Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A turbomachinery system for cooling a high power density device includes a turbomachine configured to deliver a high flux cooling medium toward the high power density device, a housing containing a motor, a compressor, or both, of the turbomachine, a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the turbomachine and arranged for being thermally coupled to the high power density device, and a transition duct arranged intermediate the heat exchanger and turbomachine.

Abstract: A temperature control system adapted for use with an article of clothing and designed to cool the wearer of the article of clothing. The temperature control system comprises a canister containing a cooling agent in its gaseous or vaporous state, a regulator for adjusting the flow of cooling agent from the canister and at least one supply line for delivering the cooling agent to an optimal release point. The canister can be an integral part of the article of clothing adapted to be recharged with the cooling agent or can be removable from the article of clothing, adapted to be refilled and replaced. The at least one supply line can be a plurality of supply lines delivering cooling agent to several optimal release points located within the article of clothing. The regulator enables the user to adjust the amount of cooling agent in order to obtain an optimal level of comfort.

Abstract: An ice discharging mechanism for an ice storage box including a swinging solenoid (24) mounted by means of a swing shaft (23) fixed onto arm portions (22) of a bracket (21). A support plate (27) is welded onto a lower part of the bracket (21). One end of a plunger (33) and one end of a link member (34) are coupled with each other by means of a coupling shaft (31) inserted through a long hole (29) of the support plate (27). In a lower end portion of the bracket (21), a pivoting plate (37) that forms an opening/closing door is pivotably mounted to a fulcrum shaft (35) that is provided parallel to the swing shaft (23). A moving shaft (41) provided at the other end of the link member (34) is inserted through the pivoting plate (37) whereby the plunger (33) and the pivoting plate (37) are connected with each other.

Abstract: An ice-making water tank 54 capable of improving ice-making efficiency by suppressing increases in concentrations of the impurities contained in ice-making water is divided into a circulating tank section 58 and a retention tank section 60 by a partition plate 62. The ice-making water stored within the circulating tank section 58 and the ice-making water stored within the retention tank section 60 are made movable between each other by a communication hole 64. A capacity of the retention tank section 60 is set to have a capacity greater than that of the circulating tank section 58. Above the retention tank section 60 is covered with a guide 52c of a mechanical base 52, and the un-iced water cooled during ice-making operation is collected only into the circulating tank section 58 via an opening 52d opening downward above the circulating tank section 58.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an icemaker in which an ice cube tray is twisted by rotation of an actuator to easily and effectively release ice from the ice cube tray. The icemaker comprising an ice cube tray formed with cube compartments; an actuator rotating the ice cube tray; and a stopper coming into contact with the ice cube tray being rotated and allowing the ice cube tray to be twisted, the cube compartments being diagonally arranged with respect to a lengthwise direction of the ice cube tray. With this configuration, the present invention provides an icemaker in which an ice is easily released from an ice cube tray and minimally cracked or broken while being released.

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

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for cooling. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention relates to a lightweight, compact, reliable, and efficient cooling system. The subject system can provide heat stress relief to individuals operating under, for example, hazardous conditions, or in elevated temperatures, while wearing protective clothing. The subject invention also relates to a condenser for transferring heat from a refrigerant to an external fluid in thermal contact with the condenser. The subject condenser can have a heat transfer surface and can be designed for an external fluid, such as air, to flow across the heat transfer surface and allow the transfer of heat from heat transfer surface to the external fluid. In a specific embodiment, the flow of the external fluid is parallel to the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: A process for liquefying natural gas in conjunction with producing a liquid stream containing predominantly hydrocarbons heavier than methane is disclosed. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is partially cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and supplied to a distillation column. The bottom product from this distillation column preferentially contains the majority of any hydrocarbons heavier than methane that would otherwise reduce the purity of the liquefied natural gas. The residual gas stream from the distillation column is compressed to a higher intermediate pressure, cooled under pressure to condense it, and then expanded to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.

Abstract: A microinscribed gemstone such as a diamond is inscribed by a laser beam to graphitize a surface portion of the gemstone without damaging a bulk portion.

Abstract: In a first polishing step, or in a first half of a super precision polishing, a surface of a glass substrate is polished with a first suspension. The first suspension contains particles and a dispersion agent in which the particles are dispersed. The main ingredient of the particles is silicon dioxide (SiO2), and the average size (D50) of the particles is equal to or less than 100 nm. The dispersion medium comprises an acid solution the pH of which is equal to or less than 4. In a second polishing step, or in a latter half of the super precision polishing, the surface of the glass substrate is continuously polished with a second suspension. The second suspension contains particles and a dispersion agent in which the particles are dispersed. The main ingredient of the particles is silicon dioxide (SiO2), and the average size (D50) of the particles is equal to or less than 100 nm. The dispersion medium comprises an alkaline solution the pH of which is equal to or more than 8.5.

Abstract: A process for producing a high-quality glass from highly reactive raw materials and a glass-melting apparatus for use therewith, comprising the step of charging a material for the glass to a molten glass in a heated vessel, (1) wherein an oxidizing gas is bubbled in the molten glass and a glass raw material that behaves as a reducing agent during being melted is charged into a position of the bubbling or (2) said vessel is filled with a dry ambient gas and while the ambient gas is allowed to flow to a liquid surface of the molten glass along an charging route of the glass raw material, the glass raw material is charged.

Abstract: A structural component for a device for the treatment of melts, especially of glass melts, having a base body of metal or of a metal alloy and a cooling system in which a cooling medium is led through the structural component for the leading-off of heat. The base body is provided with a coating of a material the decomposition temperature of which lies below the temperature of the melt, and the cooling system is designed and arranged in such manner that the temperature of the boundary layer of the melt that immediately surrounds the structural component lies below the decomposition temperature of the coating material.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a cabinet which defines an outer appearance of the washing machine, a water tub set inside the cabinet to contain wash water therein, a rotary tub having spin drying perforations and rotatably set in the water tub, and a water turbine which is mounted at an open front of the rotary tub and rotates along with the rotary tub to spray the wash water contained in the water tub into the rotary tub. The water turbine includes an external member having an annular shape, and an internal member having an annular shape corresponding to the external member. The internal member is arranged apart from the external member by a predetermined interval. A vane unit is set between the external and the internal members, and raises the wash water contained in the water tub and sprays the wash water into the rotary tub.

Abstract: A grip for a handcuff pair comprises a pair of opposed bodies each comprising a pair of wristlet lock capturing members which capture the wristlet lock portions of the handcuff pair therebetween. At least one of the pair of wristlet lock capturing members is joined together by a hinge disposed between the wristlet lock portions of the handcuff pair and is substantially located over a bendable joint of a link member joining the wristlet lock portions together into the handcuff pair.

Abstract: A padlock includes a shackle attached to a lock housing, a lever pivotally disposed in the lock housing and having one end for anchoring legs of the shackle to the lock housing, a carrier slidably received in the lock housing and having an actuating member to selectively disengage the lever from the legs of the shackle and having a number of protrusions. A follower is slidably attached onto the lock housing, and includes an anchoring device to anchor the carrier to the lock housing at selected positions. An operating device includes a number of selected bars slidably attached onto the lock housing, to actuate the protrusions of the carrier, and to move the carrier relative to the lock housing step by step.

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 invention generally relates to a latch apparatus having a locking live bolt. One embodiment of the invention is a latch apparatus having a housing with opposed plates that are spaced apart and secured to each other by support arms formed from the plates. A live bolt of the apparatus is slidably mounted in the housing and horizontally actuated between an extended and a retracted position. A live bolt hub is mounted in the housing and actuates the live bolt. A slide, actuated by a rotatable cam, is mounted in the housing and moves vertically between a first position and a second position. In the first position the slide is disengaged from the live bolt, and in the second position the slide locks the live bolt in an extended position.

Abstract: A door entry system includes control means for controlling operation of the door entry system and a deadbolt assembly that is operable to selectively lock a door. The deadbolt assembly includes: a first bolt member movable between an extended and a retracted position; switch means arranged on said first bolt member, the switch means conveying a signal to the control means to move said first bolt member between the extended and retracted positions when the switch means is activated; and, driving means for selectively moving the first bolt member between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A remote-controlled lock includes a bottom base, a transmission motor, a connecting rod, a slide member, a deadbolt, a coil spring and a casing. By pressing the unlocking press button of a remote controller, the transmission motor is started to rotate clockwise and actuate he connecting rod and the slide member to rotate to let the slide member no longer stopped by the engage block on the bottom base. Thus, the slide member and the deadbolt can be moved inward to unlock the remote-controlled lock. On the contrary, press the locking press button of a remote controller to start the transmission motor to rotate counterclockwise and actuate the connecting rod and the slide member to rotate reversely to let the engage block engaged en the engage groove to stop the slide member from moving inward, thus locking the remote-controlled lock.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an optical aperture comprises an object having a tip with a pointed end. Stoppers are disposed adjacent the tip. A pressing body applies a loading force to press the pointed end of the tip and at least a part of each of the stoppers to form an optical aperture at the pointed end of the tip. A load controller controls the loading force applied by the loader.

Abstract: A suspension component for an automobile, such as a stabilizer bar, is provided and includes at least one localized portion having a strengthened outer surface. The localized portion is positioned at a location of highest stress along the suspension component. A method of forming the suspension component is also disclosed.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism of a pipe bending machine is equipped with several auxiliary hydraulic cylinders in addition to an original power source for providing power to feed a pipe; the auxiliary hydraulic cylinders are joined to an auxiliary fixing member at output rods thereof, which fixing member is displaceable along a toothed locating rod secured on the bending machine, and is equipped with an engaging device capable of releaseably engaging the toothed locating rod to fix the fixing member in position; thus, the feeding mechanism can feed a pipe with increased force output when the fixing member is made unmovable along the locating rod by the engaging device, and when the auxiliary hydraulic cylinders operate.

Abstract: A device for holding at least one roller of a rolling machine that can rotate about a rotational axis includes two holding arrangements that can be arranged on opposite faces of the roller viewed in the direction of the rotational axis. The device further includes at least two coupling parts each configured for a coupled mode and an uncoupled mode. A first of the two coupling parts has at least one, preferably essentially straight first groove, and has a second groove that does not run parallel to the first groove. A second of the two coupling parts includes a first coupling element and a second coupling element, wherein the first coupling element projects further outward from the second coupling part than the second coupling element. In at least one implementation, the roller can be detached or removed from the holding arrangements when the holding arrangements are in uncoupled mode.

Abstract: A swaging machine is configured to substantially uniformly reduce the diameter of a tubular attachment, such as a marker band, to result in a smooth and repeatable finished part. The swaging machine comprises a feed system, an impact system, and a rotation system. A split die having a compound die cavity is provided for use in conjunction with the swaging machine to receive an impact force from the impact system and, in turn, apply a swaging force to the marker band. The rotation system rotates the impact system, including the die, about the axis of the marker band to apply swaging forces about the circumference of the marker band, while the feed system feeds the marker band through the die thereby applying swaging forces along the length of the marker band.

Abstract: An intracardiac rotary pump (10) is provided with a pressure differential sensor (18) for supporting the pumping heart. The pressure differential sensor measures the pressure differential between aorta (AO) and left ventricle (LV). This pressure differential must correspond to certain desired values at different speed stages. If the pressure differential deviates to too large an extent, the deviation is recognized as a drift of the pressure sensor, and a correction value is determined in dependence on the drift, the subsequently measured pressure values being corrected with the aid of this correction value. In this manner it is possible to carry out a drift correction on the sensor with the pump arranged in the heart and even with the pump in operation.

Abstract: A throttle position detecting apparatus has an interlocking member being rotatable in conjunction with a throttle grip attached to a tip of a handlebar of a vehicle; a detecting unit for detecting a rotation angle of the interlocking member; and a case integrally including a first accommodation and a second accommodation, the interlocking member being rotatably accommodated in the first accommodation and the detecting unit being accommodated in the second accommodation, wherein the throttle position detecting apparatus detects a throttle position on the basis of the rotation angle of the interlocking member detected by the detecting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method (400) for detecting the presence of one or more chemical contaminants in/on a plurality of items, e.g., cork stoppers (110), using nose chips (310). The apparatus utilizes detection sensor electronics (225) that are separate from the nose chips such that each nose chip can be either reused or discarded after use. The apparatus moves the nose chips and the cork stoppers independently to align the cork stopper and a corresponding nose chip with one another. The testing apparatus uses multiple sensor units (135) to simultaneously test multiple cork stoppers for chemical contaminants (e.g., TCA). The invention provides a low-cost, reliable process for testing 100% of cork stoppers in a fast and cost-effective manner that is scalable to the general consumer product market.

Abstract: Semiconductor gas-sensitive materials of the formula Cr2-xTixO3 where 0.05>x?0.0001, and gas sensors formed therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precisely detecting very small distances between a measurement probe and a surface, and more particularly to a proximity sensor using a constant gas flow and sensing a mass flow rate within a pneumatic bridge to detect very small distances. Within the apparatus the use of a flow restrictor, and/or snubber made of porous material, and/or a mass flow rate controller enables detection of very small distances in the nanometer to sub-nanometer range. A further embodiment wherein a measurement channel of a proximity sensor is connected to multiple measurement branches.

Abstract: In a device and a method for measuring path lengths, particularly of brushes in sliding contacts, an air stream having a regularly fluctuating pressure is provided by a pump and conducted via an air supply line and a nozzle to an object to be measured. The object is disposed so that its length or position affects the flow resistance of passing air. A consequent pressure drop in the supply line is determined with a pressure sensor, and an evaluation unit computes, in particular from the difference between maximum and minimum air pressure, a length of the object as a function of the pressure difference. In another embodiment of the invention, pressurized air is supplied from a pump to an object to be measured, and a sensor is disposed to detect a pressure change when the object has attained a predetermined length.

Abstract: A scanner and method of operation for inspecting high efficiency filters to detect the presence of pin-hole leaks. The scanner includes a plurality of funnel members movable along guide members and connected by tube members to a monitoring device for detecting any contaminants contained in gases entrained in the funnel members.

Abstract: A submersible turbine pump includes a power head enclosed in a casing. A vacuum source associated with the submersible turbine pump draws a vacuum in the interior space of the casing. A pressure sensor may be used to monitor the vacuum in the interior space to detect a leak in the power head or the casing. If a leak is detected, an alarm may be generated and the submersible turbine pump may be deactivated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for measuring properties of bubbles from which certain physical characteristics of the liquid in which the bubbles are generated can be determined. The evolution of a bubble includes (1) formation and growth at a nozzle disposed within the liquid through which a gas is flowed, or formation and growth as a result of cavitation in the liquid from the application of focused acoustic energy to a location within the liquid; (2) detachment and resonance; and (3) rise towards terminal velocity. Measurements of the resonance frequency, the shape oscillation frequency and the terminal velocity of the bubble allow the determination of the density and surface tension of the liquid and the radius of the bubble.

Abstract: Piezoelectric plates conduct bending vibrations and are axially symmetrical about the vibration shaft so the piezoelectric plates conduct a bending vibration, lower vibrating ends of the piezoelectric plates are rigidly connected to a vibration suppressing member and upper vibration ends of the piezoelectric plates are rigidly connected to the vibration shaft, an inner edge of each of the piezoelectric plates excluding the vibration connection part is free of the vibration shaft, a bending vibration at the lower vibrating end of each of the piezoelectric plates is suppressed on the vibration suppression connection part side and a bending vibration at the upper vibrating end is amplified and then applied to the vibration shaft and the liquid detecting element which is disposed at a lower end of the vibration shaft, through the vibration connection part, so that the liquid detecting element is vibrated in the circular direction in the measuring liquid.

Abstract: Microfluidic analytical devices and systems have at least one porous element disposed downstream of one or more optical detection regions in a pressure-based separation system. A porous element elevates the backpressure within an optical detection region, thus suppressing bubble formation and enhancing optical detection. Various types of porous elements include porous membranes, packed particulate material, and polymerized monoliths. Preferred devices may be fabricated with substantially planar device layers, including stencil layers, that are directly bonded without adhesives to form a substantially sealed microstructure suitable for performing pressure-based chromatographic separations at elevated operating pressures and with organic solvents.

Abstract: A device for measuring alignment of a golf club is provided, and allows measurement of the lie angle and loft angle simultaneously. The strike face of the club is placed against an abutment member that is fixed to a base member, and held in place with a clamping member. An alignment member is coupled to the base member and spaced from the clamping member in generally opposing relation thereto. The alignment member is movable with respect to the clamping member to receive the golf club shaft in a cradle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is SPM cantilever having a support portion, a lever portion extended from the support portion and a probe portion formed at a free end of the lever portion, said probe portion having a generally plate-like form and the probe portion having an additionally sharpened terminal end portion. The terminal end portion has its length greater than the plate thickness thereof and is reduced in thickness toward a tip of the terminal end portion, and the tip is located inwardly of the planes extended from the front and back sides of a base portion of the plate-like probe portion.

Abstract: A malfunction of a thermostat in a coolant circulating path is detected from an engine side coolant temperature in consideration of the following behavior of the coolant temperature. When an open-malfunction occurs, the coolant temperature becomes different considerably from that in the normal time in the temperature range in which the thermostat is to be normally closed. When a closure-malfunction occurs, the coolant temperature becomes different considerably from that during the normal time in the temperature range in which the thermostat is to be normally opened. Alternatively, the malfunction may be detected from a difference between the engine side coolant temperature and a radiator side coolant temperature.

Abstract: A tire monitor for use in conjunction with a remote tire monitoring system of a vehicle includes in one embodiment a dual-axis accelerometer and a control circuit. The control circuit determines position information such as the right/left position of the tire monitor on the vehicle in response to an acceleration signal from the dual axis accelerometer. The tire monitor transmits tire data and the position information to a control unit of a remote tire monitor system. The control unit determines additional position information such as front/rear position of the transmitting tire monitor by detecting signal strength of the transmission. This allows the system to automatically re-learn the position of tire monitors on the vehicle, even after tire rotation.

Abstract: For measuring the pressure and tread depth of a tire, an electronic measuring device is disclosed to include a housing, a tread scale, which has a sliding block coupled to the housing and movable along an elongated sliding slot and a measuring tip fixedly connected to the sliding block and movable in and out of the housing, a variable resistor mounted inside the housing for outputting a variation of resistance value indicative of movement of the measuring tip relative to the housing, a pressure sensor mounted in the housing for detecting the pressure of a tire, a display, and a circuit board mounted inside the housing and electrically connected with the variable resistor, the pressure sensor and the display for converting the variation of resistance value received from the variable resistor into a readable distance value and the signal outputted from the pressure sensor into a readable pressure reading for display on the displays.

Abstract: A high-performance, fast-response, multi-sensor pressure probe for velocity and pressure measurement applications in unsteady and turbulent flowfields. The invention includes both 5 and 7-sensor probes, hemispherical-tip probes and conical-tip probes of various diameters. The present invention eliminates the need for long pressure tubing in such probes by placing the sensors adjacent the flow apertures which leads to a dramatic response in probe measurement frequency response which extends the use of the invention to unsteady and turbulent flows.

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: The invention is intended to improve reliability of a thermal type air flow measuring instrument employing a molded part formed by integral molding together with a metal plate. A slot or opening allowing only a resin to pass through the same is formed in the metal plate in an area or thereabout subjected to higher stresses. A part of connector terminals, which is not required from the intrinsic object, is disposed in the vicinity of a area where the resin has a larger thickness and the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the resin is locally increased. An injecting direction is set so as to prevent a weld line and a void from being generated in a combined way. In the molded part with the metal plate inserted therein, the occurrence of cracks and an increase of the fatigue crack growth rate can be suppressed and reliability can be improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating and/or improving the accuracy of time of flight ranging or level measurement systems. A correction factor is determined and applied to the calculated receive times for echo pulses in response to a change in the amplitude of the echo pulses or in response to a change in the noise floor.

Abstract: A method for a fill level measurement in accordance with the running time principle, which functions dependably over a long period of time, is provided, having a fill level measuring device with an ultrasonic sensor for transmitting and receiving ultrasound, wherein a repeated check of a resonance frequency of the ultrasonic sensor is performed, in the course of which the ultrasonic sensor is briefly excited to oscillate, following the excitation a signal received by the ultrasonic sensor is picked up, and the actual resonance frequency of the ultrasonic sensor is determined by means of the received signal in that the received signal is digitized and supplied to a digital signal processor, a Fourier transformation of the digitized received signal is performed in the signal processor, a maximum of the Fourier-transformed received signal is determined as a function of the frequency, a frequency at which the maximum occurs is stored as the actual resonance frequency, and during measuring operations the ultrasoni

Abstract: A balancing machine with a clamping device for mounting a vehicle wheel on a balancing machine shaft. The clamping device has a mounting flange (7) with multiple recesses (13) for receiving at least one centering pin (8). To reduce centering errors and/or balancing errors because of play between the centering pin (8) and the mounting flange (7), e.g., due to manufacturing tolerances or wear, the centering pin has an elastically deformable circumference (21) which in its operating position is in contact with a wall surface (25) of the mounting flange (7) bounding the recess (13). The circumference (21) can be either hydraulically or mechanically deformable. In addition, the invention also relates to a balancing machine having a mounting flange (7) having a central opening for axial guidance on a shaft.

Abstract: There is provided a compact, high-sensitivity acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor includes a weight 8, a pedestal 9 arranged around the periphery of the weight 8, a support frame 3 formed to have a width narrower than the width of the pedestal 9 all around its perimeter, a mass 2 attached to the weight 8 to retain the weight 8 inside the support frame 3, beams 4 connecting the support frame 3 and the mass 2 and overlapping the pedestal 9 near their ends on the side of the support frame 3, and a peripheral interlayer 12 arranged between the support frame 3 and the pedestal 9 to create a predetermined clearance between the pedestal 9 and the parts of the beams 4 that overlap the pedestal 9.

Abstract: In an implementation in rate gyro mode, the method comprises the steps of exciting the vibrating member by means of a combination of control signals comprising an amplitude control signal at the resonant frequency of the vibrating member or at a frequency twice the resonant frequency, a precession control signal at a frequency twice the resonant frequency, and a quadrature control signal at DC, at the resonant frequency, or at a frequency twice the resonant frequency. In free gyro mode, the method includes the steps of applying a combination of signals to common electrodes 5 and of applying said combination in alternation to main electrodes 5.1 and 5.2 and to secondary electrodes 7.1 and 7.2 interleaved between the main electrodes.

Abstract: An electrically operated tuning fork apparatus includes a tuning fork having a base and a pair of tines. The tines have tips remote from the base, and are formed of or include material in which a magnetic field can be induced. The tuning fork apparatus also includes an electrical coil configured to receive at least a portion of both tines of the tuning fork. At least one of the tines can be vibrated relative to the other of the tines by passing a varying current through the coil to induce mutually repulsive magnetic fields in the tines.