first pin received therein. The casing has a protrusion in which second passages are defined and located in alignment with the first passages. Each second passage has a second pin received therein and biased by a spring so as to push a lower end of each first pin extended in the key way in the core. The second pins are located at a boundary surface between the core and the casing. A piece is received in the first passage and located at the boundary surface. A key with serration has a magnetic member which attracts the piece to move toward the key so that the piece is moved and the core is rotated relative to the casing.

Abstract: An interlock unit (10) for use with at least one other like unit (11) to form an interlock mechanism has a top face (13) and opposed pairs of side walls (12) with at least one runner bar (17, 18) mounted in the unit for lateral sliding movement. An actuator (14, 15, 22) is supported on the top face (13), to effect lateral sliding movement of the runner bar (17, 18). One wall of the unit is provided with one part (27) of a two-part connector with the other part (33) on the opposed wall whereby two similar units may be joined together by relative sliding movement of the two units in the plane of the side walls (12). Joining together of two units (10, 11) in this way also joins together the runner bars (17) or (18) of the two units such that sliding motion of the runner bar (17) of one unit (10) is transferred to the runner bar (17) of the connected unit (11), for at least one direction of sliding movement of the runner bars (17).

Abstract: A method of sustaining plant growth in toxic substrates polluted with heavy metal elements, characterized in that it comprises amendment and remediation of the toxic substrates with an organo-zeolitic mixture. Vegetation, such as hyperaccumulator plants or native plants and grasses for in situ remediation, will now grow. The method can also be used as a fertilizer and for beneficiation of normal, uncontaminated soils.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying melt flowable materials to components of articles of manufacture. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein are concerned with formation of appropriate flowable materials, control over the manner in which the flowable materials are applied, treatment of the components prior to application of the flowable materials and the like. Moreover, the apparatuses and methods may be particularly suited for applying flowable materials to surfaces and components found in automotive, aerospace, and marine vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing components from a blank (P1-P4) made of a deep-drawable material, particularly steel using a free-flowing action medium. In the course of this method, the blank (P1-P4) is clamped in a forming device (U1, U2) and an action medium is applied to it. The blank (P1-P4) is then preformed by elevating the pressure (P) exercised by the action medium in a region of the blank (P1-P4) which is restricted to a section (V1, V2) of the blank surface and which partially covers the surface section (B1, B2) of the blank (P1-P4) from which the final form of the component is generated. Subsequently, the preformed blank (P1-P4) is finish formed using a forming tool (F1, F2). In this way, components having complex shapes may be produced with optimum exploitation of the properties of the material used.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a tubing expansion tool (300) comprising a body (302) adapted for rotation within tubing to be expanded, and three expansion member modules (306) each comprising an expansion member (310) rotatably mounted with respect to the body (302), each expansion member module (306) being releasably coupled to the body (302) as a unit.

Abstract: In order to achieve the lightweight, low-cost and high-efficiency design of a spindle apparatus, speed-change device 50 is provided such that slots 31 are formed in one of a spindle 10 and a cam shaft 12 while spiral torque cam grooves are formed in another, and extend around the axis thereof. A torque cam pin 34 is engaged in each slot and its associated torque cam groove, and the position of the spindle 10 relative to the cam shaft 12 in a circumferential direction can be changed by moving the torque cam pins 34 in the axial direction by drive device 43. Drawing tools 8 are moved in opening and closing directions by changing the position of the spindle 10 relative to the cam shaft 12 in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A bracing device for a bending machine, in particular for a tube bending machine, in the form of a slide rail moved linearly in slaved fashion in the bending operation and having a plurality of slide rail extensions for different bending radii, which are mounted on the slide rail (12) via lockable and unlockable adapters.

Abstract: A forming tool for pipe ends with a fixing device holding the pipe and a flanging die acting on the projection of the pipe end, where the flanging die has a mandrel which can be driven into the pipe end. A forming die surrounds the mandrel. The mandrel and the forming die are held in a housing. A limiting die surrounding the forming die being provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a predetermining curvature in the flange and web of a structural member including an indexing mechanism and method for controlling the amount of curvature produced.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for aligning an integrated circuit die on an integrated circuit substrate. A plurality of deposits of deformable material are placed on the substrate where the integrated circuit die is to be aligned. In one advantageous embodiment a stamping tool is indexed to a first tooling hole and to a second tooling hole in the substrate. The stamping tool imprints the deposits of deformable material to a tolerance of less than one hundred microns with respect to the first and second tooling holes. The imprinted portions of the deposits to form a pocket for receiving the integrated circuit die. This enables the integrated circuit die to be precisely aligned on the substrate in three dimensions.

Abstract: A device for side impact detection in a motor vehicle, and a plausibility sensor side impact detection. This plausibility sensor is located in a loudspeaker which is already present in the lateral part for playback of music. This loudspeaker is used as a low-frequency microphone, a circuit being provided for the loudspeaker to differentiate between sound and rapid fluctuations in air pressure. This circuit has a bridge circuit, the differential voltage across the bridge then being used as a plausibility signal. The circuit itself is preferably located in the door.

Abstract: A failure diagnostic apparatus for an air-fuel ratio detecting device has an exhaust emission purifying device provided in an exhaust passage; an air-fuel ratio detecting unit for detecting the air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas from the purifying device; a first determination unit for determining that the air-fuel ratio is estimated to be rich for longer than a first predetermined period of time; a second determination unit for determining that the air-fuel ratio is estimated to be lean for longer than a second predetermined period of time; and a failure diagnosis device for determining that the air-fuel ratio detecting device has failed if a variation in the air-fuel ratio, calculated based on the detected air-fuel ratios until both the first and second determination units make the determinations, is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor arrangement which is especially suitable for detecting if the windscreen of a motor vehicle is steamed up. The sensor arrangement comprises a heat conducting layer disposed on a supporting surface. Said layer exhibits good heat conducting properties. A support plate is arranged on top of the heat conducting layer, comprising a recess and several electrical conductor tracks. A moisture-sensitive sensor element is arranged in the region of the recess of the support plate. Said sensor element is electroconductively connected to the conductor tracks on the support plate. The inventive arrangement ensures that the temperature difference between the sensor element and the supporting surface does not go beyond a given limit when measurement occurs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of rheometry and to a corresponding rheometer apparatus having particular application to the manufacturing of polymers. The invention provides a method of studying the properties of a polymer. A rheometer having a pump (2) and a die(3) is arranged such that polymer is pumped through the die. Transducers (4) measure pressures within the rheometer. The polymer is supplied to the rheometer with the pump (2) at one speed and value(s) indicative of the shear stress in the fluid within the die are obtained from the transducers (4). This provides a set of data. The data is then directly compared, using multivariate analysis with previously obtained data corresponding to polymer(s) with known rheological properties. The results of this comparison may then be used to control the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An ultrasound system determines the presence of a foreign object in a container of fluid by measuring echo signals from the outer surface of the container and the inner surface of the container. The amplitude of the echo signals are compared to determine the presence of an object in the container. The system also determines viscosity of the contained fluid by measuring a through-transmission time through the container and the fluid, measuring an outer echo transmission time of an outer echo signal from the outer surface of the container and an inner echo transmission time of an inner echo signal from the inner surface of the container, and determining a time difference between the outer echo transmission time and the inner surface transmission time.

Abstract: An apparatus (30) and method (80) for predicting electrical property stability of a thin film or conductive substrate (14) prior to multi-probe testing. The present invention utilizes a nanoindenter type device (10) obtaining mechanical properties as a function of displacement depth and applied load into the bond pad surface to accurately predict electrical property stability of the entire substrate or sample under test. In addition, the present invention includes a nanoindenter type device (10) including a second probe (34) having the ability to measure localized electrical properties of the sample while obtaining the mechanical property measurements. This additional electrical measurement is correlated with the mechanical property measurements to accurately predict electrical property stability of the entire conductive substrate, preferably by predicting the presence of an unwanted material surface layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for testing a tank ventilation system with a tank ventilation valve in a motor vehicle, comprising an engine speed sensor, an air flow sensor and/or an idle controller for providing an air mass signal, as well as an evaluating unit, which compares the changes in speed and air masses with at least one threshold value when the tank ventilation valve is opened and closed.

Abstract: In a method for measuring the injection quantity of injection nozzles (24), in particular for motor vehicles and in particular in production testing, testing fluid (32) is injected into a measuring chamber (30) by an injection nozzle (24). This imparts movement to a piston (16), which at least partially defines the measuring chamber (30). The movement of the piston (16) is detected by a detection device (42), which generates a corresponding measurement signal (sm). In order to increase the measurement precision, the invention proposes that an effective quantity (Vn) and at least one disturbance quantity (Ve) be obtained through the use of the measuring signal (sm), where the effective quantity (Vn) in turn essentially corresponds to the actual injection quantity (mi).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assessing the range of a motor vehicle run-flat system comprising at least for each wheel a tire casing, a deflation alarm and means supporting the running tread of the tire casing when the casing is deflated, which method, from the instant the deflation alarm has detected a predetermined deflating threshold, includes the steps of: periodically measuring the distance covered and a parameter C(t) characteristic of the running conditions; determining on the basis of C(t) and the measured distance over &Dgr;t a quantity characteristic of potential elementary damage of the system during the elapsed time &Dgr;t; calculating an estimate of the global damage by combining the calculated elementary damage levels since the start of flat running; and transmitting to the vehicle driver a quantity related to that estimate of the flat running system global damage.

Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure including the steps of: detecting rotational information of the respective tires; storing rotational information; detecting whether the vehicle is running on a flat road or not; detecting whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating; comparing rotational information of both front wheels with rotational information of both rear wheels when it has been determined that the vehicle is running on a flat road and that the vehicle is neither accelerating nor decelerating; and judging simultaneous decompression of both front wheel tires or simultaneous decompression of both rear wheel tires on the basis of a relationship between a value obtained through comparison of the rotational information of both front wheels and both rear wheels and a specified threshold. It is possible to judge simultaneous decompression of both front wheel tires or both rear wheel tires when employing the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analysing a well completion system, wherein the method includes receiving data representative of physical characteristics of the completion system and calculating a first change in length of a tube string resulting from a helical buckling effect. The method further includes calculating a second change in length of the tube string resulting from a ballooning effect and calculating a third change in length of the tube string resulting from a slackoff force effect. Upon completion of the calculating steps, the method may output predetermined results therefrom.

Abstract: A Vadose Zone Water Fluxmeter (WFM) or Direct Measurement WFM provides direct measurement of unsaturated water flow in the vadose zone. The fluxmeter is a cylindrical device that fits in a borehole or can be installed near the surface, or in pits, or in pile structures. The fluxmeter is primarily a combination of tensiometers and a porous element or plate in a water cell that is used for water injection or extraction under field conditions. The same water pressure measured outside and inside of the soil sheltered by the lower cylinder of the fluxmeter indicates that the water flux through the lower cylinder is similar to the water flux in the surrounding soil. The fluxmeter provides direct measurement of the water flow rate in the unsaturated soils and then determines the water flux, i.e. the water flow rate per unit area.