Abstract: A separation-type water level sensor, and a steam generator (15) of a washing drying machine having the same. The steam generator (150) includes a case storing water for generating steam; and a separation-type water level sensor comprising a common electrode assembly (160) comprising a water common electrode (162) and a common electrode housing (161), and inserted into the case; and a first water level electrode assembly (170) comprising a first water level electrode (172) and a first water level electrode housing (171), separated form the common electrode assembly (160), and inserted into the case.

Abstract: A washing machine and a water level control method thereof that can supply an appropriate amount of water based on the amount of laundry using a conventional water level sensor even when the washing machine has a holeless rotary drum. The water level control method includes supplying water between the water tub and the rotary drum, introducing the supplied water into the rotary drum, discharging the introduced water out of the rotary drum, and detecting the water level of the water remaining in the water tub, and comparing the detected water level with a predetermined water level and, when the detected water level is below the predetermined water level, resupplying water between the water tub and the rotary drum until the detected water level reaches the predetermined water level.

Abstract: A front-loading machine for treating laundry includes a loading opening, a hinged door, a locking mechanism and an operating device. The loading opening is disposed on a front wall of the machine. The hinged door is receivable by a receiving area on the front wall so as to close the loading opening. The locking mechanism is configured to hold the door in a closed position. The operating device is configured to activate and deactivate the locking mechanism. The operating device includes a sensor configured to detect a contact or a contact-free incursion into a detection zone thereof. The sensor is disposed on at least one of the door and the receiving area on the front wall.

Abstract: A device for the sectional application of liquor to a running fabric web includes an applicator roll that has liquor applied to it which, during the application of the liquor to the fabric web is located lying against the fabric web. A removal device is provided, with which the liquor is able to be removed section by section from the applicator roll in the longitudinal direction of the applicator roll and/or an application device is provided, with which the liquor is able to be applied section by section onto the applicator roll.

Abstract: A scrubboard capable of receiving wirings therein, comprising a wirings reception body having a plurality of comparting boards forming a plurality of vertical partitions, at least a fixation hole and an upper concave and lower concave slots on an upper and lower ends thereof, respectively, wherein the wirings reception body is fixed to a wall by inserting a screw into the fixation hole. Additionally, the scrubboard body has upper and lower convex slots on an upper and lower ends, respectively, to mate with upper and lower concave slots of the wirings reception body. Categorized wirings are arranged in different ones of the plurality of vertical partitions, respectively.

Abstract: A drip-free garment steamer includes a steamer body having an inlet end and an outlet end, and defining an inner cavity through which steam passes. A plate at least partially covers the outlet end of the steamer body. A plurality of nozzles extend from the plate into the inner cavity of the steamer body, the nozzles defining apertures through the plate for the passage of steam from the inner cavity.

Abstract: A padlock can be unlocked by an owner dialing an unlocking number or security personnel using a general key. The padlock includes a lock body, a block, a shackle, a general locking device and a private locking device. The lock body includes a first channel and a second channel therein. The block is inserted in the second channel. The block includes a receptacle therein. The shackle includes a long arm movably disposed in the first channel and a short arm for engagement with the receptacle of the block. The general locking device is disposed in the lock body for locking and unlocking the long arm of the shackle. The private locking means is disposed in the lock body for controlling the block so that the block can be engaged with and disengaged from the short arm of the shackle.

Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables extend through both a fastener and a base of the locking member and are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like structure. The fastener is releasably snap-fitted into the base of the locking member and secured therein by a magnetically attractable tine. The ratchet mechanism includes a housing containing a spool and a locking pawl. A bottom wall encloses a portion of the housing and includes a rotatable central portion having a key receiving recess for unlocking the spool from the pawl. The housing has a rotatable top wall portion which includes a flip-up handle for rotating the top wall portion and the internal ratchet to tighten the cable about an article. An alarm system is contained in the housing of the ratchet mechanism and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. An LED located within the housing provides a visual indication that the alarm system is activated.

Abstract: A security lock includes a housing, a pair of intersecting and pivotally interconnected locking arms that respectively have hooks extending outwardly of the housing and heads extending into the housing; and a key-operated lock disposed inside the housing and has a lock shell, and a rotatable core. The core has a tail projecting therefrom to extend between the heads, and includes two opposite first sides and two opposite second sides. A cross-section of the tail that is transverse to the first and second sides has a long distance between the first sides, and a short distance between the second sides. The hooks may be changed in position to engage or disengage a slot formed in an article by merely turning the core using a key.

Abstract: A lock module suitable for being locked to a lock shaft of a portable electronic device is provided. The lock module includes a first lock element and a second lock element. The first lock element includes a first body and a first fastener extending from the first body, and the second lock element includes a second body coupled with the first body and a second fastener extending from the second body. The second fastener and the first fastener are inserted into each other. A limiting space is formed between the first fastener and the second fastener, and the lock shaft is limited in the limiting space.

Abstract: Auxiliary safety module for doors provided with an anti-panic opening device, comprising, a rotating locking member movable between an extracted position and a recessed position, a first elastic element tending to maintain the locking member in its extracted position, a cursor movable between a first position and a second position, a transmission mechanism operatively associated to the cursor and to the locking member and arranged to establish a univocal correlation between the positions of the cursor and of the locking member, so that when the cursor is in its first position, the locking member is in the extracted position and when the cursor is in the second position, the locking member is in the recessed position, a movable feeler having a projecting portion and a retaining portion which co-operates with the cursor, the feeler being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, a second elastic element associated to the feeler and tending to maintain the feeler in said engaged position, wh

Abstract: An example embodiment relates to preventing rotation of a barrel lock when opened by a key. At least one example embodiment includes a rotationally actuated barrel lock for securing electric meter boxes and the like, and a spring loaded clip for mounting inside the meter box. Lock actuation is characterized by rotation of a key relative to the lock. The barrel lock includes a head portion, and a smaller diameter shank portion with flatted areas thereon. The clip includes, in an example embodiment, a lock receiving opening with internal protrusions which engage the flatted areas on the lock shank, thereby preventing rotation of the lock when it is engaged by the key.

Abstract: An automatic cycle storage system comprising a plurality of cycles, each of which carries a locking member designed to be received in a keeper of a locking station.

Abstract: A latch-release actuating apparatus includes a switch element, a base member, and a cover member. The switch element is depressed via the cover member. In the latch-release actuating apparatus, a key top member and the cover member are formed to be long to extend horizontally from an upper region of the push button. The key top member is arranged on a back surface of the cover member so that a longitudinal direction of the key top member coincides with a longitudinal direction of the cover member. Furthermore, claws and retaining portions to which the claws are retained are arranged between the base member and both longitudinal ends of the key top member, thereby constituting a regulating unit for restricting separation of the key top member from the push button when the claw abuts on the retaining portion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for producing a granular nitrogen fertilizer from an organic material comprising adding a metallic salt to said organic material to form a slurry. Preferably the organic material comprises dewatered biosolids and contains water from a scrubber. Metallic salts that can be used comprise a salt of iron, zinc, or a mixture thereof. Preferred iron salts comprises ferric sulfate or ferric oxide, and preferred zinc salts comprises zinc sulfate or zinc oxide. Preferably, the metallic salt is mixed with an acid such as sulfuric acid to form an acidified metal salt. Slurry pH ranges from approximately 2-2.5. The acidified metal salt is added to the organic material in sufficient quantity to lower viscosity of the slurry such that the resulting fluid does not hinder fluid flow during operation. When the metallic salt comprises acidified ferric sulfate or ferrous sulfate, sufficient iron can be present to produce a fertilizer product with 0.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for forming a metal container comprising one or more devices that are electronically coordinated to perform operations of local and/or extensive deformation over metal containers comprising one or more interface devices (12) wherein the motion among the devices is accomplished in an indirect way through means adapted to coordinate and synchronize these same devices.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for producing a peripherally closed hollow profile having a secondary feature and/or a branch, the hollow profile is shaped from a hollow profile blank by an internal high pressure. The cap of the secondary feature and/or of the branch is severed by a counterholding punch that supports the secondary feature or the branch during the shaping process. In order to permit the production of a hollow profile having secondary features and/or branches, during which the cap of the secondary feature or of the branch is severed in a simple and reliable manner in terms of the process, the cap of the secondary feature and/or of the branch is severed at an internal high pressure which corresponds at most to the forming pressure for forming the hollow profile from the blank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forming die having a cavity which forms a shaping space and into which a workpiece can be introduced. A passage, which connects the shaping space to the area surrounding the die, runs within the forming die. To achieve a contour during the shaping of the workpiece which is unaffected by the arrangement of passages connecting the shaping space to the area surrounding the die in a simple way, it is proposed that the die contains a liquid-permeable and gas-permeable insert body, which is held in a recess of the die near to the shaping space and by means of a peripheral region facing the shaping space forms a section of the cavity, and that the passage opens out at the insert body outside this peripheral region.

Abstract: A closing device 100 which presses a die 2 against a rotating pipe body 1 such that an open end portion of the pipe body 1 is plastically closed by the die 2 includes a cored bar 3 inserted into the pipe body 1 to close the open end portion of the pipe body 1 on the opposite side of the die 2, and a reactive force applying mechanism 43, 60 which allows the cored bar 3 to retreat and applies a reactive force to the retreating cored bar 3 when the cored bar 3 receives a predetermined load or more during processing of the pipe body 1 by the die 2.

Abstract: Machine for drawing metal sheets, which comprises a static support (3) and a moving support (4) that hold a metal sheet (2) during a process of drawing said metal sheet (2), and driving means (5) that cause a longitudinal movement of said moving support (4) in relation to said static support (3) during said process, a section (S) of said metal sheet (2) comprised between said supports (3, 4) being drew and tensioned. Said machine (1) also comprises a third support (6) that remains static during the drawing process and which is disposed between the static support (3) and the moving support (4), and the driving means (5) cooperate with said third support (6) in order to move said moving support (4) longitudinally during said drawing process.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for use with a sheet bending brake has a clamping member having a lower leg extending therefrom, a pivot arm and a guide mechanism. The pivoting arm being pivotally supported by and extending from the clamping member to define a clamping area with the lower leg. The guide mechanism reacts between the clamping member and the pivoting arm for moving the pivoting arm between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a dent in finished sheet metal heats a steel panel by applying a high frequency induced current thereto and simultaneously cools a clear coat by spraying a coolant to a surface of the sheet metal and a cooling pipe, wherein the finished sheet metal is composed of at least the ferromagnetic steel panel and the non-ferromagnetic clear coat having different thermal expansion coefficient and thermal damage temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flash forging a part, where a first portion of the forging seam is substantially free from grain flow pattern exit points and a second portion includes grain flow pattern exit points. In one embodiment, blocker steps are performed with pressure being applied in a first direction. A finisher step is then performed with pressure being applied in a second direction. In the blocker steps, a first portion of the part is formed without flash by extruding metal into one of the dies. The extruded shape is near the final desired shape of the first portion. In the finisher step, the first portion is pressed between two dies to achieve its final shape without producing a substantial amount of flash. Because there is no substantial flash, grain flow pattern exit points will not be produced when flash is trimmed from the part.

Abstract: Self-aligning tools may be used to install and reposition an expandable structure in a workpiece. A self-aligning installation system may include an expansion mandrel, self-aligning nose cap assembly, and an installation tool for driving the mandrel. The expansion mandrel is sized to fit within a passageway of an expandable member such that the expandable member radially expands when the expansion mandrel is moved through the passageway. The self-aligning nose cap assembly moves relative to the installation tool and mandrel. A self-aligning seating system can be used to move the installed expandable member. The self-aligning seating system includes a seat backing, a seat base, and a pull rod coupled to the seat backing and extending through the seat base. The seat backing slidably engages the seat base to permit rotation of the pull rod.

Abstract: A crimping tool is disclosed that includes a housing assembly carrying a crimping assembly having jaws with engagement surfaces designed to move in the radial direction under controlled load and controlled displacement with application of hydraulic pressure to pistons provided to load the jaws. The crimping tool is designed to be separable into two parts, which facilitates assembly and disassembly of the tool around the work piece for crimping at locations remote from the end of a continuous or long section of pipe. This tool is adapted for use in crimping end fittings onto composite pipe and for use in a field environment where the tool is manually transportable.

Abstract: A system and method for correction of instrument response of an optical spectroscopy instrument using a Raman standard sample supplied by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). The smoother side of the NIST sample is placed facing a light collection optics in the spectroscopy instrument, whereas the non-smooth or rough side remains away from the light collection optics, but in contact with a platform or sample placement surface in the spectroscopy instrument. An instrument response function is determined with the NIST sample so placed. Thereafter, spectra or spectral images of target samples obtained using the spectroscopy instrument are divided by the instrument response function to correct for imperfections in the response of the optical spectroscopy instrument. The target sample spectra may be non-Raman spectra. The optical spectroscopy instrument may be a gratings-based or a tunable filter based chemical imaging system.

Abstract: A test system comprises a sensor container and a testing device. The sensor container has a base and a lid. The container encloses a plurality of test sensors therein. The container includes a calibration label attached thereto. The label includes electrical contacts located thereon that encode calibration information onto the calibration label. The testing device has a sensor-container opening formed thereon. The sensor-container opening has an auto-calibration feature located therein. The auto-calibration feature is external to the testing device. The auto-calibration feature includes calibration elements to communicate with the electrical contacts on the calibration label. The testing device determines the calibration information encoded on the calibration label in response to the calibration elements engaging the electrical contacts. A portion of the sensor container remains external to the meter while the encoded calibration information is being determined.

Abstract: A test system comprises a sensor container and a testing device. The sensor container has a base and a lid. The container encloses test sensors therein. The container includes a calibration label attached thereto. The label includes electrical contacts located thereon. The electrical contacts encode calibration information onto the calibration label. The testing device has an auto-calibration feature externally located thereon. The testing device is adapted to determine the analyte concentration in a fluid sample. The auto-calibration feature includes calibration elements that communicate with the electrical contacts on the calibration label. The testing device is adapted to determine the calibration information encoded on the calibration label in response to the calibration elements engaging the electrical contacts. The encoded calibration information is determined without inserting the sensor container or the calibration label into the testing device.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for the calibration of implanted pressure transducers. It is an object of several embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus and methods for the calibration of one or more implanted pressure transducers implanted in the body of medical patients. Various embodiments of the present invention are particularly advantageous because they offer a calibration system that is less invasive than the systems currently available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tribometer (1) comprising: a first support assembly (2) configured to receive a central test piece (3), which test piece is circularly cylindrical, and to drive it in rotation about its axis (X); and a second support assembly (4) configured to receive a plurality of peripheral test pieces, preferably three of them, and to enable said central test piece (3) to make contact simultaneously with said three peripheral test pieces (9) in an isostatic configuration in such a manner that the central test piece, while being driven in rotation, can rub against the peripheral test pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus that corrects a weight imbalance around an axis of a spindle motor that rotates a disc in a disc drive includes an impact applicator that applies an impact to a housing that houses the spindle motor and the disc, a plate that supports the housing and impact applicator, a spring member that supports the plate, and enables the plate and the housing to vibrate together when the spindle motor rotates, and a detector that detects a vibration of the housing when the spindle motor rotates.

Abstract: Particle concentration is monitored in a gas stream, in particular rust particle concentration in the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine. A sensor in the gas stream collects the particles that are monitored. The sensor is integrated as a capacitive element in an electromagnetic resonant circuit excited by an alternating voltage. The sensor includes a non-conducting base body and two electrodes spaced apart from each other. A characteristic value of the resonant circuit varying on the basis of the particle load of the sensor is determined as a reference value when the sensor is unloaded. The change in the characteristic value due to the particle load is determined relative to the reference value.

Abstract: Flow cells configured for piezoelectric millimeter-sized cantilever sensors provide direct, sensitive detection of analytes in fluid media. The flow cells comprise a flow inlet and a flow outlet positioned to cause sample flow past a sensing surface of the cantilever sensor. The flow cell is configured for millimeter-sized cantilever sensors. The geometry of the flow cell influences the sample flow and thus the interaction of the flow with the cantilever sensor.

Abstract: A process is provided for measuring a gas concentration with at least one thermal measuring element. The thermal measuring element is operated by pulses. A measured value of the gas concentration in the environment of the measuring element is obtained from the evaluation of the response of the measuring element to at least one single pulse by determining transient states of the thermal measuring element. From this the measured value of the gas concentration in the environment of the measuring element can be derived, during the imposed pulse based on electric measured variables.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a substrate having a plurality of through holes, a pair of electrodes disposed on the substrate, wherein the plurality of through holes are disposed between the pair of electrodes and a plurality of carbon nanotubes covering at least a portion of the plurality of through holes, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is connected with the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a fuel tank leak in a fuel tank ventilation system, comprising a fuel tank, an accumulator for fuel vapors and a fuel tank ventilation valve opening out into an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel tank, the accumulator and the fuel tank ventilation valve are connected by way of a system of lines and wherein the accumulator has an aeration line with a check valve, the method comprising: immediately before turning off the internal combustion engine, closing the check valve and opening the fuel tank ventilation valve to generate a vacuum in the fuel tank ventilation system; acquiring a vacuum degradation at specifiable points in time when the fuel tank ventilation valve is closed; opening of the check valve in order to bring about a pressure equilibrium with the ambient pressure; renewed closing of the check valve; acquiring a pressure increase emerging over at least a specifiable time interval and determination of a compensation variable; and inference about

Abstract: A method for the characterizing a fluid containing particles reflecting ultrasounds wherein a sample of fluid placed between two surfaces (5, 6) in a rheometer (1) undergoes stress in order to measure the rheological characteristics of the sample (8) during relative movement of the two surfaces (5,6) in relation to each other. Local ultrasound data relating to the sample (8) deformation is collected by ultrasonic-wave-measuring means (2,3,4). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: An electronic device for analyzing an aqueous solution may comprise a housing, one or more measurement circuits and a control circuit all arranged inside the housing. The housing may be configured to receive a test element. The one or more measurement circuits may be configured to produce one or more corresponding sets of measurement signals relating to an aqueous solution received on the test element. The control circuit may include a memory having instructions stored therein that are executable by the control circuit to process the one or more sets of measurement signals to determine one or more corresponding characteristics of the aqueous solution.

Abstract: An automated method for determining the cleaning operation of a water treatment or water distribution apparatus or system to which one or more substances are added, the method comprising the steps of: (a) conducting one or more measurements of a property of the or an added substance; (b) comparing the property measurement s) from step (a) with at least one reference value for that property; and (c) determining when the comparison in step (b) is within, above or below a pre-determined range or level for that property. The determination in step (c) can consider whether the cleaning operation has been successfully carried out. The present invention automates and therefore optimizes the cleaning operation of the water treatment or distribution apparatus or system such that expensive periods of non-operation during sanitization or cleaning are minimized both in terms of frequency and duration.

Abstract: Liquid levels and transition levels of stratified liquids and gradients in one or more characteristics of liquids are detected by apparatus for and method of moving a sensor through the liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus (10) for monitoring biofilm formation on a surface (12). The apparatus (10) comprises a disk-shaped member (14) which provides said surface (12); and a sensor (16) for measuring biofilm formation on a measuring zone (18) of the surface (12). A plurality of bodies (29) are mounted on the surface (12) of the disk-shaped member (14) so that biofilm formation on different materials can be observed. The apparatus (10) includes a housing (22) wherein the member (14) is located. A body of liquid (24), such as water, is disposed inside the housing (22) and fills the housing (22) only partly. The member (14) is continuously moved into and out of the liquid (24) by being rotated about its central axis (30).

Abstract: A method of observing a consumer product is provided. The method includes placing a consumer product into an imaging machine, and then using the machine to obtain information regarding the product.

Abstract: A method of determining the fuel consumption of an internal combustion engine, more particularly when operated on a test rig, wherein fuel is supplied in a circuit to the internal combustion engine and discharged therefrom and wherein a quantity of fuel is supplied to the circuit via a branch line from a fuel tank and measured in the branch line, wherein the fuel in the circuit is re-cooled in the return line between the internal combustion engine and the entrance of the branch line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the emission of pollutants resulting from static test firings of rocket and jet engines. The apparatus comprises a test stand for capturing the exhaust gas from an engine undergoing a static test. The test stand includes a duct system for guiding the exhaust gas from a duct inlet to a duct outlet through stages that reduce the exhaust gas pollutants. Liquid oxygen (“LOX”) is introduced into the duct system to interact with the engine exhaust gas stream. By introducing LOX, the pollutant CO is converted to non-pollutant carbon dioxide (“CO2”) as the exhaust stream moves through the duct system.

Abstract: A torque adaptation system is provided. The system includes: a torque error estimator module that estimates a torque error based on an error propagation model and a plurality of torque model parameters; and an adapt torque module that adapts a model torque based on the torque error.

Abstract: Motion of a hydraulically driven machine component is controlled in response to a velocity command that indicates a desired velocity for the machine component. A method for detecting a velocity fault involves determining an actual velocity at which the machine component is moving, and producing a velocity error value based on a difference between the velocity command and the actual velocity. The velocity error value is integrated, such as by a low pass, biquadratic filter function, to produce an integrated value. The integrated value is compared to one or more thresholds to determine whether a velocity fault has occurred.

Abstract: A torque converter may be inspected and verified using non-destructive testing methods so that the torque converter may be reused in a remanufacturing operation. The methods will permit a torque converter to be verified without needing to cut open the torque converter's housing to perform a close visual inspection. Rather, the methods make non-destructive inspection and verification possible.

Abstract: A borehole tool including an interferometer, a light source, a chamber containing a sliding weight having a first optical prism, a second optical prism located within the chamber, a tilt measuring device, and a timing device operatively associated with the interferometer. The light source, the interferometer, and the first and second optical prisms are configured to cause light emitted by the light source to form a first beam and a second beam that interfere with each other. The interferometer measures distances traveled by the sliding weight in the upward and downward direction by counting the fringes caused by the interference between the first beam and the second beam. The tilt measuring device measures the angle of the chamber relative to vertical. The influence of friction on the sliding weight's motion is eliminated by comparing the distances traveled by it in its upward and downward path over an equal time interval.

Abstract: A down hole apparatus for measure while drilling usage comprising, in combination, a housing including one or more housing unit sections along apparatus, and defining an axis length, a motor stator for a motor driven by drilling fluids, a motor rotor for said motor driven by drilling fluid, a bent subassembly at the lower end of said downhole apparatus, said subassembly providing a relatively small angular deviation between said housing unit axis and an axis defined by said bent subassembly, an output shaft extending within said bent subassembly for use in driving a drill bit, a bearing assembly to support said output shaft for rotation within said housing, a torsion bar or flexible shaft connecting said motor rotor to said output shaft, said torsion bar or flexible shaft accommodating both eccentric motion of said rotor and the bend and relative motion between the said main housing axis and the bent subassembly axis, and a sensor and data transmission assembly located on the main housing in a parallel relati

Abstract: A free point tool comprises an elongated main shaft assembly and a low mass sensor assembly coaxially and slidingly disposed over the elongated main shaft. The low mass sensor assembly is adapted to be supported within the down hole casing by first and second drag spring centralizers coupled respectively to upper and lower ends of the low mass sensor assembly. The low mass sensor assembly comprises a magnetic amplifier sensor disposed in a sensor body and having a variable inductance proportionally responsive to longitudinal and rotational displacement of an adjacent sensor plate portion of a movable sensor sleeve concentric with and enclosing the sensor body, wherein the sensor sleeve is attached to the first drag spring centralizer and the sensor body is attached to the second drag spring centralizer.