Abstract: A countertop merchandiser unit facilitates impulse purchasing of heated and chilled items by providing for placement and display of the items in close proximity with a cash register. The countertop unit has an enclosed transparent refrigerated compartment located above a countertop, an enclosed transparent heated compartment located above the refrigerated compartment and a refrigeration unit located above the heated compartment. Access doors at the rear of the countertop unit allow a vendor or cashier to access items stored therein. Access doors at the front of the countertop unit allow a customer to access items stored therein, the front access doors may be selectively fastened closed to deter shoplifting of items stored therein.

Abstract: In a superconducting current limiter 1, in the limiting state pressure waves which may damage the superconductor are produced as a result of the evaporation of cooling liquid. According to the invention, the current limiter is not immersed in a cooling liquid, but rather is brought into thermal contact with a cooling fluid 22 which does not undergo a phase transition at over the operating temperature and therefore does not evaporate in the limiting state. A refrigeration reservoir 21, which may be the condensed phase of a gaseous cooling fluid or a cryogenic cooler, determines the operating temperature of the current limiter. One advantage is that it is now possible for a plurality of plate-like current-limiter modules 10, 10′ of unlimited size to be arranged next to one another in the cooling fluid 22.

Abstract: An electrically driven refrigeration system (10), in particular for a vehicle air conditioner, comprises a compressor (12), an electric motor (14) for driving the compressor (12), an electronic controller (16) for controlling the motor (14), a condenser (18), an expansion device (20) and an evaporator (20). These elements are interconnected in such a way as to form a refrigeration circuit for circulating a refrigerant from the compressor (12) through the condenser (18), the expansion device (20) and the evaporator (22) back to the compressor (12). The electronic controller (16) is arranged in such a way as to be in thermal exchange relationship with the refrigerant at a point of the refrigeration circuit situated between the compressor outlet (26) and the condenser outlet (28).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a water generating apparatus for extracting water from ambient air. The apparatus provides a condensing surface which is maintained during the operation of the apparatus at a temperature which is below the dew point of the ambient air. The presence of contaminants within the extracted water are reduced by filtering the ambient air prior to its processing by the apparatus and subsequently filtering the condensate. The apparatus is constructed from components which produce minimal particulate matter. The use of such components minimizes the likelihood of those components contributing to the contamination of the water generated from the apparatus. Bacteriological contamination in the condensed water is reduced by constructing the apparatus from components that retard bacteria growth. Further diminution of bacterial growth is achieved by maintaining a continuous flow of water condensate through the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention concerns the installation of a double-flow ventilation system with a ventilation unit blowing air drawn from outside the building into the living quarters: drawing-rooms, bedrooms of various housing units, and a ventilation unit (5), having the same characteristics as the blowing unit, extracting air from the functional quarters: kitchens, bathrooms blown air from the functional quarters, air supply and air extraction at each housing unit being carried out through ducts common to the entire building. Said installation further comprises at the connection to each housing unit to a pair of ducts (6, 7) respectively for blowing and for extracting air an individual thermodynamic unit (8) specific to the housing unit concerned and whereon passes the stream on ventilating air, the evaporator and the condenser of said unit being arranged respectively on one of the two air blowing and air extracting fluxes.

Abstract: An inflatable container comprises a support wall defining a storage cavity. The support wall includes a flexible material forming at least one air chamber that when full of air or other gas forms a structure for holding ice and other material received within the storage cavity of the support wall. A drainage compartment communicates with a generally lower portion of and is disposed external to the storage cavity defined by the support wall for drawing melted ice away from the storage cavity and into the drainage compartment.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction systems are provided wherein dependent trains including only cryogenic heat exchanger systems are serviced by common components in the system such that individual components need not be included in each dependent train for servicing that function. Further, the common components are positioned near the LNG storage tanks which, in turn, are typically located a substantial distance from the trains. This significantly reduces capital costs and allows boil-off gas from LNG storage tanks to be used for cooling in addition to being used as a fuel gas.

Abstract: A ring and mounting thereon for a plurality of gemstones includes a ring formed of a pair of shanks mounted together at a common end. The pair of shanks have a through-aperture between distal ends of the pair of shanks opposite the common end. The distal ends are entirely detached from each other. A first pair of upstanding flexible lever arms, or merely hereinafter arms, bracket opposite sides of the through-aperture. Each flexible arm has a base end and an opposite free end. Each flexible arm is mounted at its base end to a corresponding distal end of the shanks. A first gemstone forms a keystone mounted in compression sandwiched between the free ends of the first pair of upstanding flexible arms. A second pair of upstanding arms are mounted at their base ends to the pair of shanks so as to be disposed, one on each shank, on opposite sides of the first pair of upstanding flexible arms. A first pair of gemstone receiving pockets or cavities.

Abstract: A cut design of an ornamental diamond and an observation method of the diamond which an observer can perceive a more beauty, are disclosed. The cut design is a round brilliant cut comprising a girdle, a crown above the girdle and a pavilion below the girdle. A girdle height (h) is 0.026 to 0.3 times a girdle radius, a pavilion angle (p) of a pavilion main facet ranges from 37.5 degrees to 41 degrees, and a crown angle (c) of a crown main facet is within a range of satisfying: c>−2.8667×p+134.233 and p<¼×{(sin−1(1/n)+sin−1(1/n·sin c))×180/&pgr;+180−2c}, wherein n: refraction index of a diamond, &pgr;: circular constant, p: pavilion angle in degrees, and c: crown angle in degrees.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a jewel which can be securely attached to a string-form member or pedestal with a stable frictional force, and which can be easily removed from such a string-form member or pedestal. The base body has a hole, and the hole opens at the surface of the base body. The elastic body has a through-hole, and is inserted into the interior of the hole. At least one open end of the through-hole communicates with the outside of the base body via the hole, and the internal diameter of the through-hole is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of producing a silica glass in which the sol is transported from a mixer to a former under a certain amount of pressure. The transportation path of the sol is vacuumized in order to remove macro bubbles that can be potentially produced while the sol is transported from the mixer to the former. The interior of a piping connecting between the mixer for bearing the sol and the former for forming the gel is maintained in the vacuum state so as to effectively remove the macro bubbles, which can be potentially produced during the transportation of the sol.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for manufacturing glass optical elements by press molding a heated and softened glass material in preheated molds. In the process, the glass material is heated while it is floated by a gas blow and the heated and softened glass material is transferred to the preheated molds and then subjected to press molding. Alternatively, the process comprises: heating a glass material at a temperature at which the glass material has a viscosity of lower than 109 poises, preheating molds at a temperature at which the glass material has a viscosity of from 109 to 1012 poises, subjecting the heated and softened glass material to initial press in the preheated molds for 3 to 60 seconds, starting to cool the vicinity of molding surfaces of the molds at a rate of 20° C.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for bending a sheet of glass involving heating the sheet of glass to a softening temperature, transporting the sheet of glass in an essentially horizontal path as far as a station for bending it between two forms, shaping the sheet of glass by pressing between the two forms, cooling the sheet of glass in an appropriate station, these means comprising shaped rollers receive the sheet of glass after it has been bent and said rollers being oriented parallel to the direction defined on the sheet of glass via the direction in which it is conveyed into the bending station.

Abstract: A method for bending a glass sheet (1) in a glass bending furnace utilizing gravity and a bending mould, whereby the glass sheet is put onto the mould and heated into bending temperature to make the glass bend into a wanted shape by means of the mould. The glass sheet (1) is supported by means of the mould adjustable middle component (6), by means of which bearing impact the glass sheet is supported and its getting down onto mould support (4) regulated and which beating element, when let down, forms a part of the mould.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circular knitting machine with knitting needles (4) and sinkers (25) for the production of plush fabrics. Each of a plurality of knitting systems has a means (71) for controlling the knitting needles (4) into a knock-over position and pattern devices arranged in front of this means (71). According to the invention, a first pattern device provided with a ground-thread guide (38) serves for selectively controlling the knitting needles (4) into a knitting or tucking position intended for the pick-up of ground thread (39) or a non-knitting position intended for the non-pick-up of ground thread (39). A second pattern device provided with a plush-thread guide (40) serves for selectively controlling the knitting needles (4) into a pick-up position intended for the pick-up of plush thread (41) or an intermediate position intended for the non-pick-up of plush thread (41).

Abstract: A bedsheet formed from a knitted fabric comprised of two yarn types wherein at least one yarn type is made of an elastomeric fiber and the other yarn type is made of a substantially non-elastic fiber. In the preferred embodiment, one yarn type is a blend of polyester and cotton and the other yarn type is spandex. This overall blend of spandex and poly-cotton fibers creates a knitted fabric having resilience, elasticity and versatility beyond that of a traditional poly-cotton blend fabric. This knitted fabric can then be used to produce sheeting materials, such as fitted contour sheets, which retain shape better, are more easily handled, and have a greater life that standard poly-cotton blend sheets.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a wobbling device having a rotary blade. The wobbling device causes a wobbling action of a washboard without rotating the washboard during a washing mode operation, and rotates the rotary blade in one direction to allow a sufficient amount of wash water to flow upward through an ascending water current guide and fall from an upper portion of a spin-drying tub onto clothes contained in the spin-drying tub, thus effectively washing the clothes. The washboard is installed at a lower portion in the spin-drying tub such that it wobbles upward and downward. The rotary blade is installed under the washboard, and is rotated in one direction by torque of a washing shaft. The rotary blade is fitted over a boss which couples a vertical rotary shaft of the wobbling device to the washing shaft, and is rotated by the torque of the washing shaft. The water current guide extends along a sidewall of the spin-drying tub from a lower end to an upper end of the spin-drying tub.

Abstract: A washing machine having a wobbling device. The wobbling device causes a wobbling action of a washboard without rotating the washboard during a washing mode operation, thus effectively washing the clothes. This wobbling device includes a vertical rotary shaft rotated by a washing shaft, and an inclined rotary shaft arranged above the vertical rotary shaft. A first rotary unit couples the inclined rotary shaft to the vertical rotary shaft, thus rotating the two shafts at the same time. An upper surface of the first rotary unit forms a first sloping surface inclined at an angle of inclination. A second rotary unit rotatably receives the inclined rotary shaft therein, and is provided at its lower surface with a second sloping surface corresponding to the first sloping surface of the first rotary unit.

Abstract: A switch lockout device for securing a toggle switch of a circuit breaker. The lockout device includes a housing having an opening for positioning around the toggle switch. A screw is threaded through the housing and is tightened against the toggle switch to restrain it. A circular disk is secured at one end of the screw and is lockable to a member slidable with respect to the housing, for preventing the disk from movement.

Abstract: The lock cylinder assembly of the present invention incorporates a number of features designed to defeat attempts to pick or destroy the lock. The lock cylinder assembly employs multiple arrays of pass key pins, making picking of the lock much more difficult. Second, the arrangement of the pass key pins in separate arrays requires that multiple cuts would have to be made into the lock housing mogul or cylinder blank in order to defeat the lock cylinder assembly. Third, the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention may incorporate multiple sets of hardened dowel pins to prevent drilling through the lock housing mogul in the area of the driver pins. Fourth, the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention may incorporate a hardened cylinder shield behind the front face of the cylinder blank to prevent drilling through the cylinder blank.

Abstract: In some embodiments, lock assemblies are disclosed which have a housing, a barrel, and at least one tumbler. In some cases, the lock is codeable after the lock assembly has been assembled. Although not required, some embodiments can be re-coded to a new code with and without disassembling the lock assembly. The tumbler(s) can be pivotable, while in other embodiments the tumbler(s) move in a substantially linear fashion. The tumbler(s) can be comprised of two pieces or portions, wherein one piece/portion of the tumbler(s) either directly or indirectly engages the coded surface of a key while the other piece/portion is positionable to prevent rotation of the barrel with respect to the housing. In some embodiments, the tumblers are external to the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making nitrogenous and complex fertilizers, in granule form, suitable for slowly releasing nitrogen, comprising the steps of preparing an aqueous urea/formaldehyde dispersion with a molar ratio from 0.8:1 to 2:1, adding an aqueous catalyzer solution in a weight ratio from 0.1 to 4%, controlling the pH of the aqueous dispersion to hold it within a range from 4.0 to 7.0, and supplying the aqueous dispersion to a recirculating granulating device, as a growth seed.

Abstract: A long-term fertilizer containing nitrogen, contains a mixture of acetylene diurea and at least one other organic fertilizer containing nitrogen, such as methylene urea, isobutylidene diurea, crotonylidene diurea, oxamide, melamine, substituted triazones, ethylene diurea, triuret or mixtures of them.

Abstract: A bending device is described for thin-walled metal tubes (R) made of a straight tube guide (1), a core template (2), which adjoins the tube guide (1) and is pivotable in relation thereto, having a connection strip (3), and a mandrel, having a mandrel tip (4), which is flexible in the region of the core template (2), and a mandrel shaft (5), which adjoins the mandrel tip (4) and is rigidly connected thereto and is axially fixed (1) in the tube guide. In order to support the metal tube (R) to be bent over its entire surface on the inside in the active bending region during the bending procedure, the flexible mandrel tip (4), which comprises a radially incompressible solid cylinder made of elastomer, extends only over the starting section of the bending curve, where the bending procedure occurs.

Abstract: A plate member (10) is mounted on a supporting frame (11). The periphery of the plate member (10) is firmly secured by a clamp (12) and a concave die-shaped lower pushing member (13) is caused to rise from below. The lower pushing member (13) is provided with a forming concave area (15) and a forming convex area (16). Disposed above the plate member (10) is a bar-shaped upper pushing member (20) which is lowered to push against the plate member (10). In such a condition, the plate member (10) is caused to rise together with the lower pushing member (13) and move in the directions of X and Y to form convex areas (17) and (18) within the forming concave area (15) and the forming convex area (16). The upper pushing member (20) is provided with a main body (21) of high rigidity and a flexible member (22).

Abstract: A rolling train for the continuous rolling of strand shaped products has at each rolling location a pair of fixed stations which are closely spaced and have rails such that a mill stand at one station can be displaced away from the rolling line and be replaced at that location by a mill stand at the other station. The mill stands can be connected to the respective control and operating media sources by lines which are unreeled as the mill stand is moved away from the operating position or reeled up as the mill stand is moved into an operating position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plate material processing machine with a bending function which enables even a bending piece with two or more bending portions to be bent and which enables materials to be bend so as to have different bending directions, dimensions, angles, or the like using the same tools. An upper tool 21 and a lower tool 22 are provided which fix a plate material W by sandwiching it between themselves. An upper tool-side bending tool 23 and a lower tool-side bending tool 24 are provided on sides of the upper tool 21 and lower tool 22, respectively, so as to elevate and lower freely. The upper tool-side bending tool 23 and the lower tool-side bending tool 24 perform elevating and lowering operations relative to the upper tool 21 and the lower tool 22 to bend a plate material piece Wa of a plate material W sandwiched between the upper tool 21 and the lower tool 22.

Abstract: A device is provided comprising a guide mechanism used to position and securely hold a sheet metal blank in a sheet metal forming press that is operated at high temperatures. A sheet metal blank is initially positioned in the forming press by resting the sheet metal blank on the highest portion of the convex surface of the lower tool member and counter balancing it with a blank loading device that includes a support hand to initially hold the blank. The guide apparatus comprises an engagement tool mounted to a beam that is slidably attached to guide supports. As the upper tool member drops, the engagement tool pinches and securely holds the sheet metal blank as the guide supports slide along the beam in sync with the downward movement of the upper tool member.

Abstract: A battery powered hydraulic tool including a frame; a battery connected to the frame; a motor connected to the frame and adapted to be powered by the battery; and a hydraulic pump connected to the motor by a gear reduction transmission. The motor and gear reduction transmission are adapted to output a torque of the least about 160 oz-in in with the gear reduction transmission being adapted to provide a gear reduction of between about 8:1 to about 15:1 or less, and the hydraulic pump being adapted to output at least about 6000 psi of pressure or more.

Abstract: Described is a system and a method to monitor measuring and control equipment. The occurrence of a malfunction does not immediately lead to the monitoring system entering a secure state, but rather increases the count of a counter. If the count exceeds a certain value, then the monitoring system enters a secure state.

Abstract: A fluid system such as a fire sprinkler system or a device such as a pressure reducing valve is tested by fitting to the system or device at least one outlet device whose characteristics are known, causing fluid to flow under test conditions, and measuring the fluid flow through the outlet device to give an indication of which flow would take place under normal operating conditions. The outlet device may be a flow restrictor.

Abstract: The invention describes a sensor element for determining the concentration of gas components in gas mixtures, in particular in exhaust gases of combustion engines, comprising at least one measured gas space (13) and at least one gas inlet opening (17) through which the gas mixture is conveyable to the measured gas space (13), and at least one diffusion barrier (12) arranged between the gas inlet opening (17) and measured gas space (13). The diffusion barrier (12) has at least one region (14, 14a, 16) that contains a catalytically active material for establishing equilibrium in the gas mixture, and is divided into a coarse-pore and a fine-pore portion.

Abstract: A vibration meter having a pressure sleeve is proposed, in which the pressure sleeve (2, 22) may be mounted under pressure at a bottom surface (20) on a component causing vibrations, and the bottom surface (20) has a contour, prior to mounting, which runs radially inward in a concave manner. Furthermore, prior to mounting, the bearing surface (21) has a contour, which runs radially inward in a concave manner, the contour being dimensioned such that, after the mounting, at least one sensor arrangement (7, 5, 6, 8) lies substantially flat on the bearing surface (21) on the inside of the pressure sleeve (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection and alarm systems for predicting and detecting the location of spills, leaks, emissions, and/or pollution sources, i.e., unwanted fluid (liquid/gas) flow/escape, at refineries, e.g., oiland gas refineries, and plants, e.g., petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants, and avoiding said unwanted flow/escape. According to one embodiment, said system comprises at least one detector, at least one battery powered radio frequency transmitter, preferably, according to one embodiment, a 900 megahertz spread spectrum transmitter, and a central processing location which, according to one embodiment, is preferably capable of handling up to 3000 points in a single cell site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting water loss from a swimming pool includes a first container having an upper end, a lower end, an inner cavity and at least one opening allowing swimming pool water to flow in and out of said inner cavity; a substantially waterproof load cell positioned within the inner cavity of said first container, for measuring weight bearing thereon; and a second container having an upper end, a lower end, and an inner cavity closed to water flow, said second container positioned within the inner cavity of said first container having its lower end upon said load cell so as to bear weight thereon.

Abstract: An airtightness failure inspection method according to the present invention comprises an initial step of generating an independent constant flow of gas in the interior of a cover 11 formed in such a manner as to surround an inspecting area of an inspection object and a detector 17, a pre-inspection step of sealing a tracer gas in the interior of the inspection object under pressure and placing the cover over the inspecting area, a measuring step of introducing a gas containing the tracer gas that has leaked from the inspecting area and which is drawn out of the cover into the detector for measuring the amount of the leak and a cleaning step of cleaning up flow paths constituting the flow path systems and instruments including the detector after the measurement is completed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for completing the commissioning of a subsea pipeline by purging with a compressed gas to dewater and dry the line wherein the operation is done on the seabed. More specifically, the method is carried out with a subsea vechicle (hereinafter “SV”) that powers pumps located on the seabed or are carried by the SV to inject/remove chemical, dewater, and dry, the pipeline. The present invention may be part of the commissioning of a new or old pipeline or a new portion of a pipeline in which a purging of the line with a compressed gas and drying of the line is required. After commissioning, product flows through the pipeline.

Abstract: An improved method of testing for evaporative emission system leaks monitors vacuum decay in a closed system so that the effects of fuel tank expansion during the test interval are minimized. In a first embodiment pass/fail criteria are established in terms of the time required for the system pressure to decay by a calibrated amount for a predetermined leak size. A leak at least as large as the predetermined leak is detected if the measured time is shorter than a calibrated time. The effects of fuel tank expansion are minimized because the changes in fuel tank volume occur primarily due to the pressure differential across the tank, as opposed to the leak size, and the changes that occur during the test are essentially the same for any leak size under consideration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integrated micro-cantilevers, micro-bridges or micro-membranes in micro-liquid handling systems. Such micro-liquid handling systems provide novel detection mechanisms for monitoring the physical, chemical and biological properties of fluids in such systems. The present invention further relates to micro-cantilever, micro-bridge or micro-membrane type sensors having integrated readout. Such constructions allow laminated flows of different liquids to flow in a channel without mixing, which opens up for new type of experiments and which reduces noise related to the liquid movement. The present invention even further relates to sensors having adjacent or very closely spaced micro-cantilevers, micro-bridges or micro-membranes which can be exposed to different chemical environments at the same time.

Abstract: The apparatus (20) comprises a substantially cylindrical rotatable body (26) disposed coaxially within a retaining means (28), drive means (22) for rotating the rotatable body, control means for controlling the speed of the rotatable body, current measurement means for measuring the electric current supplied to the drive means, and means for converting the current measurement into a viscosity measurement. The bore (32a) of the retaining means (28) is of a complementary shape to the rotatable body (26), and the bore (32a) and the rotatable body (26) are dimensioned and spaced apart radially so as to form an annular gap (40) extending axially therebetween to receive the liquid (18). The rotatable body has a spiralled groove formed thereon so that liquid may be more easily transported into the gap between the rotatable body and the retaining means, thereby facilitating the measurement of small liquid samples.

Abstract: In a scanning atom probe (100), a surface topography of a specimen (3) is firstly analyzed by a surface topography analyzing unit (20). In the next place, an extraction electrode (5) is aligned to a desired area to be analyzed of a specimen surface. In case of analyzing electronic state of the area to be analyzed, negative bias voltage is impressed onto the specimen (3) from a direct current high voltage supply (2) and field emitted electrons are detected by a screen (9). In case of analyzing atomic arrangement and composition of the area to be analyzed, positive voltage is impressed onto the specimen (3) from the direct current high voltage supply (2) and a pulse generator (1) and positive ions generated by field evaporation are detected by a position sensitive ion detector (11) or a relfectron type mass analyzer (13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for starting a combustion engine that is equipped with a starter and a speed sensor which supplies an output signal as a function of the speed. Furthermore, a device for measuring the vehicle system voltage is provided which records the characteristic curve (3) of the battery voltage during starting phase (1) and after the starting phase (1). The crankshaft position is ascertained from the characteristic curve (3) of the battery voltage during the starting phase (1) of the combustion engine in starter operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to independently measure the bearing pre-load of a pinion gear and differential case an assembled axle assembly. The ring gear and pinion gear are positioned within a backlash so that there is no engagement therebetween. The pinion shaft and differential case are rotated in synchronization maintaining the relative positions and the torque to rotate the pinion shaft and differential case are independently measured. Once the independent pre-loads are measured, the ring gear is allowed to freely rotate being driven by the pinion gear and the overall torque to rotate the entire axle assembly can be measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensing system for monitoring an environment that includes at least two sensors and a control unit in communication with the sensors. At least one of the sensors is active providing an output signal to the control unit indicative of a sensed property, while the other sensor(s) is inactive and protected from the environment. During operation of the sensing system, if it is determined that the performance of the active sensor is abnormal, the inactive sensor is activated. Subsequently, the output signal of the abnormal sensor is ignored and the control unit utilizes an output signal of the previously inactive, but now active, sensor.

Abstract: A method of measuring the airflow in an engine, the engine having an intake manifold, including:

Abstract: A method for correcting lateral force measuring values for determining the cone effect of a vehicle tire is accomplished by recording with sensors lateral forces and radial forces at top and bottom clamping locations of a vertical axle of rotation of a load wheel of vehicle tire test equipment. In this method, the load wheel is eccentrically subjected to a force at least once, and the lateral forces and radial forces acting on the upper and lower clamping locations of the rotary axle of the load wheel are recorded both in a position where force is introduced at or near a line of contact between the load wheel and a vehicle tire, and in a position which is opposite in relation to the rotary axis of the load wheel. From the differences of the recorded upper and lower lateral forces and radial forces, a correction quantity is derived with which the lateral force measuring values are corrected depending on the radial force measuring values during subsequent tire tests.

Abstract: The combination (10) comprises an inflation valve (12) for a vehicle tyre, and a housing (14; 14A) for a device for measuring the inflation state of the tyre. The valve (12) is insertable through a through hole (15) provided in the wheel rim (16) on which the tyre is mounted. A gasket (18) is interposed between the body (20) of the valve (12) and the wheel rim (16). The body (20) of the valve (12) is laterally threaded on its outside to enable a nut (28) to be screwed thereon to fix the valve (12) to the wheel rim (16). The body (20) terminates internally with a head (22). Within the housing (14; 14A) there is provided a through aperture (26; 26A) through which the body (20) can pass but not the head (22). Between the housing (14; 14A) and the gasket (18) there is interposed an annular counteracting element (30) to ensure the sealing of the gasket (18) when the fixing nut (28) has been tightened.

Abstract: A weather station with at least one element mounted on bearings on a housing or rack on a vertical axis for alignment with the direction of the wind and with a measuring device, which depending on the angle position of the element aligning in the direction of the wind provides an electrical signal, wherein the measuring device is an opto electric measuring device with at least two light paths. Each of the at least two light paths has its own light-emitting element and which have a common light detector and form a light path configuration, each light path is used to scan a group of markings, which are located around an axis of at least one screen in such a manner that the markings provide a code when scanning that defines the angle area of the position of the element aligning with the direction of the wind. The light-emitting elements determine the angle position of the element aligning with the direction of the wind.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a gas flow rate, which includes one or more resistors arranged in a gas passage, and a gas flow rate detection circuit for outputting a gas flow rate detection signal in accordance with a gas flow rate by detecting currents flowing through the resistors or voltages generated in accordance with the currents. The apparatus includes a fixed resistor connected in series to one of the resistors, and a first A/D converter circuit for converting an input voltage into a digital signal based on a reference voltage and outputting the digital signal by using a voltage generated in the fixed resistor as the reference voltage and using a voltage generated in a combined resistance of the resistor and the fixed resistor as the input voltage, wherein a digital output signal of a gas temperature detection signal is obtained by the first A/D converter circuit.

Abstract: A reciprocating-piston type meter for measuring liquid volume comprises a meter body 2 having a measuring chamber disposed therein. In a space 11 existing between the meter body 2 and the measuring chamber 7, the meter has means 13 for creating a swirling stream of liquid and means 14 for confining particles present in the liquid.