Abstract: Method for making snow wherein snow is made within a closed environment by discharging water droplets into a body of air maintained by air conditioning means at a temperature and humidity such as to turn the water droplets into snow, falling on to a surface including coolant pipes which are covered with a layer of snow, the coolant being at a lower temperature than the air temperature such that there is a temperature gradient in the snow layer of the order of 0.1 degrees centigrade per centimeter depth, whereby during the initial part of the process a small quantity of small droplets is discharged to provide nucleating particles, and thereafter a larger quantity of droplets is discharged and whereby incoming air to be discharged into the body of air is drawn over cold surfaces.

Abstract: An ice/beverage dispenser is characterized by an ice/beverage dispensing machine having an integral ice making capacity. An icemaker of the dispenser and the ice and beverage dispensing portion share an evaporator that that is utilized both for chilling beverage water for dispensing and for making ice. The evaporator is efficiently utilized in that one side of it is used for making ice and both sides of it are used for chilling water. The present invention uses a processor based control circuit that operates the refrigeration system between ice-making and water chilling modes in such manner as to ensure that cold beverages will always be served. The ice/beverage dispenser also includes a system for quickly combining and separating the ice making and beverage dispensing water supply, water drain and electrical functions.

Abstract: A compressor and heat pump combination has an active chamber and a passive chamber, each with its own hot plate and cold plate. The two chambers are joined along an edge by a membrane that largely transmits pressure, largely insulates against temperature transfer, and prevents passage of gases from one chamber to the other. The gas in the active chamber is alternately cooled and heated by exposure to the active cold and active hot plates, causing pressure changes in the active chamber that are transmitted to the passive chamber by the membrane. The pressure changes alternately cool the gas in the passive chamber below the temperature of the passive cold plate, and heat the gas in the passive chamber above the temperature of the passive hot plate. In alternately exposing the cooled gas in the passive chamber to the passive cold plate, and the heated gas in the passive chamber to the passive hot plate, heat is forced to flow from the passive cold plate to the passive hot plate.

Abstract: A cooling medium compressor arrangement is comprised of a compressor, a control mechanism electrically connected with the compressor, and a gas sensor, and the safety of the arrangement is improved by arranging the control mechanism and the gas sensor in a common housing.

Abstract: Parameters are set in accordance with a running condition of a vehicle and an environmental condition based on a wiper operation signal of the vehicle. The parameters are used to calculate a stable vehicle interior surface temperature Tna of a window glass. The stable vehicle interior surface temperature Tna and a vehicle interior surface temperature Tn1 calculated at previous sampling are used to calculate a vehicle interior surface temperature Tn in a transient state considering response delay time ? of temperature change. A control temperature, at which no dew is formed on the window glass, is determined in accordance with the obtained vehicle interior surface temperature Tn to perform air conditioning control.

Abstract: An evaporator and associated food pan refrigerator, such as sandwich-top refrigerators and those used for salads, seafood, ice cream, condiments, and so forth. The food pan refrigerator includes a number of food pans set into the top surface of the refrigerator. The angled fan housing blows the refrigerated air exiting the evaporator evenly across the bottom of the food pans, resulting in even cooling of all pans. In addition, the angled fans effectively and efficiently circulate the air from the fans to the warmest section in the front of the refrigerator and then to the air return located at the bottom of the evaporator. The result is an improved evaporator and associated food pan refrigerator that cools the food pans more evenly and efficiently than prior food pan refrigerators.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a built-in type outdoor unit for an air conditioner to provide an efficient installation structure for installing the outdoor unit increased in capacity due to high air conditioning capacity in a built-in type.

Abstract: A mass and heat exchanger includes at least one first substrate with a surface for supporting a continuous flow of a liquid thereon that either absorbs, desorbs, evaporates or condenses one or more gaseous species from or to a surrounding gas; and at least one second substrate operatively associated with the first substrate. The second substrate includes a surface for supporting the continuous flow of the liquid thereon and is adapted to carry a heat exchange fluid therethrough, wherein heat transfer occurs between the liquid and the heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing excess moisture from the evaporator coils of an air-conditioning system in which the moisture is removed from the evaporator coils by vibrating the coils. The coils may be vibrated by mechanical or acoustic devices such as solenoid plungers and acoustic transducers.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a cabinet, at least one door and a chilled water dispenser. The at least one door is mounted to the cabinet for movement between a closed position and an open position. The chilled water dispenser includes a nozzle extending from the cabinet. The dispenser is associated with the door and is accessible when the door is in its closed position.

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

Abstract: A transportable cooler comprises a bottom panel having lateral and transverse edge portions and a plurality of upright panels attached thereto and extending upward therefrom forming a vessel with an interior adapted to hold fluid. The plurality of upright panels includes a front panel having a front surface and plurality of pockets extending from the front surface to the interior of the vessel. A lid provides access to the interior for filling the cooler with ice. The ice cools each pocket to chill a beverage container inserted in the pocket.

Abstract: An electrohydrodynamic evaporator device (EHD) has an EHD electrode. An electric field is generated upon a fluid of low conductivity inside the evaporator device and an enhanced thermal transport effect is then achieved since a thermal boundary layer near a thermal transport surface is caused to have a greater perturbation while a very small voltage drop. With the EHD utilized, size, weight, cost and required refrigerant amount of the evaporator device are reduced. Further, thermal transport efficiency of the alternative refrigerant is improved, making the EHD evaporator device in compliance with associated refrigerant regulations made by CFC and achieve the purposes of environmental protection and energy saving.

Abstract: An plant unit for fractionating and purifying synthesis gas is described, which is comprised of a device for partially condensing synthesis gas and a device for nitrogen washing, whereat the device for nitrogen washing is adjacent to the device for partial condensation.

Abstract: An eternity band having a multi-stone circular setting in combination with gemstones or diamonds. The circular setting includes a plurality of U-shaped seats being connected in series to form a circular configuration; and each of the U-shaped seats form a seating area for receiving and mounting a gemstone therein. Each of the U-shaped seats include an inner U-shaped member and an outer U-shaped member. A plurality of the inner U-shaped members is connected in series to form an inner wall; and a plurality of the outer U-shaped members is connected in series to form an outer wall. Each of the inner and outer U-shaped members has two upstanding prongs which are shared with an adjacent U-shaped seat for holding adjacent gemstones so the side wall surfaces of adjacent gemstones touch each other and provide a continuous appearance. Each of the upstanding prongs are bent inwardly for engaging the side wall surfaces of two adjacent gemstones to keep the gemstones seated within the seating areas.

Abstract: A bushing temperature controller includes a transformer 3 which supplies a main current I1 to the bushing 2 for accommodating molten glass, and regulation current supply units 7 and 8 which are adapted to supply regulation currents I2 and I3 either in phase with the main current I1 or in phase inverted to the main current I1 to a portion of a region to which the transformer 3 applies the current. Thus, the temperature control of partial regions 2a and 2c in the region to which the current is applied can be performed in a wide temperature range.

Abstract: On each of carriages are disposed a group of transfer cams and a group of receiving cams. A leftward movement of the carriages makes it possible to transfer a knitted loop from a front needle bed provided with one carnage to a rear needle bed provided with another carriage. A rightward movement of the carriages makes it possible to transfer the knitted loop from the rear needle bed provided with the other carriage to the front needle bed provided with one carriage. The transferring can be freely carried out between the needle beds, and it is possible to temporarily place a knitted loop from one needle bed to another needle bed and keep a holding, and further retain the knitted loop separately from a fabric being knitted on the other needle bed and when needed, return the knitted loop from the other needle bed to the one needle bed.

Abstract: A yarn feeder can be stopped at a stopping mechanism and attached to and detached from a holder. The holder is fitted to a front end of a holding arm. The carriage-side holding arm is held by a moving member holding mechanism. The moving member holding mechanism includes a bringing state switching mechanism to switch the bringing state of the moving member by the carriage. The bringing state switching mechanism acts on a coupling portion on the carriage side, and can shift the bringing position of the moving member holding mechanism relative to the carriage and perform the switching to a position where the moving member holding mechanism is not brought. A rail is provided such that the yarn feeder's position does not change even when the moving member holding mechanism is separated from the carriage. The rail is installed to be parallel with a needle bed's longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A floss blowing and heat dissipating apparatus for high speed circular knitting machines includes an annular duct located beneath a circular frame plate and an airflow generator to generate pressurized air. The annular duct has a passage inside and an air intake connector located thereon communicating with the passage, and a plurality of air vents close to a cylinder and straddle seats communicating with the passage. The airflow generator generates the pressurize air which is delivered to the air intake connector through an air directing hose so that the passage delivers the pressurized air to the air vents to eject the pressurized air forcefully towards the straddle seats, the cylinder and needles of a circular knitting machine where the floss is most likely to accumulate to carry away the floss. It also can reduce the temperature generated by the friction between needle troughs and needles to achieve optimal cooling effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mesh for bags or packaging, produced by knitting technology by warping in a circular loom of simultaneous mesh formation. The mesh constitutes a uniform tubular mesh structure wherein the warp yarns or bands form mesh chains parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular mesh and the weft yarns or bands perpendicular to said axis are interwoven between at least two adjacent mesh chains so that each weft yarn or band traverses the meshes of said chains, constituting a uniform tubular mesh without longitudinal seams or perpendicular mesh bonds.

Abstract: A washing system may include a washing machine and dryer set that, for example, include top covers provided at upper sides of the washing machine and dryer; rear covers interchangeably provided at rear sides of the top covers, wherein the rear covers can maintain a single, unified appearance, wherein a front side of the rear covers each include an opening having a predetermined shape; control units detachably fixed within the openings, wherein the control units are capable of displaying an operational status of the washing machine and dryer and wherein the control units enable a user to input operation instructions; and controllers provided at lower sides of the rear covers for controlling operations of the washing machine and dryer.

Abstract: A tub protection bolt for a washing machine is disclosed for fixing a tub to a cabinet for the washing machine. The tub protection bolt includes a screwed shaft configured to penetrate a cabinet of the washing machine to be coupled with a boss of a tub and a head part at one end of the screwed shaft having a narrow cut-away portion configured to hold a power cable of the washing machine. The head part includes a head at the one end of the screwed shaft, a flange extending outward from an outer circumference of the head, and the narrow cut-away portion provided from an outer circumference of the flange toward the head. The cut-away portion includes an insertion portion provided from the outer circumference of the flange in a direction of a center of the head and a fixing portion bent from an end of the insertion portion.

Abstract: A hook assembly for a door in a washing machine is provided having a decreased number of elements as well as more convenient assembly with respect to conventional apparatus. The hook assembly includes a pair of supporters directly extending from an insider of a doorframe of a washing machine, a shaft penetrating the supporters, a hook rotatably coupled to the shaft, wherein a head of the shaft penetrates the doorframe to be externally exposed, and an elastic member provided in the doorframe to give an elastic force to the hook.

Abstract: The invention is a sealing mechanism for a steam chest (14) used in the manufacture of textile materials. This invention is a device for heating continuous textile material comprising: a steam chest (14) having a steam inlet, a material inlet (18), and a material outlet (18). A first seal means (16) is located adjacent to the material inlet (18). A second seal means (16) is located adjacent to the material outlet (19). One of the seal means (16) comprising a plurality of expansion chambers (32) located along a curvilinear path.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a lock, a key and a rail assembly. The lock includes a lock housing and an actuating housing. The lock housing includes a rear notch, an internal notch that houses a spring and a locking tab, and an aperture that houses a second spring. A vertical track member is mounted to the rear notch and it has a vertical cutout. The actuating housing includes rear, lateral and top walls and a protrusion with a notch. The actuating housing is slidably mounted to the lock housing with a pin. The rail assembly is mounted to racks in stores wherein products for display are mounted thereto. The lock mounts onto the rail assembly by inserting the transversal member of the rail behind the protrusion and pressing the actuating housing against the lock housing until the locking tab engage into the notch.

Abstract: A latch for securing together two members such as a frame member to which the latch is connected and a door or panel which can swing into position and into a stop position when the door or panel member contacts a rotary pawl which is biased to the unlatched position. The latch has a trigger assembly which releases the rotary pawl from the latched position when the latch is unlocked and actuated.

Abstract: By providing a magnifying member which is securely affixed to the housing of a combination padlock in cooperating association with the rotating dials thereof, an easily produced, combination padlock is achieved which provides a display zone for the pre-set combination wherein the indicia formed on each of the dials is easily seen and readily visible for any user. By positioning the magnifying member in overlying, aligned relationship with the rotatable dials, the visibility of the indicia formed on each dial is greatly enhanced. As a result, any user is able to immediately determine and recognize the different indicia formed on each rotatable dial, and quickly position the combination of indicia which represent the preselected combination for releasing the shackle from locked engagement with the housing.

Abstract: A method of forming an elongated metal blank into a structural component having a predetermined outer configuration. The method includes providing a shape imparting cavity or shell section formed from a rigid material which includes an inner surface defining the predetermined shape, placing the metal blank into the cavity or shell section, and forming the metal blank into the component by heating axial portions of the metal blank and forcing a fluid at a high pressure into the metal blank until the metal blank at least partially conforms to at least a portion of the inner surface of the cavity or shell section to form the structural component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a connecting device having common axial core material and a plurality of helical fins, flanges or ridges that extend outwards from the core. The method uses an elongate preform member, and comprises forcing the preform member in the axial direction of its core through a helical deformation arrangement (22) in order to deform the preform member helically.

Abstract: A bending machine according to the present invention include: a first fixture member 22 for holding one end portion of a long work 20; a second fixture member 24 for holding the other end portion of the work 20; a rack 30 mounted on the first fixture member 22 so as to extend in longitudinal directions of the first fixture member 22; a roll-shaped bending die 21, mounted on the second fixture member 24, for bending the work along the outer peripheral surface of the second fixture member; a pinion gear 26 which is coaxially connected to the bending die 21 via a shaft 28 and which engages the rack 30; and a connecting member 27 for connecting the first fixture member 22 to the second fixture member 24 via the shaft 28 in a relatively rotatable state so that the pinion gear 26 is movable along the rack 30 while engaging the rack 30.

Abstract: A method of using a tool for punching orifice that has wall surfaces extending at an angle relative to a generally planar surface of a workpiece. The method includes sequentially forming two spaced apart impressions formed in the workpiece between first and second generally planar surfaces spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the workpiece. The two spaced apart impressions form a first orifice wall surface disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the generally planar surface facing the tool and a second orifice wall surface disposed at an acute angle with respect to the generally planar surface, and coincidental with the punching process, a retention arrangement that secures the workpiece during the forming of the orifice.

Abstract: A portable frame puller is jointed to increase the number of attachment points for fixing the frame puller relative to a vehicle being repaired and/or to reach difficult to reach pulling points. In one embodiment, the frame puller includes a pivot head pivotally connected to the main beam to easily position a clamp assembly relative to the vehicle to fix the frame puller relative to the vehicle by clamping onto the vehicle, thus eliminating the need for tie downs or anchor pot. In another embodiment, a jointed support post provides flexibility to apply pulling forces to difficult to reach attachment points on the vehicle, and a clamp assembly fixes the frame puller relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for ensuring a more accurate and precise calibration of gas or liquid analyzers using gas emitting permeation tubes for the production of calibration samples. The permeation devices are placed in a temperature-controlled housing to ensure that calibration samples are produced at the optimal temperature for such devices. The housing temperature may be controlled by a semi-conductor heating and cooling device. The apparatus also controls the flow rate of the medium that is mixed with the impurities released from the permeation devices, yielding a more accurate, precise, and reliable calibration. The sample can be conveyed to the calibration device/instrument by hooking the apparatus directly to the calibration device. The invention also contemplates a novel method of calibrating apparatuses using a device kept at the optimal temperature, using a constant flow rate that minimizes variations in the calibrations.

Abstract: A method and system for orienting and calibrating a magnet for use with a speed sensor. A magnet can be mapped two or more planes thereof in order to locate the magnet accurately relative to one or more magnetoresistive elements maintained within a speed sensor housing. An optical location of the magnet with respect to the magnetoresistive element and the sensor housing can then be identified in response to mapping of the magnet. Thereafter, the magnet can be bonded to the speed sensor housing in order to implement a speed sensor thereof maintained by the speed sensor housing for use in speed detection operations.

Abstract: The gas detecting system of the present invention is equipped with a catalytic combustion type gas sensor 1a and a semiconductor type gas sensor 1b, in a gas detecting system 1 having an operating sate in which generation of electricity is performed, and an idling state, at the time of the operating state, detection of the detection target gas is performed by the catalytic combustion type gas sensor 1a, whereas at the time of the idling state, detection of the detection target gas is performed by the semiconductor type gas sensor 1b.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chromatograph/mass spectrometer capable of producing a composite chromatogram from plural chromatogram signals without causing the baseline level to rise or the intensity of the chromatogram peak to decrease. The chromatograph/mass spectrometer includes a chromatograph unit for separating a sample into components in the order of time, a mass spectrometer unit for analyzing the components of the sample, and a signal generator for producing a signal carrying a chromatogram obtained by the analysis. It also includes a chromatogram composer for receiving signals of plural chromatograms simultaneously measured under different conditions, for choosing the largest value of the plural signals for each point in time, and for integrating the chosen values to produce a composite chromatogram.

Abstract: There is provided a method and an apparatus for isolating mechanical vibrations reacting to beam metrology tools. The apparatus includes an outer structure for supporting a metrology instrument, and a chuck for holding a specimen with respect to the metrology instrument in an intended defined position for performing measurements on the specimen by the metrology instrument. The apparatus also includes at least one active vibration isolator means coupled to the chuck for compensating relative movement between the specimen and the metrology instrument. A method is also provided that includes detecting change of position of the specimen in response to mechanical vibrations, and effectuating an active modification of the position of the chuck in response to the detection for counteracting a relative displacement between the specimen and the metrology instrument.

Abstract: A method for the dynamic diagnosis of an exhaust gas analyzer probe situated in an exhaust-gas system having at least one exhaust-gas catalytic converter, of an internal combustion engine, a measuring signal (lambda-actual) of the exhaust gas analyzer probe being compared to a setpoint value (lambda-setpoint) as a function of the operating state of the internal combustion engine, and the system deviation being supplied to a controller, which regulates the operating parameters of the internal combustion engine correspondingly, the dynamic diagnosis of the exhaust gas analyzer probe being implemented with a closed control loop, and the deviation from the setpoint value (lambda-setpoint) of the measuring signal (lambda-actual) of a slowing exhaust gas analyzer probe being amplified by the intervention of the controller and the dynamic diagnosis is implemented on the basis of this amplified deviation.

Abstract: A non-contact method and system for analyzing tire conditions. The system includes an emitter source for emitting radiation signals towards a tire having a treaded surface between two sidewalls. A detector is provided to receive signals reflected by the tire in response to the emitted radiation signals. A data processing system, coupled to the emitter source and the detector, obtains geometrical information, such as height, of a plurality points on the tire based on the signals received from the detector. The data processing system determines a condition of the tire by comparing geometrical information for a designated portion of the plurality points with other portion points on the tire. A color-coded surface profile showing a height distribution of the tire is also generated to assist diagnosis of the tire.

Abstract: A wind gauge includes a wind vane. The wind vane includes at least one wing. The wind vane is adapted to assume a prescribed level position responsive to a prescribed corresponding wind speed incident on the wind vane.

Abstract: A thermal airflow meter excellent in flow-rate measurement accuracy is provided. The airflow meter has a flow-rate measuring element comprising a heat resistor and a temperature-compensating resistor which are formed on the a first base member. A second base member of the airflow meter, provided with a drive circuit and a signal processor, is housed in a casing holding the flow-rate measuring element. The flow-rate measuring element is disposed in an air passage. Of two temperature sensors for measuring temperature at each of two points in the thermal airflow meter, respectively, a first temperature sensor is provided on the fist substrate of the flow-rate measuring element, and a second temperature sensor is provided inside the casing. The signal processor has a function of computing an airflow rate, an air temperature, and an air passage wall face temperature on the basis of an output signal of the flow-rate measuring element and respective output signals of the first and second sensors.

Abstract: A Thermal type fluid flow sensor comprises a heating resistor formed on a thin film of a substrate, and plural thermal sensitive resistors configuring a bridge circuit. The thermal sensitive resistors are disposed on the thin film of the substrate so as to be located on an adjacent upstream side and an adjacent downstream side of the heating resistor in a stream direction of fluid to be measured. Resistor traces for the thermal sensitive resistors are formed so that the respective thermal sensitive resistors exhibit substantially equal changes in resistance with each other to distortion caused in the thin film.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic measurement of the running time and quantity of a flowing fluid is provided, in which the running time of an ultrasonic signal (70) is measured counter to and in a direction of the flow (5), wherefrom the flow rate of the fluid is determined. Reflections of the ultrasonic signal (70) from particles in the fluid are also detected in order to determine a concentration of particles. A device for carrying out the method includes two ultrasonic transducers which can be switched from a transmission mode to a reception mode. The ultrasonic transducers in the transmission mode transmit ultrasonic signals that are received by the ultrasonic transducers in the reception mode once the signal (70) has penetrated the fluid to be analyzed. At least one of the ultrasonic transducerscan be switched from the transmission mode to the reception mode so that it can receive reflections (E1, E2, E3) of its transmitted signal. Additional transducers can be provided that also receive the reflections.

Abstract: A humidity sensor element, a humidity sensor device and a method for manufacturing thereof are provided. The humidity sensor element includes a substrate having a nanocomposite film as sensing material, wherein said nanocomposite film consists of carbon nanotube/perfluorinated polymer with acid functional groups in weight ratio of 0.01-20; and at least a pair of electrodes, which contact with the sensing material at one or both side(s). The nanocomposite film increases the sensitivity of humidity sensor element such that even an infinitesimal amount of moisture can be detected with minimum detection limit of 15.76 ppmv.

Abstract: The semiconductor inertial sensor is formed by a rotor element and a stator element electrostatically coupled together. The rotor element is formed by a suspended mass and by a plurality of mobile electrodes extending from the suspended mass. The stator element is formed by a plurality of fixed electrodes facing respective mobile electrodes. The suspended mass is supported by elastic suspension elements. The suspended mass has a first, larger, thickness, and the elastic suspension elements have a second thickness, smaller than the first thickness.

Abstract: A method of testing a material sample for defects, comprising the steps of applying a test signal to the material sample, receiving a return signal from the material sample and analysing the return signal to determine whether the material sample is defective. In one aspect of the present invention the steps of receiving a return signal and analysing it include the step of selecting a frequency range to reduce the effect of potentially interfering signals. In another aspect of the present invention a reference signal obtained from a non-defective sample is subtracted from the return signal to give a difference result and the difference result is indicative of whether the material sample is defective. Apparatus for carrying out the above-defined methods are also provided.

Abstract: A transducer-based sensor system including a drive signal generator for generating a drive signal, a transducer coupled to the drive signal generator and configured to receive the drive signal, a mixer coupled to the transducer and configured to receive output from the transducer where such output results at least in part from physical movement of the transducer, and a diplexer operatively coupled with an output of the mixer and configured to present a substantially matched output impedance to the mixer over an operative range of output frequencies.

Abstract: A sound level monitor device has a microphone. A sound level measurement circuit is coupled to the microphone. The sound level measurement circuit takes sound signals monitored by the microphone and converts the sound signals to digital signals. A display is coupled to the sound level measurement circuit. The display will show the different measurement signal values. A single control button is coupled to the sound level measurement circuit. Pressing the control button a first time activates the sound level measurement circuit so a current measurement signal value is shown on the display. Pressing the single control button a second time causes a highest recorded measurement signal value, since the sound level measuring device has been presently activated, to be shown on the display. The highest recorded measurement signal value remains on the display until a higher recorded measurement signal is monitored.

Abstract: A method of reducing vibration in equipment having first and second mechanically connected subassemblies is disclosed. A sensor is disposed on the first subassembly. A vibration from the sensor is recorded. The vibration is attributable to a composite mechanical operation of the first and second subassemblies of the equipment. The vibration data representative of the vibration is provided to a remote system for vibration analysis. A system for performing vibration analysis of equipment having first and second mechanically connected subassemblies is disclosed. A sensor is adapted for mounting to the first subassembly. The sensor is capable of recording a vibration attributed to a composite mechanical operation of the first and second subassemblies of the equipment. A recorder is coupled to the sensor. A vibration analyzer receives the vibration data and performs vibration analysis of the equipment from the vibration data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneous fracture and fatigue testing of a semiconductor wafer which includes installing an array of cantilever beams on the wafer, wherein each of the cantilever beams includes a proof mass; mounting the wafer on a base; actuating the base at a predetermined rate of motion causing a displacement of the proof mass; and measuring the displacement. The actuating causes the array to oscillate in a direction perpendicular to the wafer, wherein the displacement of the proof mass is generally perpendicular to a plane of the wafer. Alternatively, the actuating causes the array to rotate around a center of the array, wherein the displacement of the proof mass is generally parallel to a plane of the wafer. The displacement is a function of mechanical stress and strain in the cantilever beams, wherein the mechanical stress and strain causes any of fracture and fatigue of the cantilever beams.