Abstract: A magnetic disk glass substrate manufacturing method includes a step of polishing a surface of a glass substrate to a mirror surface, a gas heating process step of causing a heated atmosphere and the glass substrate to contact each other so as to heat the glass substrate at a temperature T0, a step of causing a chemically strengthening salt melted exceeding a freezing temperature TF and the glass substrate to contact each other so as to chemically strengthen the glass substrate at a temperature T1, a gas cooling process step of causing a gas coolant and the glass substrate to contact each other so as to cool the glass substrate to a temperature T2, and a liquid cooling process step of causing a liquid coolant and the glass substrate to contact each other so as to cool the glass substrate to a temperature T3, the above-mentioned steps being included in this order, wherein the temperature T2 is set to a temperature less than the freezing temperature TF of the chemical strengthening salt in a gas cooling process

Abstract: An optical link module of the present invention for connecting light beams by deflection and including light-emitting devices arranged in a planar manner; an optical fiber bundle that is an optical waveguide for receiving the light beams from the light-emitting devices, and an optical turn which includes a plurality of aspherical lenses which are disposed between the light-emitting devices and the optical fiber bundle and are formed while corresponding to the number of the light-emitting devices and the number of optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical waveguide assembly has integral alignment features. The waveguide assembly is formed by fabricating a waveguide on a substrate prior to forming the alignment features, removing a portion of the waveguide to reveal the substrate, and forming the alignment feature in the substrate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing an optical fiber whose core is made of multi-component glass without fluctuation in its outer diameter and occurrence of sudden breakage thereof, with a technique of unifying a core rod and a cladding tube at the time of drawing, and yet drawing them; and the optical fiber having a multi-component glass core are disclosed.

Abstract: A preform for a low loss fiber optic cable and method and apparatus for fabricating such a preform is provided. The method includes providing AlCl3 and CVD precursors and locally doping CaCl3. Alkali and/or alkaline earth fluxing agents can be introduced. The alkali and/or alkaline earths are doped along with the aluminum into the silica glass core.

Abstract: The specification describes a method for addressing defects in the center of the core of an optical fiber that are formed during high temperature steps associated with collapsing a hollow core fabricated by the MCVD, PCVD, or OVD methods. These defects form absorption centers and impair the optical transmission properties of the optical fiber. The defects are reduced or eliminated according to the invention by forming a buffer layer as the last deposited layer before collapse. The buffer layer is undoped, or lightly doped, and provides a diffusion barrier to prevent or slow a change in the oxide glass stoichiometry. The result is that fewer dopant and oxygen atoms exit from the core layers through the free surface during collapse, resulting in fewer defects and lower fiber attenuation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for producing an optical fiber which is capable of producing the optical fiber having a high reliability by directly wiping the surface of the optical fiber with cleaning means for positively removing foreign materials adhered to or precipitated on the surface of the optical fiber and in which its facility is simple in structure and easy to maintain it. A cleaning member (11) is disposed on an optical fiber moving path. The surface of moving optical fiber (20) is cleaned by bringing the optical fiber (20) into a physical contact with the cleaning member (11). The cleaning member (11) can be formed of a porous or mesh member. The mesh member is formed of fiber sheets which are formed by knitting fiber threads. A plurality of the fiber sheets are laminated to provide a given lamination thickness for the cleaning length of the optical fiber (20).

Abstract: A needle loom comprises a supporting structure (2), at least one forming head (3) of a textile product (P) installed on the supporting structure (2), at least two heddle frames (6) capable of intercepting a plurality of warp threads (O), at least one sickle (9) to bring at least two weft threads (T) transversely between the warp threads (O), at least two movable guides (11) adapted each to intercept one of the weft threads (T), actuator means (13) to move the movable guides (11) and change the weft threads (T) carried by the sickle (9), at least one needle (18), to temporarily retain at least one of said at least two weft threads (T) carried by the sickle (9), and a reed (20) to compact the weft threads (T) against the already formed textile product. The actuator means (13) comprises at least two electric motors (21), connected each with a respective movable guide (11), to move each guide in a manner independent of the others.

Abstract: Guide bar drive in a knitting machine and method of driving guide bar. The drive includes a linear motor composed of a stator and a rotor, in which the linear motor is greater in height than width. The stator has a length in a longitudinal direction and includes at least one narrow side, and the rotor is structured and arranged in the stator for translational movement in the longitudinal direction. A guide rod is positioned adjacent the at least one narrow side and extending in the longitudinal direction to support the rotor. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A device for varying stitch tightness for hosiery knitting machines, particularly for circular knitting machines, which comprises a movement adjuster connected to a slider that can slide in the cam box of the machine and supports a knockover cam of the machine. The movement adjuster comprises an actuator, connected to an adjustment cam and actuatable so as to turn the adjustment cam about its own axis through preset angles. The adjustment cam has a single external active profile, two cam followers being arranged on the slider to make contact with the active profile of the adjustment cam in two spaced points and cooperate in determining a bilateral coupling with the adjustment cam.

Abstract: A non-pile circular-knit fabric (12) has at least one spun yarn (14) and at least one synthetic filament yarn (16). The synthetic filament yarn (16) has an elongation-at-break of not more than about 50%, and does not have loose-filament ends sticking out along its length. The fabric (12), bed sheets, and other products made from the fabric (12) have a greater durability than conventional circular-knit fabrics and products made therefrom, without an overall increase in fabric weight, acquisition costs, and processing costs. This enhanced durability is achieved without sacrificing the comfortable feel of the non-pile circular-knit fabric (12) and products made therefrom.

Abstract: A portable ultrasonic cleaning machine comprises a main body, held in a hand of a user; an ultrasonic wave generator, placed in the main body, generating ultrasonic waves for cleaning cloth or articles of clothing; a control circuit, connected with an electric power supply, for controlling operation of the ultrasonic wave generator; an opening in the main body, located next to the ultrasonic wave generator, allowing ultrasonic waves generated thereby to pass through; a holding plate which covers one side of the main body that inludes the opening, leaving a gap for inserting a piece of cloth or an article of clothing to be placed close to the opening, wherein a section of cloth or articles of clothing to be cleaned is placed close to the opening and cleaned by exposure to ultrasonic waves passing through the opening.

Abstract: An automatic clothes washer having a clothes trap for reducing the likelihood that an article of clothing can escape from a wash basket during the spinning of the basket.

Abstract: Washing machine comprising a rotating drum, an electric motor apt to put the drum into rotation, measurement means of the drum rotational speed, means able to detect the torque provided by said motor, computing and control means able to determine and control the instantaneous speed of the drum, wherein, before of the spinning phase, said computing and control means activates the machine into rotation at a predefined speed (Wmain) with the laundry retained on the drum inner wall, compute the static unbalance (m) and the elevation moment (Mel), check if both the following conditions are met: the static unbalance mass (m) is less than a pre-determined value and the absolute value of the elevation moment is less of a predetermined value; if at least one of the unbalancing mass values, or one of the values of said elevation momentum (Mel) are higher than a predetermined respective values, said computing means calculate the difference between the value of said unbalancing mass and the respective said predetermined

Abstract: Provided is a washing machine having a wash aid box designed to prevent a liquid stored in the wash aid box from overflowing. The washing machine includes: a cabinet receiving a washing tub; and a wash aid box storing wash aid to be fed to the washing tub, wherein the wash aid box includes: a storage portion storing liquid to be fed to the wash aid box; and an overflow preventing portion preventing the liquid fed to the wash aid box from overflowing along an inner wall surface of the wash aid box.

Abstract: A structure for blocking outflow of a fluid for a washing machine includes a door installed at an outlet of a detergent supply unit such that the door opens the outlet when wash water and detergent are supplied from the detergent supply unit to a washing tub and closes the outlet of the detergent supply unit when foam or steam is discharged from the washing tub to the detergent supply unit, thereby preventing the fluid, such as foam or steam in the washing tub, from flowing to the detergent supply unit through a water supply bellows.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided that includes a drum; and a condensing duct that communicates with the drum and is supplied with air from an inside of the drum. A coolant spray is provided inside the condensing duct, and sprays coolant from a lower portion to an upper portion of the condensing duct. A washing machine is thus provided that enhances condensation efficiency by increasing a contact time between hot moisture-laden air in a condensing duct and the coolant while decreasing time consumed during a drying phase. In addition, the washing machine can enhance the condensation efficiency by changing a spray direction of a coolant spray device.

Abstract: A clothes mover in a washing machine comprises a body mounted for reciprocal rotational movement about a generally vertical axis and at least one vane, which comprises a base mounted to the body and a tail extending from the base and having an upper edge that transitions into a tip. The tail can be free of the body for side-to-side flexing and can be configured such that a portion of the tail extending between the upper edge and the tip can flex from a generally vertical position toward the body. The body can be made of a first material, and the vane can be made of a second material different from the first material.

Abstract: An agitator assembly for an automatic washing machine comprises an agitator and an auger mounted to the agitator. The auger comprises a tubular body defining a peripheral surface and having a central longitudinal axis. A vane spirals around the tubular body and extends from the peripheral surface from a root having a thickness T to a tip. The vane has a width W measured from the peripheral surface along a line perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis to the tip. The vane is formed by a plurality of ledges, with adjacent ledges joined by steps. With this configuration, the vane can have a relatively small root thickness T and a relatively large width W.

Abstract: A double-lockable baggage case including two baggage shells which are pivotally connected with each other along one side and mated with each other to form the baggage case. A main lock device is mounted on one of the baggage shells and includes at least one displaceable latch member. At least one subsidiary lock device and reciprocally movable male fastening member are mounted on the other baggage shell corresponding to the main lock device. The subsidiary lock device includes a driving section. When the subsidiary lock device is turned, the driving section drives and displaces the male fastening member. In a locked state, the male fastening member is locked with the latch member of the main lock device to lock the baggage case. When the male fastening member is responsive of the turning of the subsidiary lock device to displace, the male fastening member is released from the restriction of the latch member of the main lock device for opening the baggage case.

Abstract: The present invention provides a latch assembly of the type commonly used on commercial vehicles which is simple to manufacture and has few parts. The latch assembly secures a closure element, or striker, in either of two secure positions by means of independently operable dual linear latch bolts and may be closed when the locking mechanism is in a locked position, to facilitate ease of operation and to prevent damage to the latch. The latch bolts are releasable by operation of a remotely located handle actuated rotary latch mechanism.

Abstract: A lock programmer/interrogator assembly for communicating with an electronic lock. The assembly includes a key comprising a circuit card having surface contacts positioned to align with contacts in an electronic lock smart card reader when the key is inserted into a smart card reader module. A cable connector is mounted on the circuit card. The circuit card includes current paths that electrically connect the surface contacts to pins of the cable connector. The assembly also includes a cable connectable at a first end to the cable connector and at a second end to a computer. The cable includes wires connectable between the pins of the cable connector and the computer.

Abstract: A motor vehicle component with a drive having a motor, a gearing and a component which is movable by the drive, the motor being coupled to a driving side of the gearing and a driven side of the gearing being coupled to the movable component, a kinematic chain of the gearing between the driving side and the driven side having at least two transmission elements. The drive is operable in blocking operation by a displaceable blocking element that is movable into blocking engagement with the drive. The displaceable blocking element is in addition to the drive and the adjustable component, and is engaged in a controlling manner with the first transmission element of the kinematic chain so that, depending on the position of a first transmission element, it can be moved into blocking engagement with a second transmission element of the kinematic chain.

Abstract: An organic potting mix is produced from sawmill wastes comprising predominantly wastes from the pinus genus either alone or mixed with other organic waste materials by a continuous process wherein the sawmill waste feedstock is comminuted, submerged in heated water containing treatment chemicals and then at least partially dewatered to a moisture content of from 15%-25% ww and a moisture capacity of about 50% ww. The potting mix so produced may be subjected to further comminution in an apparatus which applies mechanical shear under pressure to produce a peat moss alternative having an enhanced moisture capacity up to about 80% ww. An apparatus for the continuous production of the potting mix comprises a screw auger located in an inclined tubular body wherein the sawmill waste feedstock is submerged during travel from a lower end to an elevated dewatering end of said tubular body.

Abstract: A rolled steel plate as a raw material is press-formed into a pressed work provided with a boss section, and the work is fitted to a shaft by press-fitting of the shaft into the boss section. Rolling flow of internal metallographic layers in the boss section is curved like a letter S. Moreover, a manufacturing method of such a pressed work comprises: a primary-boss forming process during which a primary boss having a hole section and a protruding section protruding from the periphery of the hole section at a position corresponding to the boss section on a plane-like raw material is formed; and a boss-section forming process during which the protruding section is pressed and deformed in the protruding length direction to form the boss section.

Abstract: Various embodiments of roller hemming apparatus and methods are disclosed including one wherein multiple rollers are carried on a single mount to hem a flange in a single pass, another including induction heating and air quenching means movable with a roller to anneal the flange just prior to hem forming, and another in which friction from a rotatably driven roller heats the flange to reduce bending stresses during hemming of the flange.

Abstract: A mounting plate (16) pivotally supports a finger (14) for pivotal movement about a pivot axis A as a shear pin (34) breaks between a post (30) and the finger (14) in response to a predetermined force urging the finger (14) to pivot about the pivot axis A. A first fastener (24) is disposed under an opening (46) in the finger (14) for removing the mounting plate (16) and the finger (14) together as a unit from the transfer bar (12) while remaining connected by a bolt (36) at the pivot axis A.

Abstract: The invention provides press brake technology. In more detail, the invention involves a press brake tool holder having a thermally-responsive actuator. In certain embodiments, the actuator comprises a thermally-expandable polymer and/or a shape-memory alloy.

Abstract: A wear gauge is provided for simulating the wear of a magnetic recording component at its interface with a magnetic storage medium comprising a wear gauge block having a wear surface that substantially approximates the geometrical dimensions and contour of the working surface of the magnetic recording component, wherein the wear surface has a coating of transparent material. A test method comprises mounting the wear gauge in a test fixture, positioning a tape and adjusting the overwrap angle at edges of the wear surface, choosing the desired tape tension, speed and runtime, and running the tape, preferably unidirectionally, in operational contact with the wear surface for the desired runtime. The wear surface is inspected under white light illumination to observe and record locations of interferometric color changes on the wear surface. The color changes are correlated to thickness changes of the transparent coating on the wear surface.

Abstract: The gas detecting system of the present invention is equipped with a catalytic combustion type gas sensor 1a and a semiconductor type gas sensor 1b, in a gas detecting system 1 having an operating sate in which generation of electricity is performed, and an idling state, at the time of the operating state, detection of the detection target gas is performed by the catalytic combustion type gas sensor 1a, whereas at the time of the idling state, detection of the detection target gas is performed by the semiconductor type gas sensor 1b.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that include a thermal desorption unit, a chromatographic column, and an interface device between the unit and the column. The interface device controls the fluid flowing into the column, such as by providing additional carrier gas to maintain a substantially constant gas flow or velocity, by proving a controlled temperature increase, or by venting a portion of the gas received from the thermal desorption unit, thereby removing the dependence on the thermal desorption unit for such control. In some embodiments, the interface is a chromatographic injector. In certain embodiments, a transfer line from the desorption unit is coupled to the same port of the interface device as the chromatographic column. In some of these embodiments, this is accomplished by employing a special adaptor.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a sample tank for collecting and quieting a volume fraction of the fluid to be measured. The sample tank is in communication, at least at times, with a fluid containment via a filling line (L1) and a supply line (L2) connected, at least at times, with the filling line. The apparatus further includes a fluid measuring device having a vibration-type measurement pickup. A measuring tube of the measurement pickup is caused to vibrate during operation. The measuring tube is connected, at least at times, with the sample tank via a connecting line (L3), which is connected to an inlet end of the measurement pickup. The apparatus of the invention is especially suited for measuring liquids which are charged with gas and/or which tend to outgas.

Abstract: A method of detecting gas leaks includes applying a foam to a surface to be tested, and watching for bubbles, or other movement, in the foam. The foam is formed of a liquid having air dispersed in the liquid. The bubbles formed in the presence of a leak are visible to the naked eye, and are different from the tiny bubbles which define the original foam. The foam adheres readily to the surface, and does not run off or drip. Moreover, a relatively small quantity of liquid is needed, because the foam includes mostly air. The method is thus more economical, and more reliable, than leak detecting methods of the prior art.

Abstract: A system for characterizing rheological properties of granular material. A cylindrical measurement cup containing granular material is subject to a uniform vibration induced by a vibration exciter at a user-determined frequency. At the same time, a rotation or an oscillation of a rotating vane tool is performed within the powder and a response measured. Baffles are affixed to the inner wall of the measurement cup to prevent slippage of the granular material during measurement. An energy imparted to the system from the vibration exciter can be measured by an accelerometer coupled to the measurement cup. When sufficient vibrational energy is supplied to the system, a powder contained therein achieves a particle “temperature” sufficient such that the powder behaves as an ergodic system.

Abstract: A threadless interface for a fluidic system includes a microfluidic device having an outer surface and an internal near-surface channel having a first width and disposed at a first depth relative to the outer surface, with the first width being less than about two times the first depth. A fluidic seal engages the outer surface and exerts an elevated contact pressure against at least a portion of the outer surface without substantially occluding the channel. A preferred seal includes a raised boss. A fault tolerant flow path design can accommodate misalignment between adjacent device layers without detrimentally affecting fluid flow capability. The interface may be used in a microfluidic system for performing parallel analyses such as high performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A turbine engine inspection arrangement utilizes a motor that is otherwise utilized for starting the engine. An inspection interface allows for communicating with a motor controller to operate the motor in an inspection mode. During inspection, the motor moves the components of the engine very slowly or in an incremental fashion to facilitate visual inspection of the engine components, such as the turbine blades.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the preoperative estimation of breast implant volume, In which a volume of air, water, or other substance is used to inflate one or more bladders located within the cups of the brassiere-like garment. The apparatus is operated by pumping an amount of air from the outside atmosphere, or water or another substance from a reservoir or external water supply, into the bladders, according to the patient's preference as to the size of breasts she desires. A gauge is used to measure the capacity of each bladder when inflated to its desired size. The volume of each bladder as measured by the gauge can then be used to determine the size of breast implant to be used during breast augmentation surgery.

Abstract: Sensor equipment includes: a sensor device having a sensing portion; and an electric connection portion coated with an electric insulation member. The electric connection portion electrically connects an external circuit and the sensor device. The electric insulation member is a thin film disposed on the electric connection portion. In the sensor equipment, the insulation member is made of the deposition film, which is not deteriorated with time. Therefore, the insulation member does not flow out from the connection portion. Accordingly, detection sensitivity of the sensor equipment is prevented from reducing.

Abstract: A guide pipe is formed from a metal material, and its internal cross section has a circular shape whose diametric dimension gradually becomes smaller with a distance from an ultrasonic sensor. That is, the guide pipe is formed so that a route for transmitting an ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic sensor may be tapered from this ultrasonic sensor toward a reflector plate. Thus, the acoustic pressure level of the ultrasonic wave which enters the reflector plate can be made higher than a value in a prior-art liquid level detecting apparatus. Accordingly, the energy of the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic sensor can be utilized for liquid level detection at a high efficiency, so that a fuel liquid level detecting apparatus capable of accurate liquid level detection can be provided.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of altering the transmitted frequency used in an ultrasonic ranging system for liquid level measurement in a fuel tank. The frequency agility of the system is an important component of performing liquid level measurement in an enclosed vessel.

Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display means are provided for bi-coloured ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such a device. The illuminator comprises an array of bi-coloured solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto the view screen.

Abstract: A float arm assembly and method of construction therefore has a float arm with a free end and another end arranged for operable communication with a float arm position sensor. A float is molded to the float arm to provide a unitary and rigid float arm assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a sensor array having at least one field-measuring sensor and at least one curvature-measuring sensor within a flexible substrate, the field-measuring sensors capable of providing orientation data of the flexible substrate relative to a field and the curvature-measuring sensors capable of providing relative orientation data within the substrate, for measuring dynamic and static shapes and vibration of geotechnical, structural and biological bodies.

Abstract: Devices and methods for reducing rate bias errors and scale factor errors in a MEMS gyroscope are disclosed. A MEMS actuator device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include at least one substrate including one or more horizontal drive electrodes, and a movable electrode spaced vertically from and adjacent to the one or more horizontal drive electrodes. The horizontal drive electrodes and/or movable electrode can be configured to eliminate or reduce rate bias and scale factor errors resulting from the displacement of the movable electrode in the direction of a sense axis of the device.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide piezoelectric vibrating segment, a supporting structure for the piezoelectric vibrating segment, piezoelectric vibrator, and the piezoelectric vibrating gyroscope capable of maintaining stable excited vibrations and stable sensing vibrations. The piezoelectric vibrating segment can include a base section, a plurality of excited vibration arms and sensing vibration arms radially extending from the base section in a single plane. A plurality of first beams having elasticity extending from the base section and between the vibration arms and, at least, a first supporting section formed on the tips of the beams can be formed. The excited vibration arms and the sensing vibration arms are provided with electrode patterns formed thereon to be connected to and driven by a semiconductor device.

Abstract: In an inspecting method of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator having a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element and two or more electrodes, the frequency response characteristics is picked up when a vibration is given to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator, and the amount of displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator is predicted by the frequency response characteristics. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator is precisely inspected without dissolution and destruction and without actual driving as a product.

Abstract: A gearbox condition monitoring system comprises at least one vibration sensor located on a gearbox casing. A processing unit is coupled to the vibration sensor and is configured to receive signals representative of the detected vibrations from the vibration sensor. The processing unit may be operable to process the signals representative of detected vibrations of gears and bearings and to compute at least one dynamic energy index or location of fault.

Abstract: A vibration information transmission apparatus for improving efficiency of field wiring of a vibration monitoring/analyzing system includes transmitters (11-1 to n) for converting vibration information from vibration sensors (2-1 to n) for detecting vibration of an object to be measured, into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal to a digital network (DN). The transmitters (11-1 to n) includes in the same casing, a transducer circuit (18) for converting the vibration information from the vibration sensors (2-1 to n) into an analog electric signal, an A/D conversion circuit (19) for converting the analog electric signal from the transducer circuit (18) into a digital signal, and a network interface (20) for outputting the digital signal from the A/D conversion circuit (19) to the digital network (DN).

Abstract: A pressure transmitter assembly for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes an isolation diaphragm assembly. A pressure sensor is spaced apart from the isolation diaphragm assembly to provide thermal isolation. A conduit extends from the isolation diaphragm assembly to the pressure sensor and is configured to carry isolation fill fluid.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a metal stem having a diaphragm, and a semiconductor substrate in which an insulation layer is inserted between first and second semiconductor layers. A plurality of strain gauges are formed on a predetermined area of the first semiconductor layer of the semiconductor substrate, for converting a bending of the diaphragm to an electrical signal. In the pressure sensor, the strain gauges have pattern shapes insulated and separated from each other by trenches extending from a surface of the first semiconductor layer to the insulation layer. Furthermore, the second semiconductor layer has a recess portion, which is recessed from a surface of the second semiconductor layer to the insulation layer and is provided at a position corresponding to the predetermined area. The diaphragm is inserted into the recess portion, and the insulation layer is attached to a surface of the diaphragm in the recess portion.