Abstract: An overthrust protection system for a gas turbine in which fuel is supplied at a controlled flow rate to a combustor (4) of the gas turbine. The overthrust protection system uses a bypass valve (24) to divert fuel flow away from the combustor (4). The opening of this valve is controlled by an overthrust controller (28) to divert fuel flow in response to a detected overthrust condition of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A valve assembly for supplying cooling air to a nozzle of a gas turbine engine. The nozzle can move between a first configuration and a second configuration. The valve assembly includes a first member having openings that receive cooling air. The valve assembly also includes a second member having openings. The second member resides adjacent the first member to receive the cooling air from the first member. Finally, the valve assembly includes actuator for moving the first member from a first position, which allows a first flow rate of cooling air to pass through the openings, to a second position, which allows a second flow rate of cooling air to pass through the openings. The second flow rate is less than the first flow rate.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a torque output of an hydrostatic motor in fluid communication with a variable displacement pump. At least one of the motor and pump has variable displacement capabilities. The method includes monitoring at least one motor condition of the hydrostatic motor and determining a displacement signal corresponding to the monitored motor condition. The variable displacement capabilities are controlled based on the displacement signal to reduce a torque ripple in the torque output of the hydrostatic motor.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydraulic actuated artificial muscles for use with orthetic devices, prosthetic devices or as an actuator for other applications in medical or robotic devices. Working fluid is pumped between two expandable fluid-containing cells, which are complimentary active elements of the artificial muscle. This eliminates the need for a storage reservoir, thereby providing a self-contained, force efficient device. Each of the preferred embodiments describe has one or more expandable fluid-containing cells that are defined by at least one flexible wall. The flexible walls are configured so as to have elastic properties that are limited to predefined directions of expansion and contraction.

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus in which a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor which constitute a hydrostatic transmission are disposed on a center section. In a horizontal portion of the center section are provided a pair of linear oil passages in parallel to each other. A pair of arcuate ports are provided on a pump mounting surface formed on the horizontal portion of the center section. The pair of arcuate ports are substantially perpendicular with respect to the direction in which the oil passages extend. The axis of slanting movement of a movable swash plate of the hydraulic pump extends laterally of the vehicle body on which the axle driving apparatus is provided. The rotating direction of an arm provided on a control shaft for slantingly operating the movable swash plate is coincident with the operating direction of a control rod connected with a speed changing member. Thus, the link mechanism for connecting the speed changing member and the control arm for the movable swash plate is simplified.

Abstract: To allow a simplified manufacture by casting the spiral casing for a turbine is divided into two matching parts which can be joined by welding or the like. The separation line between the parts runs along the apex of the spiral casing and lies essentially in a plane perpendicular to the turbine axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic burner (1) of a combustion chamber (2), in particular of a power plant, comprising at least one catalyst (5) and one swirl generator (6).

Abstract: A system and method of using a variable geometry ejector for a bleed air system using integral bleed pressure feedback which utilizes a minimal amount of high-pressure air, thus improving the overall engine cycle performance and is easily adaptable to a multitude of different engine types. This is accomplished through the use of a variable ejector using downstream pressure feedback to control the flow and pressure.

Abstract: An annular combustor (10) has an annular inner shell (15), an annular outer shell (20) and a dome end wall (30) connecting the inner shell (15) with the outer shell (20). A dam (45) is positioned between the dome end wall (30) and the exit end and extends radially from at least one of the inner shell (15) and the outer shell (20) to provide a reduced flow area passageway within the combustion chamber (35).

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and deodorizing a unit having an enclosed space not otherwise easily accessible for cleaning and deodorizing.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a method of controlling the air conditioner includes a variable capacity compressor being operated at a maximum capacity in a case of starting an operation of the compressor after an extended stoppage for a lengthy period of time longer than a preset reference time, thus increasing a flow rate of a circulated refrigerant during an initial stage of the operation and increasing a quantity of heat generated from the motor of the compressor to vaporize and forcibly discharge a remaining liquid refrigerant from the compressor during the initial stage. Therefore, the variable capacity compressor of the air conditioner does not require heaters conventionally used for heating the refrigerant during such a stoppage, and so easy designing and production of the compressor is achieved, in addition to a reduction in a production cost of the air conditioner. This air conditioner also accomplishes a reduction in a maintenance cost thereof.

Abstract: A temperature controlled service case for storage and display of chilled or frozen products, including at least one compartment for product storage, at least one access opening providing entrance to the compartment, at least one shelf within the compartment for holding product, and refrigeration operatively associated with the compartment for maintaining a selected temperature therein. The refrigeration includes at least one cooling coil above the shelf with a cooling medium flowing therethrough, and cooling within the shelf with a cooling medium flowing therethrough. Coolant supply is also provided for supplying cooling medium to the cooling coil and shelf with separate coolant supply and discharge lines from the coolant supply to the cooling coil and shelf. In accordance with a further embodiment, the shelf is divided into separate sections. In accordance with a still further embodiment, means are provided to warm the coolant for at least one of said cooling coil and shelf.

Abstract: The cooling system allows the liquid coolant discharged from the pump to flow into the evaporation chamber. The liquid coolant passes through the atomizer. Minute droplets of the atomized coolant is discharged from the atomizer into the evaporation chamber. The minute droplets serve to form a uniform thin liquid film over the surface of the fin. Heat conducting from a target heat generating object to the fin promotes the evaporation of the liquid coolant over the surface of the fin, for example. The coolant absorbs a large amount of heat from the fin based on the evaporation. The target heat generating object can thus efficiently be cooled.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for isolated interior spaces of structures includes a hollow tubular-shaped enclosure which has a longitudinally elongated box-like shape. The enclosure has a transversely disposed inlet opening, a transversely disposed outlet opening, and a fan for drawing air through the enclosure from the inlet side, the air being expelled from an outlet port in the outlet opening of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes an air filter, at least one evaporator connected to a refrigerant compressor and refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger/condenser, and an evaporative cooler assembly including a plurality of nozzles for converting water supplied under pressure to the nozzles to fine spray. Water supplied to and warmed by thermal contact with pressurized refrigerant in the water heat exchanger, as well as excess water spray which does not evaporate, is discharged to a location exterior to the enclosed space, such as a sewer drain, thus dumping heat energy to the exterior location.

Abstract: The back portion of an omega-back earring is formed by investment-casting and then heat-treated to have spring gold characteristics. A rear surface of the ornamental front portion of the earring includes a depression to present a concave profile which is complementary to the convex profile of the pushing part of the rear portion of the earring. In a non-identical mirror-image pair of earrings, a design element such as a small precious stone is provided on only one of the earring pair, at an inconspicuous spot, to aid the wearer in distinguishing the right earring from the left earring.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adding metals such as aluminum to fused silica glass articles are disclosed. The methods and apparatus allow for controlled, low level addition of metals into fused silica glass articles. The fused silica glass articles containing added aluminum exhibit improved internal transmission and decreased absorption change when irradiated with a laser.

Abstract: A method for producing lenses includes assembling a plurality of glass rods having a desired length into a single unit and cutting the single unit into multiple slices, each slice having a plurality of individual lenses. The method further includes finishing the slices to a desired thickness and surface finish and extracting the individual lenses from the slices.

Abstract: A variety of refrigerators and merchandisers having glass or plastic substrates that are substantially fog-resistant are provided. For example, refrigerator doors having a substantially transparent substrate including an anti-fog coating on at least a portion thereof are provided. The portion of the substrate may substantially not fog when the portion has an initial surface temperature and is then exposed to a moist air ambient with a dewpoint temperature equal to or greater than the surface temperature for a period of time. The surface temperature may be less than about 0° C. and the period of time may be greater than about 6 seconds.

Abstract: In a method of grinding side end surfaces of substrates, spacers are interposed between the substrates to form a stack of the substrates and the spacers. The spacers are slightly smaller in size than the substrates. The stack of the substrates and the spacers are ground by a rotatable brush or pad on the side end surfaces of the substrates so as to smooth chamfered portions of the substrates together with the side end surfaces.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a face plate for a flat panel display such as a field emission cathode type display is disclosed, the face plate having integral spacer support structures. Also disclosed is a product made by the aforesaid process.

Abstract: In a process for producing an air-quench-toughened glass plate, defective glass plates containing nickel sulfide (NiS) are removed by compulsory breaking the glass plates. Such compulsory breakage is carried out in the course of a batch-manner soaking process carried out after a toughening step; in the course of a toughening step carried out after generation of cracks in an annealing step; in the course of a toughening step carried out after generation of cracks in a pretreatment step; or in the course of a continuous annealing step carried out after a toughening step. Through the method, NiS-free toughened glass plates of high-quality can be produced.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass that includes a spout for delivering core glass from a first source through a first orifice. A second orifice is vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice, and is surrounded by an annular chamber that communicates with the second orifice through a gap between the first and second orifices. A tube delivers casing glass from the outlet opening of a casing glass spout to the annular chamber in such a way that glass flows by gravity through the orifices from the first and second sources to form the cased glass stream. A hollow tube within the casing glass spout is positioned with respect to the spout outlet opening for metering flow of casing glass through the outlet opening and delivery tube to the annular chamber surrounding the orifices.

Abstract: A starting material for producing optical fibers contains metal halides. The refractive index of the optical fiber formed from the starting material is predeterminable by adjusting a partial pressure ratio of a halogen-containing gas mixture. The starting material is produced by mixing halogenated gases into a gas mixture with the desired partial pressure ratio, causing a chemical reaction at a first temperature of the gas mixture with at least metal to form a reaction product, the first temperature being higher than the melting temperature of the reaction product and cooling the reaction product to a second temperature that is below the melting temperature.

Abstract: A method for making optical hollow-glass waveguide. The present invention comprises a glass drawing and following metal coating processes. The waveguide produced by this method provides low transmission loss at target wavelengths in ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions when the wall thickness of the glass tube is well controlled so as to fit to the designed parameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for efficient and economical cooling of drawn optical fibers prior to coating with resins. Optimum cooling is achieved employing a tubular cooling device with multiple cooling stages using gaseous coolants. A first stage uses a gas essentially free of helium while a second stage uses a helium-containing gas. The cooling apparatus includes a tubular device having a longitudinal axis, an inlet and outlet for passage of a drawn optical fiber, a wall extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cooling device dividing the space between the inlet and outlet into at least two cooling compartments, where the wall has an aperture to allow for passage of the fiber, means for passing gaseous coolant into the compartments, a jacket surrounding the compartments defining a space to circulate a cooling fluid, and porous means for minimizing flow-induced vibration of the fiber.

Abstract: A bushing for fiberizing molten material, such as molten glass, having a screen mounted in the bushing spaced above the tip or orifice plate with a central portion of the screen having a significantly lower percent of hole area than the percent of hole area in end portions of the screen. This bushing improves fiberizing efficiency in channel positions of a fiberizing operation. Also, such a screen can be laid on top of a conventional screen to convert a normal bushing to a channel position bushing. Methods of using these types of bushings to improve fiberization in the channel positions and for modifying conventional bushings for other uses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A furnace for drawing an optical fiber provided with a muffle tube (10) and inner tubes (5, 5′) connected to the upper end of the core tube, wherein a preform (1) supported by a dummy rod (2) at the upper part thereof is disposed inside the muffle tube (10) and inner tubes (5, 5′) so as to be movable downward together with dummy rod (2), the preform (1) is heated and melted by a heater (11) from the outside of the muffle tube (10) and an optical fiber (1a) is pulled out from the lower end of the preform (1); the furnace is further provided with one or a plurality of sets of separating plates (4, 17) adapted to partition a space in the inner tubes (5, 5′) above the preform (1) into a plurality of portions in the advance direction of the preform and disposed in the space, and with gas blowing inlets (8) disposed in the parts of wall surfaces of the inner tubes (5, 5′) which are below the separating plates (4, 17) and adapted to blow an inert gas into the inner tubes (5, 5′) and the

Abstract: A combination lock comprising a housing, a locking bolt and a locking breach, at least one locking assembly rotatably supported within the housing and comprising a disc member formed with a peripheral recess, a cam wheel and a reset cam. A locking member is formed with at least one locking lug angularly displaceable between an un-locked position in which all the looking lugs engage within the peripheral recess of the disc members and where the locking breach is disengaged from the locking bolt, and a locked position in which at least one of the locking lugs is disengaged from the peripheral recess, where the locking breach arrests the locking bolt. A planarly displaceable manipulating member comprises at least one follower corresponding with each cam wheel. A reset mechanism is provided for rotating all disc members into a reset position.

Abstract: An electronic lock that can be pre-programmed or trained in the field to recognize ordinary flat metal keys by sensing their shape and comparing to a database is disclosed. The lock can be contained in standard configurations for door locks, communicates with external systems, provides control logic for querying and amending its database of allowed keys and rules, provides controlled access to logs of selected data, allows convenient but protected access to replacement batteries, can have all its electronics in the rotatable plug, can communicate and obtain power from devices in the adjacent door jam, can recognize special series key-blanks, can receive coded information entered using an unknown key that makes it useable, can be operated without a key to gain access with a code, can resist manipulation of the latching mechanism, can unlatch with very low power requirements, and provides for integration of almost all mechanism in silicon.

Abstract: An electromechanical locking mechanism provides a plug with a rekeyable primary lock mjechanism such as a tumbler stack, an electromechanical operator such as a solenoid or a motor, and an electronic circuit having a memory, or an electronic memory and an electronic logic stage, controlling activitiation and operation of the electromechanical operator, contained entirely within the plug. Insertion of a blade of a key that is properly profiled and bitted to correctly displace the primary lock assembly relative to a cylinder encasing the plug, and application by the key of electrical power, or of electrical power and a correct data signal, to the electronic circuit, will cause activation of the electrical operator and repositioning of a distal member of the operator relative to the cylinder, and thereby enable torque manually applied to the blade of the key to rotate the plug within the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a soil improving and fertilising composition from fertiliser and crosslinked copolymer, the process including imparting an electrical charge to at least one of said copolymer and the fertiliser and bringing said copolymer and fertiliser into intimate contact with each other. The fertiliser and crosslinked copolymer are believed to be mechanically fused to form the composition. The invention extends to a composition and to an agricultural or horticultural method using the composition.

Abstract: A fiber planted steel sheet obtained by forming only a fiber planting layer having excellent adhesion to a substrate made from a composition having special composition on the surface of a surface treated steel sheet as a substrate without forming a primer of a polyester synthetic resin containing an anticorrosive pigment and the like and electrostatically planting short fibers in the planting layer. Therefore, the electrostatically fiber planted steel sheet is produced by coating an aqueous adhesive composition for planting fibers comprising an emulsion resin having a glass transition temperature of −40 to 40° C., aqueous coloring pigment dispersion, defoamer and pH modifier on the surface of the surface treated steel sheet to form a fiber planting layer having excellent adhesion to the steel sheet on the surface of the steel sheet and electrostatically planting short fibers while the surface of the planting layer retains adhesion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing bends in tubes, including a bending die assembly having a fixed die section that is rigidly mounted to a support member and at least one a movable die section that is movable relative to the fixed section. When used to make “wrinkle” bends the die assembly includes a pair of moveable die section that are moveable relative to the fixed die section and relative to each other along a predetermined path. The movable die section or sections are supported for movement in a common plane and include camming pins engageable with slots formed in the support member, such that the engagement of the pins with the associated slots define paths of movement for the die sections. When used to make “wrinkle” bends, the fixed die section and movable die sections define wrinkle receiving recesses.

Abstract: A surgical rod curving method and apparatus is disclosed, wherein a rod curving force is applied to the rod by a rod curving element while the rod is moved in a lengthwise direction relative to the rod curving element. In this manner a smooth curve is induced into the rod, wherein there is substantially no localized stress points induced into the rod. Additionally, by rotating a previously curved rod about an axis corresponding to a lengthwise direction of the rod, and reapplying a curving force, a non-planar curve is induced in the surgical rod.

Abstract: The invention provides a measuring method of a tread wear amount by using a pneumatic tire in which a mark portion is formed on a part of a tread surface, the mark portion changing its surface shape as wear progresses. Image data of the mark portion is detected, the detected data is inputted in processor means, and then the tread wear amount is determined by use of either ratio referential data of the mark portion inputted in advance and corresponding to the wear amounts of the tread surface, or a formula inputted in advance for computing the wear amount, thereby facilitating automatic measurement of the tread wear amount.

Abstract: A continuous on-line combustion-type carbon analyzer for water applications is provided. The analyzer receives a continuous stream of sample and carbon dioxide-free gas. The analyzer includes control components to limit sample flow into a combustion furnace such that excessive pressures and thermal stresses are minimized. The sample specimen is oxidized within the combustion furnace and the oxidized sample is conveyed to a detector that provides a continuous read-out of carbon quantity in the sample stream.

Abstract: A gas-detecting element comprising an oxygen-ion-conductive solid electrolyte substrate, a sensing electrode fixed onto said solid electrolyte substrate and active with a detection object gas and oxygen, and a reference electrode fixed onto said solid electrolyte substrate and active with at least oxygen, for detecting potential difference between the sensing electrode and the reference electrode to determine the concentration of the detection object gas, the sensing electrode and/or the reference electrode being covered by an electrode-coating layer made of an oxygen-ion-conductive solid electrolyte, and the electrode-coating layer having a portion bonded to the solid electrolyte substrate directly or via an electrode underlayer made of an oxygen-ion-conductive solid electrolyte.

Abstract: A test apparatus and method for predicting the minimum runnable flow of a curtain coating fluid by forcing the coating fluid out of a small round tube opening with less flow rate than is required for momentum to exceed the contracting forces of surface tension. The minimum flow rate is a measure of the combined effects of the surface tension, viscosity, elasticity, and dilitant behavior of the coating fluid which influence the stretch and acceleration of the fluid, that in turn, characterize the runnability of the fluid for a full scale curtain coating process. The velocity of the coating as it lands can also be determined from the flow rate and acceleration to predict whether the coating fluid will run or not before it is applied to a web or substrate.

Abstract: Method to identify and remove machine contributions from tire uniformity measurements made on a tire uniformity machine by synchronizing and averaging together multiple measurements of tire uniformity made on a single test tire that is re-mounted between measurements in a randomly determined orientation relative to a rim reference mark on the rim of the tire uniformity machine. A cross-correlation function is calculated for each measurement relative to the first measurement, and an angular shift is determined from each cross-correlation function. The angular shifts are used to synchronize the measurements so that they can be averaged together. The resulting average test tire uniformity data has both machine contribution and random measurement noise minimized. An average machine contribution data set is determined by synchronizing and subtracting the average test tire uniformity data from each test tire uniformity measurement data set, then averaging together the resulting data sets.

Abstract: For a wheel-related monitoring of the air pressure according to the invention, a tire pressure monitoring system is provided for a vehicle which in each case comprises an air pressure sensor, one for each vehicle wheel, which is connected to a control unit with an optical and/or acoustic output unit, wherein the air pressure sensor is associated with the respective vehicle wheel in such a way that a measuring value produced by the air pressure sensor together with a wheel-related coding (C) is transmitted to the control unit.

Abstract: A method of using nuclear spectroscopy measurements acquired while drilling a subsurface formation including: measuring indicators of a plurality of absolute or relative formation elemental concentrations; processing the measurements to determine a petrophysical parameter associated with the subsurface formation while drilling, and using the petrophysical parameter to determine a drilling parameter. The petrophysical parameter may include, for instance, the permeability of the subsurface formation and the drilling parameter may include, for instance, a change in the orientation of a directional drilling assembly or the point at which to stop drilling. The invention further involves an apparatus adapted to carry out the inventive method.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems utilizing fiber optics for monitoring downhole parameters and the operation and conditions of downhole tools. In one system fiber optics sensors are placed in the wellbore to make distributed measurements for determining the fluid parameters including temperature, pressure, fluid flow, fluid constituents and chemical properties. Optical spectrometric sensors are employed for monitoring chemical properties in the wellbore and at the surface for chemical injection systems. Fiber optic sensors are utilized to determine formation properties including resistivity and acoustic properties compensated for temperature effects. Fiber optic sensors are used to monitor the operation and condition of downhole devices including electrical submersible pumps and flow control devices. In one embodiment, a common fluid line is used to monitor downhole parameters and to operate hydraulically-operated devices.

Abstract: In order to produce a monitoring device for checking for a predefined position of a body or checking for the presence of a body, comprising a pivotal check element, a motor for driving the checking element and a housing for accommodating the motor, which will be universally employable especially in difficult working surroundings, it is proposed that a seal be arrangement between the checking element and the housing around a shaft by means of which the checking element is driven.

Abstract: A level detector includes a rod probe for positioning at least partially within a container suitable for containing a material. The rod probe has first and second ends. A monitoring device is coupled with the first end of the rod probe. The monitoring device is operable to produce a reading when a ground connector contacts the monitoring device. The reading is based upon whether the second end of the rod probe contacts the material. The reading may also be based upon an electrical impedance of the material when the second end of the rod probe contacts the material.

Abstract: A method for dynamically balancing a rotating system through strategic control model updates, wherein said system contains sensors and sensor measurements whose responses to control actions are used to represent the system through a control model, where said control model and sensor measurements are used to determine future control actions is disclosed. The performance of the control model is evaluated using sensor measurements and responses; the evaluation is further used to determine if it is necessary to update the control model. The ongoing performance of the current control model is anticipated utilizing rate-of-change metrics obtained by evaluating said sensor measurements and responses. When a new control model is needed, further evaluation is done to determine if sensor measurements and responses are adequate for updating the control model.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gyroscope comprising an isolated resonator including a post proof mass and counterbalancing plate. One or more double beam flexures each interconnect the counterbalancing plate and the proof mass with a first and a second beam attached to the post proof mass and a third and a fourth beam attached to the counterbalancing plate. A baseplate is affixed to the resonator by the double beam flexures. The counterbalancing plate and the proof mass transfer substantially no net momentum to the baseplate when the resonator is excited.

Abstract: The disclosed invention mounts transmitting and receiving electrical coils within channels or chambers formed by the notched ends of magnets closest to the metallic object under test where said magnets are arranged to form substantially annular arrays of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer pair applicable in non-destructive testing. The detection, preferably by tuned coils, of one or more electromagnetically-induced resonant frequencies at shifted locations indicates the presence of one or more flaws in the metallic structure under test.

Abstract: A barometric pressure sensor including a base layer, a sensor layer and a reference layer. The base layer has a passageway between a pressure inlet and a mounting face. The sensor layer is bonded by an insulating bond to the mounting face and includes a conductive diaphragm. The reference layer is mounted on the sensor layer to form a reference vacuum cavity. The reference layer includes a conducting surface facing the conductive diaphragm across the reference vacuum cavity to form a pressure sensing capacitor.

Abstract: A capacitive-type pressure sensor comprising a glass plate having an electrode formed thereon. A diaphragm is formed from a semiconductor material and bonded to the glass substrate to define an enclosed cavity containing at least a portion of the electrode, to thereby define a capacitive element, through which, in use, an electrical signal may be passed to determine a capacitance thereof which is indicative of the pressure to be determined.

Abstract: A sensor package is disclosed. The sensor package includes a housing that has a recess and a sealing member epoxied within the recess of the housing. The housing also has small EDM holes to allow conductive output wires to feed through the housing. The sealing member provides a seal for the holes of the conductive outputs of the sensor package. The sensor package further includes a sensing die, which detects a pressure, and outputs an electrical signal through the output wires.