Abstract: A heat pump air conditioning system having an outside heat exchanger which is disposed in an engine compartment of a vehicle is provided. The outside heat exchanger consists of a first outside heat exchanger disposed forward of an engine and a second outside heat exchanger disposed near the engine except the front, especially rearward of the engine. When heating the passenger compartment, the second outside heat exchanger acts as a heat absorber, utilizing the heat of the engine, and effectively heating the interior.

Abstract: A lightweight, easily adjustable, open-cavitied casting apparatus employing an adjustable-height blade for forming a food product into a sheet. The food product may be deposited on a moving support surface such as a casting belt or chill roll, on the upstream side of the casting apparatus.

Abstract: A cycle-side system (20) is formed by duct connecting a compressor (21), a heat exchanger (30), a demoisturizer (22), and an expansion device (23) in that order. The compressor (21) draws in room air and supply air for ventilation and compresses the same. The compressed air exchanges heat with exhaust air for ventilation in the heat exchanger (30), thereby being cooled. Water vapor in the cooled, compressed air is removed in the demoisturizer (22). The demoisturizer (22) is provided with a separation membrane and separates water vapor in the compressed air without the occurrence of condensation. Thereafter, the compressed air is expanded in the expansion device (23) to change into low-temperature air. The low-temperature air is supplied into a room. On the other hand, the heat exchanger (30) is fed exhaust air cooled in a humidifying cooler (41).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid cooling apparatus for rapidly cooling objects at room temperature via conductive heat transfer and convective heat transfer as well. The rapid cooling apparatus comprises: means having a storage space disposed inside a first storage housing for storing the objects to be cooled and cold material bags disposed around the received objects to be cooled; means for driving the storage means in a direction; and means for spacing the storage and driving means from a second storage housing. The invention provides a user with convenience via rapid cooling and also can enhance cooling efficiency.

Abstract: In an ejector refrigerant cycle, even if refrigerant is super-heated in an evaporator, super-heated gas refrigerant does not directly flow into a gas-liquid separator, so that boiling of refrigerant does not occur in the gas-liquid separator due to evaporation of refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator. When an equivalent inner diameter (D) of a tank body of the gas-liquid separator is set in a range of 2 cm-6 cm, and when a ratio of a vertical dimension (H) of the tank body to the equivalent inner diameter (D) thereof is larger than 1, a wall thickness of the tank body can be reduced while gas-liquid separation performance in the gas-liquid separator can be improved.

Abstract: Piping, which connects between a radiator and an ejector, is covered with a thermal insulator to thermally insulate a refrigerant passage defined in the piping. Thus, it is possible to limit a reduction in enthalpy of refrigerant, which could be induced by cooling of high temperature refrigerant by low temperature atmosphere to lose the enthalpy before depressurization of the high temperature refrigerant through the ejector. As a result, it is possible to limit a reduction in a theoretical value of recoverable energy at the time of depressurization and expansion of the refrigerant.

Abstract: In a vapor compression refrigerant cycle using refrigerant having a critical temperature equal to or less than sixty degrees Celsius, when refrigerant temperature detected by a sensor as a parameter of a low-pressure side refrigerant pressure is higher than a saturation temperature corresponding to a predetermined pressure that is equal to or less than a critical pressure, a volume of air passing through an evaporator is controlled smaller than a predetermined volume by controlling operation of a blower unit. Because heat exchange rate (heat absorbing rate) in the evaporator is controlled, the pressure of the low-pressure side refrigerant is maintained below the critical pressure. Alternatively, the heat exchange rate is controlled by reducing a flow rate of the refrigerant in the evaporator.

Abstract: An article of jewelry having a longitudinal axis is provided with a plurality of rods extending along the longitudinal axis and a plurality of coils wound around the plurality of rods. Adjacent coils are intertwined and connected via the rods, with each rod having at least two coils wound therearound.

Abstract: A multi-functional brassiere decorating chain comprises a decorating chain, an adjust chain and a hook piece. The decorating chain is a chain having decoration effect; two ends of the decorating chain are firmly secured with respective prior art elastic hooks. The adjust chain is a chain formed by a plurality of O rings which are buckled one by one; one end of the adjust chain is firmly secured to a post-like pin and another end is use to be buckled to the decorating chain. One corner of a top of the hook piece is a hollow ring; and the hook piece has a notch so that the hook piece has hooking effect. By above components, the elastic hooks an buckle to one end of the adjust chain without the pin; moreover, the decorating chain can be assembled as a necklace, a hand chain, a leg chain, and a waist chain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing ultraprecise lenses, including aspherical lenses, not requiring grinding or polishing after press molding. The method comprises heating a glass material to a temperature corresponding to a glass viscosity of from 105 to 109 dPaS so that the glass material is softened, and press molding the glass material with the pressing molds which are heated to a temperature corresponding to a glass viscosity of from 108 to 1012 dPaS. Provided that the glass material is not heated to a temperature as high as that corresponding to a glass viscosity of 105 dPaS when the pressing mold is heated to a temperature corresponding to a glass viscosity of 108 and that the glass material is not heated to a temperature as low as that corresponding to a glass viscosity of 109 dPaS when the pressing mold is heated to a temperature corresponding to a glass viscosity of 1012 dPaS.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reduce the total footprint of a press forming system for glass having a plurality of press units, and also to increase an actual availability of each press unit. A plurality of press units are arranged in two parallel rows and a first transfer robot is arranged at the center of the space between the two rows. In adjacent of the moving area of the first transfer robot, a palette changer is arranged. A tray in use is mounted on a first base of the palette changer and a stand-by tray before use is placed on a second base. Blanks and formed products are stored in the tray. Press units equipped with second transfer robots, respectively. In front of the press units, intermediate transfer points are respectively provided for temporarily storing a blank and a formed product.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a product by a pressing process, has

Abstract: The specification describes a VAD method for dynamically controlling the growth rate of both the core soot and the cladding soot in response to separate growth monitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a perform, which is substantially free of PH impurities, for an optical fibre, wherein one or more quartz layers, which may or may not be doped, are deposited on the internal surface of a quartz glass support tube, in which method a furnace is move axially with respect to the support tube, and after the quartz layers have been deposited the support tube is contracted into a bar-shaped perform while being heated, wherein the furnace comprises an electrical resistance furnace, in which furnace the support tube is rotated, with the space between the rotating support tube and the furnace being washed with an inert gas.

Abstract: A glass substrate is irradiated with a converged laser beam to thereby form a spherical or nearly spherical convex portion on a surface of the glass substrate. More preferably, there may be used a method including the steps of: sticking a glass substrate to a flat member having a predetermined spherical or aspherical concave portion formed therein; and irradiating a converged laser beam onto a surface of the glass substrate just under the concave portion while making the converged laser beam penetrate through the flat member to thereby form a spherical or aspherical convex portion in the inside of the concave portion in accordance with the shape of the concave portion.

Abstract: A foreign objects trap is provided for an automatic washer, wherein the washer has a wash tub with an outlet leading to a recirculation pump and drain pump. The trap comprises a container having a water inlet in communication with said tub outlet for defining an initial flow path for water from said wash tub into said container. The trap also includes a first wall positioned in an impact orientation relative to the initial flow path downstream of said inlet, at least one quiet zone downstream of the first wall, at least one baffle downstream of the quiet zone, the baffle extending substantially perpendicular to a direction of flow of said water, an outlet leading to the drain pump downstream of the baffle, and an outlet leading to the recirculation pump downstream of the baffle. A heater can be inserted in the trap as can an air dome and pressure sensor. A second quiet zone and baffle, between the first baffle and the outlets may also be provided.

Abstract: An electronically operated lock (1) includes a two-part lock unit (2), a latch (5), and a transmission shaft (4). The lock unit includes a base (80), a top cover (20) covering the base, a driving unit (60), a handle assembly (30), and a clutch (50). The driving unit includes a gear plate (64). The gear plate includes a pair of driving protrusions (641). The handle assembly includes a controller shaft (32) fittingly receiving the transmission shaft therein, and a pinion (35). A first annular gear portion (321) is formed on a bottom of the controller shaft. The clutch includes a pair of driven protrusions (521), and a second annular gear portion (56). The driving protrusions engage the driven protrusions to rotate the clutch. The second annular gear portion meshes with the first annular gear portion via the pinion. Accordingly, the latch can be actuated between a locked state and an unlocked state.

Abstract: An electronically-driven lock (1) includes an inner lock unit (2), an outer lock unit (5), a bolt assembly (3) having a latch, and a transmission shaft (4) extending through the bolt assembly to actuate the latch. The inner lock unit includes a base (80), a driving unit (60), a clutch (50), a knob (30), and a top cover (20) covering the base. The driving unit includes a gear plate (64). The gear plate includes a pair of driving protrusions (641). The knob has a mating shaft (32) fittingly receiving the transmission shaft therein. The clutch includes a pair of driven protrusions (541), and defines a generally rectangular mating slot (52) fittingly receiving the mating shaft therethrough. The driving protrusions engage the driven protrusions to rotate the clutch. The clutch accordingly rotates the mating shaft of the knob to rotate the transmission shaft. Thus the latch can be actuated to locked position or unlocked.

Abstract: A key assembly for use in a lock. The key assembly includes a key shank having a toe end and a head end. The head end includes a pair of opposed spaced apart legs. An insert is disposed between the spaced apart legs, and has a pair of opposing faces. Material is overmolded onto the key shank head end and at least a portion of the insert. In one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the faces is not covered by the material to provide at least one surface for displaying indicia.

Abstract: A mixture of hydrocarbons with particulate rock and/or soil that is incapable of sustaining growth of erosion retarding plants can be converted to soil that is capable of sustaining such plant growth by blending the mixture with particulate biomass, and/or with particulate carbonates, hydroxides, and/or oxides of calcium and/or magnesium to produce a compostable aggregate and then exposing suitable piles of the compostable aggregate to the natural atmosphere for a sufficient time to cause the conversion of the aggregate to fertile soil

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method of manufacturing, in a tool mold provided with a final contour as desired, a hollow metal body the cross-sectional shape of which varies in the longitudinal direction, an internal pressure being applied to a tubular hollow body with approximately uniform initial wall thickness, the tubular hollow body having the highest temperature in the zones of greatest deformation, the temperature in these zones being reduced once the hollow body fits against the wall of the tool mold, the temperature being subsequently increased in zones with lower degrees of deformation.

Abstract: A die apparatus for forming a high strength metal article under elevated temperature and pressure has at least two opposing die segments together forming a hollow mold chamber for receiving a mold blank between the die segments, the mold chamber having a radial central plane transverse to the longitudinal axis. Each die segment has a plurality of ribs or indents, each rib or indent having a first side facing the central plane and a second side facing away from the central plane. At least the majority of the ribs or indents are of non-uniform shape and have a first and second side at a different angle relative to the central plane, the angle of the second side being greater than the angle of the first side such that the second side is directed generally towards the center of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A tool and process utilizing the tool for forming a compressed-radius hem on a sheet metal assembly is provided. A concave portion on the tool is formed by at least two surfaces that together define a cavity. A flange on the perimeter of an outer panel is initially formed to an approximate perpendicular angle and is then formed to about 45°. In a final forming step, an intermediate portion of the flange is engaged by the cavity and is formed into a compressed-radius hem.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a discrete curved product from a feed stock includes a source of heat that is adapted to impose a focused beam of light on at least one surface of a work piece to cause the surface of the work piece to expand and thereby move in the general direction of the heat source so as to impart a predetermined radius of curvature to the work piece. In addition, a method of manufacturing a discrete curved product from feed stock is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for calibrating the position of a wafer platform in an ion implanter, and particularly in a medium current ion implanter. The apparatus is constructed by a curvilinear piece formed in a half-circular shape, a pair of linear rods for supporting the curvilinear piece, and at least one cross-bracing rod connected in-between the pair of linear rods for providing rigidity of the apparatus. When the inside peripheral surface of the curvilinear piece intimately engages an outside peripheral surface of the wafer platform of the ion implanter, or when the first and second linear rods fit snugly on the implanter indicative that the wafer platform is properly calibrated at a zero-angle position. When such fitting is not possible, the wafer platform is then adjusted until a snug fitting is made possible.

Abstract: Apparatus which can be used to calibrate, or provide measurement data on, a machine. The apparatus comprises two structures each with three spherical supports spaced in a triangular array thereon. The supports may be balls or sockets. The structures are interconnected by six members and each support has the ends of two members connected to it. The members are passive extensible measuring bars and the structures are respectively connected to fixed and movable parts of a machine so that movement of the machine parts causes relative movement between the structures and varies the lengths of the measuring bars. From measurements of the lengths of the measuring bars the actual movement of the machine part can be determined. Calibration of the spherical supports is carried out using a measuring bar which is pre-calibrated in a Zerodur jig.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring mechanical wear caused by a first component on a second component, wherein the first and second components are movable relative to one another and wherein the first and second component are at least at times in mechanical contact with one another, at least one sensor head is arranged in a wear area to be monitored of the second component. The at least one sensor head is mechanically worn by the first component upon reaching a predetermined wear limit. When the at least one sensor head is mechanically worn, a measuring signal is generated by the at least one sensor head or a change of a measuring signal, produced by the at least one sensor head prior to having been mechanically worn, is detected.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an automated machine for testing the physical properties of spherical objects. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a firing mechanism that includes an inner and outer barrel. An object inside the firing mechanism is propelled towards a striking surface that faces the firing mechanism. Two sensors located at predetermined points between the firing mechanism and the striking surface measure the inbound and outbound velocity of the object. A computing device then uses an algorithm to determine the COR of a given set of objects. An angular device uses gravity to direct the objects to a retrieval chute, which uses a tubing system to direct the objects for re-testing or collection.

Abstract: A gas concentration sensor includes a measurement chamber for measuring a concentration of a specific gas component in a gas under measurement; an inflow path for allowing inflow of the gas under measurement thereinto and an outflow path for allowing outflow of the gas under measurement therefrom; a reflection wall for reflecting an acoustic wave; and an acoustic wave transmitting-receiving element having a transmitting-receiving surface adapted to transmit an acoustic wave toward the reflection wall and receive an acoustic wave reflected from the reflection wall. The concentration of the specific gas in the gas under measurement is detected on the basis of a propagation time between transmission of the acoustic wave and reception of the reflected acoustic wave. When a predetermined member having the sensor attached thereto is placed in a horizontal plane, the transmitting-receiving surface faces downward. A recess is formed in a peripheral portion of the reflection wall.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: A pigment prepared using nanofillers with modified properties because of the powder size being below 100 nanometers. Blue, yellow and brown pigments are illustrated. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, nanorods type fillers are included. The pigment nanopowders taught comprise one or more elements from the group actinium, antimony, aluminum, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, calcium, cerium, cesium, cobalt, copper, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, gold, hafnium, hydrogen, indium, iridium, iron, lanthanum, lithium, magnesium, manganese, mendelevium, mercury, molybdenum, neodymium, neptunium, nickel, niobium, nitrogen, oxygen, osmium, palladium, platinum, potassium, praseodymium, promethium, protactinium, rhenium, rubidium, scandium, silver, sodium, strontium, sulfur, selenium, tantalum, terbium, thallium, thorium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, ytterbium, yttrium, zinc, and zirconium.

Abstract: A microcantilever sensor using molecular imprinting polymerization (MIP) technology, and a method of using thereof. The MIP microcantilever sensor is placed into a conduit, where it processes either an aqueous or environmental flow, or else a bodily fluid. The MIP microcantilever sensor provides for continuous on-line monitoring of the flow whereby the sensor monitors for any target analyte in which the MIP has been fabricated to attract. The present invention can be used to detect organic molecules, inorganic molecules, inorganic ions or viruses, pathogens, microorganisms, parasites or any other biological substance in which detection is desired. When the MIP microcantilever sensor detects the target analyte, the microcantilever sends a signal to a microprocessor for.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting cells includes a cell alignment portion applying a process to a cell-suspending fluid with a great number of cells and arraying the tells with a spacing between each cell, a cell information detecting portion detecting information on the cells, a cell sorting portion for sorting the cells based upon the information detected by the cell information detecting portion, a first passage of the cell alignment portion so as to let the cell-suspending fluid flow, and a second passage of the cell alignment portion, intersecting with the first passage so as to communicate therewith, letting a splitting fluid flow so as to split the flow of the cell-suspending fluid in the first passage and forming a great number of small cell-containing liquid drops.

Abstract: An Improved metrology apparatus, such as a scanning probe microscope (SPM), has an actuator that controls motion in three orthogonal directions when it is selectively and electrically stimulated. The X-Y section of the actuator, preferably a piezoelectric actuator, controls motion in the X and Y directions and the Z section of the actuator controls motion in the Z direction. A flexure is attached to the actuator and is mounted on a reference structure to prevent unwanted X and Y motion by the Z section of the actuator from moving a probe attached to the flexure. Preferably, two mirrors are mounted on the flexure. In operation of the SPM, a light beam is directed towards these mirrors. When the flexure moves in the Z direction, one of the mirrors is deflected and causes the reflected light to move across a detector, generating a signal representative of a change in the Z position of the flexure and the probe.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment method and tire force measuring system is disclosed which enables lateral forces generated by a vehicle tire so that vehicle alignment adjustments may be made to compensate for these as well as other tire generated forces or to enable matching of tires on a given vehicle axle to compensate for such forces. The apparatus provides a pair of tire supporting rollers each of which is supported for independent lateral movement and together are supported for movement in a horizontal plane. In this way, forces resulting from conicity and ply-steer may be measured in addition to the forces from camber and toe in which have been measured in the past. Once the magnitude and direction of these forces has been determined suitable adjustments to the vehicle suspension system may be made so as to net the given force to substantially zero for a given axle.

Abstract: A pressure responsive relief valve is disposed in the tank vapor line to the engine inlet manifold and upstream of an electric flow control valve. The pressure responsive valve has a bleed orifice for providing limited flow for leak testing when the relief valve is closed; and, the relief valve is set for opening at a selected pressure differential to provide adequate vapor canister purge flow during engine operation. A differential pressure sensor is employed to read the pressure drop across the bleed orifice during leak testing and the flow determined from a lookup table for comparison with a threshold value to determine if leakage is present in the system.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy concerns a power generation device with a piezoelectric structure and a power conditioning module. The piezoelectric structure preferably comprises a plurality of piezoelectric fibers embedded in a generally unidirectional fashion within an epoxy matrix. Such piezoelectric structure additionally comprises interdigital electrode layers on opposing sides of the fiber/epoxy matrix configuration. The piezoelectric structure is preferably mounted within a tire structure such that electric charge is generated therein as the wheel assembly moves along a ground surface. Electrode layers within the piezoelectric structure are coupled to a power conditioning module that rectifies the resultant electric current from the piezoelectric structure and stores it in an energy storage device, preferably an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: A system for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy concerns a power generation device with a piezoelectric structure and an energy storage device. The piezoelectric structure preferably comprises a plurality of piezoelectric fibers embedded in a generally unidirectional fashion within an epoxy matrix. The piezoelectric structure may be mounted on a support substrate that helps distribute mechanical strain to which the piezoelectric fibers are subjected in a substantially uniform fashion. The piezoelectric structure is preferably mounted within a tire structure such that electric charge is generated therein as the wheel assembly moves along a ground surface. Electrode layers within the piezoelectric structure are coupled to a power conditioning module that rectifies the resultant electric current from the piezoelectric structure and stores it in an energy storage device, preferably an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: This device is intended for fixing a pressure sensor (4) to a valve (2) of a tire, the valve (2) comprising a valve element mounted in a valve stem.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the density of a fluid downhole includes apparatus for measuring compressibility of the fluid and apparatus for determining the speed of sound through the fluid. According to the methods of the invention, density of the fluid is calculated based upon the relationship between density, compressibility, and the speed of sound through the fluid.

Abstract: The output characteristics of the sensing device or the control quantity of the sensing element can be adjusted by extracting an adjusting terminal in addition to a power source terminal, a ground terminal, an output terminal and the like outside a housing containing and protecting an electronic circuit. Further, by arranging the adjusting terminal inside a connector housing containing terminals such as the power source terminal, the ground terminal, the output terminal and the like, it is possible to prevent contact of foreign objects to the adjusting terminal and to water-proof the terminals for preventing corrosion since an associated connector is attached to the connector when the sensing device is actually used.

Abstract: A circuit case is disposed integrally on a first side of a joint portion formed with a circular cross section, and a measuring conduit is disposed so as to extend from a second side of the joint portion. A pair of mounting portions are disposed so as to extend in flange shapes from the circuit case on mutually opposite sides of the joint portion, and a mounting aperture is disposed through each of the mounting portions. A lower surface of each of the mounting portions is formed so as to have a stepped portion, a wall surface of the stepped portion constituting a position regulating portion.

Abstract: A chemical bath having liquid level indications in an outer trough is disclosed. The present invention adds an aqueduct in the outer bath of the chemical bath, and the chemical treatment liquid could flow into the aqueduct. According to the Pascal's law, the liquid level of the chemical treatment liquid in the aqueduct is the same with the liquid level of the chemical treatment liquid in the outer bath. Therefore, the level height of the chemical treatment liquid in the outer bath is observed from the transparent aqueduct by the naked eyes. The present invention abridges the complicated checkup steps, so that the producing time of apparatuses is increased and the amount of the wastes chemicals is decreased.

Abstract: A method includes measuring an acceleration along an input axis of an accelerometer mounted to a gradiometer disc, the accelerometer having a coordinate axis that is parallel to a spin axis of the disc, and includes calculating a gravity tensor element as a function of the measured acceleration and a component of the measured acceleration caused by an acceleration along the coordinate axis. Consequently, this technique typically yields a more accurate calculation of the gravitational field by accounting for undesired accelerations picked up by accelerometers having input axes that are not parallel to the gradiometer disc.

Abstract: Water-resistant preformed resilient bags are applied to a porous material specimen having a coarse external surface to provide for more consistent measurement results in water displacement tests. The preformed bag is configured to collapse and substantially conform to the material specimen's external surface and to provide planar collapsed portions extending away from the specimen. The preformed bags are precision manufactured and each applied to a respective specimen in a manner in which the bag consistently displaces the same volume of water when used in water displacement tests over many specimens. The volume of the bag can be accounted for when obtaining the volume of the specimen. The method of sealing the specimen includes inserting the specimen into a preformed bag and collapsing and sealing the bag such that is conformal to the external surface of the specimen.

Abstract: A method of balancing a set of rotating turbine elements includes measuring imbalance in the rotating elements; adding or removing material to or from at least two correction planes in the turbine set at an angular location measured during the imbalance measurement; and, if necessary, repeating said steps of measuring and removing until a predertermined balance is achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to additional embodiments of the tuned flexure accelerometer (TFA) concept. The TFA reduces or eliminates the elastic restraint (also termed “spring stiffness”) of the reference mass support by means of oscillation to improve the ability to accurately measure distance, velocity or acceleration with the accelerometer. The invention also relates to tuning flexures in other applications such as mirrors so as to allow the mirror to hold rotation or translation position once moved, without additional torque or force.

Abstract: An acceleration or deceleration sensor for locking a payout aircrew harness system comprises a frame or housing in which is received a heavy ball accommodated between opposing shells having opposing conical recesses receiving the ball. The shells are held against the ball by respective opposing springs whereby the ball and shells, in the absence of accelerating or decelerating forces are held in a balanced, equilibrium, position between the shells. The shells are carried at respective ends of respective levers or arms pivoted in the frame or housing, whereby movement of the ball in any direction relative to said frame or housing will cause pivotal movement of the arms. The sensor includes a trigger or trip mechanism of which one said arm forms part. Thus said a trigger or trip mechanism is operable by movement of said heavy ball relative to said frame or housing, to move from a sensing position to a locked position in which it will remain until a positive re-setting operation is carried out.

Abstract: The present invention easily achieves an accurate control structure for limiting displacement of a weight. An SOI substrate with a trilaminar structure including a silicon layer, a silicon oxide layer, and a silicon layer is prepared, and slits are opened by applying induced coupling plasma etching which can selectively remove only silicon from the upper side. Then, the same etching is applied from the lower side to form grooves, whereby the lower silicon layer is separated into a weight and a pedestal. Next, the structure is immersed in an etchant which can selectively remove only silicon oxide, whereby the vicinities of exposed portions of the silicon oxide layer are removed to form joint layers. A glass substrate is joined to the bottom surface of the pedestal. Piezo resistor elements are formed on the upper surface of the silicon layer to detect bending. The degree of freedom of upward displacements of the weight is accurately set based on the thickness of the joint layer.