Abstract: A method of forming an oxide glass including heating a glass melt having a ?—OH concentration of at least about 0.35 in a vessel comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, molybdenum, palladium, rhodium, and alloys thereof, there being an interface present between the vessel and the glass, and controlling a partial pressure of hydrogen in an atmosphere in contact with an outside surface of the vessel in an amount such that hydrogen permeation blisters form in a region of the glass adjacent the glass-vessel interface.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein that control the environment (e.g., oxygen, hydrogen, humidity, temperature, gas flow rate, pressure) around one or more vessels in a glass manufacturing system. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a closed-loop control system and a capsule that are used to control the level of hydrogen around the exterior (non glass contact surface) of the vessel(s) so as to suppress the formation of gaseous inclusions and surface blisters in glass sheets. In addition, the closed-loop control system and capsule can be used to help cool molten glass while the molten glass travels from one vessel to another vessel in the glass manufacturing system. Moreover, the closed-loop control system and capsule can be used to maintain an atmosphere with minimal oxygen around the vessel(s) so as to reduce the oxidation of precious metals on the vessel(s).

Abstract: A method of producing glass fiber comprising: driving a bottomed hollow cylindrical rotor to rotate at high speed around a vertical rotary shaft, said rotor comprising a bottom, a peripheral wall and an annular flange, said peripheral wall being extended upwardly from an outer peripheral edge of the bottom and provided with a large number of fine holes, said annular flange extending inwardly from an upper edge of the peripheral wall; falling molten glass to the bottom of the rotor; and ejecting molten glass through said fine holes by centrifugal force generated by the high speed rotation of the rotor, to form the molten glass into filaments, and to produce glass fiber; characterized in that molten glass is made to fall at a position on the bottom, said position being apart from an inner edge of said annular flange by at least 10 mm or more, and apart from an inner surface of said peripheral wall by not more than 75 mm, the bottom having a large thickness at the position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the problem of gases and other impurities entering a consolidation furnace during the forming of a glass preform used in fiber optic manufacture. Inert gas, such as nitrogen, is directed over the seals of the consolidation furnace during the heating operation to convert the soot body into a consolidation preform. The inert gas will inhibit other gases from entering the consolidation furnace as well as inhibit the entry of contaminants into the furnace. By inhibiting the entry of both additional gases and impurities, less helium needs to be employed in the consolidation process.

Abstract: When elastomeric yarns are unwound and fed to the needles of a circular knitting apparatus, a yarn package relaxation profile is set, or determined, with corresponding adjustments made to the unwinding speed based on such package relaxation profile. Variably compensating for a varying package relaxation while knitting results in more uniform properties in a circular knit fabric and improved elastomeric yarn yield.

Abstract: A process for knitting textile articles on a flat knitting machine from a strip in which areas with different stitch sizes are knitted. Areas (a, b, c, ?) are knitted with different stitch Second areas (A, B) having inserterd elastic threads are distinct from and interserct the areas (a, b, c, ?). Seamless bras can be developed providing excellent reinforcement and excellent comfort, without underwires.

Abstract: Provided is a weft knitting machine having movable sinkers capable of securing a large space at a needle bed near a knitted fabric knitting area and making a pause in the state of stopping action on the knitted fabric knitting area. A sinker operation cam mechanism (10) installed in a carriage acts on the butt (12c) of a sinker jack (12) to move the sinker jack (12) backward from a needle bed gap (2) so that an operation portion (8c) of the movable sinker (8) can retract from the needle bed gap (2). The sinker jack (12) is interlocked at a backward position by an interlock mechanism (16). Since a wire (17) passed through a needle plate (5) is utilized to interlock the sinker jack (12) in the interlock mechanism (16), the interlock mechanism (16) can be reduced in size.

Abstract: The washing machine is provided with an inner rotatable drum which can be expanded for the wash and rinse cycles of the machine and contracted for the spin cycle of the machine. The drum includes front and rear end walls, and a plurality of wall segments connected to the end walls so as to define the side wall of the drum. The movement of the sidewall segments is controlled by a linkage assembly and a shaft actuated with a motor. By contracting the sidewall of the rotatable drum during the high speed spin cycle, unbalanced loads are eliminated or minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine comprising: a cabinet for forming an appearance; a tub fixed to an inner side of the cabinet and for storing washing water; a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for washing and dehydrating laundry; and a driving motor positioned at a rear side of the drum for generating a driving force by which the drum is rotated. The washing machine can increase washing capacity with maintaining an entire size thereof by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing a size of the cabinet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-locking strap assembly. The assembly includes a buckle having an outer concave surface and a passageway. A strap is secured to the buckle at a first position and is adapted to be inserted into the passageway at a second position. A retainer is coupled to the buckle and adapted to engage the strap such that movement in one direction of the strap in the passageway relative to the buckle is inhibited.

Abstract: By providing two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock, with both locking systems independently enabling a single shackle latching member to be controllably activated for allowing the single shackle to be released and/or lockingly engaged, an effective, easily produced, multi-purpose padlock is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, a single housing and shackle assembly are employed and constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the shackle latching member by using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction. In this way, a dual locking and releasing padlock is achieved which virtually eliminates the difficulties typically encountered with known, prior art lock configurations.

Abstract: A buckle assembly is described. The buckle assembly includes a buckle body, a fastener and a key. The buckle body includes a recess and a lock tumbler. The fastener is configured to slide within the recess. The key is configured to fit within a key hole of the lock tumbler. When the key is in a locked rotational orientation within the key hole and the fastener is engaged in the recess, the tumbler is in a locked orientation and the fastener may not be slid from the recess. When the key is in an unlocked rotational orientation within the key hole and the fastener is engaged in the recess, the tumbler is in an unlocked orientation and the fastener may be slid from the recess. A key removal prevention mechanism prevents the key from being removed from the key hole when the key is in the unlocked rotational orientation whether or not the fastener is engaged in the recess.

Abstract: A turnbuckle lock for use on a thin-walled door includes a locking tongue and actuating mechanism that are formed as one piece with one another. An inner seal disposed between the housing and actuating mechanism is formed by being sprayed onto the housing. The actuating member and the housing member enclosing the actuating mechanism are permanently connected to each other, and the inner seal is placed inside at least one free space formed on the actuating mechanism. The inner seal and outer seal also may be formed as a one-piece element. By the permanent connection of the housing and the component made up of the actuating mechanism and the locking tongue, it is ensured that the locking tongue cannot be detached from the actuating mechanism, so that the locking function of the turnbuckle lock is always provided.

Abstract: A latch apparatus includes a live bolt actuated between an extended position and a retracted position, first and second dead bolts, and a slide. The first dead bolt is positioned vertically above the live bolt and the second dead bolt is positioned vertically below the live bolt. The first and second dead bolts have substantially the same size and shape and are spaced equidistant from the live bolt. The slide couples the first and second dead bolts to each other, wherein vertical movement of the slide simultaneously actuates the first and second dead bolts between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: The invention describes a new method for the production of high nitrogen organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that incorporates municipal biosolids or organic sludges that can compete with traditional fertilizers such as ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate and urea on the commodity fertilizer marketplace. The method creates a thixotropic paste-like material from the biosolids or organic sludge that is blended with hot or molten ammonium salts, especially a mixture of ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. The invention can be an add-on to commercial production of ammonium salts or it can stand alone by manufacturing ammonium salts prior to their introduction to the conditioned biosolids. The invention is oriented to be tailored to production facilities for individual municipal waste treatment plants in order to keep manufacturing plants small with a minimization of logistics and liability.

Abstract: Coatings for agricultural grade fertilizer particles and industrial grade ammonium nitrate are provided which when applied to particles form a protective film which acts as a barrier to inhibit or prevent hydrocarbon infiltration of the fertilizer particle pores and also to physically separate the fertilizer particles and hydrocarbon materials. In so doing, the coating greatly reduces the efficacy of the fertilizer particles as an oxidizing agent for use in incendiary devices, thereby deterring or preventing the use of agricultural grade fertilizers or industrial grade ammonium nitrate in creating weapons of terror.

Abstract: Solid carrier-based microbial inoculants can be advantageously used for natural phosphorous supply of plant, biological control of soil born plant pathogens, biological degradation of organic contaminants, soil life and fertility improvement which solid carrier containing phosphorus, made of animal bone charcoal, and having grain size advantageously between 0.001 mm and 10 mm, pore size between 10 and 60,000 nanometer, macro porous structured, the specific area is between 1 and 500 m2/g, and the external and/or internal surface and/or internal pores are biologically active colonized with aerobic soil microorganisms under less than 30 degree Celsius temperature. Also described is a method for manufacturing and application of Nitrogen free solid carrier-based microbial inoculants which carrier is produced from animal bone by carbonisation process between 300 degree Celsius and 1000 degrees Celsius material core temperature in absence of ocygen, followed by cooling to below 50 degrees Celsius core temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides fertilizer compositions comprising calcium and magnesium phosphates together with alkali metal double phosphates, and process for their preparation.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring clinched joints senses lateral displacement of die segments during formation of a joint, which depends on joint button diameter. The system determines whether a joint is acceptable by correlating acceptable button diameter with acceptable amount of punch advancement. A predetermined number of unacceptable joints indicates excessive punch and/or die wear.

Abstract: A pipe enlarging tool includes a ratchet mechanism that includes a base securely connected to the threaded rod that has a cone member to enlarge pipes clamped by a chuck assembly in the base of the tool. A ratchet is pivotably connected to the cap and selectively engaged with the toothed inner periphery of the handle which is rotatably mounted to the cap. A knob includes a positioning assembly which biases the ratchet to push one of two toothed ends of the ratchet to engage with the toothed inner periphery of the handle. The handle can be reciprocally operated by the ratchet mechanism to move the threaded rod to enlarge the pipe or to remove the cone member from the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling mill, especially a swage rolling mill for heated operation, said rolling mill being provided with a pair of cylinders (3, 4) which are vertically arranged with the central axes thereof (5), can be adjusted in relation to each other, and are connected to at least one rotating drive (8) by means of cardan shafts (6; 7). The aim of the invention is to render the adjustment of the cylinders more favourable with lower displaced masses, to reduce friction and to improve lever arm relations. To this end, the rotating drive (8) for both cylinders (3; 4) is fixed beneath the mill floor level (2) and is respectively connected to a fixed gearbox (9) and the cardan shaft (6, 7) in a driving manner.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing consumable filler metal wire, rod, or stick, and the like, of predetermined length and cross-section for use in welding, including: providing an ingot of a first metal and one or more different further metals; forming composite product by providing the ingot of the first metal with one or more hollow cores in substantially parallel relation to each other and locating in the hollow cores the different further metal or metals; applying pressure to the composite product to reduce its cross-section to a predetermined cross-section to form feedstock. Optionally further deforming the feedstock by mechanical pressure to form wire, rod or stick, of final cross-section so ultimate alloying of the first metal with the different further metal or metals occurs when the wire, rod or stick is used as filler material or consumable electrode during welding. Using this filler metal for welding an assembly of aluminium members.

Abstract: The inventive device makes it possible to form protruding parts (18) teeth, spigots, corrugations and the similar on a carrier plate (8) of a brake-lining by introducing a tool into said carrier plate (8) of a brake-lining with the aid of a pressure plate (1) and by removing said tool from the plate. Said tool consists of a number of elements (68 to 71) which are displaceable in an opposite direction towards each other and provided with cutting teeth, for example with a saw blade. During formation of protruding parts, the elements (68 to 71) of the tool are displaceable on a plane along two axes, i.e. along t he first axis which is perpendicular to the first axis which coincides or is aligned essentially in a perpendicular direction with respect to the surface of the carrier plate (8) of a brake-lining.

Abstract: Apparatus for both forming and coping the end of a tube. The tube is gripped such that it is aligned with a movable first tool assembly that is positioned, in a first operation, adjacent said tube end. The tool assembly is then controlled in a manner such that the tube end is formed. Thereafter, the first tool assembly is removed and replaced with a second tool assembly which is controlled in a manner such that the formed tube end is then coped. The movable tool assembly is rotatable about its axis to a predetermined plane.

Abstract: A pneumatic-hydraulic tube flaring tool includes a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator coupled to the pneumatic actuator, a ram coupled to the hydraulic actuator, and a plurality of die elements. A tube is clamped between the two die elements, which are then clamped inside a casing that is attached to an actuator housing. Compressed air is introduced into the pneumatic actuator on a pressure side of a pneumatic piston. The pneumatic piston actuates a hydraulic plunger in order to actuate a hydraulic piston which applies a force to the ram. The distal end of the ram and the aggregate end of the die elements are shaped to form a flared tube end. The ram impinges the end of the tube and plastically deforms the tube end between the ram and the die elements forming a flared tube end.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic compression riveter consists of a valve, air cylinder and rivet head assembly consisting of an alligator style set of jaws or a c-yoke style jaw set that is used to upset solid rivets used primarily, but not limited to, the aerospace industry. Disclosed is a series of improvements that make the tool lighter, more reliable and safer to operate.

Abstract: A repairing tool for auto body cavities constituted by a sleeve, a pull rod, and a handle, can be used to repair an auto body cavity to a smooth surface by a DIY method, without damaging a surface of baking finish after repairing the auto body cavity.

Abstract: A clamp for grasping a major extent of rounded corner of a vehicle hatch or door opening, and providing an anchor-like extended grip by which re-positioning forces are evenly applied to the rounded corner. This grip assures that the entire curved corner retains or is returned to its original shape as it is adjusted into alignment with the rest of the opening. This in turn facilitates smooth and continuous replacement of the elastomeric weather seal around the opening to restore a completely functional seal about the hatch or door when it is closed.

Abstract: A system and method for Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) device characterization. The system comprising a stimulator for stimulating the device to generate phonons in the device; a detector for detecting the generated phonons; a converter for converting the phonons into a signal representative of displacement of a MEMS component of the device.

Abstract: A scale and container of known volume are used to determine the differential mass of an unknown gas compared to air. The differential mass of the unknown gas is compared to known differential masses of possible gases and the identity of the unknown gas is determined.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring the available remaining hydrogen capacity of a non-replaced hydrogen storage canister. After the original hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister is read, the used hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister is read and remaining hydrogen capacity formula is employed to determine the available remaining hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister. For a fully charged or newly-installed hydrogen storage canister, the process includes reading the number of cycles of operation of the hydrogen storage canister, reading the original hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister, reading the used hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister, and then employing the remaining hydrogen capacity formula to determine the available remaining hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister.

Abstract: A particulate sampling system is disclosed. The particulate sampling system may include an exhaust sampling unit and a dilution flow assembly to supply dilution air to the exhaust sampling unit. The particulate sampling system may also include a total flow assembly to receive dilution air and exhaust. The particulate sampling system may further include a flow regulation assembly configured to control flow rates in the dilution flow assembly and the total flow assembly. The particulate sampling system may also include a flow check assembly configured to measure the accuracy of the flow regulation assembly.

Abstract: A packaged sensor can comprise: a housing, a retaining device disposed in the housing, a sensing element, a sealing member disposed in between the retaining device and the housing terminal end, a first electrical lead, a second electrical lead, and a first support member. The first support member can be disposed between the sealing member and the housing terminal end. The retaining device can be disposed in a chamber in the housing, and can comprise retaining device comprising a first end and a second end, channels extending between the first end and the second end, and can have a sealant material disposed at the first end of the retaining device. The sensing element can have an element terminal end disposed in physical contact with the retaining device.

Abstract: The invention presents a gas sensor low in cost and easy to form a terminal member, a gas sensor cap connected to the gas sensor for sending an output signal to an external device, and a gas sensor unit capable of holding a stable electrically connected state between the terminal member of the gas sensor and the gas sensor cap. The gas sensor 100 of the invention includes a gas detecting element 120 and a terminal member 150.

Abstract: A gas sensor (1) has a pressure-tight sensor housing (4). The sensor housing (4) has a metal plate (5) at its lower end and the metal plate (5) has breakthroughs (6, 7, 8). Metal pins (9, 10, 11) electrically contact the sensor elements (2, 3) and these metal pins are brought to the outside via glass inserts (15, 16, 17).

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: detecting a vibration corresponding to a first radial resonance mode by using a band-pass filter, from vibrations sensed by an in-cylinder pressure sensor provided at an upper central portion of the cylinder; calculating knock intensity N based on a result of comparison between the detected waveform and a knock waveform model prepared in advance as a vibration waveform when knocking occurs; determining that knocking occurred when the knock intensity N is larger than a predetermined reference value; and determining that knocking has not occurred when the knock intensity N is not larger than the predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A component measuring device for measuring the quantity and/or the property of a given component in a specimen by colorimetrically measuring a test strip includes a tip mount on which is to be mounted a tip having the test strip, and a photometric unit. The photometric unit comprises a light-emitting element that applies light to the test strip while the tip is mounted on the tip mount, a light-detecting element that detects light reflected from the test strip, and a holder in which is held the light-emitting element and the light-detecting element. The holder possesses a passage through which passes the light and the reflected light. A light-transmissive member closes the passage with a sealing member interposed therebetween in a portion of the holder which faces the test strip. The component measuring device can also be provided with a stain detecting device which is adapted to detect a stain on the light-transmissive member.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting oil quality. The quality of engine oil can be determined utilizing an acoustic wave sensor to obtain viscosity and corrosivity data associated with the engine oil. The acoustic wave sensor is coated with a material that selectively reacts to at least one type of an acid in order to provide data indicative of the presence of the acids in the engine oil. The etch rate or the corrosivity of the engine oil can be determined based on the frequency data obtained as a result of the frequency measurement utilizing the acoustic wave sensor. The viscosity of the engine oil can additionally be obtained based on a measurement of phase and amplitude obtained from the data utilizing the acoustic wave sensor. The etch rate and the viscosity measurement provide data indicative of the quality of the engine oil.

Abstract: A fluid analysis assembly for analyzing a fluid the fluid analysis assembly includes a chamber, a fluid movement device, a pressurization assembly and at least one sensor. The chamber defines an evaluation cavity for receiving the fluid. The fluid movement device has a force medium applying force to the fluid to cause the fluid to move within the cavity. The pressurization assembly changes the pressure of the fluid in a continuous manner. The at least one sensor communicates with the fluid for sensing at least one parameter of the fluid while the pressure of the fluid is changing in the continuous manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating the surface of a sample including a cantilever, a first tip mounted on the cantilever, and a second tip mounted on the cantilever, the first and the second tip being configured to combine to form an imaging probe and to separate to form a manipulation probe. The first and second tips are configured to form a first position characterized in that the tips combine to form an imaging tip and the first and the second tip are configured to form a second position characterized in that the tips separate to manipulate particles on a surface of a sample. The tips can be configured to form the first position when a voltage is applied across the tips, and preferable extend downwardly from the cantilever substantially perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A surface roughness/contour profile measuring instrument capable of automatic movement of a pickup to a measurement position has been disclosed. The surface roughness/contour profile measuring instrument comprises a pickup and a pickup moving mechanism and measures the surface roughness or the contour profile of the surface of a work, and further comprises a movement information generation section for generating movement information necessary to move the pickup from the current position to the measurement position for detecting the height of a surface position on the work surface and a movement control section for relatively moving the pickup with respect to the work based on the movement information generated by the movement information generation section.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope probe provides an indentation testing function in a direction along an axis. The probe has a tip and an arm structure holding the tip. The arm structure has one end mounted on a fixed stage, the other end coupled to the AFM tip, and a hollow frame having a shape symmetric with respect to a plane including an axis on which the two ends are positioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle brake system, which has a brake reservoir, and utilizes a tire management system that is in communication with the brake reservoir and a vehicle operator. As a result of this configuration, the tire management system communicates brake reservoir pressure signals to the vehicle operator, so-that the operator is made aware of any low pressure conditions, in the trailer, before trying to move the trailer.

Abstract: A compression tester adapter includes a plug fitting, a connector fitting and a flexible hose connected to the plug fitting and to the connector fitting to adapt a standard internal combustion engine cylinder compression tester hose assembly to a 16-millimeter threaded spark plug socket in an internal combustion engine cylinder head.

Abstract: A fuel control system for regulating fuel to cylinders of an internal combustion engine during an engine start and crank-to-run transition includes a first module that determines a plurality of step-ahead cylinder air masses (GPOs) for a cylinder based on a plurality of GPO prediction models. A second module regulates fueling to a cylinder of the engine based on the plurality of step-ahead GPOs until a combustion event of the cylinder.

Abstract: A system and method for determining valve degradation is presented. According to the method, valve timing can be adjusted in a number of ways to improve the possibility of detecting a degraded valve.

Abstract: A sensor device for tire allowing the sensitivity of a traveling state detection switch to be adjusted, wherein tire inside information is detected in the state of the device installed in a tire air chamber and the detected results are transmitted to the outside. The sensor device for tire comprises a movable member swingable outwardly in a tire radial direction by the centrifugal force of the tire when the tire is rotating and a switch detecting a traveling state in conjunction with the movement of the movable member.

Abstract: A testing system and a method for obtaining drive files for the testing system for wheel rim testing, includes providing a wheel assembly in contact with a drum surface, the wheel assembly being rotatable about an axis defining a lateral axis, and wherein a vertical axis extends through a drum surface in contact with a tire of the wheel assembly and is orthogonal to the lateral axis, and a longitudinal axis is defined orthogonal to both the lateral and vertical axes. A parameter is measured indicative of an overturning moment applied to the wheel rim about the longitudinal axis. A camber angle of the wheel rim relative to the drum surface is adjusted to obtain a desired overturning moment on the wheel rim about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Information management and monitoring system and method for monitoring components on an apparatus during its operation includes a monitoring system including sensors for monitoring the components operation thereof, and a processing module arranged on the apparatus and to receive and process data about the monitored components from the sensors. The module derives information from the data about the monitored components to determine whether any component is operating in a non-optimal manner and/or to forecast failure of any component prior to such failure. The system also includes at least one remote entity interested in the operation or failure of any component. A wireless communication system is arranged on the apparatus and coupled to the module for enabling wireless communications of derived information from the module to each entity during operation of the apparatus, including information about the presence and identity of any non-optimally operating component or component forecast to fail.

Abstract: A liquid measuring device is described for carrying out the assay using a gas or vapor permeable but liquid impermeable membrane barrier to control the volume of liquid to be measured or transferred. The membrane may be used in any instance where a fixed volume of liquid needs to be measured.