Abstract: A pressure equalizing device for refrigerators, having a chamber, a door on the front wall of the chamber, an evaporator, and an evaporator defrost heater, is provided. The pressure equalizing device includes a pressure relief valve, an installation hole, and a deicing device for the pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve connects the inside and outside of the chamber, and includes an inner end and an outer end. The installation hole is perforated on one of the walls of the chamber. The pressure relief valve equalizes the pressure inside and outside of the chamber to facilitate the opening of the door. The pressure relief valve includes an operation switch, and the operation switch is activated by the opening of the door. The pressure relief valve is disposed over deicing device, and the deicing device melts ice formed on the inner end of the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A double cooler device consistent with certain embodiments has an outer housing shell and an inner housing shell disposed within the outer housing shell and coupled thereto to form an outer reservoir to make up the housing. An inner core resides within the inner shell to form an inner reservoir. A first tap is coupled to the outer reservoir and a second tap is coupled to the inner reservoir to permit dispensing of a liquid stored in each respective reservoir. The inner reservoir has a drain and a vent spout. A lid is provided for closing the housing. The lid has an outer seal adjacent a periphery thereof to seal the outer reservoir and an inner seal to seal the inner reservoir. When the lid is in a first position with respect to the housing, both the inner and outer reservoirs are sealed by the inner and outer seals and the vent and spout are closed.

Abstract: The cup holder for a drinking game is a triangular multi-cup beverage tray and freezer pack insert that holds and chills multiple cups in a “billiard ball rack” formation for use in the drinking game “Beer-Pong,” “Beirut,” or variations thereof. The cup holder for a drinking game includes cup pockets, indentations or channels in a triangular row formation (front to back) of one cup, two cups, three cups, etc., which are formed in the freezer pack The cup holding freezer pack fits into the triangular tray for added stability. Rubber or neoprene feet are disposed symmetrically on an underside of the bottom of the tray to provide traction during use. Preferably, the placement and depth of the cup pockets provide for the correct orientation of the cups for optimal playing of the drinking game with standard 16-ounce party cups.

Abstract: A high pressure control valve is arranged in a refrigerant passage formed from an internal heat exchanger to an evaporator 4 in a refrigerating cycle of CO2 refrigerant having the internal heat exchanger 8. The high pressure control valve 3, 3A to 3F controls refrigerant pressure on the internal heat exchanger outlet side according to a temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet of the radiator. Into a temperature sensing section (airtightly closed space A), the inner pressure of which is changed according to the refrigerant temperature on the radiator outlet side, CO2 refrigerant, the charging density of which is 200 to 600 kg/m3, preferably 200 to 450 kg/m3, is charged.

Abstract: A pressure control valve of a supercritical refrigeration cycle small in size and resistant to the effects of the outside air temperature, that is, a pressure control valve of a vapor compression type supercritical refrigeration cycle wherein a refrigerant is sealed in a sealed space at the top of the diaphragm, pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle acts on the valve connected to the diaphragm, the valve opens and closes in accordance with the balance between the refrigerant pressure in the sealed space and the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle, the sealed space is communicated with locations substantially having temperature sensing functions detecting the refrigerant temperature, and the volume of the locations substantially having the temperature sensing functions is at least 50% of the total volume of communicated with the sealed space.

Abstract: A manufactured dry ice product containing ozone entrapped or absorbed on said dry ice. The dry ice product can be used to chill and preserve food products and provides the added benefit of ozonation of the food product to kill bacteria. Novel processes for ozonating liquid and solid CO2 are provided.

Abstract: A natural gas liquefaction system employing a high pressure pre-cooling refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for producing liquefied gas are provided. A liquefaction plant may be coupled to a source of, for example, unpurified natural gas, such as a natural gas pipeline at a pressure letdown station. A portion of the gas is drawn off and split into a process stream and a cooling stream. The cooling stream may pass through an expansion device. The compressed process stream is cooled, such as by a heat exchange process utilizing the expanded cooling stream, by a heat exchanger utilizing a separate, independent refrigerant, or by both. The cooled, compressed process stream is expanded to liquefy the natural gas. A gas-liquid separator separates the vapor from the liquid natural gas. A portion of the liquid gas may be used for additional cooling or substantially all of the liquid gas may be collected as product.

Abstract: In a process for granulating slag, from a blast furnace or a smelting reduction plant, in which a granule/water mixture formed during the granulation is fed to a granulation tank and then to a dewatering installation, in which the slag granules are dewatered. H2S-containing vapors and gases formed during the granulation are at least partially condensed by injection of water in a condensation space which is flow-connected to the granulation tank. H2S-containing residual gases are discharged from the compensation space below the water injection point, H2S is burnt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal glass body and to a manufacturing method and apparatus therefor, and the present invention relates to a metal glass body having a specific metal glass texture structure of fine crystals uniformly dispersed throughout a glass phase, to a metal glass body manufacturing method wherein the metal glass body is manufactured by solidifying a molten metal while applying electromagnetic vibrating force thereto to form a metal glass, during which a direct current magnetic field and an alternating current electrical field are applied simultaneously to generate electromagnetic vibration which is exerted on the molten metal, and to an apparatus for manufacturing a metal glass body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller-equipped annealing lehr for flat glass (1), having a roller conveyor, which is accommodated inside a lehr housing, and having heating units (2) that are arranged in pairs above and below the roller conveyor, in rows situated one after another and extending transversely to the feed direction, and are associated with temperature regulators provided with actual temperature values that are measured in a position-dependent fashion and predetermined associated desired values.

Abstract: A article having a micro-sized shape being formed on the surface of the article by pressing a die onto the surface, wherein the elastic modulus of the article at room temperature is in the range of 1-4 GPa, the thickness of the article after forming is equal to 0.1 mm or more and 20 mm or less and the aspect ratio of the micro-sized shape is equal to 1 or more. A forming method to produce an article comprising the steps of setting the temperature of a die having a micro sized shape to be equal or higher than the glass transitional temperature of material having an elastic modulus of 1 to 4 (GPa) pressing the die to the material to transfer the micro sized shape to the material, and cooling the die having the micro sized shape.

Abstract: A needle bar drive apparatus for a sewing machine includes a dedicated drive source (16) for driving a needle bar (3) of the sewing machine to move up and down. When a sewing operation is to be performed, a control section (160) controls the drive source to cause the needle bar to move up and down within a predetermined stroke range, but, when no sewing operation is to be performed, the control section controls the drive source to cause the needle bar to retreat to a predetermined evacuation position set above a top dead center in the predetermined stroke range. The control section is also capable of varying a timewise pattern of the upward and downward movement of the needle bar within the predetermined stroke range. Thus, it is possible to secure an increased space between the lower end of the needle bar and the upper surface of a sewing machine table (6) during a non-sewing period while limiting the stroke of the needle bar to a necessary minimum during a sewing period.

Abstract: A spraying device for a washing machine includes a body including a wall having an outer surface, a water inlet and a channel defined therein. The channel is in flow communication with the water inlet, and a plurality of nozzles extend through the wall and in flow communication with the channel. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a basket mounted within the wash tub. The basket is configured to rotate. The nozzles include an inlet, an outlet, an inner diameter, and an outer diameter. At least a portion of the outlet includes a surface substantially perpendicular to a flow of water through the nozzle, and the nozzles have a length longer than a thickness of the wall. At least a portion of the outlet is unitary with the wall outer surface.

Abstract: A spray type drum washing machine including a tub mounted in a cabinet, and adapted to contain wash water therein, a circulation line connected between a portion of the tub and another portion of the tub to circulate wash water through the tub, a pump installed at the circulation line, and adapted to forcibly feed wash water through the circulation line for the circulation of the wash water through the tub, and an atomizing device provided at the circulation line, and adapted to atomize the wash water fed through the circulation line, whereby the wash water to circulate through the tub is supplied in an atomized state into the tub. The wash water can rapidly permeate clothes contained in the drum, so that it can more effectively come into contact with contaminants attached to the clothes. As a result, it is possible to achieve an enhancement in washing and rinsing performances while reducing the consumption of wash water.

Abstract: A semi-drying method of a washing machine, and a ventilating structure and a control apparatus for the same. In the semi-drying method, the dehydration and disentanglement of cloth are repeated plural times, and a washing tub is rotated at a designated dehydration speed for a time longer than that of the conventional dehydrating operation so as to minimize the jamming of the cloth into water pores of the washing tub, thereby increasing the dehydration degree of the cloth compared to the conventional dehydrating operation, removing offensive odors from the cloth, preventing damage to the cloth, allowing a user to select the duration of a semi-drying operation and to see the state of the semi-drying operation, and ventilating the washing tub during the semi-drying operation to improve the dehydration degree of the cloth.

Abstract: A driving device and a method of driving a washing machine is disclosed. The efficiency of the motor of the washing machine is enhanced and the capacity of an inverter is reduced thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The driving device includes a variable motor, of which the rotational speed varies to apply a driving force to a drum to rotate, an inverter to convert a direct current voltage into an alternating current voltage and to vary a voltage applied to the variable motor, and an inverter driver to compare a control signal with a carrier to drive the inverter by pulse width modulation. A frequency of the carrier wave is varied for the pulse width modulation.

Abstract: A drain pump (and/or recirculating pump) for a clothes washing machine which has no dynamic leak paths exterior to the washing machine outer bowl. The pump is contained within a housing which is either formed integrally with the outer bowl or connects directly within an aperture provided in the bottom of the bowl using a single static seal. The pump inlet is directly exposed to the interior of the outer bowl. The pump motor has a rotor mounted within the pump housing with the interconnected pump impeller to obviate the need for a dynamic water seal for the rotor drive shaft. The rotor can run wet. The stator is mounted outside of the housing such that the housing wall lies in the motor air gap. The motor is preferably a brushless dc motor.

Abstract: A laminated padlock, having a lock body, a shackle moveably mounted to the lock body, a cylinder unit received within the lock body, the cylinder unit has cylinder core rotatably received within the lock body between a locking position and a releasing position, and an activating member synchronously coupled to said cylinder core. A latching arrangement provided for associating the cylinder unit and the shackle, which has a pair of striking chip received within the lock body with an opposite moveable manner for managing a release of the shackle, in the locking position, the activating member is capable of driving two striking chips outwardly extended to insert into the shackle legs for locking up the shackle, in the releasing position, the activating member is capable of inwardly retracting the striking chips from the shackle legs so as to disengage the shackle legs from the lock body.

Abstract: A security device a plurality of cables which are securable about an item of merchandise with a locking member and a cable-tightening mechanism each connected to the cables in a spaced apart manner. The locking member includes a key portion for unlocking the tightening mechanism when the cable is removed from the item. The tightening mechanism includes a spool and a ratchet mechanism. Alternate embodiments for locking and unlocking the ratchet mechanism are disclosed. The tightening mechanism carries sense loops which if compromised actuate an onboard audible alarm. The cables are part of one or more of the sense loops. The device is configured to sound a security gate alarm upon passing through the gate and upon simply reaching a certain distance from the gate. The tightening mechanism includes a housing having a flip-up handle for tightening the ratchet mechanism to tighten the cable.

Abstract: A lock mechanism to lock two parts relative to each other. The lock mechanism comprises a base plate (30) attachable to one said parts with a pivot pin (26) connected thereto, a keep (38) being defined in the pivot pin. A lock body (24) is also provided and this defines a channel (33) within which the pivot pin locates for rotation of the lock body relative to the pivot pin. A locking arrangement (36) is located within the lock body, and includes a movable bolt (37), which in extended and retracted positions engages with or disengages from the keep (38) to prevent or allow rotation of the lock body relative to the pivot pin. A latch plate (40) may be provided on the other part to cooperate with the lock body. This allows a wide variety of different parts to be secured relative to each other in such a way that they are securely held.

Abstract: An apparatus for adaptive use with a single-cylinder deadbolt assembly prevents retraction of the extended deadbolt by a key, when the apparatus is in the engaged position. Thus the door will remain locked despite the attempted use of a key for the deadbolt on the outside of the door. The apparatus includes a cylindrical, hollow frame mounted on the security side of the door, the frame including an engaged-fixing site and a retracted-fixing site. A cylindrical security member is received within the frame, the security member having a thumb latch-engaging member including two tines formed on the operational end. A screw or other fixing member is removably received by both the frame and security member at one of the two sites.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming a peripherally closed hollow profiled element (1) by means of fluidic internal high pressure. The device contains an axial plug (4) for sealing off the hollow profiled element (1) on the end face, said axial plug possessing an axial passage duct (5) supplying pressure fluid. The axial plug (4) has a sealing body which possesses on its end face (19) a trough-like depression (20), the peripheral wall (21) of which can be spread open radially elastically, within the hollow profiled element (1), by means of pressure fluid, until said wall comes to bear sealingly against the inner wall (22) of the hollow profiled element (1).

Abstract: A method is described for producing a gearwheel from a powder-metal blank which is pressed and sintered with an allowance in the toothing region, with the powder metal blank supported on a mandrel being densified in the region of the allowance by pressing on counter-toothing of a circular pusher tool engaging in the toothing of the powder metal blank under plastic deformation by the allowance. In order to ensure precise production it is proposed that during its densification the powder metal blank is radially clamped on both face sides over the circumference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling device (1) comprising two working rollers (2) which are respectively mounted in a roll stand (4) by means of working roller inserts (3). The working roller inserts (3) in the roll stand (4) can be locked and unlocked by means of at least one working roller locking device (5). At least two other rollers (6), especially two support rollers are respectively mounted in the roll stand by means of other inserts (7); the position of at least one of the working rollers (2) and at least one of the other rollers (6) in the roll stand (4) can be adjusted, especially in a vertical direction, in relation to the other working roller (2) or other roller (6) in order to adjust the desired rolling gap. The working rollers (2) are provided with means (8) for axial displacement, enabling the working rollers (2) to placed in a desired axial position in relation to the roll frame (4) and maintained in said position.

Abstract: A machine and method according to which advancing material (1) such as wire, prismatic material, or rod is gripped during the duration of its advancement from an advancement unit (2) towards a bending unit (3). The gripping is effected by a jaw (4) that grips material (1) with sufficient force so that the material (1) cannot twist. By gripping the advancing material (1), the under-production part (16) is simultaneously gripped and prevented from rotating, so that bends are made in the correct plane and the bent product is produced with great accuracy.

Abstract: An axial intermediate portion of raw material is held with a holding die in a state in which the intermediate portion is prevented from being enlarged in diameter. The axial end portions of the raw material is inserted in forming dented portions formed at axial end portions of the holding die. The scheduled diameter-enlarging portions are inserted in insertion passages formed in guides. Then, the scheduled diameter-enlarging portions are simultaneously pressed with punches to fill the material of the scheduled diameter-enlarging portions in corresponding forming dented portion while moving each guide in a direction opposite to a moving direction of each punch, thereby enlarging each scheduled diameter-enlarging portion.

Abstract: The invention can be defined in its most general form as a device for sheet material corrugation by means of bending and can be used in production of light core for sandwich panels, and elements of heat-exchange apparatus. The device includes the pivotedly connected in-between shaping and auxiliary systems of dies (4) and the drive for their transformation including the system of vacuumization and the chamber (3) made of flexible gas-proof material where the latter of said systems is fixed. Used to set the system of shaping dies (4) into its initial plane state is the mechanism made in the form of rigid chamber with the perforated cap (2) providing the possibility to connect the chamber to the system of vacuumization. The device also includes the subsidiary flexible removable vacuum chamber (8) wherein the blank (6) from sheet material is placed in contact with the shaping system of dies (4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a tube having an inverted cross section and the resulting tube made thereby.

Abstract: A system for self-calibration and self-tuning of sensors. The sensors may be calibrated statically and dynamically. The calibration may be automatic. Static calibration may be performed via a slope seeking loop. Dynamic calibration may be performed with both the slope seeking loop and a variation of the slope seeking set point.

Abstract: A system for enabling calibration of sensors used for detecting leaks in compartments comprising a structure, a sensor, a test manager, an arm, a transducer, and logic. The sensor is mounted on the structure, and the test manager is configured to provide an indication as to whether a compartment has an abnormal leak based on data from the sensor. The data is indicative of an amount of acoustic energy sensed by the sensor within a specified frequency range while a transmitter in the compartment is emitting acoustic energy within the specified frequency range. The arm is detachably coupled to the sensor, and the transducer is mounted on the arm. The logic is configured to cause the transducer to emit acoustic energy within the specified frequency range thereby enabling the sensor to be calibrated without removing the sensor from the structure.

Abstract: A device for test running of power nut runners comprises a main body (10;50) with a nut (11;54), a screw (12;52) with a nut runner engaging head (13;55), a clamping element (14;56) co-operating with the screw (12;52) and spring unit (17;59) to be clamped between the clamping element (14;56) and the main body (10;50) to generate a torque resistance on the screw (12;52), wherein a one-way clutch (24;64) is provided between the nut (11;54) and the main body (10;50) to prevent rotation of the nut (11;54) at rotation of the screw (12;52) in the tightening direction and to permit rotation of the nut (11) when rotating the screw (12;52) in the loosening direction, a friction clutch (30;72,73) between the nut (11;54) and the main body (10;50) is arranged to prevent rotation of the nut (11;54) during loosening of the screw (12;52), and a lock element (34;70) secured to the screw (12;52) is arranged to rotationally lock the screw (12:52) to the nut (11;54) at continued rotation of the screw (12;52) in th loosening dire

Abstract: A surgical system and cassette, the cassette having an identification method that is specific to the cassette. Suitable methods include bar coding or Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”). Cassette information that may be encoded include features such as lot number and performance characteristics, such as pressure sensor calibration data, flow and pressure data and any other performance characteristics of the cassette captured during testing of the cassette at manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for measurement of the volumetric flow of liquids, in particular for the measurement of dewatering rates from paper machines, having a container for receiving a liquid whose volumetric flow is to be measured, whereby the container has a bottom on which the liquid collects, and having an inlet for the liquid and an outlet for the liquid, whereby inserted in the outlet is a measuring aperture which has an opening for the outflow of liquid from the container. The measuring aperture opening extends upward in a vertical direction in the container, starting at an overflow level at a defined distance above the container bottom. Also, the measuring device has a pressure sensor which is arranged in or on the container, at least partly below the measuring aperture opening, in order to measure the static pressure in a liquid column collecting in the container as the result of the inflowing liquid.

Abstract: An oversampling electromechanical modulator, including a micro-electromechanical sensor which has a first sensing capacitance and a second sensing capacitance and supplies an analog quantity correlated to the first sensing capacitance and to the second sensing capacitance; a converter stage, which supplies a first numeric signal and a second numeric signal that are correlated to the analog quantity; and a first feedback control circuit for controlling the micro-electromechanical sensor, which supplies an electrical actuation quantity correlated to the second numeric signal.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a gas sensor in which a gas detection element is mounted on a wiring substrate; in which a protective cap having gas inlets formed therein is attached to the wiring substrate; and which has a structure capable of effectively preventing emanation of gas from the wiring substrate and the protective cap. A gas sensor comprises a gas detecting element on a writing board where a protective cap with air vents is mounted. The sensor effectively prevents a gas from emanating from the wiring board and the protective cap. The wiring board where a plurality of gas detecting elements (8,9) are to be mounted is formed of a ceramic wiring board (2) excellent in heat resistance. The protective cap (3) having air vents (31 to 39) is formed of a metal excellent in heat resistance. The metal protective cap (3) is fitted to the ceramic wiring board (2) instead of using adhesive. In this way a gas sensor (1) is manufactured.

Abstract: A resistive thin film (1) made of grains (3) of conductive material having an average size, in a dielectric medium (2) is characterized by the total thickness of the film (2) being between 3 and ten times the average size of the grains (3). The film (1) is used to make a cell of a pressure sensor and the cell is included in a shell of a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A particle adsorption device includes a chamber having an inlet and an outlet by which air can pass through the chamber, a support for supporting an adsorbent plate in the chamber, and at least one porous plate disposed in the chamber to control the air flow through the chamber and over a surface of the adsorbent plate. A sampling apparatus includes a particle counter which has a detector that is operative to count particles of a certain size contained in the air, the particle adsorption device, and a probe by which a sample of air is sequentially or selectively fed to the particle adsorption device and the particle counter. Thus, in a method for use in monitoring a manufacturing environment for potential contamination, particles of a certain size in the air can be counted, and particles in the air can be collected on the surface of the adsorbent plate. The collected particles can be analyzed to determine their shape and composition.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of a component or structure, in particular though not exclusively, by monitoring a pressure state that can be maintained within cavities either inherently provided or specifically formed in the component or structure.

Abstract: A system for detecting leaks in vehicles comprises memory, a plurality of transducers, at least one sensor, an input device, and logic. The memory stores a plurality of transmit profiles. The transducers are disposed in a vehicle and configured to emit acoustic energy. The sensor is disposed outside of a vehicle and configured to sense the acoustic energy emitted by the transducers, and the input device is configured to receive a vehicle identifier identifying the vehicle. The logic is configured to select one of the transmit profiles for the transducers based on the vehicle identifier and to cause the transducers to emit the acoustic energy according to the selected transmit profile. The logic is further configured to detect at least one leak in the vehicle based on sample values indicative of the acoustic energy sensed by the at least one sensor and to provide an indication of the detected leak.

Abstract: A relaxation time constant associated with a fluid can be determined and then compared with a stored reference value. The difference between the relaxation time constant and the stored reference value can then be calculated in order to provide qualitative and/or quantitative data indicative of an adulteration of the fluid. The relaxation time constant associated with the fluid can be determined by first generating a static charge and then injecting the static charge into the fluid. The charge can then be collected from the fluid and utilized to determine the relaxation time constant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reduce the dead volume in a flow path with trap functions. A flow path switching valve 1 is provided, which includes a rotor, i.e., rotor 3, and a housing top 9 having four ports 7a-7d connected to external flow paths, wherein two ports used for a mobile phase for analyzing are an inlet port 7a and an outlet port 7b, and the other two ports used for a mobile phase for condensing are an inlet port 7c and an outlet port 7d. In the rotor 3, two circular arc-shaped rotor trenches 11a, 11b for communicating two ports are formed at positions corresponding to the ports 7a-7d. The rotor trench 11b is filled with an adsorbent.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to sense moisture uptake of package polymers in humid environment. A capacitor is formed in a semiconductor package having a capacitance changing according to a real-time moisture adsorption in the package. A capacitance circuit provides measurement of the capacitance of the capacitor corresponding to an in-situ measurement of the moisture adsorption.

Abstract: A nanoscale displacement detector includes a cantilever integrated with an optical resonator, referred to herein as a “microresonator.” The microresonator and cantilever are configured such that displacement of the cantilever relative to the microresonator causes a change in the resonant frequency of the microresonator. The change in the resonant frequency of the microresonator is used to monitor cantilever displacement. In an embodiment, the microresonator includes a cavity that faces the cantilever and the cantilever includes a protrusion that faces the microresonator and is aligned with the cavity.

Abstract: A method, system and unit for determining alignment in a layered device such as a semiconductor device includes providing a first layer having detectable surface and subsurface material properties and positioning a patterned photoresist layer over the first layer, patterned photoresist layer having detectable surface and subsurface material properties. The layers are imaged with a FIRAT probe to detect the material properties, and the detectable material properties are compared for mapping an alignment of the compared detectable material properties. The first layer may be a substrate or have a previously processed layer formed thereon. A surface topography may be included over the substrate and an etchable layer formed over the substrate or first layer. The FIRAT probe may be a single tip probe or a dual tip probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling level sensor having a lever arm 8 which has a float at one end and is held at its other end by a clip 5, a carrier 1 composed of plastic, a bearing, arranged on the carrier 1, for the clip 5 and/or the lever arm 8, a filling level sensor 4 which is arranged on the carrier 1 and which is composed of a lid and a substrate 3, a resistance network which is arranged on this substrate 3 and to which a contact structure is assigned, the electrical connection of the contact structure to the resistance network producing an electrical signal for the filling level as a function of the pivoted position of a lever arm 8, and having at least one permanent magnet 12 which has the purpose of activating the contact structure.

Abstract: An inspection system formed at least from a viewing tube for inspecting aspects of a turbine engine during operation of the turbine engine. An outer housing of the viewing tube may be positioned within a turbine engine using at least one bearing configured to fit into an indentation of a support housing to form a ball and socket joint enabling the viewing tube to move during operation as a result of vibrations and other movements. The viewing tube may also include one or more lenses positioned within the viewing tube for viewing the turbine components. The lenses may be kept free of contamination by maintaining a higher pressure in the viewing tube than a pressure outside of the viewing tube and enabling gases to pass through an aperture in a cap at a viewing end of the viewing tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor transponder (1) and a procedure for calculating a tyre contact length (6). The sensor transponder (1) is arranged with at least one acceleration sensor on the inner side of a running surface (2) of a tyre (9). The signals from the acceleration sensor are compared with prespecified threshold values and then integrated, whereby following the formation of a quotient, the tyre contact length (6) is calculated independently of the velocity.

Abstract: A method for tire rolling simulation on sand comprises the steps of modeling a tire using finite elements to build a tire model, modeling a sandy road using finite volumes to build a sandy road model which can exhibit elastoplasticity with both elastic and plastic properties, and executing a numerical simulation in which the tire model is made to roll on the sandy road model in a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A mute processing method used in a multi-person communication system is provided. The method is capable of automatically sending mute frames when there are no sound inputs from terminals of the multi-person communication system. The method includes the steps of: collecting input signals from a microphone; calculating an energy level of the input signals within a time span; sending a mute frame if the energy levels of the input signals within previous continuous time spans are less than a predetermined energy level and the energy level of the input signals within the time span is still less than the predetermined energy level, otherwise, coding the input signals within the time span; and outputting the mute frame or coded signals. A related apparatus is also provided.