Abstract: Ice-making apparatus comprising water deliver means, a colouring station arranged to impart colour to water received from the water delivery means and a freezing station for forming readily separable blocks of ice from the coloured water formed at the colouring station and for selectively discharging the readily separable blocks of ice into a storage means so as to present ice of a required colour, or combination of colours, the freezing station can advantageously employ open ended shaping elements, and associated freezing elements, allowing for the freezing of water therein so as to form a block of ice of an appropriate shape defined by the shaping element, and to subsequent allow for the removal of the shaped ice block from the lower open end thereof.

Abstract: According to the invention, an apparatus for providing a frozen edible substance to an animal is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a container, a support element, a securing element, and a mounting element. The container may be configured to receive an edible substance and contain the edible substance during freezing of the edible substance, but be removable from the substance afterwards. The support element may be configured to receive and support the edible substance after freezing. The securing element may be configured to couple with the edible substance during freezing and secure the edible substance to the support element. The mounting element may be configured to couple with the support element and secure the support element to a surface.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a through-the-door beverage can dispenser that includes a chute disposed within a refrigerated interior space that is adapted to receive and hold a plurality of beverage cans in a side-by-side relationship for sequential discharge from a bottom end of the chute. The beverage dispenser includes a rotatable drum that in a loading position has a trough portion adapted to receive a beverage can discharged from the bottom end of the chute and a barrel portion adapted to sealingly fill a passage through a door of the refrigerator. The drum is rotatable by hand from the loading position to a dispensing position where the trough portion of the drum is adjacent to the passage through the door to permit removal of a beverage can from the trough without opening the door.

Abstract: A cooling appliance (1) with circulated air cooling, comprising at least one cooling chamber (2) for reception of stock (3) to be cooled, at least one channel (4) for cooling air (5) and a coldness generator (12) for generating cooling air (5), wherein the channel (4) provides a fluid-conducting connection of the coldness generator (12) with the cooling chamber (2) and opens into the cooling chamber (2) by an outlet opening (6), wherein a jet forming means (7) is provided and wherein the jet forming means (7) is formed by a nozzle element (18) and/or by a spacer (10), by which the stock (3) to be cooled is kept at a spacing from the outlet opening (6), at the outlet opening (6). A precise, uniform and energy-saving temperature conditioning of the stock (3), which is to be cooled, in the cooling chamber (2) is made possible by the invention.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner of the type that consists of a hollow casing with vents for the inlet and outlet of air, respectively, being housed therein at least one heat exchanger and a centrifugal fan that inhales air, through the inlet vent, from the comfort area of a room to the surfaces of the heat exchanger and returns it, through the outlet vent, to said comfort area, the indoor unit comprising a separator that divides the casing into two transversal cavities, one inlet cavity and one outlet cavity, with an opening for the air to pass from one cavity to the other, the fan being positioned in said opening with its axis of rotation essentially perpendicular to the largest faces of the casing, the opening constituting the entrance to the fan's air intake.

Abstract: An air cooling device includes a thermal core, constructed from a series of interconnected hollow disks containing super-absorbent polymer gel in a frozen state, and a thermal insulating sleeve adapted to operatively enclose the frozen core. The enclosure affords a substantially narrow interior sleeve spacing for air flow. The device also includes a fan blower operatively coupled to the sleeve and adapted to draw ambient air within the interior sleeve spacing and over the outer surface of the enclosed frozen core against gravity for cooling. A plurality of substantially narrow surface air flow channels are formed between the interconnected disks. The narrow surface air flow channels and interior sleeve spacing restrict the ambient air flow over the outer surface of the frozen core to prolong the air cooling period.

Abstract: An air cooling device includes a thermally insulated container packed with encapsulated refrigerant and configured to pass incoming air for cooling. A tubular housing accommodates the packed container. A fan blower within the top portion of the housing draws ambient air through the bottom of the container within the refrigerant-packed interior of the container against gravity to prolong the air cooling period. The encapsulated refrigerant is implemented as a plurality of compacted frozen glycol balls serving as primary source of cooling for the incoming air. A multitude of pockets filled with cold air form between the compacted frozen glycol balls during device operation. These cold air pockets serve as secondary source of cooling for the flowing air.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a dual-piston linear compressor including a first piston disposed in a first cylinder and a second piston opposed to the first piston and disposed in a second cylinder. The first piston divides the first cylinder into a first suction chamber and a first discharge chamber and the second piston divides the second cylinder into a second suction chamber and a second discharge chamber. The refrigeration system also includes a first gas flow path through the linear compressor, a second gas flow path through the linear compressor, and a controller operable to switch the linear compressor between an economizer cycle and a single stage cycle wherein in the economizer cycle flow of gas is along the first gas flow path and in the single stage cycle flow of gas is along the second gas flow path.

Abstract: In an ejector cycle device having an ejector, an evaporator is arranged in a refrigerant branch passage connected to a refrigerant suction port of the ejector, an opening/closing member for opening and closing a refrigerant passage is disposed to prevent refrigerant from flowing into the evaporator, and a control unit intermittently controls operation of the compressor. In the ejector cycle device, the control unit brings the opening/closing member into a closing state in a time period for which the operation of the compressor is stopped. Accordingly, it can restrict liquid refrigerant from collecting in the evaporator while the compressor is stopped.

Abstract: A fluid machine has a scroll type expansion device which is operated by a high temperature high pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant is heated by use of waste heat from an engine for a vehicle. The fluid machine further has a motor generator for generating electric power when it is driven by a rotational force produced at the expansion device, wherein a rotating shaft of the motor generator is coupled to a movable scroll of the expansion device via a crank mechanism. A biasing member is provided for biasing the crank mechanism in a direction that the movable scroll wrap is separated from a contact in a circumferential direction with a fixed scroll wrap. Pressure of the refrigerant in a working chamber in the center portion is thereby equalized to the pressure in the outer peripheral portion, at a startup period of the expansion mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating refrigerant which passes through a high pressure side and a low pressure side in which the refrigerant has a different temperature circulating in a transcritical air conditioning loop having a heat exchanger with a collecting tube. A longitudinal vessel is connected to the heat exchanger collecting tube and defines a heat exchanger chamber and an accumulator chamber, wherein both of the chambers extend parallel over at least a significant portion of the length of the vessel. The vessel includes at least one longitudinal wall having an opening allowing the refrigerant to flow through the chambers. A flat multi-chamber tube extends through the heat exchanger chamber of the vessel, wherein refrigerant on one side flows through the tube and refrigerant on the other side flows through the vessel to exchange heat between refrigerant in the sides.

Abstract: In a process for providing gaseous carbon monoxide and/or a mixture containing at least 10% carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide is stored in liquid form in a storage vessel (47) and, when required, is withdrawn from the storage vessel and vaporised in a vaporiser (53) to produce gaseous carbon monoxide when the gaseous production of carbon monoxide is insufficient.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for highly efficient production of industrial gases by the cryogenic distillation of air, wherein a feed stream of compressed air, is supercharged to high pressure, cooled, and mixed with various recycle streams of supercharged air, to regulate the expander turbine operating temperature. The need for pre-cooling equipment downstream of the supercharger, which is widely employed in industry to manage the temperature of the incoming compressed air stream, is eliminated.

Abstract: An eternity band having a multi-stone circular setting in combination with gemstones or diamonds. The circular setting includes a plurality of U-shaped seats being connected in series to form a circular configuration; and each of the U-shaped seats form a seating area for receiving and mounting a gemstone therein. Each of the U-shaped seats include an inner U-shaped member and an outer U-shaped member. A plurality of the inner U-shaped members is connected in series to form an inner wall; and a plurality of the outer U-shaped members is connected in series to form an outer wall. Each of the inner and outer U-shaped members has two upstanding prongs which are shared with an adjacent U-shaped seat for holding adjacent gemstones so the side wall surfaces of adjacent gemstones touch each other and provide a continuous appearance. Each of the upstanding prongs are bent inwardly for engaging the side wall surfaces of two adjacent gemstones to keep the gemstones seated within the seating areas.

Abstract: Wear resistant jewelry rings and methods of making same wherein jewelry rings are made from sinterable metal and/or ceramic powder materials compressed into a predetermined configuration and then sintered to form a blank from which a jewelry item may be made and to which softer precious metals, stones, crystals or other materials suitable for use in jewelry may be affixed. Such items of jewelry may have multiple facets and can be fabricated using various disclosed techniques and various combinations of materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of core/shell particles whose shell forms a matrix and whose core is essentially solid and has an essentially monodisperse size distribution as template for the production of inverse opal structures, and to a process for the production of inverse opal-like structures using core/shell particles of this type.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a gradient refractive index lens includes the steps of: putting a lens body having a desired shape into an ion implanter; vacuumizing the ion implanter; and implanting ions of a dopant material into the lens body such that the ions have a predetermined concentration gradient therein.

Abstract: A glass sheet bending station (20) and method for glass sheet bending utilize a primary actuating mechanism (154) for moving mold support linkages to provide glass sheet bending with a constant radius and utilize control link detachable connections (39) that allow a secondary actuating mechanism (155) to provide bending of a glass sheet independently of linkage movement on the other side of the detached connections.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical element (69, 149, 171, 203, 225) provided with mutually adjoining optical sub-elements (71, 155, 193, 219, 241) which are mutually arranged in a pattern such as, for example, a microlens array (69, 171, 203) with a two-dimensional orthogonal or hexagonal matrix of spherical lenses (71, 193, 219) or a faceted lens (149, 225) with a two-dimensional orthogonal matrix of facets (155, 241). According to the method, the optical element (69, 149, 171, 203, 225) is manufactured by means of a mould (7, 147) by a replication technique. The mould (7, 147) is manufactured from a ductile metal and is given a mould shape (83, 161) which corresponds to the pattern of sub-elements (71, 155, 193, 219, 241) by means of a die (65, 129) having a die surface (67, 131) which corresponds to the optical sub-element (71, 155, 193, 219, 241) and which is imprinted in the mould (7, 147) with a predetermined force in consecutive positions in accordance with the pattern.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a rear cabinet cover, a front cabinet cover, and a gasket. The rear cabinet cover includes a rear fabric opening through which fabrics pass. The front cabinet cover is disposed at a front side of the rear cabinet cover and includes a front fabric opening corresponding to the rear fabric opening. The gasket includes a screening portion for covering a periphery of the rear fabric opening.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a hinge member, a front cabinet cover, and a rear cabinet cover. The hinge member is directly coupled to the rear cabinet cover.

Abstract: A washing machine in which a liquid balance weight is mounted at a surface portion of a drum where a spider is also mounted is disclosed. The washing machine comprises a drum for receiving laundry, a spider mounted at a surface portion of the drum and having a plurality of legs, a drive shaft mounted to the spider, and a liquid balance weight mounted at the surface portion of the drum where the spider is also mounted. The liquid balance weight has a plurality of seating recesses for receiving the plurality of legs of the spider, respectively.

Abstract: A washing machine including a water tub, a housing and a water vacuum break. The water tub is mounted in the housing. The housing includes an outer wall having a plurality of slots therein. The water vacuum break partially extends over a portion of the water tub. The vacuum break includes at least one retaining protrusion and at least one retaining snap associated with the at least one retaining protrusion. The at least one retaining protrusion extends over a portion of the outer wall and the at least one retaining snap has an edge that engages a portion of one of the plurality of slots.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a washing machine is provided. The lid assembly is rotatably attached to a case of the washing machine so as to cover/uncover an opening for loading/unloading the laundry. The lid assembly includes an upper lid, a lower lid provided under the upper lid, and a hinge installed between the upper lid and the lower lid and rotatably connected to the case of the washing machine. The upper and lower lids and the hinge are securely fixed with a fixing member. The upper and lower lids disperse and absorb a shock generated when the lid assembly covers an opening of the case.

Abstract: A lock and key system and device for doors. It is a removable door locking system or lock and carry kit, including: a door blank disposed in a door frame; a first elongated member passing through the latch hole and extend therefrom; a second elongated member disposable in the lock body hole and extending therefrom; a flange extending radially from a first end of the elongated member and stops passage of the first end through the lock body hole of the door; an aperture through the second elongated member; and/or a detachable lock coupleable to the aperture and stops passage of the second end through the lock body hole when coupled to the aperture. The door blank may include a lock body hole through the door blank that receives a lock body and a latch hole through the door blank and in communication with the lock body hole.

Abstract: A padlock comprising a housing, a shackle, a lock mechanism and a movable block. The shackle is mounted on the housing and has a first end formed with a shaft portion movably mounted in the housing, and a second end formed with a locking portion moved with the shaft portion and extended outward from the housing. The lock mechanism is mounted on the housing, and includes a lock core and a limit knob. The lock core is mounted in the housing, and the limit knob is located outside the housing and movable by the lock core so as to engage or disengage with the locking portion of the shackle. The movable block is connected to the limit knob of the lock mechanism so that the movable block can be moved to an indication position by operating the lock core of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locking and unlocking a lockable container that has an internal locking mechanism are disclosed. The apparatus may include a main body including a channel for receiving the container. A magnetic field source coupled to the main body may emit a magnetic field for actuating a container lock catch mechanism disposed at least partially inside the container. The apparatus may include a channel blocker that may be positioned by actuating a channel lock to selectively prevent the magnetic field source from actuating the catch mechanism of a container lock. The channel lock may be coupled to a cam configured to position at least a portion of the channel blocker in the channel. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a ramp retractor coupled to the channel blocker wherein the ramp retractor urges the channel blocker down through the channel by action of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A locking bracket and a lock housing wherein the locking bracket generally comprises a clamping member and a fastening lever that attaches to a wall of a meter box base. The lock housing generally comprises a unitary member with a perpendicular flange. The meter box lid is secured to the meter box base when the locking bracket is secured to the side wall and used in combination with the lock housing and a locking shaft.

Abstract: A locking mechanism with an electronic solenoid opening and a mechanical reset is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises a solenoid which requires low power levels to activate and has a short activation period, resulting in reduced energy requirements and extended battery life. After being placed in the unlocked position, the locking mechanism remains unlocked until a mechanical reset is activated by a person turning a handle of the mechanism.

Abstract: A dual locking device is provided for securing a plugging member of a case, such as a luggage case or suitcase or the like, and comprises a housing, a switching mechanism, a restriction member and two locking devices. The switching mechanism includes a push-button and a securing member movable relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. Additionally, the restriction member is controlled by the locking devices respectively for retaining the switching mechanism, and is movable either through a first route between a retaining position and a first releasing position or through a second route between the retaining position and a second releasing position.

Abstract: A lock having a sensor, the lock comprising a housing defining a chamber with a longitudinal axis. A latch mechanism is located within the chamber of the housing and is movable relative thereto in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis between a retracted position wherein the latch mechanism is substantially within the housing, and an extended position wherein the latch mechanism extends at least partially outside of the housing. The latch mechanism at least partially comprises a ferrous material. A first switch mechanism fixed within the chamber, the latch mechanism ferrous material causing the first switch mechanism to activate in one transverse position of the latch mechanism and the first switch mechanism deactivated in another transverse position of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for modifying the process of producing dried biosolids pellets or granules into beneficiated inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The present invention describes a method to beneficiate heat-dried biosolids or sludge pellets or granules as presently manufactured by municipalities or companies from a) dewatered municipal wastewater biosolids or sludges within the municipal wastewater treatment plant heat-dried biosolids production facility or from b) finished dry heat dried biosolids pellets or granules in a separate manufacturing facility from the municipal wastewater treatment plant to produce a fertilizer containing sufficient organic and inorganic plant nutrients to be valuable and saleable into the commercial agricultural industry.

Abstract: This invention provides pH buffered plant nutrient compositions, methods for fertilizing a plant growing or a seed germinating in a hydroponics system, methods for growing a plant in a hydroponics system, and methods for making a pH buffered plant nutrient composition. The compositions and methods of this invention are useful with distilled water, deionized water, filtered water, and United States municipal tap water. The compositions and methods of this invention are useful with most of the municipal water supplies in the United States. pH buffering agents useful in the practice of this invention include phosphate buffers, aquarium buffers, 2-[N-morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for process control of a burnishing process comprising a body having a first end and a second end, at least one process control coupon, and structure for attaching the process control coupon to the body. At least one edge of the process control coupon is clamped along the entire length thereof during burnishing. A method of process control for burnishing of components comprising selecting at least one process control coupon, selecting an apparatus for holding the process control coupon(s), attaching the process control coupon(s) to the apparatus, selecting a region on the surface of the process control coupon(s) for burnishing, burnishing a patch on the selected region using a burnishing process, and, measuring at least one physical parameter at a selected location of the process control coupon(s) after burnishing.

Abstract: The configuration comprises a shaping member 3 having a substantially rectangular shape and shaping the inner surface side of a bent portion 1b, a worm gear 2 slidably linked with the shaping member 3 and gradually reducing the distance between the shaping members 3 for sequentially feeding the shaping member 3 from one side to the other side, and a reference member 4 arranged so that the upper end surface of the bent portion 1b comes into contact with its reference surface, and the distance between the shaping members 3 is gradually reduced to a predetermined fin pitch and the upper end surface of the bent portion 1b is shaped into a predetermined shape by rotating the worm gear 2 after the plurality of bent portions 1b are arranged at the shaping members 3. Due to this, it is possible to shape the bent portion into a continuous and stable shape.

Abstract: A 6-high rolling mill has work rolls which have offsets, relative to the intermediate rolls, such that during operation there is a net horizontal force acting to urge the work rolls into engagement with the support rolls whereby substantially all horizontal support of the work rolls is provided by the support rolls. Support pads are located proximal the rolls' side faces, without exerting any substantial force on the work rolls during operation.

Abstract: In a process for bending workpieces, particularly pipes, wires, bars, semi-finished products, sheet metal or the like, with at least one bending device, at least one robot is to pick up the workpiece to be shaped and feeds it to the at least one bending device for shaping, in particular bending.

Abstract: A device for controlling the drawing process in a transfer press, with two tool parts which act in opposition to one another and between which the workpiece to be deformed is held, is described. One tool part can be moved between two reversal points by a mechanical crank mechanism driven at a constant rotational speed. The second tool part is connected to the piston of a hydraulic differential cylinder via a piston rod. The movement of the piston is controlled by the supply of pressure medium into a first chamber and by the discharge of pressure medium out of the second chamber of the differential cylinder. During a first time segment within a range delimited by the first and the second reversal point, the rod-side face of the piston is acted upon by a pressure which is sufficiently high to accelerate the second tool part in such a way that, when the two tool parts impinge one onto the other, both tool parts move virtually at the same speed.

Abstract: To provide an upsetting method capable of efficiently expanding a bar-shaped raw material at least two portions. A plurality of guides 31 and 32 each having an insertion hole 34 are prepared. The bar-shaped raw material 1 secured to a fixed die 20 is inserted and held in each insertion hole 34 of the plurality of guides 31 and 32 in order. Then, a first exposed portion 4 of the raw material 1 exposed between a first guide 31 located at the foremost side of the plurality of guides 31 and 32 and the fixed die 32 is expanded in diameter by moving the plurality of guides 31 and 32 in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the punch 50R in a mutually adhering manner while pressurizing the raw material 1 in the axial direction with the punch 50R.

Abstract: A magnetic dent removal device (18), method and kit comprises a handle assembly (20) used with a burnishing element (24). The handle assembly (20) includes a handle (26), a containment cup (30) and a magnet (22) received within the containment cup (30). A magnet shield (40) is connected to the handle assembly (20), and a cover pad (38) can be attached to the magnet shield (40). A hooking element (64) can be attached to the handle assembly (20) to allow for the attachment of accessory components to aid in dent removal. An amplification bar (56) can be attached to the hooking element (64) to add strength to the magnetic force. A kit (74) for dent removal includes a carrying case (76), at least one handle (26), at least one magnet (22), at least one burnishing element (24) at least one cover pad (38), and at least one magnet shield (40).

Abstract: An optoacoustic sensor for detecting one or more target gases includes a body featuring halves containing measurement cells. Each measurement cell is in communication with a light source and a microphone as well as the ambient atmosphere. Evaluation and control electronics are in communication with the light sources and the microphones sequentially illuminate the first and second light sources so that a measurement signal due to optoacoustic pressure variations from a target gas is generated by the microphone of the illuminated or gas active cell and a compensation signal is generated by the microphone of the non-illuminated or gas inactive cell. The compensation signal is subtracted from the measurement signal by the evaluation and control electronics to provide a sensor output signal.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the transpirational characteristics of a permeable polymeric membrane, particularly polymeric membranes used for bandages. The polymeric membrane is placed against a moisture source. A probe is applied to the other side. Signals from the probe are sampled at a high rate to detect a first transient appearance of moisture on the surface being measured. The interval between the first transient response and a predetermined equilibrium value defines the transpirational characteristics of the polymeric membrane.

Abstract: An ECU drives a pump in a first stage at a first pumping capacity. The ECU drives the pump in a second stage after the first stage at a second pumping capacity, which is lower than the first pumping capacity. The second pumping capacity is set such that when at least one leak hole, which forms a predetermined total opening cross sectional area, exists in the purge apparatus, the driving of the pump at the second pumping capacity substantially maintains a predetermined reference pressure in the purge apparatus. The ECU diagnoses whether a leak hole exits in the purge apparatus based on the pressure measured with the pressure sensor in view of the predetermined reference pressure at the time of driving the pump in the second stage at the second pumping capacity.

Abstract: Bacteria accumulations on the interior walls of a fluid conduit are detected by placing a bacterial target substrate in the conduit. The substrate is structured to allow bacteria to colonize it at at least the rate of accumulation expected on the conduit walls or at an accelerated rate in order to preempt normal bacteria accumulation on the walls. A bacteria getter may be used to accelerate bacterial colonization of the substrate. An excitation signal interrogating the substrate causes autofluorescence in the presence of bacteria, specifically from NADH and/or NADPH present. The autofluorescent emission is transmitted to a detector and processor. In one system when the presence of bacteria at a preset level is detected there is initiated a diversion of the fluid into an auxiliary subsystem during which the primary subsystem is remediated.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for analysis of a petroleum product, specifically determining the viscosity of a sample, are disclose. The apparatus includes a sample reservoir for receiving a liquid sample and a pressure regulator for applying hyperbaric pressure to a sample within the reservoir. When pressure is applied to the sample reservoir, the sample is forced through a passageway and a pressure sensor monitors the pressure in the sample reservoir. A drop in the pressure can be used to determine when the reservoir is empty and sample viscosity can be calculated based on the time required to empty the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention is a heated thermal probe suitable for use in micro- thermal analysis or other high resolution thermal measurements and actions. The probe is, in the preferred embodiment, a microfabricated cantilever with a sharp probe tip of a type used in Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPM's) which further includes an integral resistive heating element. The heating element is formed by doping regions of the cantilever with an ion implant process to make lower resistance connections and a higher resistance heating element. There is no spatial overlap between the base of the probe tip and the heating element or conductors.

Abstract: An approach to determine cantilever movement is presented. An observer based state estimation and statistical signal detection and estimation techniques are applied to Atomic Force Microscopes. A first mode approximation model of the cantilever is considered and an observer is designed to estimate the dynamic states. The cantilever-sample interaction is modeled as an impulsive force applied to the cantilever in order to detect the presence of sample. A generalized likelihood ratio test is performed to obtain the decision rule and the maximum likelihood estimation of the unknown arrival time of the sample profile and unknown magnitude of it. The use of the transient data results in sample detection at least ten times faster than using the steady state characteristics.

Abstract: There is provided a device in which a probe can be used for both of observation and correction, and which can, even if a next generation photomask of ultra minute structure is made an object, perform a desired processing without injuring a normal portion in a process of obtaining information of a position and a shape of a defect part, and without impairing the probe also at a processing time. It has been adapted such that, at an observation time, a contact pressure between a probe and a mask is reduced to 0.1 nN by applying a vibration of 1 kHz to 1 MHz to the probe. It has been adapted such that a cantilever used in the present invention is formed by a silicon material of 100-600 ?m in length and 5-50 ?m in thickness and, at the observation time, the probe contacts with the mask at the contact pressure of 0.1 nN and, at the processing time, a defect correction can be performed by causing the probe to contact with the mask at the contact pressure of 10 nN to 1 mN.

Abstract: There is provided a device in which a probe can be used for both of observation and correction, and which can, even if a next generation photomask of ultra minute structure is made an object, perform a desired processing without injuring a normal portion in a process of obtaining information of a position and a shape of a defect part, and without impairing the probe also at a processing time. It has been adapted such that, at an observation time, a contact pressure between a probe and a mask is reduced to 0.1 nN by applying a vibration of 1 kHz to 1 MHz to the probe. It has been adapted such that a cantilever used in the present invention is formed by a silicon material of 100-600 ?m in length and 5-50 ?m in thickness and, at the observation time, the probe contacts with the mask at the contact pressure of 0.1 nN and, at the processing time, a defect correction can be performed by causing the probe to contact with the mask at the contact pressure of 10 nN to 1 mN.

Abstract: A method of securing a tire-based unit (24) of a tire condition sensing system (12) to a rim (60) and an associated apparatus (62) are provided. The method comprising the steps of: positioning a mounting bracket (124) on the rim (60); positioning a self-pierce rivet (140, 200) against the mounting bracket (124), so that a portion of the mounting bracket (124) is interposed between the self-pierce rivet (140, 200) and the rim (60); pressing the self-pierce rivet (140, 200) against the mounting bracket (124) and toward the female mold portion of the press, so as to pierce a portion of the mounting bracket and to deep draw a portion of the rim into the female mold portion to secure the mounting bracket relative to the rim; removing the rim and secured mounting bracket from the press; and attaching the tire-based unit (24) to the mounting bracket (124).