Abstract: A lighting device for illuminating ice has a sheet of light-transmitting film located below an ice layer and coupled to a light source. The index of refraction of the light-transmitting film is greater than that of the adjoining ice or air so that the light within the film experiences substantial internal reflection. Light is emitted from the film (and the ice surface) at emission regions that disrupt internal reflection.

Abstract: Vehicles include a first air conditioning system adapted to condition at least air in the driver compartment. The first air conditioning system has a condenser coil, a condenser fan, an evaporator coil, an evaporator fan and a compressor. The vehicles also have a second air conditioning system adapted to condition at least air in the sleeper compartment. The second air conditioning system has an auxiliary condenser coil, an auxiliary condenser fan, an auxiliary evaporator coil, an auxiliary evaporator fan and an auxiliary compressor. The auxiliary condenser fan can be provided as an auxiliary direct current condenser fan, an auxiliary axial condenser fan or an auxiliary direct current axial condenser fan.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser adapted to display refrigerated products includes a case defining a product display area, a bottom shelf adapted to support the refrigerated products within the product display area, and a container removably coupled with the case at a location below the bottom shelf and adapted to collect debris falling below the bottom shelf. The container is removable from the case for cleaning without removing the refrigerated products from the bottom shelf.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a cold storage in which a cooling unit constituted by integrating a compressor, an evaporator and the like is mounted on a bottom part of an insulating box, whereby processing of the cooling unit on its insulating box side is made unnecessary or minimum, and a space can also be saved.

Abstract: An object accommodated in an internal space of a freezer is quickly cooled to a predetermined temperature with preventing water from freezing while an oscillating electric field of, preferably, a variable frequency in the range of 50 Hz to 5 MHz and/or a magnetic field are applied to the object, or further ionic air is added to clod air, and subsequently the object is instantaneously frozen at the predetermined temperature. Preferably, the magnetic field is a static magnetic field and/or a variable magnetic field.

Abstract: A low profile side inlet evaporative cooler including a housing having a housing length width at least twice the housing width. A centrifugal blower draws air through two side inlets through and through a rigid evaporative cooling media.

Abstract: Refrigerator comprising at least one compartment (2, 21) to be cooled and a refrigeration apparatus with an evaporator, which evaporator is arranged in heat conducting contact with a heat exchanger (6, 24, 50). The refrigerator further comprises an essentially enclosed chamber (7, 30, 40), in which chamber the heat exchanger (6, 24, 50) is arranged and which chamber communicates with the compartment (2, 21) through an inlet port (9, 31, 41) and an outlet port (10, 32, 42) of the chamber, for allowing air to circulate from the compartment through the inlet port into the chamber and trough the outlet port back to the compartment, and means (9, 11, 13, 31a, 31b, 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b) for preventing air to pass by self-circulation from the chamber, through the inlet port and/or outlet port. The invention also concerns a method for temperature control of a refrigerator.

Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet includes a fan assisted refrigeration unit and a duct in communication with the fan, for distributing cold air from the fan throughout the cabinet; the duct is substantially the full width and the full length of the product storage of the cabinet and at least a major portion of the duct has a substantially constant width; one end of the duct is in communication with a fan and the opposite end of the duct provides an end outlet; intermediate outlets are formed through the duct between the ends, to supply air from the duct to the product storage portion of the cabinet; the size of the end outlet is substantially smaller than the size of the intermediate outlets, so that in use the duct is pressurized compared to the remainder of the cabinet.

Abstract: The frigorie accumulator comprises a housing which defines in its interior a region for holding a frigorie storage substance such as a eutectic solution, and at least one duct which extends in a heat-exchange relationship with the housing and can contain a refrigerant fluid for removing calories from the storage substance held in the housing until it brings about freezing thereof. The housing comprises: a substantially tubular, extruded profiled section, made of a thermally conductive material, defining first heat-exchange walls between the region and the environment outside the housing, and second heat-exchange walls between the region and the refrigerant fluid contained in the duct, and a first end closure element and a second end closure element which can be connected in a fluid-tight manner to the ends of the extruded profiled section.

Abstract: In the case where a 100 percent heat recovery operation mode is performed without using an outdoor heat exchanger in a refrigeration apparatus which is provided with utilization-side heat exchangers of a plurality of piping systems and in which liquid-side communication lines are arranged into a single line, a backflow prevention mechanism (37) for preventing liquid refrigerant exiting an indoor heat exchanger (41) from flowing in a direction other than in the direction of cold storage and freeze storage heat exchangers (45, 51) is disposed for providing stable flow of refrigeration through the circuit even when the temperature of outside air is low, whereby the capability to provide refrigeration is prevented from degrading.

Abstract: A condenser (10) and method for separating a fluid flow is provided. The condenser (10) maybe used for separating a cathode exhaust flow (60) into a condensed liquid (86) and a non-condensed gas (70). The condenser (10) includes a vertical inlet (14), a vertical outlet (16), a gas flow path (20), a liquid flow path (22), a non-condensed gas outlet (24) and a condensed liquid outlet (26).

Abstract: This process includes the following steps: (a) the feed natural gas (101) is introduced into a first distillation column (31) which produces, as top product, a pretreated natural gas (111), which pretreated natural gas (111) no longer contains practically any C6+ hydrocarbons; (b) the pretreated natural gas (111) is introduced into an NGL recovery unit (19) comprising at least a second distillation column (49), so as to produce, on the one hand, as column top product, a purified natural gas (151) and, on the other hand, an NGL cut (15); and (c) the said liquefiable natural gas (161) is formed from the purified natural gas (151) resulting from step (b).

Abstract: A mold includes a pair of spaced elongated deformable members and spaced elongated flexible strap members between and connected to the deformable members with the axis of the deformable members parallel to one another and transverse to the axis of the strap members. A set of a plurality of donut rolls spaced from one another along the length of the strap members is provided in the space between adjacent strap members to move a heat softened glass sheet over the strap members and below shaped surface of a vacuum mold. The strap members are moved to lift the sheet off the rolls toward and into contact with the shaping surface. The deformable members are deformed as the flexible members bias the sheet against the shaped surface. Vacuum pulled through the shaping surface maintains the sheet against the shaped surface as the strap members move away from the shaped surface.

Abstract: A safety valve mounted in a steam cleaner is provided. The safety valve comprises a cap assembly, an actuation assembly, and a lock assembly. A rotation of the cap is adapted to detach the cap assembly when the steam cleaner is not operating or steam pressure inside the steam cleaner has not reach a safety value since the legs of the clutch are engaged with the notches of the driving disk. Responsive to generated steam reaching the safety value, the steam passes through the valve to lift the pushing member for compressing both the actuating member and the spring and disengaging the legs from the notches prior to exiting the steam cleaner such that rotating the cap will not rotate the lock assembly.

Abstract: A surfboard lock is described being of unitary construction and including a lock body including two engagement members; the engagement members are movable from a retracted position to an extended position and may be locked in the extended position; in the retracted position the engagement members may be at least partially introduced into the finbox opening of a surfboard; in the extended position the engagement members may engage with the internal walls of the finbox opening to resist removal of the lock therefrom; and attachment means affixed to the lock body for attaching the lock to a sturdy object.

Abstract: An operating device for a motor vehicle lock having a door lock actuator includes a grip plate and a grip with one bearing arm that extends through the grip plate and is swivellably linked to a rear side of the grip plate via a bearing block by way of a plug-type shaft. A securing element for the plug-type shaft secures the latter against sliding-out. A protective covering, which at least partially covers the rear side of the grip plate, has at least one extension that serves as a securing element and is situated next to an end of the plug-type shaft.

Abstract: A magnetic lock comprises an actuation portion; a positioning seat having a slot at a rear end thereof for receiving the actuation portion and a circuit board; a tongue embedded at the slot at the lower end of the positioning seat and being fixed to the connecting sheet; the tongue being movable within the positioning seat; a retaining seat having a displace unit; a core embedded into the slot of the retaining seat and to combine with the displace unit; thereby the movable post, driving sheet, connecting sheet and tongue being interconnected. The magnetic lock is suitable for doors of various specifications. Furthermore, the magnetic lock has an open mode in power-on state and a close-mode in power-off state. Moreover, a pin serves to achieve the object of function setting modes. The magnetic lock has the functions of a mechanical lock and an electronic lock.

Abstract: A tool and method for installing collapsible inserts. The tool includes a stabilizing handle which is threaded onto a tool body. The tool body is threaded onto a tool shaft. In use, a collapsible insert is threaded onto the tool and the insert is positioned in a hole in a workpiece. An actuating handle of the tool is then rotated, while holding the stabilizing handle, to cause the collapsible insert to collapse, thereby installing the insert relative to the workpiece. Once the insert has been collapsed using the tool, the actuating handle is rotated in the opposite direction, while holding the stabilizing handle, to disengage the tool from the insert. Then, a hanger is threadably inserted into the collapsed insert and a threaded rod is threaded into the hanger. Alternatively, the threaded rod is directly threadably engaged with the collapsed insert, without need for a hanger.

Abstract: A coiler drum of a reversing rolling mill includes a work portion that engages a strip of metal being processed in the reversing rolling mill. The work portion includes an inner base surface and engaging strips that extend radially outward from the base surface. When the metal strip is engaged by the work portion, the metal strip does not contact the inner base surface, which has a surface area greater than 35 percent of the work surface. The engaging strips can be formed on the coiler drum by using weld overlays, inserts into slots, or by casting the engaging strips onto the coiler drum at the time the coiler drum is cast. The engaging strips may be laterally offset from one another and have a length less than 50 percent of the axial length of the work portion. The engaging strips may also be formed from a different material than the material of the work surface of the coiler drum.

Abstract: An improved method for producing slide seat and manufacture device, in which, one metal bar passes through the tamping drum groups arranged in tandem, apply the progressive model of slide seat mounted on the middle section of tamping drum to tamp gradually, meanwhile, the tamped metal bar is extruded so that the material is extruded towards the back section of the not extruded molding and is extended naturally, then apply one protruding edge that is similar to the inner mold of this embryonic form at the back section of molded embryonic form of slide seat, the protruding edge of this inner mold can extrude the inward concave track at inward side of slide seat when slide seat passes through this extending mold, as this slide seat is molded, this inward concave track is molded as well, the sliding faces of inner mold of this extending mold may smooth all edges of slide seat correspondingly so as to make smooth face without processing with milling cutter and roll-wheel-type-cutting knife, therefore, this improve

Abstract: A robotic turntable drive arrangement in a robotic roller hemming system includes a turntable having a top plate and a lower frame. The top plate is rotatable about the lower frame. The turntable further includes a plurality of lock positions. The arrangement also includes a robot having an arm adapted for engagement with the turntable top plate. Movement of the robot arm while the robot arm is engaged with the turntable top plate rotates the turntable top plate.

Abstract: A preshaping method for massive forming processes is proposed in which a fixed blank is deformed by at least one roll moving continuously forward along a predetermined contour.

Abstract: It is an object to realize and establish new extrusion technology for manufacturing a light-metal hollow member (product) having excellent mechanical properties with constant stability and also efficiently manufacturing the product having a strength satisfying a required level at low cost, by using a hollow die such as a bridge die. The object is achieved by dividing and joining/welding a light-metal material with a hollow extrusion die and then extruding the light-metal material to form in a desired cross-sectional shape through a die opening, wherein the strain level applied to the light-metal material after the joining/welding is maintained at 1.8 or more and the extrusion is performed.

Abstract: A bending tool (12) for bending workpieces, especially plate and sheet metal blanks includes at least one bending element (23) positioned on one side of a workpiece as well as a retainer device with clamping elements (14, 42) on opposite sides of the workpiece. For bending the workpiece, the retainer is moved, together with the workpiece clamped on it, relative to a bending element (23). In the process, the retainer device with the workpiece and the bending element (23) move relative to each other in a bending stroke which contains a component in the bending-stroke direction as well as a component in the transverse direction of the bending stroke. The direction of the bending stroke is controlled by at least one control element associated with the bending element (23) as well as at least one guide element associated with the equal-sided clamping element (42).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the deformation of workpieces, in particular for the plastic shaping of pipe ends, with a shaping unit actuated by the pressure of a fluid and with a prestressing unit arranged on a common longitudinal axis and actuated by the pressure of a fluid and also with clamping elements of conical design which can be clamped by means of the prestressing unit, in each case at least one separate pressure space being designed in the shaping unit and in the prestressing unit, which space can be pressurized independently of the pressure space of the other unit in each case. In this connection, the shaping unit and the prestressing unit are interconnected but completely closed off in relation to one another.

Abstract: The invention concerns a conveying device for sheet steel plates and for moving several sheets (1, 1?) inside or through a working zone (W; 50) wherein the sheets are machined. The inventive feeding device comprises first and second sheet feeders (10, 11; 20) which feed the sheets in controlled manner to the working zone (W) so that the sheets are machined with positional accuracy. The first sheet feeder (10, 11) is located on an input side of the tool zone and the second sheet feeder (20) is located on an output side of the tool zone. The two sheet feeders (10, 20; 11; 20) are mutually synchronized in their movements (x, y) when feeding forward the sheet (1), the sheet driven by the synchronous movement being maintained by the two sheet feeders. The invention provides the advantages of increased speed and safety. It is possible to increase the speed without the sheet being deformed or losing its flatness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for drawing continuous metallic wire having a first diameter to a metallic fiber having a reduced second diameter. A feed mechanism moves the wire at a first linear velocity. A laser beam heats a region of the wire to an elevated temperature. A draw mechanism draws the heated wire at a second and greater linear velocity for providing a drawn metallic fiber having the reduced second diameter.

Abstract: A blank is stretch formed into a formed piece by bending the blank over a stationary punch. A draw ring has a step that cooperates with a pad ledge to create a step-ledge. The blank is bent with a reverse bend at the step-ledge. Subsequently, the step-ledge travels a short distance relative to the punch to stretch the blank material. Step-ledge travel is achieved by pre-charged cylinders that travel slightly in response to a force exerted on the draw ring and step-ledge by the press ram after the blank is bent into the reverse bend. The formed piece is cut along a plane through a wall thereof to make a finished piece. The finished piece free edge remains stable and in the same position as when in the press. Consequently, the free edge can be readily aligned with and welded to the free edge of a second finished piece.

Abstract: A method of forming a radially expandable externally grooved tubular fastener from metal, comprising the steps of providing a suitable tubular blank (11) having a tubular wall (12) and squeezing the tubular wall between an internal member (17) with a surface which engages the internal tubular wall face (15) of the blank and a plurality of external members (18) provided with suitably shaped surfaces engaging the external tubular wall face (16) of the blank (11) thereby to form grooves (23) on the external tubular wall face (15) of the blank (11).

Abstract: The present invention is a hinge repair tool constructed from two, spaced apart pairs of modified vise grip or wrench pliers. A single, elongated, upper bar is connected to the respective top jaws of each of the pairs of pliers. Two lower bars are also connected to respective lower jaws of the two pairs of pliers. Each of the pairs of pliers is operative independently of one another, so that each of the respective lower bars can be repositioned relative to the common upper bar. The lower bars are separated from one another and a gap is formed therebetween. A rigid bar is connected to the handles of the two pairs of pliers to provide additional stability. The vise grip pliers each include a mechanism for locking the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw thereof.

Abstract: A crimp die set for use in a crimping tool is provided, including: a rotating crimp die having a plurality of differently sized male die parts; and a stationary female crimp die having a plurality of differently sized female nests which correspond to one or more of the plurality of male die parts, wherein a rotation of the rotating crimp die permits different crimping action to accommodate different terminal and wire sizes.

Abstract: A pressing tool includes at least two pressing jaws hinged together to enclose a workpiece having an inserted pipe end. The pressing tool also includes an opening area located between the at least two pressing jaws and at least one hinge pin arranged opposite the opening area. Further included is a pressing element located adjacent to the at least one hinge pin and arranged to be moved to the workpiece during a closing of the at least two pressing jaws.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas storage container has a canister with at least one outlet opening for charging and discharging gas, the canister enclosing a metal hydride capable of absorbing and desorbing hydrogen gas and a gauge for measuring the capacity of hydrogen remaining within the hydride material. To further permit distribution of the hydrogen throughout the hydride material, a porous matrix may be disposed within said metal hydride material for providing efficient distribution of hydrogen gas to said metal hydride material. The fuel gauge may further comprise subassemblies for determining the hydrogen capacity, each of which depends for operation on a different property of the metal hydride material.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel hydrogen sensors and methods for making same. In some embodiments, such novel hydrogen sensors are continuous-range hydrogen sensors comprising Pd—Ag nanoparticles arrayed as nanowires or two-dimensional shapes on a resistive surface. Such continuous-range hydrogen sensors are capable of measuring a wide range of hydrogen gas concentration over a wide temperature range. Unlike existing hydrogen sensors that experience a large change in resistance at a certain hydrogen concentration, the continuous-range hydrogen sensor of the present invention changes resistance continuously over a broad range of hydrogen concentration. This continuous change varies slowly with hydrogen concentration and is predictable such that the continuous-range hydrogen sensor can be used to measure hydrogen concentration continuously from a few ppm to 40,000 ppm level or higher over a broad range of temperatures (e.g., ?40° C. to +150° C.).

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for a chromatography system having a chromatographic column for separating gases in a mixture from one another and an electrochemical gas sensor coupled to the chromatographic column for detecting a gas being emitted from the column. The electrochemical gas sensor further includes a substrate having a surface for depositing electrodes thereon, an ionomer membrane in contact with the surface, an electrode in contact with the surface, and an opening in the ionomer membrane in a location proximate to the electrode for permitting a gas to diffuse through the opening to simultaneously contact the electrode and the ionomer membrane within the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for analysis of a petroleum product, specifically determining the viscosity of a sample, are disclose. The apparatus includes a sample reservoir for receiving a liquid sample and a pressure regulator for applying hyperbaric pressure to a sample within the reservoir. When pressure is applied to the sample reservoir, the sample is forced through a passageway and a pressure sensor monitors the pressure in the sample reservoir. A drop in the pressure can be used to determine when the reservoir is empty and sample viscosity can be calculated based on the time required to empty the reservoir.

Abstract: A rotor includes a plurality of vanes and is connected to a rotatable shaft of a motor arrangement. A casing includes a pump chamber and elongated holes. The pump chamber receives the rotor in such a manner that the rotor is eccentric to the pump chamber. Each elongated hole penetrates through the casing and has an elongated cross section. A major axis of the elongated cross section of each elongated hole extends in a direction of eccentricity of the rotor relative to the pump chamber. Each bolt is received through a corresponding elongated hole of the casing and is threadably engaged with a mount to connect the casing to the mount. The casing holds each bolt in a minor axial direction of the elongated cross section of the corresponding elongated hole to limit substantial movement of the male threaded screw member in the minor axial direction of the elongated hole.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle having a plurality of inflatable tires includes a plurality of rotation sensors that generate rotation signals based on a rotation of each of the tires and a pressure sensor that is responsive to a pressure within one of the tires and that generates a pressure signal based on the pressure. A control module receives the pulse signals and the pressure signal and that detects a low pressure condition of at least one of the tires based on the pressure signal and the pulse signals.

Abstract: A damping section, for an aerodynamic wind tunnel having a test section defined by a nozzle mouth at an upstream end and a collector mouth at a downstream end, is adapted to conform to a perimeter of the collector mouth and extend in the downstream end of the test section, and includes a slotted section adapted to dissipate irregularities in the flow of air at the perimeter of the collector mouth.

Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and methods for dissolution or immersion testing and, in particular, a device and methods that improve the consistency of test results by limiting the ability of pharmaceutical or other dosage forms to move or reorient during testing.

Abstract: MEMS Sensor Systems and Methods are provided. In one embodiment, a method for producing a six degree of freedom inertial sensor is provided. The method comprises fabricating a first silicon wafer segment having at least one inertial sensor pair, the at least one inertial sensor pair comprising one or both of a pair of orthogonally oriented accelerometers and a pair of orthogonally oriented gyroscopes; fabricating a second silicon wafer segment having at least one inertial sensor, the at least one inertial sensor comprising one or both of an accelerometer and a gyroscope; assembling together the first silicon wafer segment and the second silicon wafer segment such that the at least one inertial sensor pair and the at least one inertial sensor are oriented orthogonal to each other; and bonding the first silicon wafer segment to the second silicon wafer segment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the velocity of ultrasonic surface skimming longitudinal waves on various materials are described herein. In embodiments, a surface skimming longitudinal wave is generated at a first location on a material, at least a portion of that wave is detected at a second location on the material, the time-of-flight of that wave between the first and second locations is determined, and then the velocity of that wave is determined. One or more crystallographic orientations of the material may then be determined based upon that velocity.

Abstract: A gauge is provided for monitoring pressure of air or other gases within a tire or other gas containing chamber. A gauge includes a receiver attachable to a valve stem of the tire. A valve core is also provided on the gauge through which fill air can be directed. In this way, the gauge does not need to be removed during filling of the tire with air. A pathway extends from the valve core to the receiver within the gauge. A pressure sensor, such as a Bourdon tube, is coupled to this pathway and monitors pressure within the tire. A sensor protector is located within the path and adjacent the Bourdon tube or other pressure sensor to protect the Bourdon tube or other pressure sensor from over-pressure air or other gases that could damage the Bourdon tube or other pressure sensor.

Abstract: A flow measurement apparatus is provided that combines the functionality of an apparatus that uses strain-based sensors and ultrasonic sensors to measure the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe, and measure pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters and an ultrasonic meter portion to measure the velocity and volumetric flow of the fluid. In response to an input signal or internal logic, the processor can manually or dynamically switch between the pressure sensors and ultrasonic sensors to measure the parameters of the flow.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid measurement instrument is capable of highly accurate fluid measurement. A measurement part is provided forming a plurality of split channels partitioned by partition boards halfway across a fluid channel, and at least a pair of ultrasonic transmitter-receivers for transmitting ultrasonic waves into the fluid flowing through the split channels and receiving ultrasonic waves that have passed through the fluid. Further, an arithmetic unit calculates the flow velocity and/or flow volume of the fluid according to the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves. The measurement part further includes an approach channel for preliminarily rectifying the fluid flowing to the split channels.

Abstract: A seat weight measuring device reduces the temperature difference generated between the resistances of measuring gauges, even when a sudden ambient temperature change occurs. Heat due to ambient temperature is transferred through a column. As a washer interposed between a sensor plate and a nut and a washer interposed between the sensor plate and the column are composed of a material having low heat conductivity and providing electrical insulation, the heat transferred through the column is prevented from being transferred to the sensor plate by the washers. Accordingly, even when the ambient temperature changes suddenly, the temperature difference between the resistances of the strain gauges is reduced. Moreover, the washers provide electrical insulation between the sensor plate and the column.

Abstract: A sensor pad for controlling the deployment of an automobile airbag. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in the seat 54 of an automobile, (not illustrated), to detect the presence of an occupant on the seat. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in conjunction with the vehicle's airbag control module in order to allow deployment of the airbag, in the event of a collision, only if the seat is occupied by a person of a preselected weight. Weight sensing pad 10 is defined by a bladder member 15 having an interior volume subdivided into a plurality of individual cells 42 in fluid communication with each other and that is filled with a non-compressible fluid 18, such as silicon or a silica gel of medium viscosity. A pressure tube 22 is in fluid communication with bladder 15 and is in further fluid communication with a pressure activated electronic transducer 26 which in turn is in electronic communication with the airbag controller 30.

Abstract: A torque detection system is provided for detecting torque applied to a rotary shaft. A spring element is connected to an input and output shaft. As torque is applied to the shaft system, the input shaft is rotationally offset from the output shaft and a sensing system is provided for sensing the amount of rotational offset which is then correlated to a rotational torque level.

Abstract: A test fixture facilitates the laboratory testing of windshield wiper blades for vehicles. The test fixture includes a base frame on which are mounted a number of windshield wiper arms oriented generally parallel for engagement with a stainless steel test surface. Positionally adjustable supports are mounted on the base frame to configure the test surface by varying the curvature of the test surface, as well as the overall length thereof, to permit simulation of a large variety of automotive windshields for test purposes. The test fixture also includes a wiper arm mounting device that can be manipulated to vary the wiper arm load to the wiper blade on the test surface. Adjustments in the spring force exerted on the wiper blade allow variances in the application of a biasing force on the wiper blade in conjunction with changes in the attack angle.