Abstract: A support module interconnects with other support modules to support a number of core elements for encapsulation within a concrete structure. The module has a planar frame defining first and second cutouts. Each cutout has an arc shape so that when modules are assembled, the cutouts of different modules define a circular aperture for closely receiving one of the core elements. Each cutout has a first peripheral arc portion and a concentric second arc portion larger than the first portion. The first portion provides an aperture of a first diameter, and upon removal of the first portion, the second portion provides an aperture of a larger second diameter. The frame having connection elements that to connect with other support modules to securely receive the core elements. The module may include a separately formed arcuate insert fastened to the cutout to provide a smaller aperture.

Abstract: Prefabricated components for making floor slabs, floors and walls with exposed wood beams for small buildings comprising laminated panels with at least two mutually opposite edges that are affected by longitudinal grooves; laminated wood beams being provided in an upper region with coupling elements for respective central metallic lattices and with at least one supporting ridge for the ends of the panels that have grooved edges; the beams, the lattices and the converging grooved edges being mutually coupled by casting conglomerate.

Abstract: A roofing system having shingles. The shingles include a front side, a back side, a pair of spaced-apart side edges, and spaced-apart top and bottom edges, an adhesive, and a backing material. The adhesive is applied to a portion of the shingle for affixing the backing material to the shingle and covering a portion of the back side.

Abstract: A spacer is provided for use in a standing seam roof system in which roof panels are provided having a base portion and upstanding side flanges along opposed longitudinal sides of the panel. The panels are installed sequentially along roof purlins in a working direction. Occasionally a portion of each panel being installed trails in the working direction in relation to the remainder of the panel. A spacer element is provided with a hook for being suspended in the seam between upstanding side flanges of adjacent panels to advance the trailing portion of the panels and thereby straighten the panels of the roof system.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for forming a packaging film. According to the method, a packaging film base layer is provided having a first side and a second side and formed from polymeric materials. At least one additional layer of polymeric material is extrusion coated onto the first side of the base layer. A heat sealable layer is applied onto the second side of the base layer. The method also includes providing a packaging film outer layer having a first side and a second side and formed from polymeric materials. At least one of the outer layer first and second sides is capable of being printed thereon and selected packaging information is printed onto at least one side of the outer layer. Preferably, the outer layer is reverse printed on its second side. Finally, the method includes thermally laminating the base layer and outer layer to one another using a combination of heat and pressure. A packaging film and a method for packaging food products with the film are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting and discriminating articles that are within a predetermined range of a specification into lots feeds a plurality of articles into an article portioning system having a counting head assembly that includes an article detecting unit located above and cooperatively controlling through generated signals an upper diverting gate and lower outlet gate which control the passage and/or accumulation of articles in adjacent channels to permit filling of article containers with predetermined article portions as containers are placed beneath, and removed from, the assembly outlet. The method for portioning discrete articles by feeding the articles and generating signals controlling the gates is suited for a combined plurality of such assemblies to provide high speed continuous container filling operations for simultaneous filling of groups of containers.

Abstract: A side sealing apparatus for a shrink packaging machine comprising closed loop temperature control of a heater for maintaining an optimum temperature for cutting and sealing two layers of thermoplastic film. The heater comprises a cable or cartridge heater with an internal thermocouple, and it is connected to an automatic temperature controller. The heater is mounted on the side sealer apparatus between two sets of top and bottom V-belts mounted around drive rolls and idler rolls. The V-belts provide nip pressure against the film in order to drive the film. Nip pressure is generated by nip rolls on the scrap side of the film, and by belt support plates on the package side of the film.

Abstract: A service dog harness has a base member and a strap system for attaching the base member to a dog. A rigid platform is provided on a top side of the base member, and a soft cushion material extends under and beyond the sides of the rigid platform to impart a soft cushion feel over the underside of the base member. A collar strap assembly is attached to the front end of the base member and is adjustable to fit about a dog's lower neck and chest in front of the forelegs. A trunk strap assembly is connected between the left and right sides of the base member and is adjustable to fit about a dog's trunk behind the forelegs. A ventral strap is connected between the collar and trunk strap assemblies. Padded sleeves cover the collar and trunk strap assemblies to minimize discomfort to a dog wearing the harness.

Abstract: A mobile harvesting apparatus and method utilizes a stream of liquid, propelled under high pressure through at least one nozzle, to harvest produce. Preferably, a plurality of nozzles is provided. Additionally, it is preferred that, for each nozzle provided, there is an associated diverter plate. With this configuration, a stream of liquid exiting a nozzle will, after harvesting an item of produce, strike its associated diverter plate.

Abstract: A harvesting platform comprising a conveyor belt assembly being located rearwardly from a cutter bar. The conveyor belt assembly comprises a first roller and a second roller around which a conveyor belt runs. The rollers are fastened to each other by mounting elements. The conveyor belt assembly is pivotally mounted to the floor of the platform so it can be pivoted upward from the floor.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a spun thread from a staple sliver including a drafting unit and an air jet aggregate arranged downstream thereof. A vortex chamber with an air evacuation channel is located in the air jet aggregate. A cleaning channel is arranged to the delivery roller pair of the drafting unit, which cleaning channel is connected, together with the air evacuation channel to a joint vacuum source. The cleaning channel runs preferably into the air evacuation channel in the inside of the air jet aggregate. The cleaning channel is preferably aligned against the pressure roller of the delivery roller pair. Further suction openings can be additionally arranged to the bottom rollers of the drafting unit, which suction openings are also connected to the joint vacuum source.

Abstract: A propulsion system including an extinguishable rocket motor and an incorporated maneuver control system. The rocket motor may be of the solid fuel type. One or more proportional axial thrust valves in communication with a pressure vessel or motor case containing a solid fuel propellant may be used to release combustion products for creating axial thrust. A plurality of proportional maneuver control valves in communication with the pressure vessel and having associated maneuver control thrusters may be selectively actuated in different modes of operation to provide control of pitch, yaw and roll. Fully opening all valves in communication with the pressure vessel may be used to cause rapid depressurization to extinguish the propellant. Reignition of the rocket motor may be effected upon repressurization of the pressure vessel through closing at least some of the valves. Ignition grains may be employed to shorten reignition time, and multiple propellant grains may be provided for multiple pulses.

Abstract: In an NOx discharge quantity estimation method for an internal combustion engine equipped with an EGR apparatus, the gas components (e.g., oxygen molecules and NOx) of intake gas taken into a combustion chamber are assumed to be uniformly distributed throughout the entire region of the combustion chamber. Under such assumption, the combustion chamber is divided into a combustion region (region B) and a non-combustion region (region A) by making use of the ratio of the “mass of oxygen consumed as a result of combustion” to the “total mass of oxygen taken in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A filter (14) traps particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas of a diesel engine (1). The filter (14) is regenerated by burning the trapped particulate matter through an operation to raise the exhaust gas temperature. An oxidation catalyst which promotes combustion of the particulate matter is coated onto the filter (14). The oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas upstream of the filter (14) and the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas downstream of the filter (14) during the regeneration period are detected using universal exhaust gas oxygen sensors (17, 16). A controller (25) determines a substantial regeneration period on the basis of the difference between these oxygen concentrations, and by comparing a maximum value of the difference between the oxygen concentrations during the substantial regeneration period with a predetermined threshold, determines deterioration of the filter (14) with a high degree of precision.

Abstract: Temperature of each cooling target fluid is detected. When the flow rate of a cooling target fluid passing through a cooling system is high, the fan revolution speed of a cooling fan of the cooling system is controlled to achieve a target fan revolution speed so that the detected temperature of the cooling target fluid reaches a preset target temperature. In cases where the engine is in a low idling state, the flow rate of each cooling target fluid passing through the cooling system is reduced. The fan revolution speed of the cooling fan is controlled to achieve a new target fan revolution speed that is lower than the target fan revolution speed.

Abstract: A compressed air pumped hydro energy storage and distribution system includes a first reservoir of water and a second reservoir of air and water. An air pressure source, connected to the second reservoir, develops a pressure head in the second reservoir. A pump/turbine-motor/generator, received by the first reservoir, is connected to a regional energy grid. During peak demand periods, the pressure head forces water through the pump/turbine-motor/generator to generate power, delivered to the grid. During low demand periods, the pump/turbine-motor/generator pumps water back to the second reservoir, regenerating the pressure head. A third air reservoir interconnected with the second reservoir and a gas turbine generator can be used to generate power during peak demand periods. The reservoirs can be tunnels or abandoned mines, reinforced and sealed by pressure grouting and/or an internal liner, maintained well beneath the earth's surface and intersecting the path of the grid.

Abstract: A hydraulic controller in which driving sound and the number of parts can be reduced, and a long service life can be realized, and a hydraulic drive unit provided with said hydraulic controller. The hydraulic controller for a hydraulic drive unit includes a housing that includes an electric motor housing configured to house an electric motor, an oil pump housing configured to house a hydraulic pump, and a valve housing configured to house valves are integrated together.

Abstract: A fluid pump control device for wheel loaders includes an engine for driving an axle through a transmission, a main pump, a variable-displacement steering pump with a pump regulator, an auxiliary pump, an electronic proportional control valve provided on a discharge quantity control signal line leading to the pump regulator for variably controlling a pilot pressure conveyed the pump regulator, a hydraulic load detector for detecting a real hydraulic load (Px), an engine revolution detector for detecting the number of revolution (N1) of the engine, a transmission revolution detector for detecting the number of output shaft revolution (N2) of the transmission. A controller is adapted to control the electronic proportional control valve and hence the fluid discharge quantity of the steering pump, based on the real hydraulic load (Px), the number of revolution (N1) of the engine and the number of output shaft revolution (N2) of the transmission.

Abstract: A chair elevating/lowering hydraulic device includes at least a foot pump 3 which absorbs oil by an ascent of an operation lever 1, which discharges oil stored by a stepping-on of the operation lever, and which discharges stored oil by a stepping-on of the operation lever to a lowest position, a check valve 5 which is opened by the oil pressure of the oil discharged from the foot pump, which is opened when the foot pump is lowered to the lowest position, and which allows the oil from the non-return side to pass to allow it to return to an oil tank through the foot pump, an elevating/lowering cylinder 7, and an accumulator 6.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically controlling the displacement of hydraulic pumps, transmissions or transaxles. A moveable swash plate is cooperable with a rotatable hydraulic pump for controlling the output thereof, and a rotatable trunnion arm is coupled to the moveable swash plate. A pair of switches may be mounted in separate locations to detect the position of a control arm used to rotate the trunnion arm. The control arm may be connected to an electronic actuation drive used to electronically control the rotatable control arm.

Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid powertrain system includes a power plant generating a high pressure fluid at an output, at least one drive motor responsive to the high pressure fluid for generating rotary motion at an output, and a mode selection device connected to the power plant output and the drive motor for selecting a mode of operation from a plurality of drive motor modes of operation including at least two of a drive mode, a neutral mode, a reverse mode and a park mode. The system includes a control device connected to the power plant and the drive motor for controlling operation of the drive motor in the plurality of modes of operation, a selectively actuated brake device for interrupting high pressure fluid flow to the drive motor, and a check valve bridge circuit for connecting the drive motor to a low pressure fluid source when the brake device is actuated.

Abstract: A compressor active surge control system that includes an air recirculation line that has a first end connected downstream of a compressor outlet and a second end connected upstream of a compressor inlet. The gas recirculation line recirculates compressed air from the compressor outlet to the compressor inlet. Also included in the system is a mixer positioned to receive both ambient air and recirculated air. Mixing of the air homogenizes the air prior to its introduction into the compressor. An air cooler may be included that cools the recirculated air prior to its introduction into the compressor. Cooling and mixing of the recirculated air expands the operating range of the compressor by reducing the incidence of surge. Various existing components, such as intercoolers and filters, may serve the additional duty of cooling or mixing the recirculated air.

Abstract: The impeller is preferably modified to use back swept, radial or forward swept blades to accommodate relatively low, medium and high lift, respectively applications for both centrifugal compressor and turbine rotor use.

Abstract: A heat exchange system is provided that includes an evaporator (11) that carries out heat exchange between exhaust gas discharged from an exhaust port (16B) and water, exhaust gas passages (87, 88) on the upstream side in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas being disposed on the radially inner side, an exhaust gas passage (89) on the downstream side being disposed on the radially outer side, and an oxygen concentration sensor cooling portion (92) for cooling a mounting section of an oxygen concentration sensor (91) facing the exhaust gas passage (87) on the most upstream side being positioned on the radially outer side of the exhaust gas passage (87). Water is supplied separately to a water passage (W3) of the evaporator (11) and a water passage (W4) of the oxygen concentration sensor cooling portion (92), and the water passage (W3) of the evaporator (11) is arranged so that the direction of flow of the water is opposite to the direction of flow of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A mechanical thermo-voltaic solar power system (MeTSoPoS) that uses a mechanical generator, instead of the photovoltaic panel commonly in use today, is disclosed. The system is comprised of three major subsystems: (1) a light collector array, (2) a mechanical thermo-voltaic generator, and (3) a storage and retrieval system. At the center of the system is the light collection array comprised of solar collector elements. These collector elements are connected to optical conduits (fiber optic cables) that carry the light energy to a mechanical generator. An automatic aiming system is used to align the collector elements directly at a light source for maximum light output. Each light collector element is comprised of a set of lenses that focus a larger area of light down to a point small enough to inject into an optical conduit. The optical conduit is then used to carry the light from each collector element to the generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the exhaust path of a gas turbine engine for the presence of unwanted flames downstream from the main combustion chamber(s). The system is comprised of an Electro-Optics Module containing sensors and associated processing electronics as well as collection and transmitting optics, which relay the radiant energy generated by a flame event to the sensors. The information generated by the sensors is directly related to the time based intensity of the flame event, which can suggest problems associated with the condition of combustion related engine components. This information can then be used by the engine owner/operator to assess the condition of the engine and determine the more efficient required maintenance schedule.

Abstract: A thermal machine that can function as either a refrigerator or an external combustion heat engine is disclosed. A working gas undergoes four thermodynamic processes that comprise a Brayton cycle. Two of these processes, adiabatic compression and adiabatic expansion, take place in the same cylinder, within which a piston, driven by a crankshaft, reciprocates. The remaining two processes, each of which is a transfer of heat at constant pressure, take place in a high pressure heat exchanger and a low pressure heat exchanger. A rotary valve, rotating at one-half crankshaft speed, creates passages between the cylinder and the heat exchangers, and is constructed so that compression and expansion ratios are equal.

Abstract: Birds are moved through chilled water by bird moving means such as an auger or by a series of paddles. The birds tend to accumulate in a predetermined path in the water. Streams of water that include an antibacterial additive are directed toward the predetermined path and engage and disperse the birds, and wash the birds with the streams of water and the antibacterial additive, thereby increasing the rate of heat transfer from the birds and increasing the effectiveness of the antibacterial properties of the agents in the chilled water.

Abstract: In an ice making plate where a plurality of ice making regions are formed in the vertical direction, a projecting portion having a lateral width B smaller than a lateral width A of the ice making regions is formed between adjacent ice making regions. At least one non-projecting portion or area is defined at least one side of the projecting portion and located between adjacent ice making regions. Most of the ice growth is restricted by an upper surface portion and a lower surface portion of the projecting portion, and the ice is thereby partially prevented from connecting to the ice formed in the adjacent ice making region. However, a part of the ice grows in the at least one non-projecting portion or area, and partially connected ice is formed by the connection of the ice formed in the non-projecting portion or area to the ice grown in the adjacent ice making region. The partially connected ice is dropped as an integrated whole from the ice making plate.

Abstract: An automatic ice making machine includes a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device; a water system comprising an ice forming surface in thermal contact with the evaporator; and a control system comprising i) an on/off selector that causes the control system to either operate the compressor and water system so that the ice making machine automatically makes ice, or shuts the machine off until manually turned on; and ii) an automatic restart selector that causes the control system to shut down ice making for a predetermined period of time and then automatically resume ice making. Preferred embodiments of the a water system comprise a water filter and the control system comprises a filter change indicator, whereby an indication is displayed after a predetermined condition is reached indicating that the water filter should be replaced.

Abstract: A condenser coil for a refrigerated beverage and food service merchandiser includes a plurality of parallel fins or V-shaped fins between adjacent tubes. In order to reduce the likelihood of fouling by the bridging of fibers therebetween, the spacing of the fins is maintained at a distance of 0.4 to 0.8 inches apart. In one embodiment, the coil includes a plurality of flat multichannel tubes, with no fins therebetween, and the spacing between the multichannel tubes is maintained in the range of 0.4 to 0.8 inches. In one embodiment, the coil includes at least one serpentine shaped, multichannel tubes, with no fins therebetween, and the spacing between flat, parallel segments of the multichannel tubes is maintained in the range of 0.4 to 0.8 inches.

Abstract: An apparatus to use a refrigerator in a mobile computing device is described. In one embodiment, the refrigerator includes a cold reservoir to absorb heat generated by a heat generating unit of the mobile device. A heat exchanger is used to dissipate heat of a hot reservoir of the refrigerator. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus includes a working fluid loop, with a fluid of the loop to be in thermal contact with the heat generating device, and the cold reservoir of the refrigerator to absorb heat from the fluid.

Abstract: A dehumidifier includes an air flow path with first, second and third segments in series from upstream to downstream and passing ambient air respectively to an evaporator coil then to a condenser coil and then discharging same. The air flow path has a fourth segment passing ambient air to the condenser coil in parallel with the noted second air flow path segment.

Abstract: An indirect evaporative cooler assembly includes staggered wet and dry channels. An electric fan moves air through the assembly. Air passes through the wet channels where a material wicks moisture stored in a reservoir into the wet channels. As a result, the side walls of the wet channels are evaporatively cooled. Air moving through dry channels is cooled by the cooling of the walls of the wet channels, and by the presence of louvered convoluted fins in the dry channels that allow for air circulation and further heat dissipation. The wet channels are distinguished by the presence of an electrolyte saturating the material, and electrodes disposed on either side of the material combined to generate an electrical current. Pairs of electrodes are connected in series, and generate electricity to power the electric fan. An auxiliary power source is activated when the voltage from the electrodes drops below a pre-determined level.

Abstract: An appliance cabinet with at least one openable door has a hinge at a pivoting edge of the door to allow the door to open about the pivoting edge. An endcap is secured to an edge of the door adjacent to the pivoting edge. A first conduit extends from an in-door apparatus to an end within the endcap. A second conduit extends from within the cabinet to an end exterior of the cabinet and within the endcap. An end connector is provided to receive the ends of the first and second conduits. The hinge is movable from the pivoting edge of the door to an opposite edge of the door. The second conduit is arranged to exit from either adjacent one corner or adjacent an opposite corner of the cabinet to be adjacent to the pivoting edge. In this arrangement, the two conduits are joinable within the endcap at the end connector to form a continuous conduit.

Abstract: A beverage-cooling device includes a refrigeration unit, a position unit and a switch unit. The refrigeration unit has a housing with a cavity formed therein and a tube disposed inside the cavity. The tube has an inlet and an outlet both secured to the housing, and the inlet is higher than the outlet. The position unit has a base member connecting to the refrigeration unit, a control member pivoted to the base member, and a securing member adjustably assembled onto the control member. The base member has a passage formed therein to communicate with the inlet of the tube. The control member has a through hole communicating with the passage. The securing member orientates a bottle mouth of a bottle to the control member, wherein the bottle mouth communicates with the through hole. The switch unit is secured to the refrigeration unit and connected with the outlet of the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the accumulation of hyperpolarized 129Xe is described. A gas mixture comprising 129Xe is flowed through a heat exchanger tube from the first end to the second end. Concurrently, the outer surface of the heat exchanger tube is controllably refrigerated, beginning with the second end, to a temperature low enough to freeze the 129Xe on the inner surface of the heat exchanger tube.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium including a step for chemically strengthening the glass substrate by contacting the glass substrate with chemical strengthening processing liquid containing chemical strengthening salt, concentration of Fe and Cr is 500 ppb or less in said chemical strengthening salt, respectively. The concentration may be detected by the use of an ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) emission spectrometry analyzing method or a fluorescent X-ray spectroscopy analyzing method.

Abstract: The gob distributor for a glass forming machine has at least one scoop channel which can be pivoted in a reciprocating manner about a vertical axis. A lower end of each scoop channel can be successively orientated, by the pivoting motion, so as to be aligned with a channel system leading to the respective section. An annular pinion is disposed coaxially with an upper end of each scoop channel. A drive has an electric servomotor which is connected to the at least one annular pinion via a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism includes a screw which can be rotationally driven in a reciprocating manner by the electric servomotor, a worm wheel engaged with the screw, and a toothed wheel which is non-rotational and coaxial with respect to the worm wheel. The toothed wheel is in a driving connection with the at least one annular pinion by means of intermediate wheels.

Abstract: A medium- or large-diameter single-cylinder circular knitting machine with a radially compact sinker ring, comprising a needle cylinder that has a vertical axis and a sinker ring that is connected coaxially to the needle cylinder proximate to the upper end of the needle cylinder. The sinker ring has a plurality of radial slots, each of which accommodates at least one sinker, the sinker ring being arranged inside the radial dimensions of the needle cylinder and the sinkers being shaped so that their beak is directed toward the axis of the needle cylinder.

Abstract: A securing system and method including an article holder portion having at least two separable portions; a mount portion adapted for carrying at least one of the separable portions of the holder portion; and optionally at least one sensor for monitoring the article and providing an output signal indicative of article tampering.

Abstract: A golf club securing assembly includes a golf bag and an elongated support mounted therein. An elongated rod is mounted in and orientated parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support. The rod is slidable with respect to the support and is selectively positioned in a first position adjacent to a first end of the support or in a second position spaced from the first end of the support. Each of a plurality of couplers is configured to releasably secure a golf club adjacent to the support. Each of the couplers includes a first arm attached to the support and a second arm is attached to the rod. A driving assembly moves the first arms with respect to an associated one of the second arms into a closed position or an open position. The couplers may be used to secure a golf club to the support.

Abstract: A cycle provided with a frame and an anti-theft device comprising a cable having a first end permanently fixed to the frame and a mobile second end capable of cooperating with a bolt mounted on the frame, this bolt being movable between a locking position in which it locks the second end of the cable with respect to the frame, and an unlocking position in which it releases this second end with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A padlock for motorcycle brake disks having a body with a neck whose width is adjusted to the thickness of a motorcycle brake disk, and a latch which can pass through one of the conventional orifices of this brake disk. The latch operates between a retracted position within the body and an extended position in which it penetrates with its tip into a locking mechanism formed inside the body itself. Once the padlock has been positioned on the disk brake, the body prevents turning of the wheel because it abuts against the motorcycle chassis.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a lock includes a circumferential wall delimiting a longitudinal through-hole. The circumferential wall includes at least one longitudinal slot, forming at least one shielding skirt for shielding a housing of a latch mechanism of a lock that extends into the protective sleeve via the longitudinal slot. A tab extends from a perimeter delimiting the longitudinal slot into the longitudinal through-hole of the protective sleeve. The tab is extended through by an associated mounting post of the lock. A lock with such a protective sleeve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the forging of a workpiece that is moved along a longitudinal axis of a forging press. The method includes detecting the relative positions of the first and second ends of the workpiece along the longitudinal axis and calculating a length of the workpiece therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production unit (1), in particular a bending press, and a method of operating the latter in order to shape workpieces of sheet metal between two press beams (15, 16) equipped with bending tools (36, 37) and displaceable relative to one another by means of a drive system (27), and having a control unit (47). The control unit (47) incorporates a detection system and has at least one detection means which is connected so as to communicate with the detection system in order to transmit data and/or signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a test gas to a gas monitoring instrument having a window for admitting gas to a gas sensor therein, is formed from a mechanical adaptor open at a portion thereof and having walls constructed and arranged such that the mechanical adaptor removably fits over the window to form a substantially gas tight chamber of predefined volume defined by the walls of the mechanical adaptor and the instrument, means disposed in the mechanical adaptor for receiving a vial of test gas and breaking a seal in the vial to admit the test gas to the chamber. The invention is also directed to a kit including the vial of test gas, and a method for testing a gas detection instrument utilizing the apparatus and a vial of test gas.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for calibrating sensors, which sensors are arranged on semiconductor chips and are e.g. to be used for detecting a substance in a fluid. The sensors are calibrated while they are still assembled on a semiconductor wafer by exposing the wafer to a calibration fluid containing a known amount of the substance to be measured. Hence, rather than first cutting the wafer, the sensors are calibrated at an early stage. For this purpose, they are placed on a chuck below a lid. The calibration fluid with known parameters is introduced between the wafer and the lid. This allows to test and calibrate a large number of sensors quickly.

Abstract: In a sensor system, a detection waveform-forming unit detects a vibration component and forms a waveform of a detected angular velocity based on the vibration component. Components of the waveform are of opposite phases relative to each other and acceleration waveform components are in phase relative to each other. An acceleration signal-forming unit operates on the waveform to cancel the waveform of opposite phases to each other, and produces a second kind acceleration signal. An abnormal condition-detecting unit detects an abnormal condition in either the angular velocity sensor unit or an acceleration sensor unit provided separately based on the second kind acceleration signal and a first kind acceleration signal.