Abstract: An improved method of controlling reflux in a microsurgical system involving monitoring reflux pressure over time to detect occlusion break.

Abstract: A method for testing the function of a hydraulic valve (1) and a test stand (31) for carrying out the method are proposed. The method is distinguished in that a pressurized gaseous medium is used as a test medium.

Abstract: In a method for ascertaining the control voltage of a piezoelectric element, the voltage drop at the piezoelectric element following a charge process is measured and the control voltage of the piezoelectric element is inferred from this voltage drop.

Abstract: A sensor unit for determining a physical sensor parameter of a measuring gas, in particular an oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a sensor housing and at least one connection cable having an electrically insulating cable sheathing, for the transmission of energy and/or the sensor parameter, the sensor housing having at least one cable opening for the connection cable and at least one sealing element for sheathing and sealing the connection cable, the cable having better sealing than the related art and/or the ability to resist higher temperature loading. According to the invention, this is achieved by at least partially forming the sealing element as tube.

Abstract: An FBAR device may be chemically functionalized by depositing an interactive layer so that targeted chemicals are preferentially adsorbed. Such miniaturized chemical sensors may be combined with wireless network technology. For example, a chemical sensor may be integrated in a cell phone, PDA, a watch, or a car with wireless connection and GPS. Since such devices are widely populated, a national sensor network may be established. Consequently, a national toxicity map can be generated in real time. Detailed chemical information may be obtained, such as if a chemical is released by a source fixed on ground or by a moving object, or if is spread by explosives or by wind and so on.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the energy (KNKE) of the knock of an internal combustion engine, using an analog signal supplied by a sensor fixed to the engine. The inventive method includes the following steps: a) the analog signal is shaped, b) the analog signal is converted into a sequence of digital samples, c) the signal is subjected to digital filtering, and d) the signal is adjusted and e) integrated. According to the method: i) the shaping of the analog signal includes combining the signal with a continuous component (Vcnf) adapted to render the shaped signal a positive signal or a zero signal, and ii) the digital filtering is carried out by a band-pass filter with an infinite impulse response, the transfer function thereof including a zero for the zero frequencies.

Abstract: An engine ECU 200 includes a bandpass filter (1), a bandpass filter (2), and a bandpass filter (3). The bandpass filter (1) extracts only vibrations at a first frequency band A from the vibrations detected by a knock sensor. The bandpass filter (2) extracts only vibrations at a second frequency band B from the vibrations detected by the knock sensor. The bandpass filter (3) extracts only vibrations at a third frequency band C from the vibrations detected by the knock sensor. The first to third frequency bands A-C are identical in bandwidth. The engine ECU calculates a peak value in magnitude of vibrations in a synthesized waveform of these frequency bands, and determines whether knocking occurred or not based on the peak value.

Abstract: A variety of methods for operating a chromatography system are presented. Specifically, methods for operating a pumping system within a chromatography system are presented. The methods presented are directed to pumping apparatus in which very small amounts of fluid are pumped through the system. A number of techniques for detecting and compensating for leaks are presented as well as a number of techniques for operating the pumping system.

Abstract: A leak detecting device of the counterflow type includes a high vacuum pump having an inlet connected to a mass spectrometer. In addition, a prevacuum pump is provided having an inlet connected to an outlet of the high vacuum pump and a leak detecting device input. A connecting conduit is further provided between the leak detecting device input and an intermediate inlet of the high vacuum pump. A first valve of variable conductance is arranged in the course of the connecting conduit. Valves with a large inner diameter are expensive while valves with a small inner diameter show considerable resistance even in a fully opened state. A second valve arranged parallel to the first adjustable valve is provided in the course of the connecting conduit; thereby allowing the first and second valves to have relatively small inner diameters arranged in the connecting conduit, wherein the combined conductance of both opened valves is considerably increased.

Abstract: A leak detection system includes a trace gas leak detector having a wireless base unit, and a handheld wireless remote unit to generate an alphanumeric display of leak rate measured by the leak detector, in response to leak detector information received by wireless link from the leak detector. The remote unit may include a wireless transceiver to communicate with the wireless base unit of the leak detector, a display unit and a controller, responsive to the received leak detector information, to generate the display on the display unit. The remote unit may be configured to control the leak detector and may be configured to display a leak detector operating mode.

Abstract: The binding reaction between an affinity substance to be measured and a binding partner having binding affinity for the affinity substance is measured based on agglutination reactions. Carrier particles bound to the binding partner are allowed to bind to the affinity substance in an electric field. Evaluation is achieved by counting the level of agglutinated carrier particles using three-dimensional particle information of the particles as an indicator. The use of three-dimensional information as an indicator enables the presence of a biologically specific reactive substance to be detected or measured in a manner that is more convenient and rapid, and has a higher sensitivity than the conventional measurement methods.

Abstract: A variety of methods for operating a chromatography system are presented. Specifically, methods for operating a pumping system within a chromatography system are presented. The methods presented are directed to pumping apparatus in which very small amounts of fluid are pumped through the system. A number of techniques for detecting and compensating for leaks are presented as well as a number of techniques for operating the pumping system.

Abstract: A variety of methods for operating a chromatography system are presented. Specifically, methods for operating a pumping system within a chromatography system are presented. The methods presented are directed to pumping apparatus in which very small amounts of fluid are pumped through the system. A number of techniques for detecting and compensating for leaks are presented as well as a number of techniques for operating the pumping system.

Abstract: An inspection method is conducted after the assembly of an industrial engine is complete. An identification code assigned to an industrial engine is read. Basic engine specification data and device-specific engine specification data that correspond to the read identification code are extracted from a database to a completion inspection unit. Various inspections are conducted on the individual engine by the completion inspection unit on the basis of the extracted basic engine specification data. The device-specific engine specification data of the engine that has passed the inspection is written into memory. A confirmation inspection is then conducted by a device-specific inspection machine to determine whether the engine has the output characteristics required by the mounting device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for testing at least one performance characteristic of a vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire pressure monitoring device for a motor vehicle. A tire pressure monitoring system with direct measurement includes a transmission device for transmitting tire pressure values determined by pressure sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system with indirect measurement that operates on the basis of wheel speed sensors. The tire pressure monitoring system with direct measurement includes a tire pressure measuring device for measuring a tire pressure value only on each wheel of a driven vehicle axle and on at most one wheel of a non-driven axle. The tire pressure monitoring system with indirect measurement includes wheel speed sensors on the non-driven vehicle axle.

Abstract: System (100) for the thermal monitoring of a territory, comprising a plurality of local devices (1) installed on the territory to be monitored and having means (7, 8, 9, 10) for acquiring environmental data able to detect the presence of a significant thermal variation in the surrounding area, a central control station (10), comprising means (102) for storing logistical-technical data and data about the available rescue means relating to the territory to be monitored, means (12) for transmitting/receiving data between the central control station (101) and the local devices (1), and means (103) 10 for the integrated processing of the environmental data acquired by the local devices (1) and of the data stored in the central control station (101), able to provide at their output a model of evolution of the event and a plan of intervention for the extinction thereof.

Abstract: A fuel level gauge assembly for a motorcycle having a fuel tank containing fuel at a level. The fuel level gauge includes light emitting diodes (LEDs) indicating to a rider the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank. A mirrored lens on the top of the gauge hides the LEDs when the LEDs are not illuminated. The fuel level gauge includes a pop-up feature allowing it to be removed from the fuel tank without the use of tools. When assembled to the tank and in a retracted position, the top surface of the fuel level gauge is substantially aligned with the top surface of the fuel tank.

Abstract: Capacitive liquid condition sensing apparatus includes a pair of a 1-1 electrode and a 1-2 electrode arranged to form a first capacitance; a pair of a 2-1 electrode and a 2-2 electrode arranged to form a second capacitance; a circuit board formed with a sensing circuit to sense the liquid condition such as a liquid level in accordance with the first and second capacitances; and 1-1, 1-2, 2-1 and 2-2 conductive paths connecting the 1-1, 1-2, 2-1 and 2-2 electrodes, respectively, to the sensing circuit, and including 1-1, 1-2, 2-1 and 2-2 conductive segments, respectively. The 1-1, 1-2, 2-1 and 2-2 conductive segments are arranged in a row, and extend side by side. The 1-1, 1-2, 2-1 and 2-2 conductive segments are arranged so that a first parasitic capacitance formed between the 1-1 conductive segment and the 1-2 conductive segment is equal to a second parasitic capacitance formed between the 2-1 conductive segment and the 2-2 conductive segment.

Abstract: A bin or tank level monitoring system uses a capacitance-sensing device with at least one electrode vertically extending from near the top to near the bottom of the tank. Changes in the level of the material held in the tank causes the effective dielectric constant of the electrical capacitance between the electrode and for example, an adjacent conductive tank wall, to change continuously and proportionately. The change in the dielectric constant changes the actual capacitance between the electrode and the tank wall. Circuitry forming part of the system can measure this change in capacitance and use the measurement to provide an accurate indication of the level of material in the tank. A variety of configurations of the electrode or electrodes allows level detection for both conductive and non-conductive tanks and for different types of materials held in the tanks.

Abstract: In a liquid sensing system, an RF signal is applied to a series-resonant circuit. The coil of the resonant circuit is placed proximate to a fuel tank, causing electromagnetic radiation to propagate into the fuel space. The fuel acts as an electrical load to the resonant circuit in a manner proportionate to the volume of fuel in the tank and/or to variations in electrical properties of the fuel itself. The loading effect of the fuel can change the resonant frequency and/or the Q of the resonant circuit. The loading effect of the fuel is determined by monitoring a change in one or more electrical parameters associated with the excited resonant circuit, such as a voltage across the resistor in the resonant circuit. Changes in this voltage are analyzed by a controller, the result of which is used to output a value indicative of level and/or composition of the fuel.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing static balancing or axial or radial run-out inspection on an axially symmetrical disc or wheel assembly. The apparatus consists of a contemplated design of a rigid frame portion with features for easy transport, wheel run-out inspection attachments with high-resolution adjustment, anti-vibration and anti-marring non-skid isomeric feet, integrated frame hand-holds, integrated arbor storage that utilizes the primary locking function of the tool-less arbor tooling itself as a means to engage the arbor shaft into the frame, tool-less quick-changeover arbors of a locking ball and ramp design, arbors that act as a means of a hand-hold for transport, and arbors for non-traditional rotating member mounting to address the issue of thin cross-sectional wheel assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to measuring devices used in measuring acceleration and, more precisely, to capacitive acceleration sensors. The object of the invention is to provide an improved method of manufacturing a capacitive acceleration sensor, and to provide a capacitive acceleration sensor, which is applicable for use in small capacitive acceleration sensor solutions, and which, in particular, is applicable for use in small and extremely thin capacitive acceleration sensor solutions measuring acceleration in relation to several axes.

Abstract: A sensor includes a housing and a magnetic fluid within the housing that incompletely fills the housing. An inertial body is in contact with the magnetic fluid. Displacement of the inertial body relative to the magnetic fluid is indicative of acceleration on the housing. The acceleration includes linear and/or angular acceleration. The inertial body can be an air bubble, or a dissimilar liquid. A plurality of magnets are mounted on the housing, wherein the magnetic fluid is positioned in droplets between the magnets and the inertial body. The magnetic fluid can be a single droplet between each magnet and the inertial body, or multiple droplets between each magnet and the inertial body. The remaining volume in the housing can be filled with a non-magnetic fluid.

Abstract: A system for sensing velocity of a wheeled vehicle has a flexible arm connected to a speed sensor and wireless transmitter at one end and to an adjustable strap or clamp at the other end. The strap is attached near the wheel to be measured. The sensor can then be positioned via the flexible arm to a location immediately adjacent the wheel. There is also a display unit connected to another strap or clamp. The display unit contains a wireless receiver that receives the data transmitted by the transmitter on the sensor, and a microprocessor that calculates the data and displays it for the user to view. A magnetic strip is attached directly to one of the wheels of the device. As the wheel rotates, the magnetic strip passes by the sensor positioned adjacent the wheel, and this passage is recorded by the sensor.

Abstract: In a method and a circuit arrangement for operating an ultrasound oscillation system, wherein an excitation voltage is applied to an ultrasound oscillation system comprising an ultrasound oscillator and components for forming an oscillation circuit for generating an excitation current and wherein the frequency of the excitation voltage is adjustable for operating the ultrasound oscillation system at a predetermined operating point, upon switching on the ultrasound oscillation system, the frequency, beginning with a startup frequency, is changed until the operating point is reached, and, upon switching off the ultrasound oscillation system, the frequency of the excitation circuit is recorded in a storage device and the recorded value is used for determining the startup frequency when the ultrasound oscillation system is again switched on.

Abstract: An acoustic wave sensing device integrated with micro-channels and a method for the same are described. The present invention uses a piezoelectric substrate with a thinner portion serving as a sensing area and formed via a micromaching or chemical process. An inter-digital transducer (IDT) is located on the thinner portion to produce flexural plate waves (FPW). The micro-channels can be formed together with the thinner portion via the same manufacturing process, or integrated into the piezoelectric substrate via linkage. In the present invention, a novel manufacturing process and design are proposed for fabrication of the acoustic wave sensing devices with a good piezoelectric characteristic, a stable temperature compensation property, and a robust structure. Thereby, the techniques of flexural plate waves can be applied for liquid sensors. In this way, the drawbacks of the conventional acoustic wave sensing devices, such as poor piezoelectric properties and fragile film structures, are removed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic method and apparatus utilizing phased array technology for obtaining accurate crack height measurements in materials where crystallographic structure creates beam reduction effects.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer having an effective center frequency of about 42 MHz; a bandwidth of greater than 85% at 6 dB; a spherical focus of at least 0.5 inches in water; an F4 lens; a resolution sufficient to be able to detect and separate a 0.005 inch flat-bottomed hole at 0.005 inches below surface; and a beam size of approximately 0.006-0.008 inches measured off a 1½ mm ball in water at the transducer's focal point.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided. The pressure sensor includes a multi-layer laminate comprising a substrate and a semiconductor layer, wherein the substrate comprises single crystal or quasi-single crystal aluminum oxide, and a portion of the substrate that is spaced from a peripheral edge is wet etched to form an inwardly facing sidewall that defines a volume; and a substrate to which the multi-layer laminate is secured. The volume is an enclosed volume further defined by a substrate surface.

Abstract: A method of evaluating material volatility characteristics. A pulse of current flux is delivered through a material sample to simulate a lightning strike. A pressure produced by the sample during the pulse is measured. The measured pressure is used to measure volatility of the material. An apparatus for evaluating the volatility of materials includes a pulse power supply and a test cell through which a pulse is delivered and in which pressure produced by a sample during the pulse is measured. This apparatus and method can reduce the costs of material selection and can shorten development time for new products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure transmitter for an overload-proof pressure gauge, comprising a base body, a separating membrane disposed on a pressure-sensitive side of the pressure transmitter and subjectable to a pressure to be measured, a communicating chamber located inside said base body, which receives a pressure transmission medium, said chamber being closed on the pressure-sensitive side by the separating membrane, wherein the coefficient of thermal expansion of the pressure transmission medium is established in such a way that a temperature-induced change in the volume of the communicating chamber equals a temperature-induced change in the volume of the pressure transmission medium.

Abstract: A pressure measurement device usable for monitoring pressure of fluids such as blood, waste, and replacement fluid in a blood treatment system provides a reliable signal and other benefits by virtue of a number of features of the various embodiments disclosed. The pressure of fluid carried by a vessel or tube is measured by measuring a change in shape of the vessel or tube via a sensor element contacting it. Materials, shape, and mechanical support cooperatively ensure that the little inelastic strain occurs and pressure measurements are repeatable. The embodiments are compatible with the use of disposable vessels and tubes.

Abstract: A mount for electrical leads to a vibration-type sensor and/or for coils on a vibration-type sensor. The mount includes at least one resilient first arm attached to a first sensing tube of the sensor and at least one resilient arm attached to a second sensing tube of the sensor The two sensing tubes, which are caused to vibrate during operation of the sensor, form a double-tube arrangement having a longitudinal gravity line, which lies in an imaginary central plane extending between the two, preferably parallel, sensing tubes. The two arms of the mount are essentially rigidly connected to one another at a connecting location remote from the two sensing tubes, and the mount exhibits a first eigenmode of predeterminable mechanical resonance frequency, f1, at which the first arm attached to the first sensing tube and the second arm attached to the second sensing tube oscillate pendularly essentially perpendicular to the central plane of the double-tube arrangement.

Abstract: The power consumption is reduced, wiring is simplified, and the cost is reduced. A multiaxial sensor unit 10 for measuring one or more of multiaxial force, moment, acceleration, and angular acceleration, externally applied, includes eight strain gauges R11 to R24 disposed on a single plane, and one bridge circuit 11 constructed by connecting the strain gauges R11 to R24. Thereby, bridge circuits 11 and strain gauges R11 to R24 are reduced in comparison with a prior art to reduce the power consumption, simplify wiring, and reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A torque detection system is provided for detecting torque applied to a rotary shaft. A spring element is connected to an input and output shaft. As torque is applied to the shaft system, the input shaft is rotationally offset from the output shaft and a sensing system is provided for sensing the amount of rotational offset which is then correlated to a rotational torque level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for handling small quantities of fluids useful, for example, in measuring the gas and/or liquid sorption and desorption properties of substances such as hydrogen sorption by solid or liquid hydrogen storage materials. In one embodiment, low-volume rotary valves are used to dose samples in a sample holder. In another embodiment, a rotary valve is used as a dosing/bypass valve to both condition and measure samples. The invention also relates to an actuator for a rotary valve that has a manual override feature.

Abstract: A sheet form membrane probe, an apparatus and method, wherein the probe includes a probe body, a sheet-form membrane secured to the probe body and including an open surface exposed to the exterior of the probe; a channel formed between the probe body and the membrane through which a collector fluid can flow; an inlet port opening to the channel to conduct collector fluid to the channel; and an outlet port spaced from the inlet port such that the collector fluid passes through the channel from the inlet port to the outlet port in a flow direction substantially parallel to the membrane. The channel may be formed to provide broad surface contact of the collector fluid with the membrane. The membrane open surface may include an active area open to a sample fluid and open on an opposite side for contact with collector fluid flow in the channel. The active area may be large relative to the total membrane area to provide for an effective use of the expensive membrane material.

Abstract: In a drive train of a motor vehicle having an engine and a dual-clutch gearbox for transmitting engine power to driven wheels of the motor vehicle, an additional gearbox having at least two shift positions with different transmission ratios is arranged between the engine (5) and the driven vehicle wheels in series with the dual clutch gearbox.

Abstract: Shift drum (10; 10?) for a multi-step transmission of a motor vehicle, with at least one circumferential track (14, 16), in particular circumferential groove (14, 16), into which at least one axially displaceable track follower (S, T) can engage, the circumferential track (14, 16) having flanks (22, 24) along which the track follower (S, T) is guided, characterized in that one of the flanks (22) has a portion (26) which is mounted so as to be movable axially out of a normal position against a restoring force (FR).

Abstract: The invention provides for a power steering apparatus comprising of a housing that extends along a longitudinal axis. A rack is disposed within the housing and supported for movement along the longitudinal axis by a bearing. A pinion supported by the housing is in meshing engagement with the rack. The bearing disposed around the rack includes a wall of a continuous varying radial thickness that circumferentially surrounds the rack. An adjustment device supported by the housing is connected to the bearing and rotatably adjusts the bearing relative to the longitudinal axis. The continuous varying radial thickness of the wall positions the rack as the bearing is rotated by the adjustment device relative to the pinion ensuring proper meshing engagement between the rack and the pinion.

Abstract: A ball screw, which improves its durability under circumstances where a radial load and a moment load are applied to it, has a screw shaft (2) formed with a helical screw groove (2a) on its outer circumferential surface. A nut (3) is adapted to mate with the screw shaft (2). The nut (3) is formed with a helical screw groove (3a) on its inner circumferential surface. The nut helical screw groove (3a) corresponds to the screw shaft screw groove (2a). A number of balls (4) are rollably contained within a ball rolling passage formed by the oppositely arranged screw grooves (2a, 3a). Bridge members (5), each formed with a connecting groove (5a) on its inner circumferential surface, connect the screw grooves (3a) of the nut (3). A contact angle (a) between each ball (4) and one or both the screw grooves (2a, 3a) is set within a range of about 20˜40°.

Abstract: An electrical switch apparatus for a bicycle control device comprises a mounting member structured to be mounted to a bicycle, an operating member supported by the mounting member for movement between an operating member start position and an operating member operating position, a first piezoelectric element supported by the mounting member, and a first striking member supported by the mounting member for movement between a first striking member start position and a first striking member striking position. The first striking member is operatively coupled to the first operating member such that the first striking member moves from the first striking member start position to the first striking member striking position to strike the first piezoelectric element in response to movement of the first operating member from the first operating member start position to the first operating member operating position.

Abstract: A control lever assembly having a moveable lever and a knob mounted on an end of the lever. The knob has a hollow housing which is removably attached to a cylindrical base. The housing has a cylindrical side wall which forms an opening. A wheel is received in and partially enclosed by the housing for rotation therein. A portion of the housing completely surrounds an outer surface of one end of the wheel. A rotary encoder generates a rotary position signal and is coupled to the wheel by a stiff wire or shaft. The shaft extends through the wheel to a first end which is received by an alignment recess formed on an inner surface of the housing and to a second end which is coupled to the encoder. The shaft extends through a bore in the base and through a bore in the lever.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a pedal element 12 that may be displaced with respect to a base element 14 along its actuation path. The pedal element 12 may swivel out along the actuation direction B. A rotating element 26 is so linked to the pedal element 12 so that it rotates upon displacement of the pedal element 12. At least one return element 34, 35 is provided to return the pedal element 12 against the actuation direction. Further, the pedal assembly includes an electric motor 20 to create opposing force. A neutral coupling unit 54 is provided between the rotating element 26 and the drive device 20, preferably with a first stop 64 on the rotor, and a second stop 64 at the rotating element 26. A freewheel clutch unit 54 couples the rotor 24 and the rotating element 26 upon displacement along the actuation direction B, but allows separate motion against the actuation direction B. A sensor (32) is provided to position the pedal element (12).

Abstract: A steering wheel system includes a steering shaft configured to be connected to a steering assembly including tires, a steering wheel fixedly connected to the steering shaft, and a steering column to which the steering wheel is rotatably connected, the steering column including a terminal end disposed centrally relative to a perimeter of the steering wheel, where the terminal end of the steering column is substantially stationary during rotation of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A pedal assembly is disclosed having a movable slide adapted to contact a kickdown feature and further adapted to overcome the kickdown feature upon application of additional force to result in a kickdown effect that may correspond to an engine kickdown. The movable slide may be adapted for frictional engagement with a body to impart a hysteresis effect as the slide moves relative to the body.

Abstract: A transmission box (3) for a wheeled machine (1), particularly of the walking type, comprising, disposed at least partially within the stationary box, a motor input shaft (4) driving a drive wheel (8) to actuate at least one drive shaft (9A, 9B) of at least one wheel (2A, 2B) of the machine (1). A clutch mechanism (13) disposed between the drive wheel (8) and a drive shaft (9A, 9B) is actuated by driving in rotation the drive wheel (8) and deactuated by driving in rotation the drive shaft (9A, 9B) when the motor input shaft (4) is stopped or when the speed of rotation of the drive shaft (9A, 9B) is greater than the speed of rotation of the drive wheel (8), each wheel drive shaft being in the deactuated condition of the corresponding clutch mechanism, free to turn in either one of the directions of rotation.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for driving, or for being driven by, a fluid is disclosed. The drive arrangement comprises a rotatable member (40) for receiving the fluid, and having mounted thereon a plurality of drive members (56). The drive members (56) are movable between a drive position, in which the drive members can drive, or be driven by, the fluid, and a non-drive position in which the drive members (56) are substantially prevented from driving or being driven by a fluid received in the rotatable member (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering agent for a top slag of a metallic melt bath in a metallurgical vessel, in particular used in the steel industry, containing a material which melts on the melt bath and performs metallurgical work, wherein the material substantially comprises granules which have been rendered porous and the porosity of which is such that, at the melt bath temperature, a molten layer of liquid slag is formed on the melt bath, and a thermal barrier layer of the granules is formed above the molten layer of liquid slag. In addition, the invention relates to a process for producing the covering agent and to its use.