Abstract: Methods, apparatus and precursors for producing substantially water-free silica soot, preforms and glass. The methods and apparatus make substantially water-free fused silica preforms or glass by removing water as a reaction product, removing water from the atmosphere, removing water from the transport process, or combinations thereof. In a first embodiment, substantially water-free soot, preforms or glass are achieved by using a hydrogen-free fuel, such as carbon monoxide, in the deposition process. In another embodiment, a soot producing burner has parameters that enable operation on a substantially hydrogen-free fuel. End burners, which minimize water production, are also described. Such water-free methods are useful in depositing fluorine-doped soot because of the low water present and the efficiency in which fluorine is incorporated. In another embodiment, glassy barrier layer methods and apparatus are described for minimizing dopant migration, especially fluorine.

Abstract: A dehydration-sintering furnace includes a core tube configured to dehydrate and sinter a porous base material in fabrication of an optical fiber and having an outlet configured to discharge a vapor. The furnace includes a pressure-variation damper connected to the outlet of the core tube. The furnace includes a trap between the core tube and the pressure-variation damper for collecting the vapor.

Abstract: Process for combustion and vitrification of waste in which at least one oxygen plasma jet is associated with a continuous melting device by high frequency direct induction (4). The crucible is composed of a continuous external shell (1) and a sole plate (2), both cooled by a liquid circulating in internal channels. The inductor is placed below the sole plate. There is a gravity drain valve at the bottom or on the side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a knitted net, and more specifically to an expandable knitted net. In one form, the net comprises a plurality of fill yarns with an elastomeric performance, which allows the net to expand in the cross-direction. In another form, the present invention is directed to a netting, and more specifically to a knitted netting comprising a plurality of chain yarns with dissimilar elongation performance oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of fill yarns oriented in a second direction, wherein the yarns oriented in the second direction secure the yarns oriented in the first direction in position within the netting.

Abstract: The portable cleaning device of the present invention utilizes a forward housing which includes an ultrasonic radiator and an ultraviolet radiator. A rearwardly located detergent spray reservoir can be used to optionally apply what may preferably be a dilute solution of soap material. Once solvent is added to the soiled area, the ultrasonic front located area can be placed in contact with the wetted garment area and energized to bring the ultrasonic radiator into direct contact with the solution in contact with the soiled area. This enables less energy to be utilized due to the close proximity to a limited liquid volume in the immediate area of the fabric and closely co-located with the soiled mass. Actuation of a ultraviolet radiator is activated simultaneously with the actuation of the ultrasonic radiator to begin to help with the odor problem from the outset of the cleaning activity.

Abstract: A garment refreshing system includes an enclosure having a top, a bottom, a sidewall, an air inlet and an air outlet, and a hook or other element on the top to facilitate hanging in a closet or other location. An electrical fan at the air inlet is operative to bring air into the enclosure and past the clothing to the air outlet, and a filter supported at the air outlet for collecting odors removed from the clothing: The preferred configuration further includes a support within the enclosure to receive clothing on hangers, and the sidewall includes a closable opening to place clothing into, and remove clothing from the enclosure. The use of a low-voltage D.C. fan, such as a 12-VDC fan, facilitates use in a vehicle. As a further option, a material associated with the air inlet to introduce a deodorizer or fragrance into the enclosure. For example, an absorbent material may be provided to receive a deodorizer or fragrance in liquid form.

Abstract: An automatic washer comprises a remote sump fluidly connected to a drain pump and a recirculation pump, and a separator comprising an array of regularly-spaced fins oriented upstream of the recirculation pump for intercepting foreign objects in wash liquid. The remote sump also comprises a wash liquid heater. The separator is automatically purged when the drain pump is operated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching a power transmission mode of a washing machine id disclosed, to prevent malfunction and damages of the washing machine by switching the power transmission mode stably in which the method includes: (a) rotating the cam (600) by driving the clutch motor (60); (b) counting the number of pulses of power supplied to the clutch motor (60); and (c) maintaining the rotation of the cam (600) until the ounted number of pulses is equal to, or greater than a preset number of pulses.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for automatic shock-absorbed closing of drawers and pull-out furniture elements in general, which comprises a hydraulic cylinder with a piston used to pour oil from one chamber to the other one and a return spring inserted into the piston stem, whose end is provided with means used to fasten and unfasten the stem automatically to and from a special bracket suitably fitted to the pull-out element.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a column assembly for releasably locking and unlocking a steering column of a vehicle. The assembly includes a steering column rotatable about a central axis for imparting a direction to the vehicle and a lock bolt moveable from an unlocked position to a locked position to lock the steering column against rotation. When in the locked position, the steering column is prevented from rotating which imparts a load to the lock bolt. A lock bolt drive is connected to the lock bolt to move the lock bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position. However, the load acting on the lock bolt prevents the lock bolt drive from being able to move the lock bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position. Therefore, a release mechanism is operative to reduce the load on the lock bolt sufficiently to enable the lock bolt drive to move the lock bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: An assembly includes a handle having a key, and a piston, having a bore, attached to an axle mounted to a hub. A fork is disposed on the axle between the hub and the piston, and a cam has first and second ends held by a cap for rotation in the bore, in which one of the first and second ends has a keyway for accepting the key. An extension of the cap projects into the fork preventing rotation of the cap relative to the fork.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a motor vehicle of a saddle riding type includes, a reverse lock disposed in a transmission of the vehicle for preventing a shift change of the transmission into reverse when the vehicle is traveling forward, and a lock release mechanism having an actuator, wherein the lock release mechanism is disposed in an opening in a front fender of the vehicle, such that the actuator projects above the opening. Further the locking assembly includes a cable operatively connecting the lock release mechanism with the reverse lock, such that actuation of the actuator causes the reverse lock to be released, a main body of the lock release mechanism housed beneath the opening on an underside of the fender for covering the lock release mechanism, and a cover body disposed on the fender, such that sides of the actuator and the opening are covered.

Abstract: A door opener for opening a frozen or stiff foam or rubber seal formed between a door and a door frame, which possesses first and second plate portions. The first plate portion is adapted for placement in a frame opening between the door frame and the door, and the second plate portion is adapted to be manipulated by a user, by attachment to a key chain. The first plate portion is in spaced relation to the second plate portion so as to form a substantially right angle about a central point, whereby an end of the first plate portion can be inserted for placement in the frame opening between the door frame and the door by the user, and engage a lip of the door.

Abstract: A re-keyable lock and method. The lock has locked and unlocked positions and includes a housing and a cylinder rotatably supported in the housing. The lock includes a plurality of wafer tumblers resiliently supported in corresponding channels formed in the cylinder. Each wafer tumbler includes a rider element selectively engaged with a base element in first and second engagement positions, wherein the first engagement position corresponds to a first key and the second engagement position corresponds to a second key. The lock also includes a re-keying mechanism such as a re-keying tool which is inserted in a re-keying slot when the lock is in the unlocked position to disengage the rider element from the corresponding base element in the first engagement position and to re-engage the rider element to the base element in the second engagement position.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming an article and performing a secondary operation on the article in-situ. The apparatus includes a closure and a die having a cavity. A source of pressurized gas forces a portion of a sheet into contact with a forming surface having a predetermined shape. A tool is movably connected to the apparatus and is configured to engage the sheet to perform a secondary operation while the sheet is held in compression between the closure and the die.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a sweep unit assembly having a series of stations defining a path for an elongated article. A cradle is coupled to each of the stations. The stations are movable to introduce a first curve into the path and the article and each of the cradles are independently movable for introducing a second curve into the path and the article. A mount is included that supports at least one of the stations. The mount engages a base such that each of the stations are movably secured to the base and remain easily accessible for adjusting the stations and the cradles to impart various degrees of curvature into the path and the article. The sweep unit assembly is capable of imparting a curve into an elongated article formed of a metal and having a tensile strength greater than 80 KSI and a yield strength of 6 to 9 percent. The subject invention also discloses a method of adjusting the sweep unit assembly and a method of introducing a curve into the elongated article.

Abstract: A compact chain cutting apparatus for automatically shearing and opening a chain link of a selected thickness in one operation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a first shearing member, a second shearing member, and an electro-hydraulic actuator system. The first shearing member is mounted to the housing. The second shearing member is pivotally mounted to the housing for movement to exert, in cooperation with the first shearing member, shearing and bending forces upon the chain link. The electro-hydraulic actuator system cooperates with the second shearing member to move automatically the second shearing member to shear and to bend the chain link, thereby defining an opening in the chain link greater than the thickness of the link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing bent snowmobile studs for use in an assembly are disclosed. The assembly comprises a bent stud having a head and proximal and distal shank portions and a fastener which is adapted to connect with respect to the distal shank portion of the stud. The head and shank of the stud are engaged by members which are mechanically pivoted with respect to one another such that the shank is bent. The assembly prevents rotational movement between the stud and the track.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrohydraulic pressing device (1) that can be operated using one hand. The device comprises a working head (30), an electric motor (4), a pump (20), a hydraulic reservoir (33), and a gear mechanism (19) extending between the electric motor (4) and the pump (20). A holding area (5) around which a hand is placed is provided and an actuating switch (39) is assigned to this area. The aim of the invention is to improve a pressing device of this type with regard to the handling thereof. To this end, the invention provides that the holding area (5) is formed around the electric motor (4), and the actuating switch (39) is situated between the electric motor (4) and the working head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick set-up system for calibration devices located downstream from an extruder, in particular one for synthetic profiles. With this quick set-up system, a dry gauge and the vacuum tank(s) are mounted on two horizontally positioned tubes that are positively connected to the calibration stage, such that they can be moved and adjusted horizontally and vertically, which enables an exact advance adjustment of the gliding device, and with it, of the vacuum tanks and calibration device, thus eliminating a subsequent alignment. In addition, by installing a central water disposal system, the required replacement of hoses with different lengths when moving the vacuum tanks is avoided.

Abstract: An osmolarity measuring system comprising microscale electrode arrays is configured to account for variations and defects in the arrays using a tiered approach comprising several calibration methods. One method accounts for the intrinsic conductivity of the electrodes and subtracts out the intrinsic conductivity on a pair-wise basis, when determining osmolarity of a sample fluid. Other methods in the tiered approach use standards to determine calibration factors for the electrodes that can then be used to adjust subsequent osmolarity measurements for a sample fluid. The use of a standard can also be combined with a washing step.

Abstract: A device for testing at least one pressure sensor, by applying a pressure signal, the device testing the operativeness of the pressure sensor as a function of the pressure signal. In addition, it is provided that the device tests the tightness of the pressure sensor as a function of the pressure signal.

Abstract: An abrasion tester and a test method for testing the frictional wear characteristics of materials and parts even when a lubricant is used. The abrasion and test method enables reliable abrasion tests to be carried out in which good conformity with the sliding characteristics in actual pieces of equipment can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for sampling a gas flow to measure one or more contaminants within a semiconductor processing tool. The system includes a portable unit containing one or more dry traps, Tenax traps and, if desired, wet impingers. The unit is coupled to a gas flow in a clean room and the dry traps. Tenax traps and wet impingers measure contaminants contained in the gas supply for a determined sampling interval. When the sampling interval is done, the unit is sent to an analysis facility for processing.

Abstract: A portal trace detection apparatus is provided for detecting minute particles of interest, such as traces of narcotics, explosives and other contraband. The apparatus includes a portal through which a human suspect will pass. A detection apparatus is disposed at least partly in the ceiling of the portal, and hence above the human subject in the portal. Particles of interest will be entrained in the human thermal plume that exists in the boundary adjacent the suspect, and will flow upwardly from the suspect to the detection apparatus in the ceiling of the portal. The ceiling is coated with an anti-static material so that particles are more likely to flow towards the detector and less likely to be affixed electrostatically to the ceiling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for detecting a water leak in a locomotive engine cooling system comprising numerous components, each being a potential source of leakage of water. The method typically comprises performing at least one inspection providing an indication of a water leak from an engine cooling system of the locomotive. The step of performing at least one inspection may comprise at least one of several steps including performing a visual inspection to determine if water is leaking from a portion of the cooling system external to the engine; performing a visual inspection of exhaust of the engine to detect an indication of water vapor in the exhaust; performing a visual inspection to detect an indication of water leaking into an intake air manifold 30 of the engine; performing an engine oil analysis to detect water in the engine lubricant; reviewing a fault log history for the locomotive; and checking a level of a cooling system sight glass.

Abstract: A disclosed fluid purity monitoring system employs a network of preferably information-transmissive cables fixed in place within a body of fluid. Sensors sensitive to fluid impurities are supported at various places on the network. Data representative of impurity levels transmits to a collection point via the same cables at which the sensors are supported. One system employs at least two pluralities of sensors sensitive to different fluid impurities. Another system employs electrically conductive cables fixed in place substantially in a common plane, with some cables oriented substantially parallel to each other and intersecting other cables. In that system, the data transmits to the collection point via a separate electrical circuit for each one of the sensors. Each circuit includes a series connection of the pair of cables that intersect proximate to the sensor's support point on the network. Advantageous variations and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A directional coupler sensor is provided for measuring the moisture content of a substrate, such as hair. The sensor incorporates a high frequency directional coupler having a pair of generally parallel plates defining a coupling gap therebetween. A high frequency signal generator generates an electromagnetic field across the gap with the substrate placed across the coupling gap. The coupled power relates to the moisture content of the substrate. A pressure sensor is provided to ensure that the desired compactness of the substrate across the coupling gap is achieved to obtain accurate, reliable and consistent results.

Abstract: A studded wall in, or replacement panel for, a boiler or furnace has a plurality of substantially parallel tubes, each pair of adjacent tubes being connected. Separate regions of studs are attached to the wall. In each region every pair of adjacent studs is a selected distance apart, typically from one-eighth to one-half inch. The regions are configured and positioned to define a line between the regions. That line has a width different from the selected distance between the studs in the regions adjacent the line. Corrosion testing is done at selected points on the lines. The lines enable each successive test to be performed at the same locations.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to solve the problem that the tip of the probe of a scanning probe microscope cannot be conditioned stably due to overload in a contact region. This problem is solved by a scanning probe microscope for scanning the probe and a sample relative to each other. The microscope has a cantilever, a vibration means for vibrating the cantilever, and a vibration signal-switching means for switching a vibration signal applied to the vibration means between at least two different signals. The cantilever has a resilient body that supports the probe.

Abstract: An engine rotation information detection device including: a generator that rotates in synchronization with an engine to output an AC voltage; a pulse signal generator that detects reluctors of a rotor having many reluctors and one reluctor missing portion to generate a pulse; counting means that counts the number of detections of a zero point of a waveform of the AC voltage in each detection section, the detection section being a section between a crank angle position where the pulse signal generator detects an edge of each reluctor and a crank angle position where the pulse signal generator detects a next reluctor; and reference crank angle position identification means that specifies a detection section including the reluctor missing portion from a count value counted by the counting means and identifies a pulse generated at a reference crank angle position based on the specified detection section.

Abstract: A 6-axis road simulator test system is disclosed which allows for dynamic simulation of vehicles on road surfaces in a controlled environment for development or production testing conditions. The system turns the vehicle wheels, or provides resistance to turning of the wheels while subjecting each of the vehicle's wheel in up to 6-axis of displacement, based on road profile simulation.

Abstract: A method is described for determining geometric errors of a rotary encoder with a plurality of increments that can be registered by a sensor, encoder being applied to an internal combustion engine and being mounted on a shaft which can be directly or indirectly set in motion by gas moments and moments of inertia. The invention profile of the angular velocity ?mess(t) of the shaft is measured for a time-variable shaft speed, that the shaft speed signals obtained during the measurement are averaged and that the averaging process is carried out within a shaft speed range in which the effects of the gas moments and moments of inertia, which act on the shaft in the internal combustion engine, on the angular velocity of the crankshaft cancel each other out statistically, at least to a great extent and that geometric errors of the rotary encoder are determined on the basis of the profile of the angular velocity ?mess(t).

Abstract: Variable intake systems are provided that include a variable intake valve shaft, potentiometer, pneumatic actuator, Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor, Throttle Position Sensor and controller. Preferred systems of the invention can monitor whether valves of a variable intake system are properly working, thereby stabilizing the operation of the variable intake system in a simplified manner and at low costs.

Abstract: Air fuel ratios of exhaust gases of respective cylinders are estimated based on a detection value of an air fuel ratio sensor mounted in an exhaust-collector. Normal combustion and misfire are determined depending upon whether individual cylinder air fuel ratios of the respective cylinders are within a normal combustion range. Then, whether a fuel system causes misfire is determined based on a difference between an actual injection quantity of the misfire cylinder and an average value of actual injection quantities of all the cylinders. Whether an air system causes misfire is determined based on a difference between an estimated air quantity of the misfire cylinder and an average value of actual air quantities of all the cylinders.

Abstract: The present subject matter generally concerns the detection of tire related anomalies in a pneumatic tire using Doppler Micro-Power Impulse Radar technology together with radar signal analyzation methodologies. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for the detection of anomalies in pneumatic tires including tread separation, tread wear, uneven tread wear, tire balance and foreign body detection. The signal analysis used differentiates various of the detectable anomalies by analyzing the radar signals based on ranges of harmonics.

Abstract: A wind tunnel for measuring the aerodynamics of a vehicle may comprise a 1 section. Air moving through the test section may be collected in a plurality of individual ducts, each with a fan for moving the air through the test section and duct The vehicle or vehicle wheels may be supported at an incine.

Abstract: A heating resistor type flow-measuring device is capable of adjusting heating temperature of a heating resistor according to the ambient temperature as well as making the initial adjustment. A heating resistor, a thermoresistance, a group of the resistors, and an amplifier constitute a bridge circuit, and leading terminals of the group of resistors are connected to one of input terminals of an amplifier for amplifying an error voltage through MOS transistors. The heating temperature of the heating resistor can be changed by selecting one of the MOS transistors and turning it on.

Abstract: A flow rate detection device has a flow rate detection chip that is partially exposed to the flowing material to be measured and a casing that accommodates the flow rate detection chip. The casing has a bottom plate portion on which the flow rate detection chip is mounted, and a top plate portion that is disposed over the bottom plate portion and partially covers the flow rate detection chip. The space between the bottom plate portion and the top plate portion is filled with a sealant.

Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a media level measurement apparatus, including a sensor to provide an ambient temperature signal, a controller, and a source configured to provide an electrical current. Also included are a thermistor device configured to provide a level signal corresponding to a level of a media in contact with a lengthwise portion of the thermistor device during an application of the pulse of electrical current, and a signal processor configured to provide a media level signal in accordance with the level signal and the ambient temperature signal. A method includes the steps of supporting a lengthwise portion of a thermistor device in contact with a media, applying an electrical pulse to the thermistor device, sensing a level signal from the thermistor device after a predetermined period of time, and providing a media level signal in corresponding to the level signal.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method and a system for hydrostatic level readings of liquids in a container comprising the steps of providing a pressure sensor capable of determining a pressure value in a suction pipe, correlating said result to a predetermined liquid level value, and thereby obtaining a reading result of the level of the liquid in said container. The invention further discloses the use of the method and system for example for monitoring a heat system, for the petrochemical industry, for petrol containers in cars, for tank trucks and for Jacuzzis.

Abstract: The invention is a tank fluid parameter monitoring device with at least one tank having at least one tank fluid parameter, at least one tank fluid parameter sensor, and at least one smart transceiver in communication with at least one tank fluid parameter sensor. The smart transceiver further has a means for determining if at least one tank fluid parameter is within a predetermined range and a means for two-way transceiving at least one tank fluid parameter over wireless telemetry.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a stem and a vibrator that is supported by the stem. The vibrator is inclined to a mounting surface of the stem. The angle of inclination of the vibrator to the mounting surface is adjustable. For this reason, the angular velocity sensor also includes a holding member that holds the vibrator. This holding member is elastically deformable. A single material may be folded to shape the holding member.

Abstract: A velocity sensor including a damper assembly having a central axis, a magnet extending parallel to the central axis, the magnet having a magnetic axis radially oriented with the central axis, and a coil extending parallel to the central axis and radially oriented with the central axis, wherein movement of the damper assembly with respect to the magnet induces a voltage in the coil.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attitude sensing device and method for determining an attitude of a reference axis of a package containing a fibre optic sensor sensor. The attitude sensing device comprises an electromechanical attitude sensor for generating an electrical signal indicative of the attitude sensor, and converter logic for converting the electrical signal into a stimulus signal. A local power source is preferably provided for the electromechanical attitude sensor in the converter logic. The stimulus signal is such that the fibre optical sensor is responsive to the stimulus signal to cause a variation in at least one predetermined property of an optical signal transmitted through the fibre optic sensor, the attitude of the reference axis being determinable from the variation of the predetermined property.

Abstract: Shakers and methods of testing suitable for various applications, including those presenting adverse test environments. The shakers have a permanent magnet assembly mounted in a sealed housing for vibration along a shaker axis. The permanent magnet assembly is double ended, and includes at least one shorting ring to hold down the inductance of the driving coils at higher frequencies. Fluid cooling (or heating) of both the shaker housing and the permanent magnet assembly allows placement of the shakers inside a temperature test chamber. The shakers may be coupled directly to the article to be tested, or coupled singularly or in a plurality to a test table to which an article to be tested is coupled. Various embodiments and methods of testing are disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure transducer includes a carrier having a central aperture for receiving fluid from a vessel. A sense die mounts on the carrier having a first side configured to interact with a fluid from the vessel. A gel attaches the sense die to the carrier. Pressure-sensing circuitry is formed on a second side of the sense die not exposed to the fluid. Further, a ceramic board mounts on the carrier, the ceramic board has conductive paths electrically connecting the pressure-sensing circuitry. Circuitry other than the pressure-sensing circuitry also mounts on the ceramic board and is electrically connected to the conduction paths. A hermetically-sealed cover configured to prevent the fluid or other external elements from contacting the second side of the sense die wherein the cover creates a defined volume surrounding the second side.

Abstract: A sensor head characterizes unsteady pressures in a fluid flowing within a pipe, as may be caused by one or both of acoustic waves propagating through the fluid within the pipe and/or pressure disturbances that convect with the fluid flowing in the pipe. The sensor head comprises a rigid support structure and at least one transducer attached to the rigid support structure. The rigid support structure holds the transducer in contact with an outer surface of the pipe. The at least one transducer senses relative movement between the outer surface of the pipe and the support structure and provides a signal indicative of unsteady pressures within the fluid at a corresponding axial position of the pipe in response to the relative movement. The support structure may be attached to each transducer in an array of transducers, and may include a handle secured thereto for manipulating the sensor head into contact with the pipe.

Abstract: A wear-proof metal screwing connecting structure comprises a connecting seat having a lower end connected to a fluid tube or a container. A top end of the connecting seat has a threaded hole; and an upper periphery of the threaded hole is arranged with a rubber edge. A connecting body locks to the threaded hole and thus is enclosed by the rubber edge. An upper end of the connecting body is installed with a pressure meter; and a threaded tube extends from pressure meter. A rubber layer encloses an upper part of the threaded tube; and the lower part of the threaded tube is screwed into the threaded hole of the connecting body so as to tightly lock the connecting body to the connecting seat.

Abstract: A stress sensor includes two capacitor plates held in a spaced-apart relationship by a connector block situated therebetween. The connector block includes a plurality of rods protruding from opposite connector block sides and extending into a respective capacitor plate to attach peripheral portions of each capacitor plate to the connector block. A small air gap is maintained between peripheral portions of the capacitor plates by the inclusion of a spacer member. Terminal end portions of the protruding rods are deformed such as by the application of heat over an outer surface of the capacitor plates to retain the capacitor plates in a fixed mutual relationship. The terminal end portions of the rods further serve to prevent horizontal or vertical slippage between the capacitor plates when the sensor is vulcanized into rubber compounds such as in a tire.