Abstract: One possible embodiment could be a decorative item with an interchangeable setting for holding desired item(s). The decorative item could have a generally non-continuous circular body with two angled ends in between which is reversibly located an interchangeable setting having at least two angled setting sides. The securing device for substantially holding the interchangeable setting within the angled ends could generally comprise of a tensile force fit between the two angled setting sides and the angled ends; and the reversible reception of tabs of the interchangeable setting into slots of the body, which could generally resist the action of the force fit from ejecting the interchangeable setting from the body. The invention could further comprise interchangeable secondary design element(s), a key (allowing interchanging of the setting to the body) and an anti-rotation device (helping resist the rotation of the removable secondary design elements and interchangeable setting relative to the body.

Abstract: Disclosed are refractory body and refractory vessel for reforming or reflowing glass materials. The refractory body and vessel have gas venting channels, including surface grooves and/or vias formed on the surface in contact with the glass during high temperature treatment thereof. The refractory body and vessel are particularly advantageous for reflowing fused silica glass at an elevated temperature such as above 1700° C.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an improved sheet glass forming apparatus. In another embodiment, a precise thermal control system redistributes the flow of molten glass at the weirs to counteract the degradation of the sheet forming apparatus which inevitably occurs during manufacturing. In yet another embodiment, the invention introduces a counteracting force to the stresses on the trough in a manner such that the thermal creep which inevitably occurs has a minimum impact on the glass flow characteristics of the forming trough. Another embodiment creates a variable external cross-section which provides hydraulic stresses that are in opposition to the surface tension and body force stresses and thus, reduces the influence of surface tension and body forces. In an alternative embodiment, the glass is preferentially cooled across its width to create forming stresses during solidification, which ensures that the glass sheet drawn is inherently flat.

Abstract: A method of bending glass panes heated to their softening temperature in the horizontal position. The panes are heated to their bending temperature in a furnace. The panes are brought between a concave bending frame having shaping surfaces that describe a smaller contour than dimensions of the panes, and a convex upper form with a solid surface. The panes are pressed between the bending frame and the upper form so that the panes assume, at least at certain points, the contour of the upper form. A ring-shaped final-bending frame having shaping surfaces that correspond to the final shape of the panes is brought into contact with the protruding marginal regions of the panes, and the panes are pressed against the upper form. The panes on which the bending operation has been completed are subjected to a cooling or quenching treatment.

Abstract: An optical article includes a glass sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface, an array of optical elements formed between the top and bottom surfaces and arranged in rows that intersect each other along two intersecting cutting directions of the glass sheet, and at least two aligning marks formed on one of the top and bottom surfaces and spaced apart from each other in one of the cutting directions. A molding assembly for making the optical article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A yarn feeder can be stopped at a stopping mechanism and attached to and detached from a holder. The holder is fitted to a front end of a holding arm. The carriage-side holding arm is held by a moving member holding mechanism. The moving member holding mechanism includes a bringing state switching mechanism to switch the bringing state of the moving member by the carriage. The bringing state switching mechanism acts on a coupling portion on the carriage side, and can shift the bringing position of the moving member holding mechanism relative to the carriage and perform the switching to a position where the moving member holding mechanism is not brought. A rail is provided such that the yarn feeder's position does not change even when the moving member holding mechanism is separated from the carriage. The rail is installed to be parallel with a needle bed's longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A drum washing machine for allowing a user to take laundry, attached to several positions of the inner cylindrical surface of a drum or entangled in the drum, out of the drum. The drum includes a main body to contain laundry, an opening which extends forward from the main body so that the laundry is placed into the main body through the opening, and a plurality of protrusions spaced from each other and disposed on an inner cylindrical surface of the opening so that the drum can be manually rotated. The drum is inclined so that a height of a front end of the drum at the opening is formed is higher than that of a rear end of the drum. Accordingly, when washing of the laundry is completed, the drum is rotated using the protrusions, thereby allowing the user to easily take the laundry out of the drum.

Abstract: Provided is a detergent supplying apparatus of a washing machine. The apparatus includes a drawer 254 provided in a water supplying flow of a washing machine or drawn to the outside through an opening 16 formed in the washing machine and a stopper 320 formed at the bottom of the drawer 254 to be locked to or released from the bottom of the opening 16. Since the stopper 320 is not easily found by a user, the number of times where the user tries to disengage the drawer 254 is much smaller than the number of times where the user tries to disengage the drawer 254 when the stopper 320 is formed in a drawer cap 280 or at the top of the drawer 254 so that it is possible to prevent the drawer 254 from being easily disengaged and lost.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detergent supplying apparatus of a washing machine comprising a drawer 254 partitioned so that either of a bleach supplying part 311 and a softener supplying part 312 is positioned at a side and a front of the other. The present invention enables the drawer 254 to be made compact, and softener and bleach to be injected with the drawn width of the drawer 254 minimized.

Abstract: Provided is a detergent supplying apparatus of a washing machine. The apparatus includes a drawer provided with a bleach/softener supplying part for housing and supplying bleach and softener, and a detergent supplying part for housing and supplying detergent; and a drawer cap combined to the drawer to cover an upper surface of the bleach/softener supplying part, and provided with a bleach input port and a softener input port, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to washing machines, and more particularly, to a detergent introducing device to a washing machine which can prevent early introduction of detergent, such as fiber softener and the like. The washing machine includes a cabinet which is an exterior of the washing machine, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, and a detergent introducing device drawably mounted in the cabinet for supplying detergent, such as fiber softener, and the like, to the drum, wherein the detergent introducing device includes a detergent box having a chamber for holding the detergent, such as the fiber softener, and a first siphon tube projected upward from the chamber, and an early introduction preventive portion mounted on the detergent box for preventing early introduction of the fiber softener in the chamber into the first siphon tube. The washing machine of the present invention has the following advantages.

Abstract: A rigid handcuff assembly is disclosed that includes a pair of handcuff bracelets adapted to be releasably applied to a person's wrists. The handcuff bracelets include cheek plate assemblies that are pivotally interconnected to a connecting block that includes locking mechanism enabling movement of the handcuff bracelets between folded positions disposed in overlying juxtaposed relation, and positions wherein the handcuffs are automatically locked in rigid substantially coplanar aligned relation. The interconnected cheek plate assemblies define a handgrip when disposed in rigid aligned relation. The handgrip has structural indicia thereon adapted to be sensed by the user's hand, such as a raised palm swell surface sensed by the palm of a user's hand, and thumb sensing indicia disposed in predetermined relation to the user's thumb when gripping the handcuff, thereby enabling predetermined orientation and manipulation of the rigid handcuffs without direct eye contact with the handcuff assembly.

Abstract: A combination lock includes a lock body, a locking latch, a numerical actuation unit including a plurality of number rotors and a plurality of locking rings, and a password reset unit. The password reset unit includes a reset driver slidably extended at the lock body to couple with the locking rings, wherein when the reset driver is moved to drive the locking rings to slidably disengage with number rotors, the number rotors are free to rotate on the lock body to reset a new number-combination, such that when the reset driver is released that the locking rings are slidably returned back within the number rotors, the detachable end of the locking latch is unlocked once the number rotors are rotated at the new number-combination.

Abstract: This is a practically indestructible security camera system that stores discrete images virtually indefinitely. It is the only bullet-proof, theft-proof, vandal-proof, fraud-proof, fire-proof, self-sufficient, stand-alone security camera system extant. Self-analysis reporting and service and operations are managed remotely through any convenient phone or radio service. It provides a secure forensic record of vehicles, persons, animals, objects entering and exiting a designated area. It precludes criminal opportunism. It ameliorates illegal dumping. It augments police presence and minimizes victim crime in low police service areas.

Abstract: A security storage container has a primary security feature that is adapted to be locked and unlocked with an appropriate key. A secondary security feature is activated when the security storage container is opened without first unlocking the lock with the key. In one embodiment, the secondary security feature includes prongs that are moved to an extended position when the primary security feature of the container is defeated. In the extended position, the prongs will at least damage the item of merchandise protected by the security storage container. The extended position of the prongs may also further lock the item of merchandise within the security storage container.

Abstract: A contoured composite locking system incorporates an installation cup mountable within a foam core structure of a foam composite surface and having means for engaging the foam core. A plug is installed within the receiver cup, the plug incorporating an eyelet for the shank of a restraint and a contoured cap to preclude interference with or injury to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. The equipment must have an external wall provided with a specially designed, approximately rectangular slot having preselected dimensions. An attachment mechanism includes a housing for a spindle having a first portion rotatable within the housing, a shaft extending outwardly from the housing, and a crossmember at the end of the shaft having peripheral dimensions closely conforming to the internal dimensions of the slot. An abutment mechanism also emanates from the housing, and is located on opposite sides of the shaft intermediate the housing and the crossmember. The peripheral cross-sectional dimensions of the abutment mechanism and the shaft in combination closely conform to the dimensions of the slot. The length of the shaft from the housing to the crossmember is approximately equal to the thickness of the external wall of equipment.

Abstract: A door lock device includes a lock having a deadbolt with a first end and a second end. The second end is structured to disengage from an object, such as a portion of a door frame, in a first position and to engage the object in a second position. A spring directly engages and biases the first end of the deadbolt toward the second position thereof. A solenoid includes a plunger structured to engage the deadbolt, in order to hold the deadbolt in the first position thereof. A sensor is structured to sense at least one of the first and second positions of the deadbolt. A wireless controller is structured to receive a wireless signal and responsively energize the solenoid, in order to disengage the plunger of the solenoid from the deadbolt and release the deadbolt to the second position thereof.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a combination lock includes a mechanical locking mechanism, a dial, and an electronic interface. The mechanical locking mechanism includes a locking member movable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. The dial is assembled with the locking mechanism such that successive rotation of the dial to a series of one or more predetermined rotational positions causes the locking mechanism to move the locking member from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. The electronic interface is configured to translate incremental rotational positions of the dial to corresponding electrical signals and to process the electrical signals and display corresponding incremental positional indicators.

Abstract: A device to facilitate manipulating a key by persons having restricted finger and/or hand use that includes a key holding unit with a socket in one end thereof and means to removably secure a key to such unit. The device also includes a hand tool that has a hand grippable body portion with a rounded outer surface in which there is located finger engageable indentations. The indentations are spaced apart from one another around an outer peripheral portion of the body to facilitate gripping and turning the same. A shaft projects outwardly from the body a terminating in a rounded bullet like free outer end that facilitates inserting the same into the socket in the key holding unit. The shaft has a portion proximate the rounded end that is non circular in outline cross sectional shape that is matingly insertable into the socket in the key holding unit. For those having limited hand movement there is provided a reversible ratchet between the hey holding unit and the hand tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Hydroforming apparatus comprising of a cylindrical shaped upper and lower die holders and a cylindrical shaped outer ring with upper and lower cam segments and tapered wedges that is powered by hydraulic cylinders or any other means such that the tapered wedges are used to exert force on the lower cam segments such that the upper and lower cam holders are kept closed during the hydroforming operation. And because the cylindrical shape is efficient in carrying loads, the size of the new hydroforming apparatus is smaller than conventional hydroforming apparatus. The cylindrical shaped outer ring is made of two or more rings inserted inside each other such that the outer ring is exerting pressure on the inner ring such that no deformation occurs in the outer ring during the hydroforming operation such that the energy used to keep the hydroforming die closed during the hydroforming operation is kept to a minimum.

Abstract: A grid bending machine is provided for bending a workpiece. The machine includes first and second guides having inner surfaces defining a cavity therebetween. A stationary anvil is mounted to the first and second guides. A first die is releaseably connected to the stationary anvil. A body is disposed in the cavity and is movable between a first position release position and a second bending position. A second die is releaseably connected to the body and is aligned with the first die. The second die is axially spaced from the first die with the body in the release position and is adjacent the first die with the body in the bending position.

Abstract: Die set for forming cartridge cases (1;101), comprising at least three support elements, i.e. an upper element (1100), middle element (1200) and bottom element (1300), which are connected together in the longitudinal direction by guide columns (1001) along which said upper support (1100) and bottom support (1300) are actuated displaceably relative to each other in predefined working sequences.

Abstract: This invention provides a metal sheet pressing method of precision-pressing a metal sheet, wherein after a metal sheet (1) is partially drawn so as to form a perforated portion (1a), the perforated portion (1a) is heated by baking and after it is heated by baking, the perforated portion (1a) is pressed with press dies into an uneven-surface shape.

Abstract: An upsetting method capable of manufacturing an upsetting manufactured product having a bent expanded portion under a lighter load. A bar-shaped raw material 1 is loaded to the receiving die 11 in an axial movement prevented state, and the expansion scheduled portion 2 of the raw material 1 is arranged in the insertion hole 21 for holding the expansion scheduled portion 2 of the raw material 1 in a buckling prevented state. Subsequently, the guide 20 is moved in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the punch 30 while pressurizing the expansion scheduled portion 2 of the raw material 1 with the punch 30 in an axial direction, to thereby radially outwardly expand the expansion scheduled portion 2 of the raw material 1 exposed between a tip end portion of the guide 20 and the receiving die 11. In this upsetting method, the expansion scheduled portion 2 is bent while expanding the expansion scheduled portion 2 of the raw material 1.

Abstract: An improved crimping mechanism well-suited for use with stented prosthetic heart valves. The crimping mechanism includes a plurality of jaws configured for linear non-rotational movement toward a central axis. A rotational plate is formed with a plurality of spiral grooves or tracks for engaging the jaws. Rotational movement of the spiral tracks produces linear movement of the jaws. Nesting of the inner ends of the jaws permits each to be acted on along different radial lines while their inner faces move together evenly to reduce the crimping aperture in a smooth fashion. The crimping mechanism is particularly well-suited for use with stented prosthetic heart valves, such as a prosthetic aortic valve, though it can also be applied to other stented heart valves, venous valves, and even stent grafts which tend to be fairly large.

Abstract: A tool system for brake forming having a punch or a die and at least one insert. In one embodiment, two inserts are removably attached to a die. The die has a defined shape running along a longitudinal axis. Each insert has a protrusion with a particular cross-sectional shape running along the same longitudinal axis. The die has two cavities, each cavity having a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion of one of the inserts. In another embodiment, the die has two protrusions and each insert has a cavity for receipt of one of the protrusions of the die. When one of the protrusions is inserted into one of the cavities, the insert is removably fixed to the die. At least one surface of each insert corresponds to and combines with the defined shape of the die, forming a bending surface against which a sheet of metal is formed. After press braking, the sheet of metal is substantially conformed to the defined shape of the die.

Abstract: A tool system for brake forming having a punch or a die and at least one insert. In one embodiment, two inserts are removably attached to a die. The die has a defined shape running along a longitudinal axis. Each insert has a protrusion with a particular cross-sectional shape running along the same longitudinal axis. The die has two cavities, each cavity having a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion of one of the inserts. In another embodiment, the die has two protrusions and each insert has a cavity for receipt of one of the protrusions of the die. When one of the protrusions is inserted into one of the cavities, the insert is removably fixed to the die. At least one surface of each insert corresponds to and combines with the defined shape of the die, forming a bending surface against which a sheet of metal is formed. After press braking, the sheet of metal is substantially conformed to the defined shape of the die.

Abstract: A tool for pulling a dent out of a sheet metal surface has a support post with a foot shaped to rest against a portion of the sheet metal surface adjacent the dent. The tool includes a hinged lever arm which is pivotally connected to this support post at a lever arm pivot point which is elevated above the foot and adjacent sheet metal region. The tool also includes a pulling rod for coupling, through a fastener or connecting means, to the dented portion of the surface which is to be drawn-out, the pulling rod being connected to the hinged lever arm through a pivoting joint. The pivoting joint of the pulling rod and the lever arm pivoting point are positionable through actuation of the lever arm able to lie in a common plane which is substantially parallel to the sheet metal surface into which the dent is to be drawn into alignment. The pulling rod is adjustable in its engagement with the lever arm to permit the lever arm to swing through a limited angular range.

Abstract: Sample pipettes used in particular for injecting samples into high pressure liquid chromatography apparatuses, which are provided with a hollow needle for drawing a sample and expelling same into a container or into a sample receiving device of the apparatus. An interchangeable cannula is mounted on the hollow needle of such a pipette, said cannula being capable of containing additional functional elements such as filters, chemically active phases and the like.

Abstract: Pipettes, widely used in clinical and pharmaceutical laboratories to transfer small volumes of liquid, may be subject to hidden performance degradation and operator error. Pipette performance cannot be accepted without monitoring. The present disclosure concerns a verification device for a pipette with a piston for aspirating then dispensing, using a shaft, a determined volume of liquid. This device may include: a first assembly for supplying a displaced volume measurement, comparing this measurement to a desired value and generating an indication of the difference between the measured volume and the desired value; and a second assembly, responding to the first assembly, for delivering information relating to the indication.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sensor is proposed for detecting a gas component in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, having a control and evaluation unit and a sensor unit with an electrode structure with a first terminal and a second terminal, and a method for operating an exhaust gas sensor to determine the concentration of a gas component in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is also proposed. The control and evaluation unit applies a bias voltage to the first terminal and/or the second terminal of the electrode structure, it being possible for the level of the bias voltage to be set in dependence on a characteristic of the sensor and/or in dependence on a loading of the sensor. A bias voltage is applied to the first terminal and/or to the second terminal of the electrode structure, with the level of the bias voltage being set in dependence on a characteristic of the sensor and/or in dependence on a loading of the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for determining a physical property such as the concentration of a gas component or the temperature of a measuring gas, e.g., the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines, has a sensor element which is secured in a housing and is surrounded at an end section on the measuring gas side by a protective tube and surrounded at an end section on the connection side by a protective sleeve, and also has a radially projecting flange for securing the sensor on a sealing seat formed on a measuring gas duct. To reduce manufacturing costs, the flange is molded onto the protective tube as one piece. The protective tube is manufactured as a deep-drawn part, and a trimming edge remaining after deep drawing on the end side is used as a securing flange.

Abstract: A system for detecting gas leaking out of a joint in a gas transport and/or storage system is provided. The joint has an interface formed of first and second confronting surfaces. The system includes a plurality of gas sensors and a data acquisition unit. The sensors are adapted for mounting at spaced locations with respect to one another about at least a portion of the joint closely adjacent the confronting surfaces and are configured, e.g., are flexible, so that they can be readily mounted thereat irrespective of the contour of that portion of the joint. The data acquisition unit receives signals from the sensors to provide an indication of leakage of gas at the interface and an indication of the location of the portion of the interface at which the leakage has occurred.

Abstract: In a leak testing apparatus and a method for manufacturing unleaky closed containers having first and second flexible wall areas with different flexibility characteristics, a biasing member is moved toward and onto the first flexible area and a force detector monitors a biasing force at the second flexible area. A container is considered unleaky if a difference signal from force measuring signals at first and second points in time fulfills a test criteria. Sampling the biasing force monitored which results in the first force measuring signal includes determining maximum biasing force signal value which occurs during a time span up to and including the first point in time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test tee device for leak testing a pipe line system. In structure, the test tee device includes a tee fitting, comprising a tubular section extending between a first and a second opposing openings axially aligned with each other, a third opening communicating with the tubular section of the tee fitting; wherein the tubular section has a inside diameter greater than the first opening inside diameter and the second opening inside diameter. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for leak testing a pipe line system. The method operates by inserting a test tee fitting, applying a test pressure to the test tee fitting through the third opening; and removing the removable insert, if the test pressure is maintained for the predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a defined fluid flow, especially for use in liquid chromatography. According to the method, a constant total flow (f0) is subdivided into an internal excess flow (fie) in an excess branch and into an internal working flow (fiw) in a working branch. The ratio of subdivision of the internal working flow (fiw) and the internal excess flow (fie) depends on the reverse ratio of a fluidic resistance provided in the working branch and a fluidic resistance in the excess branch. The excess branch and the working branch are interlinked at the respective outputs of the two fluidic outputs of the fluidic resistances by a cross-branch. The equalizing flow occurring between the outputs of the fluidic resistances is measured by means of a flow sensor. A desired, external working flow in the further course of the working branch can be fed to a working device, for example a chromatography column mounted downstream of the device.

Abstract: A rheometer apparatus includes an acoustic wave viscosity sensor associated with a flexural plate wave device configured to include a central cavity through which a fluid flows. A plurality of interdigital transducers cam be associated with the flexural plate wave device, wherein each interdigital transducer (IDT) thereof can measure viscosity associated with the fluid over a variable range of shear rates. The variable range of shear rates can be achieved by varying the flow rate of the fluid due to an adjustment of a vibrating amplitude associated with the flexural plate wave (FPW) device (e.g., an FPW pump).

Abstract: Particulate material concentration of a dispersion is detected by providing a known amount of dispersion including particulate material, a solvent, and other optional components; centrifuging the dispersion and separating the particulate material from the dispersion; drying the particulate material; and weighing the particulate material to determine a particulate material concentration of the dispersion.

Abstract: A fluid sampling probe may be provided in a unitary assembly for aspirating fluid samples by way of a reduced diameter piercing portion in direct fluid communication with a reservoir for (temporarily) storing and/or transporting a sample, including: a first portion for piercing a closed fluid carrier, a second portion serving as a reservoir for receiving a fluid, the second portion being formed integrally operative with the first portion and a third portion providing fluid communication between the first and second portion. The fluid sampling probe 20 may be used to provide a high throughput aliquotting system for handling precise quantities of material. Accordingly, the division of a sample of a substance into parts (equal or otherwise), each of which representing a known quantitative relationship to each other and to the sample as a whole is enabled on a large scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection and maintenance of specific water levels. For example, a key component in the operation of almost all bioreactor landfills is the addition of water to maintain optimal moisture conditions. To determine how much water is needed and where to add it, in situ methods were generally required to measure water within solid waste. According to the present invention, transport behavior of at least two gas tracers within solid waste can advantageously be used to measure the fraction of the void space filled with water. One tracer is conservative and does not react with solids or liquids, while a second tracer partitions into the water and is separated from the conservative tracer during transport.

Abstract: An oscillating probe of an elongated rod, having a first free end, and a second end that is attached to at least one actuator to apply oscillation cycles to the rod. Oscillation of the elongated rod during at least one complete cycle of oscillation of the actuator causes the free end to move in at least one-dimensional envelope, producing a defined virtual probe tip geometry at the free end. The probe is connected to a system for utilizing information sensed as the free end is placed near a surface.

Abstract: A flow detecting device is provided to a fluid passage through which a main flow of fluid passes. A sensor body has a bypass passage through which a bypass flow passes from the main flow. The bypass passage has a bent portion, which is located midway through the bypass passage, and an outflow passage, which is located downstream of the bent portion. The flow direction of the bypass flow changes at the bent portion toward the outflow passage through the bypass passage. A heating element is arranged in the bypass passage. The heating element generates heat by being supplied with electricity for detecting a flow amount of fluid. The sensor body has a side surface defining an opening through which dynamic pressure caused by counterflow is released to an outside of the outflow passage when fluid causes counterflow in the fluid passage in a direction opposite to a flow direction of the main flow.

Abstract: A drill hole measuring device and a rock drilling unit equipped with the measuring device. The measuring device (1) comprises a protective element (3), inside which a sensor (6) can be transferred by means of a transfer device (4).

Abstract: A fluid quality sensor includes a first electrode (24) that has a fluid passageway (22) that is adapted to be placed in line with at least one fluid conduit (30). A second electrode (40) is supported within the fluid passageway (22) and electrically isolated from the first electrode (24). The first electrode (24) and the second electrode (40) operate as a capacitor for making fluid quality determinations. A disclosed example includes a temperature sensor (50) thermally coupled with a mounting member (42) that supports the second electrode (40) within the first electrode 24. A disclosed example includes a multiple piece first electrode that allows for at least a portion of the second electrode (40) to be exposed and accessible near one end of at least one piece of the first electrode during a selected portion of an example assembly process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technology capable of achieving a highly-sensitive flow sensor, by forming a metal film having a relatively high TCR on a semiconductor substrate via an insulating film. A measurement device which is a thermal fluid flow sensor includes a heat element, resistance temperature detectors (upstream-side resistance temperature detector and downstream-side resistance temperature detector), and a resistance temperature detector for air which are all formed of a first metal film. The first metal film is formed of an ?-Ta film having a resistivity lower than three times the resistivity of a Ta ingot and obtained by deposition through sputtering on an amorphous film containing metal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic circuit device in a motor vehicle fuel tank, the method including arranging one or more electronic modules on a substrate, and fixating the substrate with respect to a fuel tank wall. This allows the electronics to be positioned close to the fuel proper, and the method encapsulates the one or more electronic modules against the fuel by a cap that is connected to the substrate so as to form an encapsulated space that is separated from any fuel or vapour outside the encapsulated space. The electronic modules may provide various different functional principles, e.g. fuel level measuring or demand regulated fuel pump control.

Abstract: A scale for determining a quantity of material in a container such as a keg. The may include a support member configured to be placed under a portion of the container, a display to indicate the quantity of material in the container, and a weight sensor positioned underneath the support member to determine the quantity of material in the container and to provide a signal to the display.

Abstract: By employing a one or more sensors or monitors, environmental conditions and exceptions noted during the shipment of the goods and products can be monitored, stored, and eventually reported. The information about the in-transit goods and products being tracked may also be collected and transmitted by one or more wireless communication devices such as radios, transceivers, and Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites in conjunction with RF communication and/or RFID technology. Once collected, the environmental condition data may be used to assign liability for any damage that occurred to the in-transit goods and products.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the internal dampening of MEMS sensors is provided. In one illustrative embodiment, a MEMS sensor is provide that can be tunable to a desired Q value, and the Q value may be held relatively constant over the expected life of the sensor. The MEMS sensor package may include a chamber that houses a MEMS sensor. An inert gas may be provided in the chamber at a desired or specified pressure, wherein the inert gas may be backfilled into the chamber after the chamber is evacuated. The pressure of the inert gas may be set to achieve a desired Q value.