Abstract: A refrigeration/air conditioning system includes a compressor having a motor protector which stops the compressor's motor when it senses an out of specification condition. A diagnostic system of the refrigeration/air conditioning system monitors the status of the motor protector. The diagnostic system includes logic circuitry that diagnoses the type of problem the compressor or the system is having based upon the running times and status of the motor in conjunction with the times and status of the tripped motor protector. The diagnostic system also includes either a discharge pressure sensor or a condenser temperature sensor, an ambient air sensor and a voltage sensor. The sensors provide information to the diagnostic system which enables it to determine where a system fault has occurred.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a compressor having a motor protector which stops the compressor's motor when it senses an out of specification condition. A diagnostic system of the cooling system monitors the status of the motor protector. The diagnostic system includes logic circuitry that diagnoses the type of problem the compressor or the system is having based upon the running times and status of the motor in conjunction with the times and status of the tripped motor protector. The diagnostic system also includes either a discharge pressure sensor or a condenser temperature sensor, an ambient air sensor and a voltage sensor. The sensors provide information to the diagnostic system to enable it to determine and indicate a system fault.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle including an integral valve block (32) having a liquid line bore (42) extending therethrough and a suction line bore (44) extending therethrough with a transverse by-pass passage (34). The by-pass check valve (38) of the first system of FIGS. 1 and 2 allows only one-way fluid flow through the by-pass passage (34) from the suction fluid line (22) to the liquid fluid line (20), whereas the by-pass check valve (40) of the second system of FIGS. 3 and 4 allows only one-way fluid flow through the by-pass passage (34) from the liquid fluid line (20) to the suction fluid line (22). Also integrated into the valve block (16) is a suction check valve (46) in the suction fluid line (22) for allowing one-way fluid flow from the evaporator (16) to the compressor (12).

Abstract: A two-compartment cooling apparatus which achieves a plurality of refrigeration cycles by controlling refrigerant paths, thus increasing cooling efficiency and cooling speed of the cooling apparatus. A compressed refrigerant provided by a compressor is selectively provided to first and/or second evaporators via first, second and third expansion units and a path control unit. The path control unit controls the flow of the refrigerant through the expansion units and the evaporators to vary the cooling in the respective compartments in response to temperature measurements made in the respective compartments.

Abstract: A dual evaporator air conditioning system and method for use therewith is provided to cool air in front and rear portions of a cabin of a vehicle. The dual evaporator air conditioning system includes primary and auxiliary HVAC units having primary and auxiliary evaporators, respectively, to cool the air in the front and rear portions of the cabin. A heat exchanger near the auxiliary evaporator warms the refrigerant in the auxiliary evaporator to maintain a minimum temperature. The heat exchanger warms the refrigerant in the auxiliary evaporator to prevent accumulation of liquid refrigerant and lubricating oil in the auxiliary evaporator when the auxiliary HVAC unit is in a non-cooling mode while the primary HVAC unit is in a cooling mode.

Abstract: An orifice member 10 disposed at an orifice 32a of a valve body 30 is formed of a material such as stainless steel harder than the aluminum material forming valve body 30. Orifice member 10 is substantially cylindrical, with one open end 10a having a flat surface that comes in planar contact with a contact surface of valve body 30 constituting orifice 32a, and the other open end being tapered so as to oppose to a valve member 32d. A screw portion is formed to the outer side of orifice member 10 enabling it to be engaged to a screw portion formed on orifice 32a of valve body 30. The joint can be secured by applying and curing an adhesive between orifice member 10 and orifice 32a. Since orifice member 10 comes in planar contact with valve body 30 having an anodized aluminum film, the film is not damaged by orifice member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing frozen ice confectionery articles including a freezer having a freezer pump that cools and transports the frozen confectionery material, a rotative distributor that receives it under pressure and distributes it into flexible pipes, and a slidable filler that includes a motor having a pre-programmable motion pattern to provide a desired pattern of deposition into a plurality of molds while sliding the filler toward and away from the molds, a plurality of nozzle pipes to deposit the material, and a metering device, wherein each mold receives frozen ice confection material from a corresponding nozzle pipe that discharges the same under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure into the mold. Also included are methods of preparing frozen confectionery articles as well as frozen confectionery articles having the smoother texture of extruded products and at least about 50 weight percent water.

Abstract: A bimodal refrigeration system for use in refrigerated transport containers or refrigerated warehouses. The present invention includes a refrigerated container having an enclosed cargo chamber for storing refrigerated goods and a mechanical refrigeration unit that produces a chilled forced-air current within the cargo chamber. The cargo chamber is designed to guide the forced-air current in a specified discharge and return path. In accordance with the present invention, a row of thermal storage ducts for retaining endothermic storage material are disposed within the cargo chamber. The thermal storage ducts are longitudinally disposed in parallel with the air flow direction of the specified forced-air discharge and return path to enable maximum convective thermal exchange between the forced-air current and the endothermic storage material without obstructing the specified forced-air discharge and return path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a beverage container comprises a vessel having an interior that is adapted to hold a beverage. The vessel has a closed bottom end and an open top end. The bottom defines a cavity that is fluidly filled from the interior of the vessel. A cooling element is configured to fit within the cavity. A base comprises a bottom member and a stem extending vertically upward from the bottom member. The base includes a connector that is configured to be coupled to the bottom end of the vessel and to enclose the cooling element within the cavity.

Abstract: A dilution refrigerator assembly comprises a first module (1) including a dilution refrigerator (2); and a second module (3) including experimental services for attachment to a sample located in use outside the dilution refrigerator (2). The second module (3) can be attached to and demounted from the first module (1) without compromising the integrity of the dilution refrigerator.

Abstract: Substantially all the nitrogen is removed from natural gas during the production of LNG, without producing mixed nitrogen/methane streams needing recycle and further processing, or requiring compression for burning as fuel, by operating both the high pressure and the low pressure multistage distillation towers of a two column cryogenic nitrogen rejection unit to produce acceptable liquefied natural gas as tower bottom products, while the low pressure tower is further operated to produce as an overhead a gas steam containing no more than about 1% methane for safe venting to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A wire is fabricated of a semi-rigid material. The wire may be bent by a user. At least three primary sections are formed. A nipple reception circle is located between the primary sections. The circle has a center. Each primary section extends radially outwardly from the center of the circle. A pair of end sections are formed. Two stem sections extend radially from the circle. An interior point is formed. An exterior point is formed. The end sections and the stem sections are oriented in a common plane prior to use. The end and stem sections are movable to an orientation with the end sections overlapped into a locking relationship when the circle encompasses the nipple of a user. The interiors of the primary sections are in holding contact adjacent to at least three spaced points around the nipple of the user.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a manufacturing method for a plasma display panel, so as to overcome problems associated with a withstanding voltage of a dielectric glass layer. Glass particles have angular shapes after grinding with a grinder, but as the surface of them has been melted, they are converted into spheroids. Those glass particles can get wet evenly, so that a binder evenly adheres to the surface of a glass particle when a glass paste including the glass particles is applied to the surface of a substrate. In this case, there is a scarce possibility for a gas, generated by baking the binder, to remain in the form of bubbles in a formed dielectric glass layer. There are fewer bubbles remaining in a completed dielectric glass layer than in a dielectric glass layer than in a glass layer made from angular glass particles.

Abstract: The invention provides optical projection lithography methods, photolithography photomasks, and optical photolithography mask blanks for use in optical photolithography systems utilizing deep ultraviolet light (DUV) wavelengths below 300 nm, such as DUV projection lithography systems utilizing wavelengths in the 248 nm region and the 193 nm region. The invention provides improved production of lithography patterns by inhibiting polarization mode dispersion of lithography light utilizing low birefringence mask blanks and photomasks.

Abstract: When a glass substrate for a liquid crystal display is manufactured using the downdraw method. strain caused by differences in the tempsrature of the sheet glass achieved as a result of cooling are reduced. Furth rtore. minute strain that occurs when the sheet glass manufactured using the downdraw method is out into smaller pieces is inhibited. When the sheet glass 8 is manufactured using the downdraw method. a temperature distribution is formed in the widthwise direction of the sheet glass 8 by the heat treating unit 9 used in the slowly cooling process after molding. This temperature distribution is a distribution that can offset the temperature distribution in the sheet glass 8 caused by the fact that the thickness of the sheet glass 8 after molding is greater in the edge areas than that in the surface area.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating concentricity of a rotatable glass flow control tube with respect to its axis of rotation on a tube support frame in a glassware forming system includes a base for securement on the tube support frame and a slide mounted on the base for radial movement toward and away from an outside surface of the glass flow control tube. A roller is positioned on the slide for rolling engagement with the outside surface of the flow control tube as it rotates on the frame, and an indicator is coupled to the slide for indicating radial movement of the slide, indicative of radial movement of the tube outside surface with respect to its axis of rotation, as the tube is rotated on the tube support frame.

Abstract: Thermal conductivity of glassware forming blank molds and blow molds of Ni-Resist ductile iron is selectively controlled by formation of compacted graphite in the mold microstructure during preparation of the melt and casting of the mold bodies. Specifically, with a Type D5 Ni-Resist ductile iron according to ASTM-A439-84, compacted graphite is selectively formed in the cast microstructure of the mold body by reducing the magnesium and sulphur concentrations in the iron composition to the range of 0.01 to 0.04 wt % magnesium and 0.00 to 0.01 wt % sulphur, and adding titanium to the iron composition in the range of 0.10 to 0.25 wt % titanium. Whereas formation of compacted graphite in the cast microstructure is normally considered to be undesirable for glassware forming molds, it has been found that formation of a small but appreciable amount of graphite provides the opportunity selectively to tailor the thermal conductivity characteristics of the mold body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the production of optical fibers from optical fiber preforms using flow physics. The present methods provide for the “drawing” of an optical fiber preform using focusing of the preform by a surrounding fluid, e.g. a heated gas.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally structured warp knitted fabric has a higher compressibility and resiliency than its conventionally available counterpart, as well as enhanced abrasion resistance to prevent fuzzing. The three-dimensionally structured warp knitted fabric includes a top substructure and a bottom substructure, either of which is a net texture, the other being a plain texture. Substructure connecting yarns connect the two substructures. A plurality of connecting yarn controlling yarns are present between the two substructures and between the substructure connecting yarns. The connecting yarn controlling yarns control the substructure connecting yarns by handling, separating and holding them. The connecting yarn controlling yarns include portions which are stitched into the plain texture side of the top or bottom substructure and portions which are floating between the top and bottom substructures.

Abstract: Security locks for portable electronic devices and other portable devices that have a relatively high economic value. The locks include housings that have a locking member extending therefrom. The locking member extends into a slot defined within the portable device and is configurable into a locked configuration that inhibits removal from the slot. The housing is coupled to a separate object that prevents movement of the portable device away from the object when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A door lock with a clutch having a cam-styled axle sleeve comprises mainly of an outer lock part and an inner lock part mutually oppositely connected and respectively mounted on the outside and inside surfaces of a door panel, the door panel is mounted therein with a dead bolt and a spring loaded with latch bolt linked up with a rotation axle of the inner lock part, the housings of the outer and the inner lock parts are provided each with a handle to rotate their rotation axles. The rotation axle of the inner lock part has on one end thereof a second rotation axle, the rotation axle of the outer lock part has thereon the cam-styled axle sleeve. By providing a control device and a rotating ring, positioning or forward moving of the cam-styled axle sleeve to connect with the second rotation axle can be controlled, so that the door can be opened or locked by rotating the handles no matter inside or outside a house.

Abstract: An automobile anti-theft device comprises a decoupling assembly having a first decoupling portion that couples to an accelerator system and a second decoupling portion that couples to a throttle system. The first decoupling portion and the second decoupling portion are removably rotatingly coupled together. The first decoupling portion comprises a first decoupling disc having a locking pin aperture. A locking pin assembly is configured to removably couple with the first decoupling portion. The locking pin assembly comprises a locking pin removably extendable into the locking pin aperture, such that when the locking pin is not extended into the locking pin aperture the accelerator system may operate the throttle system and the automobile's engine can rev above idle, and when the locking pin is extended into the locking pin aperture the accelerator system is prevented from operating the throttle system and the automobile's engine cannot rev above idle.

Abstract: A vehicular steering wheel lock includes a hollow tube and a rod. The tube has a lock core transverse through one end, a pair of slots close to the center portion, and a cross bar extending from one end to the center of the tube and above the slots. The rod comprises a pair of posts extending from one side corresponding to the slots and aligning with the cross bar to form an enclosure for confining the movement of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a lock cylinder, for actuating a latch assembly, including a lock sleeve, first and second lock rotors, having first and second keyways respectively, rototably fitted in the lock sleeve, and a plurality of tumblers for locking up the first and second lock rotors. A key includes a key head having predetermined locking serrations arranged in such a manner that when the key head is inserted into the first keyway, the locking serrations are adapted to unlock the first lock rotor and enable the first lock rotor freely rotating until the first keyway is aligned with the second keyway, simultaneously, the key head being adapted to insert into the second keyway such that the locking serrations are adapted to unlock the second lock rotor to enable the second lock rotor to freely rotate to control the locking and unlocking of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A key has a blade formed with a part-cylindrical face and with a pair of relatively shallow, outwardly open, and generally parallel but spaced grooves formed in the face extending generally longitudinally in a nonstraight path and a relatively deep and outwardly open groove formed in the face and extending generally longitudinally in a nonstraight path generally nonparallel to the shallow grooves. The grooves each have a plurality of control positions at which they extend substantially parallel to the blade and are inclined to the blade between the respective control positions.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for converting locks between key-retaining and non-key-retaining functions by means of a function-determinative lock actuator are disclosed. The disclosure teaches lock sub-assemblies that utilize a function-determinative actuator and a cooperating rotator bolt to transfer motion from a lock cylinder to a lock release mechanism. The function-determinative actuators can include movable portions that selectively determine the lock function by adjustment of the movable portion. Alternatively, changing the structure of, selectively adding portions to and/or removing portions from the actuator can determine the lock function. The disclosure also teaches dual-function locks that incorporate the above-noted lock sub-assemblies. Methods of converting lock functions using a function-determinative actuator are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for locking a door element (1a) in an opening to a space. The device comprises an operating member (2) arranged outside this space, which member (2) is arranged to allow, by a motion transmission mechanism, displacement of a locking bar (6), arranged inside the space, between a first position when the locking bar (6) allows an opening of the door element (1a) and a second position when the locking bar (6) connects the door element (1a) to a second element (1b) such that opening of the door element (1a) is prevented and a lock (3) allowing locking of the locking bar (6) in said second position. A protective housing (5) is arranged to encase the locking bar (6) and the parts of the lock (3) and the motion transmission mechanism that are arranged inside the space.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylinder, includes a step of inserting a cored bar 2 into piping material 1 having a reduced inner radius at one end and supporting the end of the cored bar with the reduced radius section of the piping material 1. The method also includes rotating the piping material 1 and the cored bar 2, displacing the piping material 1 in an axial direction while passively rotating at least one roller 3 compressing the outer periphery of the piping material 1 and applying a spinning operation to the piping material while pressuring and retaining the piping material between the cored bar 2 and the roller 3. Thus the thickness of the middle section of the piping material is made less than the thickness of the end sections by moving the roller into a position closer to the cored bar in the middle section than in the end sections of the piping material. In this manner, processing of the cylinder can be effectively performed without wastage of the material thereof.

Abstract: A spring coil assembly having a first row of coils arranged in a first spacing pattern and a second row of coils adjacent the first row and arranged in a second spacing pattern that is different from the first spacing pattern. The spring coil assembly can be assembled using an apparatus comprising a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of coils along an axis, an assembler which is operable to intertwine a plurality of coils into a spring coil assembly, and a transfer station operable to move a plurality of coils from the main conveyor into the assembler. The transfer station includes a plurality of pusher arms each of which include a gripper which is operable to grasp an individual coil, a carriage supporting the gripper arms and means for shifting the carriage axially relative to the axis so that a plurality of coils carried by the gripper arms are displaced in the direction of travel of the conveyor.

Abstract: A coil spring forming machine for forming a coil spring having a dimensional characteristic, such as a coil diameter and a coil pitch, includes a frame, a control tool movably mounted on the frame, and a control mechanism mounted on the frame and coupled to the control tool. The control mechanism is operable to move the control tool to vary the dimensional characteristic. The control mechanism includes first and second cam surfaces and a cam follower assembly selectively engageable with either of the first and second cam surfaces to vary the dimensional characteristic depending on which cam surface is engaged.

Abstract: A plurality of seismic sensors calibration method (100) includes: an assembling so that sensors are coupled with each sensor positioned with its axis of sensitivity in a different spatial direction calibration system step (105), a rotating sensors step (110), a measuring sensors output signals step (115), a sensor output signal processing step (120) and a storing calibration coefficient(s) step (125).

Abstract: A method of measuring a rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration in recirculated air of an engine, is disclosed. The method includes installing a conductive sample tube into an engine's pre-combustion/air-mixing chamber, and installing a carbon dioxide sensor, remote from the chamber, to measure relative concentrations of carbon dioxide. The method may also be used to measure nitrogen oxide exhaust gas levels.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element for determining at least one physical quantity of a gas, e.g., for determining the concentration of a gas component in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine or the temperature of the exhaust gas. The sensor element is fixed in position by the sealing system in a housing of the gas sensor. The sealing system includes at least one sealing element, which includes a mixture of a ceramic material and a glass. The hemisphere temperature of the glass is above 750° Celsius.

Abstract: A dynamic inertial balancing system (10) uses a shaft (20) mounted to a base (16). A motor (46) or pulley system (42) imparts rotational torque on the shaft. A swing arm (18) is coupled to the shaft and moves through an arc in a horizontal plane in response to the rotational torque. A golf club is mounted to the swing arm. A timer (38) records the time for the swing arm to traverse the arc. The system balances the golf clubs within a set by measuring their moments of inertia. Each golf club is placed on swing arm 18 and the time is measured for the each golf club to complete the swing arc. If torque is constant for all clubs, then by comparing the moments of inertia, i.e. by comparing the time for each club to complete the swing arc, the club set can be balanced.

Abstract: A method of detecting a dry/wet state of a thermistor bead comprises the steps of: conducting current through the thermistor bead selectively between first and second current levels; measuring a difference in voltage across the thermistor bead in response to the first and second current levels; and detecting the dry/wet state of the thermistor bead based on the measured difference in voltage. In one embodiment, the first and second current levels conducted through the thermistor bead are both less than thirty milliamps. Apparatus for embodying this detection method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a surface profile of an object to be measured includes a measuring probe positioned to contact the surface of the object to be measured, a guide mechanism for supporting and guiding the measuring probe in an axial direction of the measuring probe, a tilt angle adjustment mechanism for tilting the guide mechanism at a predetermined tilt angle with respect to a horizontal direction so that the measuring probe contacts the surface of the object to be measured with a predetermined contact force, and a drive mechanism for relatively driving at least one of the measuring probe and the object to scan the surface of the object to be measured with the measuring probe. The contact force is derived from a tilt direction component of the gravity of the measuring probe generated when the measuring probe is tilted.

Abstract: Several associated techniques and fiber optic constructions are disclosed to protect a diaphragm type fiber optic cylinder pressure sensor from the effects of maximum under hood temperatures and to minimize errors associated with rapidly changing under hood and engine temperatures. The techniques include electronic compensation in response to temperature change, fuel system cooling of the optoelectronic interface, construction of the interface and construction of the sensor tip.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method for determining a reference speed approximating a ground speed of a vehicle having a plurality of axles. The method includes selecting a minimum vehicle speed based on one of the axles having a minimum speed. An axle having a lowest amount of creep is determined and designated as a speed axle. A derived speed from the speed axle is obtained and compensated by subtracting a creep value from the derived speed to obtain a corrected speed. Operating dynamics for the vehicle are determined and a reference speed is determined based on the minimum vehicle speed or the corrected speed in response to the operating dynamics.

Abstract: A method for control of a tire pressure management system (or central tire inflation system) is provided which enables active adaptation of control variables in the system in response to variations in air line volume. The air line volume in a conduit between an air source and a vehicle tire is determined. Subsequently, one or more values for control variables are adjusted in response to the air line volume and various parameters associated with the system are determined in response to the adjusted values of the control variables.

Abstract: Wireless sensing and communication system including sensors located on the vehicle, in the roadway or in the vicinity of the vehicle or roadway and which provide information which is transmitted to one or more interrogators in the vehicle by a wireless radio frequency mechanism. Power to operate a particular sensor is supplied by the interrogator or the sensor is independently connected to either a battery, generator, vehicle power source or some source of power external to the vehicle. The sensors can provide information about the vehicle and its interior or exterior environment, about individual components, systems, vehicle occupants, subsystems, or about the roadway, ambient atmosphere, travel conditions and external objects. The sensors arranged on the roadway or ancillary structures would include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, moisture content or humidity sensors, and friction sensors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus to detect bubbles in a fluid sample to determine if gases are present, wherein an ultrasonic source is used and its properties monitored. Fluctuations in the ultrasonic source's electrical properties indicate the presence of bubbles/gas. Alternatively, the ultrasonic source may be used to cavitate the sample and induce the nucleation of bubbles. In such a system/method, bubbles may be detected by either (1) monitoring the ultrasonic source properties, (2) monitoring the compressibility of the sample, (3) monitoring the sample properties, including harmonics and subharmonics. The method and apparatus disclosed herein may be used in a borehole such as with a sampling means (including either a flowing sample or a stationary sample) or in a surface lab.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for local measurement of an icing factor for atmospheric air containing supercooled water, and wherein the apparatus comprises at least one surface element made of a material suitable for ice in atmospheric air to freeze on, and said surface element having a predetermined surface area, and wherein the apparats further comprises means that are configured for moving the surface element through the atmospheric air at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined period of time, and wherein means am also provided that are configured for measuring the thickness or mass of the ice frozen fast onto the surface element after the predetermined time interval during which the element is moved through the atmospheric air.

Abstract: An improved fluid level verification apparatus for use on liquid filled containers and configured to reduce inherent mechanical stresses on the inspection tube and resist leakage due to environmental, chemical, thermal or mechanical expansion cycles by using a protective shield member to encase the inspection sight member, and, also, a method for permanently sealing the fluid level detection apparatus.

Abstract: A microgyroscope having a suspended vertical post uses the Coriolis force to detect the rotation rate. The microgyroscope consists of a single vertical post which is the rotation rate sensing element. The vertical post is formed from the same silicon wafers as the rest of the microgyroscope. A first portion of the vertical post and the clover-leaf structure are made from a first silicon wafer. A second portion of the vertical post and the baseplate are made from a second silicon wafer. The two portions are then bonded together to from the clover-leaf gyroscope with an integrated post structure.

Abstract: The invention is a wafer having variable acoustic properties. The wafer may be used as a substrate over which to form an ultrasonic transducer, an IC, or may be used as a circuit board. An ultrasonic transducer formed on the wafer may include piezoelectric ceramic transducer elements or MUT elements. By controlling the acoustic impedance of the wafer upon which the integrated control circuitry for an ultrasonic transducer is formed, the acoustic impedance of the wafer can be matched to the acoustic impedance requirements of the ultrasonic transducer. Furthermore, by the addition of internal voids, the wafer reduces or eliminates the lateral propagation of acoustic energy through the wafer.

Abstract: A tongs monitor for monitoring the tightening of tubing, casings, and sucker rods of a well is selectively operable in a learning mode and a monitoring mode. A target tightness value is determined during the learning mode. Subsequent tightness values are then compared to the target value. For example, a first connection is tightened in a conventional manner, while its tightness is monitored during the learning mode. If the tightening process went well, then an operator pushes a button that tells the monitor to remember how tight the first connection was tightened. The tightness value of that first joint then becomes the target tightness value for any subsequent joints. As additional joints are tightened, their tightness are monitored and compared to the first one to ensure that all the joints are as good as the first one within an allowable tolerance.

Abstract: A method monitors the gas prefill pressure in hydraulic accumulators. After the pressure supply to the oil side of the accumulator has been interrupted and the contents of the tank have been emptied, the current gas temperature and the current gas pressure are determined, once the temperature has equalized. The data relating to the gas temperature and pressure is telemetrically transmitted to an evaluation unit, which is spatially located at a distance, to calculate an actual value of the gas prefill pressure which corresponds to a reference temperature.

Abstract: The pressure gauge spring is a responsive and easy to manufacture gauge for connection to a pressure source. The spring assembly comprises a coiled hollow tube having a first end and a second end with a body portion therebetween, the hollow tube adapted to produce a displacement of the second end in response to a change in said pressure source to which said first end is connected. The second end of the body portion is sealed. The body portion of the spring assembly has a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion extending from proximate to said first longitudinal portion to said second end and substantially uniformly compressed along the second longitudinal portion to reduce volume thereby. A transition area is disposed between said first end and said first longitudinal portion of said hollow tube, and is compressed so as to form a continuous longitudinally extending ridge along said transition area.

Abstract: A precision clamp accurately measures force over a wide range of conditions. Using a full bridge or other strain gage configuration, the elastic deformation of the clamp is measured or detected by the strain gages. The strain gages transmit a signal that corresponds to the degree of stress upon the clamp. The strain gage signal is converted to a numeric display. Calibration is achieved by zero and span potentiometers which enable accurate measurements by the force-measuring clamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-throughput systems and methods to prepare a large number of component combinations, at varying concentrations and identities, at the same time, and high-throughput methods to test tissue barrier transfer, such as transdermal transfer, of components in each combination. The methods of the present invention allow determination of the effects of inactive components, such as solvents, excipients, enhancers, adhesives and additives, on tissue barrier transfer of active components, such as pharmaceuticals. The invention thus encompasses the high-throughput testing of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations in order to determine the overall optimal composition or formulation for improved tissue transport, such as transdermal transport.