Abstract: A method and system for aiding a helicopter pilot to avoid being struck by a heat seeking missile includes the steps of providing a mass of water and a missile detector for detecting an incoming heat seeking missile. The water is contained in a tank that extends around an exhaust housing and is adapted to eject water onto and into the housing. The cooling water is ejected out of the tank and into the exhaust housing to thereby cool the exhaust and disrupt the guidance system of an incoming missile.

Abstract: A gas combustor has a peripheral premix burner, and a central diffusion burner whose nozzle defines an eccentric first channel housing an ignition device, an axial second channel, and a third channel interposed radially between the first and second channel; the gas combustor is controlled, at a first start-up step, to keep the peripheral burner off and to feed a fuel gas stream along the third channel; at a second step, after a given load is exceeded, the peripheral burner is activated, and the gas stream in the central burner continues to be fed along the same channel as at the first step, and is regulated to reduce its flow to a value greater than zero.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved multi-point injector for use in a gas turbine engine or other types of combustors. The multi-point fuel injector has a plurality of nozzles arranged in at least two arrays such as concentric rings. The injector further has different fuel circuits for independently controlling the fuel flow rate for the nozzles in each of the arrays. Each of the nozzles include a fluid channel and one or more swirler vanes in the fluid channel for creating a swirling flow within the fluid channel. A method for injecting a fuel/air mixture into a combustor stage of a gas turbine engine is also described. At least one zone has a flame hot enough to stabilize the entire combustor flame.

Abstract: A method of generating electricity in synthesis gas in which a fuel is combusted in a gas turbine to generate the electricity that at least about 60 percent by volume is derived from a source independent of the synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is produced by reacting a hydrocarbon stream, by for example, partial oxidation, autothermal reforming or steam methane reforming. After the synthesis gas stream is cooled, heat is transferred from the heated synthesis gas stream to the fuel prior to combustion in the gas turbine. All or at least a portion of the heat is transferred at a temperature no greater than about 500° F. and at a flow ratio of the fuel to the gas turbine to the synthesis gas stream from at least about 1.5. The heating of the fuel to the gas turbine lowers fuel consumption and thereby the total expenses involved in generating electricity and syngas.

Abstract: Injection system of a turbojet engine. It comprises a fixed part and a sliding crossmember. The sliding crossmember comprises a flange capable of sliding on the sliding surface of the fixed part. The fixed part comprises antirotation means and the sliding crossmember of the complementary antirotation means to limit the rotation of the sliding crossmember relative to the fixed part. These means consist of at least one cutout formed in the flange and of at least one lug protruding into said at least one cutout of the flange of the sliding crossmember.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system including a first and second thermoelectric module each has a first surface and a second surface. In thermal communication with the first and second surfaces of the thermoelectric modules are separate heat exchangers. A thermal storage device is in thermal communication with the first surface of the second thermoelectric module. The thermal storage device is configured to store thermal energy generated by the second surface of the second thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A method of storing biological samples in which the biological samples are stored in a stack within a vessel interior of an insulated vessel. A pool of liquid cryogen is maintained within the vessel interior by condensing cryogenic vapor boiled off of the pool of liquid cryogen with a cryocooler having a cold finger. The cryocooler and cold finger are positioned so that a cold heat exchanger of the cold finger is in thermal contact with the cryogenic vapor and is positioned above the stack, so as to also maintain a temperature difference within the insulated vessel, between a bottom region of the stack and a top region of the stack, of no greater than about 65K.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a climate control system on a vehicle after enering a heat soak mode in which the outside air temperature associated with the vehicle is affected by absorption of non-ambient heat includes an ambient temperature sensor for sensing a current ambient temperature outside the vehicle. A controller coupled to the ambient temperature sensor compares the current ambient temperature to a stored ambient temperature representative of the outside air temperature prior to entering the heat soak mode. The controller controls the climate control system using the current ambient temperature if the current ambient temperature is less than the stored ambient temperature. If the current ambient temperature is greater than the stored ambient temperature, the controller determines a heat build up affecting the current ambient temperature and controls the climate control system using the current ambient temperature only upon elimination of the heat build up.

Abstract: A driving controlling apparatus for an air conditioner having a plurality of compressors, and a method thereof. The apparatus comprises a flow amount distribution resistor installed at an outlet of an expansion valve, for passing a certain amount of refrigerant; and a controlling unit for detecting a current load and outputting a control signal so as to introduce a certain amount of refrigerant into the flow amount distribution resistor based on a driving mode corresponding to the detected load.

Abstract: A cooling system that has an electrical controller that controls an electric expansion valve and the defrost cycle using a reversing valve. The need for heater circuit to achieve defrost is eliminated. The system permits the defrosting the evaporator system in less time required for conventional defrost methods. The cooling system also eliminates the need for a head pressure control valve and check valves. Due to the less wiring and lower operating costs, the invention provides significant cost savings.

Abstract: An operation control method of a refrigerator including a main body defining a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, an evaporator cooling the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment, a heater defrosting the evaporator, and a plurality of blowing fans respectively corresponding to the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment. The method includes setting a heater operation temperature less than a control temperature of the refrigerating compartment; measuring a temperature of air surrounding the refrigerator; measuring an inside temperature of the refrigerating compartment; and operating the heater and the blowing fan corresponding to the refrigerating compartment when the measured temperature of the surrounding air is less than a set reference surrounding air temperature and the measured inside temperature is less than the heater operation temperature.

Abstract: A refrigerant system is provided with a variable speed drive for at least one of its fluid-moving devices, wherein the variable speed drive is provided by an automated mechanical drive. In the disclosed embodiment, one of the pulleys for driving the fluid-moving device has a variable diameter to vary the speed at which the fluid-moving device is driven. The pulley may include two plates that are biased in one direction by a spring or permanent magnet force, and in an opposed direction by a hydraulic or electromagnetic force. A control adjusts the amount of hydraulic or electromagnetic force delivered to the plates to achieve a desired speed for the fluid-moving device.

Abstract: A driving controlling apparatus for an air conditioner having a plurality of compressors, and a method thereof. The apparatus comprises a flow amount distribution resistor installed at an outlet of an expansion valve, for passing a certain amount of refrigerant; and a controlling unit for detecting a current load and outputting a control signal so as to introduce a certain amount of refrigerant into the flow amount distribution resistor based on a driving mode corresponding to the detected load.

Abstract: Self-cooling food and beverage containers and processes for manufacturing such container0s with cryogenic high-pressure refrigerant cooling apparatus are disclosed. A self-cooling beverage container apparatus containing a beverage or other food product, a method of storing cryogenic gases which then cool said food products, and to methods of assembling and operating the apparatus. A self-cooling beverage container includes a container body having an openable portion, a pressure vessel substantially housed within said container body, the pressure vessel having a first chamber for containing a refrigerant and a charging port, an actuation valve system is configurable from a closed configuration wherein the refrigerant is maintained within the pressure vessel to an open configuration wherein said refrigerant is allowed to expand and exit the pressure vessel upon opening of said container whereby refrigerant expansion and flow through said outlet conduit cools the contents of said container.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided which includes a cabinet with a first openable door providing access to a first refrigeration compartment and a second openable door providing access to a second refrigeration compartment. The second openable door has a portion thereof positioned below a portion of the first openable door. A rail separates the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment. A water dispenser is contained in the rail, as well as electronic controls for the refrigeration appliance. The dispenser is arranged to be stationary relative to the refrigeration appliance while the doors are open or closed. The rail may be removed and replaced, and with the water and electronic controls located in the rail, repairs are performed more efficiently and flexibility in manufacturing is enhanced. A drip tray is formed in an exterior side of the second openable door below the dispenser.

Abstract: The machine for dispensing drinks, particularly of the cold water dispensers and “post-mix” systems type, comprises a sealed tank for containing the water at a preset pressure, featuring a water inlet and a water outlet, a refrigeration unit featuring an evaporation unit arranged inside the tank, valve means placed in between the outlet and at least one dispenser point, means for supplying the water associated with the inlet and featuring at least one supply pipe of water at a pressure substantially above the preset pressure, and pressure limiting means associated with the supply pipe and able to reduce the pressure of the water to the preset pressure.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprising a main body which is formed with three or more storage compartments and a cooling unit having a plurality of evaporators corresponding to the respective storage compartments, the cooling unit comprising a refrigerant supply pipe to supply a refrigerant to the plurality of evaporators; a plurality of refrigerant branch pipes which are branched from the refrigerant supply pipe to mount the evaporators thereto, and to at least one of which the plurality of evaporators are connected in series; and a refrigerant connection pipe to connect an outlet of one of the plurality of refrigerant branch pipes and an inlet of the other one of the plurality of refrigerant branch pipes.

Abstract: A beverage-cooling device includes a refrigeration unit, a position unit and a switch unit. The refrigeration unit has a housing with a cavity formed therein and a tube disposed inside the cavity. The tube has an inlet and an outlet both secured to the housing, and the inlet is higher than the outlet. The position unit has a base member connecting to the refrigeration unit, a control member pivoted to the base member, and a securing member adjustably assembled onto the control member. The base member has a passage formed therein to communicate with the inlet of the tube. The control member has a through hole communicating with the passage. The securing member orientates a bottle mouth of a bottle to the control member, wherein the bottle mouth communicates with the through hole. The switch unit is secured to the refrigeration unit and connected with the outlet of the tube.

Abstract: A beverage cooling device includes an outer bucket, an inner container unit, and a drive unit. The inner container unit is disposed in the outer bucket, is adapted to receive a bottled alcoholic beverage therein, and cooperates with the outer bucket to confine a cooling space that surrounds the inner container unit and that is adapted for receiving a cooling medium, such as ice cubes or ice water. The drive unit drives rotation of the inner container unit relative to the outer bucket.

Abstract: A fixed restriction is placed in a suction line leading to a compressor. The size of the restriction is selected to achieve a desired capacity reduction (correction) for the refrigerant system compressor. By selectively restricting the flow of refrigerant through the suction line, the capacity delivered by the compressor will be reduced. This allows a designer of a refrigerant system to utilize an available compressor of a specific size (displacement) to satisfy the desired system operating conditions and performance characteristics as well as application requirements. In embodiments, the refrigerant system may be provided with an economizer and unloader functions. The restriction may be placed in the compressor suction port, or in the suction line leading to the compressor. Further, a pair of parallel flow passages may communicate an evaporator to the compressor, with the restriction being placed in one and a solenoid valve placed in the other.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system is described herein that includes a pressure reducing device that is operatively coupled to a condenser downstream therefrom. An evaporator is operatively coupled to the pressure reducing device downstream from therefrom. A refrigerant flow booster is operatively coupled to the evaporator downstream therefrom and a compressor is operatively coupled to the refrigerant flow booster downstream therefrom, the compressor also being operatively coupled to the condenser upstream therefrom. The refrigerant flow booster increases the flow of gaseous refrigerant to the compressor, in particular, when the compressor is operating at slower speeds.

Abstract: The invention provides an installation for the production of hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide and/or a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, by separating a mixture to be processed (1) which contains at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Said installation comprises a production apparatus (9), for producing a feed mixture (3), a separating unit (BF), means for supplying the feed mixture to the separating unit, means for collecting hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide and/or a mixture of both products (7, 8), derived from the separating unit, means for drawing off at least one recycling gas (6) from the separating unit, means for returning said recycling gas upstream of the separating unit, for separating said gas simultaneously with the feed mixture from the production apparatus and means for modifying the rate and composition of said feed mixture, by modifying the operation of the production apparatus, according to the rate and composition of said at least one recycling gas.

Abstract: The process and apparatus are used to obtain krypton and/or xenon by cryogenic separation of air. Krypton and xenon are enriched to form a krypton/xenon concentrate. Krypton and/or xenon is obtained from the krypton/xenon concentrate by means of distillation. Prior to distillation, the krypton/xenon concentrate is passed over a catalyst bed which contains TiO2 and/or ZrO2. In the process, at least one halogen compound contained in the krypton/xenon concentrate is reacted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a knitting machine comprising knitting needles, at least one weft bar (8) for laying at least one weft thread (10) across the knitting needles, an electrically driven thread feeder (14, 22) for the weft thread, a take-down device (28) for the textile material (26), and an electronic device (36) for controlling the knitting machine based on a pattern program for the textile material (26) that is to be produced. In order to improve the production process and the textile material, said control device (36) is provided with control means for adjusting the feeding length of the weft thread (10, 24) that is to be delivered according to the traveling distance of the weft bar (8), which is predefined by the pattern program.

Abstract: A washing-drying machine comprises a cabinet; a tub installed in the cabinet; a washing tub rotatably arranged in the tub; a water supplying pipe connected to the tub for supplying water in order that wet air can be condensed inside the tub; and a circulation duct arranged outside the tub and having both ends connected to the tub, for circulating air inside the tub therethrough. Accordingly, a drying efficiency is enhanced without increasing a size of the cabinet, and a drying time is shortened.

Abstract: An electrical panel locking assembly includes a first member having first and second ends, and defines a channel extending therein from an opening at the first end. The first member defines at least one hole laterally extending therethrough. The first member includes a first hook extending outwardly from the second end along a central axis of the first member. A second member has third and fourth ends. The third end is received in the opening of the first member for movement along the channel. The second member defines at least one hole laterally extending therethrough. The second member includes a second hook extending outwardly from the fourth end along a central axis of the second member. The second member is movable within the channel such that a hole of the second member is in registration with a hole of the first member to permit access therethrough by a padlock.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing, a key module including a first key, a first tenon having a first incline installed corresponding to the first key, a second key, and a second tenon having a second incline installed corresponding to the second key. The electronic apparatus further includes a retaining mechanism installed within the housing, an elastic structure, and a knob. The knob includes a third incline installed corresponding to the first tenon for sliding on the first incline when the first key is pressed to move the knob at a first distance in a compressed direction of the elastic structure, and a fourth incline installed corresponding to the second tenon for sliding on the second incline of the second tenon when the first key and the second key are pressed simultaneously to move the knob at a second distance in the compressed direction of the elastic structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a deadbolt lock from being opened from the outside of a door with a key. The base is constructed from resilient material, the base defining at least one aperture for receiving one of a plurality of types of finger actuator in one of a plurality of orientations, the aperture shaped to prevent a finger actuator inserted therein from rotating relative to the base. A U-shaped plate is coupled to the base and is moveable between an extended position wherein the U-shaped plate is engageable with a member extending outwardly from the door and a storage position wherein the U-shaped plate is adjacent to the base. When a finger actuator is in the locked position and inserted into the aperture, and when the U-shaped plate is engaged with the member extending outwardly from the door, the finger actuator is prevented from moving into the unlocked position.

Abstract: A protective case for a fob having a key eyelet and at least one button. The protective case includes a housing having a cavity open at one end. The cavity is dimensioned to slidably receive at least a portion of the fob through the open end of the cavity to an inserted position. The housing also includes at least one opening which registers with the button on the fob when the fob is moved to its inserted position. The protective case is attached to the fob by a key holder extending through the registering eyelets on the fob and housing.

Abstract: A lock cylinder includes a sliding fastening bolt, and an unlocking mechanism disposed in a housing. The characteristics thereof are that the unlocking mechanism is consisted of a fixed cylindrical block, a lock cylinder core and a pressing cylindrical block that are all provided with a plurality of corresponding orifices, respectively. A portion of the orifices at the fixed cylindrical block and the pressing pin cylindrical block is provided with spring pins and a pressing pin respectively. The lock cylinder core further impels the fastening bolt by an interlocking mechanism while a key is provided with an inserting pin for inserting into the orifice at the pressing cylindrical block to push the pressing pin inward that further pushes the spring pin into the orifice at the fixed cylindrical block, thus further turning the lock cylinder core and impelling the sliding fastening bolt for unlocking and obtaining an optimal anti-theft effect.

Abstract: A device for calibrating a multi-roll leveler for leveling a metal strip includes an assembly having two series of rolls, namely upper rolls and lower rolls which face each other so as to imbricate the rolls of one series into those of the other. The series of rolls are placed substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the run direction of the strip to be leveled. A rigid measurement bar of sufficient length is positioned in the leveling direction between the upper and lower rolls, extending over all the rolls, and having rigid protrusions integral with the bar reproducing, when they are placed plumb with the lower rolls, the action of the lower rolls and their mechanical properties. A thin metal plate rests on these protrusions and is fastened to one of them at around the middle of the bar and includes extensometers for measuring its elastic deformations.

Abstract: A rolling-mill cooling unit has a cooling-unit conveyor transporting fanned-out loops of wire in a transport direction toward a coiler spaced downstream from the cooling-unit conveyor and serving to organize the fanned-out loops of wire into coils or bundles. A feeder conveyor extending in the direction has an upstream end juxtaposed with the cooling unit and a downstream end juxtaposed with the coiler and is operable to advance the loops of wire from the unit to the coiler. The entire feeder conveyor can be shifted relative to the coiler and to the cooling unit in the direction so as to displace the upstream and downstream ends relative to the cooling unit and coiler.

Abstract: In a rolling mill which consists of at least one horizontal stand (1) and at least one vertical stand (2), which are connected with each other, between both stands (1, 2), connection elements (7) are releasably arranged, wherein the connection elements (7) consist of a right flange (14), a left flange (12), and a web (13) arranged therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for forming a mounting flange on a printing plate comprising first and second portions having an arcuate portion therebetween and defining a mounting flange angle. A bending device comprising a forming surface having a radius that is less than a desired radius for the arcuate portion can be used to form the arcuate portion in accordance with the present invention. This can be done by forming the arcuate portion to have a plurality of spaced apart bends that cooperatively define the arcuate portion.

Abstract: A crack-propagation preventing structure that can suppress or prevent the propagation of cracks that would be generated in a metal component or that have been generated in a metal component is provided. The crack-propagation preventing structure includes a point dimple formed by pressing a rigid sphere of a rigid body at an appropriate position on the surface of a metal component, which is subjected to crack-propagation prevention processing.

Abstract: Method of correcting a bending operation performed by a press brake, the bottom beam of which contains deformation compensation cylinders, in which a calibration nomogram is pre-recorded using very short calibration pieces, this nomogram establishing a correspondence between the forces measured at the side frames and the pressures applicable to the compensation cylinders in order to keep the bottom beam substantially straight. During a subsequent bending operation, pressure values resulting from this nomogram are applied to the compensation cylinders according to the forces measured at the side frames. A bottom dead centre is recalculated by taking account of the deformation of the top beam, the deformation of the side frames, the actual length and thickness of the piece, and the spring effect.

Abstract: The invention describes a safety system (22) for a production unit (1) for bending a sheet metal part (3), in particular for a bending press (2), with a stationary bench beam (13) and a bending tool (4, 5) for a displaceable press beam (13), and with a light beam transmitter and receiver system (23) monitoring an operating region to prevent trapping of a foreign body. The bending tool (5) disposed in the press beam (13) is provided in the form of a slat pack (34) comprising at least one reference slat (35) and at least one tool slat (33) which can be displaced relative to it, which are provided with recesses (60) traversing them in the direction of a thickness (32). When oriented in alignment, these form a beam passage (65) for a light beam (9), in particular a laser light beam, extending parallel with an end face (8) of the press beam (13). An embodiment of the bending tool is possible in the form of a skeleton tool.

Abstract: The press of the invention includes a first component and a second component for holding and pressing a workpiece to be processed between them, the first component being driven into translation relatively to the second component by an air cylinder. Thus, the first component is floatably mounted relatively to the second component, said components comprising means for positioning them relatively to each other at the limit of travel. Proper centering of the workpiece between the components, without stresses, may thereby be provided.

Abstract: A pressing tool (13) includes a fluid pump (4), a cylinder element (5) arranged connecting with this and a piston which can be slid forward in the cylinder element (5) by pressure fluid of the fluid pump (4) and reset by a return spring (20a). A piston rod (6) is passed out to the cylinder element (5) as an activation part. The pressing tool (13) is moreover outfitted with a position measuring device (12, 12a; 112, 212, 212a) which measures without contact which makes the piston position continuously detectable over a positioning range free of disturbance and with a presence sensor (52). The presence sensor (52) verifies the presence of ajointing clamp (51) and issues an indicator signal in the event that ajointing clamp (51) is missing or improperly fastened and shuts the pressing tool (13) off following a delay period to the extent that no orderly inserted jointing clamp (51) is yet available.

Abstract: A water meter has a meter register having an encoder having electromagnetic wave emitters, e.g., infrared emitters to measure water flow and direction of water flow through the meter. The encoder has two of three spaced emitters directing infrared rays at predetermined time intervals toward a rotating detector wheel having a reflective surface portion and a non-reflective surface portion facing the emitters and an infrared sensor. The reflective surface portion of the detecting wheel reflects the infrared rays incident thereon toward the sensor. A microprocessor connected to the sensor acts on signals from the sensor to determine material flow. The meter register transmits the signal to a distant receiver. The microprocessor of a meter register has an algorithm to prevent the meter register from sending signals until after the meter register or a water meter having a meter register is installed and water moved through the meter.

Abstract: A gas-measuring probe for determining a physical characteristic of a measuring gas, in particular the concentration of a gas component or the temperature or pressure of the measuring gas, which includes a sensor element accommodated in a housing, at least one connection cable for the sensor element having an electrical conductor, which is enclosed by an insulation sheath and contacts the sensor element, and a cable channel sealing the housing end, which has at least one axial cable feedthrough through which the connection cable is guided out of the housing. To achieve long-lasting sealing at the cable-exit end of the housing even at higher temperatures, the insulation sheath of the connection cable is at least regionally welded to the cable wall of the cable feedthrough. To this end, a tube made of a material that fuses with the insulation sheath and the cable channel when heated is slipped over the cable section of the connection cable lying inside the cable channel.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system and method for testing fuel evaporative systems, and more particularly to a stand-alone tank tester system (and method) for testing vehicle fuel tank integrity. Furthermore, a self-contained calibration tank with switchable leak sizes for calibrating the tank tester to multiple leak sizes is provided. Constant flow and vacuum methods for testing fuel tank integrity are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of monitoring the stay time in a restricted conduit, such as a holding tube in a heat treatment plant. A first measurement registration x of a chemical or physical magnitude, such as the temperature, takes place in the beginning of the restricted conduit. A second measurement registration y of the same chemical or physical magnitude, i.e. the temperature, takes place in the end of the restricted conduit.X and y measure natural temperature variations in the product for which the intention is to control the stay time. The stay time is determined by the time lag t at the best co-variation between x and y. By filtering the measurement registration for y, it is possible to refine the measurement method and compensate for dispersion in the product.

Abstract: A method for predicting long-term electrical insulation properties of composite materials in a moist environment. The method including the steps of providing a specimen, and testing the specimen to determine moisture content values and leakage current values at predetermined time intervals. The method further including the steps of determining a moisture-leakage current factor from the moisture content values and leakage current values, and using the moisture-leakage current factor to determine electrical insulation properties of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integrated micro-cantilevers, micro-bridges or micro-membranes in micro-liquid handling systems. Such micro-liquid handling systems provide novel detection mechanisms for monitoring the physical, chemical and biological properties of fluids in such systems. The present invention further relates to micro-cantilever, micro-bridge or micro-membrane type sensors having integrated readout. Such constructions allow laminated flows of different liquids to flow in a channel without mixing, which opens up for new type of experiments and which reduces noise related to the liquid movement. The present invention even further relates to sensors having adjacent or very closely spaced micro-cantilevers, micro-bridges or micro-membranes which can be exposed to different chemical environments at the same time.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope and method of operation for monitoring and assessing proper tracking between the tip and sample, as well as automating at least some aspects of AFM setup previously done manually. Preferably, local slopes corresponding to the acquired data are compared to determine a tracking metric that is self-normalizing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a probe for detecting surface signals or chemical signals through a long and slender rod-shaped nano structure such as tungsten nanowire, carbon nanotube, boron nanotube, etc., being attached to a tip end portion thereof. According to the method, a holder, acting as the probe, including a first electrode to which the rod-shaped nano structure is attached, and a second electrode at a predetermined distance from the first electrode are partially or fully immersed in a solution containing the rod-shaped structure. When a voltage is applied between two electrodes, an electrical field is generated, and the rod-shaped nano structure is attached to the holder, acting as the probe.

Abstract: One inventive aspect is related to an atomic force microscopy probe. The probe comprises a tip configuration with two probe tips on one cantilever arm. The probe tips are electrically isolated from each other and of approximately the same height with respect to the cantilever arm. The outer surface of the tip configuration has the shape of a body with a base plane and an apex. The body is divided into two sub-parts by a gap located approximately symmetrically with respect to the apex and approximately perpendicular to the base plane. Another inventive aspect related to methods for producing such an AFM probe.

Abstract: A chassis dynamometer for loading a driven wheel of a vehicle. The dynamometer includes a frame defining a main axis, a tensioner and a flexible closed-loop torque transmitting element. An input member is arranged along an axis that is generally perpendicular to the main axis. The tensioner is configured to frictionally engage the flexible closed-loop torque transmitting element to the driven wheel so that the flexible closed-loop torque transmitting element transmits power between the driven wheel and the input member. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A rotor is provided such that the rotor rotates with a crank shaft of an engine. A plurality of detection sections are formed on a rotor periphery at equal angle intervals. A particular detection section is used for detection of a reference crank angle. A pickup is provided near the rotor periphery. A crank angle detecting apparatus receives pulse signals from the pickup, and sequentially detects a detection section time. The detection section time is a time interval from the front end to the rear end of the detection section. The crank angle detecting apparatus also sequentially detects a time between each two adjacent detection sections (detection section distance time), which is a time from the rear end of one detection section to the front end of the next detection section. A reference angle detection signal, which indicates detection of the detection section dedicated for the reference angle, is generated when at least two ratio conditions are met.