Abstract: An expansion-and-compressor device of a fluid machine has a pump mode operation in which the expansion-and-compressor device is rotated by a driving force from a driving source to compress working fluid, and a motor mode operation in which the fluid pressure is converted into energy of movement to output kinetic energy. The fluid machine further has a transmission device for transmitting the driving force from the driving source with increased rotational speed, when the expansion-and-compressor device is operated in the pump mode operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump apparatus having an internal sump formed by a housing having an internal portion and an end cap secured to the housing. A rotatable cylinder block is located in the sump and driven by an input shaft extending into the housing. The pump apparatus also has a system of hydraulic porting in fluid communication with the cylinder block. The porting includes a pair of system ports located on a first side of the hydraulic pump apparatus, a fluid inlet on a second side of the hydraulic pump apparatus, opposite the first side, and a bypass valve positioned on the second side adjacent to the fluid inlet.

Abstract: A large-diameter bore portion is formed in a portion defining a pressure chamber in a cylinder body on a side opposite to a circumferential groove relative to a slidable inner-diameter portion. A communication groove capable of allowing communication between the circumferential groove and the large-diameter bore portion is formed in an upper portion of the slidable inner-diameter portion. A point of maximum depth of the communication groove is located radially outward of a bottom of the circumferential groove. The master cylinder of the present invention is capable of preventing the supply of a brake fluid from being restricted in an evacuation process, and enables a reduction in length to be machined of the communication groove, thus reducing the time for machining and suppressing an increase in cost.

Abstract: A pressure intensifier for generating a relatively large force includes a plurality of pistons driven in advancing and retracting directions. The pressure intensifier includes a rod selectively drivable into a cavity to amplify the force acting on one of the pistons. A valve limits fluid flow to control the rate of movement of one of the pistons.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement (10) for controlling an electrically operated charger (1), which essentially prevent a sudden drop in voltage with the run-up of the electric charger. A drive signal (AS) is formed, which drives the electric charger (1). The rate of change of speed for an increase of the rpm of the electric charger (1) is pregiven in dependence upon the instantaneous supply voltage (UV).

Abstract: A variable geometry pre-mixing fuel injector (50) for injecting a fuel/air mix in a downstream direction, comprising: an air inlet (60); a fuel inlet (58) positioned downstream of the air inlet (60); a duct (56) extending at least downstream of the fuel inlet (58) to define a fuel and air pre-mixing zone (62), that narrows to form an opening (64); and means for varying the flow of fuel/air mix from the pre-mixing zone (62) through the opening (64).

Abstract: A gas turbine system comprises a compressor that takes in suction air on the inlet side and compresses it to compressor end air that is available on the outlet side, a combustor in which a fuel is burned by using the compressor end air while resulting in the formation of hot gas, as well as a turbine in which the hot gas is expanded while providing work output. In a method for cooling this gas turbine system, compressed air is removed from the compressor, is fed as cooling air for cooling inside an internal cooling channel through thermally loaded components of the combustor and/or the turbine, is then compressed and added to the compressor end air. An improved cooling without disadvantage for the efficiency of the system is achieved in that, in the manner of a targeted leakage, a small part of the cooling air is fed for film cooling into the turbine stream through drilled film cooling openings provided on the components.

Abstract: An ice cube maker has an ice tray, a thermoelectric cooling chip, a heat sink and a fan sequentially mounted together. The ice tray has a top surface and multiple recesses formed in the top surface. When liquid is placed in the recesses in the ice tray, the thermoelectric cooling chip freezes the liquid and forms ice cubes. The ice cube maker allows people who do have a refrigerator to make ice cubes. The ice cubes do not have any strange smell.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling a component within a housing adapted for subsurface disposal using a vortex tube. The housing contains a first pressure chamber; a vortex tube coupled to the first pressure chamber; a cooling chamber coupled to the vortex tube; and a second pressure chambercoupled to the cooling chamber; wherein the pressure chambers are adapted to stimulate a cool fluid flow from the vortex tube into the cooling chamber. A cooling method entails disposing the component to be cooled within the cooling chamber and adapting the system pressure chambers to stimulate a cool fluid flow from a vortex tube into the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic cooling system for cooling an object such as a microelectronic chip. Heat produced by the object is transferred to a thermoacoustic engine. The thermoacoustic engine may include a resonator defining a chamber. A stack may be positioned in the chamber with one side of the stack adjacent to the heat source, and the opposite side of the stack adjacent to air in the chamber having a relatively cooler temperature. One or more orifices may be formed in the resonator such that the acoustic power generated by the thermoacoustic engine creates a synthetic jet to circulate air and move the air away from the object being cooled. Thus, the heat produced by the object is used to power the thermoacoustic engine to thereby remove heat from the object. The thermoacoustic engine may use no moving parts and may require no external power source other than the object being cooled.

Abstract: A regenerative refrigeration system includes one or more control devices that utilize micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Such MEMS devices may be small in size, on a scale such that it can be introduced into a refrigeration system, such as a cryocooler, without appreciably affecting the size or mass of the refrigeration system. Through the use of MEMS devices, dynamic control of the system may be achieved without need for disassembly of the system or making the system bulky. Suitable regenerative refrigeration systems for use with the MEMS devices include pulse tube coolers, Stirling coolers, and Gifford-McMahon coolers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling method for cooling a superconducting coil assembly in a MR apparatus, wherein the superconducting coil assembly 10 is cooled using a cooling agent 41, 42 which is in thermal contact with the superconducting coil assembly in a cooling chamber 20, the cooling agent being cooled by a refrigerator 50. The method comprises the steps of transferring (S2) cooling agent from the cooling chamber to a cooling agent storage when a predetermined temperature is exceeded in at least a part of the cooling agent in the cooling chamber, and returning (S4) cooling agent from the cooling agent storage to the cooling chamber when the temperature of at least a part of the cooling agent in the cooling chamber is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature. The invention also relates to a cooling device for performing the cooling method and to an MR apparatus with such a cooling device.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid distribution device may include a fluid flow passage for distributing cryogenic fluid to an apparatus, an overflow passage positioned downstream of the apparatus, and a sensor coupled to the overflow passage, the sensor having an active component for determining if fluid is present in the overflow passage.

Abstract: A superconducting magnet system wherein a cryocooler provides refrigeration to a cryogenic shield for the superconducting magnet and a heat pipe extends from the cryogenic shield to a cryogen vessel for the provision of supplementary refrigeration.

Abstract: A method and a device for cooling a mass of meat-, tissue-, vegetable- and/or fruit-containing substance in a container, in particular a mixer, blender or mill, using liquefied nitrogen (N2) which is supplied in the lower region of the container at a constant working pressure via at least one nozzle. During the cooling process and/or in stoppage times, the nitrogen is briefly supplied to the nozzle or, via the latter, into the container by means of at least one pressure pulse that is increased in relation to the working pressure. The pulsed supply of pressurized nitrogen blows blocked and/or iced-up nozzles free again and thus ensures a more reliable operation of cooling a mass of a substance. This method and device are suitable, in particular, for use in foodstuff technology.

Abstract: A method and system for an improved display case, comprising a display case having air flow paths for circulating air around one or more objects displayable in a display area in the display case, and one or more ultraviolet radiation elements suitably positioned within the air paths for sanitizing the circulating air to reduce the amount of airborne contaminants therein. The display case may comprise a produce display case, meats display case, vegetables display case, floral display case, dairy display case, a frozen foods display case, or a similar type case.

Abstract: Apparatus transports rod(s) of ice of flaked or chipped ice through a tube to a remote ice bin, in which the ice is broken into nuggets. A method of cleaning the transport tube is also provided in which ice pushes a dry conformable article and a wet conformable articles carrying sanitizing solution through the tube, with the conformable articles preferably being sponges, and with the wet article sanitizing algae, bacteria, etc. during movement through the tube, and with the dry conformable article scraping debris from wall(s) of the tube during transport.

Abstract: Backup refrigeration is provided to a cryogenic refrigeration system comprising multiple cooling loops using a single backup coolant storage vessel. The backup coolant storage vessel is in fluid communication with at least one of the cooling loops, and the cooling loops are in fluid communication with each other. Each cooling loop, in turn, is in fluid communication with a refrigeration unit. In the event of lost coolant from one of the loops, coolant, e.g., liquid nitrogen, is transferred from the other loops to the loop that lost coolant, and the backup coolant storage vessel releases backup coolant into the system.

Abstract: A refrigerant bypassing and filtering apparatus of an air conditioner is disclosed which is capable of effectively removing foreign matter such as slag produced in a refrigerant line, not only when the air conditioner is initially operated, but also during normal operation of the air conditioner. The apparatus includes at least one bypass line adapted to guide a refrigerant to bypass a main line through which the refrigerant flows between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, a strainer arranged at the bypass line, a first valve arranged at the main line between opposite ends of the bypass line connected to the main line, and second valves arranged at the bypass line.

Abstract: An electric refrigerator comprising a cooling space in which a temperature sensor is arranged and which is closable by a heat-insulating door. The temperature sensor is connected to a device which regulates the cooling temperature and is adjustable by a temperature-setting device. The temperature sensor and the regulating device are disposed separately from the temperature-setting device inside or preferably outside the cooling space.

Abstract: A heat pump is operable in a heating mode and a cooling mode and includes two identical heat exchangers. The heat exchangers alternate between operating as a condenser and an evaporator as the heat pump switches between the heating mode and the cooling mode. The heat exchangers include a fluid passageway for directing a refrigerant therethrough and a bypass bisecting the fluid passageway into a first portion and a second portion. A valve interconnects the first portion and the second portion of the fluid passageway and the bypass for directing the refrigerant through the first portion of the fluid passageway and into the bypass to prevent refrigerant flow through the second portion of the fluid passageway when the heat exchanger is operable as the evaporator.

Abstract: A refrigerating system for a refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a compressor that compresses refrigerant, a condenser connected to the compressor that condenses compressed refrigerant, an expansion valve connected to the condenser that expands condensed refrigerant, freezing chamber and refrigerating chamber evaporators connected to the expansion valve that cool air in a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber by using refrigerant, respectively, and a regulating valve between the condenser and the refrigerating chamber evaporator that regulates refrigerant supply to the refrigerating chamber evaporator, thereby providing a refrigerating system for a refrigerator having high efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indoor unit for an air conditioner to solve drain problem of condensed water. The indoor unit includes: a lower frame provided with a suction inlet through which exterior air is inhaled; a middle frame spaced upward apart from the lower frame by a predetermined distance; an indoor heat exchanger for performing heat exchange; and a drain pan for collecting and draining condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger, the drain pan being mounted selectively on the lower frame or the middle frame.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises: a body having a storage chamber and a mechanical chamber; a base plate arranged in the mechanical chamber without a direct contact with the body, and having a compressor; a first supporting member coupled to the body and supporting the body; and a second supporting member installed at a bottom of the base plate and supporting the base plate. A load of the body and a load of components inside the mechanical chamber are individually supported, so that vibration generated from the compressor, etc. is prevented from being transmitted to the body.

Abstract: This invention is for a highly efficient heat transfer unit and method for heat transfer for an air conditioning refrigeration unit. The invention has a plurality of condenser coils that stand generally vertically upright (with up to 20° tilt to optimize downward water flow with air being pulled across) between a splash louver and an evaporative fill material. The evaporative fill material and the splash louver transfer heat from the water by air cross flow to make the air conditioning unit very efficient and reduces the amount of copper coils needed. The condenser coils are cooled by water flowing down through them and into a sump. The condenser coils are also cooled by air pulled across them by a fan mounted on the top of the air conditioning unit. The sump in the bottom of the unit has a wall that directs the water in it to a water pump that then sends the water to the water distribution pipe.

Abstract: A machine mounting adapter accommodates mounting of a variety of differently dimensioned machines on top of a standard sized base machine, and in particular enables any one of a number of differently sized ice machines to be mounted on top of a given ice dispenser. The adapter includes both a specially configured cover that replaces a standard cover normally found on the ice dispenser and a pair of rigid bars that together with the specially configured cover are supported on a top perimeter edge defined around an open upper end of an ice retaining bin of the ice dispenser. An ice machine mounts on top of the cover with an ice drop hole in the cover providing access for ice made by the ice machine to enter the bin.

Abstract: An icemaker for an ice supply system for preventing water from overflowing from the ice tray by vibration and/or shaking of the surrounding structure includes an icemaker, a container provided at a lower part of the icemaker and an ice chute for supplying the ice stored in the ice container. An ejector in the ice tray of the icemaker and a dropper device having an inclined upper surface at a side of the open top of the ice tray are provided for dropping the ice discharged upwardly by the ejector. The dropper has no gap or slot through which the ejector passes to prevent water overflow through the dropper. An overflow prevention device is provided at another side of the open top of the ice tray for preventing water filled in the ice tray from overflowing.

Abstract: A cargo container includes an outer aluminum housing having side, rear, bottom and top walls and a front opening with a pair of hinged doors. The housing receives a molded box-shaped composite outer shell which receives a molded box-shaped composite inner shell defining a cargo chamber. Corresponding walls of the inner and outer shells and the doors confine insulation cassettes each including vacuum insulation panels forming layers separated by a foam sheet and covered by corrugated plastic sheets, all wrapped with plastic film. Air is circulated within the chamber through a refrigeration evaporator and electrical heating elements, and a rear portion of the housing encloses a refrigeration compressor, storage batteries and a control system which senses the temperature within the chamber to operate the compressor and heating element from the batteries or an external power source to maintain substantially constant preselected temperatures within the chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed, by which a specific part of a freezer room and/or a specific part of a cold storage room can be adjusted. The refrigerator includes a body having a cold storage room and a freezer room, an evaporator provided to the body to generate cold air, a plurality of racks partitioning each of the cold storage and freezer rooms into a plurality of chambers, and at least one adjustment device provided to each rear portion of the racks, the at least one adjustment device configured to adjust a quantity of the cold air supplied to each of the chambers.

Abstract: To reduce the degree of influence of differential pressure on a pilot valve of a constant flow rate expansion valve. The constant flow rate expansion valve comprises a restriction passage for restricting the flow rate of refrigerant introduced from a refrigerant inlet port, a main valve for controlling the flow rate of refrigerant having flowed out from the restriction passage for discharging the refrigerant to a refrigerant outlet port, a piston for actuating the main valve in the valve-opening/closing direction by the differential pressure between intermediate pressure on the inlet port side of the main valve and pressure in a pressure chamber formed on the opposite side of the main valve, and a pilot valve for sensing the differential pressure proportional to the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the restriction passage, thereby controlling the pressure in the pressure chamber set by a solenoid.

Abstract: The present invention provides generally a method and apparatus for purifying a liquid. More particularly, purification of a bulk liquid is performed by introducing a liquid stream to a purification vessel, which comprises both a distillation chamber for forming a purified vapor and an annular chamber for collecting a purified liquid that is condensed from the purified vapor. A refrigerant system provides thermodynamic efficiency in the purification method by directing waste heat generated in one part of the refrigerant system for heating duty in another part of the refrigerant system. The method and apparatus can be applied to producing purified carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, ammonia and fluorocarbons.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for cooling a compressed gas stream which utilizes one or more elongated vessels having a substantially vertical orientation. Each vessel has one compartment for indirect heat exchange between the compressed gas stream and a cooling stream and a second compartment for direct contact between the compressed gas stream and a liquid stream. The two compartments are separated by a barrier, which allows for upward passage of air, but prevents the downward passage of liquid. The design permits one to use the heat present in the compressed air efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention provides a knitting method of a tubular knitted fabric with a projection part having stretch and a supporting performance and formed in an arbitrary shape and at an arbitrary location by using a flat knitting machine. The method comprises the step 1 of knitting a knitted fabric in a tubular form joined at both ends of a knitting width by a rib knitting, while inserting an elastic yarn in the tubular body by an inlay, and the step 2 of knitting only a part for the projection part to be formed on at least either of a front side of the tubular knitted fabric and a back side of the same by a flechage knitting, the step 1 and the step 2 being repeatedly carried out.

Abstract: A washing and drying machine of the present invention includes a water tub elastically supported in a housing; a rotary drum being rotatably mounted in the water tub; a heat pump having a compressor, a heat radiator, a throttle valve, a heat absorber, a pipework, and an air guide duct for guiding air to the heat absorber and the heat radiator; an air passageway provided to the water tub for allowing the air to flow into the rotary drum; a blower for forcing the air heated by the heat radiator to flow through the air passageway into the rotary drum; and a flexible connection member. The flexible connection member connects the air passageway to the air guide duct.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes an outer tub configured to store washing water, an inner tub rotatably mounted in the outer tub, a pulsator configured to form a water circulation for washing laundry, and a motor installed under the outer tub and configured to rotate the inner tub and the pulsator. The motor is configured to vary a rotation speed of the inner tub and the pulsator, such that the laundry is washed by a combination of modes.

Abstract: A front loading washing machine with a housing, a sudsing container and a drum having openings in substantially coaxial alignment, the sudsing container and the housing being connected by a folding bellows surrounding marginal portions of their respective openings and provided with a crease. An extension protruding into a gap between the crease and the rim of the opening of the drum, with the rim, the upper end of the extension and a portion of the crease being in at least partial coaxial alignment.

Abstract: Method for controlling a full automatic washing machine, the method comprising a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle, wherein the washing or the rinsing cycle includes the step of rotating an inner tub at a high speed higher than a preset speed in one direction, thereby making a centrifugal force caused by high speed rotation of the inner tub, to push laundry against a wall of the inner tub, to enforce washing water in the inner tub to penetrate through the laundry at a speed higher than required to make the washing done, and to pump the washing water penetrated through the laundry and discharged into an outer tub upward, to recirculate to the inner tub.

Abstract: A self-powered electric lock includes a lock bolt and a first engagement element having disengaged and engageable positions. An electric actuator includes an output operative to move the first engagement element to its engageable position. A manually operated rotatable member is operatively coupled to the first engagement element when the first engagement element is in its engageable position. A lock bolt drive mechanism is coupled to the lock bolt and to the first engagement element when the first engagement element is in its engageable position. The movable output moves the first engagement element to its engageable position upon input of correct electronic data. An electricity generator is coupled to the manually operated rotatable member. The electricity powers the electric actuator and an electronic data input device. The manually operated rotatable member is also used to actuate the lock bolt drive mechanism and retract the lock bolt.

Abstract: The golf club hosel bending fixture immovably secures a golf club head therein in order to adjustably bend the hosel angle of the club head to “fine tune” the characteristics of the club. The fixture includes an angularly articulating crown jaw assembly, a relatively fixed lower jaw assembly generally opposite the crown jaw assembly, a longitudinally disposed back jaw assembly, and a club head face jaw disposed at the base of the crown jaw track in order to remain aligned with the crown jaw. The jaw clamp and base mechanisms are laterally symmetrical, in order to provide for both left- and right-hand club heads. Two orthogonal gauges are provided to check both loft and lie angles of the hosel relative to the club head and face. The gauges may be adjustably positioned to either side of the fixture, to check either left- or right-hand club heads.

Abstract: A flexible bushing for a cam follower, comprising a substantially rigid inner sleeve including an inner cam follower engaging surface, a length of the inner sleeve being greater than a thickness of a ram into which the flexible bushing is inserted, a substantially rigid outer sleeve including an outer ram engaging surface, a length of the outer sleeve being substantially equal to the thickness of the ram, the inner and outer sleeves being substantially concentric, and a shock absorbing flexible material disposed between the inner and outer sleeves.

Abstract: A reforming assembly for simultaneously reforming and reprofiling a bottom portion of a metallic container is provided. The reforming assembly generally includes a roller block having a pair of reform rollers and two pairs of outside reprofile rollers. A biasing means is operably interconnected to the reform rollers, such that the reform rollers extend to contact the inner surface of the bottom portion of the container when contacted by the bottom portion of the container. The outside reprofile rollers engage with an outer surface of the bottom portion of the container. The container reforming assembly is rotated, while maintaining the container body in a static non-rotating position, to create an internal can profile on the inner surface by the pair of reform rollers, and an external can profile on the outer surface by the outside reprofile rollers.

Abstract: A sheet of material (21, 61, 81) formed for control bending along a bend line (23, 63) while maintaining a continuous web of material (26) across the bend line (23, 63). The sheet has at least one groove (22, 62, 82) formed therein with a central groove portion (24, 64, 84) extending in the direction of and positioned proximate to a desired bend line (23, 63). The groove is formed with a continuous web of material (26) at a bottom of the groove (22, 62, 82) and has a configuration defining at least one bending strap (27, 67) extending across the bending line (23, 63) at the end of the groove with a centerline (28) of the bending strap (27, 67) oriented obliquely across the bend line (23, 63) so that a balancing of the forces during bending of the web along the central portion (24, 64, 84) of the grooves and bending of the oblique bending strap occur and control the location of bending of the sheet.

Abstract: The instrument panel gauge assembly includes an applique having gauge graphics printed thereon and a needle pointer for a gauge assembly positioned adjacent thereto. A transparent chaplet is formed within the applique to allow light to pass through. The needle passes over the chaplet as the needle moves. When the needle is positioned directly in front of the chaplet, light is blocked from passing through the chaplet. A light sensing element is positioned behind the applique to detect the presence of light passing through the chaplet. A light baffle guides light passing through the chaplet to the light sensing element. A controller receives a signal from the light sensing element indicating when the needle pointer is directly in front of the chaplet. The controller then compares the actual input to the gauge with the position of the needle pointer, calculates a correction factor, and calibrates the gauge accordingly.

Abstract: A method for analyzing gas concentration using doubly resonant photoacoustic spectroscopy, and a doubly resonant photaoacoustic gas detector comprising: i) a continuous wave light beam whose wavelength coincides with an absorption wavelength of a gaseous analyte; ii) a closed path optical cavity having at least two reflective surfaces; iii) an acoustic resonator chamber contained within said optical cavity, and comprising an acoustic sensor for detecting sound waves generated by a gaseous analyte present within said chamber, the light beam passing sequentially into, through and out of said chamber, and being repeatedly reflected back and forth through said chamber, and being modulated at a frequency which is equal to or equal to one-half of an acoustic resonance frequency of said acoustic resonator chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the energy (KNKE) of the knock of an internal combustion engine, using an analog signal supplied by a sensor fixed to the engine. The inventive method includes the following steps: a) the analog signal is shaped, b) the analog signal is converted into a sequence of digital samples, c) the signal is subjected to digital filtering, and d) the signal is adjusted and e) integrated. According to the method: i) the shaping of the analog signal includes combining the signal with a continuous component (Vcnf) adapted to render the shaped signal a positive signal or a zero signal, and ii) the digital filtering is carried out by a band-pass filter with an infinite impulse response, the transfer function thereof including a zero for the zero frequencies.

Abstract: A system and method for testing plumbing systems for leaks by which the original plumbing system is cleaned and flushed using ambient temperature water followed by cleaning and flushing with pressurized recirculating elevated temperature water to filter debris and contaminants, shocking the plumbing system with elevated temperature and high pressure surges followed by a hydrostatic pressure test designed to expose the existence of any leaks in the plumbing system in the rough plumbing stage of construction prior to enclosing the plumbing system in a structure.

Abstract: A method and system for determining properties of a fluid involves interacting the fluid with a standing wave in a first state to establish the standing wave in a second state, analyzing an electric signal associated with the standing wave to determine a characteristic associated with the second state, and determining the property of the fluid by comparing the characteristic with a function that associates a plurality of properties with a corresponding plurality of characteristics. The characteristic can include a maximum phase slope, a phase slope associated with a resonant frequency, a maximum magnitude associated with the resonant frequency, the value of the resonant frequency, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A moisture detection system includes a moisture detector having a first electrical conductor, a first substrate having the first electrical conductor disposed on one surface thereof, a spacing layer coupled to the other surface of the first substrate, a second substrate having one surface thereof coupled to a surface of the spacing layer opposite the first substrate, and an electrically conductive layer disposed on a surface of a substrate opposite the spacing layer. A second electrical conductor can be disposed on the same surface of the first substrate as the first electrical conductor. The first and second electrical conductors can define interdigitated fingers. Circuitry is provided for stimulating the first electrical conductor with a predetermined frequency oscillator signal and for outputting a control signal that is responsive to the response of the first electrical conductor to the oscillator signal and an amount of moisture adjacent the first electrical conductor.

Abstract: A method of detecting a convexity present on a surface of a belt-shaped member (belt) or a roll-shaped member (roller), includes frictionizing (abrading) a surface of the member with a plate, and detecting at least one of (1) a vibration generated on the plate or (2) a change of pressure applied to the plate, to detect the convexity on the surface of the member.

Abstract: A method for determining the piston stroke of a reciprocating piston machine having a variable stroke, for example a swashplate compressor, a pivoting plate compressor or a pivoting ring compressor, especially for air-conditioning installations in motor vehicles.