Abstract: An electrically-operated steering lock device which is capable of unlocking the steering shaft even when steering wheel torque is applied to the steering shaft. The electrically-operated steering lock device comprises the lock bolt for locking the steering shaft. The lock bolt is composed of a first lock bolt which is pivotably held on one radial side in a neighborhood of the steering shaft and which has a protruding piece to be engaged on its inner peripheral side with a receiving portion of the steering shaft, and a second lock bolt which is pivotably held on the other radial side in the neighborhood of the steering shaft, which is rotatable to a protrusion position and a retreat position along with the first lock bolt and which has a protruding piece to be engaged on its inner peripheral side with the receiving portion of the steering shaft.

Abstract: A latch assembly having at least one control element having one path of motion in which a ratchet is moved to an unlatched position and another path of motion in which the ratchet is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element dependent upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the control element or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element moves the ratchet by contact with a pawl which itself can be engaged with the ratchet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two or more unlatching inputs are capable of unlatching the latch assembly. However, two or more of these inputs are in series rather than in parallel so that the number of paths ending at the element or device holding the latch in its latched state is preferably fewer than the number of unlatching inputs to the latch assembly.

Abstract: This snap-in lock retention system allows a lock to be snap fit into an escutcheon plate in a secure mount that holds the lock irremovably in place in a proper position so that it cannot rotate or slide axially inward or outward. It eliminates the need for any fastener, since the complete locking effect is supplied by the interlocking shapes of the lock and lock socket. The lock socket has a pair of alignment flats to receive the lock in a proper orientation and an opposed pair of resilient snap locks. The resilient snap locks are free to move radially in and out by virtue of a slot that partially separates the snap locks from the rest of the escutcheon plate. The lock barrel has a cam surface leading up to the diameter that fits in the lock socket. This diameter includes a pair of alignment flats and an opposed pair of snap lock flats. As the lock is inserted, the cam surface spreads open the resilient snap locks.

Abstract: In a cylinder lock with a variable key, plug (6) engages with casing (1) at two portions in preventing plug (6) from rotating in locking state. This improves the lock in resistance to attack. Plug (6) has holes (8) each receiving a tumbler plate (11) and variable tumbler (14) side by side therein. When plug (6) is rotated to have a bulged portion (21) of side bar holder (19) abut against concave portion (2) of casing (1), spring (25) forces end portion (26) of plate (11) to enter receiving hole (9) of plug (6), and forces a bulged portion (21) of holder (19) to engage with concave portion (2) of casing (1), whereby engaging portion (13) of plate (11) is disengaged from an engaged portion (15) of variable tumbler (14). After such disengagement, variable tumbler (14) is rotated through an angle to change the key code to a new one.

Abstract: A method for applying PAM to soil wherein said PAM is intermixed, impregnated and/or applied to solid carriers.

Abstract: An amended granular fertilizer and a method for applying an amended granular fertilizer to soil wherein a soil stabilizer is intermixed, impregnated, and/or applied to the granular fertilizer.

Abstract: A controlled release product is provided having a suppressed initial release period and a predetermined longevity. The product includes a particulate water soluble core material and a semi-permeable coating layer applied on the core material for controlling the release rate of the core material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing scale from strips in a mill train, by means of a descaling device (3) and a finishing train (1) arranged in the direction of movement of said strips (4) behind the descaling device (3). According to the invention, the upper and lower sides (5, 6) of the strip (4) are impinged upon by water under pressure inside the descaling device (3) and in the mill train. The aim of the invention is to reduce the disadvantageous effects of the different temperatures and different scale growth between the upper and lower sides (5, 6) of the strip (4) inside the finishing train. According to the invention, a symmetrical temperature distribution on the upper and lower sides (5, 6) of the strip (4) is produced inside the descaling device (3) and is kept as constant as possible inside the finishing train (1).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for real-time adjustment of a planisher (1) for planishing metal strips (5), which consists, after the planished strip has been cut into a plate, in measuring said plate at the output of the planisher outside a support zone, correcting said measurement so as to eliminate the influence due to selfweight of the plate, and correcting, as the case may be, the clamping of the rollers located at the planer output so as to obtain a plate with controlled curve.

Abstract: An extruder includes a container having a main bore for receiving billets, a die and a piston. The container is formed with at least one gas release vent opening into the main bore at a position intermediate between the extruding end of the bore and a midpoint of the bore's length. Each gas release vent has a valve for allowing selective release of trapped gas. This structure allows venting of gases in such a manner as to allow sequential loading of billets without removal of scrap between them.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending and transporting an aluminum metal sheet. The bending apparatus includes a central retaining portion that has gripping elements mounted on the central retaining portion for retaining an aluminum metal sheet. There is also included a bending mechanism that is mounted to the central retaining portion. The bending mechanism is capable of axial movement in relation to a central axis of the central retaining portion for imparting a curvature to an aluminum metal sheet.

Abstract: A method of stretch forming an aluminum metal sheet that includes the steps of placing an aluminum metal sheet in a hot forming tool, forming a shaped part at an elevated temperature, removing the hot shaped part from the forming tool, and thereafter transferring the hot shaped part to a cooling fixture. The transfer and removal steps are performed at a speed that is variable based on a correlation of the temperature and strength of the aluminum metal sheet and the speed at which the hot shaped part may be transferred without distortion of its shape due to inertia.

Abstract: A heated metal forming tool including an un-heated mounting plate that is attached to a press. A tool detail is attached to the mounting plate. Insulation surrounds the tool detail to thermally isolate it from the mounting plate, and from the tool surroundings. The tool detail is heated internally by heaters disposed in zones within the tool detail. The temperature of various portions of the tool detail can be independently controlled by varying the temperature within any of the zones.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a bending method for a multi-layered pipe according to which a multi-layered pipe can be bent while maintaining a stable gap between an inner pipe and an outer pipe and between outer pipes. In this method, an inside mandrel is inserted into the inner pipe of the multi-layered pipe, a tubular outside mandrel is inserted into the annular space between the inner pipe and outer pipe, the multi-layered pipe is clamped to a bending die by a clamping die, the multi-layered pipe is held at the rear of a bending portion of the multi-layered pipe by a pressure die and a crease-removing die, and the multi-layered pipe is bent by causing the clamping die to revolve around the bending die.

Abstract: A self-contained stock lifter is particularly adapted for use in multiple station, progressive metal forming dies and the like, and includes a base plate with two vertical through holes adjacent opposite sides, and a vertical spring unit aperture located between the through holes. The stock lifter also includes a lifter bar having two vertical through holes in vertical registry with the base plate through holes. Two rigid guide shafts are mounted in the base plate through holes to permit the lifter bar to reciprocate in a manner which selectively lifts stock in the die to permit longitudinal shifting of the stock along the multiple die stations. A spring unit has a base retained in the spring unit aperture, and a reciprocating rod biased outwardly, with a free end abutting a central portion of the lifter bar to shift the lifter bar to an extended position, thereby defining a fully self-contained unit that can be readily mounted in and removed from the die to reduce manufacturing and repair costs.

Abstract: A portable cam and lever actuated press which utilizes the substantial force available from an air spring to actuate one or more lever arms. The substantial force available from an air spring and the specialty cam system provided allows the device to perform clinching, crimping, punching, stenciling, riveting, stamping, holding, or other operations which would normally be performed with much larger and heavier equipment when the proper punches and dies are installed onto the lever arms. The unit operates pneumatically without the need for hydraulics or hydraulically assisted components.

Abstract: A tube bender comprising a mandrel, a forming member connected to the mandrel for coaction with the mandrel to effectuate bending of a tube wherein the forming member has at least two bending positions defined thereon, a handle pivotally connected to said forming member, and a release member movable relative to said handle and configured to be secured in a locked position relative to said forming member when said handle is selectively moved to any of one said at least two bending positions thereby preventing relative movement between said handle and said forming member. The release member enables an operator to move the release member to an unlocked position to permit such operator to move the handle relative to the forming member between the at least two bending positions.

Abstract: A device for measuring a volume of liquid drug. The device includes a first chamber containing liquid drug, a measurement chamber in liquid communication with the first chamber, and a measurement assembly.

Abstract: A method for evaluating particle concentrations in the atmosphere of a clean room or of a machine mini-environment is described. The method includes exposing a test surface of a test substrate to the atmosphere for a test time, capturing an amount of particles at the test surface of the substrate at the end of the test time, analyzing the amount of captured particles, and comparing the analyzed amount of particles with a reference amount of particles from a reference substrate. An evaluation of the atmosphere of the room or environment can thus be accomplished in a relatively short time.

Abstract: A vapor sensing device that is sufficiently small and lightweight to be handheld, and also modular so as to allow the device to be conveniently adapted for use in sensing the presence and concentration of a wide variety of specified vapors. The device provides these benefits using a sensor module that incorporates a sample chamber and a plurality of sensors located on a chip releasably carried within or adjacent to the sample chamber. Optionally, the sensor module can be configured to be releasably plugged into a receptacle formed in the device. Vapors are directed to pass through the sample chamber, whereupon the sensors provide a distinct combination of electrical signals in response to each. The sensors of the sensor module can take the form of chemically sensitive resistors having resistances that vary according to the identity and concentration of an adjacent vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting biological aerosols from an air sample is provided comprising an air intake assembly adapted to draw the air sample into the apparatus, a separation section coupled to the intake assembly and adapted to separate aerosol particles from the air sample, a capture section coupled to the separation section and adapted to transport the aerosol particles in a stream of liquid, and a hydrophobic membrane disposed between the separation section and the capture section and adapted to establish a controllable air/fluid boundary therebetween.

Abstract: A water sensing wire for a cable. The water sensing wire has a conductor and a water permeable insulation surrounding the conductor. The conductor is formed by a plurality of metal wires. The water sensing wire may also have a plurality of filaments contained inside the water permeable insulation. Longitudinal and/or radial application of stresses cannot cause damage to the water sensing wire because damage can be avoided by the deformable cross section of the sensor conductor and by the reinforcement provided through the filaments. The water sensing wire is particularly useful in power cables but may also be used in telecommunication cables or optical fibres.

Abstract: A viscosity testing and stirring device includes a rigid, elongated member having a viscosity testing opening defined therethrough. In one embodiment, the member has a generally V-shaped cross-section along at least a portion of its length. In another embodiment, the member has a tear-drop shaped opening. In yet another embodiment, the member has a non-flat cross-section along at least a portion of its length. The member functions as a stirrer and the opening is used to test the viscosity of a liquid. A method for testing the viscosity of a liquid is also provided.

Abstract: A rheometer has a rotor comprising a shaft which is seated with play in a recess of a bearing block and is supported contact-free in a radial and/or axial direction by an external air cushion which acts in a bearing section. To provide for simple and inexpensive production of an air bearing having a high loading capacity, the wall of the recess in the bearing section is continuous without bore-holes, and consists of air-permeable material. The bearing air loads the side of the wall facing away from the shaft and penetrates through the wall.

Abstract: An oil content measuring device measures the oil content of a refrigerant in a supercritical or a vapor phase state. A refrigeration system uses the oil content measuring device. The oil content measuring device has an electrostatic capacity measuring device for measuring an electrostatic capacity of the refrigerant containing a refrigerating machine oil, a density measuring device for measuring a density of at least one of the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil, a computing device for performing a computation on correlation characteristics between the electrostatic capacity and an oil content which indicates the ratio of the amount of the refrigerating machine oil to the amount of the refrigerant containing the refrigerating machine oil, using the density measured by the density measuring device. An oil content determining device determines an oil content at the measuring time from an electrostatic capacity using the correlation characteristics obtained by the computing device.

Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.

Abstract: A method for evaluating energy transmission from an axle through a vehicle suspension system. The methodology employs a torsional actuator to apply input energy to the vehicle in a manner that mimics the energy that is generated by the axle during the operation of the vehicle so that both the driving load and the vibration induced by gearset motion variation are simulated. Since the energy input can be quantified and monitored, the same amount of torque can be applied during each test to permit the technician to fully comprehend differences in the designs of several axles on the transmission of noise and vibration.

Abstract: A valve operation controller for an internal combustion engine is provided for optimally setting a valve opening timing and a valve closing timing for an intake valve in accordance with an operating state of the internal combustion engine to improve the fuel efficiency and power of the internal combustion engine, eliminate fuel stagnation in the intake valve and sticking of the intake valve with its valve seat, and reduce the cost and weight. The valve operation controller controls open/close operations of exhaust valves (EV1, EV2) and first and second intake valves (IV1, IV2) arranged in one cylinder (4). An electromagnetic valve operating mechanism (5) electromagnetically opens/closes the first intake valve (IV1). A cam type valve operating mechanism (6) opens/closes the second intake valve (IV2) with an intake cam (11) arranged on a cam shaft (10) driven in synchronism with rotation of the internal combustion engine (3).

Abstract: An electromechanical brake tightening device for a rail vehicle, includes a brake actuator to apply and release brakes. The actuator has a power converter to convert energy supplied by the brake actuator to a brake application movement. The power converter includes a shear force measuring bolt and/or a brake lever, arranged in a power transmission path of the converter to measure braking power.

Abstract: A transmitter has a tire condition sensor, a transmission circuit, a voltage sensor and an electricity control circuit. The tire condition sensor detects the condition of a tire. The voltage sensor detects a voltage of the battery. During a period from when the tire condition sensor detects the condition of the tire to when the transmission circuit starts transmitting the data, the electricity control circuit performs a transmission preparation process to gradually increase electricity supplied to the transmission circuit from a battery, thereby gradually increasing a radio wave output of the transmission circuit. If the value of the voltage detected by the voltage sensor is lowered to a lowest operation voltage of the transmitter during the transmission preparation process, the electricity control circuit limits the supply of electricity to the transmission circuit from the battery.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring and reporting instrument is mounted within a valve stem and has a valve cap. A single circuit can be provided having an LED, a sounder, a battery and a switch. A dual stage system, or a continuously variable system can be implemented by using a dual stage pressure switch or a continuously variable pressure switch. The battery may be housed within the cap and electrical contacts between the cap and stem allow discontinuation of the circuit or changing of the battery.

Abstract: A solution is to provide a tire air pressure monitor comprising: tire air pressure sensors and transmitters which are respectively annexed to tires; two receiving antennas which receive a transmitting signal from each of the transmitters; phase shifters which shift signal phases received from the receiving antennas respectively by control voltages; a synthesizer which synthesizes outputs from the phase shifters; and a meter which detects an output level from the synthesizer, wherein, the two receiving antennas are arranged so that receiving phase differences between the receiving antennas as to the transmitting signal from each of the transmitters are made different, the control voltages for the phase shifters are respectively obtained in advance, which maximize the output level from the synthesizer, as to respective tire mounting positions, and stores an association table relating each of the tire mounting positions to the control voltages, and the control voltages are controlled so that the output level fro

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for performing a measurement of a continuous sheet. At least one measurement of the sheet is performed by at least one sensor, an estimate of the sampling function of the sensor being available. The solution comprises means for performing deconvolution using at least one iteration of an algorithm which corresponds to the deconvolution, and the means are arranged to perform the deconvolution of the at least one measurement with the estimate of sampling function. The solution can be applied in a CD-measurement of a continuous sheet. The solution can also be applied in controlling production of a continuous sheet.

Abstract: A device for detecting a mass of a flowing fluid is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a fluid sampling portion and a circuit cavity portion. The fluid sampling portion is positionable within a fluid carrying duct and includes a flow passage. A nozzle is in fluid communication with the flow passage, wherein the nozzle has a nozzle exit. An electrical element is disposed in the flow passage proximate to the nozzle exit. Further, a circuit module is in communication with the electrical element and disposed in the circuit cavity portion for detecting a change in an electrical property of the electrical element, wherein the detected change in the electrical property is used to determine the mass of the flowing fluid. Finally, a homogenous lead frame having a connector pin portion and an electrical attachment portion for providing an electrical path from the electrical element and circuit module to the connector pin portion is provided.

Abstract: A flow rate sensor has a problem that a resistance value of a heat generating resistor itself varies and sensor characteristics are changed during use of the sensor for a long term. Also, the temperature of the heat generating resistor must be adjusted on a circuit substrate with a resistance constituting one side of a fixed temperature difference control circuit, and this has been one of factors pushing up the production cost. All resistances used for fixed temperature difference control are formed on the same substrate as temperature sensitive resistors of the same material. This enables all the resistances for the fixed temperature difference control to be exposed to the same environmental conditions. Hence, even when the resistances change over time, the changes over time occur substantially at the same tendency. Since the resistances for the fixed temperature difference control change over time essentially at the same rate, a resulting output error is very small.

Abstract: A microgyroscope tunable against an external translational acceleration includes an oscillating mass floating over a wafer to oscillate in a first direction, a driving electrode for oscillating the oscillating mass, a sensing mass oscillating together with the oscillating mass and concurrently moving in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, a sensing electrode for sensing a motion of the sensing mass, and a sensing electrode supporting portion for movably securing the sensing electrode so that the sensing electrode can move in the second direction with the sensing mass. A microgyroscope according to the present invention is able to prevent sensing signals due to an external disturbance, such as noise or impulse.

Abstract: A tunnel effect nanodetector. A gold plated sensor pin is single crystal silicon. A gold plated sensor membrane is polycrystalline silicon over a pin. Through holes are in the membrane and gold. Corrugations are along membrane boundaries. The nanodetector includes a unit for maintenance of gap between the pin and membrane. The unit includes a deflection electrode and tunnel current limiter. Gold on the membrane is connected to an input voltage. Gold on the pin is connected to a tunnel current amplifier and tunnel current limiter, the output of which is connected to the deflection electrode. The capacitance measuring unit is connected to the deflection electrode and gold on the membrane. The tunnel current amplifier and capacitance measuring unit are connected to an A/D converter. The sensor, gap maintenance unit, tunnel current amplifier, capacitance measuring unit and A/D converter are a monolithic integrated circuit. The nanodetector electronics are polycrystalline silicon.

Abstract: A method for selecting trees for harvest according to a predetermined criterion is provided which includes at least the steps of applying a vibrative member to the tree, vibrating the vibrative member, determining the resonance properties of the vibrative member, calculating an observed quality factor associated with the vibrative member vibrations, and, comparing the observed quality factor with a predetermined relationship between the quality factor and the tree selection criterion. A portable tree probe, suitable for field use, is also provided.

Abstract: A method for assessing the particle size of a bulk particulate material (1), such as powdered or granular material includes transmitting sound energy (as herein defined) through the particulate material (1) from a source (2) to a detector (3), and assessing the particle size from the time taken to pass through the material from the source (2) to detector (3) or signal velocity, through the material (1). Typically the signal is a frequency or frequencies in the range about 20 Hz to 20 kHz (but higher frequencies are envisaged), and the particulate material may be in a moving production stream of the particulate material (1). Apparatus is also claimed.

Abstract: A method for ultrasound measurement of the layer thickness of thin-walled tubes includes utilizing a high-frequency probe (more than 40 MHz) with a coupling area having a planar area surface. The area surface is coupled to the tube surface that is wetted with a coupling agent by way of a contact method. The inventive method is used for duplex or liner layers of 0.15 mm thickness of reactor fuel cladding tubes.

Abstract: A vibration measuring apparatus (10) inlcudes an accelerometer (12) which is contained within a surface micromachined integrated chip, and signal processing means including a high pass filter (14), a low pass filter (16) and an integrator (18).

Abstract: Pressure sensor includes a casing having a pressure detection chamber, a diaphragm for receiving pressure of a measuring object and disposed on the casing, and a pressure detection element. The pressure detection chamber is filled with a liquid, and the diaphragm contacts the liquid. The pressure detection element is disposed in the pressure detection chamber to receive the pressure of the liquid. The diaphragm has a plate shape with a radius of R and includes a circumference and a center of the plate. The circumference is fixed to the casing. The diaphragm further includes a corrugate disposed concentrically with the center of the diaphragm and having a half circular cross-section and a top of the half circle. The top of the corrugate is disposed within a distance of 0.6 R from the center of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A probe 10,170 is provided that measures the speed of sound and/or vortical disturbances propagating in a single phase fluid flow and/or multiphase mixture to determine parameters, such as mixture quality, particle size, vapor/mass ratio, liquid/vapor ratio, mass flow rate, enthalpy and volumetric flow rate of the flow in a pipe or unconfined space, for example, using acoustic and/or dynamic pressures. The probe includes a spatial array of unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1-xN disposed axially along a tube 14.for measuring at least one parameter of a saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12, such as steam, flowing in the tube 14. The pressure sensors 15-18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t)-PN(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound amix propagating through of the saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12 in the tube 14 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques.

Abstract: A load sensing hydraulic system includes two pumps, at least one hydraulic fluid consumer, and a pressure balance circuit. In the case of no demand from the consumer, hydraulic fluid flows from the pumps through the pressure balance circuit and to tank. In the case of demand from the consumer for hydraulic fluid at a flow rate less than or equal to the flow rate provided by the first pump, hydraulic fluid from the first pump flows to the consumer, and hydraulic fluid from the second pump flows to the tank. In the case of a demand from the consumer for hydraulic fluid at a flow rate greater than the capacity of the first pump, hydraulic fluid from both pumps flow to the consumer.

Abstract: A sensor pad for controlling the deployment of an automobile airbag. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in the seat 54 of an automobile, (not illustrated), to detect the presence of an occupant on the seat. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in conjunction with the vehicle's airbag control module in order to allow deployment of the airbag, in the event of a collision, only if the seat is occupied by a person of a preselected weight. Weight sensing pad 10 is defined by a bladder member 15 having an interior volume subdivided into a plurality of individual cells 42 in fluid communication with each other and that is filled with a non-compressible fluid 18, such as silicon or a silica gel of medium viscosity. A pressure tube 22 is in fluid communication with bladder 15 and is in further fluid communication with a pressure activated electronic transducer 26 which in turn is in electronic communication with the airbag controller 30.

Abstract: A shear test apparatus for testing a shear characteristic of a curved panel is provided. The shear test apparatus includes a frame made up of first and second curved side bearing members for bearing a pair of curved sides of the curved panel and first and second flat side bearing members for bearing a pair of flat sides of the curved panel. The second curved side bearing member has an arm extending in a direction perpendicular to the face of the curved panel. The arm has an external force loading point in a position coincident with the center of shear of the curved panel, to prevent twisting of the curved panel.

Abstract: A control system is operable to selectably activate shock damping devices associated with a bicycle so as to eliminate bobbing encountered under extreme pedaling conditions. The system includes a crank axle torque detector which operates to detect a level of torque applied to a crank axle and provide a control signal corresponding to the level of torque. A shock damping device is coupled to the frame of the cycle, and functions to absorb and dampen mechanical shocks communicated to the frame. The shock damping device includes an activator for controlling its damping function. The activator is operable to receive the control signal from the crank axle torque detector and control the shock damping device in response thereto. The control signal may be an electrical or a mechanical signal.

Abstract: A contact type rotation sensor includes a contact brush having a contact and an electrical resistor disposed for sliding motion relative to the contact. The contact brush provided at a side face of an arm portion with a projecting piece has asymmetric shape and asymmetric weight distribution about its longitudinal axis, and is large in moment of inertia in a direction of torsion. During relative sliding motion, suppressed torsional vibration of the contact occurs not only at natural frequencies but also at dispersed frequencies other than natural frequencies, reducing the sound pressure of sliding sound. A stable contact state is ensured between the contact and the electrical resistor, resulting in improved durability.

Abstract: A sensor for seat-occupancy detection is proposed which is located in a seat and embodied as a passive sensor. This then allows a wireless querying of the sensor using a high-frequency pulse. The sensor may either be embodied as an acoustic surface-wave component or as an LC resonant circuit.

Abstract: A sample processing device [700] comprises an elongated body [101] with a septum seal [109] on one end and a drip tube [731] on the second end. A small-diameter through-chamber [103] in the body provides a receiving and alignment chamber for a hypodermic needle [109] inserted into the septum. A sample processing chamber [709] provides a location for processing elements such as filters and adsorption or absorption frits [135,137]. Sample fluid injected into, or withdrawn from, the device by the hypodermic needle communicates with a bottom opening [701] of the drip tube via a drip tube nozzle [705], the sample processing chamber and the small-diameter chamber. The device is particularly useful in automated testing where the device is moved to various processing locations by the hypodermic needle.