Abstract: In one aspect the method provides for determining changes in helium concentration over time in the interstitial space between a primary vessel that is charged with helium and a secondary vessel. The expected concentration resulting from permeation is calculated and accounted for. In another aspect, air is circulated in the interstitial space. An abrupt change in measured concentrations may be used to determine an approximate leak location.

Abstract: An inspection machine for pressure testing a glass bottle filled with water. A normal test pressurizes the bottle until the pressure reaches an acceptable level. If the bottle bursts or leaks the pressure will not reach the acceptable level. A control monitors the pressure curve and can determine when a bottle bursts. The control can also determine that a leak is present and when the leak happens with “N” successive bottles, the control indicates that there is a maintenance problem.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the production of a test specimen bottle from a container which is adaptable for containing a liquid and has a sealing surface intended for mating with a sealing closure. The test specimen bottle is utilized in a test for evaluating the integrity of a sealing closure. The apparatus comprises a scoring head which has a body and at least one blade mounted to the body. The body includes mounting structure associated with the body for connecting the body to a force applying mechanism for transmitting force to the body so that when the blade mounted to the body is positioned adjacent to the sealing surface of the container, a force can be applied to the body that causes the blade to score the sealing surface to thereby produce a test specimen bottle from the container.

Abstract: A method for measuring the mobility of a lubricant located on the top surface of a disk used in hard disk drives. The method includes forming one or more scribe lines in a lubricant layer of the disk. The disk is then spun by a spin stand where lubricant moves in response to the centrifugal forces of the spinning disk. The disk is removed from the spin stand and the height of lubricant that moved into the scribe line is measured to determine lubricant mobility.

Abstract: A method of extracting and analyzing bodily fluids from a patient at the point of care for the patient is provided. The method comprises establishing fluid communication between an analyte detection system and a bodily fluid in the patient. A portion of the bodily fluid is drawn from the patient. A first component of the bodily fluid is separated from the drawn portion, while the analyte detection system remains in fluid communication with the patient. The analyte detection system analyzes the first component to measure a concentration of an analyte in an accurate and timely manner.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for scanning probe microscopy, said device comprising a scanning microscopy measuring device provided with a measuring probe for scanning microscopy measurements and a sample carrier for receiving a sample to be measured by scanning microscopy; a control device which is connected to the scanning microscopy measuring device in such a way that it is integrated into the system, and is designed in such a way as to automatically control the measuring device in order to perform a scanning microscopy measurement according to pre-defined control parameters; and/or an evaluation device that is connected to the scanning microscopy measuring device in such a way that it is integrated into the system, and is designed in such a way as to automatically evaluate measurements according to pre-defined evaluation parameters.

Abstract: A method for determining the condition of a transmission fluid filter and controlling an operator indicator to alert the operator that the fluid filter requires replacement is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a fluid pressure switch, determining an operating mode of the transmission, determining whether the operating mode of the transmission is changing, activating a timer if the operating mode is changing, recording the time, comparing the time to a predefined time threshold, determining whether the recorded time is greater than the predefined threshold, and activating the operator indicator to indicate that the fluid filter requires replacement if the recorded time is greater than the predefined threshold.

Abstract: A field device for monitoring and/or determining a process variable of a medium, wherein the process variable preferably is fill level, viscosity or density of the medium. The field device includes: an oscillatable unit; a driving/receiving unit, which excites the oscillatable unit to oscillate, or which receives the oscillations of the oscillatable unit, as the case may be; and a control/evaluation unit, which controls the oscillations of the oscillatable unit, or which evaluates the oscillations of the oscillatable unit. control/evaluation unit produces an accretion alarm, when the oscillation frequency (f) of the oscillations of the oscillatable unit falls below an adjustable limit value (G; GMinimum; GMaximum). The limit value (G; GMinimum; GMaximum) is determinable and/or calculable at least from measured and/or calculated dependencies of the oscillation frequency on process conditions and/or on the process variable to be monitored and/or determined.

Abstract: Two pairs of regulating means, that is, the first stopper and the second stopper, which regulate a rotary angle range of the magnet holder when the first stopper and the second stopper come into contact with the stopper of the arm integrally fixed to the magnet holder, are provided in the body which is a fixing member, and the rotary angle range of the magnet holder regulated by one pair of stoppers is made to be different from the rotary angle range of the magnet holder regulated by the other pair of stoppers. Due to the foregoing, when the expensive body is made to be a common part and a plurality of types of inexpensive arms are manufactured, the fuel level gauge can be provided, an increase in the manufacturing cost of which is suppressed, which can cope with rotary angle ranges of the plurality of types of arms.

Abstract: A method for correcting humidity measurement results of a radiosonde, especially for errors resulting from radiative heat exchange. Environmental humidity Um is measured with a humidity sensor in the radiosonde, a current value of at least one environmental condition parameter is determined, and error-corrected humidity U is calculated directly or indirectly utilizing the measured environmental humidity Um and a correction value corresponding to the at least one current environmental condition parameter value.

Abstract: An electrical device, especially a sensor for a motor vehicle, is adapted to be fastened on a mounting surface. The device includes a housing and a support plate. The support plate is rigidly linked with the housing through at least one connecting element. The support plate carries at least one electronic component that reacts to structure-borne noise and that is mounted in the immediate vicinity of the connecting element.

Abstract: A single crystal based leveraged shear mode accelerometer includes a housing base portion with a base portion bottom surface that includes two base metallization areas. A housing top portion is coupled to the housing base portion. A subassembly includes a piezoelectric single crystal positioned between the housing base portion and the housing top portion. The piezoelectric single crystal is held vertical by the base portion and a shear plate bonded with a metal loaded electrical conductive epoxy. The base portion and the shear plate both have machined edges in a vertical direction. These machined edges pointing against an electrically insulating plate and form an active electrical connection at a top surface of the piezoelectric single crystal, and an electrical ground connection at a bottom surface of the piezoelectric single crystal. The subassembly is held to a mass construct with micromachined screws to the base portion, forming an accelerometer assembly in tension.

Abstract: A system includes an ultrasonic transducer positioned to be in contact with the outer surface of a paper roll. The system further includes a transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit in communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The transmitter circuit provides a transmit signal to the ultrasonic transducer for generating an ultrasonic signal, which is transmitted into the paper roll. The receiver circuit provides a received signal indicative of an ultrasonic return echo from the paper roll. The ultrasonic return echo resulting from the ultrasonic signal interacting with the paper roll. The system also includes a processor circuit for determining an amount (length or diameter of roll) of paper remaining on the paper roll in response to the transmit signal and the receive signal. The processor provides an output signal when the amount of paper remaining falls below a threshold. A method of sensing paper on a paper roll is also presented.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the thickness of a material and alerting an operator when the thickness of a material is below a certain level, the apparatus comprising: a device for measuring the thickness of a material; a display screen for displaying the thickness of a material to the operator; and a device for alerting the operator when the thickness of the material is below a certain level. Apparatus for measuring the thickness of a material and alerting an operator when the thickness of a material is below a certain level, the apparatus comprising: a device for measuring the thickness of a material; a display screen for displaying the thickness of a material to the operator; and a device for alerting the operator when the thickness of the material is below a certain level, wherein the operator is alerted by a vibration alarm.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that permit both real-time, and off-line, measurement of weld penetration depth. Exemplary systems and methods comprise an ultrasound source, such as a pulsed Nd:Yag laser, that simultaneously generates longitudinal and shear waves that radiate adjacent one side of a weld joining two specimens. An ultrasonic sensor, such as an electro-magnetic acoustic transducer or a piezo-electric transducer, capable of detecting shear and/or longitudinal waves, is disposed on an opposite side of the weld from the source. A signal processor is coupled to the sensor that processes time of flight signals for selected longitudinal or shear waves transmitted across the weld seam. The signal processor implements an algorithm that computes the weld penetration depth from the time of flight signals.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic detecting element, an acoustic matching member, and an oscillation damping member. The ultrasonic detecting element detects an ultrasonic wave. The acoustic matching member has a receiving surface that is adapted on a side of the certain object to be exposed to a space, in which the detected body exists. The receiving surface receives the ultrasonic wave reflected by the detected body. The acoustic matching member is made of a material having an acoustic impedance larger than that of air and smaller than that of the ultrasonic detecting element. The oscillation damping member is disposed between an attachment portion and the acoustic matching member. The attachment portion is adapted for attaching the ultrasonic sensor to the certain object. The oscillation damping member damps transmission of oscillation from the certain object to the acoustic matching member.

Abstract: A vibration sensor includes a housing and elastic metal member; the elastic metal member traveling in an accommodation space of the housing while simultaneously contracting or not contacting two contact plates; the vibration sensor being connected at where between a source device and an electronic device; an external force is applied to hit the elastic metal member for it to travel and contact both contact plates to transmit the power from the source device to the electronic device.

Abstract: A single crystal unimorph based accelerometer has a housing base portion with a base portion bottom surface that includes two separate metallization areas. One of the two separate metallization areas is electrical active. The other is a ground electrical connection. A housing top portion is coupled to the housing base portion. A piezoelectric single crystal is positioned between the housing base portion and the housing top portion. The piezoelectric single crystal has a metal shim that forms a unimorph bonded with a metal loaded electrical conductive epoxy, and forms an electrical connection at a top electroding surface of the piezoelectric single crystal. The piezoelectric single crystal includes a cantilevered free portion that extends to the housing base portion At least a portion of the top electroding surface of the piezoelectric single crystal provides for tuning of capacitance and is an active electrical connection for the unimorph.

Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within a high voltage vacuum device includes detecting the position of a movable structure such as a bellows. The position at high pressures can be detected optically by the interruption of a light beam reflected by a hemispherically shaped reflector. The hemispherical reflector allows the source light fiber to oriented parallel to the detection light fiber, providing a more compact and efficient fiber routing.

Abstract: The pressure sensor of the type having a pressure transmitting member transmitting a pressure received by a pressure-receiving diaphragm to a sensor chip is provided with a heat radiating member. This heat radiating member substantially suppresses the heat transferring from the pressure-receiving diaphragm to the sensor chip, to thereby preventing the pressure sensor from malfunction.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly includes a sensor configured to measure an impedance value representative of a sensed parameter and a transformer coupled to the sensor. The transformer includes at least one ceramic substrate and at least one electrically conductive line disposed on the ceramic substrate to form at least one winding. The electrically conductive line includes an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: An artificial sensor comprises at least one substrate, and a plurality of flow sensors disposed on the at least one substrate for providing a plurality of spatial-temporally varying signals representing a hydrodynamic stimulus. The plurality of flow sensors are spatially distributed on the at least one substrate. A processor is coupled to the plurality of flow sensors for receiving the signals and determining spatial-temporal information from the received signals.

Abstract: A micromachined artificial sensor comprises a support coupled to and movable with respect to a substrate. A polymer, high-aspect ratio cilia-like structure is disposed on and extends out-of-plane from the support. A strain detector is disposed with respect to the support to detect movement of the support.

Abstract: A strain sensor comprises a capacitor formed on a substrate, the capacitor having a layered structure in which a lower electrode, a metal oxide film of perovskite structure and an upper electrode are laminated consecutively on the substrate, the capacitor being adapted to be mounted upon a specimen, and a measuring circuit that measures a leakage current flowing through the capacitor between the upper electrode and the lower electrode.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring the zeta potential at the cylinder's outer surface. In the measuring cell, the cylinder is held coaxially inside a reference tube and a given solution is forced to flow through the annular flow channel between the cylinder and the reference tube. The streaming potential induced by the flow forced with a hydraulic pressure drop is measured to determine the zeta potential, ?m, of the cylinder's outer surface by using the following Equation, E _ ? ? ? P == - D ? ? ? k ? ( ? m + ? ref 2 ) ? F where D is the permittivity, ?ref is the zeta potential of the reference tube, ? is the viscosity of the solution, k is the electric conductivity of the solution, and F is a correction factor for the electrokinetic model. Moreover, this invention also discloses a system for measuring the zeta potential of the cylinder's outer surface.

Abstract: The measuring system is inserted into the course of a process line and serves for registering at least one measured variable of a medium flowing in the process line. The measuring system includes for such purpose a measuring transducer having a measuring tube serving for conveying medium being measured and a sensor arrangement, which has at least one sensor element reacting primarily to the measured variable to be registered, and which delivers by means of at least one sensor element at least one measurement signal influenced by the measured variable. Further, the measuring system includes a measuring electronics communicating with the measuring transducer and using the at least one measurement signal for producing, at least at times, at least one measured value instantaneously representing the measured variable.

Abstract: Dial-type flow-restriction gauges are used for indicating flow-restriction conditions of fluid filters, such as automobile air and fuel filters. Prior versions of these type filters have been more complicated and costly to manufacture than desirable. Accordingly, the present inventors have devised, among other things, an exemplary dial-type flow-restriction gauge that is inexpensive to manufacture and performs reliability and consistently over a wide temperature range. One exemplary gauge includes an external dial that rotates relative a restriction scale in response to a differential pressure. Placement of the dial on the exterior of the gauge eliminates the need to use clear material and allows embedding of the restriction scale into an exterior surface of the gauge.

Abstract: The measuring system is inserted into the course of a process line and serves for registering at least one measured variable of a medium flowing in the process line. The measuring system includes for such purpose a measuring transducer having a measuring tube serving for conveying medium being measured and a sensor arrangement, which has at least one sensor element reacting primarily to the measured variable to be registered, and which delivers by means of at least one sensor element at least one measurement signal influenced by the measured variable. Further, the measuring system includes a measuring electronics communicating with the measuring transducer and using the at least one measurement signal for producing, at least at times, at least one measured value instantaneously representing the measured variable.

Abstract: Inside the upper housing 12 along the X direction of an upper corner part in the upper housing 12 of the measurement apparatus 10, a radiator 60 is provided. In the radiator 60, metal thin plates are stacked to form flow paths, and temperature control water is caused to flow in the flow paths to perform heat exchange between the temperature control wafer and air in the upper housing 12. On the opposite side of the radiator 60 to the upper housing 12, the radiator blowing fan 62 is provided. The air heat-exchanged by the radiator 60 is sent by the radiator blowing fan 62 inside the upper housing 12 in the Y direction. The measurement apparatus 10 may comprise a cold insulation unit 80. The cold insulation unit 80 includes a cold insulation vessel 82, a blowing fan 90, a radiator 92, and a heat-radiation fan 94.

Abstract: A cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with an open-ended vessel capable of receiving and holding fluid specimens or other materials for analysis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between a fluid sample present in the vessel and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap having a frangible seal which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device. The cap further includes a filter for limiting dissemination of an aerosol or bubbles once the frangible seal has been pierced. The filter is positioned between the frangible seal and a retaining structure. The retaining structure is positioned on the cap above the filter and may be used to contain the filter within the cap. The material of the retaining structure may be penetrable by a fluid transfer device.

Abstract: In such a method and system, firstly, at least an electrically conducting first connection to a first body area (3a) of the whole body of a living being is established and at least an electrically conducting second connection to a second body area (3b) of the whole body of the living being at a distance from the first body area (3a) and, secondly, a change takes place in the physical relation between at least one body part (1, 2) of the whole body and the whole body, which change in the physical relation causes a change to occur in the impedance value of a bioelectrical impedance, which bioelectrical impedance is present between the first body area (3a) and the second body area (3b) and, thirdly, a detection takes place of the change in the impedance value of said bioelectrical impedance, as a result of which occurrence of the change result information (RI) is obtained and, fourthly, the control signal (CTRS) is generated in dependence on the result information (RI).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention efficiently conduct a test for detecting defects on a magnetic disk more accurately. According to one embodiment, a HDD carries out defect inspection of a magnetic disk using thermal fly height control (TFC). Changing a clearance by the TFC achieves defect inspection tests under varied test conditions without much decrease of throughput in manufacturing HDDs. First, a self analysis test (SAT) is carried out in a state that a heater power of P2 is supplied to a heater. Then, another SAT is carried out in a state that a heater power of P1 is supplied to the heater. The heater power P2 is larger than the heater power P1.

Abstract: Provided are a scent supply apparatus and a washing/drying machine including the same. The scent supply apparatus of a washing/drying machine including a tub in a casing, and a guide duct carrying air into the tub, is detachably installed at one side of the guide duct and supplies a scent into the tub. Because the scent supply apparatus is installed in the guide duct, the scent may be forcibly supplied into the washing/drying machine by the air being introduced into the tub from the guide duct. Accordingly, the scent may be actively supplied into the washing/drying machine, without depending only on its own diffusion, thereby improving scent supply efficiency. Also, when the scent source is exhausted and there is a need for replenishment thereof, a user may easily perform the replenishment of a scent source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oscillating vane machine where the vanes can be operated at high speed with a minimum of vibration and with minimum mechanical loads accomplished with sinusoidal motion of the vanes utilizing an improved continuously rotating input/output which is naturally balanced.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a first actuator arrangement operable to allow relative axial movement to occur between a first component and a second component, a second actuator arrangement operable to allow relative axial movement to occur between a third component and a fourth component, brake means operable to prevent extension of the first and/or second actuator arrangement, and damping means operable to control the rate of extension of at least one of the first and second actuator arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mechanical arm comprising an arm and a bearing bracket. The mechanical arm of the present invention is made of a ceramic material and has the characteristics of ceramic materials—high heat resistance, high abrasion resistance, high hardness, high strength, low friction coefficients and low thermal expansion coefficients. Thus, the mechanical arm of the present invention has less abrasion loss, less sway caused by over abrasion and less deformation caused by sway.

Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a control lever, a lever bracket, a main electrical connector, an electrical switch and an auxiliary electrical connector. The lever bracket a bracket body with a bicycle mounting portion and a control lever mounting portion movably supporting the control lever. The main electrical connector is coupled to the lever bracket. The electrical shift switch is electrically connected to the main electrical connector. The auxiliary electrical connector is coupled to the lever bracket and configured to connect an electrical device to the bicycle control device.

Abstract: A shift lever apparatus includes a detent pin, and the distal end portion thereof is attached to a shift lever so as to be movable in the direction of coming into and out of contact with the shift lever. A lever guide is formed with a transition sliding surface on which the distal end of the detent pin slides along the operation of the shift lever on the back surface thereof. A gate portion is provided on the transition sliding surface, and limits the direction of movement of the detent pin in the direction practically matching the selecting direction by coming into contact with the distal end portion of the sliding detent pin. Accordingly, the direction of movement of the shift lever is limited only to the direction practically matching the selecting direction by a force transmitted from the gate portion via the detent pin when the shift lever passes through a transition guide groove.

Abstract: A parallel spherical mechanism with two degrees of freedom for connecting a body to a fixed base in such a manner as to enable it to be oriented in three dimensions by turning about a first axis that is fixed relative to said fixed base, and about a second axis that is fixed relative to said body for orienting, these two axes intersecting at a center of spherical motion situated in said body for orienting, wherein: it comprises at least four links, each of said links being connected to said fixed base via a first connection point and to said body for orienting via a second connection point, and each link belonging to a first type or a second type, there being at least one link of each type, in which: in the link(s) of the first type, the first connection point is at any point of said fixed base, and the second connection point coincides with said center of spherical motion situated in said body for orienting: and in the link(s) of the second type, the first connection point lies on said first axis and the sec

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly having an outer jacket, an inner jacket, and a tilt housing. A longitudinal locking device moves between released and engaged positions allowing and preventing longitudinal movement of the inner jacket relative to the outer jacket. A tilt locking device moves between released and engaged positions allowing and preventing tilting movement of the tilt housing relative to the inner jacket. A control lever is coupled to both of the longitudinal locking device and the tilt locking device for simultaneously moving the devices between the released and engaged positions. The longitudinal locking device has first and second members each having interengaging chamfers. The first member has an engagement surface abutting an abutment surface of the inner jacket when in the engaged position to prevent the longitudinal movement of the inner jacket relative to the outer jacket.

Abstract: A grip for a parking-brake operating lever includes a tubular-shaped grip main body which is press-fitted on a lever main body of the operating lever so as to be mounted on an outer circumferential periphery of the lever main body, a grip cover which is mounted on a part of a circumferential periphery of the grip main body, an engaging tab which projects from an inner surface of the grip cover and which is inserted through an insertion hole provided in the grip main body and is held in engagement with an engaging portion provided in the lever main body, such that the engaging tab is movable relative to the engaging portion in a longitudinal direction of the lever main body, and a fitting protrusion and recess which are respectively provided in the inner surface of the grip cover and the outer circumferential surface of the grip main body, and which are held in fitting engagement with each other for positioning the grip cover in a predetermined relative to the grip main body.

Abstract: A bicycle bar grip, particularly for touring bikes, mountain bikes and the like, comprising a sleeve for being slipped onto a bike handlebar. A grip element is joined to the sleeve and extends over a portion of the length of the sleeve. The sleeve also comprises a clamping area and a sleeve slot. A holding bar end extension is arranged in the clamping area via a clamp. The grip element has a supporting portion, which is provided for supporting a palm of the hand and which preferably transitions into a holding portion. The supporting portion ensures that a cyclist, when changing his/her grip from the grip element to the holding bar end extension or vice versa, can be supported on the supporting portion for turning the palm of the hand. This ensures that the cyclist, also when changing his/her grip, does not lose contact with the inventive bicycle handlebar grip and a sure hold by the cyclist is ensured.

Abstract: A transmission having a sealing baffle is disclosed. The transmission further includes a transmission case, a torque converter housing and a torque transfer member. The transmission case has a drive sprocket and a driven sprocket mounted for rotation therein. The torque converter housing has a fluid pump for pumping lubrication fluid. The torque converter housing is configured to mount to the transmission case. The torque transfer member is coupled to the drive sprocket and to the driven sprocket for transferring a driving torque from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket. The first baffle is mounted to the torque converter housing. The first baffle has a base, a first flange extending from a first side of the base, a second flange extending from a second side of the base and a sealing lip formed in the second flange. The sealing lip contacts the transmission case to form a seal to prevent the fluid from flooding the torque transfer member.

Abstract: A guard for a power-feed drill having a fluid inducer protects an operator from coming in contact with a rotating drive assembly. The drive assembly is enclosed by a cylindrical housing having a slotted opening through which a fluid inducer connection extends. The guard comprises a rotatable tube concentrically disposed within the housing and sleeved over the drive assembly so as to cover the opening presented by the slot. The fluid inducer connection passes through a helical groove in the tube.

Abstract: An inorganic material that consists of at least two elementary spherical particles, each of said spherical particles comprising metal nanoparticles that are between 1 and 300 nm in size and a mesostructured matrix with an oxide base of at least one element X that is selected from the group that consists of aluminum, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, gallium, germanium, tin, antimony, lead, vanadium, iron, manganese, hafnium, niobium, tantalum, yttrium, cerium, gadolinium, europium and neodymium is described, whereby said matrix has a pore size of between 1.5 and 30 nm and has amorphous walls with a thickness of between 1 and 30 nm, said elementary spherical particles having a maximum diameter of 10 ?m. Said material can also contain zeolitic nanocrystals that are trapped within said mesostructured matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing copper nanoparticles, in particular, to a method for manufacturing copper nanoparticles, wherein the method includes preparing a mixture solution including a copper salt, a dispersing agent, a reducing agent and an organic solvent; raising temperature of the mixture solution up to 30-50° C. and agitating; irradiating the mixture solution with microwaves; and obtaining the copper nanoparticles by lowering temperature of the mixture solution. According to the present invention, several tens of nm of copper nanoparticles having a narrow particle size distribution and good dispersibility can be synthesized in mass production.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus that use electrostatic and/or electromagnetic fields to enhance the process of spray forming preforms or powders. The present invention also describes methods and apparatus for atomization and heat transfer with non-equilibrium plasmas. The present invention is also directed to articles, particularly for use in gas turbine engines, produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A substrate 11 is patterned by photolithography to make a first original plate. Next, the pattern 11a of the first original plate is transferred to make a second original plate 12. Next, the second original plate 12 is machined to make a die. Further, the pattern 12b of the second original plate 12 is transferred to make a third original plate 13, which is used as a die. This provides a method for manufacturing a die by which a special shape, for example, a shape having a high aspect ratio portion can be easily formed and a molding obtained therewith.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a container top opener with a hand gripping portion and a concave container top gripping portion. The device has a series of tapered gripping ribs which allow the device to be used on a wide range of container top sizes. The gripping ribs are directionally inclined such that the tighter a user twists the device, the more securely the gripping ribs bite into the container top and assist the user in untightening and removing the container top.