Abstract: A dry cleaning machine includes a tub for holding articles to be cleaned. A door is rotatably coupled to the dry cleaning machine. The door is movable from a closed position wherein access to the tub is substantially sealed, to an open position providing access to the tub. An outlet tube is coupled in flow communication to the tub. A filter assembly is positioned between the tub and the outlet tube filtering dry cleaning fluid channeled towards the outlet tube.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a washing machine having a basket rotatably mounted within a tub includes a variable speed motor including a first pulley. An agitator is mounted within the basket. A rotatable shaft has first and second ends. The first end is directly coupled to the agitator. A second pulley is mounted on the second end of the shaft. A drive belt connects the first pulley to the second pulley. An inverter is operatively coupled to the motor. A controller is operatively coupled to the inverter and the motor. The controller is configured to control the motor based on a predetermined agitation profile.

Abstract: A device for accommodating a padlock, including two halves that each have a cavity and that are hingedly interconnected such that they are movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the cavities mate to form an enclosure for accommodating a padlock. At least one of the halves has a cutout for receiving the shank of the padlock. A latching mechanism retains the two halves in the closed position to contain the padlock body within the enclosure formed by the cavities.

Abstract: In a valve locking device, an elongated lock attachment arm with a hollow base element is connected to a nut element of a valve assembly. The device is secured by attaching steel cables to apertures in the elongated lock attachment arm by a padlock. The valve locking device prevents the manipulating or tampering of water and gas valves by terrorists and vandals.

Abstract: A cylinder lock associated to the external handle, provided for pulling, of the mobile frame of a sliding window or door frame is carried by a slider that is adjustable vertically with respect to the handle to enable correct re-alignment between the actuation pin controlled by the cylinder lock and the corresponding actuation part of the mechanism for opening the window or door frame.

Abstract: A lock with a bolt, arranged in a lock housing. The bolt may be adjusted between an open and a closed position, by a closing element, and the closing element may be locked in a closed position, by a locking element. The locking element is coupled to an armature of an electromagnet and may be operated by the same. For better protection against manipulation for such a lock, the armature and/or the electromagnet are at least partly covered by at least one screening element, arranged in, or on the housing, which can be made from a soft magnetic material.

Abstract: An improved process for enhancing the plant nutrient value of relatively low analysis organic waste material (e.g., sewage sludge) involves treating the waste material with an acid and base in a pipe-cross reactor. The process more particularly involves mixing the waste material with water to form a slurry (or initially taking the waste material as a slurry); pumping the slurry to a pipe-cross reactor for reaction with a base, acid, and water to form a melt; spraying the melt onto a recycling bed of fines in a granulator, and flashing off the water contained in the melt as steam; rolling the melt onto recycled fine particles in a granulator to form granulated particles; and drying these granulated particles to form an enhanced plant nutrient value composition (e.g., a fertilizer or soil conditioner having a greater “NPK” value than the original relatively low analysis organic waste material).

Abstract: A process of improving the nutrients of sub soil by digging a portion of land called as trench to a width and length in the same land to receive the volume of the soil required to put the bed on the complete land as the top layer. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel process of improving soil fertility leading to high yields of cereals traditionally grown crop like rice in said agri-zone. In another embodiment, it describes the high yield production of non-traditional cereal crop like wheat. Both the system production warrants low or no inputs like chemical based fertilizers and pesticides. Higher yields coupled with high nutritional levels as a result of restoration of fertility levels in depleted soils are main results of the innovative process.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a fertilizer, the process comprising intimately mixing urea and a lignin compound thereby providing a blend, and heating the blend. In an embodiment of the process of the invention, there is provided a process for the production of an organomineral fertilizer, the process comprising: intimately mixing mineral fertilizer material, urea, a lignin compound and organic fertilizer material thereby providing a blend, and heating the blend. The invention provides also fertilizers that are not obtainable according to the process of the invention.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for the preparation of bio-release molybdenum fertilizers which comprises heating molybdenum trioxide, one or more basic compound(s) of metal(s) selected from magnesium, calcium and sodium, and phosphoric acid till a solid polyphosphate is obtained and finally obtaining the dried powder.

Abstract: An entry guide for a roll forming machine having fixed stop members for the different widths of sheet metal material which can be accommodated by the roll forming machine. The fixed stop members are offset in the vertical direction. Accordingly, when the roll forming machine is adapted to accommodate a different width of sheet metal material, there is no need to adjust the entry guide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for combining the operating modes of individual rolling frames in a tandem cold rolling mill comprising respective pairs of working rolls (10) and back-up rolls (12) in 4-roll frames and in addition a pair of intermediate rolls (11) in 6-roll frames, at least the working rolls (10) and the intermediate rolls (11) interacting with devices for axial displacement.

Abstract: Methods for facilitating controlled movement of at least one vehicle wheel. The methods include the step of presenting a display of information, such as by visual display or audible signals, to an operator to direct a manual controlled-speed movement of the vehicle wheel. The controlled-speed movement may be a rotational movement such as during a wheel alignment rolling compensation procedure, a steering movement, such as during a vehicle wheel alignment angle measurement procedure, or a rotational movement such as during a wheel assembly measurement procedure on a vehicle wheel balancer.

Abstract: A filter coefficient calculator of a weight measurement apparatus calculates filter coefficients using a predetermined arithmetic expression and outputs them to a signal processor. The signal processor carries out a filtering process on a weighing signal using the filter coefficients. The arithmetic expression includes a spectrum parameter specifying a band position of an attenuation band where attenuation must be locally enhanced. A user can input a value of the parameter via a data entry part. Each band is specified by the spectrum parameter not as the lowest limit value of a normalized angular frequency, but as the amount of deviation (the amount of displacement) from its center frequency.

Abstract: A non-gyroscopic inertial seeker system for determining the azimuth of a body relative to the true North. The system includes a fluid rotor angular accelerometer which provides a periodic output signal, and means to extract the body azimuthal direction relative to the true North from the periodic output.

Abstract: A differential microdischarge detector system. The system comprises two microdischarge detectors (MDDs). One of the MDDs is connected to receive sample analytes to be measured, while the other MDD is connected to receive a reference sample that contains interfering gases and none or a much lower concentration of the sample analytes to be measured. The outputs of the two MDD's are fed to a circuit that generates either a difference or a ratio between the measurements of the two MDDs. In addition, the current, impedance or voltage across the electrodes of the two MDDs may be measured and processed to generate either a difference or a ratio signal, thus obtaining additional information about the sample gas analytes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gas chromatograph (GC) module having a column assembly and a printed circuit board mounted to a valve assembly. A plurality of electronic devices are mounted to the circuit board. The electronic devices include non-volatile memory, pressure sensors and detector devices.

Abstract: A method for moisture detection and removal is provided. The method involves providing discrete feedback as an indication of current moisture accumulation on a surface of a perforated plane, wherein the plane includes at least one moisture sensor, integrated within the surface to form the plane, comparing the indication of current moisture accumulation with a threshold value, when the indication of current moisture accumulation exceeds the threshold value, sending an activation signal to a moisture removal mechanism, removing the current moisture accumulation from an area of the first surface bound by the at least one moisture sensor, and clearing the indication of current moisture accumulation to avoid any unnecessary operation of the moisture removal mechanism.

Abstract: Membrane (24) of a shell (20) of a pressure sensor, having an upper and lower chamber (34, 23), wherein the membrane is made by a support wall (36) and a cap (41) having an upper and lower sheets (31, 32), the support wall having a central aperture (33), the support wall separating but for its central aperture the lower from the upper chamber, the lower sheet (32) having a central aperture (38), edges of the central apertures (33, 38) of the support wall (36) and of the lower sheet (32) respectively being welded to one another, peripheries (37) of the upper and lower sheet (31, 32) being welded to one another so that a volume (40) is present between said upper and lower sheets (31, 32), said volume being in the upper chamber (34) and communicating through the central apertures (33, 38) of the support wall (36) and of the lower sheet (32) respectively, with the lower chamber (23).

Abstract: A system for sensing a property of a fluid comprises a fluid channel operable to receive the fluid therein, a flexible arm having a free end positioned within at least a portion of the fluid channel, a fluid actuator disposed sufficiently close to the flexible arm such that actuation of the fluid actuator induces movement of the flexible arm when the fluid is present, and a deflection sensing system operable to quantifiably detect movement of the flexible arm.

Abstract: A rough road detection system includes a collection module, a statistical module, and a comparison module. The collection module collects samples from a vibration sensitive signal. The statistical module removes a periodic anomaly from the samples and removes a random anomaly from the samples with a filter having a filter coefficient based on an engine speed signal. In addition, the statistical module calculates a statistical signal based on the samples. The rough road detection system also includes a derivative module that calculates a first and second derivative based on a rate or time. The derivative module removes negative derivatives when the derivatives are calculated with respect to the rate and positive derivatives when the derivatives are calculated with respect to time. The comparison module determines whether a rough road condition exists based on the statistical signal or the first and second derivatives.

Abstract: In an abnormal condition detecting system, an electronic control unit determines that a condition for carrying out a process for detecting an abnormal condition of an electric motor and/or electric supply lines for the motor is satisfied, when a position of a control valve is at its initial closed position. Then, the electronic control unit stops supply of the electrical power to the electric motor, to start a detection of the abnormal condition (electrical disconnection) in the motor and/or the electric supply lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a starter motor for testing has a base, a first pad mounted to the base that provides a support rest to a first side of the starter motor, a ratcheting arm having a second pad for contacting a second, opposite side of the starter motor, and a pivotal ratchet assembly to grip the starter motor between the two pads.

Abstract: A tire pressure gauge includes a casing, conduits and a pressure indicator. The conduits are in fluid communication with one another, and are connectable to respective valves of tires of a vehicle. The pressure indicator is operable to provide an indication that is indicative of the pressure in at least one of the tires of the vehicle when at least one of conduits is interconnected with at least one valve of the tires. The tire pressure gauge may include an illumination source operable to automatically illuminate the pressure indicator in response to at least one triggering event that is indicative of the tire pressure gauge being interconnected with the valves of the vehicle tires. The tire pressure gauge may include an inlet port for connecting the tire pressure gauge and conduits to a pressurized supply line for inflating the tires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses for detecting fuel pressure in internal combustion engines. The invention especially relates to internal combustion engine applications in which fuel reaches a high pressure. The apparatus according to the invention is a simple switch apparatus. In the apparatus the fuel pressure moves a piston causing a switching operation in the apparatus, which in turn can be detected by means of a separate detector.

Abstract: A method for designing aircraft including providing a model of the aircraft and a plurality of sensors mounted on the model. The method further includes positioning the aircraft model in a fluid tunnel at an initial attitude and measuring an initial orientation of the aircraft model while the aircraft model is at the initial attitude using a first tilt sensor of the sensors to create initial orientation information. The method also includes passing fluid over the aircraft model using the fluid tunnel and actively moving the aircraft model from the initial attitude to a subsequent attitude. In addition, the method includes measuring a subsequent orientation of the aircraft model while the aircraft model is at the subsequent attitude using a first orientation sensor of the sensors to create subsequent orientation information.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring one or more fluid flow rates in a gas and liquid multiphase system, in which the multiphase flow is separated in-line into, gas and liquid flows, measurements on the liquid and/or gas streams are taken in the region immediately following the separation, the flows are recombined to form a substantially homogenous mixture and further measurements on the mixture are taken.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include magnetic induction switching circuits and methods. In one embodiment the present invention includes a magnetic induction switching circuit comprising a magnetic induction device for sensing a magnetic field and generating signals corresponding to the polarity of the field. A detection control unit detects the signals generated in response to a magnetic field and configures a programmable switching unit so that the first signal generated in response to a detected magnetic field having a first polarity is coupled through the switching unit and subsequent signals generated in response to detecting different polarity magnetic fields are not coupled through the switching unit.

Abstract: The structural integrity of a safe-life aircraft component on an aircraft is measured and assessed by a processing unit. The component includes a load-bearing metal element that is free from cracks. In the method, acoustic emissions generated in the metal element are converted into electronic signals. The acoustic emissions converted include relevant acoustic emissions resulting from changes in the structure of the element that make the element more susceptible to the formation of cracks. The electronic signals are set to a processing unit. The processing unit processes over time the signals in conjunction with stored reference data that allows a measure of the structural integrity to be made. Information providing a measure of the structural integrity of the aircraft component is outputted. Thus, deterioration of the structure of the component can be detected and monitored before a crack occurs.

Abstract: An ultrasonic pulse is applied from a transmission probe for longitudinal waves kept in contact with the external surface of a concrete structure into the interior of the structure, and a reflected wave returning after being reflected by the boundary face of the concrete structure is detected with a reception probe for longitudinal waves kept in contact with the external surface of a concrete structure. As the first peak recognized in the waveform of the reflected wave represents the reaching time T1 of the bottom face echo which has undergone no mode conversion, and the subsequently obtained second peak, in about 1.3 to 1.7 times when first peak appeared, represents the reaching time T2 of the delayed echo which has undergone a mode conversion, the sonic velocity ratio R of longitudinal wave to transverse wave is calculated from these reaching times T1 and T2.

Abstract: Ultrasonic systems and methods for inspecting a channel member through a skin or panel are provided. The channel member may be a stiffener for an aircraft component such as a trapezoidal stringer attached to a skin of an aircraft fuselage. Transducers of the system are disposed on a side of the skin opposite the channel member. Ultrasonic waves generated on a first side of a skin propagate through the skin, across a channel member attached to a second side of the skin, and through the skin again to be received on the first side of the skin. Times of flight are measured for the collection of time-gated data. A two dimensional C-scan is generated for identifying flaws and irregularities in a structure by way of single-side ultrasonic non-destructive inspection (NDI).

Abstract: A porosity reference standard for ultrasonic inspection of composite materials includes a right prism manufactured from a solid isotropic material and a porosity created within the right prism. The porosity reference standard may be a glass block that encloses a plurality of simulated voids created through laser etching. The porosity reference standard may be manufactured by using a sub surface laser engraving process. By creating a porosity within the glass block, the level of the porosity can be exactly determined and is spatially constant over a desired area within the glass block. The laser-etched porosity reference standard is suitable for, but not limited to, ultrasonic porosity inspection of composite laminate parts, such as wings, empennage and fuselage skins, sub-skin structures, frames stringer, and shear ties, used in the aircraft airframe industry, both commercial and defense.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-synchronized data sampling are provided. In one embodiment, a system for capturing synchronous data samples is provided. The system comprises an analog to digital converter adapted to capture signals from one or more sensors and convert the signals into a stream of digital data samples at a sampling frequency determined by a sampling control signal; and a synchronizer coupled to the analog to digital converter and adapted to receive a rotational frequency signal from a rotating machine, wherein the synchronizer is further adapted to generate the sampling control signal, and wherein the sampling control signal is based on the rotational frequency signal.

Abstract: A pressure sensing chamber having a tubing extension with a reduced diameter portion extending through the chamber. The tubing contains a plurality of ports so as to allow the purging of air from the chamber, but the ports are sized so that bubbles entering the tubing cannot easily flow into the chamber. The reduced diameter portion creates a pressure differential between the holes. This differential pressure creates flow through the chamber under high liquid flow and turbulent liquid flow events.

Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus including a thin disc of a metal having a ceramic material layer and piezoresistive elements formed thereon. A surface of the disc is bonded to a diaphragm assembly on a pressure port base constructed of a low cost metal. The bonding process is performed at low temperatures, (<700° C.), so that the diaphragm assembly and pressure port do not require high temperature corrosion resistance, and can thus be formed of less expensive materials. The inventive apparatus provides a lower cost alternative to conventional high pressure sensors since less material is used, less expensive materials are used, and fabrication is less complex. The inventive apparatus is also more reliable and exhibits greater thermal stability than conventional high pressure sensors.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a casing formed with a first case and a second case that has a pressure introduction hole for introducing a measurement object, a pressure sensing portion in the casing and a metal diaphragm disposed between an end face of the first case and a reception face of the second case. The measurement object is introduced into a subspace that is formed as an expanded end of the pressure introduction hole in the second case for measurement of pressure by transmitting the pressure through the diaphragm to the pressure sensing portion, and the pressure sensing hole has an orifice that reduces a cross-sectional area of the pressure sensing hole.

Abstract: In oil-filled pressure sensors, the measured pressure is applied to a compliant isolation diaphragm, which causes the pressure of the internal oil to increase until it equals the external pressure. The pressure is sensed by a pressure sensing capsule, such as a MEMS piezoresistive pressure sensor. The invention incorporates an electromagnetic force generator, such as a coil and a magnetic core, within the pressure sensor in order to generate simulated pressure. When the coil is energized, the electromagnetic field creates a uniform distributed force, which moves the isolation diaphragm directly, or via an external flexure, in a manner to cause the pressure of the internal oil to increase, which is sensed by the pressure sensing capsule, which responds by producing an output signal proportional to the electromagnetic force. The simulated pressure is employed in order to perform sensor operation monitoring and self-calibration via measurement of the output signal.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor is provided. The capacitive pressure sensor includes a glass substrate that has a pair of surfaces facing each other. A first silicon substrate has a fixed electrode passing through the glass substrate to be exposed at one surface and a projection passing through the glass substrate to be exposed at the one surface. A second silicon substrate is bonded to the one surface of the glass substrate and is disposed to face the fixed electrode so as to form a cavity between the second silicon substrate and the fixed electrode.

Abstract: A lower capacitive electrode and a capacitive electrode of an opposite substrate are provided to mutually facing surfaces of a TFT substrate and the opposite substrate, respectively; and a seal member is provided to the peripheral part of both substrates. The seal member creates a predetermined gap between the substrates, and the surrounded space is sealed by the seal member. A pressure sensor measures pressure applied to the substrates based on variations in capacitance between the lower capacitive electrode and the facing-substrate capacitive electrode. An acceleration sensor is incorporated into the TFT substrate within the pressure sensor. The presence of the acceleration sensor inside the pressure sensor thereby eliminates the need for a separate pressure sensor and acceleration sensor, and allows a pressure sensor that improves the moisture resistance of the acceleration sensor to be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric power tool (1), having an electric motor (8) that serves to drive a tool (6). The electric power tool (1) is characterized in that a sensor unit (9) that detects the contact pressure of the tool (6) against a workpiece (7) cooperates with a signal transducer (10).

Abstract: A method for calculating a mass flow rate of a cryogenic fluid within a flow tube includes positioning a sensor within a stream of cryogenic fluid flowing through the flow tube. The sensor is operatively coupled to a strain gauge. A difference between a dynamic pressure in the fluid stream and a static pressure in the fluid stream is measured and the mass flow rate of the cryogenic fluid within the flow tube is calculated.

Abstract: A flow tube (3) composed of a bent tube having a shape symmetrical with respect to a first axis is supported at its both ends by support portions (8, 8) having an outlet and inlet respectively. A drive device (4) for alternately driving the flow tube (3) rotationally about a second axis connecting the positions where the flow tube (3) is supported is disposed on the vertical axis of a Coriolis flowmeter (1). A pair of second drive devices (5, 5) for alternately driving the flow tube (3) rotationally are disposed at positions laterally symmetrical with respect to the drive device (4). The paired second drive devices (5, 5) are driven in phase; the drive device (4) is driven with the opposite phase to those of the second drive devices (5, 5). A pair of vibration detecting sensors (6, 6) are disposed between the drive device (4) and one of the second drive device (5) and between the drive device (4) and the other (5) respectively.

Abstract: A measurement pickup includes at least four measuring tubes for conveying media to be measured. Each measuring tube has a first in-/outlet end and a second in-/outlet end. During operation, the measuring tubes vibrate, at least at times, especially simultaneously. The measurement pickup further includes an electromechanical exciter mechanism causing the measuring tube to vibrate, as well as a sensor arrangement reacting at least to local vibrations of the measuring tubes for producing at least one measurement signal influenced by vibrations of the measuring tubes.

Abstract: An inline measuring device which serves for measuring at least one physical, measured variable of a medium conveyed in a pipeline, includes a measurement pickup of vibration-type, as well as a measuring device electronics electrically coupled with the measurement pickup. The measurement pickup includes at least one, essentially straight measuring tube serving to convey the medium to be measured and communicating with the connected pipeline, an exciter mechanism acting on the measuring tube for causing the at least one measuring tube to vibrate, during operation, at least at times and/or at least in part, with torsional oscillations about a torsional oscillation axis imaginarily connecting an inlet end of the measuring tube and an outlet end of the measuring tube, as well as a sensor arrangement for registering vibrations of the at least one measuring tube and delivering at least one oscillation measurement signal representing oscillations of the measuring tube.

Abstract: The invention is based on a method for producing a screw connection by means of a cutout screwdriver (10) that terminates a screw driving operation when a predetermined torque is achieved. According to the invention, data relating to an operation are detected in the cutout screwdriver (10) and transmitted to an external monitoring unit (20). The invention also discloses a device for executing the method as well as a cutout screwdriver.

Abstract: A digital beam-type torque wrench has a main beam and a stationary beam having a distal end thereof fixedly attached at or near a distal end of the main beam. A sensing assembly is disposed generally at a proximal end of the main beam and includes a displacement sensing element carried by the proximal end of the stationary beam and a sensing element actuator disposed on said main beam. The sensing element actuator and sensing actuator cooperate to generate a variable output voltage, whose magnitude is proportional to the amount of flexure of the main beam upon application of torque upon a rotating element by the wrench. In one embodiment, the sensing assembly comprises a potentiometric rotary position sensor including an arcuate rack gear coupled to the main beam and engaged with a pinion gear coupled to the stationary beam, with rotation of the pinion gear in turn causing rotation of a potentiometer.

Abstract: A device for measuring forces on a sensor body, comprising a beam. An array comprising at least one recess is formed in the beam. The array has a length-to-height ration of less than 1.0. At least one strain transducer is mounted in at least one recess, wherein when incorporated in a sensor body the device is sufficiently rigid to provide low overall deflection while providing adequately high metric strain levels.

Abstract: A substance analyzer utilizing Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis for identifying characteristics of a substance and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The analyzer is small enough to be portable and to allow its use in many applications where current analyzers cannot be utilized. The analyzer uses a neutron radiation source and a gamma-ray detector to activate the sample material and detect the prompt gamma rays emitted by the sample material. A novel housing for such an analyzer and method for making the housing are also described. Novel methods of operating such an analyzer including via a communications network are also disclosed. Also disclosed are data analysis methods that improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the results of such material analysis.

Abstract: An automatic sampler for automatically sampling liquid samples to be introduced into apparatuses that analyze liquid samples, such as liquid chromatographs, includes a needle with a tapered tip end for suctioning and ejecting liquid, a mechanism for moving the needle in the horizontal and vertical directions, and an injection port having an insertion hole into which the tip end of the needle can be inserted. The outer diameter of the tip end of the needle is at least 0.1 mm and at most 0.6 mm. By reducing the needle-to-port contact area, the automatic sampler facilitates high-sensitivity and high-precision analyses by significantly reducing the amount of cross-contamination, regardless of the type of samples.

Abstract: A method and device for an automatic analyzer, in particular for blood analysis sampling consists in displacing a sampling needle (5) rotatable around an axis (X2) which forms an angle with the sampling needle. The method and device are particularly suitable for use in a small blood sampling automate.