Abstract: A heating of a catalytic converter in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is presented which can be operated in different operating modes and wherein at least one of several heating measures can be selected so that, at first, an estimate can be made for several heating measures as to whether an individual heating measure can make the desired heating effect available and that it is further estimated whether an individual heating method can be carried out in the instantaneous operating state with a view to the exhaust-gas values and the operating mode of the internal combustion engine, which is necessary for carrying out the heating measure; and that that operating mode is requested wherein the requests can best be satisfied and that at least one possible heating measure is activated in dependence upon the instantaneous mode of operation. The invention further is directed to an electronic control unit for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling the injection of fuel into an internal combustion engine are described. A distinction is made at least between a first state and a second state. Immediately before the transition from the first state to the second state, the injection data is altered so that the emissions, in particular the production of noise, are gradually made to approximate the emissions in the second state.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system (8) for a diesel engine (10) comprises a NOx absorber (28) charged with solid absorbent for absorbing NOx from a diesel exhaust gas and means (18) for introducing intermittently into the exhaust system CO upstream of said absorber (28) whereby the solid absorbent is regenerable by contact with the CO-enriched gas. A process for treating NOx in a diesel exhaust gas comprises absorbing the NOx in a solid absorbent and regenerating the absorbent by contacting it with CO-enriched gas.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a liquid fuel burner that provides for large turn-down ratios and low firing rates. The fuel injector has a fast acting valve to provide a pulsed flow of fuel from a fuel supply and a nozzle coupled to the valve for receiving and atomizing the pulsed flow of fuel. The pulse of atomizing fuel is injected into the throat of a burner. A fuel controller coupled to the fuel supply and the fuel injector governs the rate of fuel delivery by controlling the duration and frequency of an opening period of the fast acting valve.

Abstract: A system for estimating absolute boost pressure in a turbocharged internal combustion engine includes a pressure sensor producing a pressure signal indicative of the pressure of air entering a turbocharger compressor inlet, a temperature sensor producing a temperature signal indicative of the temperature entering the compressor inlet, a first speed sensor producing a first speed signal indicative of the rotational speed of the turbocharger, a second speed sensor producing a second speed signal indicative of the rotational speed of the engine, and a control computer estimating the absolute boost pressure as a function of the pressure signal, the temperature signal, the first speed signal and the second speed signal.

Abstract: A system for controlling an operating condition of an internal combustion engine includes a control mechanism responsive to a final control command to establish an engine control parameter, and a control computer configured to estimate a current value of the operating condition as a function of the final control command. The control computer determines an error value as a difference between an operating condition limit and the current value of the operating condition, and determines an operating condition parameter as function of the error value and of the current value of the operating condition. The control computer further determines a control command limit as a function of the operating condition parameter, and determines the final control command as a function of the control command limit and a default control command to thereby limit the operating condition to the operating condition limit.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system comprises a cavern (1) for stored compressed air and a system for providing the compressed air to a power train (3,5), this system including a recuperator (7) and a first valve arrangement (8) that controls the flow of the compressed air from the recuperator and to the power train (3,5). A system for warm-keeping of the power train (3,5) during stand-by operation of the compressed air energy storage system comprises the recuperator (2) and/or an auxiliary electrical air heater (11) and a second valve arrangement (10, 13) for controlling the airflow for warm-keeping. The system for warm-keeping of the power train allows improved temperature control and avoids disadvantages associated with a warm-keeping system having a combustor.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing power from a source of liquid fuel. The apparatus includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end in fluid communication with the source of liquid fuel, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from a liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage, a combustion chamber for combusting the stream of substantially vaporized fuel and air, the combustion chamber in communication with the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage and a conversion device operable to convert heat released by combustion in the combustion chamber into mechanical or electrical power.

Abstract: An annular combustor suitable for use in a gas turbine engine having a plurality of fuel injectors and a plurality of apertures circumferentially arranged within the inner and outer liners of the combustion chamber is disclosed. Further, each of the apertures of the inner liner are disposed on one side of the centerline of each of the fuel injectors and each of the apertures of the outer liner are disposed on the opposing side of the centerline of each of the fuel injectors. In this way, air exhausted from the apertures advantageously opposes the direction of swirl of the fuel and air mixture that is injected from the fuel injectors thereby providing enhanced mixing of the fuel and air within the combustion chamber, increased residence time and the reduction of hot streaks in the inner and outer liners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-shield brick (1), in particular for lining a combustion chamber wall, comprising a hot side (3) that can be exposed to a hot medium, a wall side (5) that lies opposite said hot side (3) and a peripheral side (7) that lies adjacent to the hot side (3) and the wall side (5) and that has a peripheral lateral face (9). A tensioning element (11), pre-stressed in the peripheral direction is provided on the peripheral side (7), whereby a compressive stress is generated perpendicularly to the peripheral lateral face. The invention also relates to a combustion chamber comprising a combustion chamber lining, which has heat-shield bricks of this type and to a gas turbine comprising a combustion chamber.

Abstract: A fuel cell using fuel and oxidant resulting in the production of water and heat in addition to electrical power. The fuel cell employs an evaporative cooler and has methods to adjust the moisture and temperature for the fuel and oxidant flows to improve the fuel cell efficiency. The water produced by the fuel cell is used to provide the water for wet channels of the evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler has separate product channels and dry working channels that are cooled by heat transfer across a heat exchanger plate. The heat exchanger plate forms part of each wet working channel on the wet side of the heat exchanger plate and part of the product channel and the dry working channel on the dry side. The fuel passes first through the dry working channel then the wet working channel becoming humidified by the evaporation therein and cooling the heat exchanger plate before going to the anode of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A refrigerator with an evaporator having a refrigerant pipe, and a defrosting heater placed below the evaporator and defrosting the evaporator, wherein the refrigerant pipe includes a main refrigerant pipe evaporating a refrigerant, and a heat-transfer refrigerant pipe extended from a lower part of the main refrigerant pipe so as to exchange heat, and disposed adjacent to the defrosting heater. Therefore, the refrigerator can defrost an evaporator quickly and uniformly.

Abstract: An operation control apparatus and method of a linear compressor are disclosed. The operation control apparatus includes: an ambient temperature sensor unit for sensing a temperature around a refrigerator; a second microcomputer for outputting a control signal according to a temperature statue of a temperatures sensing unit for sensing an inner temperature of the refrigerator; a load driving unit for receiving an ON/OFF control signal for driving a linear compressor from the second microcomputer and outputting a drive signal to the linear compressor; a relay switched by the driving signal and supplying an AC power to a motor of the linear compressor; and a power supply unit for converting the AC power into a DC power and supplying power to each unit inside the linear compressor.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling one or more components that produce heat. The cooling system includes sprayers configured to spray cooling fluid toward the components. A detection system includes a radiation source and a radiation sensor that pass radiant energy in the vicinity of the component such that the radiant energy is affected by passing through the vaporizing spray coolant. A controller controls the flow rates of the sprayers in response to levels of radiant energy detected by the radiation sensor, allowing the controller to more accurately control the wall temperature and cooling regime achieved by the spray cooling. The source and sensor are aimable or otherwise configured for gathering information for different thermal zones of the component, providing the controller with information that is helpful in separately controlling the wall temperature and/or cooling regime in each zone.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit in an air conditioner comprises a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant, a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of the compressed refrigerant, and an evaporator that exchanges heat by utilizing the refrigerant and generates an air-conditioning air. The condenser comprises plural fin tubes, through which the refrigerant passes, two headers, to which both ends of the fin tubes are connected and which has a firm structure, upper and lower mounting brackets that are fixed to the headers, and vibration insulating materials that collaborate with pin members and support the condenser via the upper and lower mounting brackets. The valve unit is fixed to the header or to the upper or lower mounting bracket.

Abstract: The invention provides a freezer system having a freezer, a thermoelectric device, and a controller. The freezer may include a compressor and a compartment, where the compartment may store subfreezing air. The thermoelectric device may be a temperature sensor positioned in thermal communication with the compartment. The controller may be coupled to the compressor and the thermoelectric device. The controller is configured to deliver power to the compressor based on a temperature signal and a control signal. The temperature signal may be from the thermoelectric device and the control signal may be selected from an off/on peak signal and an override signal.

Abstract: An air treatment system includes a housing that defines an interior cavity. The interior cavity has a supply-air flow path and a stale-air flow path. A HEPA filter is positioned along the supply-air flow path to filter supply air. A heat recovery core is positioned downstream from the HEPA filter along the supply-air flow path. The heat recovery core is positioned between the supply-air flow path and the stale-air flow path to exchange heat between the supply air and stale air. An evaporator is positioned downstream from the heat recovery core along the supply-air flow path to remove heat from the supply air. An ultraviolet light is positioned downstream from the evaporator along the supply-air flow path to irradiate the supply air with ultraviolet light. A condenser is positioned downstream from the ultraviolet light to reintroduce the heat removed from the supply air by the evaporator.

Abstract: Vehicle air-conditioning system, in particular CO2 air conditioner, the refrigerant cycle of which comprises the following components: a compressor, a refrigerant cooler, an internal heat exchanger between the refrigerant-cooler side and the evaporator side, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. To switch the air-conditioning system from cooling-mode operation to heating-mode operation, between the compressor and the refrigerant cooler there is integrated an auxiliary heat exchanger corresponding to a cooling circulation on the engine side, such that downstream of the auxiliary heat exchanger there is disposed an expansion valve by means of which during heating-mode operation the refrigerant can be throttled to a lower pressure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flake ice-making machine for producing flake ice. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical evaporator (1), a water-flow distribution means (2) for introducing water to be frozen to flow downwardly in a thin sheet over the inner wall (14) of the evaporator (1) and an elongated ice-scraping means (4) mounted centrally inside the evaporator (1). Unlike conventional flaked ice maker, the flake ice maker of the present invention has an evaporator (1) that is provided with an expansion coil (3). To improve operating efficiency, the expansion coil (3) is further provided with a plurality of baffle (53).

Abstract: The following invention relates to an air conditioning system, in particular for aircraft, comprising at least one heat exchanger, arranged in a ram air duct, for cooling compressed air by means of a fluid, and comprising at least a first and a second air cycle machine which at the compressed-air end are connected to the heat exchanger. A particularly compact, reliable, redundant and economical arrangement is achieved in that the heat exchanger comprises at least one first heat exchanger unit and a second heat exchanger unit, of which one each is connected at the compressed-air end to one of the air cycle machines, and in that ram air outlet ducts which are fluidically separate from each other are provided, of which one is connected to the first heat exchanger unit and another is connected to the second heat exchanger unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for dehumidification in air conditioners comprising an expansion stage, a condenser and comprising a water separator disposed upstream of the expansion stage. A dehumidification system with reduced system construction volume, reduced weight and increased reliability and improved system efficiency at lower cost is formed in accordance with the invention in that the condenser is formed by a heat exchanger (RAM heat exchanger) cooled with ambient air or stagnation air or with another fluid, with the exception of process air, to which the compressed air to be dehumidified is fed on the compressed air side.

Abstract: The efficiency of a vapor compression system is increased by coupling the evaporator with either the intercooler of a two-stage vapor compression system or the compressor component. The refrigerant in the evaporator accepts heat from the compressor component or the refrigerant in the intercooler, heating the evaporator refrigerant. As pressure is directly related temperature, the low side pressure of the system increases, decreasing compressor work and increasing system efficiency. Additionally, as the heat from the compressor component or from the refrigerant in the intercooler is rejected to the refrigerant in the evaporator, the compressor is cooled, increasing the density and the mass flow rate of the refrigerant to further increase system efficiency.

Abstract: A first heat exchange unit is for condensing a refrigerant discharged from a compressor. A second heat exchange unit is provided downstream from the first heat exchange unit. A gas-liquid separator, into which part of the refrigerant from the compressor and part of the refrigerant from the first exchange unit flow, is for separating the refrigerants into a gas and a liquid refrigerant to accumulate the liquid refrigerant. The gas refrigerant in the separator is lead to the second heat exchange unit. A primary refrigerant flow path, included in the first heat exchange unit, is for leading the refrigerant to the second heat exchange unit. A branch refrigerant flow path, included in the first heat exchange unit and independently partitioned from the primary refrigerant flow path, is for leading the refrigerant to the separator.

Abstract: Water supplied from a bottle 1 is pre-chilled in a reservoir 3. A two-part water pump 11 transfers water under pressure through a jet nozzle 14 into an oxygen space 17 in a PET pressure vessel 12, which entrains oxygen into the water. The pressure vessel is received in a conductive holder 18 and is cooled by a peltier element 19 provided with cooling fins 20. The holder 18 forms a capacitive level sensor with a probe 32 inside the vessel, which starts the pump 11 when oxygenated water is drawn off via a draw tube 28 and discharge valve 31. When the water level in the oxygenating vessel is restored a solenoid valve 25 opens to restore the oxygen pressure in the vessel. For hygiene purposes the pumping body can be removed from the pump motor and replaced together with the reservoir 3 and oxygenating vessel 12 along with the associated tubing.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for production of pressurized liquefied gas. First, a gas stream is cooled and expanded to liquefy the gas stream. The liquefied gas stream is then withdrawn as pressurized gas product and a portion is recycled through the heat exchanger to provide at least part of the cooling and is returned to the stream. Recycling the pressurized liquefied gas product helps keep the cooling and compression of the gas stream in the supercritcal region of the phase diagram. J-T valves in parallel with the expander permits running the system until the stream is in the supercritical region of its phase diagram and the hydraulic expander can operate. This process is suitable for natural gas streams containing methane to form a pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) product.

Abstract: Substantially all the nitrogen is removed from natural gas during the production of LNG, without producing mixed nitrogen/methane streams needing recycle and further processing, or requiring compression for burning as fuel, by operating both the high pressure and the low pressure multistage distillation towers of a two column cryogenic nitrogen rejection unit to produce acceptable liquefied natural gas as tower bottom products, while the low pressure tower is further operated to produce as an overhead a gas steam containing no more than about 1% methane for safe venting to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An adjustable circumference finger ring, the finger ring of which is comprised of two semicircular members and a flexile linkage structure that couples one extremity of the two semicircular members such that the two semicircular members can be spread apart and the finger ring worn and removed without passing over the finger joint of the user. The two semicircular members have a circumference adjustment structure disposed at their opposite extremities that enables the two semicircular members to be structured into a into a rigid circular arrangement and, furthermore, allows for the circumferential adjustment of the finger ring as required to accommodate the finger diameter of the wearer.

Abstract: Jewelry pieces, for example, earrings, pendants, rings and the like, made of metal such as gold or silver and the like, with special surface texturing to improve and enhance the light-reflecting characteristics of the jewelry. The surface texturing is formed by forming a series of grooves by the process of diamond-cutting the surface of the jewelry piece to divide the surface thereof into a plurality of adjacent, four-sided regions, each of which is bounded by four diamond-cut grooves and defines a mesa with at least four light-reflecting sloping sides. The mesas are further subdivided by forming a pair of diamond-cut grooves that criss-cross one another, thereby dividing the mesas in the four-sided regions into four sub-mesas, each having at least three sloping light reflecting sides. Preferably, first gemstones are set at the junctures of the four-sided mesas and second gemstones are set at the center, where the four sub-mesas meet.

Abstract: A piece of jewelry includes a foundation for mounting at least one stone. The stone is at least regionally inserted in a depression of the foundation of the piece of jewelry. At least one securing element is arranged for the stone, in the area of the foundation. The stone is movably arranged in the region of the foundation and the securing element is arranged at a distance from the stone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for storing and transporting hot flat glass in a contactless manner during glass production, said storage and transportation being carried out on a gas bed which is constructed over a gas permeable bearing surface pertaining to a base (2). Pressurised gas is supplied to the base via a connection (5), said gas being guided through the gas permeable base and then re-evacuated. The aim of the invention is to obtain an optimum pressure distribution above the bearing surface, without any static pressure. In order to achieve this, the base (2) consists of a plurality of interspaced segments (21, 22 . . . 2n) respectively comprising a porous and/or perforated bearing surface (7a) as a gas outlet surface. Evacuation openings (61, 62 . . . 6n) are formed between said segments for evacuating the gas. The segments are preferably formed by bars (7) having a box profile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending and/or tempering glass substrate(s) are provided. The amount of near-IR radiation which reaches the glass to be bent and/or tempered is limited (e.g., via filtering or any other suitable technique). Thus, the IR radiation (used for heating the glass) which reaches the glass to be bent and/or tempered includes mostly mid-IR and/or far-IR radiation, and not much near-IR. In such a manner, coating(s) provided on the glass can be protected and kept at lower temperatures so as to be less likely to be damaged during the bending and/or tempering process. Heating efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending and/or tempering glass substrate(s) are provided. The amount of near-IR radiation which reaches the glass to be bent and/or tempered is limited (e.g., via filtering or any other suitable technique). Thus, the IR radiation (used for heating the glass) which reaches the glass to be bent and/or tempered includes mostly mid-IR and/or far-IR radiation, and not much near-IR. In such a manner, coating(s) provided on the glass can be protected and kept at lower temperatures so as to be less likely to be damaged during the bending and/or tempering process. Heating efficiency can be improved. A ceramic (e.g., aluminosilicate) filter or baffle may be used in certain embodiments in order to reduce the amount of mid-IR and/or far-IR radiation reaching the glass to be tempered and/or bent.

Abstract: A bushing for drawing glass fibers and its use.

Abstract: Full automatic washing machine, and method for controlling the same, the full automatic washing machine including a spinning tub 2 movably fitted in an outer tub 1, a pulsator 3 rotatably fitted in the spinning tub 2 to be rotatable independent from the spinning tub 2, a spinning shaft 5 rotatably supported on a shaft bearing case 20 for transmission of a rotating power to the spinning tub 2, a washing shaft 4 for transmission of the rotating power to the pulsator 3, a BLDC motor 7 having a rotor 7b and a stator 7a for rotating the rotor 7b as power is applied to the stator 7a, and a clutch mechanism for switching a power transmission path of the BLDC motor 7 either to the washing shaft 4 or to the spinning shaft 5 in correspondence to a washing cycle, or a spinning cycle, thereby permitting noiseless, and stable switching of the rotation power within a short time when the rotating power is transmitted to the pulsator or the spinning tub from a driving part having the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: A lock for a door comprises a casing, a bolt operable to extend from or retract into the casing, a pivoted operating handle operable at one side of the door to retract the bolt, lock means for key operation at the other side of the door, and blocking means to prevent operation of the handle to retract the bolt. In a locked closed position of the door, the bolt is extended, and with the blocking means operated, key operation of the exterior lock means both retracts the bolt and also de-actuates the blocking means. At the inside of the door further key operable lock means are provided solely to operate and, if required, to de-actuate, the blocking means.

Abstract: A locking and latching system of modular construction in which some of the components of the system are pre-assembled prior to their installation into the structural framework of a vehicle door. The modular construction of the lock and latch system of the present invention can include the outside and inside door handles, the outside and inside locks, the door latch itself, as well as linkages between these components. The modular components of the present invention can further facilitate the assembly process by being of a design which simplifies the process of installing them into the structural framework of a vehicle door without requiring the use of specialized tools, thereby reducing the labor costs associated with assembly.

Abstract: A latching system for removably securing a first structure to a second structure. The system includes at least one magnetically permeable latch bar pivotally coupled to the first structure, and a biasing spring that pivots the latch bar to a latched position within a recess in the second structure, thereby securing the first structure to the second structure. Additionally, the system includes an unlatching tool that includes an embedded magnetized bar that generates a magnetic field around the unlatching tool. The unlatching tool can be used to pivot the latch bar to an unlatched position by placing the unlatching tool in close proximity to the latch bar such that the magnetic field exerts a rotational force on the latch bar, thereby pivoting the latch bar to the unlatched position.

Abstract: A key holder is provided that includes an upper housing connected to a lower housing, such that the upper and lower housings together form a key housing. A turn table for receiving a key having an end portion is attached to the key housing. The turn table is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the key end portion is retracted within the key housing and in the second position the key end portion extends from the key housing. The key housing includes a slot between the upper and lower housings for allowing movement of the key end portion when the turn table is moved between the first and second positions. A locking device is attached to the key housing and lockingly engages the turn table when the turn table is in the first position. A push button is moveable to cause the locking device to disengage the turn table, allowing the turn table to rotate from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method for utilizing waste rubber materials for construction of turf areas such as golf courses or athletic fields is disclosed. The method involves implementing waste rubber materials as a drainage layer to provide the following benefits: capability of adsorbing contaminants, insulation, and a lightweight construction backfill material. Also, the method involves the use of waste rubber materials as a supporting layer for athletic fields for the resiliency and shock absorption. Secondly, a method for utilizing waste rubber materials for filtration of runoff from turf or vegetated areas is disclosed. The method involves implementing waste rubber materials as a filter medium for adsorption of contaminants from runoff before entering detention ponds, wetlands, or other water bodies.

Abstract: A method for plastic molding of a hub recess for a fast-running turbine component is provided. The plastic molding of the hub recess occurs by hydraulic expansion, by way of a hydraulic fluid introduced into the hub recess of the turbine component under high pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus of superplastic forming for massive production is able to install a plurality of forming sheets and plates in one apparatus using dies of multi-layer structure and to form the sheets and plates with compressed gas, and therefore, a plurality of products can be fabricated rapidly and massively with a cheap facility investment. If preforms are used instead of flat blank sheets, the productivity can be improved greatly and the products of uniform thickness can be formed massively.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a circular-shaped metal structure includes the steps of (a) rotating a pipe around an axis thereof, the pipe being composed of a plastic-workable metal, (b) moving a jig towards the pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axis until the jig makes contact with an outer surface of the pipe, and compressing the jig onto the pipe, (c) moving the jig in a direction in parallel with the axis with the jig being compressed onto the pipe while the pipe is kept rotated, (d) measuring a thickness of a wall of the pipe during the step (c), and (e) adjusting a pressure with which the jig is compressed onto the pipe, in accordance with the thickness measured in the step (d).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming the base profile of a can by using the difference in rotational speed of concentric shafts (A, B) to move a roller (5) radially into contact with the can base. A cam (10) is fixed to one (B) of the shafts and a pair of cam followers (12, 14) is mounted on a support block (6) which is connected to the other shaft (A) via linear bearings (7, 8). The support block also carries the reform roller and causes it to rotate around the can base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus to create a preestablished textured surface on a workpiece. The pre-established textured surface includes an average roughness and a non-directional lay pattern being formed to a controlled width.

Abstract: A material 1 to be shaped is reduced and formed by bringing dies with convex forming surfaces, when viewed from the side of the transfer line of the material 1, close to the transfer line from above and below the material 1, in synchronism with each other, while giving the dies a swinging motion in such a manner that the portions of the forming surfaces of the dies, in contact with the material 1, are transferred from the upstream to the downstream side in the direction of the transfer line.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus adapted for use with an annular first article and a second article which locates within the first article such that a first end of the second article projects through and beyond a first end of the first article and a second end of the first article is located relative to the second article. The apparatus comprises a housing, a piston movably situated within the housing to allow at least one locating portion of the piston to be retained within the housing or to project through a corresponding opening in the housing, pressure means provided within the housing to act on the piston, and at least one fastening member attached to the housing.

Abstract: Method to control the axial forces generated between the rolls in a rolling stand (10) for plane products (12) having at least a pair of working rolls (11a, 11b), a corresponding pair of back-up rolls (13a, 13b) and at least an intermediate roll (15a) located between one of the working rolls (11a) and a corresponding back-up roll (13b), axial translation means (16) associated with the working rolls (11a) to translate them axially (WR shifting), crossing means (19) associated with the intermediate roll (15a) to arrange it with its longitudinal axis (25a) inclined (IR crossing), that is, rotated on a horizontal plane by a set angle (&agr;) with respect to the longitudinal axes (21a, 21b, 23a, 23b) of the working rolls (11a, 11b) and of the back-up rolls (13a, 13b); according to this method the WR shifting and the IR crossing are controlled by control means (30) so as to reduce to a minimum the axial forces generated in the working rolls (11a, 11b), and consequently the axial load on the corresponding thrust bea

Abstract: The invention comprises a cam die. The cam die comprises at least one cam ring. The cam ring comprises a plurality of moveable cam teeth. The cam teeth are moveable on a normal toward an axis of the cam die by a cam actuator. The cam actuator has an inside diameter that is less than an outside diameter of the cam ring. As the cam actuator moves parallel to the cam die axis along an outside circumference of the cam ring, the cam teeth are progressively engaged and pressed inwardly toward a work piece. The work piece is moved simultaneously with the cam actuator by action of a punch that is concentric with the cam actuator and within the diameter of the cam ring. Each cam tooth is simultaneously engaged with the work piece as the work piece passes. A resilient member returns each cam tooth to a starting position after the cam actuator is withdrawn, allowing ejection of a finished part.

Abstract: A swaging device is provided, including a die holder assembly including a head and a die block adapted to hold a first die and a second die respectively, and an actuator assembly, including a housing and a piston connected to the die block. In addition, a separate, removable strut cap is included, which is engaged to both the housing and the head. The strut cap is structured to secure the head during the compression of a workpiece.

Abstract: The calibration circuit is used with a differential input, monolithic integrated circuit preamplifier in a sensor system. The calibration circuit tests the integrity of the sensor, the preamplifier, and the wiring in the sensor system. The calibration circuit includes first and second calibration capacitors having different capacitances connected to the preamplifier input leads. A calibration signal source is connected between the capacitors. The capacitors are preferably implemented on the same integrated circuit as the preamplifier. In operation, a calibration signal of known amplitude is applied to the calibration circuit and the level at the preamplifier output is determined. The level at the preamplifier output indicates certain conditions relating to the integrity of the sensor and its wiring, for example, an open circuit condition or a short circuit condition.