Abstract: A marine air conditioning system for installation on a boat has a compressor, a water-cooled condenser, and an evaporator. The compressor is directly driven by an engine used for propelling the boat. The condenser is installed inline in a cooling-water intake tube, through which a pump draws water from outside of the hull for cooling the engine. Water from the intake tube is drawn through a portion of the condenser in thermal communication with the refrigerant for transferring heat from the refrigerant to the water. The water then continues into and through the engine and is exhausted through a discharge tube. The refrigerant then passes through an orifice or an expansion valve, and then into the evaporator. Air is passed through the evaporator for cooling the air, and the refrigerant returns to the compressor for recirculation in the system.

Abstract: An intake port for air for air conditioning in an air conditioning device is switched when an engine is stopped, by forcibly displacing an internal/external air switching door so as to block an external air duct. As a result, an air flow area of the external air duct becomes substantially zero. Accordingly, intake of external air to the air conditioning device as air for air conditioning is inhibited, and it becomes less liable that an air condition (e.g., a temperature) within a passenger compartment will deviate from a required state.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case defining a display space. A cooling element cools the display space. An air mover direct air across the cooling element. At least one air outlet guides cool air into the display space to an air inlet located at the end of the shelf.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a display case and a cooling module. The display case includes a plurality of walls defining a cavity and a receptacle. A plurality of vertically spaced shelves are disposed in the cavity extending between the side walls. A display zone is defined above the top surface of each shelf for the display of merchandise. A back panel disposed in the cavity adjacent to base back wall defines a duct in a fluid communication with a plurality of elongated openings formed in the back panel. A turbulence generating element is disposed in each display zone adjacent to the elongated opening.

Abstract: In an air conditioner including an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan which are disposed in an indoor-side chamber, and an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor fan which are disposed in an outdoor-side chamber, the indoor-side chamber and the outdoor-side chamber being partitioned by a partition plate mounted on a bottom plate, the outdoor heat exchanger is disposed on said bottom plate, and the bottom plate is integrally formed with a dam member for damming up drain water flowing from at least one of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: In an air conditioner having an electrical equipment mount device containing at least one circuit board on which electrical parts connected to wires are mounted, plural wire abutting portions are formed on a wire fixing face so as to be different in height from said wire fixing face, and a wire is fixedly pinched between a wire press member and one of the wire abutting portions that is selected in accordance with the diameter of the wire. The wire fixing face has a conduit fixing member having a conduit fixing face to which one end portion of a conduit having electrical wires inserted therein is fixed. Plural engaging holes are formed in the wire fixing face, and the conduit fixing member is equipped with plural engaging members which are fixedly engageable with the engaging holes of the electrical equipment mount plate. The engaging members are located at different positions on the conduit fixing member with respect to the conduit fixing face.

Abstract: A modular refrigeration system having an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and expansion device fluidly connected by a plurality of conduits. The modular refrigeration system includes an integral base plate to which the evaporator, condenser, expansion device, and compressor are mounted. A compressor mount is formed in the base plate and includes at least one integrally formed stud extending from the base plate. The compressor has at least one mounting flange in which the stud is received. A fastener is affixed to the stud to secure the compressor to the base plate. A drain pan is formed in the base plate beneath the compressor to collect condensate. A drain basin is located beneath the evaporator and is fluidly connected to the drain pan via a trough. Condensate from the evaporator drains to the drain pan where it is evaporated.

Abstract: An air conditioner water pan drain line and clean-out system has a clean-out body with an upper end. A lower end of the body has an end piece forming an internal recess with the body having an opening at the upper end with a female thread and two protruding round, tubular, horizontal hollow cylindrical passageways. A top cap in a disk-like configuration has a male thread sized to be received by and firmly held by the female thread of the body. A horizontally disposed connecting pipe has a first end coupled over with and securely held onto one of the protruding round, tubular hollow cylindrical passageways and a second end with male threads.

Abstract: A room air-conditioner (10) for installation into a pre-constructed aperture through a building wall (34) has a depth substantially equivalent to the wall thickness and is adapted to stand at floor level within said aperture with front and rear covers (11, 12) flush with internal and external surfaces of the wall, respectively. The necessary compact design is achieved by stacking the components vertically within the air-conditioner whereby the condenser coil (16) is at the bottom and air for the condenser is drawn in and extracted from the rear whereas the evaporator coil (22) is towards the top and air for the evaporator is drawn in and extracted from the front. Fans (19, 24) for each coil are arranged coaxially and driven by a single motor (21). The coils have a C-shaped configuration. Condensate is collected from the evaporator coil in containers (29, 31) and is used to cool refrigerant pipes (30, 32) entering and leaving the condenser coil.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, such as an evaporator, a condenser, or the like, for a refrigerator, such as a chill cabinet, a freezer cabinet or the like, includes at least one surface with which a thermal energy storage medium is in at least as far as possible heat-conducting contact, and bag-like reception containers to be connected to the evaporator.

Abstract: A cryogenic transfer vial for storing and loading a crystal sample on a goniometer includes a cryogen retainer that inhibits spillage of the cryogen when the vial is inverted during sample loading and retrieval. The retainer may be an adsorptive material located in a region of the vial near a sample location, or may be a baffle arrangement within the vial for containing the cryogen.

Abstract: Formed in a valve main body (1) is a refrigerant flow path (41) for lowering the amount of flow of a refrigerant which flows into an internal space (30) of a casing (3) from a refrigerant flow path (9) through a needle fit/insert clearance (17) defined between a needle fit/insert aperture (16) and a needle (2) inserted into the needle fit/insert aperture (16). When, with the rise or drop in refrigerant pressure, refrigerant flows through the needle fit/insert clearance (17), adhesion of sludge included in the refrigerant to the wall surface of the needle fit/insert clearance (17) is reduced by a lessened amount of refrigerant flow in the needle fit/insert clearance (17) by the refrigerant flow path (41). This therefore prevents, as far as possible, malfunction of the needle (2) due to sludge adhesion, thereby ensuring proper operation of the needle (2).

Abstract: This invention relates to a dual evaporator air conditioning system that limits refrigerant recirculation. This system includes an accumulator, a compressor, a condenser, front and rear evaporators, and an eductor assembly. Alternative accumulators are also disclosed for use with dual and single evaporator systems.

Abstract: It is an age-old problem that with time finge-rings can become difficult to remove, while in general they should not, after all, be all too easy to take off. With the invention there is provided an openable ring which, it should be noted, does not comprise irritating hinge parts or releasing means, in that the one of the four geometric main elements of the ring is configured as a substantially straight piece which can be turned outwards from the natural plane of the ring, while in the turned inwards position it is in snap-lock engagement with the opposite end of the remaining, substantially U-shaped ring element. For this releasable locking, use is thus made of the natural elasticity of the ring element, and it is the whole of the outwardly-pivotal piece in itself which is used as the operating element for the opening and closing of the ring.

Abstract: Decorative articles having interchangeable modules. The decorative articles, such as rings, include a body or shank having first and second surfaces and defining an aperture therethrough. The interchangeable modules may be mounted, either individually or in combination, on the body from the side, the outside or the inside of the body or shank. In one aspect, the interchangeable modules include first and second portions. The first portion, at least partially disposed in the aperture, retains against the first surface adjacent the aperture. The second portion is connected to the first portion and is disposed adjacent the second surface. The supporting member is pivotally attached to the first surface and is selectively pivotable to contact the first portion and maintain the module mounted on the body.

Abstract: A glassware machine having a glassware mold and a movable plunger positioned adjacent to the glassware mold for pressing a glass gob in the glassware mold to form a glassware article. The glassware machine includes an electric motor operatively connected to the plunger to move the plunger with respect to the glassware mold to provide accurate pressing of the glass gob when forming the glassware article.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. A peripheral or edge seal (11) of a vacuum IG unit is formed utilizing microwave energy (17) in order to enable tempered glass sheets (2, 3) of the IG unit to retain a significant portion of their original temper strength. In certain exemplary embodiments, the edge seal may be formed of glass frit or solder glass. In certain embodiments, at least a portion (12, 12a, 301) of the edge seal material may be deposited on one or both substrates prior to a thermal tempering process so that during tempering the edge seal material is permitted to diffuse into (i.e., bond to) the glass substrate(s) (2, 3). Optionally, additional edge seal material (303) may be added after tempering. The final edge seal (11) is preferably formed via microwave heating (17) of the edge seal material.

Abstract: On molding a glass product by pressing a glass gob by the use of a mold composed of upper and lower dies each of which has a molding surface, a molten glass is supplied as the glass gob onto the molding surface of the lower die. Cooling is carried out for an upper surface of the glass gob supplied onto the molding surface of the lower die. After the cooling, heat radiation suppression is carried out to suppress heat radiation from the glass gob so that an inner part and an upper part of the glass gob are close in temperature to each other. Thereafter; the glass gob is pressed by the molding surfaces of the upper and the lower dies when the glass gob has a viscosity within a range between 103.5 and 106.5 poises (dPa·s). Preferably, the heat radiation suppression is carried out by making a heat shielding member lower in temperature than the inner part of the glass gob approach the upper part of the glass gob in a non-contact state.

Abstract: Glass melting furnace, of the type consisting of a melting chamber, inside which is found the liquid glass mass, with an outlet, and at least one flue gas recuperative chamber, a means for supplying the influx of fuel, featuring at least one mass temperature gauge immersed in the liquid glass mass and placed approximately at a height (h2) with respect to the bottom of the melting chamber of ⅓ to ⅕ of the height (h) of the level of the liquid glass mass, and ⅕ h≦h2≦⅓ h on the longitudinal axis of the melting chamber at a distance (11) with respect to the wall of the chamber opposite the outlet, of between 0.6 and 0.85 of the length of the melting chamber 0.6 l≦11≦0.85 l. For application in the manufacture of glass containers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a synthesized silica glass optical member, the method comprising: providing a porous silica glass body; heating the porous silica glass body in an atmosphere containing hydrogen or oxygen, and sintering the porous silica glass body in an atmosphere containing fluorine compound. Furthermore, a synthesized silica glass optical member manufactured by the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for making optical fiber preforms and optical fiber. The method includes the steps of positioning an overclad tube around a preform core rod, heating the overclad tube along the length thereof in the presence of a pressure gradient to collapse onto the preform core to form the overclad optical fiber preform, and adjusting the radial size of a heated portion of the preform core rod and/or the overclad tube to actively match the radial dimensions of the preform core rod along the length thereof with corresponding portions of the overclad tube. The active matching reduces variations in the physical dimensions of the preform core rod and/or the overclad tube, which improves transmission and other performance characteristics of fiber drawn from the created preform, e.g., by maintaining a relatively constant D/d ratio of the preform.

Abstract: A screen comprises an electrically conductive elongate inner screen plate. The inner screen plate has at least one elongate fold therein and at least two elongate divergent surfaces on opposing sides of the fold. Each divergent surface has an upper end and opposing edges tapering downward from the upper end. The upper ends of the divergent surfaces diverge from one another. Each of the divergent surfaces has a plurality of holes therein. The screen further comprises at least two electrically conductive outer screen plates. The outer screen plates are attached to the edges of the divergent surfaces and extend between the divergent surfaces. Each of the outer screen plates has a plurality of holes therein. Another embodiment of the invention is directed toward a glass fiber bushing system comprising a bushing body and a screen within the bushing body. The bushing body has opposing end plates. The screen comprises opposing ends. Each of the ends has an upper portion and a lower portion.

Abstract: A knitted textile articles and a preform forming a panty, pantyhose or similar article. The preform includes a tubular knit body and a pair of opposed longitudinal segments extending the length of the tubular body. The longitudinal segments include both complete and partially omitted courses, which produces a unique shape suitable as a preform for subsequently forming other useful textile articles. In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal segments further include elastic yarn, which aids in forming the shape of the preform. Also, in the preferred embodiment, elastic end bands are formed during knitting to each end of the knitted article. These end bands then become a part of the final textile article.

Abstract: In the process of manufacturing furs, the pelt (6) is dried on a peltingboard (2), where it is stretched to an optimum length and fastened to the board by slipping a sleeve-like device (8) over the pelt so tightly that it stops the pelt from sliding back from it tightened position.

Abstract: An accessory component for a lock having a lock body capable of being detachably secured in closed loop to define a first bounded area. The accessory component includes a component body having first and second ends. The first end includes a first ring defining a first bore and second end includes a second ring defining a second bore. The accessory component is adapted to be positionable in an installed configuration in which the at least a portion of the lock body is located within the first and second bores such that the accessory component, in combination with the lock body, defines a second bounded area. The accessory component is adapted to secure an object within the second bounded area when the accessory component is in the installed configuration and the lock is detachably secured to form the closed loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for doors of housings or cabinets with particularly narrow frame profiles, comprising a bolt mechanism which is longitudinally moveably guided in the frame profile, and a door plate which can be fixed on the outside of the door leaf, said door plate having a first door plate area (11) with the handle (13) located therein and a second door plate area (12) in which the locking device is located.

Abstract: An antitheft apparatus comprising a steering assembly for a vehicle, the steering assembly providing a centrally positioned hub portion enclosing a shock actuated airbag, and extending around the hub portion, a steering wheel portion; and a theft-resistant cover. The cover provides a circular face portion covering the steering assembly and a circular peripheral flange portion extensive circumferentially from the face portion and therefrom, around the steering wheel portion of the steering assembly. The cover is split into two opposing cover halves along a central split line. At one end of the split line and integral with the cover halves, a device for locking the cover halves about the steering wheel portion is engaged. And at the other end of the split line, and integral with the cover halves, a hinging device allows pivotal movement of the cover halves between a closed position engaging the locking device and an open position disengaging the locking device.

Abstract: A tool for remotely turning a key includes a key unit including an engagement assembly adapted to engage the key and an operator unit including a control assembly. At least one cable segment is provided linking the key unit and the operator unit such that the engagement assembly can be mechanically rotated via the cable segment by manipulation of the control assembly to thereby rotate the key when the key is engaged by the engagement assembly.

Abstract: A lock system is provided for vehicles and the like of the type having at least one closure. A lock housing is mounted adjacent the closure, and includes a lock barrel with an axial tumbler groove, a positioner shoulder adjacent an outer portion of the barrel and a keeper shoulder adjacent an inner portion of the barrel. A lock plug is closely received in the barrel for rotation between locked and unlocked positions, and includes a keyway and outwardly biased, radially shifting tumblers. A control key is inserted into the keyway to retract all of the tumblers except a positioner tumbler that engages the positioner shoulder to locate the lock plug in a first axial position in the barrel. When the control key is removed, an outer keeper tumbler is biased outwardly for abutting contact with the keeper shoulder. A dealer key is inserted into the keyway to retract all of the tumblers except the positioner and outer keeper tumblers to permit rotation of the plug between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the subject invention includes a frame 10 comprising a front plate, a rear plate, a generally circular passage which extends through the frame, and rollers arranged, circumferentially positioned about the passage. The rollers are suspended within the passage by an adjustable arm which is mounted to the frame on one end, and is rotatably coupled to a roller on an opposite end. The adjustable arm includes a threaded rod that is rotatably mounted to a plate by a mounting plate and extension 18 which engages the rod and which travels longitudinally along the rod.

Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes a tubular member having an outer wall and an interior cavity. The other wall includes a first interlocking feature. An axle component mounting member, such as a bearing shoulder sleeve and/or a brake flange, is arranged on a portion of the outer wall. The mounting member includes a second interlocking feature coacting with the first interlocking feature to affix the mounting member and tubular member to one anther. The axle assembly may be formed by arranging the axle mounting member into a die assembly. A tubular member may be arranged in the die assembly within an opening in the mounting member. A hydroforming process may be employed to pressurize a cavity within the tubular member. A portion of the tubular member is deformed into engagement with the mounting member to affix the mounting member to the tubular member.

Abstract: A method of making a tube having an expanded region which includes the steps of providing an elongated metal tube, preparing the tube to be expanded, and, exerting a generally uniform outwardly radial force to create the expanded region. During the preparation step, a region of the tube is annealed by applying heat. The outward radial force may be created by pressurizing the tube, by freezing water within the tube or by axially rotating the tube.

Abstract: Tool units (400) are slid by crank mechanisms (409) which are arranged on the respective sides of a table (200), convert rotational motions into translational motions, and use servo motors as drive sources, and are supported to swing on the rear end portions of the tool units.

Abstract: A metal-stretching grip head has a row of parallel upper plates wholly to one side of a plane and having front ends and rear ends and a row of parallel lower plates wholly to an opposite side of the plane and having front ends forming at the plane with the front ends of the upper plates a mouth slot extending along the plane and open forwardly on the plane. The lower plates also have rear ends juxtaposed across the plane with the upper-plate rear ends. A one-piece C-section metal bar is snugly received in the mouth slot. Rigid structure separate from the plates and bar fixes the plates relative to one another.

Abstract: A trailered brake workstation mounts on the horizontal frame of a two-wheeled trailer, a pair of longitudinally-spaced transverse horizontal guide bars at an elevated position above the frame. The guide bars mount slides which are secured to the bottom of a longitudinally-disposed brake. Thus the brake, via the slides, can be shifted laterally on the horizontal guide bars between an internal or centered position it which it may be locked for hauling and storing, and a side position in which it may be locked and available for operative use. A box and a cover protect the brake in the internal or centered position from the elements. A work table may also be transported, being stored in the throat of the brake during transportation, and disposed for use on the other side of the trailer when the brake is operative.

Abstract: A process for making ratchet wheels includes a step of providing a work with a first end and a second end, a step of punching the work by means of a punch so as to define a large recess through the second end, a step of cutting away the first end of the work, a step of defining two annular grooves in a periphery of the work and a step of forming a plurality of teeth on the work. The process may include, before the step of cutting away the first end of the work, a step of punching the work in order to define a small recess with a diameter smaller than that of the large recess, a step of punching the work so as to define an opening with a diameter smaller than that of the small recess wherein the opening extends through the first end of the work. The process may include a step of defining a shallow recess in the second end of the work before the step of defining the large recess.

Abstract: Short lift beam is employed for each transfer area, the lift beam is driven by a compact servomotor for transferring the workpieces, and the carrier is driven by the linear motor being integral therewith. Therefore, consumption of electric power can be reduced significantly, thereby promoting energy saving. The control may be performed depending on the die employed in each workstation by controlling the motion of the lift beam or the carrier at each transfer area arbitrarily by the controller. Consequently, drive with interference between the workpieces and the dies eliminated can be realized irrespective of the size or other element of the dies, thereby increasing design freedom of the die.

Abstract: A vehicle-straightening bench (20) is utilized to apply pulling forces to a damaged vehicle chassis to restore the damaged chassis to an original configuration. The bench includes a vehicle platform (22) with a carriage track (24) having a plurality of carriage assemblies (100) movably received by the carriage track (24). Each carriage assembly (100) supports a pulling assembly (200) for applying the pulling forces. A trapezoidal carriage body (102) of the carriage assembly (100) rolls in the carriage track (24), and the carriage assembly also includes a tower positioning mechanism (104) to hold the pulling assemblies (200) in place while the carriage body (102) is are rolled on the track (24). The carriage assembly (100) also includes a locking mechanism (106) to lock them in place during a vehicle a pull.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for determining interface strength in situ. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of load cells, wherein each load cell obtains an in situ measurement of interface strength at each measurement depth that corresponds to location of each load cell on the attachment module. Each load cell obtains the in situ measurement of interface strength without using the measurement data of a penetrating tip member. In another embodiment, an apparatus for determining interface strength in situ comprises an attachment module coupled to a penetrating tip, wherein the attachment module includes a plurality of load cells. Each load cell includes a friction sleeve, which the friction sleeve of at least one load cell is configured with a different surface texture than another load cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring buildings to detect harmful chemical or biological agents. Self-propelled harmful agent detectors are provided that can propel themselves using motors and self-contained power sources. On-board harmful agent sensors can detect the presence of harmful agents and transmit information for reception by a receiving unit. Some sensors can identify the type of agent and transmit the agent type. Some detectors can measure the intensity or concentration of the harmful agent presence and transmit that intensity. Some systems include locating devices for determining positions of the roaming detectors, as well as mapping software to map the location of the individual moving detectors. Systems may include software for plotting the relative concentrations of agents detected to locate the origination of the source within the building.

Abstract: A device for gas analysis with a sensor (5) and a measured gas pump (3). The sensor (5) can be connected in a simple manner both with the suction side (7) or the pressure side (8) of the measured gas pump (3). To accomplish the object, a plug-in adapter (6) is provided, which has a first measuring channel (14) that is in flow connection with the sensor (5), whereby the plug-in adapter (6) can be connected with the measured gas pump (3) in two positions in such a way that a connecting branch (13) of the first measuring channel (14) is connected in a first position of the plug-in adapter (6) on the pressure side (8) and in a second position on the suction side (7) of the measured gas pump (3).

Abstract: Gas chromatographs of the invention generally comprise four or more analysis channels. Specifically, four or more gas chromatography columns are configured for parallel analysis of four or more gaseous samples with detection being effected using a microdetector array comprising four or more microdetectors. In one embodiment, the four or more microdetectors 510 are microfabricated detectors, and are integrally formed with a substrate or with one or more microchip bodies mounted on a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, a microdetector array comprises four or more thermal conductivity detectors having one or more thin-film detection filaments. A preferred heated environment for highly parallel gas chromatographs is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sensor apparatus for a multiple layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gasket measures combustion pressures for detecting engine conditions. A membrane is positioned at one end of an elongated metal tube, and the membrane end of the tube engages a cylinder bore boundary. A fiber optical sensor apparatus is fixed within the tube, and communicates with cyclic combustion events via the membrane. In one disclosed embodiment, optical wires from sensor apparatus situated at each engine bore are bundled into a common groove machined into an extended spacer layer radially outwardly of the conventional boundary of the gasket. The tube protects the sensor apparatus from damage of sealing stress on the gasket, and particularly at the bore perimeter. Each tube lies in a separate groove in the spacer layer that terminates at the bore boundary. A converter changes optical signals received from the apparatus into electrical signals for transmittal to a controller.

Abstract: A monitoring system for chemical shipments having an apparatus for detection of a leak from a shipment vessel having a shroud. A first chemical sensor is in communication with a chamber of the shroud for detecting the presence of a substance leaking from the vessel. A second sensor is in communication with the ambient environment surrounding the shroud. A monitoring circuit in communication with the first chemical sensor and the second chemical sensor monitors a first chemical sensor output and a second chemical sensor output and signals an information unit dependant on the increase of at least one of the first and second chemical sensors. The information unit emits a signal to an alarm or output device in response to an increase of the magnitude and/or rate of increase of at least one of the first chemical sensor output and the second chemical sensor output. A physical sensor can be in combination with the monitoring circuit.

Abstract: A leak determining apparatus for an evaporated fuel treatment system is provided for executing a leak determination for an evaporated fuel treatment system without suspending it even in such a condition that variations in fuel could occur, thereby accurately providing a leak determination result. The leak determining apparatus calculates a reference differential pressure difference DDPZ as a difference between differential pressures of an inner tank pressure PTANK detected at two times in a leak check mode, i.e., a differential pressure DPZ2 and a differential pressure DPZ1 detected a predetermined slosh determination time before, and compares the reference differential pressure difference DDPZ with a slosh determining threshold value DDPZG to determine the presence or absence of sloshing.

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: A semiconductor torsional micro-electromechanical (MEM) switch is described having a conductive movable control electrode; an insulated semiconductor torsion beam attached to the movable control electrode, the insulated torsion beam and the movable control electrode being parallel to each other; and a movable contact attached to the insulated torsion beam, wherein the combination of the insulated torsion beam and the control electrode is perpendicular to the movable contact. The torsional MEM switch is characterized by having its control electrodes substantially perpendicular to the switching electrodes. The MEM switch may also include multiple controls to activate the device to form a single-pole, single-throw switch or a multiple-pole, multiple-throw switch. The method of fabricating the torsional MEM switch is fully compatible with the CMOS manufacturing process.

Abstract: A wheel bearing unit that measures the contact forces between the tire and the road under all driving situations including operation of the brake, and provides information for the vehicle operation control systems and for optimizing the braking process, the unit including first sensors arranged on the stationary part of the wheel bearing in order to measure the forces acting in the wheel bearing, and second sensors arranged on a support members for the disk-brake caliper for continuously determining the acting braking forces.

Abstract: A mass air flow sensor 10 including a housing 14, an air foil element 16, and at least one sensor element 22 mounted on the surface of the air foil element 16, whereby disruption to the air flow is minimized and performance of the mass air flow sensor 10 in lower air flows is improved.

Abstract: A flow sensor, which includes a diaphragm, is made such that the diaphragm is flat or outwardly deformed to allow fluid flow rate measurements at higher flow rates. The diaphragm is made of an upper set of insulating films, electric devices, and a lower set of insulating films. The component layers of the diaphragm are formed such that the average stress in the upper set of insulating films is more compressive than the average stress in the lower set of insulating films.