Abstract: Optical members, methods of manufacturing optical members and predicting the performance of optical members in optical systems using excimer lasers are disclosed. The methods can be used in designing optical systems using excimer lasers. The methods include measuring the wavefront change of samples of glass at the operating wavelength of the optical system.

Abstract: A method and a machine for the production of hollow glassware articles, by the blow-and-blow, press-and-blow, press-and-blow paste mold and direct-press processes in a glassware forming machine including single or multiple machine sections each having single or multiple-cavity, comprising: forming a parison in an inverted orientation, into a blank mold and a first transferable and open-able neck ring mold held by an inverting apparatus having a first and a second diametrically opposed arms, each arm holding a transferable and open-able neck ring mold; inverting the parison held by the first transferable and open-able neck ring mold, by rotating the first arm 180° to an upright orientation at an intermediate station, while the second arm with a second transferable and open-able neck ring mold is simultaneously placed at the parison forming station; transferring the first transferable and open-able neck ring mold holding the parison in an upright orientation, from the intermediate station, to a blow mold st

Abstract: The reproducibility of preforms made by solution doping is significantly improved by adding an internal heat source, such as N2O, as a processing gas during the soot deposition process. The addition of the internal heat source gas results in forming a surface soot layer which exhibits a relatively uniform and consistent morphology. The improvement in the soot surface morphology results in improving the uniformity of the amount of solution dopant retained in the soot layer from preform to preform.

Abstract: In a known method for the manufacture of a solid quartz glass cylinder (18) by drawing from a hollow quartz glass cylinder (5) in a vertical drawing process, the hollow cylinder (5) is passed to a heating zone (4), softened therein in one area after the other and the solid cylinder (18) is drawn off from the softened area (15) with a reduced inside pressure (P1) being maintained in the inside bore (19) of the hollow cylinder (5) versus an outside pressure (P2) applied on the outside thereof.

Abstract: Electrical resistant bushings and methods for making fibers such as glass fibers by passing molten glass through these bushings to form fibers wherein the bushings have novel ears for attaching to electrical terminal clamps bringing electrical current to the bushing are disclosed. The novel ears have at least one generally V shaped notch at or near the unattached end of the ear to produce an improved temperature profile on the tip plate of the bushing. One preferred bushing of the invention has ears having 5 generally V shaped notches therein.

Abstract: An appliance having a driving mechanism is provided, the appliance (10) comprising two rotatable portions (32, 34) which are rotatable by the driving mechanism (50) about an axis (40). The driving mechanism (50) comprises a gearbox (60) having an input gear (116), two output gears (240, 304) and a locking mechanism (250, 252, 318) movable between a first position and a second position. The arrangement is such that, when the locking mechanism (250, 252, 318) is in the first position and the input gear (116) is driven, both output gears (240, 304) rotate in the same direction and, when the locking mechanism (250, 252, 318) is in the second position and the input gear (116) is driven, the output gears (240, 304) rotate in opposite directions. The arrangement of the axis (40) is horizontal or substantially horizontal. The invention is particularly suitable for use in a front-loading washing machine (10) having a drum (30) comprising two rotatable portions (32, 34).

Abstract: Drum device for a home appliance having a chamber for drying or washing laundry, including a sound attenuation member fitted to an outside surface thereof, thereby effectively attenuating noise caused by impact of articles, such as buttons, zippers, clips, and the like fitted to the laundry, to the metallic drum when the laundry introduced into the chamber is lifted and dropped as the drum rotates.

Abstract: A skid steer attachment lock for preventing the theft of a tool attached to a skid steer loader. The device comprises of an extendable hollow shaft having a first and second opposite ends, wherein the first and second opposite ends are open and adapted to respectively accommodate a first and second attachment tool locking arms when the arms are facing each other; and a locking mechanism disposed in the outer shaft of the extendable shaft for temporarily locking the extendable shaft at a desired length.

Abstract: A ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of an unhitched trailer. The ball and ring hitch lock comprises an upper plate and a base plate attached by means of a secure rachet type system. A male hitch anchor is attached to the base plate. The male hitch anchor is sized to fit into a ball or a ring type hitch.

Abstract: An excavator lock adapted to limit the motion of a pair of control levers such as a forward and reverse drive control levers of a mechanical excavator thereby preventing the theft of a mechanical excavator. The excavator lock comprises a main body and a locking plate. The main body has a first and second channels adapted to accommodate a first and second control levers of a mechanical excavator. The locking plate is adapted to cover the first and second channels. A locking mechanism attached to the main body actively engages with the locking plate to temporarily lock the main body to the lock plate thereby providing an excavator lock for limiting the motion of a first and second control levers of a mechanical excavator to inhibit theft of the mechanical excavator.

Abstract: An internal lock (E) for safes and similar applications, with an outer console (A) that includes software with the instructions required by the user, which is connected by means of wiring that passes through the wall of the safe to the lock. The latter includes a printed circuit linked to the one in the console and is operated by a power supply (D) connected to the mains. A simple mechanism composed of a latch (5), a motor (7), gears and a trigger are responsible for the operation of the latch, in accordance with the orders received.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly for a door lock has a housing, a cylinder, an actuating tongue and a cap. The cylinder is securely held on the housing with a fastener and rotatably received in a through hole in the housing. A recess is defined in one end of the cylinder. A curved channel is defined in a face defining the recess. A connecting portion is formed on the first end of the tongue and is rotatably received in the recess in the cylinder. A protrusion protrudes from the first end of the actuating tongue and extends into the curved channel in the cylinder. The cap is mounted around the actuating tongue and secured to the second end of the cylinder. Accordingly, the cylinder can be easily assembled to or disassembled from the housing by means of attaching or removing the fastener.

Abstract: An improved key holder consisting of a case (1) provided with a central body (2), having in its upper part a semicircular area (3) and a lower curved one (4), the body (2) having on one of its faces, a longitudinal groove (6) dividing in two similar areas, having a projection (7) located in the blind face, incorporating a central recess and a longitudinal projection (8) in the groove (6), being covered with a body (10).

Abstract: Fertilizer compositions for plant production are described, comprised of decontaminated manure and Bacillus spores, preferably a humic acid derived from lignite and, optionally, one or more of N compounds, P compounds, K compounds, and combinations of two or more of these compounds. Preferred compositions are those wherein the ingredients are blended into an admixture resulting in a granular product. Other preferred compositions are those blended into an admixture resulting in a powdered product. Preferably, the ingredients are formed into hardened prills or pellets. Processes for production and use are also presented.

Abstract: An effective and simple controlling process for an aqueous lubricant of one process type used for cold forging of metallic material are explained.

Abstract: A worm is formed by rolling to reduce the number of processing steps while ensuring the worm accuracy satisfactorily. A work material is positioned between a first rolling die (100) and a second rolling die (101) by rotation of the rolling dies and a servomotor (76) for feeding the work material. When the lead angle of a worm is large and there is a large difference between the finished diameter and the blank diameter, the lead angle changes during the progress of rolling process, resulting in occurrence of through-feed. A slide plate (55) is freely slidable on a slide (53). Therefore, when through-feed occurs owing to the lead angles of the first and second rolling dies (100) and (101) and the workpiece, the slide plate (55) slides freely, and this is detected with a detecting sensor. The rotation of the first and second rolling dies (100) and (101) is stopped.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming cylindrical magnetic assemblies for rotating electrical machines. The apparatus and method pre-bends and finally bends a flange of the supporting shell to lock the permanent magnets in place. This is done in a single station and in two steps by way of an apparatus that permits handling of cylindrical bodies of considerably different diameters and lengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a forming apparatus for deforming a hollow workpiece having at least one open end, wherein the workpiece is clamped down in a clamping device, a first forming tool is placed into contact with the outer surface of the workpiece, said workpiece and said tool are rotated about an axis of rotation relative to each other and said workpiece is deformed by means of said first tool. A second forming tool is placed into the cavity defined by the workpiece and into contact with the inner surface of the hollow workpiece, after which the workpiece is deformed by means of said second tool.

Abstract: A work roll for use in rolling apparatus for producing from a metal blank sheet articles having a deformed cross section and comprising, for example, a plate portion, and a plurality of upright walls formed on one surface of the plate portion integrally therewith and arranged as spaced apart from one another, such as flat heat exchange tube component members, heat sinks and lead frames. The work roll assures more simplified production work and provides surface finishes with higher accuracy than conventionally. The work roll comprises different kinds of disks having different diameters and arranged alternately on an axis into juxtaposed layers as secured to one another. Large disks 20A, 20B, are arranged at respective portions not forming the upright walls, and small disks 21A, 21B smaller than the large disks 20A, 20B in radius by an amount corresponding to the height of the upright walls are arranged at respective portions for forming the upright walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a four- or six-high rolling stand for a rolling train and to a method for operating the same. The aim of the invention is to provide rolling stands that can adapt rapidly to rolling products of different thicknesses and/or hardnesses. To achieve this, rolling stands are provided with minimum expenditure that can be selectively operated with both thin and thick working rolls. The inventive combined drive in the four- or six-high rolling stand allows thick working rolls to be directly connected to a motor, whereas thin working rolls are merely carried along by neighbouring back-up rolls or intermediate rolls by means of friction.

Abstract: A thin steel strip is passed through a pinch roll stand comprising pinch rolls to a hot rolling mill comprising work rolls and backing rolls. In advance of rolling mill, the strip passes over support rolls. An anti-crimping guide roll located immediately in advance of the rolling mill is mounted on a pair of rocker structures so as to be rasiable from a lower inoperative position to lift the strip out of a straight line path so as to pass around the anti-crimping roll and to be wrapped about the upper work roll, that roll supports the strip and resists buckling of the strip and the generation of crimping defects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of an annular article, which substantially consists of metal, ceramic material, and/or polymer. A cavity in a die is filled with a formable working material, which shall form said article. A tubular, upper punch (17) is introduced into the upper mouth of a hole in a die (34), so that a closed mould cavity is formed. The upper punch and a lower punch (27) are simultaneously struck towards one another at such a high velocity that the working material is plasticized and flows out and fills the mould cavity, and thereafter the upper punch is removed. Then, a mandrel (35) in the lower punch is driven out of the annular body by means of a mandrel expulsor (170), which is pressed against the mandrel from above, and thereafter the annular body is from below pushed out of the die by mean of the lower punch. The invention also relates to an equipment for the carrying out of the method.

Abstract: A forming machine according to the invention comprises at least one forming station having a punch and a die as tools and a device for setting the axial position of one of the two tools. The setting device has, as adjusting wedge, a rotary wedge disk (1) which is rotatable about a rotation axis and bears with a bearing surface (11) against a parent body (2). The rotary wedge disk (1) is provided with an inclined plane (12) on the other disk side. The setting device also comprises a pressure piece (3) which is composed of a pressure part (32) and a rotary part (30) having an end face (31). The end face (31) bears against the inclined plane (12) in such a way that it is displaced relative to the rotary wedge disk (1) eccentrically to the rotation axis when the rotary wedge disk (1) is rotated, the axial distance between pressure piece (3) and parent body (2) changing in the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of calibrating sensors within a gas detector (36) having a housing containing a gas inlet whereby gas can diffuse from the inlet to the sensors. The gas inlet in the housing is held against part (34) of the calibration apparatus to form a sealed gas interface between the apparatus and the detector; a source (10) of pressurised calibration gas is connected to the apparatus, and a predetermined dose of calibration gas is delivered to the interface between the detector (36) and the calibration apparatus (34) at a predetermined pressure. The source (10) of pressurised calibration gas may contain single or multiple calibration doses and, if the former, the calibration apparatus includes a dosing system such as cylinder (14) for metering individual doses of calibration gas.

Abstract: A universal calibration apparatus and method to estimate the dispense output from a low volume, non-contact, liquid dispensing systems that may be applied for every hardware configuration (e.g., tube length, orifice diameter, tip design, etc), reagent solution property and environmental condition. This same calibration technique is applied to calibrate or tune these non-contact liquid dispensing systems to dispense desired volumes (in the range of about 0.050 &mgr;L to 50 &mgr;L), irrespective of the hardware configuration or the solution properties. That is, the calibration technique is not dependent on any variables, but the result (the actual dispense volume) is dependant on the variable mentioned. By actuating selected pulse widths, and measuring the resulting volume, a Calibration Profile can be generated correlating the liquid volume dispensed from the orifice to the respective pulse width of the dispensing valve thereof through calibration points..

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of detecting the moisture in an apparatus for treating and preparing food, as well as to a method of treating and preparing food. In the method according to the invention, the current temperature values and speed values of the asynchronous motor driving a gas supply and circulation mechanism are compared to at least one characteristic line which is stored in a computer, and the current moisture in the gas mixture is determined from the deviation &Dgr;N of the measured speed from the speed of the stored characteristic line. The present invention also comprises an apparatus for treating and preparing food that, in particular, serves to carry out the method of determining the moisture in a gas mixture.

Abstract: A method of measuring the density of an aerated liquid in a flowing supply of aerated liquid comprises passing sound vibrations through a portion (9) of the liquid supply and utilising the velocity of the sound through that liquid supply portion as a measure of the density, the pressure of that liquid supply portion being controlled (by 10; 13). A flow line (2) of aerated liquid is provided with a branch connection (3) to a branch line (9, 5, 7) which includes a through-flow density meter (4), a pressure transducer (8) being connected to the branch line for measuring the pressure in the branch line.

Abstract: The 120 volt AC is changed to 24 volt AC through a 24 volt center tap 1 amp transformer to provide two 12 volt sources which goes to two bridge rectifiers to supply two sources of 12 volt DC. The first rectifier which supplys 12 volts to a 12 volt DC 2 amp 2 pole 2 throw relay through the contacts of a 24 volt AC 5 a 3 pole 2 throw relay. The 24 volt AC relay is turned on by the reset switch which is normaly open. This switch supplys 24 volts to the 24 volt AC relay when the 24 volt relay energizes, one set of contacts energize the 12 volt DC relay, the second set of contacts turns on whatever is plugged into the 120 volt AC outlet. The third set of contacts latch the 24 volt relay to stay on. When the 12 volt DC relay is energized it supplys 12 volt DC to the electrolytic capacitor 2200 uf@ vDC which puts a 30 ms pulse on the water valves causing the water valves to open.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are shown for detecting leaks in metal roofs which are made up of metal roof panels secured in position to form a roof structure by metal screws. The apparatus includes an elongate tubular stand having a lower extent and an upper extent connected by an internal bore, the lower extent terminating in a bore end opening. A hand operated pump communicates with the internal bore for supplying positive pressure or drawing a vacuum on the internal bore. The bore end opening is sealed by an elastomeric seal which is used to form a pressure tight seal about one of the metal screw to be tested. A pressure gauge on the stand communicates with the internal bore for measuring a change in pressure within the internal bore, such pressure change being indicative of a leak present at the metal screw being tested.

Abstract: A test plug and method for isolating and testing a connection, such as a welded connection, which interconnects a wall of tank, vessel, or pipe to a branch pipe or nozzle. The test plug isolates the connection from the remainder of the tank, vessel or piping system and enables pressure/leak testing of the connection without requiring pressurization of the entire tank or vessel or a large section of the piping system. Further, the test plug can be utilized during welding operations to isolate harmful materials, vapors or fumes existing within tanks, vessels or piping systems from the weld location and to permit the flow of an inert gas to safely flush any potentially harmful vapors or the like away from the welding area.

Abstract: The invention is a method for determination of the content of fat in a multicomponent system. The method applies nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for the determination of fat/oil in for example fillets of fish, olives, paint or ice cream.

Abstract: A mechanical resonator system such a vibrational viscometer comprises two distinct resonators, connected by a nexus and being capable of vibration in anti-phase with a first vibrational node in the region of the nexus and at least a second node, a compliant support in the region of the first node and a semi-rigid support in the region of the second node.

Abstract: This atomic force microscope has a probe for surface analysis of a sample (E), comprising a support body and an elastically deformable strip linked to the body, the strip being provided with a tip designed to come into contact with the sample (E) to be analysed. The microscope also has a mechanism for relative displacement of the analysis probe with respect to the surface of the sample (E), a detector for determining the position of the strip, and elements for vibrating the strip. These means for vibrating the strip include elements for conduction of electricity along a continuous path forming a loop, an alternating-current generator, and a magnetic-field source designed to set up a magnetic field ({right arrow over (B)}) in the region of the strip of the analysis probe.

Abstract: Parts and structures are described for micro and nano machines and the creation of macro structures with nano and micro layers of special materials to provide improved performance.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 12 for determining the amount of tire slippage occurring on a tire 20 which is mounted upon a wheel 16. The apparatus 12 includes a camera 28 which is mounted within or upon the wheel 16, a controller 26 which is coupled to the camera 28, and a marker arrangement 30 which resides upon the interior surface 32 of the tire 20. As the vehicle 10 is operated, the marker arrangement 30 deflects and an image of such deflection is captured by the camera 28 and communicated to the controller 26, thereby allowing the controller 26 to measure the amount of slippage which is associated with the tire 20.

Abstract: Device for tubeless tyre bead engagement and inflation, generally for tyre removal machines (1) having a unit for supporting and locking a wheel (wheel rim+tyre) (5-15) in a bedded position, comprises a movable implement to be associated with the structure of the tyre removal machine, and generally shaped as a handlebar the handles (9) of which are lowerly provided with at least one compressed air delivery nozzle (11), said handlebar being able to move between a rest position in which it is spaced from said bedded wheel, and a working position in which said nozzles, retained thereat by the operator, extend beyond the upper bead retention flange (55) of the wheel rim (5) to blow air below it at the command of said operator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for using a formation tester to perform a pretest, in a formation having low permeability, by intermittently collecting a portion of fluid at a constant drawdown rate. The drawdown pressure is monitored until a maximum differential pressure is reached between the formation and the tester. Then the piston is stopped until the differential pressure increases to a set value, at which time the piston is restarted. The controlled intermittent operation of the piston continues until a set pretest volume is reached. The modulated drawdown allows for an accurate collection of pressure versus time data that is then used to calculate the formation pressure and permeability. The present invention also finds applicability in logging-while-drilling and measurement-while drilling applications where power conservation is critical.

Abstract: A method for determining properties of a transverse isotropic region of earth formations traversed by a wellbore having substantially vertical and deviated sections therethrough, including measuring sonic velocity properties in formations surrounding the substantially vertical section of the wellbore; measuring sonic velocity properties in formations surrounding the deviated section of the wellbore; and determining, from the measured velocities, all of the transverse isotropic elastic constants of the region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring flow rates is disclosed. At least one of a non-vortex based low-flow measurement and a vortex based flow measurement is taken. The measurement or measurements are communicated to a central processor. The processor analyzes the data provided and makes a determination as to the more accurate measurement, if there is more than one measurement. The flow rate is calculated by the processor and is based on either the singular or the more accurate measurement. Further enhancements include diagnosis of meter performance, redundancy of measurements, and re-calibration of either measurement device based on information from the other device.

Abstract: A flowmeter comprising a flow rate detection circuit including a thermal flow rate sensor (10) disposed in a measurement flow passage through which fluid to be measured passes, a temperature sensor circuit (12), a flow rate conversion circuit and a storage means EEPROM. The storage means stores, for respective discrete temperature values, a plurality of individual calibration curves indicating the relationship between electric outputs from the flow rate detection circuit and flow rates, and the individual calibration curves are prepared by using flow rates converted into those at a reference temperature. The flow rate conversion circuit performs interpolation based on temperatures measured by the temperature sensor circuit (12) and a plurality of individual calibration curves to obtain calibrated flow rate values corresponding to temperature at measuring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the filling level of a medium (3) in a container (2). A mixer (5) that has at least one mixer blade (6) and a mixer frequency (f<1>R</1>) is disposed in the container. Measuring signals are emitted at a predetermined measuring frequency (f<1>M</1>) towards the medium (3). The measuring signals reflected on the surface (4) of the medium (3) are received and evaluated by a runtime method. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which allows for a reliable measurement of the filling level of a medium (3) in a container (2) provided with a mixer (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the filling level of a filling material in a container, having a signal-generating unit, which generates electromagnetic measuring signals, having a transceiver unit (2), which emits the measuring signals via an antenna (1) in the direction of the surface of the filling material and which receives the echo signals reflected at the surface of the filling material, the antenna (1) comprising a waveguide (3) which widens in the direction of emission into a cavity (4) of a defined shape, and having an evaluation unit which determines the filling level in the container from the propagation time of the measuring signals.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for balancing a motor vehicle wheel, in which the torque during acceleration to the measurement rotation speed and during braking after carrying out the measurement run is adjusted as a function of the wheel type to be balanced, such that the rotationally fixed connection between the main shaft and the motor vehicle wheel is maintained even when the driving prestressing force between the main shaft and the motor vehicle wheel is reduced.

Abstract: A gyroscope comprises a piezoelectric substrate having a surface. Disposed on the surface are a resonator transducer, a pair of reflectors, a structure such as a metallic dot, and a sensor transducer. The resonator transducer creates a first surface acoustic wave on the surface. The pair of reflectors reflects the first surface acoustic wave to form a standing wave within a region of the surface between the pair of reflectors. The structure is disposed on the surface within the region, wherein a Coriolis force acting upon the structure creates a second surface acoustic wave. The sensor senses the second surface acoustic wave and provides an output indicative thereof.

Abstract: By injecting noise into drive electronics, the start time of the MEMS gyroscope may be improved. A noise source is used to provide bandwidth limited white noise with a bandwidth centered substantially at the tuning fork frequency of at least one proof mass.

Abstract: An accelerometer had a movable electrode between two fixed electrodes to form a differential capacitor. Drivers provide AC drive signals to the fixed electrodes. The movable electrode is coupled through reading circuitry to an output terminal. In response to a sensed acceleration, feedback is provided from the output terminal to one or both drivers to null any AC signal on the movable electrode and to keep the electrostatic forces between the movable electrode and each of the fixed electrodes equal.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a piezoelectric element and a support member for supporting the piezoelectric element at both longitudinal ends thereof. The piezoelectric element includes a laminate having a plurality of piezoelectric layers. An intermediate piezoelectric layer is a dummy layer which generates no charge when acceleration is applied thereto. Each of the two outer piezoelectric layers includes four longitudinally aligned regions separated at two borders and one central border where stress is inverted when the acceleration is applied. The two outer piezoelectric layers are polarized in the direction of thickness of the piezoelectric element such that cells adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric elements have opposite polarization directions and such that cells aligned with each other in the direction of thickness have the same polarization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonlinear method that permits simple, fast and accurate detection of defects in a body made from brittle materials. In the case of the method, at least two temporally offset operations (A, B) are used such that the body is set vibrating (1a, 1b) with a different intensity, a vibrational response of the body in the time domain is picked up (2a, 2b), the vibrational response is normalized (3a, 3b), the beginning of the vibration is determined (4a, 4b) and a section of the vibrational response is determined (5a, 5b) whose start is formed by the previously determined beginning of the vibration, and which has a specific length, a correlation coefficient of the sections of the respective vibration responses of the at least two operations being formed as feature value for the detection of defects (6).

Abstract: Method of producing a bonded wire connection between an electronic component or subassembly and a carrier by introducing energy from an ultrasound transducer into a wire that is to be bonded, wherein during the introduction of energy the impedance of the ultrasound transducer is measured as a function of time, the shape of the curve representing this time dependence is evaluated on the basis of prespecified comparison criteria, and the power input to the ultrasound transducer and/or a bond weight exerted on the wire is/are controlled in dependence on the result of this evaluation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a leak in a pipe, the apparatus comprising a sensor (11) located at a pipe (7), configured to detect a signal from the pipe, converter means to convert the signal detected by the sensor into a digital signal, and transform means to transform the digital signal into a different orthogonal space. The apparatus also comprises a transmitter (15) for transmitting the transformed digital signal back to a remote processor.