Abstract: A chiller for a container such as a wine bottle is disclosed. The chiller includes an insulated reservoir. Located within the reservoir are one or more reusable cold storage packs, known as freezer bricks. The bricks define a cooling ring that conforms to the interior of the container and define an annular gap between an exterior surface of the ring and an interior surface of the reservoir. An impeller is located at the bottom of the reservoir. The combination of ring and impeller establishes a vertical recirculation pattern that achieves rapid chilling.

Abstract: A compressor and heat pump combination has an active chamber and a passive chamber, each with its own hot plate and cold plate. The two chambers are joined along an edge by a membrane that largely transmits pressure, largely insulates against temperature transfer, and prevents passage of gases from one chamber to the other. The gas in the active chamber is alternately cooled and heated by exposure to the active cold and active hot plates, causing pressure changes in the active chamber that are transmitted to the passive chamber by the membrane. The pressure changes alternately cool the gas in the passive chamber below the temperature of the passive cold plate, and heat the gas in the passive chamber above the temperature of the passive hot plate. In alternately exposing the cooled gas in the passive chamber to the passive cold plate, and the heated gas in the passive chamber to the passive hot plate, heat is forced to flow from the passive cold plate to the passive hot plate.

Abstract: A receiver dryer for storing and drying a refrigerant for an air conditioner is integrally fixed to a condenser to form an assembly. A condenser has refrigerant flow passages and also has an opening portion for assembling a receiver dryer. In a body of the receiver dryer, a desiccant and members such as a filter are inserted. The refrigerant flows into the receiver dryer from the flow passage through a hole, and flows out to the outflow passage side through a strainer. A ring-shaped protruding portion is formed on the body by bulging, and the body is fixed to the condenser by a C ring.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes two sub passages which are branched from a main passage located between a condenser and an expansion part and which are connected to a compressor. On the sub passages are provided supercooling-use expansion parts, and supercooling-use heat exchangers for performing heat exchange between a refrigerant on an outlet side of the supercooling-use expansion part and a refrigerant of the main passage. Therefore, each time the refrigerant of the main passage passes through the two supercooling-use heat exchangers the degree of liquid supercooling of the refrigerant is increased.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for producing liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas. In one embodiment, a liquefaction plant may be coupled to a source of unpurified natural gas, such as a natural gas pipeline at a pressure letdown station. A portion of the gas is drawn off and split into a process stream and a cooling stream. The cooling stream may sequentially pass through a compressor and an expander. The process stream may also pass through a compressor. The compressed process stream is cooled, such as by the expanded cooling stream. The cooled, compressed process stream is expanded to liquefy the natural gas. A gas-liquid separator separates the vapor from the liquid natural gas. A portion of the liquid gas may be used for additional cooling. Gas produced within the system may be recompressed for reintroduction into a receiving line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation in a double or triple air separation column. The column in the system with the highest operating pressure is said to be operating at medium pressure. All the air to be distilled is pressurized to a high pressure, which is about 5 bar greater than the medium pressure. The air is purified at this high pressure, and a portion of the purified air is cooled in a heat exchange line, while another portion is expanded in a turbine. Part of the cooled air is drawn from the exchange line with a cold booster, which is mechanically coupled to at least one turbine. An energy dissipation device is also provided which is coupled to the turbine not coupled to the cold booster. The energy dissipation device is either another booster, an oil break system, or an electrical generator.

Abstract: A highly fashionable finger ring consisted of replaceable ring-shaped members is provided. A finger ring has ring-shaped members 1 and 2, each ring-shaped member 1 and 2 being decoupled in the center part, and between the both ends of a circular arc part 9(10), an opening 3(4) is produced by being twisted the both ends in a counter direction. Each end of the first ring-shaped member has the jewelry part 5 and 7 respectively, while each end of the second ring-shaped member having the jewelry part 6 and 8 respectively. The jewelry part 5(6) is relatively large, while the other jewelry part 7(8) being relatively small. Relatively large jewelry part 5(6) may be stereoscopic and large. When putting on a first and second ring-shaped member 1 and 2 in a manner opposed each other, a relatively large jewelry part 5(6) of either one of the two ring-shaped members fits in the opening 4(3) of the other ring-shaped member, seeming like one finger ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the sagging of a glass panel while bending the glass panel on a ring mould. Sagging is measured with a matrix camera and the measurement data is coupled to control the progress of a bending process, particularly the heating of glass or the abortion of a bending process. The ring mould can be provided with fixed pointers for facilitating a camera-operated measurement. In addition, at least one point on the glass surface, preferably between the pointers, is made visible to the camera.

Abstract: A composite mold includes a mold base having a molding surface, a first adhering layer formed on the molding surface, a first diffusion barrier layer formed on the first adhering layer, and a first protective layer formed on the first diffusion barrier layer. The material of the first protective layer is silicon-doped diamond-like carbon. A method for making the composite mold is also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for recycling glass fibre material are disclosed, as well as products fabricated by the disclosed method. The invention deals with mechanically transforming glass fibre material extracted from a composite material in a first form to glass fibre material in a second form. The glass fibre material is further treated into a third form, the glass fibre material is further treated into a third form, the glass fibre material in the third form being suitable for insulation material. The glass fibre in the third form may be such insulation material as wool or cotton-like insulation material, insulation bats, insulation rolls, insulation pellets, insulation panels, such as curved panels and self-sustaining panels.

Abstract: The invention aims to knit knitwear in a substantially seamless manner, with the number of courses around the neck increased, so that when the knitwear is worn, a drape can be formed around the neck. In knitting zones extending from underarms to before shoulders, the front body and the back body split at both ends thereof are increased in knitting width so that a drape can be formed around the neck of the front body. The front body and the back body are knitted by a flechage knitting so that shoulder drops can be formed in their shoulder parts. Then, they are bound off at their front and back necklines and also joined together at their shoulder lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a washing machine in which the supplementary ventilation line is connected to an opening as high as possible on the washing tub and running to a nozzle, arranged as high as possible on the detergent flushing device, by means of an additional ventilation system which provides a ventilation to prevent an accident with a stopped machine and a closed door. The detergent introduction line runs from the detergent flushing device to an inlet nozzle, placed as far as possible from the ventilation nozzle in the upper region of the washing tub, such that no reservoirs of water can form in the line. Both lines are connected to the atmosphere by means of the flushing device. According to the invention, the ventilation system provides an adequate supply of fresh air. Noise on operation of the washing machine is adequately damped and the foam and water vapor outlet can be as good as excluded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine and method for manufacturing door. the washing machine comprises the door rotatably installed on a cabinet, and open and close a laundry entrance; and a door ring placed on a cabinet to be belted on the circumference of the external aspect of the door. therefore reinforcing the rigidity of a cabinet as well as improving a fine view around a door as installing a door ring on a cabinet around a door, and preventing the glaring as well as improving a fine view of a door as installed the front element forming a decoration part which is continued by reflection and irreflection patterns on the front surface of a door.

Abstract: A drum type washer is disclosed, by which a replacement of a washing ball provided to a lift is facilitated and by which a volume of a drum can be increased. The present invention includes a tub, a drum rotatably provided within the tube, and a lift provided within the drum, the lift including a base part detachably assembled to an inner surface of the drum and a cover part detachably assembled to the base part to enable a replacement of a washing ball, wherein an exposing hole is provided to a surface of the cover part to expose a portion of the washing ball and wherein a width of the cover part is decreased toward a front side of the cover part from a rear side of the cover part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frictional damper, especially for cylinder washing machines with spin cycle, having a housing (2) and a movable plunger (4) which is arranged in the housing (2) parallel to the housing longitudinal axis, is led out of the housing (2) and is provided with at least one window (6) at its end located in the housing (2), at least one mounting part (7), movable longitudinally relative to the plunger (4), for mounting a friction lining (8, 9) and at least one amplitude-dependent impact element (15, 16) for braking the movement of the mounting part (7) being provided in the window (6), this frictional damper being characterized in that the impact element (15, 16) is arranged between an inner surface (20, 21) of the window (6) and an outer surface (18, 19) of the mounting part (7).

Abstract: A drum type washing machine including a tub installed in a cabinet is disclosed. The drum type washing machine includes a drum performing washing, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings having bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and the cabinet to mitigate vibration generated during rotation of the drum, a bracket installed to the bearing housings to form the rear side of the tub, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub to seal the tub and to prevent vibration from being transmitted from the bracket to the tub. Volumes of the tub and the drum can be easily increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet. Even when the volume of the washing machine is changed, only one of the tub and the bearing is housings, which is not applicable to the drum type washing machine having the changed washing capacity, is selectively replaced. Thus parts can commonly used in various drum type washing machine having different volume.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved clothes rollover in automatic washer cycles using time-varying rotor oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and a rotor being rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The rotor is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a cylinder is provided. The cylinder support tool includes a first and second-half cylinders each having collars at each end. A locking assembly is provided to lock the first and second-half cylinders together. The cylinder support tool can be positioned around a hydraulic system that includes a cylinder and piston in order to keep the cylinder in a desired position. The cylinder support tool provides a mechanical means to keep the cylinder in the desired position should the hydraulic pressure fails.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending an existing simplex or multiplex lock-and-key system that includes a family of first keys each having a first profile and of a corresponding plurality of first locks each operable by a first key and each having a first keyway configured for accepting the first key profile. Second keys of a new family are defined with a core section corresponding to the first key profile and a narrowed projection extending from the bottom of the core section. Corresponding second locks have a second keyway profile defined as the compliment of the second key profile, thus including a complimentary core section and a foot recess extending from the bottom of the second keyway core section. The second locks accept a second key positioned at the second keyway baseline to normally lift the lock pin stacks and operate the second lock.

Abstract: A lock device comprises a cylinder house (10) and a substantially cylindrical cylinder core (20), which is rotatably accommodated in the cylinder house and fixed against axial displacement relative thereto. A tailpiece (40) is rotatably accommodated in the cylinder house and fixed against axial displacement relative thereto. An interconnection means, such as a pin (26), is radially moveable between a disconnecting position, wherein it engages only the cylinder core, and an interconnecting position, wherein it engages both the cylinder core and the tailpiece. By providing an interconnection means that is movable radially to engage a tailpiece, a simple and yet flexible design is achieved.

Abstract: A clasp for mounting therein key rings adapted to turning for 360 degrees circularly along the clasp, the clasp includes a “C” shaped main body formed from wires; the lower end of the main body is punched to form a fixed latch seat receiving therein an elastic element and a latch to form a press-button opening/closing means; the latch seat has on its outer surface a slide way for straight displacement of a press button (extending radially of the clasp) of the latch in the slide way, to thereby control opening/closing of the space between the upper end of the latch and the upper end of the “C” shaped main body of the clasp. Thereby the key rings or a strip-like thing can be placed therein. By virtue that the latch seat on the outer surface of the opening/closing means is only slightly larger than the main body, the key rings can be directly mounted in the clasp and turn for 360 degrees for the convenience of mounting and dismantling the key rings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a hydroforming process cause either or both of the opposed end portions of the workpiece to be deformed to achieve desired shapes therein. Initially, a workpiece having a pair of end portions is disposed within a die cavity defined by first and second die sections have cooperating recesses. A pair of end feed assemblies engage the end portions of the workpiece and deform such end portions to a desired shape. Pressurized fluid is provided within the workpiece either before, during, or after the deformation of the end portions of the workpiece to deform the central portion thereof it into a desired shape as defined by the die cavity.

Abstract: A straightening method is presented where a concave roller, which has a roller caliber and in which the projection of the roll caliber forms an arc with respect to the cross section of a pipe. The projection arc radius can freely be changed by adjusting the angle between the roller axis and the axis line of the pipe. A plurality of concave rollers are arranged on the outer surface of the metal pipe in the circumferential direction, and rolling is applied on the outer diameter of the pipe while revolving these rollers about the pipe axis.

Abstract: In the case of bending an outer pipe, a pressure die provided just in front of a bending section is provided with a groove, wherein the shape of the groove on the side far from the bending section is semi-circular and of which the diameter corresponds to that of the outer pipe before bending, while the shape of the groove on the side near the bending section is tapered semi-elliptically. With this, the cross-sectional shape of the outer pipe is caused to change into a substantially elliptical shape in which the outside of the section to be bent is tapered. The cross-sectional shape becomes substantially circular when bending is completed.

Abstract: An improved method for producing slide seat and manufacture device, in which, one metal bar passes through the tamping drum groups arranged in tandem, apply the progressive model of slide seat mounted on the middle section of tamping drum to tamp gradually, meanwhile, the tamped metal bar is extruded so that the material is extruded towards the back section of the not extruded molding and is extended naturally, then apply one protruding edge that is similar to the inner mold of this embryonic form at the back section of molded embryonic form of slide seat, the protruding edge of this inner mold can extrude the inward concave track at inward side of slide seat when slide seat passes through this extending mold, as this slide seat is molded, this inward concave track is molded as well, the sliding faces of inner mold of this extending mold may smooth all edges of slide seat correspondingly so as to make smooth face without processing with milling cutter and roll-wheel-type-cutting knife, therefore, this improve

Abstract: A machine and method for parallel production of similar products by wires, wire rods, tubes, or other material of prismatic cross section, which is characterized by existence of more than one production lines, which operate in parallel and which may comprise similar mechanisms for straightening and bending of the material, similar mechanisms for changing of the bending plane, and for cutting of the final parts. All the straightening mechanisms may be driven by a common motor, through a common driving mechanism; all the bending mechanisms may be driven by a common motor, through a common driving mechanism; all the mechanisms for the changing of the bending plane may also be driven by a common motor, through a common driving mechanism; and all the cutters may be driven by a common power source. All the operation of the motors and of the driving mechanisms may be controlled and programmed by one common controlling unit.

Abstract: A metal plate material hot molding apparatus is provided for press molding a heated metal plate material. The apparatus may include supply piping for a cooling medium in a mold, and ejection holes penetrating from a molding surface of the mold to the supply piping. The exemplary apparatus may also include discharge piping for the cooling medium situated in the mold, and discharge holes penetrating from the molding surface of the mold to the discharge piping, and cooling piping. Molding procedure can be performed while the cooling medium is ejected from the ejection holes to a gap between the metal plate material and the mold.

Abstract: Process for production of metallic components by warm forming of blanks of alloys with superplastic micro-structure, wherein the deforming pressure in the deforming tool is kept at least 20% below the deformation pressure necessary for forging of the respective alloy without superplastic micro-structure, and the expansion rate ({acute over (?)}) of the warm forming is adjusted to a value above 0.1/s, or wherein the expansion of the blank during The warm forming is maintained below 50% of the expansion value achievable by a superplastic deforming and the expansion rate ({acute over (?)}) which is at least the 100 fold of that for superplastic deformation, as well as drive shafts, gears, pinions or profile pans obtainable thereby.

Abstract: A method for validating a flow calibration factor of a flow meter is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The method for validating a flow calibration factor of a flow meter comprises determining an initial flexural stiffness of a component of the flow meter. The method for validating a flow calibration factor of a flow meter includes determining a current flexural stiffness of the component. The method for validating a flow calibration factor of a flow meter further includes comparing the initial flexural stiffness to the current flexural stiffness. The method for validating a flow calibration factor of a flow meter further includes detecting a calibration error condition responsive to comparing the initial flexural stiffness to the current flexural stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the position of a ferrule of a laser module. The apparatus comprises an XYZ stage, a base, a receiving portion and a laser displacement meter (LDM). The XYZ stage is used for moving in three-dimensional directions. The base has a first slot by which the base is detachably connected to the XYZ stage. The receiving portion is fixed to the base and has a second slot. The laser displacement meter is used for measuring the distance between the ferrule and the laser displacement meter. The laser displacement meter is detachably connected to the receiving portion in the second slot. Whereby, the quantitative measurement and correction to the effect of the postweld-shift (PWS) on the fiber alignment shifts in laser-welded laser module packaging is achieved. Therefore, the reliable laser modules with high yield and high performance used in low-cost lightwave transmission systems may be developed and fabricated.

Abstract: A humidity sensor that includes a resonant structure and a structure for altering a resonant frequency of the resonant structure in response to a change in humidity. The structures of a humidity sensor according to the present teachings may be formed in relatively small form factors and are well suited to remote applications and providing mechanisms for compensating for temperature drift.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring fluid density in a fluid system has a sheath that surrounds a vibrating tube. The sheath and the tube form a cavity filled with a fixed amount of fluid. A pressure compensating element has a housing in which first and second pressure responsive surfaces are disposed. The first surface is in fluid communication with the cavity and the second surface is in fluid communication with the housing. A passage extends between the interior of the tube and the interior of the housing to exert the tube pressure on the second surface. The pressure on the second surface is transmitted to the cavity by the element to compensate for changes in the tube pressure. A method of compensating for line pressure changes in a densimeter that has a vibrating tube to sense density. A fixed amount of fluid fills a cavity formed around the tube. A first pressure responsive surface is in fluid communication with the cavity and a second fluid responsive surface is in fluid communication with the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring fluid density in a fluid system has a sheath that surrounds a vibrating tube. The sheath and the tube form a cavity filled with a fixed amount of fluid. A pressure compensating element has a housing in which first and second pressure responsive surfaces are disposed. The first surface is in fluid communication with the cavity and the second surface is in fluid communication with the housing. A passage extends between the interior of the tube and the interior of the housing to exert the tube pressure on the second surface. The pressure on the second surface is transmitted to the cavity by the element to compensate for changes in the tube pressure. A method of compensating for line pressure changes in a densimeter that has a vibrating tube to sense density. A fixed amount of fluid fills a cavity formed around the tube. A first pressure responsive surface is in fluid communication with the cavity and a second fluid responsive surface is in fluid communication with the tube.

Abstract: A pipe testing apparatus includes a mandrel adapted for insertion within the pipe and two sealing devices connected to the mandrel and adapted to seal opposite ends of the pipe to create an annular space between the mandrel, the pipe, and the sealing devices. The apparatus further includes one or more ports for filling the annular space with a pressurized fluid and a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure within the annular space. At least one of the sealing devices includes a combination of a sealing ring and a force applying ring) which forces the sealing ring to bear against one end of the pipe to from a seal. The mandrel is provided with stops for preventing the at least one sealing device from moving axially away from the pipe.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus 12 for monitoring bearing wear in a large two stroke internal combustion engine 10. The apparatus 12 includes two proximity sensors 14 which are arranged to detect the position of a guide shoe 18 at the bottom dead centre of its stroke. Respective detected positions of the guide shoe 18 over time are compared to provide an indication of bearing wear.

Abstract: Techniques for filtering light include, along a central optical axis, an entrance window; a first polarizer, a narrowband polarization-changing material, a second polarizer, and an exit window. The optical paths through the filter are substantively unscattered and pass through unstressed components between the polarizers. The polarization-changing material changes polarization for a narrow wavelength band on the order of about 0.01×10?9 meters and does not condense on optical windows and polarizers during the operational lifetime. An aspect ratio, defined by a distance from the entrance window to the exit window divided by an optical aperture for the entrance window, is less than 4/1. This filter thus transmits light substantively unattenuated in the narrow wavelength band up to a maximum acceptance angle greater than 5 degrees. Combined with optics and imaging detectors, it is suitable for wide area surveillance, including daylight surveillance for combustion like forest fire and missile plume.

Abstract: A cam angle mounting structure includes a cylinder head, a sensor bracket and a head cover. The cylinder head is configured and arranged to rotatably support a camshaft. The sensor bracket is configured and arranged to support a cam angle sensor. The sensor bracket is mounted on the cylinder head with the sensor bracket contacting the cylinder head. The head cover is non-rigidly mounted on the cylinder head and the sensor bracket via at least one gasket to cover a top opening of the cylinder head with a space being formed around the at least one gasket between the head cover and the cylinder head and between the head cover and the sensor bracket.

Abstract: A dual-string tension dynamometer (1) utilizes two strings (10, 11) wrapped around approximately ninety degrees of a test wheel (12). The lateral forces (E, F) are balanced such that the total lateral force net value is zero. The results reflect purely torsional loading.

Abstract: Cavitation detection systems and methods include generating a signal representing the power factor of a motor driving a pump, analyzing the power factor signal and determining the presence of cavitation based on the analysis of the power factor signal. The power factor may be estimated using various estimation schemes. Analyzing the signal includes filtering the power factor signal.

Abstract: An integrated mass flow sensor is manufactured by a process of carrying out a micro-machining process on an N or P-type silicon substrate with orientation <100>. This mass flow sensor comprises a central thin-film heater and a pair of thin-film heat sensing elements, and a thermally isolated membrane for supporting the heater and the sensors out of contact with the substrate base. The mass flow sensor is arranged for integration on a same silicon substrate to form a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array in order to expand the dynamic measurement range. For each sensor, the thermally isolated membrane is formed by a process that includes a step of first depositing dielectric thin-film layers over the substrate and then performing a backside etching process on a bulk silicon with TMAH or KOH or carrying out a dry plasma etch until the bottom dielectric thin-film layer is exposed.

Abstract: A thermal sensor includes a die having a surface formed to accept the outer surface of tubing; a molded plastic part located on the die surface, said molded plastic part including flexible portions having a surface adapted to engage the bottom half of the circumference of standard tubing when the tubing is fully placed in the molded plastic part; conductive material selectively patterned on the surface of the flexible portions that engages the die surface; and retaining hardware adapted to secure the tubing against the molded plastic part and flexible portions when the retaining hardware is secured to the molded plastic part.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatuses and methods of making a micromachined resonator gyroscope, e.g. a disc resonator gyro (DRG), including one or more of the following novel features. Embodiments of the invention may comprise a triple-wafer stack gyroscope with an all fused quartz (or all silicon) construction for an electrical baseplate, resonator and vacuum cap. This can yield superior thermal stability over prior art designs. A typical resonator embodiment may include a centrally anchored disc with high aspect-ratio in-plane electrostatic drive and sense electrodes to create large capacitance. A silicon sacrificial layer may be employed for attaching a quartz resonator wafer to a quartz handle wafer for high aspect-ratio etching. In addition, embodiments of the invention may comprise a low thermal stress, wafer-level vacuum packaged gyroscope with on-chip getter. An ultra-thin conductive layer deposited on the quartz resonator may also be utilized for high Q.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibration gyro sensor includes: a) a piezoelectric vibration gyro element including: a central supporting portion having a plurality of electrode terminals provided thereon; a detection arm extending from two opposing sides of the central supporting portion and on a symmetry axis that passes through a center of the central supporting portion; a pair of connection arms extending from other opposing sides of the central supporting portion and in a direction orthogonal to the detection arm; and a pair of drive arms each extending from a tip of one of the pair of connection arms orthogonally to the respective connection arm and to both sides so that the pair of drive arms are symmetrically arranged with respect to the symmetry axis, wherein the central supporting portion, the detection arm, the pair of connection arms, and the pair of drive arms lie in a common plane; and b) a supporting substrate having a plurality of electrode leads one end of each of which is connected to a corresponding one of

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for fabricating a three-dimensional acceleration sensor, comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate having first and second surfaces; forming an insulating layer on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate; forming an active layer on the insulating layer; forming a plurality of openings on the active layer at a first region, which is to be located above a movable mass with a predetermined space; selectively removing the insulating layer located under the first region in a wet-etching process through the plurality of openings; and selectively removing the active layer to form a groove separating the first region from a movable mass.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a housing member, a spring member attached to the housing member and provided with freedom in at least one direction of acceleration to be detected, a magnetic field generation member with weight fixed to the spring member, and at least one magnetic field detection sensor attached to the housing member to face the magnetic field generation member with weight. Each magnetic field detection sensor is provided with at least one pair of multi-layered MR elements each including a magnetization fixed layer and a magnetization free layer. A magnetized direction of the magnetization fixed layers is fixed to a direction parallel to the direction of acceleration to be detected. The magnetic field generation member with weight includes at least one permanent magnet that provides a closed magnetic loop.

Abstract: Fluid sensor methods and systems adapted for monitoring and/or controlling distillation operations in fluidic systems, such as batch distillation operations or continuous distillation operations, are disclosed. Preferred embodiments are directed to process monitoring and/or process control for unit operations involving endpoint determination of a distillation, for example, as applied to a liquid-component-switching operation (e.g., a solvent switching operation), a liquid-liquid separation operation, a solute concentration operation, a dispersed-phase concentration operation, among others.

Abstract: A sound level monitor device has a microphone. A sound level measurement circuit is coupled to the microphone. The sound level measurement circuit takes sound signals monitored by the microphone and converts the sound signals to digital signals. A display is coupled to the sound level measurement circuit. The display will show the different measurement signal values. A single control button is coupled to the sound level measurement circuit. Pressing the control button a first time activates the sound level measurement circuit so a current measurement signal value is shown on the display. Pressing the single control button a second time causes a highest recorded measurement signal value, since the sound level measuring device has been presently activated, to be shown on the display. The highest recorded measurement signal value remains on the display until a higher recorded measurement signal is monitored.

Abstract: Soft support systems and methods for dynamically testing structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a soft support system adapted to decouple a structure from a support surface for dynamic testing includes a containment bag, an inflatable chamber disposed at least partially within the containment bag and adapted to engage with a portion of the structure, the inflatable chamber being further adapted to exert a lifting force on the portion of the structure during inflation of the inflatable chamber, and an inflator module coupled to the inflatable chamber and adapted to facilitate inflation of the inflatable chamber within the containment bag. In one embodiment, the inflatable chamber comprises a toroidally-shaped inflatable member defining a central opening adapted to at least partially receive a portion of the structure during inflation of the inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor can simplify conveyance equipment on a production line, improve production operation efficiency to a substantial extent, and reduce the production cost. The semiconductor pressure sensor includes a semiconductor sensor chip for detecting pressure, a processing circuit for correcting and amplifying an electric signal from the semiconductor sensor chip, a sub package having a terminal electrically connected to the semiconductor sensor chip and the processing circuit through bonding wires, and a housing integrally formed with the sub package at an outer side thereof by insert molding. The sub package is formed with a mounting surface on which the semiconductor sensor chip and the processing circuit are mounted.

Abstract: A bolt with a function of measuring strain, comprising a Wheatstone bridge circuit comprising a strain sensor and a dummy resistor, a translate circuit that amplifies a signal from the Wheatstone bridge circuit to convert the same into a digital signal, a transmitting circuit that transmits the digital signal outside the bolt, and a power circuit, by which electromagnetic wave energy received from outside the bolt is supplied as a power source for at least any one of the circuits.