Abstract: Creating the illusion of a larger diamond from smaller diamonds. In an embodiment, four corner diamonds (of circular shape and equal size) are placed in four corners of a square area and a center diamond is placed in the gap presented by the four corner diamonds. The center diamond is placed at a level below that of the four corner diamonds and is supported by a rim such that the center diamond does not have to rely on the corner diamonds for support. The rim supports the center diamond at about 90-95% of its pavilion height in one embodiment. Prongs are used in addition to support the corner diamonds.

Abstract: The invention provides an opalescent forehearth color concentrate comprising a non-smelted agglomerated interspersion of particles for use in coloring glass, said concentrate comprising by weight from about 10% to about 70% of a glass component and from about 30% to about 90% of one or more opalescent pigments, the glass component comprising by weight from about 10% to about 50% ZnO and about 15 to about 60% SiO2. The invention also provides a method of using the color concentrate.

Abstract: A glass forming apparatus and a glass forming method of high economical merit and high production efficiency are provided. More specifically, the glass forming apparatus has dies, in which at least one die is divided into a heat exchange unit and a press unit, and in the glass forming apparatus and glass forming method, the plane precision is improved in the contact dividing surfaces of the heat exchange unit and the press unit. A glass forming apparatus includes a die having a press surface for pressing a glass material, in which the die has a plurality of dies, and at least one die is divided into a heat exchange unit and a press unit. Preferably, the surface precision of at least one part of each dividing surface in contact with the heat exchange unit and the press unit has a flatness (PV) of 500 ?m or less, and the plane precision of at least one part of the dividing surface has a surface roughness (Ra) of 100 ?m or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing an electrocoat coating composition comprising forming an aqueous emulsion comprising a film-forming component and a volatile organic compound and removing at least a portion of the volatile organic compound by ultrafiltration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for the winding of nets (1) knitted from thrums (2) and wefts (3) to a given winding width at a winding point. For this the thrums (2) of the knitted net are guided along spacer elements (5, 9, 14) ahead of the winding point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the steam treatment of a moving fiber strand, comprising an elongated steam chamber. To seal the steam chamber, a pair of feed rollers is connected to and seals a feed chamber on a feed side in such a way that the nip constitutes the feed into the steam chamber. The opposing exit side is equipped with a pair of exit rollers, which forms a second nip and which is connected to and seals the other end of the steam chamber by means of an exit chamber, in such a way that the second nip constitutes the exit from the steam chamber. The feed roller pair and the exit roller pair are respectively formed by a fixed sealing roller and a displaceable sealing roller. The aim of the invention is to achieve a seal between the sealing roller and the associated sealing chamber, irrespective of the operating position of the displaceable roller.

Abstract: A locking device for cooperation with a separate shackle-less padlock for locking two separate adjacent objects or immobilizing relative movement between the objects. The device comprises a hasp assembly comprising at least one hasp element for securing to at least one of the objects, provided with at least one integral shackle pin designed to be engaged in a locked position with the padlock, so that the padlock serves to prevent disengagement of the objects or to immobilize relative motion between the objects Other embodiments are presented where the hasp assembly is provided with an integral locking mechanism.

Abstract: A combination lock includes a lock head, a pivotal seat pivotal to the head, and a cable including an insertion portion, and a stopping portion; the pivotal seat has a hole, and the cable is joined to the pivotal seat in a replaceable manner with the insertion portion being passed through the hole, and with the stopping portion being prevented from passing through the hole of the pivotal seat; the lock head has a tapering eccentric lock hole therefore when the lock is in the locking position with the cable insertion portion being fastened in the eccentric lock hole, the insertion portion can be moved further into the eccentric lock hole for reducing the loop size formed by the cable; the combination lock can be reset after toothed disks in dials are linearly displaced so as to disengage the dials by means of pressing a sliding member thereof.

Abstract: A padlock includes a lock body, a shackle, and a sleeve. The lock body includes opposed front and rear longitudinally extending side walls terminating at first and second end portions. The shackle extends from the first end portion of the lock body. The sleeve covers at least a portion of each of the longitudinally extending side walls, and an internal surface of the sleeve includes at least one longitudinally extending rib contacting at least one of the front and rear longitudinally extending side walls to define a gap between the sleeve and the lock body.

Abstract: A lock mounting structure for mounting a lock to a part of a container is disclosed. The lock mounting structure comprises an outer part adapted to form an outer portion of the container part and an inner part adapted to form an inside portion of the container part and having a first surface for facing towards the inside of the container. The inner part includes a mounting structure for mounting the lock thereto. The mounting structure extends outwardly from the first surface. The structure also includes an aperture for accessing a key receiving end of the lock. The lock mounting structure is formed as an integral piece.

Abstract: In a key cylinder a stopper plate is pressed into an imposing hole of a rotor, latching to a body and also intruding into engagement grooves of a second sleeve. When an authentic key is inserted into the rotor and rotated, a first sleeve is not rotated, and a second sleeve is rotated through the stopper plate. When a false key is inserted into the rotor the first sleeve rotates and the second sleeve is slid to the rear by slide bars, therefore the stopper plate separates from the engagement grooves, and the second sleeve is not rotated. The stopper plate has the function of being able to stop the movement of the rotor in the forward-rearward direction, and also the function of making the second sleeve rotatable by the rotation of the rotor, and so the construction of the key cylinder is simplified.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing compost tea comprising a hopper, a separator having an intake and a discharge, the hopper communicating compost to the intake, a u-shaped screen, an auger rotably mounted thereon for conveying compost through the separator, and a plurality of spray nozzles directing spray onto the auger and compost, whereby water flows from the nozzles onto the compost separating nutrients and micro-organisms from the compost producing compost tea, the compost tea passes through the screen into a catch basin, and the auger conveys the compost through the separator toward the discharge.

Abstract: A spiral pipe machine includes a feeding assembly for continuously feeding a web of material, and a forming assembly for accepting the web. The forming assembly bends the web to form a first section of a spiral pipe having a first predetermined diameter. A controller is employed for selectively instructing the forming means to change its configuration so as to give a second section of the spiral pipe a second predetermined diameter. The controller is capable of controlling the forming station to transition from the first predetermined diameter to the second predetermined diameter during the continuous feeding of the web.

Abstract: A profile element pipe for hydraulic bulging of the present invention has a peripheral length with an outer diameter gradually increasing or decreasing from one axial side toward the other thereof and has a parallel part formed on at least one end thereof. According to a bulging device and a bulging method using this profile element pipe, for example, even when a profile steel pipe having a cross sectional shape varying in the axial direction as in a tapered pipe is hydraulically bulged, a bulging in which an internal pressure loading and an shaft pressing are combined with each other can be performed to provide a larger expansion ratio than a conventional case and a joining and socket connection thereof to the other part can also be easily performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface treatment apparatus and method for inducing compressive residual stress in the surface of a workpiece with dimensional variations. The method comprises the acts of measuring the dimensions of the workpiece during a surface treatment operation and adjusting the surface treatment process parameters to account for the measured dimensions. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises two surface treatment elements oriented in opposition to one another in a caliper configuration. The surface treatment elements are positioned and impinged against the surface of a workpiece by an actuator controlled by a computer control unit. The depth to which the surface treatment elements are impinged is precisely controlled to achieve the desired magnitude and depth of compressive residual stress. A sensor operatively connected to the apparatus senses and relays the dimensions of the workpiece to a computer control unit that adjusts the operating parameters accordingly.

Abstract: A spring manufacturing apparatus comprises a tool support (30, 40, 50) which supports a tool in a way that the tool can be slid toward the spring forming space. A plurality of the tool supports can be arranged in a radial pattern from the spring forming space on the forming table. The apparatus also comprises a driving force transmission unit (70), attached to the tool support on the forming table, which transmits driving force to the tool support for sliding the tool. The tool support includes first and second tool supports for driving a tool by different driving methods. The first tool support (30) comprises a first driving mechanism (32) that transmits driving force of a common driving axis to the tool. The second tool support (40) comprises a second driving mechanism (41) that transmits driving force of the driving axis to the tool.

Abstract: Plant for packing bars after the rolling cycle comprising a feeding unit, a shear (45) for cutting the bar to size, a pair of deflector devices (46), (47) and a bar braking device. The bar segment deflector devices send the bar segments into seats (58) arranged along the perimeters of pairs of rotating cylinders (50), (51), (52), (53) and parallel to the axis of the cylinder, after making them pass through a bar braking device (48) to slow the bars down to the predefined speeds. The bars are unloaded from the seats onto conveyors (60), (61), (62), (63) and transported to a station where they are packed into bundles.

Abstract: In a bending machine for bending rod-shaped workpieces made from wire, tubular material or the like, a machine frame is provided with at least one bending station comprising two bending units. Each of said bending units comprises a bending head with a bending head housing and a bending tool, an auxiliary gripper arranged on the bending head housing so as to be pivotable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine frame, and a gripping unit, which is spaced apart from the bending head as viewed along the longitudinal axis of the frame, pivotable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine frame and displaceable on a guide in the direction of said axis.

Abstract: A burring method forms a boss on a metal sheet, using a press die including: a die with a burring hole formed therein; and a burring punch having a shape adapted to be inserted into the burring hole. In the burring method, a width of a clearance formed between the burring hole and the burring punch is in a range not less than 60% and not more than 115%, preferably not less than 65% and not more than 100%, and more preferably, not less than 75% and not more than 95%, of a thickness of the metal sheet, before the metal sheet goes through a burring process.

Abstract: A system for testing devices for detecting airborne particulate matter generates a first airflow and a second airflow. The second airflow is filtered to remove ambient airborne particulate matter from the second airflow, and particulate matter to be detected is aerosolized and introduced into the second airflow. The second airflow is sampled by an optical particle counter to determine an amount of particulate matter released into the second airflow. The first and second airflows are combined, and the combined airflows are sampled by one or more detecting devices to be tested. Detection results of the tested detecting devices are compared with the amount of particulate matter released into the second airflow as determined by the optical particle counter to assess the accuracy and functionality of the detecting devices.

Abstract: A meter calibration apparatus includes a fluid intake conduit, a fluid discharge conduit, and a calibration cylinder connected in fluid communication with the intake and discharge conduits, the calibration cylinder defining a chamber. The apparatus further includes a piston slidable within the cylinder and defining first and second chamber portions on opposite sides of the piston, and at least one valve having an intake port in fluid communication with the intake conduit, a first flow port with a first flow conduit extending therefrom and connected to the first chamber portion for providing fluid communication therebetween, and a second flow port with a second flow conduit extending therefrom and connected to the second chamber portion for providing fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: The motion determination apparatus includes a motion sensor for sensing motion of an electronic device and sending out a motion parameter. A processor receives the motion parameter to determine whether or not his motion is a meaningful motion. A device controller activates a device function according to the determination.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring total gas content of a fluid flowing through a process line. The apparatus comprises a bleed line in fluid communication with the process line for bleeding a portion of the fluid from the process line at a bleed line pressure that is lower than the process line pressure. A speed of sound propagating through the fluid in the bleed line is determined and is, in turn, used to determine a gas volume fraction of the fluid in the bleed line. In one aspect, the total gas content of the fluid flowing through the process line is calculated as a function of the gas volume fraction of the fluid in the bleed line and a velocity of the fluid in the bleed line. In another aspect, the velocity of the fluid in the bleed line is adjusted to be approximately equal to a predetermined velocity. In yet another aspect, dissolved gas in the process fluid 13 is released before the gas content measurement point by applying a high intensity ultrasonic field to the fluid 13.

Abstract: A control system includes a basic control command operating unit, a fuel data storage unit, a running results database for storing past running results values of a control subject, a data creating unit configured to calculate a distance between data of the past running results values and the data sets and determining data set in which a distance between data becomes minimum, a modeling unit configured to model a relationship between operation parameters of a combustion apparatus and components in combustion gas of the combustion apparatus by using the data set determined by the data creating unit and a correcting unit for calculating combustion apparatus operation parameters with which components having a better condition than that of the components in a current gas are provided by using a model of the modeling unit and correcting operation command values of the basic control command operating unit by calculated operation parameters.

Abstract: A tightness testing method for a MEMS or small encapsulated component, the MEMS or small component being housed in a cavity of a carrier. The cavity being sealed and containing a gas having a different density to the density it would have if subjected to the pressure of the medium outside the cavity. The method measures the density of the gas contained in the cavity.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a heat exchanger for pressure resistance. The heat exchanger includes plural hollow refrigerant channel portions arranged in parallel and each having joints inside thereof, air passing clearances between respective adjacent pairs of refrigerant channel portions, and fins in the respective air passing clearances. The heat exchanger interior is pressurized, irradiated with light from one side, and a monochromatic image of the exchanger is captured by CCD cameras from the other side before and after the pressurization. Each image is divided into dots, luminance data of the dots of each image is converted into binary data items of white areas and black areas with reference to a threshold value, and the number of black areas is counted. The pressure resistance of the heat exchanger is judged based on an increase in the number of black areas after pressurization from the number of black areas before pressurization.

Abstract: The system and method for detecting water and/or gas leaks by monitoring usage patterns is described. In one embodiment, the existence of a leak is detected by looking for usage patterns wherein water or gas is always being used, at least at a low rate. A leak is indicated if usage does not drop to zero, at least for a period of time, during a given time interval (e.g., during a 24-hour period). The severity of the leak is indicated by the minimum amount of usage during the given time period. In one embodiment, the leak detection system is provided in connection with an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic circuit located in a liquid chromatograph includes at least one microfluidic channel and a flexible membrane adjacent the at least one microfluidic channel, wherein when actuated, the flexible membrane deflects into the microfluidic channel, thus impeding fluid flow in the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: An interferometric-spatial-phase imaging (ISPI) system includes an alignment mechanism for obtaining continuous six-axis control of a scanning probe tip with respect to a coordinate system attached to a substrate. A gap detection mechanism measures tip height above a substrate and controls tip approach toward the substrate of one or more tips, as well as measures tip deflection during surface contact of the one or more tips. A plurality of complementary marks is provided for attachment to the one or more tips. A plurality of grating marks is provided to backdiffract a reflected beam from a flexible cantilever to detect high-frequency tip deflection in a compact configuration of a light source and a light detector.

Abstract: Measurements made by a multi-component induction logging tool may be corrected for tool eccentricity or the presence of a fracture in the earth formation. The corrected measurements may then be used in conjunction with a multi-array measurement to determine horizontal and vertical formation resistivity.

Abstract: Tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore using real time temperature measurements. A method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature in real time in the wellbore; and observing in real time a variation in temperature gradient between fluid compositions in the wellbore. Another method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature along the wellbore; and observing a variation in temperature gradient due to a chemical reaction in the wellbore. Another method includes the step of causing a variation in temperature gradient in the fluid while the fluid flows in the wellbore.

Abstract: Fluid distribution determination and optimization using real time temperature measurements. A method of determining fluid or flow rate distribution along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring a temperature distribution along the wellbore in real time; and determining in real time the fluid or flow rate distribution along the wellbore using the temperature distribution. A method of optimizing fluid or flow rate distribution includes the steps of: predicting in real time the fluid or flow rate distribution along the wellbore; comparing the predicted fluid or flow rate distribution to a desired fluid or flow rate distribution; and modifying aspects of a wellbore operation in real time as needed to minimize any deviations between the predicted and desired fluid or flow rate distributions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating wind direction including: a holder, a supportive pole connected to the holder, a wind vane rotatably connected to the supportive pole in view of wind so as to indicate a direction of wind, an orientation indicator rotatably connected to the supportive pole to show the direction of the magnetic pole of the earth, and a solar-power supplier disposed at the holder, which provides power to illuminate the wind van and the orientation indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring volume- and/or mass-flow of a medium flowing through a pipeline in a stream direction. At least two ultrasonic sensors are included, which are secured in a defined measuring positional relationship on the outer wall of the pipeline and alternately emit and receive ultrasonic measuring signal. A control/evaluation unit, which determines volume- and/or mass-flow of the medium in the pipeline on the basis of the travel time difference of ultrasonic measuring signals in the stream direction and opposite to the stream direction is also provided. For assuring rapid mounting and demounting of the ultrasonic flow measuring device on a pipeline, the at least two ultrasonic sensors are secured on a pliers-like clamping unit, which is embodied in a manner such that the ultrasonic sensors are brought into a measuring positional relationship by simple clamping onto the pipeline.

Abstract: A system for a virtual frost sensor is disclosed including a method for operating the virtual frost sensor. The method includes determining a first temperature indicative of a fluid upstream of the component and determining a second temperature indicative of a fluid downstream of the component. The method also includes sensing at least one engine parameter and determining a first parameter as a function of the at least one engine parameter. The method further includes determining a third temperature indicative of a temperature associated with the engine component as a function of the first temperature, the second temperature, and the first parameter.

Abstract: A sensor chip, comprising a flexible, polymer-based substrate, and at least one microfabricated sensor disposed on the substrate and including a conductive element. The at least one sensor comprises at least one of a tactile sensor and a flow sensor. Other embodiments of the present invention include sensors and/or multi-modal sensor nodes.

Abstract: A micro sample heating apparatus has a substrate, a micro heating device disposed on a first surface of the substrate, a cavity having an inclined sidewall and corresponding to the micro heating device positioned in a second surface of the substrate, and an isolation structure positioned on the second surface of the substrate. The isolation structure has an opening corresponding to the cavity, and the cavity and the opening form a sample room.

Abstract: The aircraft tank and gauge system of the present invention provides a fuel tank with a gauge chamber located generally aligned with the tank center of gravity and that has a general vertical orientation when the aircraft is level. The gauge chamber extends from the top of the tank to a height generally equivalent to a high collection point on the tank and/or extends from the bottom of the tank to a height generally equivalent to a low collection point on the tank. As the aircraft pitches and rolls, fuel within a complex-shaped tank, will be measured by a sensor in the gauge chamber. In order to prevent any type of vapor blockage in the gauge chamber, a first vent extends from the bottom of the gauge chamber to the low collection point of the tank and a second vent extends from the top of the gauge chamber to the high collection point of the tank.

Abstract: A liquid level detector for conductive liquids for vertical installation in a tank, the detector having a probe positioned within a sheath and insulated therefrom by a seal so that the tip of the probe extends proximate to but not below the lower end of the sheath, the lower end terminating in a rim that is provided with notches, said lower end being tapered, the taper and notches preventing debris collection and bubble formation, said lower end when contacting liquid as it rises will form an airtight cavity defined by the liquid, the interior sheath wall, and the seal, the compression of air in the cavity preventing liquid from further entry into the sheath and contact with the seal. As a result, the liquid cannot deposit a film to form an electrical bridge across the seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the level of granular material in a container immersed in an aqueous medium, particularly, but not exclusively, for use as a measure of sanitizer level in spa and whirlpool halogenation systems. Electrodes fixed in the container wall are used to measure the electrical conductance along a path which is part filled with the granular material. Coils of wire are arranged such that the interrogating signal is coupled inductively to the sensor head. In this way the granule container can be made demountable, with no bare conductor material exposed to the aqueous medium. A separate reference circuit is used to measure the conductivity of the water in the system, and this signal is used to normalize the signal obtained from inside the container.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring device includes an elongate handle and an elongate frame arranged in telescoping relationship. The frame is movable between a collapsed position for storage and an extended position for usage. A float is movable lengthwise along the elongate frame. A control rod extends lengthwise in the elongate frame and through a passage in the float. The control rod controls movement of the float relative to the elongate frame. An actuator actuates the control arm to move the float from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to a downward pressure between a lower end of the elongate frame and a bottom surface of the container so that the float is free to seek the liquid level in the container and to move the float from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the downward pressure is released.

Abstract: A tank gauge system is provided in one embodiment comprising a float, a cable, an indicator and at least one cable guide support. The float is in a tank containing liquid and moves with it. The cable connects the float to the indicator on the outside through the cable support for communicating the liquid level in the tank. The cable support comprises a body having two side openings merging into a cavity formed on a top portion of the body. A roller is positioned in the cavity, between the two openings and is rotatable about an axis transverse to the direction of cable movement. The roller has a predetermined axial length that is substantially wider than each of the openings so that the cable moving through the openings is urged to maintain contact with the roller. This prevents the cable from coming off the roller and minimizes jamming.

Abstract: A apparatus for sensing a surface of material in a storage container is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing, a motor assembly, a swing arm assembly, an optical assembly, a material surface detector, and an electronic control circuit. The motor assembly has a motor and a reel carrying a cable. The swing arm assembly has a swing arm with a magnet and a sensor circuit. The sensor circuit monitors a magnetic flux to determine a surface detector position. The optical assembly has a measuring wheel, a code wheel, and an optical encoder circuit. The optical encoder circuit monitors rotation of the code wheel. When the surface detector is moved between first and second positions based upon input from the sensor circuit, the control circuit receives input from the optical encoder circuit based on the rotation of the code wheel. As such, the surface of the material is sensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor comprising a first metallization plane located on a substrate (1), a passivation layer (6) that is structured by contact holes (7) and is applied to said substrate and a sensitive ceramic layer (9) formed by thick-film technology on the passivation layer and in the contact holes (7). The aim of the invention is to improve the adhesion of the ceramic layer (9). To achieve this, the sensor is provided with an adhesion promoter layer (8) that is configured as a second metallization plane and is located between the passivation layer (6) and the ceramic layer (9).

Abstract: The present invention provides a portion-taker device for taking a substance, the device including at least one measuring scoop, which scoop comprises: a frame; and a flap mounted to pivot relative to the frame and co-operating with it to define, in a first position, the bottom of a cavity that it used for taking the substance; the frame being arranged in such a manner as to enable a user to exert thrust on the flap on its side opposite from the cavity so as to reduce the volume thereof until the flap reaches a second position in which the volume of the cavity is substantially zero.

Abstract: The yaw rate sensor of the present invention has force-conveying means. The central idea of the invention is that the force action conveyed by this arrangement has a frequency such that the frequency of the conveyed force action is an integral multiple of the frequency of the oscillation of the drive element parallel to the X-axis.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensor of the present invention is capable of preventing a diaphragm portion of the sensor from being damaged if a weight collides against a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate of the sensor and is further capable of preventing the diaphragm portion from being bent significantly even when a semiconductor sensor element of the sensor is disposed inside a distorted or deformed casing. A rear surface of the semiconductor integrated circuit substrate 7 is joined onto a wall surface of the casing 9 that defines a receiving chamber of the casing. A support portion of the semiconductor sensor element is joined onto a front surface 7a of the semiconductor integrated circuit substrate 7.

Abstract: A method for nondestructive analysis is disclosed. The method includes measuring a distance between an acoustic source and each of the points to be analyzed (pixels) on the surface of an object. An optimization is then defined using the distance measurements. Thereafter, the object at each target pixel is acoustically bombarded, and the surface response at each pixel is recorded and measured. Optionally, the surface response measurements may be processed to account for extraneous information. The calculated optimization may then be used to generate the early-time line-up of the recorded measurements, and the processed information may be analyzed using the generated early-time line-up to image the internal structure object.

Abstract: A device for ultrasonic strain imaging computes displacement of tissue between a pre-deformation and post-deformation data set along columns to provide for independent calculations that may be parallelized for multiprocessor systems.

Abstract: A hand-held testing device tests operation of acoustic elements of an acoustic device. The hand-held testing device has a housing, a power supply local to the housing, an acoustic transducer, and circuitry. The circuitry is disposed within the housing and is provided in electrical communication with the power supply and with the acoustic transducer. The circuitry is configured to identify production of a voltage pulse by the acoustic transducer in response to receipt of a received acoustic signal by the acoustic transducer from one of the acoustic elements and to operate the transducer to transmit a transmitted acoustic signal to the acoustic element.