Abstract: A washing machine is provided having at least one balancer and a method of manufacturing a balancer thereof is further provided, the method and machine capable of reducing a manufacturing cost and an assembly time, and allowing the balancer assembled to a spin tub to be easily replaced with a new balancer. The balancer applied to the washing machine and the method of manufacturing the balancer of the washing machine are adapted such that a pipe is formed in an annular shape and is assembled to a spin tub, so that a manufacturing cost and an assembly time can be reduced to improve mass productivity. Further, when the balancer is determined to fail after being assembled to the spin tub, the balancer can be rapidly and conveniently replaced with a new balancer, so that material costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a housing with an inner surface defining a chamber and having a surface treatment that inhibits adherence of scale to the inner surface. In another embodiment, the fabric treatment appliance can include a water supply line configured to supply water from a household water supply to the steam generator and a filter fluidly coupled to the water supply line and configured to filter water supplied to the steam generator to thereby inhibit formation of scale and sludge.

Abstract: A security tag holder is releasably clamped onto a garment. The holder includes first and second members coupled for relative pivotal movement about a pivot pin. The first member includes first clamping and locking regions at opposite sides of the pin, respectively. The second member includes second clamping and locking regions at opposite sides of the pin. The first locking region has a recess and a fixed magnet. The second locking region has a bore and a movable magnet movable between an unlocking position wherein the movable magnet is received in the bore and a locking position wherein the movable magnet is partly inserted into the recess and attracted to the fixed magnet. When the first and second members are urged against each other to clamp the garment, the movable magnet is moved from its unlocking to locking position to lock the first and second members against relative pivotal movement.

Abstract: An electronic marker device affixes a fishing rod to a fishing reel. The device includes a marker housing having a base and a cover to wrap around an arm of a fishing reel and enclose a foot of the reel and a rod of a fishing rod thereby preventing removal of the fishing reel from the fishing rod. The marker housing also supports an electronic marker so as to deter unauthorized removal of the rod and reel combination. The marker may be preferably an electronic article surveillance (EAS) marker.

Abstract: A lock assembly has a casing, a securing axle and a wheel. The securing axle is mounted rotatably in the casing and has a threaded end extending out of the casing. The wheel is mounted rotatably in the casing and selectively engages with the securing axle to rotate the securing axle. By rotating the wheel and the securing axle simultaneously, the threaded end of the securing axle can be screwed into an article. When the wheel disengages from the securing axle, the wheel cannot rotate the securing axle to keep the securing axle in the article. Then the article is in a position in cooperation with a cable.

Abstract: An item securing apparatus and method for securing at least one item in a ground surface at a beach or other location is provided. The item securing apparatus includes a ground engaging member that is insertable into the ground surface and a locking housing that removably attaches to the ground engaging member. The locking housing is secured to the ground engaging member with one or more locking devices. An item securing mechanism attaches the item to the ground engaging member which secures the item to the ground surface.

Abstract: An electrically activated locking device is provided for use with an article of furniture of the type comprising a cabinet with an interior surface, at least one drawer in the cabinet moveable between an open position and a closed position, and a locking bar slideably mounted adjacent the interior surface for vertical movement and having at least one locking pin extending therefrom into locking engagement with the drawer and at least one lifting pin extending therefrom. The device includes an electrically powered actuator, an electronic module for controlling power to the actuator, a rotatable cam operatively connected to the actuator, and a lifting pin carrier in the path of and vertically moveable by rotation of the cam. The lifting pin carrier has an opening for receiving the lifting pin, whereby the locking bar is moveable into either an unlocked or locked position responsive to rotation of the cam.

Abstract: An input shaft of a key lever that transmits a rotating drive force from a key cylinder in response to a key operation is arranged in a lower side of a door housing so that the rain water and the like does not easily reach the input shaft.

Abstract: A lock arrangement for a transmission, in particular in the form of a parking-lock arrangement for an automated transmission. The lock arrangement is prestressed by a first spring accumulator into a locking position in which the transmission is locked. The lock arrangement is capable of being shifted by means of an actuator from the locking position into a release position in which the transmission is released. The lock arrangement has an electronically activatable blocking device which is designed for blocking the lock arrangement mechanically in the locking position.

Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, an extrusion die for metallic material capable of obtaining a high quality extruded article can be provide while securing sufficient strength and durability. The extrusion die is provided with a die holding case 20 having a dome portion 21 with an external surface functioning as a metallic material pressure receiving surface 22, the metallic material pressure receiving surface 22 being disposed so as to face rearward, a male die 30 held in the die holding case 21, and a female die 40 held in a front portion of the die holding case 20. The metallic material pressure receiving surface 22 is formed into a convex configuration, and a porthole 24 is formed in the dome portion 21. The central axis A2 of the porthole 24 is inclined to the central axis A1 of the die holding case 20. The metallic material pressed against the metallic material pressure receiving surface 22 is introduced into the die holding case 20 through the porthole 24 and passes through the extrusion hole 11.

Abstract: In the width-direction bending step for the blade member, the blade member is clamped by a pair of rotary press claws 13, 14 from both sides in the thickness direction to be compressed in the thickness direction, whereby the compressed portion is extended in the longitudinal direction of the blade member and the blade member is bent in the width direction. In the thickness-direction bending step for the blade member, a working die portion comprises: a thickness-direction bending shaft 31; and a thickness-direction bending cylinder 32 which is fitted in a turning paired state onto the thickness-direction bending shaft. The thickness-direction bending shaft 31 and the thickness-direction bending cylinder 32 are relatively rotated, whereby the blade member is bent in the thickness direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a shell with a central panel and a chuck wall is provided. The apparatus and method employ the use of a biasing member to selectively bias and control movement of the inner pressure sleeve and a die core having an outer diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the punch core. The apparatus and method can also be employed in a single action press or a double action press.

Abstract: A flanged bush for plain bearings having at least one flange formed thereon having axially facing inner and outer surfaces and including at least one metallic layer. The flange includes material-displacing recesses impressed axially into said flange in said metallic layer at at least two points distributed over said flange in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A hand tool includes two levers pivotally coupled together at a middle portion with an axle, and each having a handle end for being held by users, and a carrier end having a channel formed between two plates, a bar is engaged into the channel and secured between the plates of each of the levers and includes a spring-biased projection, one or more supporting members and one or more tool devices may be changeably attached to the levers and include a slot for receiving the bar and a depression for receiving the spring-biased projection, and for changeably attaching the supporting members and the tool devices to the levers without additional fasteners and driving tools.

Abstract: A crimp or press tool is provided that includes two pivotally connected jaw members that can be selectively drawn toward one another in order to crimp or otherwise press a fitting onto a pipe or other workpiece. The tool uses a tightening assembly that enables the application of oppositely directed rotational forces to thereby prevent or at least significantly reduce the potential for imparting undesirable torque moments into the pipe or workpiece.

Abstract: A hydraulic crimping tool with a pressure indicator includes a pump body having a first end connected to a handle and a second end connected to a head. The pump body includes a pressure switch disposed at a side, with the pressure switch having a lever mounted thereto. The head includes a second jaw and a first jaw, with the first jaw comprising a piston, and with the piston being actuated by the pump body. The hydraulic crimping tool also includes a lower die disposed on the piston and an upper die disposed on the second jaw. The head also includes an indicator mounted thereto for displaying a pressure reading. The indicator includes a panel disposed at a side of the head and a strain gauge mounted to the second jaw. The strain gauge is electrically connected to the panel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a calibration pipette comprising an actuated electronic dis-play (3) and a calibration function. The calibration function is such that at least one real volume obtained with an indicated volume is input via a user interface into the control system and that the control system calculates calibration settings and stores them in a memory, by means of which settings the stroke length of the pis-ton or the volume indicated on the display is corrected so that the volume indi-cated on the display equals the real dosing volume. The calibration resolution is less than 0.1%, preferably less than 0.05% and most preferably less than 0.01%.

Abstract: A method of measuring surface friction in which drag due to contaminant lying on a said surface can be isolated, and a continuous friction measuring device for effecting the measurement. The device has a pair of friction measuring wheels (36,37) in contact with the ground and a third wheel (41) which is freely rotatable during the friction measuring process, the axle (42) of the third wheel (41) being provided with a load sensor (55) to measure the horizontal drag load on the third wheel during the friction measuring process. A trailer or vehicle incorporating the wheels (36, 37, 41) is passed through contaminant lying on a surface and the horizontal drag on the wheel (41) is measured simultaneously with a continuous measurement of the friction coefficient of said surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining alcohol content in a breath sample, comprising at least one of breath sample exhaust means, resistance lowering means, and correction factor calculation means.

Abstract: An injection device (10) includes a carrier inlet (40), a sample inlet (46), waste outlet (44) and a chamber outlet (64) attached to separation column (66). Valves (52, 54, 56) are used to control flow such that sample flows into chamber (22) and is carried into the chamber outlet (42).

Abstract: A test strip and method for detecting an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell for measuring acoustical properties of a fluid sample comprising cell body having first and second opposite substantially flat end faces and forming at least one sample cavity for receiving a sample to be investigated and first and second electro-acoustical transducer wafers each having first and second main surfaces, said first main surface of said first and second transducers being positioned at said first and second end surfaces respectively, of said cell body. The invention proposes to provide at least one sealing means at one end face.

Abstract: A method for accelerated aging of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions incorporating cold start simulation.

Abstract: A method of detecting the tire sensitivity is described. The method includes determining the tire load Ftire of the vehicle, determining rotational speed information of the wheels, determining the tire sensitivity from the variation of the wheel rotational speed information depending on the variation of the tire load Ftire.

Abstract: A method for downhole flow measurement comprises installing a fibre optical distributed temperature sensor (DTS) system along at least part of the length of an inflow region of the well and using the sensor to measure fluctuations of the temperature of fluids flowing from the formation into the well and the velocity at which said natural fluctuations migrate in downstream direction through the well. The measured temperature variations may be low frequency temperature fluctuations of between 0.1 and 0.5 Degrees Celsius, which gradually die out downstream of the inflow region(s) of the well.

Abstract: A downhole pressure transmitter apparatus and method of making the same. A pressure fitting can be provided in association with a tube formed into a spiral shape. One end of said tube is sealed and the other end of said tube is affixed to said pressure fitting. As the tube is exposed to a differential pressure, said tube unwinds, thereby creating a rotary motion that is proportional and linear to said differential pressure sensor, thereby providing an indication of pressure within a downhole environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas/liquid separator comprising a capacitive level sensor, which is particularly suitable for systems that employ reduced volumes of fluids at high pressures. The inventive separator consists of a metal part (1) comprising a borehole which is closed at the lower end thereof, such as to form a container (2). The aforementioned container comprises at least one gas inlet (8), one liquid outlet (9) and one gas outlet (10).According to the invention, a cooling system, in the form of a Peltier cell that is in contact with the walls of the metal part (1). Generates the condensation of the liquid which is collected at the bottom of the container (2) until the introduction of a probe (4) which is electrically isolated from the system and which forms an electric condenser with the walls of the part (1). The capacity of the condenser varies according to the level of liquid in the container (2).

Abstract: A device for monitoring the level of a supply reservoir, in particular of a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, comprising a float that has a magnet for actuating a switch or a sensor. The float has a multipart design comprising a first float part and a second float part and the magnet is encased and arranged between the two float parts.

Abstract: The invention concerns a float arm assembly for use in a vehicle fuel tank and a method of operating the float arm assembly to determine a level of fuel in the tank. First and second resistor cards are electrically connected in series and each includes a pivoting float arm with a float attached to an end. The first and second resistor cards, with separate floats allow the fuel level to be more accurately determined, especially in fuel tanks with complex contours and indentations in the tank wall that create dead bands in a single float type of arrangement.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for insertion into a tank for measuring the liquid level in the tank comprises an elongate tubular frame and a float movable inside the frame to seek the liquid level. A float lock guide formed as an elongate member is mounted lengthwise inside the frame. A float lock formed as an elongate member is located inside the frame parallel to the float lock guide. A plurality of linkages is pivotally connected between the float lock guide and the float lock such that lengthwise movement of the float relative to the float lock guide causes corresponding lateral movement of the float in the frame between an unlocked position where the float is free to move lengthwise in the frame to seek the liquid level and a locked position where frictional forces retain the float between the float lock and an inner wall portion of the frame.

Abstract: A test method for measuring adsorbed molecular contamination uses a test structure that includes a substrate comprising a plurality of separated test sites having a plurality separate thicknesses having a base design thickness and a designed thickness interrelationship. The test structure is exposed to a molecular contaminant environment to provide an adsorbed molecular contaminant layer upon each of the plurality of separated test sites. The plurality of separated test sites with the adsorbed molecular contaminant layer thereon is measured. An appropriate algorithm that considers the designed thickness interrelationship is used to determine at least one of: (1) the base design thickness; and (2) a thickness of the adsorbed molecular contaminant layer.

Abstract: A sensor includes: a receiver that receives signals sent from outside; a first converter that converts signals received by the receiver into acoustic waves; a second converter that converts the acoustic waves propagating along a predetermined area into signals; a transmitter that transmits the signals that are output from the second converter; and an attachment that is attached to a propagation path of the acoustic waves on the predetermined area, that undergoes an irreversible change in response to an environmental change and that changes the propagation characteristics of the acoustic waves on the predetermined area due to this change.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a calibrated micro-electro-mechanical structure (MEMS) matrix in communication with a controller. The MEMS matrix includes MEMS elements of various sizes which create a continuum of vibration-stress-resistant elements. The MEMS elements will flex in response to flexing of a printed circuit board due to mechanical vibration until failure occurs. The controller monitors the continuity of the MEMS matrix to determine which elements of the MEMS matrix have failed to accurately determine the accumulated vibration stress experienced by the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A vibration sensor includes casing, substrate, and elastic metal piece; two electrode areas separated by a separation zone being provided on the substrate; a vibration contact being provided on the separation zone; placement being executed by the metal piece on the substrate to contact or not to contact both electrode areas and produce connection or disconnection at the vibration contacts for selecting to turn on or off a power source and an electronic device connected to the vibration sensor and producing intermittent conduction by means of the sensor built in an object

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a fiber optic seismic sensing system for permanent downhole installation. In one aspect, the present invention includes a multi-station, multi-component system for conducting seismic reservoir imaging and monitoring in a well. Permanent seismic surveys may be conducted with embodiments of the present invention, including time-lapse (4D) vertical seismic profiling (VSP) and extended micro-seismic monitoring. Embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to map fluid contacts in the reservoir using 4D VSP and to correlate micro-seismic events to gas injection and production activity.

Abstract: A probe includes a sensor having a pressure-sensitive surface, electrical signals being producible by the sensor when pressure forces are acting that have a directional component orthogonal to the pressure-sensitive surface. The probe includes a probe element, which is supported in a movable manner relative to the sensor, and a mechanical transmission element. The probe includes a diaphragm, which is arranged between the transmission element and the pressure-sensitive surface of the sensor. The probe element, the transmission element, the diaphragm and the sensor are in a mechanical operative connection such that by contacting the probe element, a change in the level of the electrical signal is producible by the sensor.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a substrate assembly. The substrate assembly includes a conductive layer and defines a plurality of channels terminating in closed ends. A conductive membrane is mounted to the substrate assembly so that a sealed reference chamber including the channels is defined by the conductive membrane and the substrate assembly. A cap is mounted relative to the substrate assembly and defines one or more apertures so that an antechamber is defined by the cap and the conductive membrane. Differential pressure between the reference chamber and antechamber can cause deflection of the conductive membrane which, in turn, varies the capacitance between the conductive membrane and conductive layer.

Abstract: A pressure pickup comprising: A pressure sensor; a pressure pickup housing, which, preferably, defines in its interior a sensor chamber, in which the sensor is arranged The pressure pickup housing further includes a housing end surface having a housing opening, through which the sensor can be exposed to pressure; and a process connection, which has in a process connection face a process connection opening, wherein the process connection is connectable with the pressure pickup housing in such a manner that the process connection opening aligns with the housing opening and such that the process connection face surrounds the housing end surface Between the pressure pickup housing and the process connection, a sealing ring is arranged, which is comprised of an elastomeric material, and which seals a gap between the process connection face and the housing end surface, wherein, preferably, the regions of the process connection face and the housing end surface bordering the gap are coplanar with one another.

Abstract: A method for testing poles (1) including the steps of applying a first load to a pole (1), measuring the movement of the pole (1), at least partially de-loading the pole (1) to a second load, measuring the movement of the pole (1), and using the change in the movement measurements under the respective loads to calculate the pole (1) stiffness.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter includes: a detector for detecting a flow rate voltage; a shielded cable having an inner conductor provided around a cable core to which the flow rate voltage is applied from the detector; and a converter for receiving the flow rate voltage via the shielded cable, and performing a signal processing on the received flow rate voltage so as to output the processed flowrate voltage, wherein a preamplifier of the converter includes: an input circuit which is connected between the cable core and a common voltage point and has an input voltage dividing point for dividing the flow rate voltage; a main amplifier circuit which amplifies the flow rate voltage; and a feedback voltage distribution section which receives an output voltage from the main amplifier circuit, and distributes the output voltage as positive feedback voltages to the inner conductor and the input circuit respectively with different ratios.

Abstract: The torque sensor includes a plurality of coil units having a substantially cylindrical shape, the coil units including a plurality of detection coils arranged to face a magnetic characteristic change portion formed on a rotary shaft. The coil units include a first coil unit and a second coil unit, and the first coil unit and the second coil unit are disposed in the axial direction of the shaft. The first coil unit and the second coil unit are fixed in an integrally molded resin. Thereby, there is provided a torque sensor having a high productivity and an easy configuration and a method of manufacturing the torque sensor.

Abstract: A magnetostriction type torque sensor is provided which includes magnetic property change material which is provided on a shaft and whose magnetic property changes in accordance with torque applied to the shaft, an excitation signal generator which generates an excitation signal whose voltage is converted into a predetermined voltage through a switching element, a plurality of detection coils to which the excitation signal generator applies the excitation signal, and which plurality of detection coils outputs voltage, which changes in accordance with change in the magnetic property of the magnetic property change material, between connection points between the detection coils, and an operational state monitor which monitors an operational state of the switching element.

Abstract: A sensor element (1) has at least one measurement element (2) with piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, and measurement electrodes (3). A measurement variable and a disturbance variable act simultaneously upon the at least one measurement element (2) and the measurement signal derived from the measurement electrodes (3) includes an interference signal. The sensor element (1) has at least one compensation element (4, 4?) upon which only the disturbance variable acts, so that a correction signal used to compensate for the interference signal in the measurement signal can be derived from the compensation element (4, 4?).

Abstract: A monitoring device for use in monitoring the life of a filter used in the operating unit of an air conditioning system. The monitoring device has a support for use in attaching the device to the housing of the operational unit in the air conditioning system, the unit having a least one air conditioning filter holding filter material. At least one tubular arm attached to the support, each arm having an air inlet and an air outlet. The support is mounted in a manner to have a portion of the air passing through the air conditioning unit pass through the arm on the support as well. A sample filter is provided along with mounting means for removably mounting the sample filter on the arm to have air passing through the arm also pass through the sample filter. The sample filter holds the same filter material as the air conditioning filter.

Abstract: A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe includes an immovable portion having a first heating member located therein for heating an evaporating section of the heat pipe. A movable portion is capable of moving relative to the immovable portion and has a second heating member located therein for heating the evaporating section. A receiving structure is defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the evaporating section of the heat pipe therein. A concavo-convex cooperating structure is defined in the immovable portion and the movable portion to ensure the receiving structure being capable of receiving the heat pipe precisely. Temperature sensors are attached to the immovable portion and the movable portion for detecting temperature of the heat pipe. An enclosure encloses the immovable portion and the movable portions therein.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a pressurized container having an auxiliary device are provided. The system includes a sensor operable to provide a signal representative of at least one operating condition of the pressurized container. The system also includes a control operable to receive the signal from the sensor and generate a warning when the sensed operating condition will impact the operation of the auxiliary device.

Abstract: A probe assembly for use in a surgical procedure is described. The probe assembly can include a sensor which can be implanted in a patient responsive to external electromagnetic fields for generating position data, an insertion tool for the sensor, which can be used to manipulate the sensor and to deliver it to the desired implantation site and electronic circuitry configured to handle a signal which can interact with the sensor. The electronic circuitry and the insertion tool can have mating formations by which they can be assembled together. The electronic circuitry can be a field generator for generating an electromagnetic field for the sensor.

Abstract: A control lever device (1) for vehicles, comprising: a support structure (2) with means (3.4, 4) for connecting the device (1) to a handlebar; a cylinder-piston unit (5, 6) connected to the support structure (2); a lever (7) being pivotally connected to the support structure (2) along an angular actuation stroke (A) extending from an angular rest position (R) of the lever (7) in a first direction of rotation and along an angular collapse stroke (C) extending from said angular rest position (R) in a second direction of rotation, opposite the first direction; a transmission portion (8) being associated to the device (1) such as to transmit an actuation movement from the lever (7) along the angular actuation stroke (A) to the cylinder-piston unit (5, 6); The transmission portion (8) is arranged relative to the lever (7) such that, when the lever (7) is in the angular collapse stroke (C), it is separated from the transmission portion (8).

Abstract: A dual clutch transmission apparatus includes a first input shaft, a second input shaft arranged coaxially with the first input shaft and freely rotatable, a first counter shaft and a second counter shaft arranged in parallel with the first and the second input shafts, a dual clutch including a first clutch and a second clutch, the first and the second clutches transmitting rotational torque from a power source to the first and the second input shafts respectively, a first gear change mechanism provided between the first and the second input shafts and the first counter shaft, a second gear change mechanism provided between the first and the second input shafts and the second counter shaft and an output shaft connected to the first and the second counter shafts via a first reduction gear train and a second reduction gear.

Abstract: A resin gear has a plurality of teeth on an outer periphery thereof. One surface of each tooth has a tooth plane which meshes with another gear. The tooth thickness is substantially uniform from a tooth tip to a tooth root. A reinforcing rib is provided on the surface of each tooth on the opposite side from the tooth plane.