Abstract: A particulate matter deposit amount in a diesel particulate filter (4) provided in an exhaust passage (3) of a diesel engine (1) for a vehicle is estimated on the basis of a pressure loss in the filter (4), which is detected by a differential pressure sensor (12). When the temperature of the differential pressure sensor (12) is not within a predetermined temperature range, estimation of the particulate matter deposit amount based on the pressure loss is restricted, and instead, the particulate matter deposit amount is estimated by accumulating a particulate matter deposit amount per unit time. In so doing, increases in the estimation error outside of the predetermined temperature range are prevented. Moreover, by applying these estimation methods selectively in accordance with the vehicle speed, the precision with which the particulate matter deposit amount is estimated outside of the predetermined temperature range is improved.

Abstract: A particulate matter deposit amount accumulated in a diesel particulate filter (4) is calculated as a first particulate matter deposit amount from a pressure loss of the filter (4) (S33). The particulate matter deposit amount accumulated in the filter (4) is calculated as a second particulate matter deposit amount from another parameter (S34). It is determined whether or not there is front end blockage of the filter (4) based on a comparison between the first particulate matter deposit amount and second particulate matter deposit amount (S36, S43). When there is a front end blockage of the filter (4), the regeneration device is controlled to perform regeneration of the filter (4) for a longer period than the normal regeneration period of the filter (4) (S22).

Abstract: In an exhaust gas purifying apparatus for a diesel engine having a diesel particulate filter provided in an exhaust pipe, a pressure loss at the filter is detected. An accumulated amount of diesel particulates in the filter is calculated based on the pressure loss and a map for a relationship between the pressure loss and the accumulated amount. A compulsory re-generating operation is carried out when the calculated accumulated amount reaches at a predetermined threshold value, which is decreased to a smaller value depending on a combustion amount of the diesel particulates which are combusted and removed from the filter as a natural re-generating operation.

Abstract: The metallurgical powder composition suspensions of the present invention include a magnetic powder having an outer oxide layer suspended in a carrier fluid. Magnetic powders include iron-based powders, such as for example, powders of iron pre-alloyed with other elements. Alloying materials include columbium, silicon, calcium, manganese, magnesium, carbon, boron, aluminum, titanium, molybdenum, chromium, copper, nickel, gold, vanadium, phosphorus, or combinations thereof. Carrier fluids include silicon-based fluids and/or oils, such as hydrocarbon oils. The outer oxide layer includes alloy materials that are reacted/complexed with oxygen. Magnetic powders exhibit low rates of oxidation over a broad temperature range. Articles incorporating metallurgical powder composition suspensions include dampeners having a chamber, a piston that reciprocates in the chamber, and a source of magnetism operatively connected to the chamber.

Abstract: An anti-condensation control system for devices driven by or utilizing decompressing air is provided. The system includes a supply of compressed air connected to a compressed air-utilizing device. A source of heated fluid is provided and is connected to a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the heated fluid to the compressed air. The compressed air is heated in the heat exchanger sufficiently that upon decompression the temperature of the device is not lowered to the ambient dew point. The system is particularly applicable to devices utilizing compressed air for the spraying of liquid materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system comprising a central controller; and a plurality of devices for capturing wave energy and converting into another form of energy; wherein the central controller is in operative communication with the plurality of devices to adjust an energy capturing capability of a device. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising determining wave conditions in a fluid media; and tuning in real-time an energy capturing device to resonate at a selected frequency present in the fluid media; wherein the energy capturing device is disposed in the fluid media.

Abstract: A hydraulic system maintains squareness while extending an object via two lift cylinder assemblies. A hydraulic circuit is connected to the cylinder assemblies, and includes synchronizer with multiple isolated chambers corresponding to the cylinder assemblies, a rod extending axially through the chambers, and pistons mounted on the rod and associated with the isolated chambers. The hydraulic circuit operably connects a pump to the synchronizer and to the cylinder assemblies for controlling and providing synchronized movement of the cylinder assemblies. The hydraulic circuit includes valving for an automatic re-synchronization cycle, fill cycle, and air purge cycle. The system is effective for moving large objects in a non-binding manner, such as an extendable room on a recreational vehicle, while maintaining accurate squareness.

Abstract: A device for imparting a whirling motion on the flow of air for supplying a turbo-supercharged internal-combustion engine is designed to be interposed in the duct for supplying the air upstream of the supercharger for supercharging the engine. The device comprises an elbow-shaped portion of duct and partializing means, which are able to limit the section of passage in the upstream branch of the aforesaid elbow portion to an area which constitutes a fraction of the total section of the duct and which is adjacent to a wall of the duct. In this way, the downstream branch of the elbow portion is reached by a tangential flow that gives rise to a helical flow of the air in said downstream branch. The device enables creation upstream of the supercharger of a negative pressure sufficient for enabling a recirculation of exhaust gases, upstream of the supercharger, and at the same time imparts on the air flow a whirling movement that enables the supercharger to be exploited in the most efficient way.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The EGR system includes an air-to-gas EGR cooler, an air inlet line communicating cooling inlet air to the EGR cooler, an EGR supply line communicating exhaust to the EGR cooler, a venturi in the exhaust circuit, and an air outlet line communicating heated air from the EGR cooler to the venturi. Flow of exhaust through the venturi draws cooling air through the EGR cooler. The EGR system also includes a turbocharger having an exhaust turbine and an inlet air compressor. A compressor outlet circuit communicates air from the compressor to an engine air intake. A valve is located in the compressor outlet circuit. An EGR venturi in the compressor outlet circuit is connected in parallel with the valve. A cooled EGR line communicates cooled exhaust from the EGR cooler to a suction port of the EGR venturi.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is provided for an internal combustion engine having a combustion air intake circuit, an exhaust manifold, and an exhaust circuit for communicating engine exhaust to the environment. The EGR system includes an air-to-gas EGR cooler, an air supply conduit for supplying inlet air to the EGR cooler, an EGR supply conduit for communicating exhaust from the exhaust circuit to the EGR cooler, and an EGR outlet conduit communicating cooled EGR from the EGR cooler to the intake circuit. The EGR system also includes a venturi unit in the exhaust circuit, and an air outlet conduit communicating heated air from the EGR cooler to the venturi unit. Flow of exhaust through the venturi creates a pressure which draws cooling air through the EGR cooler. A valve controls flow through the outlet conduit as a function of a sensed temperature in the intake circuit.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, where an exhaust gas recirculation path with a valve is provided between said intake and exhaust manifold, and the engine has a turbocharger; the method comprising during at least one decreased engine output condition, increasing opening of the exhaust gas recirculation valve and adjusting exhaust expansion through a turbine of the turbocharger to decrease expansion through the turbocharger and thereby reduce a likelihood of turbocharger surge.

Abstract: An acoustic resonator for use in an engine is provided. The acoustic resonator includes a cavity having a volume, an aperture, and a passage connecting the aperture and the cavity. The aperture has a profiled surface for delaying separation of fluid entering the passage and for reducing losses caused by fluid separation.

Abstract: A combustion chamber (1) for combusting a combustible fluid mixture having a burner (2) disposed on the combustion chamber (1) and a method for cooling a combustion chamber (1). A fixing device is provided for liner elements (5) of a combustion chamber (1) by which simplified assembly from the inside of the liner (4) can be achieved. The combustion chamber has a burner (2) disposed on the combustion chamber (1), a liner (4) disposed in the combustion chamber (1), and an outlet opening (3), wherein the liner (4) includes liner elements (5) which are elastically fixable to a combustion chamber casing (7) by rail elements (6), the rail elements (6) being disposed on the combustion chamber side and projecting outward between two adjacently disposed liner elements (5).

Abstract: Variable rate ignition method and system that take advantage of knowledge and analysis of environmental conditions and/or operational conditions. A variable ignition rate for igniting the engine permits an optimal use of the igniters and thereby prolongs their life as well as its associated maintenance schedule. Operating costs and durability are also enhanced. Furthermore, flexibility is enhanced since any changes to the method of determining the best spark rate can be made through update in the software of the engine controller instead of change in the hardware (e.g., the exciter).

Abstract: A gas stream with a reduced oxygen concentration relative to ambient air is used to vaporize a liquid fuel or liquefied higher hydrocarbon gas, or is mixed with a vaporized gas, and the reduced oxygen vaporized fuel gas is fed to a combustion device such as a premixed or diffusion combustor. Preferably, the oxygen content of the gas stream is less than the limiting oxygen index. By mixing the fuel with a gas stream that has an appropriately reduced oxygen content, auto-ignition prior to the desired flame location in the combustor can be avoided. In some embodiments, the reduced oxygen stream is generated from an air separator or taken from the exhaust of the combustion device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Stirling cooler, in which a partition contacting a front surface of an inner stator is formed on a cylinder and a second stopper serving as a snap ring contacting a rear surface of the inner stator is detachably inserted into a ring-shaped groove of the cylinder, thus allowing the inner stator to be easily attached to and detached from the cylinder. Further, a protrusion inserted into a ring-shaped groove formed in the front surface of the inner stator is formed on the partition, and serves as an end ring of the inner stator, thus simplifying the assembly and disassembly of the inner stator.

Abstract: A device for cooling products (12) contained in a transport system, comprises at least one lead-down duct with an upper and a lower portion, where the upper portion is arranged to be supplied with products from a feeder device (21), and where the lower portion comprises a product outlet (33). The device is characterized in that at least one lead-down duct (31) is connected at or near its upper portion with a supply channel (41) for air provided from an external air cooling device (61). The lead-down duct (31) is preferably terminated at the lower portion by a termination piece (34) with at least one discharge opening, connected with a ventilation duct (35), and the ventilation duct (35) is preferably directly or indirectly connected to the intake (62) for the cooling device (61). The invention also relates to a method for cooling products contained in a transport system.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus is provided in which a refrigeration cycle is used to produce ice inside an evaporator that is generally horizontally disposed, with a hollow auger being provided with a helical flight thereon, for scraping ice from the inner wall of the evaporator and pushing the ice toward one end of the auger, by which it is compressed and moved by a paddle toward a flange, in which it is delivered to an ice breakup device, by which the ice is diverted into a compression zone, with water being squeezed from the ice and the ice delivered to a transport tube and then to an ice retainer. Filling the retainer or jamming of ice nuggets inside the transport will effect a shut-down of the apparatus. Various water level controls for a water reservoir are provided, whereby the auger is flooded inside and outside, for enhancing ice formation. Nugget-type ice is provided by the ice making apparatus. The apparatus allows for changing the nugget size/shape without negative ice hardness consequences.

Abstract: An inventive air conditioning system includes an air conditioning pack for receiving pressurized air and converting the pressurized air into conditioned air for an aircraft. Pressurized air is provided by a compressed air supply system that is fluidly connected to the air conditioning pack for providing air to the air conditioning pack. The compressed air system includes a compressor driven by an electric motor. The electric motor is commanded by a controller to provide pressurized air when needed. In particular, the controller commands the electric motor based upon a desired conditioned airflow that is to be provided by the air conditioning pack. For high altitude aircraft, applications, a diffuser is used to increase the efficiency of the compressor within the compressed air supply system.

Abstract: A device (10) for supplying preconditioned air to an aircraft on the ground, comprises a compressed air inlet (16) and a compressed air hose (34) having a first end connected to the compressed air inlet (16) and an opposite second end for connect to a remote, ground-based, compressed air unit. Expander means (14) are situated downstream of the compressed air inlet (16) for allowing the compressed air to expand to lower pressure and temperature. The device (10) further includes an ambient air inlet (24) and a mixing chamber (22) downstream of the expander means (14) and communicating with the ambient air inlet (24) wherein mixing of ambient air with the expanded, cold air is controlled in such a way as to elaborate preconditioned air at the desired temperature. A connection hose (28) has a first end in communication with said mixing chamber and a second end to be connected to an aircraft on the ground.

Abstract: A low temperature zone forming system by convection type thermal stratification in which the low temperature zone separated from polluted outside air is formed on a movable or fixed table for handling commodities such as marine products while maintaining freshness thereof during the period from carrying-in in the whole sale market, during selling by auction, until shipment of the commodities from the market, comprising an upward-open case body (30) mounted on a chassis (30a), a separate brine chilling unit (30b), and a brine piping (30c), the upward-open case body (30) further comprising a roller conveyer (35) installed in the center part of the floor of the case body (30), cooling flat plates each of which is installed adjacent to the roller conveyer (35), and cooling flat plates are installed on the inside faces of both laterally longitudinal side walls.

Abstract: A roof top cooling unit has an evaporative cooling section that includes at least one evaporative module that pre-cools ventilation air and water; a condenser; a water reservoir and pump that captures and re-circulates water within the evaporative modules; a fan that exhausts air from the building and the evaporative modules and systems that refill and drain the water reservoir. The cooling unit also has a refrigerant section that includes a compressor, an expansion device, evaporator and condenser heat exchangers, and connecting refrigerant piping. Supply air components include a blower, an air filter, a cooling and/or heating coil to condition air for supply to the building, and optional dampers that, in designs that supply less than 100% outdoor air to the building, control the mixture of return and ventilation air.

Abstract: A device for refrigerating and/or freezing products in which the products are conveyed by a conveyor belt through a treatment zone equipped with refrigeration equipment. The conveyor belt passes over sliding rails which are mounted on a supporting frame. To prevent excessive sticking of products on the conveyor belt, the sliding rails are arranged with a convex and/or concave curvature in at least in some sections, so that the conveyor belt slides on predetermined curvatures. Shearing forces are therefore created at the contact faces of the conveyor belt and product, resulting in release of the product.

Abstract: An air refrigerant cooling apparatus has magnetic bearings with high reliability and high efficiency. The air refrigerant cooling apparatus includes a motor having a first magnetic bearing and a second magnetic bearing for supporting a shaft, a compressor and an expansion turbine. The compressor is connected to the shaft and separated from the first magnetic bearing by a first labyrinth. The expansion turbine is connected to the shaft and separated from the second magnetic bearing by a second labyrinth. Pressure differences are generated between spaces where the first magnetic bearing and the second magnetic bearing are provided and respective inlet of the compressor and outlet of the expansion turbine by an external pressure outside the motor.

Abstract: An umbrella and cooling apparatus combination includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The top wall has a plurality of air inlets extending therethrough. A fastener attached to the top wall is removably attachable to a bottom side of a canopy. An elongated handle has a top end attached to the bottom wall. A screen is mounted in the housing and divides the housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. At least one duct is fluidly coupled to the lower compartment and has a free end extending outwardly from the housing. A fan assembly is mounted in the housing and is configured for directing air outwardly of the ducts when the fan assembly is turned on. Ice is positionable in the upper compartment and air moved through the ice and outwardly of the ducts so that the ice cools the air.

Abstract: A refrigerator, and more particularly, a refrigerator equipped with a machinery chamber door, which is provided to open or close a machinery chamber formed at an upper portion of a body of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a body with a storage chamber, and with a machinery chamber provided at an upper portion of the body such that the machinery chamber is partitioned from the storage chamber, an opening portion provided at one side of the machinery chamber, a machinery chamber door hingably coupled to the opening portion such that the machinery chamber door can be rotated up and down to open or close the machinery chamber, a recess member provided to the machinery chamber door and defined with a recess, and an insertion member inserted into the recess and fixed to the body.

Abstract: The invention provides a relief valve for discharging refrigerant in a receiver drier equipped to an air conditioner of a car. A receiver drier 1 of an air conditioner of a car has an inlet path 44 and an outlet path 46 of refrigerant formed to a body 10, and retains refrigerant. A valve chamber 184 is formed to the end of the body 10, which communicates with the atmosphere via a path 182 and a path 184. A plunger 170 of a solenoid valve 100 is regularly in contact with a valve seat 180. When power is supplied to the coil 120 based on a signal from a sensor, an attractor 140 separates the plunger 170 from the valve seat 180 and allows the refrigerant to be discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A ring-like article of manufacture capable of being worn as jewelry such as a ring on a human finger for adornment, having a triangular cross section throughout its circumference, wherein the sides of the triangular cross section are formed by a single continuous, endless surface, and the vertexes of the triangular cross section are formed by a single continuous, endless ridge that preferably acts as an internal thread that is capable of being used to screw or unscrew the ring when worn on the finger.

Abstract: An finger ring includes a movable or removable setting and a charm coupled to a short chain. The chain carrying the charm can be captured by the movable or removable setting. According to one embodiment, the setting has internal threads which mate with a threaded post. According to another embodiment, the setting is coupled to a slotted basket via a bayonet coupling. According to another embodiment, the setting is coupled to a slotted basket via a magnet. The charms are preferably provided in a wide range of designs, including, but not limited to holiday themes, religious themes, astrological signs, varsity letters, graduation year, wedding themes, commercial characters such as Disney characters, TV characters, messages such as “I Love You”, etc. The removable settings may include different color stones to match different color clothing, birth stones, etc.

Abstract: A modifiable piece of jewelry has at least two ornamental display components. The first display component has opposite front and back sides which are finished as jeweled, gemstone, precious metal exterior or other finished ornamental display surface. The display surfaces are different and, in most cases, contrasting in ornamentation, color, jewelry setting, gemstone design, or precious metal exterior surface. A second ornamental display component also has opposite front and back sides with jeweled, gemstone, precious metal exterior or other finished ornamental display surfaces. The second ornamental component fits snugly within a cut-out of the first ornamental component. Internal surfaces of the first component and external surfaces of the second component form tight surfaces-to-surfaces connections, in order to maintain the components one within another.

Abstract: An article convertible from an eyeglass retainer to multiple independent jewelry articles has three strands that can be linked together to form a single continuous strand with optical couplers at each end for mounting to the temple arms of conventional eyeglasses. The strands can be uncoupled to form various jewelry items, such as a necklace, bracelet and dangling glass extensions. The strands are made of a plurality of decorative jewelry elements, such as beads, bars charms and other adornments linked together end to end. Bayonet type connections between the strands and decorative accessories coupled thereto make for quick and easy conversion from eyeglass retainer to jewelry items.

Abstract: Methods for press molding a glass body, especially for optical applications, without additional grinding and polishing steps are described. One method is performed with a press mold having an upper mold part, a lower mold part and, if necessary or desired, a ring. In order to improve the quality of the products, especially glass bodies of larger diameters, a voltage is applied across the upper mold part and the lower mold part when the glass body is within the press mold and a pressing force is applied to the glass body when the temperature of the glass body matches the temperature of the press mold. Alternatively, in another method the press mold is cooled after it reaches a predetermined temperature and the pressing force is applied to the glass body in the mold after exceeding the sticking temperature (T0).

Abstract: A washing aid dispenser for a washing machine comprises at least a compartment, which is adapted to contain washing aids and is provided with a first siphon having a pre-determined suction height and at least a second siphon having a higher suction height than the first siphon. The first and the second siphon are adapted to draw in and convey towards a washing tub of the machine layers of the washing aids mixed with water lying at different heights in the dispenser.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine in which wash water fed to a tub via a water supply pipe is directly supplied into a drum. The washing machine includes a housing, a tub arranged in the housing to contain wash water therein, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub, a water supply pipe adapted to supply wash water into the tub, and a water supply guide unit provided at the tub, to guide the wash water from the water supply pipe to be directly supplied into the drum. Since the wash water is directly supplied into the drum, laundry contained in the drum is wetted by the wash water, immediately after the supply of the wash water. Thus, it is possible to reduce the wash time for the laundry.

Abstract: A tank cap for closing a fuel supply port of a fuel tank is provided on its upper surface with a key hole and a cover for covering the key hole. The cover opens and closes the key hole by making the cover swing via a support shaft. Finger catch concave portions are formed at least on both sides of the cover in an axial direction of the support shaft, and each of the finger catch concave portions is structured such that it is possible to insert a finger thereinto and to pinch both side edges in the axial direction of the cover by the inserted finger. Further, a leading end portion of the cover is preferably formed in a tapered shape in plan view.

Abstract: A keying system includes a cylinder body. A plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body includes a plug body and a carrier sub-assembly disposed adjacent the plug body. The carrier sub-assembly is moveable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder body between a first position and a second position. The plug assembly includes a plurality of pins and a plurality of racks for selectively engaging the plurality of pins. Each rack of the plurality of racks has a first locking bar-receiving groove along a neutral axis and at least a second locking bar-receiving groove spaced from the neutral axis, wherein a spacing of the second locking bar-receiving groove from the neutral axis of a first rack of the plurality of racks is different from a spacing of the second locking bar-receiving groove from the neutral axis of at least one other of the plurality of racks.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a trapezoidal wire using two-set shaping rollers has a body rotating about a central axis at a predetermined speed, a plurality of first shaping roller sets installed along an outer circumference of the body, each first shaping roller set including an upper roller and a lower roller and a shaping portion, into which a wire is inserted to be processed, between the upper roller and the lower roller, and a plurality of second shaping roller sets arranged after the first shaping roller sets along the outer circumference of the body and in a direction in which the wire moves, each second shaping roller set comprising an upper roller and a lower roller and a shaping portion, into which the wire is inserted to be processed again, between the upper roller and the lower roller, wherein wires processed by the first and second shaping roller sets while passing therethrough are stranded by the rotating body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying lubricants on the peripheral surfaces of rollers in roll stands for rolling strips, more particularly multiple roll stands with support rollers and working rollers (SW; AW), wherein the lubricants are applied in an area of the peripheral surfaces of the working cylinder (AW) which impinges upon the rolling strip (WB) located between the upper or bottom strip surface and the strippers (AS) placed against the peripheral surfaces. The improvement to said device is characterized in that the lubricant is applied by means of the application rollers (ATW) that can be pressed against the peripheral surfaces of the working roller (AW), whose periphery is impinged upon by the periphery of a coaxially mounted transmission roller (UW) on the peripheral surface of which lubricant is applied by means of spraying, splashing or dipping devices (SD; TW).

Abstract: The sheet metal blank to be press molded comprises a product section (W1) and a grip section (W2) disposed on the periphery of the product section (W1). The press molding device performs press molding on the product section (W1) while gripping the grip section (W2) with the upper die (11) and the lower die (12). A bead (W3) comprising alternately disposed indented sections (A, C) and protruding sections (B, D) is press molded beforehand on the grip section (W2) by meshing the indented corners (6, 8) and protruding corners (3, 5) formed on the lower die (12) with corresponding indented corners (7, 9) and protruding corners (2, 4) formed on the upper die (11). Consequently a preferable constraining force without reducing the radius of the indented sections (A, C) and protruding sections (B, D), thereby protecting the galvanized surface of the sheet blank from chipping.

Abstract: A method of creep forming a metallic component is provided. The method includes the steps of applying static loading and cyclic loading and/or vibration to the component during the creep forming thereof to act as a source of additional energy.

Abstract: A drawing method for forming a reflective curved surface by pressing a metal plate fitted in a fixed die with a movable die. The fixed die is composed of a lower die and a core, and the movable die is composed of an upper die and a presser. During the drawing, the metal plate is pressed to have a compressed border portion between a non-pressed portion and a curved surface pressed portion. It is the most desirable to compress the border portion to have a thickness which is 70% of the thickness of the metal plate before drawing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring pressure within an adhesion promotion unit is provided. The apparatus in one embodiment includes a chamber configured to receive and heat a semiconductor wafer. A vacuum device is in fluid communication with a processing space within the chamber, wherein the vacuum device is configured to create a vacuum within the processing space. A vacuum monitor is also in fluid communication with the processing space, wherein the vacuum monitor generates a first electrical signal if gas pressure within the processing space is below a predetermined value. The apparatus may further include a processor in data communication with the vacuum monitor and the vacuum device. The vacuum device may generate a second electrical signal, and the processor generates a third electrical signal if the vacuum monitor fails to generate the first electrical signal within a predetermined amount of time after the vacuum device generates the second signal.

Abstract: A teaser apparatus for fishing includes a flat, transparent, substantially horizontally oriented, plastic sheet having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a top surface and an underside. A primary spreader bar is attached to the leading edge of the sheet. A secondary, spreader bar is attached at or near the trailing edge of the sheet. If the secondary spreader bar is attached near the trailing edge, optionally a tertiary spreader bar may be attached at the trailing edge to aid in the floatation of the entire sheet. A plurality of three-dimensional, imitation fish is attached either on a top surface or to an underside of the sheet and is made of flexible rubber. The spreader bars are made of clear plastic and may be cylindrical tubes with cross sections which may be L-shaped, circular, oval-shaped or triangular. End caps with finger grips seal opposite ends of the cylindrical tubes.

Abstract: A tank container with electronic monitoring device includes a tank barrel and a container frame supporting the same. The tank barrel includes a valve assembly and a valve assembly protection box. The electronic monitoring device is installed inside the valve assembly protection box, or on a sealing surface of the tank barrel, or in a range of the container frame outside the tank barrel. The electronic monitoring device includes a sensor for detecting a leakage condition of the cargoes contained in the tank container and transmitting an information data related to the leakage condition, and a data processing module connected with the sensor for processing the data. The invention can be used for detecting a sealing condition of a sealing surface and an illegal open of a lid of the valve assembly protection box as well as for realizing a global tracking, whereby ensuring a safe transport for containers.

Abstract: The system for evaluating leaktightness is applied to a gas storage device for storing high pressure fuel gas delivered from a filling station via a filler hose connected to the gas storage device, itself comprising pipework and at least one tank, together with at least one check valve disposed between the pipework and the tank. The system comprises a pressure-measuring device that is suitable for connection to the filler hose or to the pipework, a processor device for processing values measured by the pressure-measuring device, and a display device for displaying information supplied by the processor device. The device for processing values measured by the pressure-measuring device includes a device for controlling filling and for suspending filling of the fuel gas storage device from the filling station, a device for controlling the filling flowing rate, a clock, and a unit for comparing the measured pressure relative to predetermined thresholds Si during periods in which filling is suspended.

Abstract: The invention provides a surface profile measurement device for use on rigid or semi-rigid substrates, such as floors. The device includes (a) a beam; (b) at least one beam support mounted on the beam; (c) a sensor assembly slidably connected to said beam and adapted for measuring the distance to the surface; and (d) a transducer assembly adapted for measuring the position of said sensor assembly along said beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a runoff rain gauge 100 which includes a collector tube 104, soil infiltration resistance medium 108, a runoff resistance flow element 113, a standard rain gauge 102, and runoff collection tube 114. Precipitation enters the collector tube 104 and is divided to flow into the infiltration medium 108 and runoff collection tube 114 via flow element 113. Total precipitation is read in standard rain gauge 102, runoff in tube 114, and soil infiltration in medium 108 is calculated by the difference between total precipitation and the runoff. Also disclosed are a runoff rain gauge 100 comprising: a seal leg 150 downstream from the runoff resistance flow element 113; a collector tube 104 mounted directly to the ground so that the bottom of the soil infiltration resistance medium 108 contacts the ground surface; and/or a horizontal capillary tube in the runoff resistance flow element 113 to insure self-sealing via capillary forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flowmeter for regulating and monitoring the flow of sealing fluid to be conducted to a seal of a rotating shaft, the meter including a sealing fluid metering channel, a sealing fluid inlet, and a connection towards the seal for regulating the flow of sealing fluid, a non-return valve for preventing the sealing fluid from flowing back to the flowmeter, a regulating and monitoring mechanism, whereby the sealing fluid flows through the opening, and a cleaning mechanism, which is movable by an actuator. The non-return valve is arranged as an extension of the metering channel at the meter outlet side end, coaxially with the metering channel, whereby the metering cone is in mechanical contact with the non-return valve, and thus it is also possible to clean the non-return valve with the cleaning mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic transmission fluid dipstick-shielding tube and method of use for shielding the terminal end of the dipstick whereon fluid level indicia are imprinted to ensure accurate measurement of the fluid level within an automatic transmission or other similar machinery is disclosed. The present dipstick-shielding tube provides a physical barrier which blocks fluid from splashing over the terminal end of the dipstick to facilitate an accurate fluid level reading. In a method of the present invention, the original equipment dipstick tube is initially removed from the transmission housing. Next, the present dipstick-shielding tube is installed in the transmission housing and the original equipment dipstick tube is reinserted into the housing in end-to-end relation with the present dipstick-shielding tube. Thereafter, the original equipment dipstick is replaced providing an accurate fluid level reading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a level meter with a waveguide for guiding an electromagnetic wave, such that the waveguide is designed as a hollow conductor and has a forward terminal section; with a wave adapter of a dielectrical material, such that the wave adapter has an outer circumferential area and partially projects with this outer circumferential area into a hole in the terminal section of the waveguide and partially protrudes from this terminal section, and such that the wave adapter has dimensions that allow it to adapt the wave transition of a wave leaving or entering the terminal section of the waveguide; and with a metallic transitional material in an area between the wave adapter and the waveguide, such that the transitional material assumes the form of a metallized part that extends over an area greater than area of direct contact between the outer circumference of the wave adapter and the waveguide.