Abstract: In a cold condition before a warming-up completion in a diesel engine, when an engine power is less than a predetermined value, an air excess rate is controlled to a second air excess rate being smaller than a target air excess rate set after the warming-up completion, thereby promoting a warming-up of an exhaust gas purification catalyst due to rise of an exhaust gas temperature, and when the engine power is more than the predetermined value, the air excess rate is controlled to a first air excess rate being larger than the target air excess rate, thereby decreasing HC emission quantity from a combustion chamber. Accordingly, a total emission quantity of HC at the clod condition is decreased.

Abstract: A control (30) for controlling a variable valve actuation mechanism (26) of an internal combustion engine (10) to regenerate a particulate filter (35) in the exhaust system (25) of the engine. The control comprises an operating program (50, 50A) for regenerating the particulate filter while the engine is running under its owns power by causing the variable valve actuation mechanism to change the timing of engine cylinder valves during an engine operating cycle, and as a result, elevate the temperature of flow through the exhaust system to a temperature that is effective to combust particles trapped by the filter.

Abstract: A diesel engine aftertreatment exhaust system uses catalyzed soot filters for particulate matter reduction and urea SCR catalysts for NOx reduction on diesel engines in a combined system to lower particulate matter and NOx at the same time. With this integral emission control system, diesel engines are able to meet ultra low emission standards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic coupling. Said coupling comprises a primary wheel (2; 2.2; 2.3) and a secondary wheel (3; 3.2; 3.3), which together form a toroidal working chamber (4; 4.2; 4.3), a shell (5; 5.2; 5.3), which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the primary wheel and surrounds the secondary wheel in the axial direction and at least partially in the radial direction, thus forming an intermediate chamber (6; 6.2; 6.3) and at least one passage (8; 8.2; 8.3) that is located in the outer radial area of the shell. The invention is characterised by the following features: a second shell (10; 10.2; 10.3) coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the first shell and/or the primary wheel, thus forming a second intermediate chamber (11; 11.2; 11.3); the second intermediate chamber is connected to the first intermediate chamber via the passage (13; 13.2; 13.

Abstract: A pressure regulator valve assembly for an automatic transmission that provides continuous hydraulic fluid flow into the torque converter charge circuit in all operating modes to prevent torque converter overheating is disclosed. The present pressure regulator valve assembly includes a valve piston subassembly having an encapsulated internal check valve in fluid communication with the line pressure circuit, which diverts hydraulic fluid to the torque converter charge circuit responsive to a lower fluid pressure (i.e. 2-5 psi range) than is normally required to fill the torque converter. When the vehicle engine is shut off, the internal check valve also prevents hydraulic fluid from draining back through the pressure regulator valve to maintain an adequate fluid level in the torque converter. In addition, an internal balance boost circuit has been added to the valve piston subassembly to assist the balance circuit in counteracting electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor comprising a housing having inlet and outlet ports and an access port for connecting a pressure fluid to an accessory of the motor, such as a brake. A shuttle valve integrally contained within the housing selectively communicates the pressure at one of the inlet port or the outlet port to the access port. In addition, the housing has at least two axial sections that are sealed at a parting line therebetween, and the shuttle valve is inserted through an opening in one section so that when the sections are joined, the opening is sealed at the parting line. A ring of bolts holds the sections together, and the shuttle valve is contained at least partially within the envelope formed by the ring.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes air amplifiers to increase airflow. Air amplification with a high-pressure supply provides a practical way to provide large airflow producing higher rear wheel power. When synchronized to the valve openings the efficiency is enhanced while adding to the system complexity. These additions also apply to an engine with a supercharger of turbocharger. When used in the exhaust path the air amplifiers can also help scavenge exhaust gases from the cylinder for added power.

Abstract: A fluid storage facility includes an arrangement for transferring liquefied propane or butane from a supply source of a pipeline or at least one delivery vehicle to at least one pumping station via at least one weighing station, the pumping station transferring the liquefied propane or butane to at least one storage vessel, the at least one storage vessel being secured within a tunnel that is one of a railroad tunnel, a highway tunnel, an aqueduct tunnel or other transportation tunnel, the tunnel passing through the earth, and including an entrance at both ends, each of which is directly connected and directly accessible at ground level, and being configured to contain the at least one storage vessel for the storage of liquefied propane or butane.

Abstract: An adiabatic combustor for a gas turbine including: (a) a combustion chamber designed and configured to produce high-pressure combustion gases for the turbine, the combustion chamber having a primary combustion zone containing a substantially vitiated-air zone; (b) at least one primary air inlet providing air to the primary combustion zone, and (c) a fuel injector for injecting fuel, disposed such that the fuel is directly introduced to the vitiated-air zone, wherein the primary air inlet is positioned and directed, and the combustion chamber is designed and configured, so as to produce an internal recirculation that generates a toroidal vortex within the primary combustion zone, thereby producing therein the vitiated-air zone and maintaining therein a state of flameless oxidation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluidic system and method for controlling the airflow to a lean premix combustor. The system and method as disclosed allow for reduced power, which results in reduced emissions, while at the same time providing excellent performance. This is accomplished through the use of fluidic means, which do not have the problems associated with hot moving parts of prior art mechanical means. Specifically, the introduction of an airflow downstream from openings in the dilution section cause a local boundary layer separation forcing air into the dilution holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbogroup (1) of a power generating plant. A turbine unit (2), has a turbine (4) and a further fluid-flow machine (6) on a common turbine shaft. A generator unit (3), has a generator (8) on a generator shaft (9). The turbine shaft (5) and the generator shaft (9) are connected to one another. A third radial bearing unit (13) supports the generator shaft (9) on a side of the generator (8) which faces the turbine unit (2). A thrust bearing unit (16) supports the turbine shaft (5) axially between the generator (8) and the additional fluid-flow machine (6). The thrust bearing unit (16) and the third radial bearing unit (13) are integrated in a common bearing block (17) which is firmly connected to a fixed foundation (18).

Abstract: A magnetic refrigerant material exhibits sufficiently great magnetocaloric effect at or near room temperature. The magnetic refrigerant material has an NiAs type hexagonal structure in a ferromagnetic phase. The magnetic refrigerant material includes a first element Mn, a second element As and a third element to substitute for a portion of the second element, and exhibits a magnetic phase transition in a temperature range from about 230 K to less than about 318 K.

Abstract: A Peltier module comprising: thermoelectric elements in which plural p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements are alternately arranged, metal electrodes placed in both ends of the thermoelectric elements in order to connect the thermoelectric elements in series, and metal substrates on at least a part of which surfaces an insulating thin film is formed, the metal substrates being oppositely placed so as to be connected to the metal electrodes and sandwich the metal electrodes and the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A control system is provided to determine when to use additional compressors in a multiple compressor refrigeration system during a pull down operation. The control system determines the rate of change of the difference between the leaving chilled water temperature and a setpoint temperature during the pull down operation of the refrigeration system. If the determined rate of change of the leaving chilled water temperature difference provided by the current configuration of the refrigeration system is not adequate, then an additional compressor of the refrigeration system can be started to obtain a better rate of change. The control system can repeat this evaluation of the determined rate of change of the leaving chilled water temperature difference until all compressors in the multiple compressor refrigeration system are used.

Abstract: The invention provides two distinct schematics allowing system performance enhancement through the utilization of an auxiliary heat exchanger and splitting the refrigerant flow into primary and secondary paths. A system performance boost is achieved due to extra subcooling of a primary refrigerant flow in an auxiliary heat exchanger as well as superheat reduction of the combined refrigerant flow entering the compressor and a primary refrigerant flow pressure drop decrease through the evaporator (in comparison to the prior art). The invention offers the superior benefits outlined above with only a moderate cost increment. Also, employment of conventional components only, and no compressor modifications make implementation of the proposed schematics even more attractive.

Abstract: A vapor-compression refrigerant cycle includes a variable displacement compressor for compressing refrigerant, a control unit for controlling the displacement of the compressor. The control unit includes a lock determining means for determining a lock of a sliding portion of the compressor, and the lock determining means determines that the sliding portion of the compressor is locked, when a control signal where the displacement of the compressor is equal to or larger than a predetermined value is output from the control unit, and when an absolute value of a temperature difference between an air temperature before being heat-exchanged in a low-pressure heat exchanger of the vapor-compression refrigerant cycle and the air temperature after being heat-exchanged in the low-pressure heat exchanger is equal to or smaller than a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the lock of the compressor can be accurately detected.

Abstract: A humidity controller for an air handling unit of a space, room or zone. The controller may be a dehumidification system integrated with a constant volume air handling unit. The system may have separate actuator control of a mixed air damper and other actuator control for both an outdoor air intake damper and an indoor air exhaust damper. Humidity and temperature sensors may be placed outdoors and indoors in the space having air to be dehumidified, temperature controlled and/or mixed with outdoor air. An economizer controller may be connected to the sensors and actuators for controlling various properties of the air in the space. The air may be dehumidified by slowing down the movement of air across the cooling coil of the air handling unit.

Abstract: A vapor compression air conditioning system, including a heat pump embodiment, provides enhanced dehumidification of supply air to an enclosed space. The refrigerant fluid circuit includes an evaporator and a reheat heat exchanger for controlling temperature and dehumidification of supply air. A variable speed fan motor controls air flow over an outdoor condenser heat exchanger whereby condenser heat exchange may be shifted progressively between the reheat heat exchanger and the condenser heat exchanger. One alternate embodiment includes a thermosiphon system for heat transfer to and from the reheat heat exchanger. Another embodiment includes a bypass air flow control damper for controlling flow of supply air through the evaporator and the reheat heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling a room configured to house a plurality of computer systems. A heat exchanger unit is configured to receive air from the room and to deliver air to the room. The heat exchanger unit is supplied with cooling fluid operable to cool the received air in the heat exchanger unit. At least one of the temperature of the cooling fluid supplied to the heat exchanger unit and the air delivery to the room may be controlled in response to temperatures sensed at one or more locations in the room.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a semiconductor element includes at least one cold plate utilizing a copper plate for cooling a semiconductor element, a condenser utilizing a plurality of flat micro-tubes, a refrigerant pump for circulating a refrigerant, and a fan for cooling the condenser. The cold plate, the condenser, and the refrigerant pump are fluid connected to define a refrigerant circulating circuit.

Abstract: Indoor circuits (60, 65) of indoor units (12, 13) are each connected in parallel to an outdoor circuit (20) of an outdoor unit (11). The outdoor circuit (20) has a gas vent pipe (35) by which a receiver (23) is brought into communication with suction sides of compressors (41, 42). During the heating operation in the heating mode of operation, a gas vent solenoid valve (36) is placed in the open state so that the receiver (23) decreases in pressure. This relaxes restrictions on the difference in installation height between each indoor unit of a multi type airconditioner having a plurality of indoor units.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for collecting and purifying a refrigerant fluid in air conditioning systems, comprising a first tubular body (110), used as evaporator and separator of impurities of refrigerant (130) coming from a refrigerant circuit (50), through ducts (51) and (52), and a second tubular body (104) used for separating the fluid (130) from the oil (131) entrained during a compression step. First tubular body (110) and second tubular body (104) are arranged between a top distribution flange (101) and a bottom distribution flange (106). In said flanges a plurality of channels are made, which form portions of the circuit for refrigerant (130), as well as are used for other functions and for other fluids flowing in the whole purifying machine that includes apparatus (100) same. Refrigerant (130) contained in tubular body (110) evaporates by the heat of both a coil tube exchanger (111), which is located inside tubular body (110), and a portion of flange (106), which is located under tubular body (110).

Abstract: A compressor for compressing refrigerant in an air conditioning or refrigeration system, including a housing having a suction port, a discharge port, and a compression chamber, a mechanism for producing a compression cycle for compressing the refrigerant, wherein the compression cycle occurs in the suction port, discharge port and compression chamber, and a mechanism for providing liquid refrigerant into the compression cycle at a desired location for reducing pressure pulsations and associated radiated noise produced during the compression cycle.

Abstract: The amount of residual carbon and hydroxyl groups in a synthetic quartz powder made by a wet process is reduced by baking the synthetic quartz powder in a low pressure atmosphere. Quartz glass crucibles made using the synthetic quartz powder have low bubble contents, and are particularly suited for growing single crystals.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for placing and bonding identical elements to holes in a substrate where spacer balls and a reference surface are used to achieve the desired accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method for heating, forming, and tempering a glass sheet includes pre-heating the glass sheet to at least a first predetermined temperature. The system and method includes also applying radio-frequency energy to the glass sheet to heat it to at least a second predetermined temperature and cooling at least one outer surface of the glass sheet to at least a third predetermined temperature to temper the glass sheet.

Abstract: Method of handling or moving the stitches of a textile article, the method comprising removing the stitches from the needles of a textile machine by with the transferring article is formed at a first station, transferring the article from said first station to a second operating station, said transfer being operated by engaging the said stitches with a plurality of members intended for the removal of same stitches form the needles of the textile machine and transferring said members from said first station to said second station, characterized in that it comprises the reversible transfer of at least one portion of said removal members from a first support or carrier which is being movable from said first and second stations to a second support or carrier intended for temporary retaining the said at least one portion of removal members along with the stitches being removed by them, and/or the reversible transfer of a plurality of members, intended for the temporary retention of the stitches and not involved in

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 washing machine 10 of the drum type comprises a drum 20 rotatable about a horizontal or inclined center of rotation, a drive motor 50 for rotating the drum, liquid holding chambers 36 for holding a liquid therein centrifugally, means for detecting an eccentric load of laundry in the drum, and control means 72 for adjusting the amounts of liquid in the chambers in accordance with the detected eccentric load. The amounts of liquid in the chambers are adjustable by braking the drum in rotation. The machine has moment of inertia measuring means 60 for detecting the rotation of the drum. The control means calculates the moment of inertia acting on the drum based on the rotation of the drum detected by the moment of inertia measuring means, and adjusts the magnitude of braking force to be applied to the drum in accordance with the calculated moment of inertia so as to decelerate the drum at a constant rate in adjusting the amounts of liquid in the chambers.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine is provided with an improved detergent dispenser which can use either liquid or powder detergent for both the prewash and wash cycles of the machine. The dispenser includes a base for receiving the prewash detergent. A tray having a powder detergent cup and a fabric softener cup is positioned within the base. A liquid detergent cup is removably nested within the powder detergent cup. The liquid detergent cup includes a siphon which drains into the powder detergent cup, which in turn drains into the base of the dispenser. The softener cup includes a siphon which drains into the base of the dispenser. The base includes an outlet drain through which the detergent and fabric softener drain for introduction into the tub of the washing machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor vehicle antitheft system of the type in which the latch bolt (36, 222) is held radially in the pulled-in retracted position by a member (254) for retaining the latch bolt (36, 222) which is mounted to move between an effaced or retracted position and an active latch bolt retaining position toward which it is elastically urged (262) and in which a retaining finger (252) belonging to the latch bolt retaining member (254) is accommodated in a complementary notch (250) of the latch bolt, wherein the member (254) for retaining the latch bolt (36, 222) is mounted to slide in the housing of the antitheft system (52, 54) parallel to the axis (A) of displacement and of rotation of a manual control member (24, 26, 38), and wherein the finger (252) for retaining the latch bolt (36, 222) is formed at the front free end of the latch bolt retaining member.

Abstract: Locks and keys are disclosed with electromagnetic as well as mechanical actuation. Several forms of reverse sidebar are described, avoiding binding of the lock release mechanism by premature turning of the key by a user. An embodiment of a system is described wherein the lock units are in radio communication with a control console, for setting access parameters and monitoring accessing events at each of the various locks.

Abstract: A lock has an outer housing, which has an outer slot at an interior side. An inner housing is received in the outer housing for rotation and has an inner slot and a driving section. Three locking plates are received in the inner housing, each of which has and a recesses at a periphery thereof. A movable pin is moved to be received either in the inner and outer slots or in the inner slot and the recesses. A first tumbler pin is provided at the outer housing and has an end received either in the annular slot or in the position slot. The inner housing is reciprocated between a first position, in which the position pin is moved to a position slot to restrain the inner housing from rotation, and a second position, in which the position pin is moved to an annular slot to release the inner housing.

Abstract: A bi-directional lock is used on a door of a house; which is comprised of inner and outer locking elements respectively fitted to inner and outer sides of the door so that people inside the house also have to use the key to unlock the door after the door has been locked; the lock is secured to the door in such a manner that none of the screws show that are used to fasten the lock to the door, preventing thieves from easily damaging, dismantling or removing the lock from the door to open the door.

Abstract: The key collecting device being controlled on one end has a main body which is provided with a movable latch positioned normally by extending and abutting of an elastic member. A transverse hole with a specific diameter extends through the main body for connecting and mounting an annular ring having a notch for mounting and detaching of keys. The movable latch is provided with a through hole having a size same as that of the transverse hole, the through hole normally is under pressure to get out of the way of the transverse hole but get in the notch of the annular ring, so that partial length of the movable latch is exposed out of the end surface of the main body for controlling by pressing.

Abstract: A ram descends due to its own weight and pressure of a rod-side cylinder chamber of a hydraulic cylinder which vertically moves the ram is detected by an oil pressure detector. A determination section detects a position at which a punch attached to the ram contacts an upper surface of a workpiece, based upon a change in the detected pressure. When the upper surface of the workpiece is detected, a plate thickness calculation section calculates a plate thickness of the workpiece based on an upper surface position of a die, that is known in advance and stored in a memory.

Abstract: This method refers to a method by which the physical and mechanical properties intrinsic to a fine-grain structure may be formed in metal billets using pressure treatment. The method is designed to treat rods, bars and other particularly long billets. This method is designed to lower the cost of deformational treatment for long rods and large diameter billets and creates a pre-specified microstructure, including micro-crystal structure, and specific physical and mechanical properties. This may be achieved using various treatment techniques, one of which includes the deformation of at least a part of the billet through reduction of the billets cross-section. In this method, a long rod shaped billet is used. Reduction of the cross-section is achieved using tools that permit movement along and across the billet's axis as well as being rolled about its surface, for example, a roller. In this case at least one support stand is employed for correct placement of the billet.

Abstract: A roller assembly for use as a back-up roller for work rolls. The roller assembly comprises an axle, a roller rotatably mounted on the axle, a plurality of bearing elements rotatably positioned between the axle and roller, at least one bushing which is eccentric relative to the axle and which is fixedly mounted on the axle by a dowel which passes through holes in the axle and eccentric bushing, and a housing for the bushing. The eccentric bushing is rotatable for translating the roller in a radial direction thereof.

Abstract: The apparatus for extrusion of material includes a process chamber provided in front of a die thereby serving to control parameters of the extrusion method. A die hold is provided to serve both as a structure for mounting a die in the front end of a hollow stem and a process chamber in front of a die. Preferably the process chamber is provided with structure for establishing resistance to the material to control the flow of material through the chamber. The control structure is adapted to serve both as a temperature regulating device for achieving an optimum temperature of the metal inside the process chamber and as a position controlling device for controlling the position of the metal inside the process chamber during the loading of a new billet.

Abstract: A process for forming tube-shaped hollow bodies made of metal, particularly made of aluminum, is described. After forming a slab-shaped semifinished product into a closed cross-sectional profile and straight seam welding the opposing edges of the semifinished product, the tube-shaped hollow body is first mechanically partially expanded and/or mechanically partially reduced in an upstream processing phase. It is then soft annealed and finally hydroformed in a die by a medium introduced into the hollow body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer device having a gripper, preferably a gripper rail (13), for gripping and lifting at least one workpiece, a lift drive (26) for lifting the gripper, a close drive (20) for moving the gripper (12) sideways and a control element. The invention is characterized in that both drives (20, 26) are fixedly mounted and are constantly and exclusively meshing with the elements (16, 14) to be moved in an articulated manner. In a method for controlling a transfer device, at least one of the two drives is path controlled during the movement caused by the other drive in such a way that the element moved by one drive remains stationary in the direction of movement of said drive relative to the surroundings.

Abstract: A technique for manufacturing a gear rack (5) for a rack-and-pinion steering gear for automobiles makes use of a blank (18) for the gear rack (5) having at least in the latter's toothed area a form deviating from a circular cylinder. Size and form of the cross-section of the blank (18) are selected in a manner that the contour of the finished gear rack (5) in the toothed area (7) does not project beyond the envelope given by the dimensions of neighboring parts of the rack-and-pinion steering gear. The gear rack (5) is formed from the blank (18) by means of tumble-forging. After tumble-forging, the gear rack (5) in its toothed area (7) outside the toothed section has a convex or concave longitudinal profile, which serves to support the tumbling torques during tumble-forging.

Abstract: A forming machine according to the invention comprises at least one forming station having a punch and a die as tools and a device for setting the axial position of one of the two tools. The setting device has, as adjusting wedge, a rotary wedge disk which is rotatable about a rotation axis and bears with a bearing surface against a parent body. The rotary wedge disk is provided with an inclined plane on the other disk side. The setting device also comprises a pressure piece which is composed of a pressure part and a rotary part having an end face. The end face bears against the inclined plane in such a way that it is displaced relative to the rotary wedge disk eccentrically to the rotation axis when the rotary wedge disk is rotated, the axial distance between pressure piece and parent body changing in the process. Since the adjusting wedge is a rotary wedge disk, the bearing surface rotates on the parent body and is not displaced longitudinally during an adjustment.

Abstract: Process for calibration of the mobile core spring of a solenoid valve comprising an electromagnet subassembly associated with a pneumatic switching subassembly with a valve plug, the valve plug being moved in the body of the pneumatic switching subassembly firstly by a spring located in the mobile core of the electromagnet subassembly through a pusher, and secondly by a spring located under the valve plug and bearing around the lower seating of the pneumatic switching subassembly, this process comprising the following steps: a force sensor is put into position, either at a predetermined distance from the upper face of the mobile core, this distance being equivalent to the actual travel distance of the mobile core, or directly in contact with the face of the core when it is required to adjust the spring based on its force after the travel distance (core in contact on the yoke); the spring is installed in a reaming providing for this purpose in the axis of the mobile core: an elastic split pin is put into po

Abstract: A leak detection apparatus includes one or more detection devices that envelope the various pipe joints of a liquid circulation cooling system. In one approach, the detection devices include a pair of conductors separated by a wicking material impregnated with a crystalline salt that provides a low resistance electrical path between the conductors in the presence of a leak. In another approach, the detection devices include a pair of dissimilar metal mesh electrodes separated by an electrolyte-impregnated wicking material to form a water-activated battery that energizes an alarm in the presence of a leak. In either case, the electrodes and wicking material may be encased with a water-activated sealing material that hardens in the presence of a leak to contain the leakage.

Abstract: A liquid sample sensing device comprises a set of stackable liquid sample base units that are adapted to be stacked together to form multiple sample volumes that are substantially sealed, each with an electroacoustic member disposed therein having a surface adapted for binding to a particular target molecule. Top and bottom units are preferably attached to a closed loop of flexible tubing and a peristaltic pump. Individual electroacoustic members in the stack can each be adapted to bind with different target molecules, allowing for a multiple target assay. Alternately, a plurality of electroacoustic members can be adapted to bind with the same type of target molecule, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the sensing device. The base units are adapted such that sample liquid is caused to flow over and be in close proximity to the sensing surface of each electroacoustic member as the sample liquid flows from one base unit to the next, thereby increasing the efficiency of binding.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors at least one fuel quality characteristic of fuel passing through a fuel delivery system of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a fuel rail assembly connectable to the fuel delivery system of the motor vehicle. A fuel rail assembly has at least one housing associated with either a pressure regulator or an accumulator. A sensor is associated with the fuel rail assembly for measuring at least one characteristic of fuel quality of fuel passing through the fuel rail assembly. At least one characteristic includes temperature and/or impedance. The sensor can include a pair of plates spaced from one another by a gap of between approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 1.0 mm, inclusive, for measuring impedance across the gap.

Abstract: In a tire management system and method for surveying and servicing a vehicle tire, a portable hand held computer unit receives and stores data for servicing the vehicle tire and data acquired from the vehicle tire. A desired tire air pressure is input into the portable hand held computer unit and is transmitted from the hand held computer unit to a tire inflation device adapted for automatically inflating or deflating the vehicle tire to the desired tire air pressure. The tire inflation receives the desired tire air pressure and is operated in response to receiving the desired tire air pressure to measure the actual tire pressure of the tire, to transmit the actual tire pressure back to the hand held computer unit for storage therein, to inflate or deflate the tire to the desired tire air pressure and to transmit a final measured tire air pressure back to the hand held computer unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods that measure the total capacity for a plurality of storage tanks. Methods according to this aspect of the invention start with deriving a weighting factor for each one of the plurality of storage tanks, determining an overall transmitter resistance for the total capacity measurement, and multiplying each one of the storage tank weighting factors with the overall resistance yielding a span resistance corresponding to each one of the plurality of storage tanks. The method further includes coupling a transmitter mounted on each one of the plurality of storage tanks in a series loop whereby each transmitter has the span resistance corresponding to the tank mounted thereon and deriving a weighting factor includes adding the capacities of all of the plurality of storage tanks as a sum total capacity and dividing each storage tank capacity from the plurality of storage tanks by the sum total capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring flow. A flow sensor includes a sensor conduit and a bypass having at least one capillary tube. At least one of the length, inside diameter, and cross-sectional shape of the sensor conduit is substantially equal to the corresponding length, inside diameter, and cross-sectional shape of the at least one capillary tube.