Abstract: A process for manufacturing a glass substrate for a magnetic recording medium comprising polishing a crystallized glass substrate using abrasive grains, and then washing the substrate using an aqueous organic carboxylic acid solution; a glass substrate for a magnetic recording medium which is manufactured by the process; and a magnetic recording medium obtained using the substrate. A glass substrate for a magnetic recording medium is manufactured, whereby the surface roughness is low and the surface defects are minimal for washing after polishing of a crystallized glass substrate, and wherein the Read-Write performance are not impaired when a recording layer including a magnetic film is formed on the magnetic recording medium substrate for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a molded article in the form of an optical element such as a glass lens by heat-softening a glass material such as optical glass and press molding it with high precision in a pressing mold as well as an objective lens for optical picking up. The method of manufacturing comprises press-molding a molding material to make a molded articles measuring an optical property of the molded article, correcting pressing rate of at least one of the pressing molds based on the optical property thus measured, and further press-molding to make a molded article with the corrected pressing rate. A pressing device comprising a pair of pressing molds having molding surfaces processed to prescribed shape, and a means of driving one of the pair of pressing molds at a prescribed rate to press mold a molding material supplied between the pressing molds is disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a float bath and a float forming method which are capable of forming a glass having a high forming temperature without shortening the life of a strap for power feeding to a heater. The invention relates to a float bath which comprises a bottom filled with molten tin and a roof covering the bottom and in which the space in the roof is divided into an upper space and a lower space by a roof brick layer and a heater is disposed so as to penetrate a hole formed in the roof brick layer, wherein a heater end part located in the upper space has a feeding part having a strap attached thereto for feeding power to the heater, and wherein the heater end part is constituted so as to satisfy the following relationship: S?k·?k+S?n·?n?3,630 mm2, when the surface area and emissivity of the feeding part are expressed by S?k and ?k, respectively, and the surface area and emissivity of the heater end part excluding the feeding part are expressed by S?n and ?n, respectively.

Abstract: A glass gob distributor for delivering gobs of molten glass to sections of a glassware forming machine, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, includes at least one electric motor, a ball screw coupled to the electric motor and a carriage slidable on a carriage shaft and coupled to the ball screw. At least one gear rack is coupled to the carriage and at least one scoop is coupled to the gear rack for rotation around a scoop axis as a function of linear motion of the gear rack and the carriage. A pair of slides are slidably disposed on opposite sides of the carriage and are disconnected from the carriage. A pair of fluid cylinders are disposed adjacent to the slides. The fluid cylinders are responsive to an absence of power at the electric motor for pushing the centering slides toward each other to abut and slidably position the carriage on the carriage shaft, the gear rack and the at least one scoop at a home position.

Abstract: In a conventional method for the production of an optical component made from quartz glass, a coaxial arrangement with a core rod, surrounded by a quartz glass envelope tube comprising an evacuable inner drilling, is introduced in the vertical direction into a heating zone, softened therein by sections and, with formation of a drawing bulb, elongated to give the quartz glass component. According to the invention, a simple and cheap method based on the above, permitting the production of high-grade optical components by elongation of a coaxial arrangement of core rod and an enveloping tube with great economy, may be achieved, whereby a core rod is used, comprising at least two separate core rods arranged one above the other in the inner drilling and the weight of an upper core rod section is taken by a mounting or support region of the enveloping tube, provided above the drawing bulb.

Abstract: A method of making a glass is provided in which the time needed for doping a refractive index control substance such as fluorine into a soot glass deposit body can be reduced. The method comprises the steps of: (1) putting a soot glass deposit body in a container; (2) doping a refractive index control substance into the soot glass deposit body by supplying an doping gas into the container, the doping gas containing the substance; and (3) consolidating the soot glass deposit body by heating, wherein the final set-value concentration of the substance is determined beforehand depending on the target refractive index of the glass, and in step (2), the container is supplied with the doping gas including the substance having a concentration set to be higher than the final set-value concentration, and subsequently, the doping gas including the substance having the final set-value concentration is supplied into the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber preform manufacturing method which can be used for wide band optical fibers by preventing the loss by OH-ions in the 1385 nm wavelength region by depositing a clad layer at a large thickness, so that the ratio of the outer diameter of a core to the outer diameter of a deposited clad is more than 2.5 after a collapse at the deposition of a clad layer and a core, and etching them respectively after the deposition and collapse, in order to prevent OH-ions contained in a tube and OH-ions penetrated into the surface by a hydrogen-oxygen burner from being diffused into the core in the deposition and collapse process in manufacturing an optical fiber preform by the MCVD method.

Abstract: A knitting operation and a missing operation are alternately performed at the end portion of a knit fabric around a neck hole to reduce stitch density to less than that on the inside of the knit fabric, the stitch at the end part of the knit fabric is moved every three stitch courses to reduce a knitting width in increments of one stitch, and the stitch is formed at an empty needle resulting from the movement. Knitting conditions are also excellent since a neck hole or an armhole can be formed at a large slope such as two stitches in the horizontal direction every six stitch courses, and holing in the neck hole or an armhole can also be prevented, while, in addition, the wales are not laterally moved on the inside of the knit fabric.

Abstract: To optimize the completeness, uniformity and reproducibility of a wetting process in a program-controlled washing machine, which can be adjusted according to the amount of laundry in a washing drum, which is rotationally mounted in a lye container about a non-vertical axis by means of a water supply system and by means a control device, said process being temporally controlled by the supply of water into the lye container. According to the invention, the wetting process is divided up into a series of phases corresponding to the various amounts (small, medium, large) of laundry that is to be treated. As a result, it is possible to adapt the wetting process according to the number and formation of individual phases in relation to the amount of laundry that is to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receiver for a laundry product having a tap, laundry appliances comprising one or more receivers for one or more laundry products each having a tap and methods thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine having legs at a base to adjust the height thereof. The washing machine includes a base, a plurality of legs, and an over-unscrewed prevention member. The base is formed at a bottom of the washing machine. The legs are disposed at the base and each having a bolt unit that is height-adjustably assembled at the base. The over-unscrewed prevention member is disposed at the bolt unit of each leg and caught by the base when the legs are unscrewed so as to set a maximum unscrew height of the legs.

Abstract: A porthole door for a front-loading laundry appliance includes a door glass, a frame and a centering device. The door glass is curved inward toward an inside of the appliance. The frame includes an inner ring and a cover ring. The centering device is disposed on the frame and configured to bear resiliently against a peripheral edge of the door glass so as to provide a radial force acting on the door glass via the peripheral edge at various locations. The radial force brings the door glass into a centered position within the frame.

Abstract: A strap lock includes a first snapping member, a second snapping member, a strap, a stop member and a locking mechanism. The second snapping member is detachably secured to the first snapping member. The strap is connected with both the first and the second snapping members to define a loop of a size for enclosing a luggage. The strap includes a movable section capable of being pulled out away from the second snapping member so as to reduce the loop size. The stop member is disposed on the first snapping member for preventing the movable section of the strap from moving backward to the second snapping member. The locking mechanism is mounted on the first snapping member. The locking mechanism is in a locking state when the second snapping member is not allowed to depart from the first snapping member, and in an unlocking state when the second snapping member is allowed to depart from the first snapping member.

Abstract: A steering shaft lock actuator including at least one motor having an output shaft; a drive train coupled to the output shaft, a locking pawl coupled to the drive train; and a housing for at least partially enclosing the motor, the drive train, the locking pawl and the locking pin. The drive train may be configured to linearly urge the locking pawl and a locking pin between a locked position wherein the locking pawl and the locking pin extend at least partially out of the housing and unlocked position wherein the locking pawl and the locking pin are retracted toward the housing relative to the locked position. The locking pawl may be positioned to prevent rotational movement of the steering shaft when in the locked position. The locking pin may be positioned to lock the actuator to a steering shaft interface when in the locked position.

Abstract: An ignition lock for a motor vehicle includes a carrier element for holding an ignition key that is inserted in the ignition lock. The carrier element is movable along a longitudinal axis of the ignition lock. The carrier element pushes a slide bar from a blocking position to an unblocking position when the carrier element moves along the longitudinal axis. A latch bar, when in its latching position, restricts a movement of the carrier element along the longitudinal axis and, when in its unlatching position, allows the carrier element to move along the longitudinal axis. When the latch bar is in its unlatching position and the slide bar is in its blocking position, the slide bar prevents the latch bar from moving from the unlatching position to the latching position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical lock cylinder, comprising a first cylinder half (2), arranged on the outside of the door, with a key passage (8) for a security key (44) and a second cylinder half (3), arranged on the inside of the door, with a rotating knob rotor (4). Tumblers in the first cylinder half (2) are arranged for rotational release by a security key (44). An electronic device (17) is arranged in the rotating knob (24) for control of a locking device (43). The rotating knob (24) forms a unit with the electronic device (17) arranged therein, detachably mounted on an extension (4a) of the rotating knob rotor (4), projecting past the housing (6). The rotating knob rotor (24) may be adjusted for length by means of an exchangeable adapter (18a to 18c).

Abstract: An escutcheon assembly for a deadbolt lock on a door, and particularly for the interior side of a double cylinder deadbolt lock. The escutcheon assembly generally comprises a tapered collar carried on the deadbolt cylinder (and retained by a flange on the cylinder), plus a decorative face plate substantially covering the cylinder and secured to the collar by a novel clip ad set screw mechanism. The collar has an annular groove defining opposing walls, the outermost wall (away from the door) having an inwardly angled surface to taper the groove. The decorative face plate has a clip protruding interiorly therein to a distal end that conforms to the tapered annular groove in the collar (for engagement therewith). A set screw is threaded into the frame opposite the clip and protrudes inward behind the aperture to a distal end that likewise conforms to the tapered annular groove in the collar (for engagement therewith).

Abstract: A lock has a shell, an internal sleeve and a locking rod assembly. The shell has multiple protrusions formed inside the shell. The internal sleeve is mounted rotatably in the shell. The locking rod assembly is mounted in the internal sleeve and has multiple locking rods. Each locking rod has a cut selectively aligning with the protrusions in the shell. When the cuts of the locking rods align with the protrusions in the shell, the internal sleeve can be rotated relative to the shell to change the lock or unlock status of the lock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use of delayed reactivity partly prehydrated lime (abbreviated to: “DRQL”), which is composed of 40 to 98% by weight of CaO and of 60 to 2% by weight of Ca(OH)2, preferably of 80 to 92% by weight of CaO and of 20 to 8% by weight of Ca(OH)2, and better still of 85 to 90% by weight of CaO and of 15 to 10% by weight of Ca(OH)2, in the field of the separation of solid matter from the liquid of a suspension. It also relates to a method for treating a sludge, in which the solid matter is concentrated, dried and recovered using said delayed reactivity partly prehydrated lime. Finally it relates to, as a novel industrial product, the purified sludge obtained according to this method.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for cold rolling metals using an aqueous lubricant comprising: (1) at least a mixture based on at least an acid selected among saturated or unsaturated mono- or poly-carboxylic acids, comprising 5 to 40 carbon atoms; at least an acid phosphate ester of formula (RO)x-P(?O)(OH)x?, wherein: R is a hydrocarbon radical, optionally polyalkoxylated; x and x? being equal to 3; the carboxylic acid and/or the acid phosphate ester being optionally neutralised by an organic or mineral base; and (2) at least a natural or synthetic wax exhibiting a melting point not less than 50° C. and having an average particle size ranging between 0.5 and 10 ?m. The use of said lubricant enables to increase the productivity of the method by at least 15% relative to a method using a conventional lubricant.

Abstract: A production line for hot steel strips, being fed from two casting lines (a, b) for thin slabs of thickness <100 mm, only one of which (a) is aligned with a finishing rolling mill (g), comprises also two pairs of rotatable heating furnaces with mandrel (A1, A2, B1, B2), each respectively on either line, with an intermediate bypass section (d) between the furnaces of the first pair (A1, A2) to allow the endless rolling in a finishing rolling mill (g) locate downstream. The furnaces (B1, B2) of the second pair of furnaces on the line (b) can be transferred along a path (k) from said line to the rolling line and vice versa for producing single strips. Furthermore an induction furnace (f) is provided upstream of the finishing rolling mill (g). Also the corresponding production process is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for plastically deforming a work piece in the form of a sheet, comprising at least two cylindrical guide rolls rotatable in a first direction, each of said cylindrical guide rolls having an outer circumference; a bendable strip having a portion of at least one surface in communication with a portion of the outer circumference of each of the at least two guide rollers, said bendable strip being capable of motion around the at least two guide rollers in the first direction and exerting a force upon a work piece, a first cylindrical feeding roll rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction, said first cylindrical feeding roll having an outer circumference, a plastic deformation passage having a first surface and a second surface, at least a portion of the first surface being defined by a portion of the bendable strip, and at least a portion of the second surface being defined by the outer circumference of the first cylindrical feeding roll, wherein one or both of the bendable stri

Abstract: The present invention involves cost effective, efficient systems and methods for sizing pipe. In an embodiment of the present invention, a pipe sizing system includes a die having an opening operable to size the pipe, a hydraulic cylinder having at least one rod attached thereto, the hydraulic cylinder and the at least one rod cooperating with each other to push the pipe through the die, and a receiver to guide the pipe as the pipe exits from the die.

Abstract: A low-inertia flat surface tilting device including a selectably positionable flat surface element assembly defining a flat surface element having a flat surface and a pivot location portion, the pivot location portion being generally centered with respect to the flat surface, a pivot support element pivotably engaging the pivot location portion, an electromagnet, fixed with respect to the pivot support element and arranged for application of magnetic force in a direction generally perpendicular to the flat surface thereby to pivot the flat surface element about the pivot support element, a sensor for sensing the position of the flat surface element and feedback circuitry operative in response to an output of the sensor to govern operation of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A cupping press includes at least one blanking die that operates between a rest position and a forming position through the action of a first servomotor. At least one forming punch operates between a retracted position and an extended position. The forming punch in the extended position is at least partially disposed in a forming cavity defined in a lower die of the press. The operation of the cupping press is controlled by a control circuit that is electrically connected to the first servomotor. The control circuit operates to generate a synchronization pulse based on a parameter, and functions to coordinate the operation of the first servomotor with the synchronization pulse.

Abstract: A can bottom forming assembly for use in forming the bottom of metal cans, such as steel and aluminum two piece cans. The bottom forming assembly is lightweight, compact and comprises outer and cylinder housing assemblies which house a clamp ring retainer assembly, a transfer piston assembly and an annular spring member. The clamp ring retainer assembly includes biasing members to float a clamp ring thereby centering the clamp ring and domer die plug with respect to the ram of a bodymaker. Increased piston size, spring position and size are provided to permit increased clamp ring pressure.

Abstract: A process of producing profiles whose cross-section is variable in the longitudinal direction, characterized by the process stages of cutting a blank 31 with a substantially constant width along a longitudinal direction, deforming the blank 31 by deep-drawing to form an open profile whose cross-section is variable along the longitudinal direction, and cutting the flanges projecting from the open profile.

Abstract: A frame rail pulling apparatus for realigning a frame rail of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, backing plate, side sway adapter, eye hook and fasteners. The base includes a platform with openings therein, cylinder, and side supports which distribute pressure equally from the cylinder to the openings in the platform. The backing plate has openings therein and is positioned adjacent to a first side of the base. The backing plate distributes pulling pressure over a greater area of the frame rail to prevent additional damage to the rail during realignment. The side sway adapter has a center opening and peripheral/end openings and is positioned adjacent to a second side of the base. The eye hook has a top portion and a shaft, wherein the shaft is positioned through the center opening of the side sway adapter and attaches to the base.

Abstract: A corpuscle/plasma separating part is disposed at the lower end of the substrate, and a sensor part connected to the corpuscle/plasma separating part is disposed at the upper end of the substrate, with a calibration solution reservoir being disposed on the lower side of the sensor part, and a calibration solution waste reservoir being disposed on the upper side of the sensor part. A first centrifugal axis is located upper to the corpuscle fraction storing part and lower to the plasma fraction storing part of the corpuscle/plasma separating part, while a second centrifugal axis is located within or close to the sensor part. Conveyance and discharge of the calibration solution can be carried out by performing centrifugation around the first centrifugal axis which is distant from the sensor part at a low speed of rotation, so that the centrifugal force exerted on the sensors would be small.

Abstract: A first property of a process fluid is measured using a volumetric flowrate measuring device. A second property of the process fluid is measured using a Coriolis flowmeter. A third property of the process fluid is determined based on the measured first property and the measured second property.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method of obtaining a performance parameter associated with a sensor, such as an accelerometer, is provided. The method includes applying an acceleration to the accelerometer and a first frequency to obtain a sensitivity of the accelerometer at the first frequency. A first self-test is performed on the accelerometer. The first self-test includes stimulating the accelerometer with a first self-test stimulation signal encoded with the first frequency, such that the accelerometer outputs a first signal. A self-test equivalent acceleration is then determined based, at least in part, on the first signal and the accelerometer sensitivity at the first frequency. A second self-test is performed on the accelerometer. The second self-test includes stimulating the accelerometer with a second self-test stimulation signal encoded with the second frequency, such that the accelerometer outputs a second signal.

Abstract: A method for calibration of an industrial robot having a plurality of sections movably connected to each other for rotation about a plurality of movement axes. An angle measuring member is mounted on the robot so that it measures angular changes of the axis or axes to be calibrated, relative to a vertical line. A reference direction is measured. At least one of the axes is selected as a calibration axis and another of the axes is selected as a measuring axis. The robot is moved between at least two calibration positions. The moving includes rotating the robot about the measuring axis. The calibration positions are selected such that the direction of the calibration axis differs from the vertical line. Angular values are read from the angle measuring member in the calibration positions. The calibration axis are calibrated based on the angular values and the measured reference direction.

Abstract: A method and testing fixture for toughness-testing corrugated high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The method includes the steps of preparing a test sample, attaching the test sample in the testing fixture, and providing an impact load to the test sample. The test sample is cut from a section of corrugated HDPE pipe so as to have a clamped portion and a loading member extending outwardly therefrom. The clamped portion includes two sidewalls with a trough therebetween. A hole is bored in the loading member near the end of the loading member. The testing fixture includes a vertical clamp which is configured to grip the clamped portion of the test sample so as to retain the clamped portion in a stationary position when the test sample is loaded. The loading member of the test sample projects outwardly from the vertical clamp. A guide rod is attached to the loading member through the bore in the loading member.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring the subsurface at facilities for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A surface penetration is made in a facility surface providing access to the subsurface soil beneath the facility. A soil probe is placed in communication with the soil beneath the facility surface and used to withdraw samples of soil gas from the pore space within the soil. The soil probe includes a monitoring port configured to seal the surface penetration and minimize the movement of undesirable materials between the facility and the subsurface via the monitoring port. The soil probe has an end filter in communication with the subsurface under the facility. The monitoring port is coupled to a sampling pump used to withdraw the soil gas sample. Soil gas samples are periodically obtained and analyzed for the presence of VOCs.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting a burial site of human remains are disclosed. An air stream is drawn through an air intake conduit from locations near potential burial sites of human remains. The air stream is monitored by one or more chemical sensors to determine whether the air stream includes one or more indicator compounds selected from halogenated compounds, hydrocarbons, nitrogen-containing compounds, sulfur-containing compounds, acid/ester compounds, oxygen-containing compounds, and naphthalene-containing compounds. When it is determined that an indicator compound is present in the air stream, this indicates that a burial site of human remains is below or nearby. Each sensor may be in electrical communication with an indicator that signals when the sensor has detected the presence of the indicator compound in the air stream.

Abstract: A diagnostic device and method of an engine exhaust purifying system, which perform active control of an air-fuel ratio and can make diagnosis of air-fuel ratio sensors, catalysts, etc. in the engine exhaust purifying system with high accuracy and reliability while avoiding a worsening of exhaust emissions, an increase of revolution variations, etc.

Abstract: In a compression ignition internal combustion engine provided with an NOx storage-reduction catalyst on an exhaust system, when the air fuel ratio of the exhaust gas being in a lean state is controlled to a rich state, a response time (ResS) from a time point an air fuel ratio sensor detects a first air fuel ratio (AF1), which is leaner than a stoichiometric air fuel ratio (AFS), to a time point the air fuel ratio sensor detects a second air fuel ratio (AF2), which is equal to or leaner than the stoichiometric air fuel ratio (AFS) and richer than the first air fuel ratio (AF1). When the response time (ResS) exceeds a stoichiometric air fuel ratio shift reference time (StdS), a determination is made that the air fuel ratio sensor is degraded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method and equipment for inspecting nuclear experimental locales, and particularly relates to the method and system for separating and measuring 37Ar quickly. The method of the invention comprises the steps of sampling, eliminating impurities, separating, purifying, measuring the sum of Ar, collecting Ar, measuring the activity of 37Ar, etc. The control unit in the system of the invention connects respectively to a sampling unit, a separating-purifying unit, and a radioactivity measuring unit which are connected in turn, and a computer and the software of the control unit are in charge of the automatic operation, measurement and data-collection of the whole system. The method and system for quickly separating and measuring 37Ar of the patent can meet the requirements of locales inspection for Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), the sensitivity of measuring 37Ar is high, so do the production and purity of Ar.

Abstract: In a protector (100) for protecting a detecting portion (11) of a sensor element (10) of a gas sensor (1), the opening area of individual inner introduction holes (130) and (140) formed in an inner protector (120) is 3.5 mm2 or less. In this manner, the amount and size of water droplets able to pass through the inner introduction holes (130) and (140) and to adhere to the sensor element (10) is restricted. In order to ensure good gas replaceability between the interior and the exterior of the inner protector (120) so as to attain quick gas response, the total opening area of the inner introduction holes (130) and (140) is 10 mm2 or more.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of airborne microorganisms and gaseous effluvia is disclosed. The apparatus includes an air intake mechanism capable of drawing an air sample and an air intake chamber operatively coupled to the air intake mechanism so that the air sample passes therethrough. A reservoir containing a liquid is provided disposed relative to the air intake chamber such that the air sample passes through the reservoir and is percolated through the liquid so that airborne microorganisms or gaseous effluvia within the air sample becomes suspended in the liquid.

Abstract: A method for determining ends of runs in a vacuum concentrator includes operating the vacuum concentrator at a pressure set point, periodically inducing a pressure increase in the vacuum concentrator, and determining an end-of-run state from a pressure vs. time relationship. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure increase is induced by opening the vacuum concentrator to atmosphere, and the end-of-run state is determined by measuring the time required for the vacuum concentrator to return to the pressure set-point. In another embodiment of the invention, the pressure increase is induced by isolating the vacuum concentrator for a defined period of time, and the end-of-run state is determined by measuring the pressure increase over that period of time. The end-of-run state may be determined by comparing the measured value to a threshold value or by comparing a measured rate of change to a threshold rate of change.

Abstract: The present invention provides a testing system allowing the simultaneous comparative evaluation of the behaviour in a membrane process of two or more selected membranes (4). In a preferred embodiment said system allows the control of the hydrodynamics of the feeding liquid by means of stirrers (13).

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus of supplying a micro-plate excellent in operating performance and operability. In a micro-plate supplying apparatus for separating micro-plates 10 mounted in a stacked state sheet by sheet to supply, a first stock portion 2, a second stock portion 3 for containing the micro-plates in the stacked state are arranged in series in an up and down direction by interposing a micro-plate take out and take in mechanism 4, the micro-plates 10 are moved from the first stock portion 2 to the second stock portion 3 while staying in the stacked state, the micro-plate at a uppermost stage of the plurality of micro-plates 10 is disposed at a micro-plate carry out level L2, and the micro-plate is taken out by a micro-plate carrying out mechanism to supply to a working apparatus 5. Thereby, the micro-plate is set in an excellent operation attitude and the micro-plate can stably be taken out.

Abstract: A method for determining the state of preservation of a wooden support and establishing a diagnosis in order to find out whether the wooden support is in a state which is suitable for use, in a state requiring a maintenance operation or in a state requiring its elimination includes measuring the hardness of the wooden support and the hygrometricity of the wooden support. The method further includes determining the species of the timber of the wooden support, determining the treatment previously applied to the wooden support, calculating the resulting safety residual stress, comparing the value of the calculated safety residual stress with an observed average safety residual stress and establishing a diagnosis depending on this comparison.

Abstract: A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for measuring solid particles, e.g. sand, in a fluid flow in a pipe, comprising at least one acoustic sensor for registering acoustic signals generated from collisions between particles and a surface. The pipe comprises a constriction through which the fluid flow passes, and that at least one of said acoustic sensors are positioned in relation to said constriction, and on a surface facing toward the flow so as to receive acoustic signals resulting from collisions between particles and the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous polycrystalline diamond structure that may be employed as a separation device in a separation apparatus for separating at least one reaction product of a chemical reaction, as a stationary phase support and/or stationary phase in chromatography or separation apparatuses, or as a chemical reaction apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction therein. A separation device includes a body of sintered diamond particles. The body includes a proximal inlet end, a distal outlet end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The body further includes a plurality of at least partially interconnected pores that extend between the proximal inlet end and the distal outlet end. The at least partially interconnected pores are capable of communicating fluid from the proximal inlet end to the distal outlet end. Separation apparatuses that utilize the separation device, such as gas or liquid chromatography apparatuses, and chemical reaction apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing surface property measurements, such as workpiece hardness and other material property measurements, with in-process compensation for instrument frame distortion and the like.

Abstract: A device for detecting the combustion-chamber pressure in an internal combustion engine is configured in such a way that the combustion-chamber pressure is able to be detected in a reliable and reproducible manner. To this end, a heating pin exposed to the combustion-chamber pressure is fixed in place in a housing of the glow plug with the aid of a fixation member. A sensor is affixed in the housing of the glow plug via a fixation element set apart from this fixation member. This sensor detects the elastic longitudinal expansion of the housing caused by the combustion-chamber pressure between the end of the fixation member facing the sensor and the fixation point of the fixation element on the housing. This device is preferably utilized in the automotive industry.

Abstract: The present invention is a combustion state determination method of an internal combustion engine for detecting an ion current which is generated in a combustion chamber at combustion of the internal combustion engine in a detection period to determine a combustion state, comprising steps of detecting a primary combustion period on the basis of a first ion current which forms the detected ion current and occurs immediately after ignition, detecting a secondary combustion period on the basis of the ion current which occurs after disappearance of the first ion current when at least the detected primary combustion period is normal, determining the combustion state on the basis of the detected primary combustion period when the secondary combustion period is smaller than a predetermined value, and determining the combustion state on the basis of a whole combustion period from start of the detection period of the ion current to end of the last secondary combustion period in the detection period when the secondary