Abstract: A method of obtaining a material property of a pavement material from a microwave field generally includes generating a microwave frequency electromagnetic field of a first mode about the pavement material. The frequency response of the pavement material in the electromagnetic field can be measured, such as by a network analyzer. The measurement of the frequency response permits correlating the frequency response to a material property of the pavement material sample, such as the density. A method of correcting for the roughness of a pavement material divides the pavement into a shallow layer and a deep layer. Two planar microwave circuits measure the permittivity of the shallow and deep layer. The permittivities are correlated to correct for roughness. An apparatus for obtaining the density of a pavement sample includes a microwave circuit and a network analyzer. The network analyzer measures the frequency response to determine the density of the pavement material.

Abstract: The interior of a vessel containing pressurized fluid is protected against undesirable chemical corrosion and/or mechanical erosion caused by the fluid due, for example, to changes in the chemistry of the fluid, by an imperforate, chemically corrodable tube projecting into the interior of the vessel and having a closed inner end. A chemical corrosion through-opening in any portion of the tube permits pressurized fluid to enter and pressurize the tube interior, with fluid pressure within the tube being utilized to automatically generate a corrosion/erosion detection signal indicative of an undesirably high fluid chemical corrosivity level within the vessel.

Abstract: Thin metallic films are used as the piezoresistive self-sensing element in microelectromechanical and nanoelectromechanical systems. The specific application to AFM probes is demonstrated.

Abstract: A self-powered, wireless sensor assembly is provided for sensing crankshaft position of an engine comprising a rotatable flywheel having a ring gear. The sensor assembly includes an electromagnetic sensor responsive to structural features on the ring gear when the ring gear rotates. A power supply is coupled to generate a direct current in response to the output signal from the electromagnetic sensor. A transceiver is coupled to one of the following sensors: a magnetostatic sensor energized by the power supply and responsive to the structural features on the ring gear to generate an output signal when the ring gear rotates, and the electromagnetic sensor. The transceiver is configured to wirelessly transmit the output signal from that one sensor, wherein the output signal from that one sensor comprises information indicative of the instantaneous speed of said engine.

Abstract: There is provided a compression gauge assembly for diagnosing pressure variances of an engine cylinder(s). The gauge assembly comprises a gauge sensor in communication with the engine cylinder(s). The gauge sensor is operative to detect compression stroke pressures within the cylinder(s). A gauge controller is in communication with the gauge sensor. The gauge controller includes a comparator circuit operative to compare detected compression stroke pressures within the cylinder(s) and to derive the pressure variances therebetween. A gauge display is in communication with the gauge controller for displaying the derived pressure variances.

Abstract: An on-board vehicle diagnostic system includes sensors for recording vehicle operating parameters, such as speed, wheel speed, yaw rate, transverse acceleration, and/or tire operating parameters, such as the tire inflation pressure and the temperature at the belt edge. Relationships between the parameters are stored in a diagnostic model so that depending on the complexity level of the system and objective, predictions regarding the wear condition of the tire and/or erroneous vehicle adjustments are possible.

Abstract: The system comprises a control unit (17), and, on each wheel, a pressure sensor (12) and an emitter (13) in order to transmit to the control unit (17) a pressure signal comprising data for identification of the sensor, and means (17) for determination of the speeds of rotation of the wheels, in order to associate (174,179) with each pressure signal the wheel of the corresponding sensor (12), and which comprise means (179) for comparison of data of speeds of rotation of the wheel, determined in different manners (34,50), by the periods (Ti) of the envelopes for modulation of the signals emitted by the emitters (13) and by the wheel anti-blocking device (20).

Abstract: A tire parameter sensing system (12) for a vehicle (10) having a tire (16) comprises a tire-based unit (26) associated with the tire (16) and including structure (70, 72) for sensing a parameter of the tire (16) and for transmitting a parameter signal (38) indicative of the sensed parameter. The parameter signal (38) having at least first and second different signal characteristics. The tire parameter sensing system (12) also comprises a vehicle-based unit (34) having a first receiving channel (116) for receiving at least portions of the parameter signal (38) that include the first signal characteristic and a second receiving channel (118) for receiving at least portions of the parameter signal (38) that include the second signal characteristic. A signal detection portion (120) of the vehicle-based unit (34) is responsive to the first and second signal characteristics for determining the sensed parameter of the tire (16).

Abstract: A transducer is implemented to operate with transmitted frequency signals. These transmitted signals provide a bias potential to the transducer and enable the transducer to transmit a transducer output signal to a remote location. The transducer has an antenna for receiving transmitted signals. The antenna is coupled to a rectifier circuit; the rectifier circuit is operative to provide a DC voltage in response to said received transmitted signals. This DC voltage is applied to the piezoresistive array via a switching arrangement coupled between the array and the rectifier circuit. An interface circuit controls the switching arrangement to enable DC bias to be applied to the array in a first mode and to remove the bias in a second mode.

Abstract: A method of sampling reservoir fluid includes establishing communication between a reservoir and an entry port of a flow line disposed in a borehole penetrating the reservoir. The method includes separating fluid received in the entry port into individual fluid components and sequentially flowing slugs of each individual fluid component along the flow line, observing the slugs as they move along the flow line in order to determine the composition of the slugs, estimating when a desired slug containing a desired fluid component would be in the vicinity of a sample chamber in the flow line, and opening the sample chamber to capture the desired slug when the desired slug is in the vicinity of the sample chamber. The method also includes checking that the sample chambers open and close successfully. Finally, the method further includes creating an accurate record of events, which can then be used to audit the sampling process.

Abstract: A device for measuring at least one property of a material web, in particular a paper or board web, includes movable measuring probes provided on both sides of the web, which can be pressed against the web with preferably at least substantially equal force, forming a respective air pad, elements for measuring the air pads, in particular the air pad thickness, on both sides, and at least one property sensor, in particular a paper property sensor, fitted to a measuring probe supported by an air pad.

Abstract: An inertial reference unit (IRU) is described which includes a processor programmed to provide inertial data from received inertial signals, a primary sensor unit providing the inertial signals to the processor, and an input/output (I/O) unit communicatively coupled to the processor. The I/O unit provides signals, including inertial data, to an external interface of the IRU and routes signals to and from the processor. The inertial reference unit also includes a secondary sensor unit separate from the primary sensor unit which provides inertial data independent of the inertial data provided by the processor.

Abstract: An air flow rate measuring device serves to measure a flow rate of air flowing through a main passage inside an intake pipe of an engine. A base has its one end directed axially of the main passage toward an upstream side of air flowing therein, and its other end directed toward a downstream side thereof, with a bent groove being formed in the base. A circuit module includes a support substrate and a detection element installed one surface of the support substrate for detecting the flow rate of air, the module being joined to the base in a face-to-face relation with respect to each other to form an auxiliary passage in cooperation with the groove. The detection element on the one surface of the support substrate is exposed to air in the auxiliary passage, and the other surface of the support substrate is exposed to air in the main passage.

Abstract: An ultrasonic filling level sensor (1), has an elongated measuring chamber (2), which is provided with an opening (3) at each of its two ends, wherein a liquid has the same filling level as outside the measuring chamber (2). The sensor includes an ultrasonic transceiver (6), which is associated with one end of the measuring chamber (2) and the emitted sound signals of which are reflected at the surface of the liquid and at a calibrating reflector (5) and received by the ultrasonic transceiver (6), in order to determine the filling level from the relationship between the transit times of the two signals. It is provided that the cross-section of the measuring chamber (2) and the nature of a wall of the measuring chamber are made to suit the properties of the liquid in such a way that, even in a tilted position of the measuring chamber (2), the surface of the liquid forms a meniscus (14) which forms a reflection portion directed toward the ultrasonic transceiver (6).

Abstract: A liquid state detecting element comprising: a film portion made of a flexible insulating material and extending in a longitudinal direction; and a pair of detecting electrodes juxtaposed to each other on a layer of said film portion and extending in said longitudinal direction, in which said detecting electrodes are for being immersed at least partially in a liquid to be measured, so that a state of said measured liquid is detected on a basis of an electrostatic capacity between said pair of detecting electrodes, wherein: said liquid state detecting element further comprises reinforcing portions made of a conductive material and disposed on said layer of said film portion on an outer side of said detecting electrodes; and said reinforcing portions include: a grounding terminal for being connected with a ground line; and a pair of parallel reinforcing portions extending in said longitudinal direction along side edges of said film portion so as to sandwich said pair of detecting electrodes.

Abstract: A float is arranged in a tubular frame to be unlocked to float in a liquid when the lower end of the frame contacts a bottom surface of a container containing the liquid. A float lock guide and a float lock actuator are mounted in the passage to move the float laterally in the frame as the lower end of the frame is moved away from the bottom surface of the container to lock the float in frictional engagement with the frame.

Abstract: A level sensor (2) comprising a support (6) with a bearing (11) for a lever arm (3) with a float (4) and a guide rail (16) pointing in the direction of the bearing (11). The lever arm (3) has a stirrup (5) made of plastic and a lever wire (7) clipped thereto. The stirrup has two guide elements (12,13) which are arranged next to each other and which engage with the guide rail (16), thereby preventing the dual contact (10) of the stirrup (5) from rising above the slideways (9) of a potentiometer (8) which are disposed on the support (6).

Abstract: A measurement technique for normalizing the sensitive-axis output of a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor which greatly reduces both temperature effects and magnetic contributions from the insensitive-axis cross-terms. Specifically, the normalization techniques disclosed may be effectuated by direct measurement with no prior knowledge of the sensor constants being required and may be performed for a single sensor with multiple sensors not being required in order to estimate the cross-axis fields for each of the other sensors. The technique can additionally provide an output proportional to the insensitive-axis field as well as that of the sensitive-axis and, when combined with knowledge of ambient field strengths, can be used to determine fundamental MR sensor constants which then allows for correction of higher-order sensor non-linearities. The techniques disclosed are particularly conducive to low power supply availability applications such as battery operation.

Abstract: A sensor is fabricated with micron feature sizes capable of simultaneously measuring absolute angles of rotation and angular rotational rates. The measurements are made directly from the position and velocity of the device without the need for electronic integration or differentiation. The device measures angle directly, avoiding the integration of electronic errors and allowing for higher performance in attitude measurement. These performance improvements and flexibility in usage allow for long term attitude sensing applications such as implantable prosthetics, micro-vehicle navigation, structural health monitoring, and long range smart munitions. Through the fabrication of the device using lithographic methods, the device can be made small and in large qualities, resulting in low costs and low power consumption.

Abstract: A microstructure comprising an in-plane solid-mass electrically conductive tuning fork gyroscope and fabrication methods. The gyroscope is formed using substrate material having lower and upper layers sandwiching a sacrificial insulating layer. An exemplary gyroscope comprises a low-resistivity single-crystal silicon substrate having a lower support layer and an upper flexible support layer. Two opposed proof masses that are separated from the lower support layer lie in and are supported by the upper flexible support layer. Two drive electrodes are disposed adjacent to the proof masses and are insulatably supported by the lower support layer and are separated from the upper flexible support layer. Sense, balance and tuning electrodes are disposed adjacent to the proof masses and are insulatably supported by the lower support layer and are separated from the upper flexible support layer.

Abstract: A tuning fork vibrator includes a long plate-shaped vibration unit having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, a base disposed at one end of the second principal surface of the vibration unit in the longitudinal direction, and a slit for dividing the vibration unit into two legs defining a tuning fork along the longitudinal direction symmetrically in the width direction of the vibration unit. The slit is formed so as to include a portion of the base in the vicinity to the vibration unit.

Abstract: General algorithms are developed for reconstructing the acoustic field generated by an arbitrary object subject to an arbitrarily time-dependent excitation. These algorithms enable one to visualize a time-domain acoustic pressure wave as it travels through three-dimensional space. Such a tool can be used to diagnose general noise sources and transmission since in engineering applications most structures are subject to arbitrarily time-dependent excitations. To facilitate the derivations of the temporal solutions, we make use of Laplace transform and expand the acoustic pressure in terms of the spherical Hankel functions and the spherical harmonics. The expansion coefficients are settled by solving an over-determined system of equations obtained by matching the assumed-form solutions to the measured acoustic pressures.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing assembly structured to examine a test object, wherein the test object has a surface, and the examination examines the structure of the test object under the surface as well as the profile of the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spark plug coil and pressure sensor assembly for providing a spark to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The assembly comprises a spark plug configured for mounting in a cylinder and a pressure sensor associated with the spark plug configured to detect a pressure in the cylinder and generate a pressure signal in response thereto. The assembly includes a first electrically conductive ring connector configured to receive the pressure signal and a housing having a main axis and having at least one electrically conductive leaf spring member. The leaf spring member is configured to resiliently engage the first electrically conductive ring connector over a first predetermined circumferential angle relative to the main axis of the coil housing.

Abstract: One aspect is a pressure transducer package comprising a housing, a diaphragm, a support disposed in the housing and a sensing element disposed in the housing between the diaphragm and the support so that the pressure from the environment acts on the diaphragm to compress the sensing element. The sensing element comprises at least one substrate having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than 4 ppm/k. In another aspect, the sensing element comprises at least one substrate formed of a first material and an epitaxial layer of a second material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion. In a further aspect, the support abuts the housing at a spherically-shaped interface to compensate for misalignment between the support and the sensing element to ensure that the sensing element is evenly loaded.

Abstract: A transducer apparatus is disclosed herein, including a method thereof for forming the transducer apparatus. A metal diaphragm can be molecularly bonded to a ceramic material to form a ceramic surface thereof. A bridge circuit is connected to the ceramic surface of the metal diaphragm. An input pressure port for pressure sensing thereof can then be provided, wherein the input pressure port is connected to the metal diaphragm to thereby form a transducer apparatus comprising the metal diaphragm, the bridge circuit and the input pressure port. The metal diaphragm is preferably welded to the input pressure. The metal diaphragm and the ceramic surface thereof preferably operate over a temperature of range of at least 40° C. to 150° C., as does the transducer apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the differential pressure of fluid in filter. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a pressure chamber. A differential pressure gauge divides the pressure chamber into first and second fluid chambers. The differential pressure gauge is arranged to measure a differential pressure between fluid in the first chamber and fluid in the second chamber. The differential pressure gauge has a variable output.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus comprises a sensing beam having piezo-resistive components mounted therein that output a signal as a function of a strain on the sensing beam and a main body holding the sensing beam. The sensing beam includes a gasket pattern integrated thereon to create a substantially uniform interface between the main body and the clamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for verifying concrete flexural strength by establishing a predictive correlation between concrete flexural strength and a second strength parameter, such as direct tension or indirect tension, measuring the value of that second strength parameter for a batch of concrete, and estimating the flexural strength of the batch by way of the second strength value and the correlation.

Abstract: An over-travel protection device is provided for placing in a load path between a load cell and an object being weighed. The device has a first member positioned to be in the load path and a second member also positioned to be in the load path. The second member is arranged to cooperate with the first member to transfer load force from the object to the load cell. The first and second members define a space between one another and a compressible member is disposed in the space between the first member and the second member. A retaining member is adapted to limit separation displacement between the first and second members.

Abstract: A pin detection system and/or method for detecting a pin or bolt in a section of chain comprises a chain or section of chain having a plurality of chain links connected together by a plurality of pins or bolts or the like. At least one end of at least one of the pins or bolts may have an extension extending longitudinally therefrom. A sensor or detector is provided along a conveying path of the chain for sensing the presence of the pin or bolt and/or extension as the section of chain is conveyed along the conveying path. The sensor provides a signal indicative of a detection of the pin or bolt or extension. A control may control at least one accessory associated with the conveyor system in response to a signal generated by the sensor.

Abstract: Flow measuring apparatus includes an excitation laser 30 for irradiating a sample 26 with excitation laser light 34. The light is modulated by modulator 32. In the excitation region 38, the light excites ultrasound which is picked up by an ultrasound detector 6 and processed in demodulator 6. The equipment is of particular application to measuring the speed of blood flow in human or animal tissue. By exciting ultrasound using light rather than directly sending ultrasound in tissue a good ultrasound signal from the blood 10 in blood vessel 8 may be generated since light is strongly absorbed by blood.

Abstract: An anemometer circuit comprises a sensor having a resistance which varies with temperature, immersed within a moving medium, the mass flow rate of which is to be determined. A control loop causes a current to flow through the sensor resistance, and varies the current as needed to maintain the sensor temperature at a desired value; the current is proportional to the medium's mass flow rate. In a preferred embodiment, a controller measures the sensor's voltage and current and the ambient temperature of the medium, and varies the current such that the sensor dissipates the power required to maintain its temperature at the desired value. The control loop can be arranged to maintain the sensor at a constant temperature, or at a constant differential temperature with respect to the medium's ambient temperature.

Abstract: A Coriolis mass flow sensor includes a flow tube, a light source, and a light pipe having a light inlet situated to receive light from the light source and a light outlet for emitting light received from the light source. A light detector receives light from the light pipe light outlet, and a drive device vibrates the flow tube such that the flow tube moves through a light path between the light outlet of the light pipe and the light detector. In certain embodiments, the light pipe defines a generally square cross section. A sensing aperture having a predetermined shape is situated between the light outlet of the light pipe and the light detector. The sensing aperture passes a portion of the light emitted from the light outlet of the light to the light detector, such that the light entering the light detector has the predetermined shape.

Abstract: The torque detecting apparatus comprises: an input shaft to which a torque is inputted; an output shaft for outputting the inputted torque; a connecting shaft for connecting the input shaft and the output shaft to transmit the torque; a coil for detecting a torque applied from the input shaft to the connecting shaft based on a torsional angle which arises at the connecting shaft; and a holding cylinder for holding the coil coaxially, wherein the holding cylinder has inside thereof a recess extending in the circumferential direction, and the coil is fitted in the recess. Projections for supporting the holding cylinder at a predetermined position are provided on the outer surface of an axial portion which does not have the recess. Accurate torque detection can be effected even when pressure applied to the projections provided at the holding cylinder constituting the torque detecting apparatus is changed.

Abstract: Weight sensor assemblies for measuring weight on a vehicle seat are mounted at the connecting points between a seat bottom frame and a seat mounting member. The weight sensor assemblies each include a beam member having a bendable center body portion for supporting a strain gage. The strain gage and associated traces are screen printed on the surface of the beam. The beam acts similar to a dual constrained cantilever beam, concentrating the bending at a reduced neck section that narrows in the middle of the center body portion. The strain gage measures strain resulting from bending in the center body portion caused by a weight force being applied against the seat.

Abstract: A method for automated loading of liquid sample to a liquid chromatography testing device is provided including installing a disposable tip on a probe, moving the probe with an automated liquid handler to a loading position proximate to a sample, and drawing a sample into the disposable tip. The probe is then moved to an injection position proximate an injection port, and the sample is injected from the disposable tip into the injection port. Also provided are the novel injection ports. After injection of the sample, the disposable tip is then removed from the probe. These steps may be repeated a plurality of times to sequentially load a plurality of samples. An exemplary method of the invention is directed to use with a liquid chromatography apparatus. An apparatus for assisting in the removal of the disposable tip is also provided.

Abstract: An internal, mechanical wet clutch for agricultural equipment is disclosed in which the clutch mechanism is enclosed within a lubricant case filled with oil. The enclosed clutch mechanism is attached to a gearbox for disposition in the driveline of agricultural machinery. The clutch enclosure inhibits tampering with the torque settings of the mechanism and includes an oil bath that functions to lubricate the components of the clutch while at the same time providing a fluid braking that inhibits freewheeling. The enclosures for the gearbox mechanism and clutch mechanism may be completely separate enclosures fastened together, a single enclosure with separate sealed compartments for the gearbox mechanism and the clutch mechanism or a single enclosure with a single compartment enclosing both mechanisms. In one embodiment, the gearbox is a right angle gearbox and is integrally formed with the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: In a transmission for a working vehicle, a PTO input shaft is located with its rotational axis extending in a vehicle lengthwise direction substantially at a widthwise center of a transmission case along a vehicle width direction. A running power input shaft is located with its rotational axis extending in the vehicle lengthwise direction substantially at the same position as that of the PTO input shaft along the vehicle width direction and at a lower side of the PTO input shaft. The transmission case provides an accommodation space for accommodating a differential gear unit, which space is displaced to a first lateral side of the vehicle along the vehicle width direction. A running power transmission shaft is located on the front side of the space with its axis extending in the vehicle lengthwise direction, and the running power input shaft, the running power transmission shaft and the differential gear unit are interlocked to each other via a running power gear train.

Abstract: An adjustment device comprises a nut floatingly mounted on a rigid base, and a worm screw screwed through the nut. The worm screw is mounted to rotate substantially without radial clearance in a bearing that is secured to the base.

Abstract: The transmission includes: a first input shaft carrying drive gearwheels for first gear, third gear, fifth gear, sixth gear and reverse; a second input shaft, coaxial to the first, carrying drive gearwheels for second gear and fourth gear; first and second clutches for coupling the first and the second input shafts respectively to a drive shaft of the motor vehicle; and at least one output shaft carrying a plurality of driven gearwheels, each meshing, either directly or indirectly, with a corresponding drive gearwheel; a first engagement sleeve associated with the drive gearwheels or driven gearwheels of first and third gears; a second engagement sleeve associated with the drive gearwheels or driven gearwheels of second and fourth gears; a third engagement sleeve associated with the drive gearwheels or driven gearwheels of fifth and sixth gears; and a fourth engagement sleeve associated with the drive gearwheel or driven gearwheel of reverse gear.

Abstract: A folding drum of a folding device is comprised of at least one folding element and a transmission unit. The transmission unit has at least one toothed wheel which is coaxially arranged with respect to the rotational axis of the folding drum. The toothed wheel can be moved in the axial direction of the folding drum between at least two positions.

Abstract: A transmission device capable of changing speed with stored energy drives a carriage to move back and forth. The transmission device includes a variable speed transmission mechanism mounted on a base and driven by a motor. A first energy storage mechanism mounted on the variable speed transmission mechanism cooperates with a first latch mechanism mounted on the base so as to store and release the energy of the driven carriage, switch the output of the variable speed transmission mechanism, and thus switch the moving speed of the carriage.

Abstract: An adjustable structure of bicycle handlebar comprising a locking connector and a connecting tube to connect the stem and the handlebar together; the locking connector and the connecting tube are connected with a first wedge and a second wedge locked with a threaded bolt; a teeth centered with the bolt in radiating shape each is installed on the junction of the first and the second wedge, a single threaded bolt to connect the locking connector and the connecting that can adjust the angle of the handlebar.

Abstract: A rotatable member is adapted for dynamic balancing by the addition of balancing weights in the form of high speed projectiles fired at the member during rotation in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so as to impact the member at specific circumaxial locations required for balancing the member. The member has an annular groove for receiving the projectiles and securing the same at the desired locations. The groove has a cross sectional configuration slightly smaller than that of the projectile in at least one direction of measurement so as to engage and capture the projectile in retention in the groove.

Abstract: A composite-based rim includes multiple fiber-based, commingled layers wherein the strength and/or stiffness increases from the innermost to the outermost layer of the rim, but wherein the radial stress and strain generated in the rim decreases from the innermost to the outermost layer. At least some layers have a mixture of carbon fiber tows and glass fiber tows. The ratio of carbon fiber tows to glass fiber tows in each layer is constant, and the distribution of carbon fiber tows is macroscopically uniform in each layer.

Abstract: An electromechanical drive unit for a door closer for swiveling leaves of doors or the like, having a housing which comprises a bottom shell and a top shell and which receives the drive elements of the door drive. Receptacles for fixedly positioning drive elements of the door drive are arranged within the bottom shell and/or top shell of the housing and are formed in one piece with the housing.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes an input operably coupled to a power source. The input drives first and second axle shafts, which in turn drive laterally spaced wheel ends. Each wheel end includes a gear set that is driven by one of the axle shafts. The axle shafts are enclosed within a center axle housing and the gear sets are enclosed within gear housings. The drive axle includes a pumping mechanism that maintains predetermined oil levels within the center axle housing and gear housings. The oil level in the center axle housing is lower than the oil level in the gear housing. The pumping mechanism includes an impeller that is mounted for rotation with the axle shaft. The impeller draws oil from the center axle housing into a cavity, which transfers the oil to the gear housing.

Abstract: A swivel gearbox system having multiple drivetrain outputs is disclosed. The system comprises a swivel gearbox and an angled divider gearbox where the power input and divided power output shafts are not in the same plane. The swivel gearbox is a right angle gearbox to permit power input to the divider through a 360 degree range. The output shaft of the swivel gearbox functions as the input shaft of the angled, divider gearbox. The input shaft for the swivel gearbox and the multiple divided output shafts for the divider gearbox are positioned relative to one another in parallel, offset planes, shared shaft between the swivel gearbox and the angled, divider gearbox is preferably positioned in a plane perpendicular to the other input and output shafts. In another embodiment, an angled divider gearbox is provided.

Abstract: A method of reducing target metal oxides and passivated metals to their metallic state. A reduction reaction is used, often combined with a flux agent to enhance separation of the reaction products. Thermal energy in the form of conventional furnace, infrared, or microwave heating may be applied in combination with the reduction reaction.