Abstract: A foam wall panel system with a unique Z-shaped wall panel connection device. The Z-shape of the wall panel connection device provides cavities on each side which accept the angled edges of foam wall panels that fit within the cavities. Adjacent foam cores having angled edges are secured into the cavities on opposite sides of Z-shaped wall panel connection devices to form a continuous foam wall. The Z-shaped wall panel connection device can be fabricated from a single sheet of material, or other suitable materials, and can replace metal wall studs. The folded corner edges of the Z-shaped wall panel connection device, and the edges of the foam cores, are rounded to avoid damage to the foam wall panel during the installation process.

Abstract: A filling device for filling containers with foods and closing the containers includes an endless conveyor system for conveying container holders; a container infeed mechanism for supplying containers to the container holders; workstations for carrying out operations on containers conveyed therealong, including a filling station and a closing station; a container discharge mechanism for removing containers from the container holders; at least one processing line provided along the conveyor track for containers to be processed; a housing that at least partially encloses the processing line; and gas supply means for feeding conditioned gases into the housing. The housing extends at least along the filling station and the closing station. Inside the housing, the gas supply means supply gas flow substantially close to filling apertures along outsides of containers. The gas supply means includes a plurality of adjacent gas outflow apertures opening into the housing.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and a closure applying machine for closing of containers, such as, for example, bottles, cans, canisters, or the like, by way of screw caps that are screwed on, with a plurality of closure applying positions that are provided at the circumference of a rotatable machine rotor that rotates about a vertical machine axis, to which positions the containers to be closed are transferred at a container input and the closed containers are removed therefrom at a container output, whereby each closure applying position is having a container carrier, a container support and a screw unit, said screw unit having at its lowermost end a screw head and that can rotate about a vertically directed axis and being configured to be rotated by a drive and wherein the screw head during rotation of the rotor remains at a height level, with provision being made that the container support comprises means that assuredly effectuate an assured separatio

Abstract: A system and method of packaging a bone allograft for use in a future medical procedure in which the bone allograft is stored in a saturated saline solution in an airtight container. The saline solution keeps the allograft hydrated and may be saturated with a combination of calcium, phosphate, or magnesium to inhibit mineral leaching out of the allograft during storage. The container may be deformable to conform to the shape of the allograft material as the container is “shrink-fitted” to the allograft. Optionally, the bone allograft may also be freeze-dried prior to placement in the container.

Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A device for filling stand-alone flat-bottom bags with opposing side edges and a bottom, in particular filling them with liquid including a filling carousel which can rotate about a vertical axis and which has a plurality of holders for one bag each provided on its circumference. The filling carousel has a bag feeding station, a bag opening station, a filling station and a removal station as well as a sealing station. To optimize the filling device and in particular to achieve a higher throughput, a magazine for prefabricated bags and a feeding carousel for the bags is provided in the bag feeding station, containing a plurality of holding devices for one bag each whereby the holding devices can be driven to rotate about a common axis in order to remove each bag individually from the magazine and transfer it continuously to a holder of the filling carousel.

Abstract: A lawn mower has driving front wheels and driving rear wheels. The mower includes a mower unit mounted between the front wheels and the rear wheels to be vertically movable, an engine mounted to a front portion of a vehicle body, a transmission case disposed rearwardly of the engine, an HST coupled to a rear wall of the transmission case, the HST having a pump shaft and a motor shaft both projecting forwardly, a charge pump for the HST attached to a front wall of the transmission case, a transmission mechanism disposed inside the transmission case. The transmission mechanism includes an input shaft operably coupling a transmission shaft from the engine to the pump shaft, a first output shaft for transmitting power from the motor shaft to a transmission shaft for the front wheels, a PTO shaft for transmitting power from the input shaft to a transmission shaft for the mower unit, and a second output shaft for transmitting power from the input shaft to the charge pump.

Abstract: An implement, such as a header for a combine, having an integral transport system with a pair of ground engaging wheels that are moved between transport positions used in transporting the implement and stowed positions on the implement during use of the implement. The wheels may be used as gauge wheels during use to support the ends of the implement. A trailer tongue is retractable and stowed onboard the implement during use, as is a tongue jack. Lights are provided at the end of the implement for visibility during transport. The lights are stowed beneath a cover on the end of the implement to protect the lights from damage during use. All components of the transport system are carried on the implement during use to ensure that they are with the implement when needed to transport the implement. All components are mounted with pins, enabling the implement to be converted between transport and use configurations without the use of hand tools.

Abstract: A harvesting header comprising a center frame section and two outer frame sections. The outer frame sections can pivot relative to the center frame section between an operating position and a transport position. The center frame section and the outer frame sections carry collection devices for gathering crops and there is a separating point that moves automatically between an operating position and a transport position in the pivot region between the center frame section and the outer frame sections. The separating points arranged in the pivot region between the center frame section and the outer frame sections move between the operating position and the transport position in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of travel and/or to pivot about the height axis.

Abstract: A cotton receiver for a cotton harvesting machine and a method of operation of the same. The receiver includes a cotton compacting chamber, a precompacting area above the chamber, and an accumulator deployable upwardly from the precompacting area to increase the cotton holding capacity thereof. Compactor apparatus is located in the compacting chamber and is configured for holding cotton thereabove separate from cotton therebelow. The compactor apparatus is movable downwardly against cotton therebelow for compacting it into a unitary body or module, including while holding cotton thereabove, and is controllably operable for conveying cotton held thereabove downwardly therethrough, subsequent to unloading a completed compacted body of cotton.

Abstract: A scraping adapted for attachment to the raking head of a conventional rake includes a substantially elongated adapter body defining a body first longitudinal edge, an opposed body second longitudinal edge and a pair of substantially opposed body longitudinal ends. The adapter body is configured so as to provide a substantially longitudinally extending scraping section adjacent the body first longitudinal edge. The scraping adapter also includes a body-to-head attachment structure for attaching the adapter body to the raking head with the head base and body longitudinal axis in a parallel relationship relative to each other and the scraping section positioned opposite the rake tines.

Abstract: A push-pull cable is provided. The cable includes a central wire, a first set of wires wrapped around the central wire, and a second set of wires wrapped around the first set of wires. A coating is then formed around the second set of wires. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a wire.

Abstract: A variable cycle propulsion system for a supersonic airplane, the system comprising at least one engine having means for producing exhaust gas and a gas exhaust nozzle for generating thrust for supersonic flight speeds, and at least one separate auxiliary propulsion assembly dissociated from said engine, having no gas generator, and capable of generating thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic flight speeds. The system further comprises gas flow tapping means movable between a position in which they tap off at least a fraction of the exhaust gas produced by said engine and feed it to said propulsion assembly to enable it to generate thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising flight, and a position in which the gas produced by the engine is directed solely to the engine nozzle for supersonic cruising flight.

Abstract: A diagnosis system of an exhaust aftertreatment apparatus for an internal combustion engine is arranged to execute a first deterioration diagnosis of the exhaust aftertreatment apparatus on the basis of a change of a catalyst downstream side air/fuel ratio relative to a change of a catalyst upstream side air/fuel ratio during a rich spike control and to execute a second deterioration diagnosis from an inversion cycle of a feedback quantity during the feedback control of the catalyst downstream side air/fuel ratio during a stoichiometric control when the first deterioration diagnosis made a deterioration determination.

Abstract: A method of providing extra air to the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine. A small flow of air is diverted from the output of an air-charging device, such as a turbocharger, to an entry point upstream of an emission control device. The air is supplied in a controllable fashion so as to improve the efficiency of the emission control device.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus estimates, on the basis of an exhaust air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into an exhaust purifying catalyst unit disposed in an exhaust passage of an engine, an emission of at least one specific component contained in exhaust gas flowing out of the exhaust purifying catalyst unit. The air-fuel ratio control apparatus performs the estimation by use of a model, and controls the air-fuel ratio in such a manner that the estimation value reaches a target state. The model is previously determined in consideration of the mass balance of the specific component.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes a NOx purifying device provided in the exhaust system for purifying NOx in exhaust gases, and a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the NOx purifying device. The NOx purifying device has NOx adsorbing capacity and generates ammonia and retains the generated ammonia when the air-fuel ratio is set to a value on the rich side with respect to the stoichiometric ratio. The NOx purifying device purifies NOx with the retained ammonia when the air-fuel ratio is set to a value on a lean side with respect to the stoichiometric ratio. The air-fuel ratio is enriched to a value on the rich side with respect to the stoichiometric ratio so as to increase an amount of reducing components in the exhaust gases flowing into the NOx purifying device.

Abstract: A method of controlling NOx emission from combustors. The method involves the controlled addition of a diluent such as nitrogen or water vapor, to a base fuel to reduce the flame temperature, thereby reducing NOx production. At the same time, a gas capable of enhancing flame stability and improving low temperature combustion characteristics, such as hydrogen, is added to the fuel mixture. The base fuel can be natural gas for use in industrial and power generation gas turbines and other burners. However, the method described herein is equally applicable to other common fuels such as coal gas, biomass-derived fuels and other common hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for controlling a drive unit (1), especially of a vehicle, having a combustion engine (5). The method and arrangement make possible a correct charge control when utilizing a secondary air charger (10) as well as make possible a diagnosis of the secondary air charger (10). Secondary air is blown into an exhaust-gas system (15) of the combustion engine (5) via the secondary air charger (10). The secondary air charger (10) is driven by a pressure drop across an actuating element (20) for adjusting an air supply to the engine (5). The actuating element (20) is driven for adjusting an air supply to the engine (5) corrected in dependence upon an air mass flow driving a turbine (25) of the secondary air charger (10).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle has an adsorption catalyst which may be loaded with nitrogen oxides and unloaded. During the unloading, the exhaust-gas stream through the adsorption catalyst may be decreased by a control unit or an add-on device, using a valve. During the unloading, a fuel/air mixture may be added to the exhaust-gas stream reaching the adsorption catalyst, by the control unit or the add-on device, using an atomizer. Upon switching over from the unloading to the loading of the adsorption catalyst, the addition of the fuel/air mixture to the exhaust-gas stream is initially stopped by the control unit or the add-on device. The decreasing of the exhaust-gas stream is then ended after a predefined flushing time.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying device for an engine includes a particulate filter midway in an exhaust passage for collecting particulate matters. A control means calculates an accumulating amount of particulate matters on the particulate filter. An accumulating amount calculating means calculates the accumulating amount in accordance with an accumulating characteristic and differential pressure of the particulate filter detected using a differential pressure detecting means. When the accumulating amount becomes a predetermined regeneration demand amount, the control means performs a forcible regeneration, in which particulate matters on the particulate filter are burned and removed to regenerate the particulate filter.

Abstract: A heat shield structure of an exhaust manifold and a catalyst has a flange which is provided in a connecting portion connecting the exhaust manifold and catalyst and forms an open channel, an exhaust manifold heat shield member which covers an upper surface of the exhaust manifold, and a catalyst heat shield member which covers an upper surface of the catalyst. In the heat shield structure, an open side of the channel faces to the catalyst's side, a rear end of the exhaust manifold heat shield member is arranged on a vehicle body upper side of an end portion of the flange, and a front end of the catalyst heat shield member is arranged on a vehicle body floor side of the end portion of the flange. By this structure, heat from the exhaust manifold and catalyst can be efficiently released.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system includes a tank adapted to store a supply of fluid and a source of pressurized fluid in fluid communication with the tank. A first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator are in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid. A first fluid return line is adapted to direct a return flow of fluid from the first hydraulic actuator to the tank and a second fluid return line is adapted to direct a return flow of fluid from the second hydraulic actuator to the tank. A pressure control device is disposed in the second fluid return line and is operable to selectively adjust a magnitude of fluid pressure in the second fluid return line.

Abstract: A dual pump apparatus for use on a vehicle or industrial application having a housing in which a pair of hydraulic pumps are mounted and driven by a prime mover. The prime mover is drivingly coupled to a main input shaft, which drives the hydraulic pumps. An auxiliary pump may be drivingly coupled to the main drive shaft and a power take off unit may also be connected thereto. The power take off unit may be driven by a power take off unit output drive shaft, on which a cooling fan may be attached.

Abstract: There is provided a pump unit including: a pump shaft operatively connected to a driving source; a cylinder block rotatably driven by the pump shaft; a piston unit accommodated in the cylinder block in a slidable manner in an axial direction; a movable swash plate oscillatable on an operational axis perpendicular to the pump shaft, the movable swash plate defining a slide range of the piston unit in abutment against the piston unit; a transmission gear supported by the pump shaft in a relatively non-rotatable manner, the transmission gear being disposed in such a manner as to face to the movable swash plate; a driven member operatively driven by the transmission gear; and a pump case supporting the pump shaft and accommodating therein the cylinder block, the piston unit, the movable swash plate, the transmission gear and the driven member.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine including a compressor arranged in the intake duct and a turbine arranged in the exhaust duct of the engine, wherein the turbine includes in its housing an exhaust collection chamber from which the exhaust gas is directed via turbine inlet passage to the turbine wheel, the housing also includes a bypass arrangement for conducting part of the exhaust gas to the turbine exhaust structure in a turbine wheel bypass line which includes an ejector structure forming a gas pumping device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system in which a process of condensing steam or vapor is used for cooling or heating an ambient environment. An increase in the effectiveness of the condensing process is achieved by adjusting the input of steam or vapor into the condenser.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine with a single stage combustor includes an external premixer to provide premixed fuel/compressed air to the combustor as well as compressed air for dilution; and an automatic controller to provide feedback control of the compressed air flow and fuel flow to the premixer in accordance with actual power versus power demand. The fuel/compressed air mixture is combusted in a combustor and the combustion gases and dilution air are expanded in a turbine. The engine further includes a bleed valve under control of the controller for diverting sufficient compressed dilution air past the turbine to induce increased fuel flow and compressed air flow to the premixer for delivery to, and combustion of, the combustor to compensate for the power deficit due to the bled air, to provide selected minimum premixer exit velocities during engine operation.

Abstract: In order to regulate fuel flow to the combustor (36) of the combustion turbine engine (10) having a primary combustion zone (64) and at least one further combustion zone, the temperature of the inlet and outlet of the combustor (36) are determined, as are first and second values representing first and second properties, with the first property being one of: the total enthalpy rise in the combustor (36), the equivalence ratio of the combustor (36), the fuel/air ratio of said combustor (36), the fuel flow through the combustor, and the second property being one of: the enthalpy rise in the primary zone (64), the equivalence ratio of said primary zone (64), the fuel/air ratio of the primary zone(64); the temperature rise across the primary zone(64), or the fuel flow through the primary zone (64). The second property is determined from the first value and the current value of the ratio of the fuel to the primary zone (64) to the total fuel to the combustor (36).

Abstract: A system for optimizing cooling air supply pressure includes a high pressure fluid source which receives bleed air from the exit of a high pressure compressor and a nozzle and ejector assembly for supplying fluid to a point of use at a pressure sufficient to maintain a required cooling airflow and backflow margin at the point of use, and for reducing leakage of the cooling fluid between the high pressure source and the point of use.

Abstract: A pulse tube refrigerator comprising a cold head, wherein the cold head comprises at least one pulse tube (6) and at least one regenerator (7); the cold head having a cold end (8) and a warm end (5), each end being provided with respective heat exchangers (12, 13); wherein refrigerant is supplied (3) to the cold head; and wherein the warm end heat exchanger (13) is provided with a secondary cooling mechanism (16, 17) to improve the efficiency of the PTR.

Abstract: Disclosed is an efficient refrigeration apparatus that provides refrigerant based energy storage and cooling. When connected to a condensing unit, the system has the ability to store energy capacity during one time period and provide cooling from the stored energy during a second time period. The system requires minimal energy to operate during either time period, and only a fraction of the energy required to operate the system during the first time period is required to operate the system during the second time period using an optional refrigerant pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an installation for cooling bulk products, especially pellets or feed cubes. In order to accelerate possible product replacement, the formed pellets are cooled in two steps, a precooler (3) directly following the forming device (2). A secondary cooling process is only carried out after sifting or breaking and sifting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method, apparatus and system for cooling goods, such as, for example, agricultural products, in a substantially sealed chamber. A method of the invention includes placing goods on a surface; forming a chamber over the goods on the surface; positioning a cooling apparatus having a first portion and a second portion proximate to the goods; enclosing the first portion of the cooling apparatus in the chamber; substantially sealing the chamber; and cooling the goods. A cooling system of the invention comprises a first support having a carrier; an evaporation coil mounted to the first support; a second support having a carrier; a compressor mounted to the second support, the compressor coupled to the evaporation coil; and a substantially sealed enclosure positioned over the evaporation coil and such that the compressor is positioned without the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling a clean, fragile object to be transported while protecting both front and back surfaces of the object are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a thermophoretic wand that is arranged to carry an object having a first temperature includes a first element, a contact surface, and an air supply. The first element has a first opening defined therein, and is maintained at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature such that when the first element is in proximity to the object, a thermophoretic forces may be such that particles present between the object and the first element are driven away from the object. The air supply applies a vacuum of a first level through the first opening to suction the object against the contact surface.

Abstract: A multi-band air curtain forms a separation barrier at an interface between a first environment having a fluid at a first condition and a second environment having a fluid at a second condition. A first stream (55) of a fluid is directed along a first path (45) generally parallel to the interface between the first environment and the second environment. A second stream (65) of fluid is directed along a second path (75) generally outwardly at an angle of divergence with the first path (45). A third stream (65) of a fluid is directed along a third path (95) between the first path (45) and the second path (75) at a first interior angle with said first path (45) and at a second interior angle with said second path (75).

Abstract: A method includes determining base-line operating parameters for a compressor, generating a high-side signal indicative of high-side compressor operating conditions, generating a low-side signal indicative of low-side compressor operating conditions, and comparing the high-side and low-side signals to the base-line operating parameters to determine a system operating condition.

Abstract: A pressure and vacuum valve manifold system such as may be used, for example, to actuate pneumatic bladders controlling airflow in a forced air HVAC system to provide zone climate control. The valves are individually operable to connect a respective individual bladder to pressure or to vacuum. Two manifolds can be mated and commonly fed pressure and vacuum. The two manifolds can be of identical construction. One manifold chamber from each can be connected into a single large pressure manifold, and another manifold chamber from each can be connected into a single large vacuum manifold. Such connections can be made with fittings which also serve as pressure and vacuum relief valves, respectively. The valve plungers are arranged in a grid, enabling a simple X-Y two-motor servo system to actuate all the valves, one at a time.

Abstract: There is provided a showcase which can expand a goods mounting area of a rack within a range of no interference with cooling in a display room. The showcase comprises a display room surrounded with a transparent wall supported by support pillars erected at four corners of a bottom frame, and a door, a rack hung in the display room to display goods, a cold air outlet formed on one side of the bottom frame, and a cold air inlet formed on the other side of the bottom frame. A space between the transparent wall of the other side of the display room and the rack is narrower than a space between the transparent wall of one side of the display room and the rack.

Abstract: A refrigerating appliance having a refrigerant circulation device arranged in the housing of the appliance and including a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser having an inner circuit and an outer circuit. The inner circuit is in communication with a region to be cooled, preferably the inner region of a control box, by a lateral wall of the appliance housing, an air inlet and an air outlet, the evaporator being associated with the inner circuit and the condenser of the refrigerant circulation device being associated with the outer circuit. According to this invention, all of the lateral walls, except the lateral wall comprising the air inlet and the air outlet of the appliance housing, are fully closed, and the condenser is formed as a base plate with integrated refrigerant lines. The base plate forms at least part of a lateral wall of the appliance housing. Refrigerating ribs protrude on the outer side thereof.

Abstract: An integrated liquid cooling device for electronic components addresses the need for efficient cooling created by ever increasing power densities of electronic components. The integrated liquid cooling device has a housing thermally connected to the electronic component, cooling liquid contained in the housing, a motor immersed in the cooling liquid and mounted to the housing, an impeller driven by the motor, and cooling surfaces on the exterior of the housing. The motor driven impeller creates a turbulent flow in the cooling liquid, which rapidly transfers heat from the electronic component and distributes it throughout the interior of the housing. The cooling surfaces on the exterior of the housing dissipate this heat, either by free or forced convection, into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A method and robot-based automation system are provided for cryogenic crystal sample mounting, for example, for use for cryogenic crystal sample mounting in the x-ray crystallography station at an x-ray source. The system includes a robot arm carrying a handset. The handset includes a pair of elongated fingers for sample mounting, and each finger carrying a set of strain gauge arrays for providing force sensing. A slim finger design allows a sample mounting process with no interference with the beam stop, cryostreem and x-ray detectors. The handset can detect the contact force intensity and direction; provide a precise gripping action; and feel the results of the gripping. The finger design incorporates a mechanism to maintain the sample temperature well below the cryogenic safety margin for the crystal viability. A Dewar container is provided with an ice control system and liquid nitrogen flow control. A triangular sample magazine maximizes the Dewar space usage.

Abstract: Air conditioner including a case having air inlet and outlet passages therein perpendicular to each other, and a plurality of air inlet and outlets at ends of the air inlet and outlet passages, a regenerative heat exchanger at a cross point of the air inlet and outlet passages for making indirect heat exchange of the external air and room air flowing through the air inlet and outlet passages, a compressor, a flow path control valve for shifting, and guiding a flow path of refrigerant from the compressor proper to respective operation modes, first and second heat exchangers, an expansion device, a first fan in the air inlet passage for blowing external air into a room through the first heat exchanger, and a second fan in the air outlet passage for blowing the room air to an exterior through the second heat exchanger, thereby ventilating as well as heating or cooling the room at the same time.

Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and an internal, substantially rigid molded plastic receptacle mounted therein. It has a cover structure that includes a reinforcement member for engaging a land region of the molded receptacle, thereby tending to yield an interface tending to have a sealing relationship. The container may also include a thermal storage element, and the container may have an accommodation for receiving the thermal storage element.

Abstract: A piece of jewelry includes a foundation for mounting at least one stone. The stone is at least regionally inserted in a depression of the foundation of the piece of jewelry. At least one securing element is arranged for the stone, in the area of the foundation. The stone is movably arranged in the region of the foundation and the securing element is arranged at a distance from the stone.

Abstract: A method for reducing the defect density of glass comprising melting a glass composition comprising from 65–75 wt. % of SiO2; from 10–20 wt. % of Na2O; from 5–15 wt. % of CaO; from 0–5 wt. % of MgO; from 0–5 wt. % of Al2O3; from 0–5 wt. % of K2O; from 0–2 wt. % Fe2O3; and from 0–2 % FeO, wherein the glass composition has a total field strength index of greater than or equal to 1.23 is disclosed.

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: The invention relates to the loading of quartz glass objects with hydrogen in an annealing process in a furnace for improving the homogeneity of the refractive index and the laser resistance while, at the same time, maintaining a specified stress birefringence of each of the glass objects. Initially, the distribution of the refractive index, the stress birefringence, the distribution of the hydrogen and the differences in refractive index, which are to the equalized, are determined in the respective glass object, after which the hydrogen change, which is necessary for equalizing the refractive index, is determined. Furthermore, the annealing temperature and its holding time, as well as the hydrogen concentration and the hydrogen pressure in the furnace are adjusted to achieve a sufficiently equalized distribution of refractive index.

Abstract: A method for collecting the fabric (4) produced by the cylinder (3) of a circular knitting machine, comprising at least the steps of taking down said fabric (4), cutting and collecting it, in which the fabric is cut along a predefined cutting trajectory inclined with respect to the rotation axis (“X”) of the cylinder (3). The cutting means (10) are actuated in rotation at a speed differing from the speed of the cylinder (3) of the knitting machine. It is further provided for a circular knitting machine comprising a cylinder (3) turning around a central rotation axis (“X”) so as to produce a tubular fabric (4), a take-down and collecting assembly (6) engaging the fabric (4) on the opposite side with respect to the cylinder and equipped with cutting means (10). Said cutting means can be actuated in rotation around the central rotation axis (“X”) at an angular speed differing from the speed of the cylinder (3).

Abstract: An apparatus allows monitoring the formation of scale. The apparatus makes it possible to determine the degree of water hardness or a tendency of the degree of water hardness to change over time and to take measures for adjusting the desired degree of water hardness accordingly. A translucent or transparent element has two end surfaces, at least one element emitting an optical signal, and at least one element receiving an optical signal. The element emitting the optical signal and the element receiving the optical signal are directly adjacent to the end surfaces of the transparent element, and the end surfaces are disposed such that they remain free of scale build-up at all times.