Abstract: An absorption refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an interior space. The interior space defines a first section, a second section, and a third section. The third section is in fluid communication with the second section and is indirectly cooled by the cool air in the second section. The third section has an operating temperature higher than that of the second section. An internal freezer door is provided inside the cabinet for closing the first section.

Abstract: A passive cooling container assembly for keeping food cool is disclosed. The assembly comprises an outer, thermally-insulating shell and an inner, thermally-conductive shell nested into and possibly affixed to the outer shell. The inner shell has a recessed volume at a bottom of the inner shell. A removable cold disk is provided and is configured to rest within the recessed volume of the inner shell. The cold disk comprises a material which may be thermally cooled and permanently encapsulated within a casing. The cooling container assembly also includes a removable food container capable of being nested into the inner shell. Optionally, a removable lid is also provided which fits onto the food container.

Abstract: A pressure reducer module includes an oil separator configured to receive a lubricant and a refrigerant and to separate the lubricant from the refrigerant. The pressure reducer module also includes a pressure reducer connected to and formed integral with the oil separator. The pressure reducer is configured to receive the refrigerant from the oil separator and to reduce a pressure of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigerant accumulator for refrigerant circuits having a container with an inlet for a two-phase mixture and an outlet for the refrigerant vapor. The accumulator includes a baffle provided as a separator in the upper part of the refrigerant accumulator. The baffle includes means for the collection of liquid refrigerant, by which the liquid refrigerant is leadable into the lower region of the refrigerant accumulator.

Abstract: A seal device has a for sealing a through hole in a partition includes a first seal for providing a first abutment portion that abuts against a periphery of the through hole in an entirety thereof, and a second seal for providing a second abutment portion that is made of an elastic material for abutting against an outer peripheral surface of a component disposed in the through hole. The first seal and the second seal are connected to cover an entire periphery of the through and the component, and a support member on the second seal has an inner surface shaped in a corresponding form of the component.

Abstract: A piercing hygiene apparatus for a body piercing includes a rod having a diameter sized to maintain a piercing open when the rod is inserted into a body piercing channel, a removable head at one end of the rod and a fastener that can be removably attached at the opposite end of the rod. The head and fastener are sized such that they prevent the rod from falling out of the piercing channel when both are attached to the rod. The rod includes raised surfaces that extend outwardly along substantially the length of the rod such that an open space is created between the raised surfaces and the body piercing channel such that a passive airflow is generated by a temperature gradient between the body piercing channel surface and the ambient air temperature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved apparatuses for forming sheet glass. In one embodiment, the invention introduces a structural web that supports the forming structure in a manner such that the thermal creep which inevitably occurs has a minimum impact on the glass flow characteristics of the forming structure.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for bending a glass sheet which can appropriately prevent cloth mark due to suctioning.

Abstract: A process for producing a high-quality glass from highly reactive raw materials and a glass-melting apparatus for use therewith, comprising the step of charging a material for the glass to a molten glass in a heated vessel, (1) wherein an oxidizing gas is bubbled in the molten glass and a glass raw material that behaves as a reducing agent during being melted is charged into a position of the bubbling or (2) said vessel is filled with a dry ambient gas and while the ambient gas is allowed to flow to a liquid surface of the molten glass along an charging route of the glass raw material, the glass raw material is charged.

Abstract: A method and device for transferring glass articles from an intermediate supporting plate to an unloading conveyor, wherein the article to be transferred is positioned and retained inside a seat on a movable member by feeding compressed air through the movable member; the compressed air being fed in close to an edge of a dihedron formed by two plates of the movable member, and being oriented upwards towards the article to divide the incoming compressed air into two lateral streams laterally and at least partly surrounding the article, and into an upward-directed rear stream.

Abstract: Methods and systems for substantially improving the stability of a melting furnace system that includes bushings and cooling apparatus for converting molten mineral material to continuous fibers is disclosed. Apparatus and methods for maintaining the molten material throughput and the electrical power load on fiberizing bushings substantially constant are disclosed. The orifice plate, with or without tips or nozzles, is subjected to a more rapid rate of heat removal after the bushing breaks out than it did while the bushing was in a desired fiberizing mode. Apparatus that can respond quickly following a recognition that a bushing has broken out to increase cooling of the orifice plate or tip plate of a bushing is disclosed as is methods for using this apparatus to achieve the objective stated above.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, system, and method for controlling the index of refraction of at least one layer of amorphous silicon-based film deposited on a substrate are disclosed. The apparatus, device, system and method include providing at least one volume of each of N2, SiH4, and He, and depositing the at least one layer of amorphous silicon-based film on the substrate by vapor deposition. The device may include a waveguide that includes at least one layer of amorphous silicon-based film, wherein the at least one layer of amorphous silicon-based film is deposited by vapor deposition using an at least one volume of each of N2, SiH4, and He.

Abstract: A method and manufacturing apparatus for forming one or several material layers inside a basic tube, which basic tube is used in the manufacture of an optical fiber preform. The surface inside the basic tube is electrically charged by guiding a first electrically charged gas flow inside the basic tube, whereafter a second electrically charged gas flow is guided into the basic tube. The gas flow contains material particles and the sequentially alternating first gas flow and second gas flow have opposite charges.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making a continuous fiber product by gathering a plurality of fibers into a strand in contact with a pad wheel that is driven with a low voltage, variable speed motor or drive, and controlling the RPM of the motor in response to a breakout detector. Other embodiments further include accelerating the RPM of the motor and pad wheel at a desired ramp-up rate following the resumption of desired fiberization.

Abstract: A fiber forming bushing comprises a baseplate having at least one hole and a bushing tip that is formed separately from the baseplate, supported in the hole in the baseplate, and welded to the baseplate. The bushing tip has an upper end and a lower end, and comprises a flange at the upper end of the bushing tip. A tapered entrance is provided at the upper end adjacent the flange. An upper cylindrical portion is provided adjacent the tapered entrance. A tapered middle portion is provided adjacent the upper cylindrical portion. A lower cylindrical portion is provided adjacent the tapered middle and extended to at outlet at the lower end of the bushing tip.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the invention for producing a knitted fabric with interspacing is embodied in the form of a circular knitting machine with knitting cylinders or with a knitting cylinder and a dial. Between the two needle beds for the needle assemblies defined in this way, a pile thread transfer device 4 is arranged, which is preferably provided with two groups 5, 6 of feed elements that can respectively be moved from an idle position to a thread tucking position. In the process, the feed elements of the one group move toward the needle hooks of the first needle bed and the feed elements of the other group move toward the needle hooks of the other needle bed. In this way, a spaced apart knitted fabric can be produced on circular knitting machines, wherein latch needles can be used and the needle stroke is limited to the standard measure of less than 14 mm. The knitted fabric with interspacing can have a thickness of clearly more than 14 mm, meaning a thickness than far exceeds the needle stroke.

Abstract: A system component (1) for a knitting system is composed of a body (3) with butt (18), which projects outward from the narrow side (16) of the body (3). According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the butt (18) is positioned inclined or at an angle to the body (3). A corresponding bending line extends in longitudinal or movement direction of the body (3). The angle (?) is thus defined in an imaginary plane (E) that intersects the body (3) in transverse direction. As a result of this measure, the butt (18) can also be adjusted relatively precisely at a right angle to the cam movement if the system component (1) along with it the body (3) is arranged somewhat inclined inside a corresponding guide slot (4) of a bed (5), wherein the angle a then compensates for the tilting. A line-type contact between the butt (18) and the guide track (7) is achieved, which reduces wear.

Abstract: A fabric having a face surface and a back surface forming a fabric plane, wherein the fabric is further processed to produce spaced apart, repeated patterned domes extending out of the fabric plane, the domes forming channels therebetween, producing a molded formed 3-D fabric for evaporative cooling and/or insulation as well as comfort, stretch, compression resistance, decreased weight, and improved drape, softness, and/or conformability, depending upon the yarn component and fabric properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to secure the coupler section of a trailer provides a locking device that includes a lock housing having a hitch ball element to engage the recess in the coupler, a shackle member lockable to the housing and having a bridge section that spans the hitch ball element and, and a latch assembly to latch and unlatch the shackle member. The shackle member is shown to be U-shaped with legs that extend through and secure to the lock housing. The latch assembly provides a ratchet-type engagement to allow adjustable locking. A rotatable lock mechanism drives a cam based latch mechanism between a latch state and an unlatch state.

Abstract: An improved bicycle rack for public and private use having a hanger housing frame (10), having a hinged door extending from the upper portion of the housing, connected with a hinge assembly (13). Extending from the lower frame end is a seats section, (26), (27), (28), (29), allowing the placing a bicycle frame and one or two bicycle tires. A flange (18) protrudes through a flange cutout (20) when the door (17) is closed. The flange (18) has a primary shackle cutout (19) providing for the locking of the chamber opening (16), no longer requiring the use of u-shape, tether locks, (although they may be used) a simple key or combination lock is all that is required to lock the frame and released tires within an approximately 9?×9? chamber (25). The hanger housing mounting surface (24) is intended to be welded to parking meters, prior art and the like.

Abstract: A programming apparatus for generating and retaining a security disarm code (SDC) for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise has a housing and a logic control circuit located within the housing. The control circuit includes a controller for generating the SDC, a memory for storing the generated SDC and a wireless communication system for interfacing with a programmable key used for operating a security device attached to an item of merchandise. A visual display includes a plurality of LEDs which indicate the status of the logic control circuit. The SDC is generated initially as a random SDC by the programming apparatus, which SDC is retained in the controller of the apparatus for the life of the programming apparatus.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device system includes a lock device including a hook portion which is rotatable between a lock position and an unlock position, and a rotation permission unit which permits rotation of the hook portion in a case where a permission signal is received, and an electronic device including a casing with a wall, a connection port which opens at the wall of the casing and to which the hook portion of the lock device is insertable, a detection unit which detects whether the lock device is inserted in the connection port, and a supply unit which supplies the permission signal to the rotation permission unit of the lock device in a case where the lock device is inserted in the connection port.

Abstract: A combination lock has a plurality buttons movably received in the casing and a knob rotatably received in the casing. When specific buttons are pressed downward, rotating the knob from a first position to a second position, the balls in the downward movement buttons are limited in the limiting holes in the buttons by the abutting faces of a frame. Rotating the knob to a third position allows pins of the pressed buttons to be secured and limited in the longitudinal paths. Pressing the returning rod is able to release the arms which are received in the arm stays in the pressed arms. Rotating only the core relative to the combination of the rotator and the body is able to drive the second abutting block to move so as to return all the pins back to their original positions to be ready for next use.

Abstract: A dual action lock for keys has a core and a housing. The core has a key hole and pins. The key holes is formed in the core and allows the key to be inserted into the core. The pins are slidably mounted inside of the core. The housing has a through hole. The through hole is formed through the housing and holds the core inside. When different keys are inserted into the core, the expansions of the pins out of the core will be changed to make the core to be selectively turned clockwise, counter-clockwise or both direction. Accordingly, the lock can have an ability of performing multiple functions as at least two or more locks.

Abstract: A tool for cutting a hollow profile is designed both for cutting a flange on the hollow profile and for forming the hollow profile using an internal high pressure forming process. The tool has at least one cutting device which extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the hollow profile, has a cutting edge and is displaceable transversely to the hollow profile. A side of the cutting device that faces the hollow profile is designed as a shaping die wall, against which the hollow profile bears at least during the internal high pressure forming. In addition, the tool my have an integrated embossing punch and also a perorating punch formed coaxially thereto, thereby also enabling optional embossing and/or perforating of the hollow profile in addition to the cutting and the internal high pressure forming.

Abstract: A method for increasing slab rolling yields and rolling mill efficiency by minimizing shearing and crop losses in the rolling of assembled slabs. An assembled structure for aluminium rolled products includes a core slab with a reduced cross-section in the thickness direction of the slab in at least one of the slab edges running parallel to the rolling direction. At least one second slab is assembled to the core slab. The edges of the slab may have a cut-out and/or a tapered shape. A method of reducing shearing and crop losses at the rolling of assembled slabs, by using a core slab with a reduced cross-section in the thickness direction of the slab in at least one of the slab edges running parallel to the rolling direction.

Abstract: In a shearing device (10), a plate-like work piece (50) is seated on a die (20) positioned on a lower side thereof is clamped by a pad (30), so that a predetermined portion of the work piece (50) is processed into a predetermined shape by a punch positioned on an upper side thereof. The punch (40) integrally has a heel portion (41).

Abstract: A telecommunications device is disclosed. The telecommunications device includes a crimp tool assembly for crimping a center conductor of a cable to a center conductive pin. The crimp tool assembly includes an insert assembly which includes an insert that is configured to receive at least two different types of coaxial center conductive pins for crimping. The insert may also be color coded for identifying the manufacturer of the insert, the center conductive pin, the cable, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a press brake tool having a retractable safety key. In some embodiments, the tool includes a lock that can positively lock the safety key in an extended position. Different lock assemblies of this nature are provided. Also provided is a combination including a press brake tool and a tool holder. In some embodiments, the invention provides a press brake tool having a retractable safety key with an engagement portion having a tapered leading region (adapted to facilitate mounting the tool in a recess of a tool holder) and a tapered trailing region (adapted to facilitate dismounting the tool from the recess of the tool holder). Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A diaphragm is uniformly and finely deformed by compressed air supplied from an electro-pneumatic regulator, so that test fluid is supplied in conformity with the deformation of the diaphragm. In this way, a flow quantity of the test fluid supplied from a fluid supply device to a measurement passage is accurately adjusted. Therefore, an accuracy of a flow accuracy check device is improved, and a leakage measurement accuracy at the time of measuring a leakage from a fuel injection valve with a flow measurement apparatus is improved. At the time of measuring the leakage from the fuel injection valve, the diaphragm is stopped at a balanced position where a force of the air supplied from the regulator and a resilient force of the diaphragm is balanced. Therefore, a change in a volume of the measurement passage, which would be otherwise caused by movement of the diaphragm, does not occur.

Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zeroing techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, if not properly calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. By determining a magnitude of such erroneous measurements, calibration values may be determined, which may later be used to adjust a measurement that is output by the flowmeter and thereby improve an accuracy of the flowmeter. Such calibration values may be determined for a plurality of operational conditions associated with the flowmeter, such as densities of materials being measured, and/or configurations of flow elements associated with transporting material to the flowmeter. Then, the calibration values may be correlated with the relevant operational conditions, and stored for later use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the audible output of a piece of information by an audible signal generator, where the signal generator is arranged in an analysis system and the analysis system analyses a fluid sample using a test element, where analysis results are generated and are processed by a data processing unit, and where a control unit in the analysis system actuates the signal generator, so that the signal generator audibly outputs a piece of information, the signal generator sending an audible test signal in order to test the operability of the signal generator.

Abstract: A multi-gas sensor device for the detection of dissolved hydrocarbon gases in oil-filled electrical equipment. The device comprising a semiconductor substrate, one or more catalytic metal gate-electrodes deposited on the surface of the semiconductor substrate operable for sensing various gases, and an ohmic contact deposited on the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate comprises one of GaN, SiC, AlN, InN, AlGaN, InGaN and AlInGaN. A method for sensing gas in an oil-filled reservoir of electrical equipment, comprising providing a sensor device, immersing the sensor device in the oil-filled reservoir, allowing the gases emitted from the oil to interact with the one or more catalytic metal gate-electrodes, altering the gas as it contacts the catalytic metal gate-electrodes and altering the sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: An air quality monitor having multiple sensors deployed in an electric circuit returns a single sign indication of atmospheric impurity regardless of whether the impurity gas is of the oxidizing or reducing type. Each sensor employs a gas sensitive material that exhibits a response in the form of a change in electrical resistance of the material in the presence of a gas and that exhibits a negligible response to changes in the moisture content of the atmosphere. A powder is dried and calcined and the result is ground into a fine powder and pressed into a desired shape to make the gas sensitive material. Adding a binder during the pressing and firing the shaped powder results in a gas sensitive material with porosity. Gas is flowed to the gas sensitive material and the resulting change in resistance is measured and returned as a single sign indication of atmospheric impurity.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity detector utilizes a modular thermistor assembly that mounts to the TCD body. The thermistor assembly is easily replaceable in the TCD. Within the TCD, a thermistor bead is always held in the same relative location in a gas flow path, which is designed to produce laminar, low velocity gas flow across the thermistor bead. Two TCDs, each having a heater, are mounted in an insulated enclosure. The heaters are activated to bring the TCDs to operating temperature, and are then deactivated during analysis.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a component of a gaseous fluid containing multiple components. The sensor includes a housing, which delimits a measuring chamber and which accommodates a measuring chip having a heatable diaphragm. The housing has at least one opening which allows convective heat transport.

Abstract: A sensor, method and system, for measuring certain characteristics of a fluid. The sensor utilizes a piezoelectric device having at least two tightly coupled resonators providing a two pole electric transfer function responsive to an electrical signal coupled to the input resonator. The piezoelectric sensor has a textured entrapment layer, constructed to entrap a known volume of fluid and impart motion to the entrapped fluid as well as to surrounding non-trapped fluid. The common mode frequency shift of the two resonant frequencies is related to mass loading due to the entrapped fluid, while the energy absorbed by the fluid, or a phase shift of one of the resonant frequencies, is related to the viscosity/density product of the fluid. Extracting the viscosity is a matter of mathematical manipulation. By controlling the energy level of the input electrical signal, the viscosity measurement may be conducted at a predetermined shear rate.

Abstract: The sole shape can be designed with ease. The invention provides a method for designing an iron sole shape that includes the steps of setting different parameter values (S1) relating to a sole shape while keeping parameters other than those of the sole shape constant, preparing an iron club (S2) having the parameter values that have been set, a tester using the iron club that has been prepared to hit a ball (S4), measuring a path of the club head (S5) using a camera to obtain data relating to a position and a velocity of the club head, and determining whether or not the sole shape is favorable (S6) based on the data that have been obtained.

Abstract: An earthquake disaster prevention system having: an estimation section to estimate a size of an earthquake from a P-wave of the earthquake detected by the earthquake detector; a stopping control section to control to stop the motion of the operation device when the size of the earthquake estimated by the estimation section exceeds a stopping reference value; a calculation section to calculate at any time the size of the earthquake from the S-wave of the earthquake detected by the earthquake detector; a convergence judgment section to judge convergence of the earthquake by judging whether a predetermined earthquake convergence condition is satisfied from the size of the earthquake calculated by the calculation section; and a resumption control section to resume a predetermined motion of the operation device stopped by the stopping control section when the earthquake is judged to have converged by the convergence judgment section.

Abstract: A drive stage, for driving a sample or a probe, capable of ensuring a movable range of a movable portion as a counterweight and always effectively canceling an inertial force to suppress vibration of a supporting member leading to vibration of the sample or the probe includes a counter drive element for moving the probe or a sample holding table and a movable portion movable in a direction in which the inertial force generated during movement of the probe or the sample holding table. The movable portion surrounds the counter drive element outside the counter drive element.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope comprises a probe module. In some embodiments the module is easily removed from the lateral and vertical scanning mechanisms. The module further comprises one or more vertical motion actuator that may be controlled by a multi-path feedback control loop. By coupling the second vertical motion actuator directly to the probe the speed of the scan may be increased over the speed of prior art microscopes. The feedback loop is part of the probe microscope and feedback paths may be independently designed to create independent control of multiple paths.

Abstract: A means suitable for producing and supplying exhaust gas for evaluation to be supplied to an exhaust gas purifying apparatus in a safe and stable manner and a means for correctly and accurately evaluating performance and durability of the exhaust gas purifying apparatus are provided. The PM generating apparatus 10 which can generate PM in a gas by combusting a liquid and/or gaseous fuel in the combustion chamber 2. The PM generating apparatus 10 is provided with a combustion chamber 1, a combustion air supply means 4 supplying combustion air to the combustion chamber 1, and an intermittent fuel injection means 3 which can intermittently inject the fuel to the combustion air supplied to the combustion chamber 1.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of monitoring the health of a fuel system 30 of a gas turbine engine 10. The fuel system 30 comprising a fuel-metering valve 36, a hydraulic control valve servo pressure line 40 and a control pressure line 39. The fuel-metering valve comprises a hydraulic control valve solenoid 36 for metering the flow of fuel and a fuel filter 38 and, in use, a current is applied to the solenoid 38 to control the required fuel demand to fuel nozzles 25. The method comprises the steps of; measuring either the percentage difference between fuel metering valve demand and actual positions or the percentage difference in pressure between the servo pressure line 40 and the control pressure line 39, comparing the differential to a predetermined level, when that predetermined level is reached a warning is given. Thereby the engine may be scheduled for service before unsatisfactory performance of the fuel system is experienced.

Abstract: Multiple function stable circuitry measures both pressure and temperature for example. It includes both a pressure sensitive capacitor, and fixed reference capacitor, and also includes both a constant current source and a temperature variable current source. The complete cycle includes at least two phases, with one phase of the cycle utilizing one reference capacitor and one pressure variable capacitor; and at least one other phase including the reference capacitor and at least one temperature variable charging source. Other multiple slope multiple functions may also be implemented.

Abstract: A tire information communication system mounted on a vehicle includes a tire-pressure detector mounted on a tire wheel for detecting a pressure of a tire and transmitting a result of detection, a tire monitor mounted on a vehicle body for obtaining information about tire pressure from the tire-pressure detector, a tire transmission circuit provided in the tire-pressure detector for applying AC voltage containing information about tire pressure between the tire wheel and an annular conductor of the tire so that a radio wave is radiated from the annular conductor, a vehicle ground isolation provided in the tire monitor so as to receive the radio wave from the annular conductor thereby to be capable of generating AC voltage between the vehicle ground and itself, and a body-side receiving circuit provided in the tire monitor and connected to the vehicle ground and the vehicle ground isolation respectively for obtaining the information about the tire pressure from the AC voltage generated between the vehicle groun

Abstract: A testing method and apparatus for ground liquefaction and dynamic characteristics in the original position utilizing a boring hole, wherein the dynamic strength and deformation characteristics of a soil layer against a dynamic repetitive load, in an optional position in the ground can be obtained by a simple method. A measuring cell based on a three-chamber construction is used, and upper and lower soil layers (J1, J3) with an intermediate soil layer (J2) therebetween are alternately subjected to a dynamic repetitive load, and what influence there is on the intermediate soil layer (J2) is investigated from the relation between pressure and displacement.

Abstract: A gas flow sensor system, and method for gas flow rate measurement and self-calibration to overcome problems caused by degradation. Gas flow rate is accurately measured by determining the power dissipated at a constant differential temperature of a gas flow sensor, under conditions where its power dissipation is independent of its resistance. The gas flow sensor is adjusted to a predefined differential temperature compared to the temperature of the gas. In addition, variations in heat transfer coefficient (h) of a gas flow sensor are corrected by self-calibration of the gas flow sensor system. Experimentally established correction factors are applied to the gas flow sensor, to compensate for changes in its heat transfer coefficient (h) caused by degradation of the gas flow sensor. This offsets the adverse effects of use and aging of the gas flow sensor, thus reducing errors in gas flow measurement.

Abstract: A method for detecting fuel leaking into an oil pan containing oil which is used to lubricate an internal combustion engine utilizes a plurality of sensors. The method includes the step of measuring a plurality of parameters of the oil using each of the plurality of sensors to create measured values. A fuel leakage value is calculated incorporating each of the measured values. The method then determines when the fuel leakage value exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display are provided for bi-colored ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such devices. The illuminator includes an array of bi-colored solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto a viewing screen.

Abstract: A liquid surface detector is constituted of an oscillator that outputs an alternating current signal at a frequency of 130 kHz, and a modulator circuit for modulating the alternating current signal with a capacitance index signal that indicates a change in capacitance. The capacitance changes with movement of a suction probe relative to a cup containing a liquid. An output signal of the modulator is filtered and amplified by a first filtering circuit that passes a frequency component of 130 kHz through it. Through a wave detector circuit and a second filtering circuit that passes a frequency component of 2 kHz, a signal corresponding to the capacitance index signal is detected from an output of the first filtering circuit, and is compared with a reference signal, to detect that the probe gets into contact with the liquid surface.