Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator shaft enclosure, formed by means of a series of punched plates which can be manually bent and cut so as to adapt them to the elevator shaft and to the dimensions of the door. The enclosure comprises on one of its sides at least two side closure plates, an upper plate and a lower plate, overlapping one another whereas in the upper part the enclosure comprises at least two other upper plates, one on the left and one on the right, also overlapping one another according to the width of the shaft to be covered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rope and belt for a speed governor for elevators and associated sheaves that is applicable to speed governors for elevators. The rope comprises high-strength steel wires clustered in strands among which a core is in turn formed which is completely coated by a polymeric material which is introduced in the gaps defined between the strands, obtaining an outer polymeric surface with a diameter that is slightly greater than the diameter of the core. The belts cluster at least two metallic ropes comprising high-strength steel wires completely coated with a polymeric material. The sheaves designed for the ropes are semicircular or notched semicircular sheaves having a low aggression and reduced diameter and high level of adherence, determining a high coefficient of friction between the coated rope and the sheave, and a high strength of the rope against fatigue due to bending and wear is also obtained.

Abstract: A brake device of an elevator car with a brake unit that is mounted on the elevator car. The brake drive includes a flexible tension member that passes around two tension-members reversing-sheaves. One end of the tension members extends parallel to the travel path of the elevator car and is coupled to an actuating element of the brake unit, and thereby also to the elevator car, so that in normal operation the tension member moves synchronously with the elevator car. A blocking device, at least on overspeed of the elevator car, brakes the tension member, as a consequence of which the tension member, via the actuating element, activates the brake unit. A monitoring device detects failure of the coupling between the tension member and the elevator car.

Abstract: A method schedules cars of an elevator system, the elevator system including a set of cars, and a set of hall calls. For each car, a waiting time is determined independently if the hall call is the only hall call assigned to the car. For each car, a mutual delay ?W(h|g) is determined for each possible pair of unassigned hall calls h and assigned hall calls g. The waiting time and mutual delays are summed. Then, the assignments are made to the set of cars so that the sum is a minimum.

Abstract: A method schedules cars of an elevator system. Each possible assignment of a set of hall calls to a set of cars is represented by a solution vector maintained as a node in a search tree. Each solution vector is evaluated using an ESA-DP process according to an immediate policy to determine initially a best solution. A branch-and-bound process is applied to each solution vector using the initial best solution and the search tree to determine a globally optimal solution for scheduling the cars according to a reassignment policy.

Abstract: The bottom guiding device according to the invention for telescoping elevator car and/or landing doors with at least one fast-moving door (3) and one slow-moving door (1) moving parallel to and within a small distance from a threshold plate (5) of a car and/or landing door respectively, is characterized in that it implements a threshold plate (5) on the car and/or landing side, formed with at least one lower edge parallel to the travel path of the doors (1, 3) and forming a bottom guide track (31) for the doors; a bottom plate (11) integral with the slower door (1) and extending with a small clearance below the faster door (3), provided on the threshold side with a guide track (13) parallel to the travel path of the doors (1, 3) and accommodating a guide element (19) integral with the faster door (3) and close to its rear lower end; at least two distant guide elements (25) integral with said bottom plate (11) on the slower door and accommodated on said (31) on the threshold plate so as to slide freely; and at

Abstract: Self-pumping hydropneumatic shock absorber with internal level control, with an oil-filled working cylinder under the pressure of gas cushions and with a damping piston, which is attached to the end of a hollow piston rod and can slide back and forth in the working cylinder, the hollow space in the piston rod serving as the pump space of a pump rod attached to the working cylinder. Oil is drawn from a reservoir space when the piston rod travels outward and into the working space when the piston rod travels inward, and where a control opening is provided in the pump rod to compensate for pressure differences between the working spaces. At least one throttle acting as a function of pressure is provided in the pump space between the high-pressure gas cushion and the low-pressure gas cushion.

Abstract: Vibration damper comprising a cylinder in which a piston rod is guided with freedom of axial movement, where the piston rod cooperates with a piston arrangement comprising a first, stationary piston and at least one additional piston, which is supported on the piston rod with freedom of axial movement against the elastic force of at least one restoring spring, where the cylinder is divided by the stationary piston and by the minimum of one axially movable piston into a working space on the side of the piston facing the piston rod, a working space on the side of the piston facing away from the piston rod, and a working space between the two pistons, where valve-equipped through-openings control a connection between the working spaces, and where the axial movement of the minimum of one axially movable piston is limited by a hydraulic pressure stop.

Abstract: A spring strut tube assembly having an outer container tube, or tubular member and a spring plate. One end of the tube can be closed by a bottom part and the other end of the tube can comprise an aperture and a slid-on spring plate. The tubular member can be produced from a flexibly rolled flat material whose wall thickness is variable in the longitudinal direction. The tube is formed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, and can be welded in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for use in an internal combustion engine including: a rigid housing having a hollow space; an independent mass member housed within the hollow space; and at least one rubber sleeve being independent of the housing and the mass member and being disposed within an empty space between the housing and the mass member so as to extend over an entire circumference of the empty space with a constant thickness dimension. An inside tiny gap is formed between an inner circumferential surface of the rubber sleeve and an outer surface of the mass member over an entire circumference thereof, while an outside tiny gap is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the rubber sleeve and an inner surface of the housing over an entire circumference thereof at room temperature of 25° C.

Abstract: An elongated binder strip of tough stretchy material which is colored or patterned or imprinted with figures in a highly visible unique way for instant identification. It is bound tightly and adjustably around the luggage and secured by spaced mating hook and loop fastener strips attached to overlapping ends of the binder strip. One or more binder strips secure the luggage closed in case the latch should pop open in transit. A binder strip over each latch prevents tampering and latch opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for approximating the flow rate of hydraulic fluid in an automatic transmission. The method includes estimating a flow rate value for each of a plurality of temperatures. Thereafter, the current transmission temperature is measured. The flow rate corresponding to the current transmission temperature is then learned in the following manner. The process of learning the flow rate initially includes identifying the presence of a predefined shift aberration. If the predefined shift aberration was not identified, the flow rate estimation corresponding to the current transmission temperature is iteratively adjusted. If the predefined shift aberration was identified, the flow rate estimation corresponding to the current transmission temperature is reversed by one iterative step thereby providing the learned flow rate value for the current transmission temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic coupling comprising a primary impeller and a secondary impeller, said impellers forming a toroidal working chamber. The primary impeller is located on a drive shaft or is integrated into said shaft. The invention is characterized in that the drive shaft is equipped with at least one supply channel for supplying a working medium to the working chamber and at least one evacuation channel for the simultaneous evacuation of the working medium from the working chamber.

Abstract: A clutch device with a buffer function comprises a first spindle having an engaging surface; a second spindle having a rack at a side near the first spindle; the second spindle movably engaged to the first spindle; a clutch sleeve enclosing the second spindle; a front side of the clutch sleeve formed with an engaging surface near the first spindle; an axial hole of the clutch sleeve being formed as a teethed groove which can be positioned by engagement and is axially moved; the clutch sleeve being driven by a clutch toggle; the clutch toggle being controllable through a driving fork; a buffer unit installed between the clutch toggle and the clutch sleeve; thereby the movement of the clutch toggle will drive the clutch sleeve to move.

Abstract: A multiple disc friction clutch comprises a clutch outer for take in power, a clutch hub for take out power, friction plates, a clutch spring pressing a pressing member to the friction plates for connecting the clutch, a spring receiving member supporting the clutch spring, and a coupling hub coupled to the spring receiving member as to be integrally movable. A spline inclined against an output axis is formed in a fitting portion between the coupling hub and a tube shaft, and moves the clutch spring in an axial direction of the tube shaft to a compressing side while relatively rotating the coupling hub against the tube shaft, in the case that an engine drive torque is equal to or more than a predetermined value, thereby increasing a pressing load.

Abstract: A clutch actuation method and apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, a slave cylinder is mounted about a transmission input shaft, with a release bearing coupled to a first end of the slave cylinder, the release bearing having a release face structured to contact the release spring in the clutch pressure plate. A thrust bearing is coupled to a second end of the slave cylinder, the thrust bearing having a thrust face, and a thrust plate is coupled to the clutch housing, and sized to receive the thrust face on the thrust bearing. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more efficient method for maintaining the hydraulic actuation of a selectively engageable torque transmitting device in a vehicle. The method includes generating a predetermined pressure level of a hydraulic fluid such as, for example, with a pump. The pressurized hydraulic fluid is transferred through an open valve and to a selectively engageable torque transmitting device such that the selectively engageable torque transmitting device is engaged. Thereafter, the valve is closed so that the predetermined pressure level of hydraulic fluid at the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains relatively constant. Accordingly, the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains engaged without continuously generating additional pressure such that the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A clutch apparatus including a first bearing connected to a front side of the clutch apparatus, and a second bearing connected to a cover for the clutch apparatus. The first bearing is arranged to be piloted on a front cover for a transmission and the second bearing is arranged to be piloted on a case for the transmission. A clutch apparatus including first and second plates, and a first sealing element disposed between the first and second plates and forming a seal between the first and second plates. The first and second plates form at least a portion of a first sealed fluid chamber in the clutch apparatus. A clutch apparatus including a clutch housing with a plurality of splines proximate an axial end, and a clutch cover with a plurality of radial extensions rotationally engaged with the plurality of splines. A method of assembling a clutch apparatus.

Abstract: A bill deposit/withdrawal machine includes a deposit/withdrawal port mounted in a machine casing having a slot for users to deposit bills or for discharging bills, said deposit/withdrawal port delivering the bills deposited by users and discharging bills to users. The deposit/withdrawal port includes at least a delivering mechanism for delivering bills deposited by users, and a push plate operation mechanism for moving a push plate which forms an accepting unit and which supports bills. A bill hopper provided in the deposit/withdrawal port is provided with a movable structure and is disposed in a position suitable for discharging bills in the slot.

Abstract: A document processing system comprises an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past a full image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the full image scanner and the discrimination unit. The full image scanner includes means for obtaining a full video image of said documents, means for obtaining a image of a selected area of said documents, and means for obtaining information contained in said selected area of said document. The discrimination unit includes means for determining the authenticity of said document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods using conveyor belts with activated diverting rollers to maintain the leading edge of a conveyed article while changing the direction of conveyance. A first conveyor belt advancing in a first direction abuts a second conveyor belt advancing in a second direction transverse to the first direction. Both conveyor belts have diverting rollers that rotate on axes oblique to the direction of conveyance. The diverting rollers of each are activated by rolling on an underlying bearing surface to rotate in the vicinity of the junction of the two conveyor belts. The diverting rollers in the first conveyor belt direct the article toward the second conveyor belt. The rollers in the second conveyor belt direct the article toward a side of the second conveyor belt. An article lying on both belts simultaneously rotates by the combined action of the two sets of diverting rollers acting on opposite ends of the article.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor belt rollers configured to divert objects on the conveyor belt, and a drive mechanism that engages the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being configured to drive the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being adjustable such that the conveyor belt rollers can be selectively driven in a first angular direction and a second, opposite angular direction so that objects can be selectively diverted to either side of the conveyor belt at a desired diverting angle.

Abstract: A lateral guidance device including a hollow guide located along conveyor track of a goods-handling system on which products are guided laterally, composed of profiles that fit together with each other, each with an inner face and outer face, one of which is used for guidance purposes. An expandable chamber, housed in the hollow guide, is supplied with expansion fluid from a supply means. The outer faces are returned in to a position of minimum distance (dmin) between these faces by return means, when the fluid feed to the expandable chamber ceases. Thus, the distance between the outer faces is proportional to the supplying of the chamber with expansion fluid, between a minimum distance (dmin) and maximum (dmax).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for separating imbricated flat products, in particular, folding boxes, with a delivery belt on which the products are supported in the form of an imbricated flow and are transported at a transport speed, with a transfer conveyor belt, disposed downstream of the delivery belt, which has a higher transport speed than the delivery belt. The transfer conveyor belt is designed as vacuum belt, or comprises a vacuum belt, and a retaining device is provided for the trailing flat products.

Abstract: A conveyor for unscrambling articles into single file has three lanes with the rollers of the outer lanes skewed toward the middle lane. The middle lane runs at a different speed than the outer lanes, and may have skewed rollers. The unscrambling conveyor may include several modules sequentially arranged, with a speed change within the lanes between the modules.

Abstract: A pallet stop generally comprises a support frame, an internal enclosure, a rotating actuator, a pivoting stop, and a counterweight assembly. The rotating actuator has an upper arm portion that extends just above the surface of the enclosure. The enclosure is received in and supported by the support frame. As a pallet load moves across the enclosure, its leading edge will contact the upper arm portion of the rotating actuator, which causes it to rotate clockwise. A lower portion of the rotating actuator is positioned below the pivoting stop. As the rotating actuator rotates clockwise, the lower portion of the rotating actuator moves downwardly, thus allowing a counterclockwise rotation of the pivoting stop. Once the pallet load travels over the rotating actuator, the counterweight assembly causes the rotating actuator to return to the upright position to ensure a proper positioning of the pallet load.

Abstract: In a method for buffering products (P), such as bottles, cans and pots, wherein the products are carried upwards on a moving, inclined first conveying surface (7) at a first flow rate. The products on said conveying surface can accumulate against a guide member (11) at the upper end, after which the products are guided from the guide member onto a second conveying surface (8), on which they are conveyed onwards at a second flow rate. The first conveying surface (7) is disposed at an such angle and is provided with such a surface condition that the dragging force exerted on the products from the first conveying surface is just a little greater than the force of gravity being exerted on the products in the direction along the conveying surface. As a result, products (P) can be buffered in a simple manner, whilst the products exert only little pressure on each other.

Abstract: A dynamic temporary storing device for articles like syringes and similar articles is situated between an outlet of a first machine and an inlet of a second machine. In the dynamic temporary storing device, two pairs of side-by-side belts transfer articles from an outlet of said first machine downstream to an inlet section of an article conveying path. The articles are gathered, one after another, to form groups of articles in the inlet section. The conveying path ends with an article outlet section situated near the inlet of the second machine. Driving means are associated to the conveying path and pass at adjustable time intervals through the inlet section so as to pick up said groups of articles and move them along the conveying path up to the outlet section. Then the groups of articles are transferred them to the inlet of said second machine. Changes in operation rate of the second machine are compensated by changing the number of articles in each group or by changing the length of the conveying path.

Abstract: A compression-resistant drive chain for an adjusting device is provided with several chain links that are connected pivotably by connecting plates. These links are comprised of at least two swivel elements with bearing surfaces that in the longitudinal chain direction have at least over portions thereof a complementary shape with partial sliding surfaces having an arc contour. An adjusting force of a drive member oriented transversely to the longitudinal chain direction and formed as a thrust bolt can be introduced into the compression-resistant chain in such a way that the chain links can be moved into a compression-resistant position and can be returned from that position by means of a sprocket wheel. According to the invention, the thrust bolt engages between the neighboring swivel elements in the area of concave arc contours forming partial surfaces of the two bearing surfaces.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for imparting movement to one or more articles includes placing the one or more articles on a surface of a support member and imparting vibratory motion to the support member by vibrating actutators connected to the support member wherein the vibratory motion includes at least a rotational vibratory component about one or more axes out-of-alignment with the gravity vector to produce effective force fields on the surface.

Abstract: A roller cradle for use in a modular conveying assembly having a direction of travel in which an object is conveyed includes a first half and a second half. Each of the halves include integral hinge members defining a space therebetween. A roller having an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel is retained in the space.

Abstract: A pasteurizer with a conveyor belt for transporting the goods to be pasteurized, the conveyor belt having an endless structure 39 comprising several metal bodies 13, 22, and several plastic pieces 30 forming the conveyor surface 38 being coupled to the structure 39. Also, a conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, comprising an endless structure having several metal bodies, with several plastic pieces 30 forming the conveyor surface 38 being coupled to the structure 39. Also, a conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, the conveyor belt 3 comprising several identical modules 29 in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction, each module 29 having several identical bodies in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A joystick has a dome facing a flat position sensitive detector for use an electronic device. The dome is elastically mounted so that the apex of the dome rests on the detector. As the joystick is deflected, the dome and the detector roll against each other such that the apex of the dome moves to a different location of the detector surface. The joystick can be depressed to cause the dome to buckle in order to select a function of the electronic device. When the joystick is depressed, the contact area between the dome and the detector increases abruptly. After the dome is buckled, the user can exert an uneven pressure to the joystick to allow the electronic device to carry out another function.

Abstract: Electronic devices (10, 30, 50) utilizing electrically-controlled liquid components to accomplish device switching. Electric fields are used in a device structure to manipulate the position and/or geometrical shape of a conductive fluid or liquid (60, 24) using electrowetting. This manipulation regulates the flow of current between electrodes of the device structure, such as the source and drain regions (16, 20) of a transistor construction, by bridging a non-conductive channel (15) separating the electrodes (16, 20) so that the electrodes (16, 20) are electrically coupled.

Abstract: A button assembly includes a panel (10), an indicating lamp (30) and a button member (20). The panel defines a through hole (15) with supporting collar. The button member defines a securing hole (28) corresponding to the through hole. The securing hole is aligned with the through hole with the supporting collar connecting therethrough, and the indicating lamp is positioned in the through hole.

Abstract: A keypad (102) for entering data in an electronic device (100) is disclosed. The keypad includes a first carrier (302), a key panel (202), and a backlighting module (204). The key panel is coupled to a first side of the first carrier and the backlighting module is coupled to a second side of the first carrier.

Abstract: A switch module includes a switch housing on which at least one operating button or operating rocker is movably guided. The switch module further includes a printed circuit board which is arranged in the switch housing and on which conductor paths with switching contacts are formed, a switching mat which rests on the conductor paths, and an actuating element which transfers the stroke of the operating button or operating rocker to the switching mat. The switching mat engages around the outer edge of the printed circuit board with a form fit.

Abstract: A flexible EL dome sheet uses a polymer insulation layer having a thickness of 5 to 50 ?m as a substrate, and therefore, the thickness of the flexible EL dome sheet is 50 to 150 ?m. The flexible EL dome sheet comprises a flexible EL sheet having key patterns formed thereon and metal or poly domes attached to the EL sheet. Since the flexible EL sheet and the metal or poly domes are used, the flexible EL dome sheet has excellent flexibility and durability, and an additional process for silicon molding is not necessary. Furthermore, the tactile feel of the flexible EL dome sheet keypad is improved. Electric connection between an EL driver of a flexible printed circuit board and the flexible EL sheet is achieved using a contact pad terminal structure, whereby no additional connector is necessary, and therefore, an FPC connecting process is not required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastic strip used in electronic devices and designed to enable outlet lines of a membrane circuit board to acquire contact with electrical connections of a printed circuit board through a flat surface. The strip-shaped plate is a strip-shaped structure with an elastic physical property. At least one cavity is disposed in the strip-shaped plate. A rib which corresponds to the cavity is disposed on the upper surface of the strip-shaped plate. Part of the rib protrudes out of the surface of the strip-shaped plate. The rib comprises two rib structures which are connected to the respective sides of the top of the corresponding cavity.

Abstract: A keyboard and a method of applying in-mold decoration and ejaculation technology to manufacture the keyboard with more key height and less key spacing relates to a method of making a plastic film which includes a plurality of protruding portions, and cutting a plurality of protruding granules, and then applying the bottom base of the plurality of granules to integrate an elastic material layer to manufacture a keyboard; The gap between a plurality of keyboard's protruding portions is less than the protruding portions of the plastic film.

Abstract: In the operation of smoking/burning type volume reduction treatment apparatus (1), referring to view (A), charcoal carbonized layer (T2) is spread over powdery ceramic layer (T1) in the state of having negative ion air fed through air supply inlet (H). Further, sawdust layer (T3) is spread thereover, and thereafter treatment subject layer (V) is piled thereon. In a temporary burning region of the carbonized layer (T2), the powdery ceramic layer (T1) exerts not only heat storing action but also heat radiation action. Referring to view (B), the interior of the sawdust layer (T3) is altered into temporary carbonized layer (T3 1) and temporary dried layer (T3 2). As the temporary burning region slowly moves upward, an under side of the treatment subject layer (V) is altered into dried layer (V1) and further, carbonized layer (V2) shown in view (C) is formed. Thereafter, this carbonized layer (V2) catches fire, so that burning region (V3) is formed in layered form in the treatment subject layer (V).

Abstract: The invention relates a method for supplying highly pure oxygen by cryogenic distillation of air from an installation comprising a first (1) and a second (2) air separating apparatus.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus that enables polymer to be removed from an electrically insulated electrode. A susceptor of the plasma processing apparatus is disposed in a substrate processing chamber having a processing space therein. A radio frequency power source is connected to the susceptor. An upper electrode plate is electrically insulated from a wall of the substrate processing chamber and from the susceptor. A DC power source is connected to the upper electrode plate. A controller of the plasma processing apparatus determines a value of a negative DC voltage to be applied to the upper electrode plate in accordance with processing conditions for RIE processing to be carried out.

Abstract: A piezoelectric thin film resonator having a stabilized temperature characteristic of resonant frequency, a method for manufacturing the same, and a communication apparatus using the piezoelectric thin film resonator are provided. The piezoelectric thin film resonator is provided with a substrate having an opening, first and second insulation films which are provided on one surface of the substrate while covering the opening and which primarily include SiO2 and Al2O3, respectively, Al2O3 having oxygen defect and being in an amorphous state, and a piezoelectric thin film which is provided on the second insulation film and is sandwiched between electrodes and which primarily includes ZnO.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing a substrate in an electrochemical mechanical planarizing system. An apparatus is provided for processing a substrate including a planarizing module, at least one electrochemical mechanical polishing station disposed on the planarizing module, at least one polishing head disposed above the planarizing module and the at least one polishing head adapted to selectively lower a substrate retained in the polishing head to the electrochemical mechanical polishing station, a factory interface disposed adjacent both the planarizing module, a loading robot disposed between the factory interface and the planarizing module, and an electrochemical polishing station disposed on or adjacent the planarizing module, the factory interface, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a uniform flow through an electrolyte space of an electrolysis cell, in which a maximum deviation of less than 1% to 25% from the average flow rate is achieved by suitable design measures.

Abstract: Both application of centrifugal force to a biosensor and electrical connection with an electrode of the biosensor can be achieved with a simple structure. The electrode of the biosensor and a measuring part are connected without aligning a rotational position of the rotary table. The centrifugal measuring apparatus 1 is provided with a rotary table 2 that is driven by a motor, a retainer 3 to hold a biosensor accommodating a sample inside on the rotary table, an urged contact part 4 that establishes electrical connection with the electrode of the biosensor in such a manner as being elastically biased to abut against the electrode, a measuring part 8 that measures a signal from the electrode of the biosensor, and a connector part 7 that selectively establishes electrical connection between the urged contact part 4 and the measuring part 8.

Abstract: A differential pH probe design uses a container having an outer surface and an inner volume, where the inner volume is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. A first pH-sensitive area is located on the outer surface of the first chamber where the first pH-sensitive area is configured to be exposed to a sample. A second pH-sensitive area is located on the outer surface of the second chamber where the second pH-sensitive area is shielded from the sample and is exposed to a buffer solution. A first electrode is configured to detect a first voltage in the first chamber and a second electrode is configured to detect a second voltage in the second chamber. Circuitry is coupled to the first and second electrodes and configured to process the first voltage and the second voltage to determine a pH of the sample.

Abstract: A quickly activatable structure of a gas sensor element includes a measurement gas electrode, a reference gas electrode, a solid electrolyte layer to which the measurement and reference gas electrodes are affixed, and a heater. The heater has a heating element to heat the solid electrolyte layer. A reference gas chamber is defined between the solid electrolyte member and the heater and has a length made up of a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is located in a heating area in which the heating element is disposed. The second chamber is located in a non-heating area and has at least a portion which is greater in volume per unit length of the reference gas chamber than the first chamber, thereby decreasing the dissipation of thermal energy to the non-heating area, which enhances the thermal transfer from the heating element to the solid electrolyte member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing ceramic structures and gradient structures whose particle size distribution has at least partly smaller values than the particle size distribution of the suspension from which the same are produced. According to the inventive method, a suspension containing ceramic particles is provided between a couple of electrodes, whereupon an electric field is applied to the couple of electrodes while the electrode surfaces of the couple of electrodes are placed perpendicular to a component of a gravitational field such that a fraction of the particles is deposited on the electrode of the couple of electrodes, which is located upstream of the component of the gravitational field, in the form of a ceramic structure.