Abstract: Glass substrate comprising raised glass elements (20) placed over part of its area, characterized in that the glass elements (20) are intrinsically incorporated into the substrate. Advantageously, this substrate is used in a plasma screen for which the front face includes a first electrode array (13a, 13b) and the rear face, which consists of said structured substrate, includes a second electrode array (12) approximately perpendicular to the first array (13a, 13b) and placed on the external face (23) of the structured substrate, opposite the space (21) lying between the raised elements (20), while phosphors (16) occupy, surfacewise, the space (21) lying between the raised elements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a linearly or non-linearly tapered bore, with minor undulations within the bore wall, in vitreous tubing includes a laser and elements for focusing the laser onto the vitreous tubing. The vitreous tubing is rotated in the laser beam and is moved in the laser beam to provide a taper in the interior bore. The power of the laser beam is controlled and a lens, to provide a desired width of the beam at the vitreous tubing to produce the desired features, appropriately focuses the laser beam.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus consistent with the present invention use a beam of laser energy to concentrically form an optical preform from two or more concentric glass objects, such as two glass tubes or a hollow glass tube and a solid glass rod. The glass objects are placed in a concentric configuration where the outer object has an inner surface that is placed proximate to an outer surface of the inner object. Once these are assembled, a beam of laser energy is generated, positioned, and applied to a starting point in the gap defined by the inner surface and the outer surface. Once the laser beam is applied and is reflecting down into the gap, the beam of laser energy is moved relative to the starting point as the beam is concurrently applied. This heats the inner surface and outer surface so that the two objects can be joined to form the optical preform. In another aspect of the invention, a coating layer is disposed within the gap and can be heated by the laser as it is applied within the gap.

Abstract: An anti-PMD system comprises a pulley which oscillates in rotation and applies a torsion torque alternately in the clockwise direction and in the counterclockwise direction to an optical fiber during drawing of the optical fiber to reduce its PMD. A portion of a peripheral external surface of the pulley intended to be in contact with the optical fiber during drawing is convex.

Abstract: A tennis vest is formed from a circularly knit fabric tube having an extended turned welt at a bottom region of the vest to form outer and inner plies. The plies are sewn together along longitudinal lines to form two pockets. A pair of openings are knitted into the outer ply, each opening associated with one pocket. The pockets and openings are sized to accommodate a tennis ball in each pocket. The pockets are preferably located on a rear side of the garment.

Abstract: A machine for processing a pair of wetted knit fabric tubes from a common control simultaneously and independently. A pair of wetted knit tube processors are operatively connected to a frame, are disposed side-by-side to each other, and are spaced-apart from each other so as to form a common operator alleyway therebetween. A controller is accessible from the operator alleyway for convenient access to either of the processors eliminating an operator from having to walk around or duck under the processors to make adjustments to the processor requiring attention.

Abstract: A drum-type washing machine is equipped with a drying device, which increases condensing efficiency by increasing the contact of air flowing along a condensing duct with cooling water, and prevents water formed in a condensing duct from flowing into a fixed drum. The washing machine is equipped with a drying device, which includes a discharging duct to connect an outlet of a blowing fan with an air inlet of a fixed drum and provided with a heater therein, and a condensing duct to connect an air inlet of the fixed drum with an inlet of the blowing fan and provided with a condensing unit to remove moisture. The condensing unit includes a cooling water dispersion member disposed in the lower portion of the inside of the condensing duct and a cooling water supply pipe configured to supply cooling water to the cooling water dispersion member.

Abstract: A lock that is tamper resistant and includes a lock member. Two tubes are disposed on the lock member. Each of the two tubes extend generally outwardly therefrom and each define a bore therethrough. The lock includes a closure member which has two shafts. The two shafts are inserted through the two tubes and detachable within the lock member when the lock is an installed configuration. A locking mechanism detachably locks the closure member to the lock member when the lock is in the installed configuration wherein the two tubes substantially cover the two shafts.

Abstract: A storage unit for storing items has a base with an upstanding sidewall and a lid having a depending sidewall movably coupled to the base. An upwardly open groove is formed in the upstanding sidewall or the depending sidewall and is configured to receive one end of a tether, which can be disposed within an interior of the base or the lid to abut the upstanding sidewall or the depending sidewall. The lid or the base being configured to close at least a portion of the groove to prevent withdrawal of the one end of the tether from the interior of the base or the lid when the lid and the base are moved into the closed position thereof. A method of storing items is also provided.

Abstract: A mortise lockset apparatus (10) that includes a retractable bolt (20) movably supported within a case (12). A handle (18) is pivotally supported on a hub (16) supported in the case, the hub being operably connected to the retractable bolt. The bolt is retracted by turning the door handle. A lock-out mechanism (22) is configured to prevent the handle from being turned when the lock-out mechanism is in an engaged position. The handle lock-out mechanism also includes a cam (29) movably supported in the case and operably connected to a motor (30). A sliding stop (34) is movably supported in the case and is engageable with the handle hub to prevent the handle hub and the handle from turning. The sliding stop is also engageable with a cam surface (40) of the cam. The motor is configured to move the sliding stop by rotating the cam. The cam rotational axis (42) is disposed between diametrically opposed portions of the cam surface to minimize space requirements for the assembly.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by a coating which is the reaction product of a mixture comprising: a polyol, an isocyanate and an organic wax.

Abstract: A thread rolling machine forming a threaded member from a workpiece includes a die, a device for rotating the die, a device for generating a load applied to the die in a workpiece-feeding direction, a member that deforms under the applied load during a thread rolling operation, a strain gauge that generates a signal indicative of the deformation of the member under the applied load, and a computer that calculates the load applied during thread rolling operation based on the signal generated by the strain gauge. The computer can generate a feedback signal permitting control of the applied load generated by the thread rolling machine by controlling either the load generating device or the die-rotating device. An operating method for a thread rolling machine is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforcement device (1, 100), especially a reinforcement device useable in a machine for laminating rims for wheels of automotive vehicles, the machine comprising at least two substantially parallel laminating axles (21, 22, 121, 122), the reinforcement device (1, 100) being characterized by comprising a body (4, 101) associated to the housing (2, 102) of the lamination machine, the positioning of the body being variable with respect to the housing (2, 102), the body (4, 104) being provided with two bearings (41, 42, 141, 142) supportable on respective end regions of the axles (21, 22, 121, 122), so that the axles (21, 22, 121, 122) are maintained substantially parallel during the operation of laminating the rim, at least one bearing being moveable with respect to the reinforcement device by a moving means (51, 52, 150).

Abstract: A drive for reciprocating a roll stand of a pilger cold-rolling system has a crank rotatable about an axis transverse to a reciprocation direction of the stand and a tie rod having an outer end journaled on the stand and an inner end eccentrically journaled on the crank so that rotation of the crank reciprocates the stand in the direction. A compensating weight is fixed to the crank opposite the tie rod and orbits in a weight plane on rotation of the crank. A counterweight is offset along the weight plane from the crank. A drive connects the counterweight to the crank for orbiting the counterweight in the weight plane on rotation of the crank.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing structural components from an extruded section, especially consisting of Al, Mg or their alloys, which after its exit from the die of the extrusion press, is guided by one or a plurality of guide tools for the purpose of forming it as a straight or arc-shaped (rounded) section, an end section is separated by a separating tool and in the hot state, is fed by means of gripping tools to a hot-forming process and successively to one or a plurality of processing stations.

Abstract: A continuous extrusion machine has a chassis (1) supporting a wheel (2) for rotation by a motor. An endless groove (7) extends around the periphery of the wheel (2). A shoe (3) is mounted in the chassis (1) and has an enveloping surface shaped to closely envelop an arc of the wheel (2) periphery so that the groove (7) co-operates with the shoe (3) to form a passage. An abutment is mounted on the shoe (3) to extend into the passage at a downstream end. Tooling is mounted in the shoe (3) including a die such that a material such as aluminium or copper bar fed into the groove (7) is extruded through the die as a consequence of the energy transfer via friction from the rotating wheel (2). A gap (12) exists between the enveloping surface and the wheel (2). The gap (12) is used to provide the orifice of a sonic gap (12) sensor whereby the size of the gap (12) can be accurately and directly measured.

Abstract: A vehicle frame straightening apparatus includes a substantially upright post adapted to engage a rail mounted transversely to a series of rails fixed to the floor on which the vehicle rests, and adapted to apply pressure between the floor and outward on a deformity in the frame from under the vehicle by a ram engaged therebetween. A holding assembly for holding the vehicle in position engages the vehicle frame from the outside and engages a second rail mounted transversely to the rails fixed to the floor. Preferably the post includes a substantially upright lower portion and an upper portion pivotally attached thereto in order to extend its height, wherein the lower portion does not exceed the ground clearance of the vehicle. Thus, the post may be placed into position against the deformity from beside the vehicle without requiring an increase in the vehicle's ground clearance.

Abstract: A collision repair rack is provided. The rack includes a platform and a plurality of pivotally mounted arms which arms and associated pulling towers can be moved to positions on either side of the rack in addition to being positionable at an end of the rack. The arms are mounted in a manner to allow the arms to remain generally in the same plane while providing a high degree of freedom of movement of the arms.

Abstract: A stereo imaging based vision system to monitor the area on the two sides of either a door and control door motion according to the motion of 3D objects in the viewing area. The system calibrated to provide heights above the ground plane for any point in the field of view. Therefore, when any object enters the field of view, it generates interest points called “features”, the heights of which are measured relative to the ground plane. These points are then clustered in 3D space to provide “objects”. These objects are then tracked in multiple frames to provide “trajectories”. Such a system could then control the door motion (open, close, stall) based on the various pieces of information generated about the object.

Abstract: A measuring head for the determination of the concentration of a paramagnetic gas in a gas sample has first and second housing parts (21, 2) made of a steel alloy for accommodating a magnet coil body (4, 5) each. The magnet coil bodies extend concentrically around the central axis of each housing part (21, 2). Metallic bars (31, 3), which are used as magnet poles for the measuring head, are located at spaced locations with a defined air gap in the assembled state of the measuring head. The bars are arranged in the center of the measuring head in the area of the central axis of the housing parts (21, 2). A sample gas cuvette support (6) is provided in the air gap between the housing parts (21, 2) for positioning a sample gas cuvette holder (1). The sample gas cuvette support (6) is provided with a gas inlet and gas outlet (8, 81).

Abstract: Fabrication of a quantum dot functional structure having ultra-fine particles homogeneously distributed in a transparent medium includes depositing such particles having a single particle diameter and uniform structure onto a substrate with the transparent medium.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting contaminants in or on objects, having a movably mounted container for holding objects and having a plurality of perforations and an entrance opening through which objects may be placed into the container. A housing encloses the container and forms a barrier to ambient air. There is a sealable opening for inserting and removing objects from the container. A drive assembly moves the container within the housing to move objects therein for emitting particles which are in or on such object. There is an air stream for moving air through the housing and container to entrain any emitted particles into the air stream and a sensor for sensing contaminants in the air stream and providing a signal when a contaminant is sensed. The container can be a rotatable cage or a vibrating box. In the method, there is a chamber provided which may be sealed with respect to ambient air to create an enclosed atmosphere.

Abstract: A pump housing that contains a pump that draws fuel from an underground storage tank containing fuel to deliver to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The pump is coupled to a double-walled fuel pipe that carries the fuel from the pump to the fuel dispensers. The double-walled fuel piping contains an inner annular space that carries the fuel and an outer annular space that captures any leaked fuel from the inner annular space. The outer annular space is maintained through the fuel piping from the pump to the fuel dispensers so that the outer annular space can be pressurized by a pump to determine if a leak exists in the outer annular space or so that fuel leaked from the inner annular space can be captured by a leak containment chamber in the pump housing.

Abstract: A device is provided for evaluating the signal from a viscosity sensor having an amplifying circuit. The amplification of the amplifying circuit is controlled by a temperature signal from a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A spark plug for accommodating a pressure sensor. A connecting channel for extending a connecting line of the sensor extends in a housing and in a central section of the insulating core of the spark plug. As a result of this setup, the connecting line is extended in a protected manner in the region of the spark plug.

Abstract: A deviation DGAIR between a first induction air volume GAIRTH that is calculated (S10) based on a detected value (Gair) of an air flow meter and a second induction air volume GAIRPB that is calculated (S12) based on an absolute pressure (PBA) is calculated (S14), and a mean value DGAIRAVE of the deviation DGAIR is calculated (S16, S18), whereby when a difference DDGAIR between the deviation DGAIR and the mean value DGAIRAVE is larger than a predetermined value DGAIL1 (or when a correction mode AFMMODE is 1), secondary air is determined to be supplied to an engine, and the first induction air volume GAIRTH is then corrected (S24, S26).

Abstract: A detecting unit has a housing with a chamber, a cover, an air valve, a circuit board, a detecting assembly and a ground. The cover is attached to the housing to close the chamber. The circuit board is received in the chamber of the housing and has a signal processing unit mounted on the circuit board. The signal processing unit has a reset terminal. The ground is mounted on the circuit board and is electrically connected to the air valve. Accordingly, the signal processing unit will be reset when the reset terminal is electrically connected to the air valve.

Abstract: A pressure detecting device has a main control unit, at least one pressure detecting unit and a display. The display is electrically connected to a main controller of the main control unit and has at least one illustrating and illuminating symbol to show the condition of tire detected by the pressure detecting unit. Each illustrating and illuminating symbol has multiple symbol elements, such that the condition in the tire can be exactly shown to the user with the illustrating and illuminating symbols on the display.

Abstract: A method of regulating at least one variable characterizing the vehicle dynamics,

Abstract: There is described an analyzing device having two separation units to separate molecular species to detect molecular species in wellbore fluids with both separation units operating under forced flow conditions to provide for an active separation of subterranean wellbore effluent into its components for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing at least one force on a downhole tool connected in a workstring, according to which a mandrel is connected in the workstring and is subjected to the force. Two or more sensors sense axial or torsional force on the mandrel and are connected in an electrical circuit to convert the sensed force to an output signal.

Abstract: A flow sensor (1) is constituted by a substrate (4) having a front surface (4a) side facing a channel (3) for a measurement target fluid (2), and a channel forming member (5) and a plate (6) disposed oppositely across the substrate (4). The substrate (4) is formed of stainless steel having a thickness of about 50 &mgr;m to 150 &mgr;m into a plate. An electric insulating film is formed on that surface (4b) of the substrate (4) which is opposite to the channel (3) side, and a temperature detection sensor (7) for measuring the flow velocity (flow rate) of the fluid (2), an ambient temperature sensor (8), an electrode pad (9), and a thin metal film (10) for wiring are formed on it.

Abstract: A level detection apparatus includes a wave guide or discrete sensors mounted in an outer flexible housing. A weight is attached to a distal end of the outer housing. A biasing spring is coupled to the opposite end of the outer housing for exerting a force on the outer housing to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the outer housing to maintain the weight in close proximity to the bottom surface of an enclosure in which the apparatus is mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micromechanical inertial sensor that comprises three component planes, namely a bottom part (12), a center part (11) and a cover part (13). The center part (11) is a silicon wafer in which a cardan-type structure (14) with two oscillating elements (15, 16) is formed. A plate (17, 18) is formed in the silicon wafer which can be pivoted about a rotational axis lying in the wafer plane. Metallized portions or conductive layers (19, 20, 21, 22) form an exciter unit and set the cardan-type structure oscillating. The inventive sensor further comprises a device for detecting the displacement of the plate (17, 18). Said structures represent a sensor module with a rotational rate sensor and at least one acceleration sensor that are produced by means of the same method.

Abstract: A device for acceleration measurement is proposed, in which measuring signals from a two-dimensional sensor from different measuring directions are combined with one another and then jointly evaluated in an evaluation circuit. This evaluation is carried out, for example, using a threshold-value discriminator, in order to perform a plausibility check for a crash detection.

Abstract: Method of determining the thickness of a lubricant film disposed between two bodies by measuring and performing a frequency spectrum analysis on a reflected or transmitted part of an ultrasound wave propagated towards said film.

Abstract: Brittleness of a coating substance such as a coating film that is too brittle and/or too thin to be independently removed or handled is rated on the basis of an outcome of detection of acoustic emissions which are produced when a test film piece prepared by laminating a support with the coating substance is deformed by a compression transverse test device and detected by an AE sensor attached to the test film.

Abstract: In a method and a device for the ultrasonic monitoring of overlapping welded joints between a first sheet (44) and a second sheet (46 pulses are irradiated at an angle of between 15 and 80° into the first sheet (44) by means of a first rotating probe head (28), which a) is arranged on a mount (20), b) has a tyre (80) rotating about the axle body (50), coupled to the ultrasound transmitter (58) and rolling along the first sheet (44), parallel to the overlapping welded joint (78). On ultrasound investigation of the overlapping welded joint (78) the impulses transmitted to the second sheet (46) are received by means of a second receiving rotating probe head (30), of similar construction to the first rotating probe head (28).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compensated pressure transducer having a pressure transducer connected to a coarse temperature adjustment compensator and to a fine temperature adjustment compensator. The coarse temperature adjustment compensator includes an analog circuit and the fine temperature adjustment compensator includes a digital circuit. A preamplifier is connected between the pressure transducer and the fine temperature adjustment compensator.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device for measuring the pressure of a fluid, comprising: a measurement diaphragm which is at least partially made of semiconductor material, is provided with a first surface and a second surface which are exposed respectively to a first pressure and to a second pressure, and undergoes a deformation following the application of the first pressure and of the second pressure; and a resonant element made of semiconductor material which is provided with a first end portion and with a second end portion for mechanically coupling the resonant element to the measurement diaphragm, the oscillation frequency of the resonant element varying according to the deformation to which the measurement diaphragm is subjected; and first circuit means for generating a sensing signal which is indicative of the oscillation frequency of the resonant element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the actuation energy generated by a bimetallic actuator during transit between first and second states of stability. The apparatus and method further determining the threshold or set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit between bi-stable states. Accordingly, the apparatus and method directly measure both the snap force F and the set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the actuation energy generated by a bimetallic actuator during transit between first and second states of stability. The apparatus and method further determining the threshold or set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit between bi-stable states. Accordingly, the apparatus and method directly measure both the snap force F and the set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the actuation energy generated by a bimetallic actuator during transit between first and second states of stability. The apparatus and method further determining the threshold or set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit between bi-stable states. Accordingly, the apparatus and method directly measure both the snap force F and the set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the actuation energy generated by a bimetallic actuator during transit between first and second states of stability. The apparatus and method further determining the threshold or set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit between bi-stable states. Accordingly, the apparatus and method directly measure both the snap force F and the set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting, locating and quantifying a physical phenomena such as strain or a deformation in a structure. A minimum resolvable distance along the structure is selected and a quantity of laterally adjacent conductors is determined. Each conductor includes a plurality of segments coupled in series which define the minimum resolvable distance along the structure. When a deformation occurs, changes in the defined energy transmission characteristics along each conductor are compared to determine which segment contains the deformation.

Abstract: An unbonded capping system is provided for compression testing of grout samples in the form of rectangular prisms. The capping system comprises first and second retaining cups comprising metal blocks each having opposite parallel planar surfaces. A first of the planar surfaces is engagable by a test platen, in use. A second of the planar surfaces has a rectangular cavity for receiving one end of the grout sample. First and second rectangular compression pads each have a hardness in the range of about 50-70 durometer. The compression pads are of a size slightly smaller than a size of the rectangular cavities to be received therein to distribute a test load from the test platens to the grout sample.

Abstract: A flow meter comprises an inflow chamber having a first fluid inlet, an outflow chamber housed in the inflow chamber and having a second fluid inlet, which is in fluid communication with the inflow chamber, and a fluid outlet by which fluid can drain from the outflow chamber, and a sensing device having a elongate sensor which is positioned at, or adjacent to and downstream of, the second fluid inlet. The second fluid inlet is of limited dimensions so that, in use, a head of fluid is formed in the inflow chamber and the flow rate of the fluid passing through the second fluid inlet is monitored based on the extent of the elongate sensor which is covered by the fluid.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a measuring apparatus (1) is thus proposed to determine the flow (Q) of a fluid (2), which comprises a hollow body (3), which has an inflow (4) and an outflow (5) for the fluid (2). A magnetic sample (6) is movably arranged in the hollow body (3) and can be acted upon with a working pressure by the fluid (2).

Abstract: This sensor (10) generates accurate measuring results, for example with an error in the order of 0.5% of the measuring value, hat has mimimized production costs as well as a shorter overall length compared to that of conventional sensors. The sensor has two parallel V shaped measuring tubes (1, 2) each being of one-piece construction. Each tube has a straight inlet portion (11, 21), a straight outlet portion (12, 22), an inlet bend (13, 23) connected with the inlet portion, an outlet bend (14, 24) connected with the outlet portion, a straight tube portion (15, 25) connected with the inlet bend, a straight tube portion (16, 26) connected with the outlet bend, and a vertex bend (17, 27) connected with the first and second straight tube portions. The inlet portions (11, 21) are fixed in an inlet manifold (18) and the outlet portions in an outlet manifold (19); the manifolds (18, 19) are mounted in a support frame (30) which forms part of a housing (3).

Abstract: Devices for determining at least one parameter of a flowing medium having an inner pipe according to the related art have the disadvantage that whirls are formed, which causes increased signal noise at the measuring element and pressure drop.