Abstract: A hybrid system which utilizes high purity oxygen from a local pipeline, which is blended with low purity oxygen from an on-site or local cryogenic distillation system, thus resulting in a blend of intermediate quality which satisfies the needs of the customer. In order to offset the operating and energy costs associated with this fairly low profit margin intermediate purity oxygen, high purity nitrogen at high pressure is simultaneously exported to the local pipeline, thereby acting as a credit to the overall system.

Abstract: A method of a stirring a molten glass which includes an analytical model which may be used to optimize the stirring conditions to minimize refractory metal inclusions which may result from the-stirring operation.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a glass substrate for an information recording medium ensures removal of an abrasive or foreign mater adhered to the glass substrate after a polishing step, and involves, after the polishing step, keeping the surface of the glass substrate in contact with a liquid for 10 minutes or more before a scrub-cleaning step. To ensure that the abrasive or foreign matter firmly adhered to the glass substrate is removed by scrub-cleaning, preferably, the surface of the glass substrate is kept in contact with the liquid with the glass substrate immersed in the liquid which is collected.

Abstract: A method for transporting a fixed glazing to be equipped with a coating, particularly a curved glazing, through a coating plant. The glazing is transported by a transport device through the plant such that one of its main sides is covered with protection against the coating substance that is to be deposited. The side of the glazing that is to be protected when the coating is being deposited is kept in contact with a flexible fabric attached to the transport device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical fiber preform by passing a porous glass preform through a heating area in an atmosphere of dehydration gas to dehydrate the porous glass preform is provided. Values Pcl and V are set and dehydration is performed to satisfy 0.0773×e7.4873×??Pcl×T×L/V according to ?, T, and L, where Pcl is a partial pressure of chlorine gas in the dehydration gas, T is a process temperature, L is a length of an area in the heating area where a temperature is 1150° C. or higher, V is a relative moving speed of the porous glass preform with respect to the heating area, and ? is an average bulk density of a porous glass layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and forming loose fill fiber material from an ail stream includes introducing a combined fiber and air stream onto a surface of a rotatable drum. The rotatable drum allows the air to flow through the surface of the drum while collecting the fiber material on the surface of the drum. The collected fiber material is then removed from the drum surface by a blow off header that is internal to the drum.

Abstract: A fabric is provided that includes a knit structure having a geometric shape imparting an auxetic property to the fabric due to rotation of one or more portions of the knit structure. In some aspects, the fabric includes a knit structure having a triangular lattice shape that imparts an auxetic property to the fabric.

Abstract: A steam generating device and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The steam generating device includes a lower housing, which contains water, in which a heater is arranged, and which has a vertical length longer than a horizontal length, an upper housing including a steam chamber for containing steam generated as the water is heated, a water level sensor for sensing a water level of the water chamber, and a receptacle for covering the water level sensor, the receptacle including an opening for allowing water to be introduced into the receptacle. In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to easily install the steam generating device, to achieve a superior performance, to prevent the water level sensor from malfunctioning, and to prevent spots from being formed on laundry.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a water-storing tub for storing washing water, a heater having a heat-generating unit disposed in the water-storing tub and a terminal unit formed on first and second ends of the heat-generating unit, a heater cover covering the heater, a clamp fastening the heat-generating unit, a thermostat associated with the clamp to detect a temperature of the heater, and a water infiltration protecting cover for protecting the terminal unit.

Abstract: A washing machine wherein the structure of a door to open and close a laundry inlet hole formed at the upper part of a housing is improved. The door includes front and rear door parts hingedly coupled with each other. The front door part has a front-to-rear length less than that of the rear door part. Consequently, when the door is opened, the front door part is folded to the rear door part and the lower end of the front door part is located at the upper part of the rear door part. The rear door part has a see-through portion, through which the interior of the housing is seen while the door is closed.

Abstract: A combination and padlock includes a housing including a front window, a dial assembly, a cylinder having a keyhole, a rotatable member secured to cylinder and having a spiral groove, a sleeve including fingers moveably retained in the groove, an indicator slidably mounted on the sleeve and including a first state surface having a color aligned with the window in a locked position, and a second state surface having a different color, and a shackle. Inserting a key into the keyhole to clockwise turn the cylinder and the rotatable member will move the sleeve downward by moving the fingers along the groove in one direction, and unlock the lock with the second state surface moved to align with the window for visually informing that the lock has been opened by the key. Alternatively, counterclockwise turning the inserted key will lock the lock and reset the indicator.

Abstract: A combination and key operated padlock includes a housing including a top aperture, a dial assembly, a key turning mechanism, a spring-biased pivot assembly, a spring-biased push button, a shackle including one spring-biased leg and the other leg having a slot proximate its terminating end, a spring-biased T-shaped detent mechanism, and a spring-biased pivotal indicator. Inserting a key and clockwise turning the key will open the padlock and project an indication member out of the aperture for advising an owner of the padlock that the padlock has been opened by means of a key. Turning the dials to a correct combination will unlock the padlock and retract the indication member into the aperture again.

Abstract: A padlock includes a lock body, a shackle and at least one locking unit. The lock body includes a first lock hole defined therein and a second lock hole defined therein. The shackle includes a first end for insertion in the first lock hole and a second end for insertion in the second lock hole. In the lock body, the locking unit is changeable between a locking position for locking the first and second ends of the shackle in the first and second lock holes, a first unlocking position for allowing the first end of the shackle to be removed from the first lock hole and a second unlocking position for allowing the second end of the shackle to be removed from the second lock hole.

Abstract: A lock includes a handle, a hub, a spindle rotatably mounted in the hub and coupled to the handle to turn therewith, and a transmission member fixed to the handle to turn therewith. The transmission member is mounted around and not rotatably engaged with the spindle. The transmission member is stopped by the hub after the handle has been turned through an angle, transmitting a torque from the handle to the hub via the transmission member. Thus, impact from the handle can be partly transmitted to the hub and then to a door on which the lock is mounted, instead of completely transmitted to the spindle. Damage to the spindle is, thus, avoided.

Abstract: A lock includes a case, an actuating device for retracting a latch bolt, and a first and second pivotal assembly selectively coupled to a mounting wall of the case. The first pivotal assembly includes a first pivotal seat for coupling with a rotational outer handle and a second pivotal seat for coupling with an inner handle. The second pivotal assembly includes a third pivotal seat for coupling with an inner handle. One of the first pivotal assembly and the second pivotal assembly is selected for use with one of the rotational outer handle and a thumb-piece type outer handle. A rotational pressing member is selectively and rotatably mounted to the mounting wall when the lock is used with the thumb-piece type outer handle. The rotational pressing member is actuated to turn the actuating device for retracting the latch bolt when the thumb-piece type outer handle is pressed.

Abstract: It permits a pulling movement to be transferred or not to the bolt of the lock when turning the internal or external handles attached to separate square-section shafts belonging to clutch elements and which can have independent rotation or they can do so integrally. The first clutch element (15) connected to the outside handle (6) possesses a prismatic projection (22) with a radial orifice into which fits a pulling pin (24) assisted by a spring (25) and able to be displaced in order to be introduced into a slot (32) of the second clutch element (16). The movement is controlled by a motor (11) with a worm-screw (12) linked to a spring (38) which can manage to displace a thruster rocker arm (27) which makes contact with said pulling pin (24). There exists an emergency device defined by a rod (35) and another spring (38) linked to said thruster rocker arm (27).

Abstract: A rack/lock apparatus includes a rack and a lock. The rack can be attached to and detached from a bicycle. The lock includes a body and a U-shaped shackle for engagement with the body. The body is attachable to and detachable from the bicycle. The U-shaped shackle can be switched between a locking mode and a supporting mode. In the locking mode, the U-shaped shackle locks the bicycle. In the supporting mode, the U-shaped shackle supports the rack.

Abstract: A door lock interface system includes a stationary controller that is mounted to a support surface at an interior of a building. A portable controller is in wireless communication with the stationary controller. An elongated and rectilinear bolt is positioned through a slot of a door and is spaced from the stationary and portable controllers. A mechanism is included for automatically retracting and extending the bolt along a parallel and horizontal path. A mechanism is included for bypassing the automatic retracting and extending mechanism such that the user can manually retract and extend the bolt. A security panel is affixed to one side of the door and covers one door cavity, prohibiting unauthorized access thereto. The security panel is provided with annular openings, allowing a door handle and a deadbolt housing to be connected to the door while maintaining the automatic extending and retracting mechanism hidden from the environment.

Abstract: A reset fixture for a rekeyable lock cylinder includes a housing with a central recess for receiving a cylinder body. A first opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a reset tool. A second opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a bracing bar.

Abstract: A system and method for the contained aerobic treatment of biodegradable matter, especially for box composting of organic wastes, is described. The system comprises a cover is a laminate of a porous polymeric layer adhered to a woven or knit or nonwoven fabric, in which the laminate has a specific air permeability and resistance to water vapor transmission (RET).

Abstract: A method of forging a titanium alloy component comprises applying a protective coating onto the surface of the titanium alloy component. A glass lubricant coating is applied onto the protective coating and the titanium alloy component is forged at a high temperature. The glass lubricant coating comprises a borosilicate glass lubricant coating. The protective coating comprises an aluminide coating, a silicon modified aluminide coating, a platinum aluminide coating, an aluminium coating or a platinum coating. The titanium alloy component may be a compressor blade, or a compressor vane, of a high-pressure compressor of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A roller leveler having a frame; a first bank of upper and lower work rolls journalled in the frame via a work roll journal housing; and a bank of back-up rolls in contact with the work rolls to support the work rolls. The work rolls perform leveling on a work product passing through a gap formed between upper and lower work rolls. The back-up rolls are mounted to the roller leveler frame via a back-up housing. The back-up rolls are movable to allow the first bank of work rolls to be removed and a second bank of work rolls to be installed wherein the second bank of work rolls includes work rolls of a different diameter than the first bank of work rolls.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a seamless tube which can effectively suppress thickness deviations which are apt to occur in thin-walled seamless tubes is provided. A billet which has been soaked in a beating furnace at a given temperature for a given length of time is subjected to piercing and elongation rolling to form a mother tube, which is then soaked in a reheating furnace at a given temperature for a given length of time and then subjected to sizing to produce a seamless tube with a wall thickness of at most 4 mm. The wall thickness of the tube after sizing is at most 4 mm, the soaking time at the given temperature in the heating furnace is in the range of [billet diameter (mm)×(from 0.14-0.35)] minutes, and the soaking time at the given temperature in the reheating furnace is in the range of [mother tube wall thickness (mm)×(from 3.0-10.0)] minutes.

Abstract: A finishing monoblock for a billet lamination plant of the type comprises a plurality of lamination cages (G1Gn) arranged in sequence suitable for forming a lamination line and actuated by a pair of mechanical transmissions (22, 22?) actuated through at least one command reducer (23) for the lamination of the billet. According to the invention, said monoblock comprises at least one first module (M1) and a second module (M2?, M2?), of which at least one is disengageable from the lamination line through a pair of detachable joints (40).

Abstract: A core tool comprises a pair of partial circles made from suitable material, such as cold rolled steel, with corresponding adjusting means. The adjusting means may be two threaded screws with a center nut, wherein one of the threads is a left hand thread, and the other is a right hand thread. A reversible ratchet or wrench can be used to open and close the circles. Alternatively, the adjusting means could be an air or hydraulic system capable of opening and closing the circle portions. Each pair of partial circles forms a circular diameter that will fit inside a standard core, or multiple core sizes. The core tool, formed of the pair of half circles and the tightening and expanding means, is insertable into a damaged core to reshape the core into its intended circular dimension.

Abstract: A bend-straightening machine with a vertically movable table for straightening long workpieces is provided. The bend-straightening machine of the present disclosure includes straightening supports for supporting a workpiece mounted on a movable table which moves in a vertical plane driven by a driving mechanism. The machine is constructed as a rigid frame including a base for supporting at least one upright column. A fixed bridge is joined to an upper portion of the upright column and supplies a stationary surface for mounting at least two workpiece holding fixtures, which grip the ends of the workpiece, allowing the workpiece to be rotated. Also, mounted to the bridge is at least one straightening punch which remains stationary during straightening. The moving table and straightening supports act vertically upward on the workpiece causing the workpiece to bend, i.e., straighten, when it contacts the straightening punch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calibrating device for adapting a measuring device for measuring the thickness of thin layers on an object to be measured, comprising a calibrating surface (12) having a flat upper side and a flat underside, which are provided at a distance with a predetermined thickness, characterized in that the calibrating surface (12) is arranged separate from at least one edge area (18) and the calibrating surface (12) is connected to the at least one edge area (18) via at least one transition area (14).

Abstract: An electronic metering apparatus for metering liquids with a drive, at least one displacer device with a displacer chamber and a displacer element arranged therein, which is connected to the drive, at least one holding device for a pipette point, which has a passage channel which is connected with the displacer chamber, a data memory with memory locations for different calibration data concerning different pipette points and/or different liquids and/or different usage conditions, an electric selection device for selecting calibration data, an electric control unit, which is connected to the electric selection device, the data memory, and to the electric drive motor of the drive and/or an electric display device, and which controls the movement of the displacer element by means of the electric motor and/or the display of the metering volume through the display device with recourse to the calibration data from the data memory, selected with the aid of the selection device, and an electric power supply.

Abstract: In a circuit configuration for ascertaining tilt errors in connection with a position-measuring device, the position-measuring device includes at least one incremental track on a measuring graduation that is able to be read by a scanner, which is movable relative to the measuring graduation in a measuring direction, and the scanner is guided along the measuring graduation and the scanner is rotated with respect to the measuring graduation by an angle of misalignment that is changeable during the relative movement. Perpendicular to the measuring direction, the scanner has a first scanning region and a second scanning region, whereby upon reading the at least one incremental track, at least one first position signal is able to be generated by the first scanning region and at least one second position signal is able to be generated by the second scanning region.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the spring constant of a scanning probe microscope cantilever mechanically coupled to a MEMs actuator may be determined in-situ by application of a force to the scanning probe microscope cantilever.

Abstract: The invention is about the displacement response sensor by push down contact, because the contact department (11) is consist of the materials that contains electric conduction and the plastics that the elasticity is good or the rubber of softness such as gum or silicon, when push down contact is made to the contact department, the Semi Conductive Metrix (14) is reduced, and the density of the electric conduction (15) of the Semi Conductive Metrix (14) becomes large to sense the push down contact, and because it is made of the soft materials, it can be made and installed as various forms. It is easy to make and install, so it can be installed to the automatic revolving door (D), automatic sliding door (D), the bumper of vehicle, on the front and back of the streetcar, measuring machine of pressure or weight, and on the system or pipe that use gas, it can be used to measure the pressure of air or liquid and so on.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the spring constant of a scanning probe microscope cantilever mechanically coupled to a MEMs actuator may be determined in-situ using a displacement method.

Abstract: A vehicle crash test apparatus for conducting simulated automotive crash tests. The apparatus includes a pair of rails and a vehicle buck. A vehicle suspension system having characteristics analogous to an actual vehicle suspension system supports the buck above the rails. An actuator accelerates the rails with the attached vehicle buck at an acceleration rate corresponding to an actual vehicle crash.

Abstract: A motor rotates a cam, thereby pulling up an external force application member while compressing an application spring. After that, the motor releases the external force application member to impact a sheet material. An impact force caused at a time when an external force receiving member receives an external force application member through the sheet material is detected by a piezoelectric element. When an electric power supply to the motor is stopped, a retraction spring allows the motor to idle through a wheel and rotates the cam to allow the external force application member to retract to a highest position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the optical detection of substances contained in exhaust gases of chemical processes, wherein exhaust gases are conducted all the way through a channel element that forms an optical measuring section; at the channel element there are two flanges, closed off to the ambient area, and at least one window element through which electromagnetic radiation for the optical detection can be directed from a radiation source to a optical detector through the channel element; a purge gas is fed through the flanges into the channel element, whereby with a purge gas led into one of the flanges a closed laminar purge gas flow is to be formed in the bottom area of the interior of the channel element.

Abstract: A structure includes a substantially non-conductive frame having an exterior surface. The structure defines a plurality of passages that open to the exterior surface. Mesoporous material is disposed in the plurality of passages and is supported therein by the frame. In a method for making a mesoporous nanocrystalline titania hybrid material, a templating agent, an acid, and a titania precursor is mixed into a template liquid. A frame that defines a plurality of passages is placed into the template liquid. A solvent is evaporated from the template liquid, thereby forming a titania gel encapsulating the templating agent. The gel is heated to remove substantially the templating agent from the non-conductive frame and the titania, thereby leaving a mesoporous titania material.

Abstract: A gas measuring system, having a measurement sensor (1) which records an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and has an outer electrode (6), which is exposed to the exhaust gas to be measured, a first measuring cell (4), a second measuring cell (8) that is connected to the first measuring cell (4), and in which a measuring electrode (10) is arranged, and a reference electrode (11) that is exposed to the ambient air. The measuring cells (4, 8) are located in a solid electrolyte (2), and all the electrodes (10, 11) are in contact with the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: A soot sensor includes a center electrode extending in an axial direction and a cylindrical insulator from which a leading end of the center electrode protrudes. The insulator is provided around a periphery of the center electrode and includes a heating element. The soot sensor also includes a sealing member sealing a gap between the insulator and the center electrode.

Abstract: A soot sensor includes a plurality of sensor elements including a base body having at least a part that is excitable to produce mechanical oscillations, the base body having at least one defined surface having predefined catalytic properties and subjected to a measurement gas, and a heating element acting on said base body, wherein a change in an oscillation frequency, an oscillation amplitude or the quality of the oscillation which has occurred due to increasing precipitation of soot on the defined surface indicates the presence of soot.

Abstract: A method positions a sensor in a honeycomb body which is provided with hollow spaces that can be penetrated at least in part by an exhaust gas. The sensor is placed in an area of the honeycomb body in which at least one minimum hydrogen concentration occurs when the honeycomb body is operated in the emission system of a motor vehicle. The sensor positioning method allows the sensor to be placed in the honeycomb body in such a way that systematic errors that occur are kept as small as possible as a result of an inherent transverse sensitivity of the sensor to hydrogen. This applies especially to lambda probes. A honeycomb body contains the sensor which is placed so as to supply particularly reliable test data whose systematic error is as small as possible.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a target analyte gas concentration using a photoacoustic spectroscopy cell comprising: i) a modulatable light source which provides optical radiation at an absorption wavelength of a target analyte; ii) a resonant acoustic chamber for containing said analyte; iii) a microphone positioned within said chamber whereby the acoustic reactance of the microphone is substantially equal but opposite in value to the acoustic reactance of the chamber at a selected cell resonance frequency.

Abstract: A fluid leak detection system mounts to a hose line segment of the type comprising at least an inner carcass and an outer containment carcass separated from the inner carcass by a collection space. The system includes a housing defined by sidewalls externally mountable to the hose line segment and having an internal housing chamber in fluid communication with the collection space. A system sensor casing mounts through a sensor housing sidewall and a plurality of alternatively configured sensor units are provided, each interchangeably coupling with the sensor casing. The sensor units detect the presence of fluid within the sensor housing and communicate the fluid status of the chamber for remote evaluation.

Abstract: A fluid leak detection system mounts to a hose line segment of the type comprising at least an inner carcass and an outer containment carcass separated from the inner carcass by a collection space. The system includes a housing defined by sidewalls externally mountable to the hose line segment and having an internal housing chamber in fluid communication with the collection space. A system sensor casing mounts through a housing sidewall, the sensor casing having an axial bore and an external sensor casing portion positioned outside of the sensor housing and an internal sensor casing portion positioned inside of the sensor housing. The sensor casing includes a valve assembly that opens and closes responsive to respective coupling and decoupling of a sensor assembly with the external sensor casing portion. A first valve assembly sealing unit opens at or above a preset threshold pressure and closes at a pressure below the preset threshold pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides a sensor to measure physical and/or chemical properties of viscous fluids. The sensor is based on microfabricated piezoresistive cantilevers. Deflection of these cantilevers is read out using, e.g., a wheatstone bridge to amplify and convert the deflection into a voltage output. The cantilevers and/or tips attached thereto, can be chemically or physically modified using reagents specific to interact with analytes to be detected in the fluid. The cantilevers can be integrated in a microfluidic system for easy fluid handling and the ability to manage small quantities of fluids.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a measuring device compares the current generated by two working sensor active areas and gives an error indication if they are too dissimilar, i.e., the current at one sensor active area differs too greatly from what would be expected from considering the current at the other. Not only can this method detect when one of the sensor parts has not been properly covered with sample liquid, but it can also detect if there is a manufacturing defect in either sensor part or if either has been damaged after manufacture, since even with complete coverage of the working sensor parts, an anomalous current will be generated at the affected sensor part under such circumstances.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a characteristic such as sound speed for a fluid in a tube comprises means for applying a force to cause a change in a transverse dimension of a segment of the tube, wherein the change in the transverse dimension is reversible, and means for launching and receiving ultrasonic signals. Ultrasonic signals propagate through the tube along paths of different lengths. At least one of the paths is located entirely within the segment having the changed transverse dimension. The applied force may cause the transverse dimension to change continuously or in discrete steps. Path length differences between the paths are determined, and transit times are determined for each of the ultrasonic signals. The characteristic is determined based on information comprising the path length differences and the transit times.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which a water sensing device is equipped with a water-sealed sampling chamber enclosing the sensing probes of the sensing device. When the device is placed into its water habitat, water flow into and out of the sampling chamber is controlled such that water is present in the sampling chamber only during a relatively brief period of time when water quality measurements are taken by the probes. After the water quality measurements have been taken by the probes, the water sample is substantially pumped out of the sampling chamber so as to minimize the time during which the probes are in contact with the water being analyzed.

Abstract: A analytical device comprising a body comprising a fluidic unit comprising a first chamber having an outlet opening and a first channel exiting said outlet opening, wherein said first chamber further contains an insert comprising recesses between ribs touching the walls of said first chamber and a second channel, said insert being located in a first position wherein said insert is not engaged with said outlet opening, said insert being moveable from said first position to a second position within said first chamber, wherein said insert is engaged with said outlet opening such that said second channel extends said first channel into said first chamber and in the part pointing towards said outlet opening resembles the shape of said first chamber.

Abstract: An inspection sensor module for an in-line pipe inspection tool has a support for mounting the module on the tool, a finger pivotally attached at one end to the support and pivotally attached at the other end to a sensor block carrying one or more inspection sensors. A first leaf spring extends from the support to the finger to bias the finger outwardly, and a second leaf spring extends from the support to the carrier to bias the sensor block. Biasing sensors are mounted on the leading and trailing edges of the first leaf spring to detect movement of the first leaf spring corresponding to movement of the inspection sensors towards or away from the support.

Abstract: A low voltage signal amplifying apparatus includes a probe device, an actuator providing relative motion between the probe device and the sample, and a transducer that generates a voltage signal indicative of a property of at least one of the probe device, the sample, and the actuator. A differential voltage to current converter receives a differential voltage signal from the transducer and generates a differential current signal to provide a balanced, differential, low impedance current mode amplified signal that can be readily carried over a signal transmission device.