Abstract: A master cylinder that can sufficiently compensate for an ineffective fluid amount at an initial stage of a stroke, even at a time of sudden braking in a case where a hydraulic control unit is disposed between the master cylinder and a brake device, is provided. The master cylinder includes a control valve that releases hydraulic pressure in a large diameter pressurizing chamber to a reservoir side when the hydraulic pressure in the large diameter pressurizing chamber reaches a fluid-release pressure corresponding to hydraulic pressure introduced via a branched flow path that branches from a communication flow path that connects a hydraulic control unit and a small diameter hydraulic chamber. An aperture is disposed in the branched flow path for introducing the hydraulic pressure to the control valve.

Abstract: Device (1) for the recovery of thermal energy from a first gas flow (11) from an internal combustion engine (10), the device being designed for the transfer of thermal energy from the first gas flow (11) to a second gas flow (12). The device includes a body (2) having a zigzag-shaped structure, which forms ducts for said gas flows, and the body (2) is designed for the transfer of heat between the first gas flow (11) and the second gas flow (12).

Abstract: An airflow system for an engine includes a first turbine coupled with a first compressor and a second turbine coupled with a second compressor. The first turbine receives exhaust from the engine, and the first compressor supplies compressed air to the engine. The second compressor compresses air from atmosphere. A first conduit fluidly couples the first and second turbines, and a second conduit fluidly couples the first and second compressors. A wastegate valve is fluidly coupled with the exhaust manifold and movable between a first position in which exhaust fluid is allowed to bypass the first turbine and a second position in which fluid is restricted from bypassing. The airflow system includes a third conduit fluidly coupling the second compressor and the wastegate valve. The wastegate valve moves to the first position when compressed air in the third conduit has at least a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An airflow system for an engine includes first and second turbines coupled with first and second compressors, respectively. The first turbine receives exhaust from an exhaust manifold, and the first compressor supplies compressed air to an intake manifold. A wastegate valve, fluidly coupled with the exhaust manifold, is movable between a first position allowing exhaust to bypass at least one of the turbines and a second position restricting exhaust from bypassing. A controller restricts the supply of pressurized air to the wastegate valve such that the wastegate is in the second position when at least one of (i) a load of the engine is less than or equal to a predetermined load, (ii) a speed of the engine is less than or equal to a predetermined speed, and (iii) a temperature of air leaving the first compressor is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A micro combined heat and power system includes at least a heat source, an expander, a condenser, a pump, recuperator and conduit for circulating a working fluid. After the working fluid is expanded, its thermodynamic properties allow it to remain in a superheated state so that it selectively can give up at least a portion of its excess heat first to the recuperator and then to the condenser, which can then subsequently exchange heat with a circulating air, water or related loop to provide space heat or domestic hot water that can be used, for example, to heat a dwelling. The amount of heat exchange in the recuperator can be adjusted to allow the output ratio of heat to electricity to be varied while maximizing overall system efficiency. Additional componentry, such as an accumulator, enhances system operability by smoothing out working fluid flow rates during transitional operation, such as start-up and shut-down.

Abstract: Microprocessor-based control sub-systems which control the thermal and electrical output of integrated micro-combined heat and power generation (M-CHP) systems used to supply domestic electrical power, domestic space heating (SH) water, and domestic hot water (DHW). The M-CHP system uses a microprocessor controller to control the internal operating conditions, such as pump speeds, gas flow rate, and evaporator outlet temperature. Controlling these parameters enables setting the capacity of the system at any instant in time, thereby permitting load following, using a variable capacity operation. The controller also monitors through sensors a number of additional safety controls and system protection devices, such as relays/contactor of the alternator to grid, and electrical trips to the feed pump, the oil pump, the hydronic pump, the blower, the gas valve, the expander bypass valves, and other electrically powered devices in the system.

Abstract: An evaporator for a micro combined heat and power system. The evaporator includes a heat source, an enclosure made up of at least a heating chamber and a primary fluid flowpath, and tubing that intersects the primary fluid flowpath. In one embodiment, the heat source is a burner such that the primary fluid is an exhaust gas formed by a combustion process at the burner, and the primary fluid flowpath is for the transport of the exhaust gas. The tubing defines a secondary fluid flowpath with a proximal portion adjacent the heat source and a distal portion downstream in the flowpath from the proximal portion. Working fluid first flows through the distal portion in counterflow relationship with the exhaust gas, then flows through the proximal portion in co-flow relationship with the exhaust gas. This circuiting avoids the excessive working fluid temperature of traditional counterflow heat exchangers, while providing better heat transfer efficiency than traditional co-flow heat exchangers.

Abstract: A micro combined heat and power system includes at least a heat source, an expander, a pump, a staged, counterflow condenser and a conduit for transporting a working fluid. The heat source can be, for example, a burner, while the expander is preferably a scroll expander. The heat source superheats the working fluid, which is preferably an organic working fluid. The superheated organic working fluid passes through the expander, which is coupled to a generator to produce electricity. After the working fluid is expanded, its gives up at least a portion of its excess heat first to the condenser. By placing the condenser in a counterflow arrangement, the fluid receiving the heat from the condensing working fluid can be of a higher temperature, thus allowing more system variation in the heat to power output ratio. The fluid receiving heat from the condenser may include circulating air, water or related fluid to provide space heat or domestic hot water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bulkhead panel for use in a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine. The bulkhead panel comprises a first side and a second side, a plurality of panel holes extending from the first side to the second side through which cooling air flows, and a circumferential inner rail on said first side dividing said first side into a first cavity region having a plurality of the panel holes and a second cavity region having a plurality of the panel holes. Each of the panel holes has an exit nozzle which is angled so as to create a swirling flow of cooling air over the second side of the panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat shield panels or liners to be used in combustors for gas turbine engines. The heat shield panels each comprise a hot side and a cold side and at least one isolated cooling chamber on the cold side. Each cooling chamber has a plurality of cooling film holes for allowing a coolant, such as air, to flow from the cold side to the hot side. A combustor having an arrangement of heat shield panels or liners is also described.

Abstract: In an expander in a pulse tube cooling stage of a cooling system which pulse tube cooling stage comprises a pressure generator, a pulse tube cooling unit connected to the pressure generator and including a regenerator and a pulse tube with a heat exchanger arranged therebetween and a buffer volume in communication with the pulse tube and an expander arranged functionally between the pulse tube and the buffer volume, the expander includes capillary flow passages consisting of a material with high heat conductivity for dissipating heat from the gas flowing through the capillary flow passages.

Abstract: In an air conditioner for use in vehicles comprising a compressor that is connected to an engine driving a vehicle and operated by a driving force provided by the engine during operation of the engine, connection between the engine and the compressor is released in response to stopping of the engine, as well as an electric motor driving the compressor is connected to the compressor in response to stopping of the engine; and the compressor is operated by the electric motor during stopping of the engine.

Abstract: A mist system for use in conjunction with a normally air cooled air conditioner condenser. The mist system provides cooling water to the coils and fins of the condenser to improve efficiency. Misting is normally off but comes on in response to pressure in the high pressure supply line from the condenser rising above a pre-set head pressure level.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, at least one indoor unit and a compressor. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit by a refrigerant pipe to form a closed circuit. The refrigerant pipe is divided into high and low pressure pipes. The air conditioner further includes a refrigerant leakage detecting unit provided on the indoor unit to detect refrigerant leakage, a high pressure pipe shutoff valve provided on the high pressure pipe of the refrigerant pipe, and a low pressure pipe shutoff valve provided on the low pressure pipe of the refrigerant pipe. Refrigerant is restored into the outdoor unit by closing the high pressure pipe shutoff valve and opening the low pressure pipe shutoff valve.

Abstract: A control unit for variable displacement compressors is used for two independent air conditioning cycles, wherein two compressors 1, 11 driven by a common external drive source 8 include electromagnetic displacement control valves 6, 16, respectively. By controlling these control valves by ECU 7, the displacement of the compressor is variable. When the air temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature To, both of the compressors are subjected to the variable displacement operation even though one of them is unnecessary for the air conditioning operation. On the contrary, if the outer air temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, only one compressor, needed for the air conditioning operation, is subjected to the variable displacement operation, while the other compressor is subjected to the minimum displacement operation.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus having a linear compressor is provided with a volume circulation rate instruction unit for obtaining a volume circulation rate Vco of a refrigerant in accordance with refrigerating capacity required of the refrigeration cycle apparatus, on the basis of an ambient temperature of an indoor heat exchanger (evaporator), a target temperature set on the evaporator by the user, and an ambient temperature of an outdoor heat exchanger (condenser); a volume circulation rate detector for detecting a volume circulation rate Vcd of the refrigerant that actually circulates in a refrigerant circulation path of the refrigeration cycle apparatus; and an inverter for generating an AC current for driving the linear compressor; wherein the inverter is controlled so as to decrease a difference between the volume circulation rate Vco and the volume circulation rate Vcd.

Abstract: A golf cart cooling system includes a fluid reservoir, submersible fluid pump, distribution control valve, and misting nozzles. Fluid is pulled from the fluid reservoir through the submersible fluid pump and into the distribution control valve. The distribution control valve enables a golfer to control the misting to the right side, left side, or both sides of a golf cart. A golfer also has the ability to set the pressure of the mist by adjusting a pressure switch. The golf cart cooling system mounts on the rear end of the golf cart and has straps for two golf bags to be secured to the golf cart cooling system. The configuration of the golf cart cooling system provides enough fluid to cool the golfer for more than six hours without needing to be refilled.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit of a vehicle air conditioner is disposed inside a dashboard approximately at a center portion in a vehicle right-left direction. Center face air outlets are provided in the dashboard opposite to right and left end sides of the air conditioning unit, and center face openings are provided in the air conditioning unit at right and left end sides in a vehicle right-left direction. Therefore, the center face outlets on the dashboard and the center face openings of the air conditioning unit can be connected by center face ducts each of which extends substantially straightly. Accordingly, pressure loss of air in the center face ducts can be reduced, and an air amount blown from the center face air outlet into the passenger compartment can be effectively increased.

Abstract: A refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser (10) includes an enclosure defining an insulated, refrigerated display cabinet (25) and a compartment (30) heat insulated therefrom wherein a compressor (40) a condenser (50) and a condenser fan (60) are disposed. The condenser (30) is formed by a plurality of in-line tube banks (52). Each tube bank (52) is a serpentine tube formed a plurality of parallel straight tube segments (54) extending in horizontal rows (55) between a pair of spaced, opposed end plates (58) and elbow turns (56) connecting neighboring straight tube segments (56) in a conventional manner. Each successive tube bank (52) is aligned with the other tube banks so that respective parallel tube rows (55) are disposed in-line from the front to the rear of the condenser (50).

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: First, a system for providing liquid refrigerant subcooling, subsequent to that subcooling accomplished by the primary condenser of an ice machine, by means of utilizing cold harvest and/or melt water discharge from said ice machine. Subcooling heat exchange to be accomplished by directing and controlling the flow of said harvest and/or melt water through some type of refrigerant to fluid heat exchanger, or by a passive heat sink method whereby the liquid refrigerant subcooler sits in a non-pumped open reservoir that overflows at each harvest cycle. This would provide greater refrigeration capacity to the ice machine system.

Abstract: An ice maker for a refrigerator comprises an ice making vessel installed on a front portion of a main body of the refrigerator to perform an ice making operation; a water supplying pipe for ice making installed on an upper part of the ice making vessel as apart a predetermined distance from the ice making vessel to supply water into the ice making vessel; a buffer member installed on the water supplying pipe for ice making to buff a shock by contacting to the ice making vessel when the ice making vessel is rotated for an ice separating process; and a guide member mounted on one side of the buffer member for guiding the water discharged from the water supplying pipe for ice making into the ice making vessel, in order to prevent respective components from being damaged by interference between the ice making vessel and the pipes supplying the water into the vessel and to prevent the water in the ice making vessel from being induced into a storing vessel so that ices in the storing vessel are not stuck to each ot

Abstract: A carrier for cans, bottles, containers, or stackable items. In particular, the carrier can also cool or heat the cans, bottles, or other containers.

Abstract: In an ejector-type depressurizer, a nozzle arrangement converts pressure energy of refrigerant supplied from a radiator into velocity energy to depressurize and expand the refrigerant, and a pressurizer arrangement mixes the refrigerant discharged from the nozzle arrangement with the refrigerant drawn from an evaporator and converts the velocity energy of the refrigerant discharged from the nozzle arrangement into pressure energy to increase the pressure of the mixed refrigerant discharged from the pressurizer arrangement. The pressurizer arrangement includes a refrigerant passage that conducts the refrigerant supplied from the nozzle arrangement and the refrigerant supplied from the evaporator, and the refrigerant passage includes a refrigerant passing zone, through which the refrigerant from the nozzle arrangement and the refrigerant from the evaporator mainly pass during operation of the ejector-type depressurizer.

Abstract: An evaporator assembly includes a support housing for mounting to an internal compartment of a delivery truck or trailer. At least one evaporator coil mounts to the support housing along with at least one cooling fan. Electric heating strips are attached to the bottom of the evaporator coils to heat the compartment and defrost the evaporator coils. A plastic outer skin incorporates a drain pan to collect condensation and moisture dripping from the evaporator coils during the defrost cycle. A heat shield is attached between the heating strips and the plastic outer covering to prevent heat from damaging the plastic outer covering.

Abstract: A method suited for producing thin fused glass articles includes, in preferred aspects, preparing a dry gel having edges configured to reduce or eliminate warping of the gel during densification of the gel. Preferred aspects include partially densifying the gel, machining the gel into a suitable shape, and fully sintering the gel. The gel preferably is a hybrid incorporating silicon alkoxide and fumed silica particles, and it preferably is machined to have chamfered edges. The method is easier and more cost-effective than those previously known, and it allows for production of high-quality articles for use in, for example, photomask systems as pellicles.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and process for making core/clad glass fibers. The apparatus includes a central tube or receptacle connected at the top to a pressure controller and terminating in a reduced section; a side tube or receptacle positioned at about the level of the upper portion of the central tube; an outer tube or receptacle disposed around the bottom portion of the central tube terminating in a smaller section which is concentric with and spaced directly below the section of the central tube; a side arm connecting the side tube and the outer tube; and furnaces around the side, outer, and the reduced sections of the central arid the outer tubes.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical fiber preform is disclosed. The fiber core is solution-doped with a high dopant concentration of an index modifier, preferably aluminum. High aluminum concentrations can be achieved without incorporating phosphorus in the core.

Abstract: There is provided a therapeutic medical compression garment with an integrally knit anti-slip portion. The anti-slip portion of the garment is located in the upper area thereof. In the embodiment wherein the garment is a stocking, the anti-slip portion is placed in the thigh area of the thigh-hi stocking or the upper calf area of the knee-hi stocking. In the thigh-hi stockings, the anti-slip section may start just above the knee or be located in the upper thigh area (for use in mobilized patients, the anti-slip section may start already just above) the ankle area, e.g., also in knee-hi stockings at the calves upwards.

Abstract: A continuous heat set line for setting yarn, having spaced-apart, elongate, tubular entrance and exit cooling chambers interconnected by an elongate intermediate steam heat-setting chamber communicating therewith. The entrance and exit cooling chambers and the intermediate heat-setting chamber collectively define a single longitudinally-extending axis along the combined length thereof. Sealing heads seal the entrance and exit cooling chambers and the intermediate heat-setting chamber to a degree sufficient to maintain a pressurized condition within the heat-setting chamber. A yarn conveyor extends through the pretreatment chamber for conveying the yarn through the entrance and exit cooling chambers and the heat-setting chamber. At least one piston and cylinder assembly moves sealing rolls into and out of position relative to each other, while independently-operating springs urge the rolls together sufficiently to effect a seal.

Abstract: A washing machine with a vibration-absorbing structure for preventing the transfer of the vibration of the driving part is disclosed. The washing machine includes a rotor housing 50 in which a rotor is installed and which is rotatably moved, a driving shaft 20, 31, 33 for rotating a washing tub or a pulsator using a rotational force transferred from the rotor housing, a power transferring member 120 for transferring the rotational force of the rotor housing to the driving shaft, a rotor bushing 110 coupled to the rotor housing and through which the driving shaft penetrates to be slidingly moved, and at least one vibration-absorbing member 140, 150 installed on a path where a power is transferred from the rotor housing to the driving shaft, for absorbing vibration of the rotor housing.

Abstract: For fastening water level regulators on parts of washing machines, an adapter including a housing having first and second portions each for accommodating a water level regulator, a fastening device for fastening the adapter on parts of a washing machine, and two openings in the accommodating portions for accommodating a fastening device disposed on the respective water level regulator. The fastening device of the adapter is disposed in a central portion of the housing, the first accommodating portion is disposed in a first side portion, and the second accommodating portion is disposed in a second side portion, the central portion being bounded by the two side portions. The opening in the first accommodating portion is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the opening in the second accommodating portion.

Abstract: Described herein is a gun display rack, comprising a stock piece having keyed ends to secure the stock of a gun, preferably through the trigger guard of the gun. The keyed ends are received by keyways in a plate, and the plate is secured to wall piece, preferably as a face plate for the wall piece. A barrel loop may be used in some embodiments to support the barrel of a gun. A method of using the gun display rack is also included.

Abstract: A lock-picking prevention apparatus is adaptable to a lock (120) having a lock hole (121) and an abutment driver pin (122) for restricting and releasing a key. The apparatus includes a locking body (102) having a front end abutment hook (102d) abutted by the abutment driver pin (122) when the lock-picking prevention apparatus is inserted into the lock hole (121) so as to bury its internal space, an operating bar (102) provided so as to slide over the abutment driver pin (122) to provide guidance, and a new key (110). At the time of unlocking using the new key (110), the operating bar (103) pushes in the abutment driver pin (122) to release the abutment of the front end abutment hook (102d) so as to enable the locking body (102) to be pulled out. The lock-picking prevention apparatus brings about a situation which is equivalent to a plurality of locks being provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a foliar applied fertilizer which promotes plant and tree growth and health. Fish and fish offal are processed by being reduced to a aqueous suspension. The protein parts of the suspension are hydrolyzed by enzymes and the urge remaining parts are removed by screening. The remaining suspension is concentrated by removing excess water and further stabilized. Diatomite is added as a nutrient supplement and as a source for pest control.

Abstract: A rolling mill apparatus for forming a web of material includes a die stand having an upper die assembly and a lower die assembly, the die stand bending the web to a predetermined formation angle as the web passes between the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly. A movement apparatus is utilized for selectively moving the upper die assembly in a vertical direction, thereby adjusting a vertical clearance between the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly. A pin is fixed to the upper die assembly and a cam block having a groove formed at a predetermined orientation angle is also provided. The pin travels in the angled groove when the upper die assembly is moved in the vertical direction and causes the upper die assembly to move horizontally. The predetermined orientation angle of the block is approximately equal to the predetermined formation angle.

Abstract: A forging die apparatus comprises a punch for applying a pressurizing force to a forging material arranged in a cavity, a cylindrical member installed to surround a part of outer circumference of the punch, for making displacement integrally with the punch, and a first ring member formed with a hole for forcibly inserting the cylindrical member therein when the punch applied the pressurizing force to the forging material.

Abstract: A bending machine for the bending of tube, rod and bar shaped workpieces (24, 24a) includes a machine base unit (2), a collet (6) for mounting a workpiece, and a tool assembly (15) with at least one bending tool. The bending tool can be opened and closed in the transverse direction of the workpiece by the relative movement of tool components to form a workpiece holder. The tool assembly (15) is mounted on a swivel support (10) to rotate around a tool axis of rotation (16) extending axially of the workpiece, and the swivel support (10) is mounted on the machine base unit (2) to be rotatable around a swivel support axis of rotation (11) extending in the axial direction (12) of the workpiece. The swivel support axis of rotation (11) and the tool axis of rotation (16), and the tool axis of rotation (16) and the workpiece holder, are radially offset relative to one another.

Abstract: One-step offset bender for speed and accuracy in offsetting pipe or other materials. The offset bender (100) includes a base (110) on which is mounted a fixed shoe support (130) and a traveling shoe support (160). The fixed shoe support fixedly holds a first shoe assembly (200), and the traveling shoe support holds a second shoe assembly (200′) that can be moved vertically and horizontally. The offset bender simultaneously produces two, aligned, equal and opposite bends in conduit by pressing down on the second shoe assembly (200′). The conduit shoe assemblies include a plurality of conduit shoes that can be selectively aligned to accommodate the desired conduit. The fixed shoe support is pivotally attached to the base, and the traveling shoe support is removable, such that the bender may be folded for easy transport. A motor (361) or other power system may be used to facilitate making the bend.

Abstract: Control systems for indenters used in cold working processes, and in particular, for StressWave cold working of metal workpieces. Load on an indenter is increased by increasing the force applied, such as by pressure in a hydraulic reservoir acting on a piston. When the load reaches a desired limit, as may be calibrated by the pressure in the fluid reservoir responsive to the piston being driven by the indenter, then a pressure relief valve allows the fluid to flow from the cylinder to a hydraulic reservoir, thus allowing the indenter shaft to move away from the workpiece. Then, on recycle of the apparatus, an automatic control system reacts to such movement and pumps fluid back to the reservoir, and thus returns the indenter shaft to a pre-determined position. In one embodiment, the pressure relief valve is integrated into, or attached to, the indenter. Other embodiments are disclosed for control of various compound or simple indenters.

Abstract: A system for testing knock sensors includes a test stand that includes a temperature chamber into which knock sensors to be tested are placed. A shaker is placed outside the chamber and includes a fixture that extends into the heating chamber. Thus, knock sensors can be heated or cooled to a predetermined temperature and then, shaken within the chamber.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the uncertainty factor of a measuring process employing a measuring frequency, especially a magnetoinductive flow measuring procedure, whereby for each half-cycle of the measuring frequency at least one measured value is quantified by sampling a measuring signal. According to the method, the deviation of the measured values is determined at the measuring frequency but phase-shifted relative to the measuring frequency, and/or the deviation of the measured values is determined at a minimum of two frequencies differing from the measuring frequency and on the basis of the two deviations at the frequencies differing from the measuring frequency the deviation of the measured values at the measuring frequency is arrived at by interpolation or extrapolation. This permits easy access to the deviation at the measuring frequency, which is of significance as a diagnostic value.

Abstract: A multiple fragment impact test specimen, and a method for using it in multiple fragment impact tests against a target, is disclosed. The test specimen comprises two or more fragments fixed to one or more connecting members so that the fragments are held at a fixed distance apart during their flight to a target. The orientation and speed of the fragments at the moment of impacting the target are measured and the measurements are used to calculate the exact spacing and time delay between the individual fragment impacts. An experimenter can control the range of fragment spacings and time delays for a series of tests by choosing the lengths of the connecting members and thereby fixing the relative distances between the fragments.

Abstract: A device for identifying and locating leaks has a permeable collecting line, a pump provided for pumping a transport medium through the line, and at least one sensor for detecting a substance that escapes in the event of a leakage. There are provided sources of a detectable gas, which, as way-points, are located at a distance from one another at known locations along the collecting line. A sensor for detecting the gas is spatially assigned to each sensor that is provided for detecting the escaping substance.

Abstract: An automatic data logging kit is used with a hydraulic integrity test kit for testing a liquid cooled stator bar system. The automatic data logging kit includes a spool piece having end connectors attachable between the liquid cooled stator bar system and the hydraulic integrity test kit as well as a plurality of sensor receptacles. At least one temperature sensor insertable within an interior of the liquid cooled stator bar system is coupled with an output connector operatively securable in the first of the sensor receptacles in the spool piece. At least one pressure sensor is also operatively securable in one of the spool piece sensor receptacles. A control unit receives output from the sensors and calculates a leak rate based on the received sensor output. The automatic data logging kit provides automatic data logging capabilities for pressure-decay and vacuum-decay cycle tests, increased accuracy of the pressure-decay and vacuum-decay data and reduced cycle time in determining the leak rates.

Abstract: A system for testing systems which are in turn used to test the leaktightness of a hollow body is suggested.

Abstract: A four-ball test apparatus for evaluation of friction and wear characteristics of lubricants is disclosed. The test apparatus includes a motor and adjustable weight assembly that is supported by the upper test ball on the lower test balls positioned in a test cup. All of the weight of the motor/weight assembly is supported by the test ball itself, and thrust bearings or the like are not required for support of the test cup. The four-ball test apparatus eliminates numerous sources of error found in prior four-ball testers, and permits various instruments or fluid lines to be connected to the test cup without introducing errors into the test measurements.

Abstract: Tilt and vibration sensor and method for forming the sensor with a piezoresistive membrane having a weight affixed proximate its center for detecting the tilt and vibration of a body. The membrane may include four piezoresistors placed proximate the edges of the membrane at the points of maximum stress when the membrane is subject to a uniform applied pressure. The piezoresistors may form a Wheatstone bridge circuit to generate a first and second output voltage in response to changes in resistance of the piezoresistors under the uniform applied pressure. The first output voltage may be indicative of the angle of inclination of a body and the second output voltage may be indicative of the vibration of the body. The membrane may be fabricated from a silicon wafer using known photolithography and etching processes. The membrane may be connected with a voltage source and secured within an appropriate housing to be placed in an operational environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating and marking the equator of a golf ball. A rotation plate shaped to support a golf ball is provided in a housing. The housing encloses a motor and the motor is attached to the rotation plate and is capable of imparting spin on the rotation plate. A guard has a ring and a cross-beam with a marking opening defined therein extending from the ring. A means for supplying power to the motor and controlling the motor are provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products determine absorption, specific gravity, and/or porosity of construction materials undergoing analysis corresponding to different measurements of material samples divided from a “parent” construction material sample. Dry and wet weights of the samples are obtained under different conditions.