Abstract: A method for coating doughnut-type glass substrates, which comprises laminating a plurality of doughnut-type glass substrates each having a circular hole at its center so that the circular holes form a cylindrical hole, and supplying a coating liquid to an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical hole in a state where the glass substrates are laminated to coat inner peripheral edge surfaces of the plurality of the doughnut-type glass substrates with the coating liquid.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing an optical fiber base material by means of a vapor-phase axial deposition method. The method includes preparing a raw material supplying pipe that supplies raw gas centrally and a supporting gas channel and a combustion gas channel that are concentrically disposed outside the pipe, using a multiple flame burner forming a plurality of concentric flames, and generating and depositing glass particles in a state where a condition of Vi<Vm 2Vi is satisfied when linear velocity of a flow of the most inside flame is Vi and linear velocity of the raw gas is Vm. Preferably, the condition satisfies that 1.3Vi<Vm 1.8Vi.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber preform and an optical fiber preform apparatus are provided which can reduce hydroxyl groups in an optical fiber preform to a sufficient level without requiring any special equipment or operating conditions. When an optical fiber preform is manufactured by the vapor-phase deposition method, the dehydrating treatment is performed on a porous core preform that is obtained by deposing glass microparticles. In this treatment, a dehydrating agent is supplied to a dehydration apparatus through a feeding pipe and a main feeding pipe made of a material having a water permeance factor of 1.0×10?11 g·cm/cm2·s·cmHg or less, thereby manufacturing an optical fiber preform.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a manifold defining a fluid channel, and also includes a plurality of cooling fins connected to the manifold, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the fins includes porous material.

Abstract: A duct assembly is employed for directing a central air flow upwardly toward the rotating spinner assembly of a rotary-type fiberizer that produces a downwardly flowing column of fibers. The central air flow eliminates the low-pressure zone that normally occurs beneath the spinner assembly of conventional fiberizers. The cross-sectional profile of a lower portion of the duct is vertically elongated where the duct passes through the fiber column so as to facilitate the flow of the fiber column over the duct. A shielding member can be positioned to deflect the central air flow away from the spinner assembly and against the interior of the fiber column to insulate the spinner assembly from the relative cool air flow. In another embodiment, a conduit extends through the fiberizer spinner assembly and directs a cooling gas beneath the spinner assembly within the interior of the fiber column.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine, comprising a footing with a rotatable, vertical needle cylinder, axial slots on the outer lateral surface of the needle cylinder, that accommodate each a needle, a sub-needle arranged below each needle in a corresponding axial slot connected bilaterally to the needle and having a radial heel, the sub-needle being oscillatable on a radial plane of the needle cylinder, sub-needle actuation cams, for producing movement of the sub-needle along the axial slot to actuate the overlying needle.

Abstract: A garment (30) is provided with a sensor band (15) of generally smaller dimensions than the garment (30) for holding sensor electrodes incorporated in the band against a users body while wearing the garment The sensor band is elasticated to conform against the users body and the garment (30) is relatively loose fitting. The sensor band (15) is attached to the remainder of the garment by highly elastic and flexible webbing portions (13, 17).

Abstract: A circular knit panty has a fabric portion for encircling a lower torso with the fabric portion having a first leg hole, a second leg hole, and an edge. The circular knit panty also has a single layer waistband integrally connected by circular knitting to the edge with the single layer waistband made from a material selected from the group consisting of a synthetic continuous filament or a stable yarn, a natural fiber yarn, spandex, and any combinations thereof. The single layer waistband is to anchor the circular knit panty to a wearer. The single layer waistband has a selvedge opposite the edge and the selvedge is clean and treated to avoid curling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing on needle weaving looms a woven ribbon, preferably a vehicle safety belt strap, which has the same edges in terms of weaving and the method for producing a woven ribbon, preferably a vehicle safety belt strap, is characterised in that the weft yarns alternately picked from right and left are crocheted with the respective preceding weft already picked.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a water tub adapted to contain wash water therein, and the water tub has first and second vent holes to circulate air to and from the water tub. The first vent hole is positioned higher than the second vent hole. Thereby, outside air is introduced into the water tub via the second vent hole, and interior air of the water tub is discharged to the outside of the water tub via the first vent hole, thereby allowing the relative humidity inside the water tub to be effectively lowered by virtue of air circulation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drum type washing machine with a door ring. A front member is attached to the front surface of a door frame to increase the strength of a door. A decorative part is formed either at the door frame or at the front member of the door frame to improve the appearance of the door. The door ring is mounted at a cabinet around the door. Consequently, the strength of a structure around the door is increased while the appearance of the front surface of the washing machine is improved.

Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises at least two horizontally arranged laundry appliances, each having a top, and a worksurface extending over the tops of the at least two laundry appliance and formed by multiple interconnected pieces laterally connected to each other to define a width of the worksurface.

Abstract: A liquid laundry detergent dispenser for an automatic washing machine employs a reservoir that holds a quantity of the detergent sufficient for numerous wash cycles. An air/fluid chamber fills through a check valve from the base of the reservoir. To commence a dispense cycle, a timer circuit is actuated to run an air pump that supplies air under pressure through an air hose to the air/fluid chamber, and this displaces the detergent from the chamber and through a detergent dispense hose into the tub or drum of the washing machine. At the end of the dispense cycle, a bleed valve opens to relieve pressure on the air hose and the air/fluid chamber. The automatic detergent dispenser can be attached to existing washers or built in. A multiple arrangement can be used with a bank of washers at a commercial laundry.

Abstract: A washing machine having a device for directly reducing vibration of an external structure serving as a direct factor for causing a user to feel vibration. The washing machine includes an external structure forming an external casing; a washing tub installed in the external structure; a driving device for driving the washing tub; a support device for supporting the washing tub; and dynamic vibration absorbers for directly reducing vibration transmitted to the external structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a door for drum type washing machines and a method of manufacturing such a door. A front member is attached to the front surface of a door frame. Consequently, the overall strength of the door frame is increased. Especially, a decorative part, which consists of alternating reflective/nonreflective or embossed/depressed patterns, is formed either at the door frame or at the front member. Consequently, the overall appearance of the door is improved, and glare is effectively prevented.

Abstract: A device that includes a cable with a locking device/head at the end of the cable. The cable is coupled to a housing and is retractable into the housing for easy storage and portability. The locking device is stored within a compartment such that is flush with or with the housing. If keys are used with the lock, preferably the keys may be stored within the housing when the device is not in use.

Abstract: A lock protector for protecting a padlock of the type having an exposed shackle and body. The lock protector includes a face plate or shield having a member extending from a rear surface that has two openings for securing the shield to the legs of a shackle. The face plate covers the shackle to protect the shackle from access to cutting devices such as bolt cutters.

Abstract: The lock assembly has a lock housing assembly, a driven assembly and a lock core. The driven assembly and the lock core are mounted in the lock housing assembly. The driven assembly has a connector and is selectively engaged to the lock core to allow the connector to be rotated to lock or unlock an object. The connector is able to lock two objects together or can connect an object to a stationary fixture with an optional cable, and the connector can be changed so a lock manufacturer can use this lock assembly to make many different kinds of locks.

Abstract: A steering lock assembly an assembly housing includes a non-linear passage that receives a cam shaft and/or cam pin. The non-linear passage provides a steering lock assembly that is shorter than steering lock assemblies having an assembly housing with a linear passage for receiving the cam shaft and cam pin.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle anti-theft device including a master controller inside an engine room, a remote controller to control operations of the master controller, and at least a set of locking device to lock a hood on the engine room. By pressing the remote controller, the anti-theft device will be activated to trigger vehicle doors to be locked through a central control lock, a circuit connecting a battery set and the engine room to be cut, and a hood lock to lock the hood on the engine room, thereby protecting the master controller from being destroyed and also enhancing anti-theft capability.

Abstract: A system for electronically and remotely activating a deadbolt lock to actuate and either extend or retract a deadbolt into a door or barrier. The system can be activated by remote control or by a manual knob. The system is constructed so as to fit on any standard single cylinder, cylindrical deadbolt system and utilize the existing deadbolts keys. The system can be used in homes, apartments, or other buildings.

Abstract: A cargo transportation device has a container including a cargo door accessible from the outside for closing the container and being movable from an open position to a closed position. A security system is provided that includes a latching device on the inside of the container, the latching device having a latch, a screw for moving the latch between an open position and a closed position, and a rotary motor for turning the screw. The security system has a latch receiving device, adapted to receive the latch, on the inside of the container. A controller operates a motor to turn a screw in one direction and thereby moves the latch from its unlocked position to its locked position. The controller also can operate the motor to turn the screw in the direction opposite of said one direction thereby moving the latch from its locked position in the latch receiving device to its unlocked position.

Abstract: A pin tumbler lock is provided with one or more additional chambers for housing a secondary locking member for engagement with a portion of a key. The invention also provides a lock system comprising a plurality of locks, each lock including two chambers. The lock system has a potential of N chamber positions to provide a substantial increase in the number of effective unique pin tumbler combinations that can be produced on the same key section or profile by allowing the same pin tumbler combination to be repeated with different locations of these additional chambers.

Abstract: Lock assembly and method of coding and recoding locks. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of codebars, and a sidebar. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of code blocks, a sidebar, and a codebar.

Abstract: Di-ammonium phosphate, murate of potash and gypsum are the conventional phosphorous, potassium and sulfur fertilizers respectively. Application of gypsum to soil can cause an increase calcium load on soil and polluted surface and underground water. The most successful technique is application of phosphorous-potassium-sulfur glass which can be added directly to the soil. Main feature of the present invention is formulation and making of a composition of high phosphorous, potassium and sulfur containing glass free from alkali like Na2O, Li2O and ZnO, which are toxic to the plants. Such glasses are capable of slow release of phosphorous, potassium and sulfur required in the area of agriculture, fungicide, pesticide and weedicides etc. The present invention also emphasize optimization of nutrient content, reduction of calcium load on the soil, minimization of surface and under-ground water pollution and maintenance of acidic environment near the plant roots in the soil.

Abstract: A method for processing sheet metal includes processing and forming a sample and a blank on a work while leaving a microjoint part in a blanking process. The method also includes detecting at least one of a plate thickness of the work in an optional position and a spring-back amount of the sample during bending. Information of at least one of the plate thickness and the spring-back amount is transmitted to a controller of a bending machine in a bending process after the blanking process. Bending is performed by calculating a ram control value in bending using data of at least one of the transmitted plate thickness and the spring-back amount.

Abstract: A method of forming an elongated metal blank into a structural component having a predetermined outer configuration. The method includes providing a shape imparting cavity or shell section formed from a rigid material which includes an inner surface defining the predetermined shape, placing the metal blank into the cavity or shell section, and forming the metal blank into the component by heating axial portions of the metal blank and forcing a fluid at a high pressure into the metal blank until the metal blank at least partially conforms to at least a portion of the inner surface of the cavity or shell section to form the structural component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method in a press of pressure cell type comprising a forming tool and, separated therefrom, a diaphragm, which define a forming space in which a blank is inserted for forming thereof against the forming tool by pressing the diaphragm against the blank. A blank portion projecting from the forming space is gripped by means of at least one gripping device and the connection between the blank and the gripping device is shielded from the diaphragm at least when the diaphragm is pressed against the blank. The invention further relates to a press of pressure cell type and a tray device.

Abstract: A tube expander including: a main body, two opposite clamping blocks being disposed under a bottom of the main body, the two clamping blocks defining therebetween an insertion space in which a copper tube can be clamped; and a bolt screwed through the main body. One end of the bolt, which extends out of the main body, has a rotary switch. A top face of the rotary switch is formed with a polygonal socket in which a connecting member is accommodated. The connecting member is easily connectable with a mechanical power source for conveniently and quickly ascend/descending the bolt within the insertion space of the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described to form and join a short flange on a periphery of a sheet material supported in a nest (30). The apparatus includes a positional pressure forming steel (PPFS) assembly (50) located on the end of a robotic arm (42). The PPFS assembly (50) includes a hub (52) slidably supported in a cylinder (56). At least one tool steel (70, 70?, 70?) is located on an extension (68, 68?) from the hub (52). A biasing element (58) interposed between the cylinder (56) and the hub (52) enables precise control of the forming pressure by defining a tool path control program which maintains a relative relationship between the PPFS assembly (50) and the nest (30).

Abstract: A male die for forming a member incorporated in a liquid ejection head is disclosed. Each of a plurality of first forging punches is operable to form a first recess on a metal plate. The first forging punches are arranged at a fixed pitch to form a punch row in a first direction. Each of a plurality of second forging punches is operable to form a second recess on the metal plate. The second forging punches are arranged adjacently to first forging punches located at both ends of the punch row. The first recess is to be a first part of the member which is used to eject liquid from the liquid ejection head, and the second recess is to be a second part of the member which is not used to eject liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method including a die assembly and tooling, which includes a draw bolt and coaxially disposed expandable element. When control of the apparatus is initiated the die assembly and draw bolt retract or move down over the work piece until the die assembly is seated in the die holder. The draw bolt continues to move down which causes the elastomer insert to expand and push the work piece outwardly forcing the work piece to conform to the contour of the die assembly creating the desired transition diameter.

Abstract: Sensor systems and methods are disclosed herein. In general, a sensor can be provided for detecting the presence of a gas (e.g., hydrogen) in an area proximate to the sensor component. A composite material is generally associated with the sensor, wherein the composite material comprises a metal hydride material for gas storage. A heater can also be provided that heats the metal hydride material to a particular temperature at which hydrogen is released from the metal hydride material in order to calibrate and self-test the sensor for detecting the presence of gas.

Abstract: A gas analyzer apparatus including a support tube having a distal portion arranged in a flue and a gas sensor supported on the support tube. An air supply tube supplies cooling air into the support tube. A basal portion of the gas sensor is cooled by the cooling air.

Abstract: A probe for determining the relative humidity and temperature of a substance such as a concrete floor. The probe is adapted to be inserted into a hole in the substance being tested. The probe has a head portion and a tail portion. A display is provided on the head portion to provide a user with a visual indication of the relative humidity and temperature within the substance. The entire probe structure is designed to be contained within the hole without the need for any components protruding out of the hole to cause an obstruction.

Abstract: In an engine knocking detection apparatus that receives a knocking sensor signal expressing vibration in an internal combustion engine and performs bandpass filter processing of the sensor signal to extract a signal component indicative of engine knocking, during each of respective combustion stroke intervals, the center frequency and/or width of the filter passband is adjusted in accordance with changes that occur, during each combustion stroke interval, in the distribution of sensor signal components that are characteristic of knocking.

Abstract: A sprinkler replacement method for a fire sprinkler piping system with a first pipe, a second pipe, a remote test pipe, a first drain gate, a second drain gate, a connection pipe, and a sprinkler. The method includes the steps of opening the first and second drain gates to drain water from the first, second, and remote test pipes by gravity, connecting an air-water separation device to the first drain gate, connecting a vacuum device to the air-water separation device, closing the second drain gate to enclose the fire sprinkler piping system, evacuating the air-water separation device and fire sprinkler piping system by means of the vacuum device to provide a predetermined negative air pressure therein, removing the sprinkler, wherein water in the connection pipe flows into the air-water separation device by atmospheric pressure, and connecting another sprinkler to the connection pipe.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, method and centrifuge permeameter system that includes a hydraulic permeameter adapted for use in a centrifuge; and an automated data acquisition system, wherein the centrifuge permeameter non-destructively determines one or more soil characteristics from a sample of granular material such as soil, rock, and concrete when centrifuged.

Abstract: A process for testing the tightness of containers includes making available a first fluid in the container interior space that is different from a second fluid surrounding the container, creating a negative pressure in the container interior space, testing the interior surfaces of the container side wall for traces of second fluid penetration, and possibly localizing any entry points.

Abstract: A seal test apparatus for a subsea hydrocarbon production system having first and second components that are sealed by a primary seal and an external barrier seal comprises a pressure chamber which is connectable to a source of pressure, a suction chamber which is connectable to a volume between the first and second seals, and a movable member which comprises a first surface that is exposed to the pressure chamber and a second surface that is exposed to the suction chamber. In operation, the introduction of pressure into the pressure chamber moves the movable member and thereby creates a vacuum in the suction chamber, and this vacuum is communicated to the volume in order to test the ability of the second seal to prevent pressure from the ambient environment from entering the volume.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for monitoring wear of a component disposed within a fluid stream. The apparatus comprises at least one particle trap configured to capture particles from a fluid stream. The trap comprises a trapping medium having a minimum orifice size. The apparatus further comprises at least one sampler configured to divert at least a portion of the fluid stream through the trapping medium; and at least one sensor system configured to determine at least one flow characteristic in the apparatus. The method comprises flowing fluid from the stream through the apparatus described above, and determining the extent of wear in the component based on flow characteristic data obtained from the sensor system of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining pressure inside a closed chamber equal to the changing outside pressure, detecting leaks in the plumbing (i.e., air handling system) of a trace gas flux measurement system, and estimating the kinetic volume, e.g., of such a system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays for ascribing catalytic activity to rock samples by virtue of zero-valent transition metals potentially being present within the sample. Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to novel assays for measuring intrinsic paleocatalytic activities (k) of sedimentary rocks for converting oil to gas and projecting the activities to the subsurface based on the measured linear relationship between ln(k) and temperature (T).

Abstract: A single probe system is utilized to quickly obtain uncontaminated formation fluid samples. The single probe includes an outer guard tube and an inner sampling tube which is slightly recessed relative to the outer tube such that the pressure at the front face of the probe is substantially uniform. Each tube is coupled to its own pump which controls the flow rate of the fluid moving through that tube. Knowing the size of the sampling tube relative to the size of the outer probe tube, and optionally based on relative viscosities of formation fluids and filtrates, the pumps are caused to generate a particular flow rate ratio through the tubes such that an appropriate pressure is maintained at the front face of the probe and such that the fluid flowing through the sampling tube is substantially uncontaminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic spring (2) essentially comprising two terminal elements (4, 6), a pressure-tight roll bellows which is arranged therebetween and made of a flexible elastomeric electroconductive material (14), a strengthening carrier (16) formed by two cord-fibre plies (16a, 16b) which are made of threads (18), crossed at an angle (?) and vulcanised inside said bellows. In order to determine the height (h) of the spring, in a preferred embodiment, said two cord-carcass plies (16a, 16b) are provided with a certain number of highly conductive threads (18a) which are arranged at the beginning and the end of each ply in a parallel direction to each other, thereby forming two conductive strips (24a, 24b). Said conductive strips (24a, 24b) are disposed oppositely to each other and electrically connected at the end of the roll bellows (8) in such a way that a conductive loop (24) is formed and each strip is used as a branch for an alternating current measuring bridge (28).

Abstract: The flow rate of a fluid flowing around a measuring element is measured using a guide for guiding an electromagnetic wave along the longitudinal extension thereof and at least one electric heating element that is placed adjacent to the guide. The guide can be heated by the heating element. An electromagnetic wave, which can be launched into the guide, can be influenced according to the temperature of the guide that is dependent on the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: A flow sensor is provided having a substrate with a sensing element and flow channel over the sensing element. The sensing element senses at least one property of a fluid. The flow channel is configured such that tilting the flow sensor does not have a significant effect on the measured signal. A device for measuring tilt in a system having a fluid flow path is also provided.

Abstract: An optical liquid measuring system for measuring the amount of flammable liquid in a storage tank consisting of a pair of encoder disks that are operatively connected to a pair of floats through a pair of pulley systems. The floats are designed so that the first float will float on top of flammable liquid such as gasoline, and the second float will float on top of water. Optical encoder reader heads or optical connectors are located proximate to the respective encoder disks to receive light that is reflected by or transmitted through the encoder disks. The optical connectors include a plurality of optical fibers that receive the light from the encoder disks and transmits signals to a CPU. The CPU then takes the information derived from the received signals and uses an algorithm to accurately calculate the amount of gasoline and water in the storage tank.

Abstract: A liquid quantity sensing device which can easily and accurately measure liquid quantity stored in a container is disclosed. It utilizes an infrared ray or a supersonic sensing element associated with a float placed in the measuring tube and an electrical circuit board to indicate the measured result on a gage. The information about position of the float detected by the sensing element is inputted into an electrical circuit board as a return signal where it is analyzed and decipherd and then transformed into a value of the liquid quantity to be indicated by a gage. The device is applicable to various sized container by merely adjusting the tube length. An upper and a lower limits of liquid level may be prescribed, a warning signal can be obtained if the liquid level exceeds either limit.

Abstract: Described is a sensor for filling level measurement using a gravitational field analysis, comprising a first and a second gravimeter unit. The measurement is effected in a contactless manner, via the container wall and without input of energy into the filling good. Thus, there is no need for a source emitting measurement rays.