Abstract: A deadbolt lock device includes a housing having an inner case covered by an outer case, and an adaptor connected to the inner case. The inner case has an annular flange projecting inwardly from an open end thereof in a direction toward the adaptor, and an annular rib projecting transversely from the annular flange. The annular rib defines a through hole receiving a key-operated lock unit. The annular rib has an annular edge surrounding the lock unit and extends inclinedly from the juncture of the annular rib and the annular flange to the annular edge along directions inclining toward the open end. The annular rib is inclined with respect to a plane intersecting perpendicularly an axis of the lock case. The inclined annular rib provides an increased resistance to destructive forces.

Abstract: A base plate is provided in one of a door and a vehicle body of a vehicle. A latch is pivotally secured to the base plate and engages with a striker of the other of the door and the vehicle body. A ratchet engages with the latch to allow the door to be held in a closed position. An emergency-operating portion is mounted to the base plate and manually operated at the interior of the vehicle, so that the ratchet is released from the latch, which is then released from the striker. The door can be opened.

Abstract: A lock device includes a first mounting unit, an operating member, a first and second actuating member, a magnet member and a latch member. The first mounting unit includes a main portion and two flanges bent from the first main portion. Each flange defines a notch. The operating member is configured for moving relative to the first mounting unit in a direction. The first and second actuating members are configured for respectively moving toward and proximate to one notch. The latch member is configured for being pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, the latch member is attracted by the magnet member and protrudes into one notch with engaging one flange. When the operating member moves in the direction, the latch member is pushed away from the first mounting member by means of one actuating member.

Abstract: A composition, and its manufacture, used to add supplemental materials to plants for the purpose of increasing or modifying growth or the composition of the plant. The composition comprises silicon, sodium hydroxide, water, and a humic acid and fulvic acid blend.

Abstract: A structurally modified lignite composition with or without having functionally enhanced organic molecules extracted there-from, said functionally enhanced organic molecules having enhanced or reduced number of one or more of functional groups selected from a group comprising of carbonyl, carboxyl, amidic, ester, phenolic, alcoholic, ketone and aldehyde groups and having molecular weight selected from a group comprising of (i) below 500, (ii) between 500 and 1000, (iii) between 1000 and 5000, (iv) equal to or greater than 5000 and (v) a combination of utmost of any of the three of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) thereof.

Abstract: A hydroforming unit comprises a mould (19,20) that can be opened and sealing arrangements (30-33; 35-39) for sealing the ends of a tube-formed blank (16) placed in the mould, each one of the sealing arrangements (30-33; 35-39) comprises a ring (30, 35) with a thin wall that fits into the inner surface of the tube (16), and a plug (33, 36) that can be displaced in an axial direction mounted axially inside of the ring, and an arrangement (32,37) for initially drawing the plug (33, 36) outwards to put the ring under elastic tension against the inside of the tube-formed blank so that the plug and the ring together form a seal.

Abstract: A cylindrical rod 20 is formed by bending sheet metal 10 so as to bond together a pair of edges 12 and 14 of the sheet metal 10. The cylindrical rod 20 includes therein (i) convex portions 16 each of which protrudes from the edge 12 and includes a sub-portion whose width is larger at a side thereof more distant from the edge 12 than at a side thereof less distant from the edge 12, and (ii) concave portions 18 which are formed on the edge 14, have a shape complementary to the shape of the convex portions 16, and are fitted into the convex portions 16. A cylindrical rod which has high circularity and high linearity, in other words, which hardly has vertical and horizontal curves can be provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sheet of material for bending along a bend line includes the step of forming at least one displacement in the thickness direction of the sheet of material, the displacement including a flat zone substantially parallel to the sheet of material with a portion of the periphery of the flat zone extending along and adjacent to the bend line, and including an angled transition zone interconnecting the flat zone with a remainder of the sheet of material. The forming step is preferably accomplished using one of a stamping process, a punching process, a roll-forming process and an embossing process. A sheet of material suitable for bending using the process also is disclosed, as are the use of coatings, shin guards and displacing the area of the sheet between bending inducing slits.

Abstract: A manipulator of a metal sheet (4) is disclosed, comprising pickup means (8) for picking up the metal sheet, which pickup means (8) is connected to a rack (3) associable with a first pinion (1) and an operating head (9). The manipulator comprises at least a second pinion (2) and the first (1) and the second (2) pinions are arranged along the movement path of the metal sheet (4); at least one between the first (1) and the second (2) pinions are each time engaged with said rack (3) to move the rack from one part to the other of the operating head (9) (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A machine for producing articles of sheet material, having a conveyor with powered rollers for feeding blanks along a path; pressure devices for holding the blanks in contact with the powered rollers; and operating devices which interact with the blanks to perform operations, in particular folding and gluing operations, on the blanks as the blanks travel along the path. The conveyor has a number of drive members arranged along the path, and to which the pressure devices are connectable by universal transmission assemblies.

Abstract: A method and kit for calibrating a CO-concentration sensing electrode that employs a standard solution obtained by dissolving a predetermined amount of a CO-releasing boranocarbonate to provide a known concentration of CO.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents several embodiments for metering devices some of which also have pumping capability. The devices utilize one or more pistons located within a cylindrical rotor. As the cylindrical rotor is turned by a suitable torque/power source, a first face of each piston is exposed to an inlet supplying a fluid to be metered. The piston is then moved within the associated channel or bore within the rotor, allowing the volume of the channel to be filled with fluid. The continuing rotation of the rotor then removes the piston from the fluid supply and moves the channel through an angular displacement. The piston is then moved—either through applied power for active pistons or the force of the fluid supply for passive pistons—in the opposite direction, forcing the fluid out of the channel. In this way, a precise amount of fluid can be metered from each channel.

Abstract: A sled carriage is configured to move in a direction of an axis and a track is attached with the sled carriage. A platform is attached with the track and a sled buck is attached with the platform. Upon acceleration of the sled carriage, the sled buck and platform move relative to the sled carriage.

Abstract: An example of a gas detection system includes a gas chromatograph oven, a gas detector, a sample gas moving device, and a flow detector. An example of a method for detecting gas includes flowing a sample gas from the oven, determining whether the flow rate equals or is less than a minimum, and determining whether the concentration of a first gas of the sample gas, such as a combustible gas, equals or exceeds a maximum. If either the flow rate or the concentration indicates an error condition or is out of bounds, an alarm response is initiated. The alarm response may include shutting off the flow of the first gas to the oven, and flowing a second gas, such as a safe gas, to the oven.

Abstract: A self-contained micro-scale gas chromatography system that includes a plurality of gas chromatography components arranged on a micro-fluidic platform with nearly zero dead volume “tubeless” fluidic connections for the gas chromatography components. The micro-fluidic platform includes a plurality of flow channels that provide fluid flow paths for a sample, carrier gas and waste gas through and among the micro-fluidic platform and the plurality of gas chromatography components. The system may also include an on-board supply of carrier gas and on-board waste management, as well as a thermal management scheme making the system suitable for use in oil and gas wells and also other remote environments.

Abstract: A self-contained micro-scale gas chromatography system that includes a plurality of gas chromatography components arranged on a micro-fluidic platform with nearly zero dead volume “tubeless” fluidic connections for the gas chromatography components. The micro-fluidic platform includes a plurality of flow channels that provide fluid flow paths for a sample, carrier gas and waste gas through and among the micro-fluidic platform and the plurality of gas chromatography components. The gas chromatography components may include a micro-scale gas chromatography column that is implemented as a MEMS device and includes embedded heating and cooling elements. The system may also include an on-board supply of carrier gas and on-board waste management, as well as a thermal management scheme making the system suitable for use in oil and gas wells and also other remote environments.

Abstract: An elliptical photo-acoustic spectrometer chamber design will result in a larger intensity signal at the pick-up microphone and allow high frequency light modulation. This makes the spectrometer have a lower limit of detection threshold, and will increase the signal to noise ratio in general for the instrument, resulting in a more sensitive instrument allowing more precise measurements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biogas measuring device comprising a bioreactor (9); a gas volume measuring appliance (2) which is connected to the bioreactor (9) in a communicating manner by means of a gas line (11) for biogas; a stirring machine (10) guided in the bioreactor in a gas-tight manner, and a measurement, control and evaluation unit for controlling the biogas measuring device and determining the gas volume (V) produced in the bioreactor according to gas volumes (?V) of consecutive measuring cycles, measured by means of the gas volume measuring appliance (2).

Abstract: A sensor element including: a first solid electrolyte layer as defined herein; and a second solid electrolyte layer as defined herein, wherein the first solid electrolyte layer includes a first inner insulating layer, a first outer insulating layer, a first inner conductive layer and a first outer conductive layer as defined herein, the second solid electrolyte layer includes a second inner insulating layer, a second outer insulating layer, a second inner conductive layer and a second outer conductive layer as defined herein, and the first outer conductive layer and the second outer conductive layer are in contact with one another.

Abstract: A method for checking an aviation jet power plant for oil leaks involves inspecting for oil deposits a secondary airflow which is bled from a compressor of the power plant and may also include measuring the aerosol content of the secondary airflow and determining the numbers of aerosol particles within different size classes, which may include particles with a diameter of between 0.05 ?m and 10 ?m, preferably between 0.1 ?m and 5 ?m and more preferably between 0.2 ?m and 2 ?m. A suitable apparatus for this method includes a device measuring the oil content of the secondary airflow, a connecting device providing a connection to the inside of the compressor, and a gas line installed between the measuring device and the connecting device. The connecting device may be configured for connection to a borescope opening of the power plant.

Abstract: A device for detecting leakage of liquid in a tank, capable of detecting the leakage at high accuracy and sensitivity for a wide range of a leakage quantity. A flow rate sensor section attached to a measurement fine tube (13b) includes temperature sensors (133, 134) and an indirectly heated sensor (135). A leakage detection control section connected to a pressure sensor (137) for measuring a liquid level and to the flow rate sensor section has a voltage generation circuit (67) for applying a voltage to a heater (163) of the indirectly heated sensor, a first leakage detection circuit (71), and a second leakage detection circuit for generating an output corresponding to temperature sensed by the indirectly heated sensor (135).

Abstract: A masticatory efficiency measuring apparatus of the present invention includes a tank (3) that contains a stirring liquid to be supplied to a measuring container (2), a heater for heating the stirring liquid in the tank (3), a stirring device for stirring chewed food pieces in the stirring liquid with the measuring container (2) containing the chewed food pieces and the stirring liquid, a concentration meter (5) for measuring the concentration of a food component eluted into the stirring liquid from surfaces of the chewed food pieces, and a control device. The control device controls operations of the heater, stirring device and concentration meter (5), and determines the masticatory efficiency evaluating value based on the measurement result of the concentration meter (5).

Abstract: In a solidification sensor for measuring a solidification state of a liquid with a high degree of accuracy in real time, and for making the sensor small-sized with a reduced power consumption, the solidification sensor comprises a liquid absorbing portion formed of a liquid absorbable material, a substrate coupled to the liquid absorbing portion and a strain sensor for measuring strain exerted to the substrate due to a volumetric change upon solidification of a liquid absorbed in the liquid absorbing portion.

Abstract: A method of analysis of lipoproteins according to the present invention comprises the steps of: separating a plurality of classes of lipoproteins contained in a subject sample by liquid chromatography and then detecting signals derived from components included in the separated lipoproteins; and assuming that the lipoproteins are constituted of subclasses estimated from component peaks comprising anchor peaks and extra essential peaks and then calculating an approximated curve corresponding to summation of the component peaks using the above described detected signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods used to monitor a fluid where it is important to know the size, concentration and nature of particulates in the fluid. For example, the systems and method can be used to diagnose contamination issues in fluids such as fuel, lubrication, power transfer, heat exchange or other fluids in fluid systems, for example diesel engines or hydraulic systems, where contaminant particles in the fluids are of concern.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes placing a sample of a liquid chemical containing a contaminant on a substantially impurity-free surface of a substrate. The liquid chemical is evaporated, leaving the contaminant on the surface. The contaminant is concentrated in a scanning solution, which is then evaporated to form a residue. A concentration of the contaminant in the residue is determined.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscopy (SPM) inspection and/or modification system which uses SPM technology and techniques. The system includes various types of microstructured SPM probes for inspection and/or modification of the object. The components of the SPM system include microstructured calibration structures. A probe may be defective because of wear or because of fabrication errors. Various types of reference measurements of the calibration structure are made with the probe or vice versa to calibrate it. The components of the SPM system further include one or more tip machining structures. At these structures, material of the tips of the SPM probes may be machined by abrasively lapping and chemically lapping the material of the tip with the tip machining structures.

Abstract: A cantilever having a support portion, a lever portion extended from the support portion, and a probe portion formed in the vicinity of a free end of the lever portion, in which a carbon nano-tube controlled in direction is attached to the probe portion in a manner jutting out from a terminal end portion of the probe portion.

Abstract: In a roughness scanner comprising a scanning arm with a scanning needle mounted at one end thereof, a skid carrier having an end supporting a skid with the scanning arm extending along the skid carrier in spaced relationship therefrom, the skid has at one side a guide plate including an opening through which the scanning needle extends and a space formed above the guide plate which space is open at least at one side thereof down to the guide plate, so that any liquid collected by the needle and moving upward into the space above the guide plate can flow again out of that space.

Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus includes a pressure sensor for detecting tire pressure and generating a signal corresponding to the tire pressure, and an electrically conducting air valve seat connected to the pressure sensor for signal transmission therethrough to a transmitting antenna. The antenna has a metal cap connected to the air valve seat, at least one annual substrate defining a center coupling hole into which the cap is inserted, and at least one metal conducting wire spirally mounted in the at least one substrate around the center coupling hole. The metal conducting wire has an inner end exposed to a periphery wall of the center coupling hole of the substrate and electrically connected to the cap.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stepless adjustable tire pressure monitoring sensor signal housing assembly, which consists of a sensor signal housing with a housing holder and a connecting part on the center of the holder. The connecting part has a curve connecting face where a Slot 1 is provided. It also includes a D block which has a flat part and a cylinder part. On the cylinder part, a Slot 2 is provided longitudinally. Two mounting holes are provided on the wall of the deep side of the Slot 2, two springs and two needle rollers are installed in the two holes respectively. A through hole is also provided in the center of the cylinder part perpendicular to the flat part. It still contains a connector which fixes the sensor signal housing and the D block onto the tire valve through the Slot 1 in the signal housing and the Slot 2 in the D block.

Abstract: An air flow sensor includes a sensor element and a microcontroller, employing a PWM signal to drive the sensor element. Signals from the sensor element are processed by the microcontroller inside the sensor, resulting in continuous readings of air velocity and air temperature.

Abstract: An environmental control system for a vehicle, in particular for predicting internal misting of a vehicle windscreen, the system comprising a windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28, an ambient humidity sensor assembly 32 and a second temperature sensor assembly 30 for sensing the temperature of the humidity sensor assembly 32. The windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28 is mounted on an interior rearview mirror support bracket 10 for engagement with the interior surface 18 of the windscreen, and the second temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are mounted within a rearview mirror housing 12 mounted to the mirror support bracket 10.

Abstract: A gravity gradiometer is disclosed which has a pair of sensor bars 41, 42 mounted in housings 43 and 45. Transducers 71 are located adjacent the bars for measuring movement of the bars in response to the gravity gradient tensor. Signals from the transducers are supplied to a SQUID device 367 for processing the signals. A connector is supplied for connecting the circuitry to external equipment which comprises a container 560 having a feed through filter 564, a three terminal cap 565, a relay 566 and an output terminal. The output terminal is connected to further RF attenuation which comprises a second connector 5b having parallel inductors and resistors.

Abstract: A gravity gradiometer is disclosed which comprises a pair of sensor masses 41, 43 arranged in housings 45, 47. Transducers 71 are provided for measuring movement of the sensor masses in response to the gravity gradient tensor. The masses are supported for movement by a flexure web 59 between the mass and a support and a stop comprises a pair of abutment services 554, 555 and 558, 559 defined by a cut 550 prevent movement of the sensor masses 41, 43 beyond the elastic limit of the flexure web 59.

Abstract: A heat switch 570 is disclosed as well as a gradiometer having the heat switch. The heat switch is formed from a non-magnetic material such as a semi-conducting material. The semi-conducting material may be provided by way of a Hall effect device. The heat switches are arranged in the gradiometer on a circuit board 856. The circuit board 850 has conducting strips 856 which are connected to conducting strips on a sensor 71 by bridges 852. The heat switch 570 is connected on the opposite side of the circuit board 850 to the strips 856 and processing circuitry 859. A copper substrate 865 is provided on the same side of the circuit board as the heat switch 570 to conduct heat away from the heat switch 570 when the heat switch is closed.

Abstract: A portable audiometer for performing hearing testing enclosed within a patient response mechanism housing is disclosed. The audiometer may include a printed circuit board containing circuitry, plugs or other connectors for wired or wireless headphones and bone conductor, a battery charging unit, and one or more buttons for indicating response to pure tone and other stimuli, including, but not limited to noise, speech, and visual and audio instructions and graphical representations of objects or concepts used in a comprehensive hearing test. The instrument can be connected via a wired or wireless interface to a variety of controlling devices, including PC's, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), cellular phones, smartphones, including hybrid phone and PDA, and other devices such as media players, gaming systems, personal audio players, and other devices that can operatively communicate with the portable device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which may substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness and at least one discrete wire. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. The discrete wire may scatter and attenuate ultrasonic energy. The reference standard may replace more costly, porous, fiber-reinforced, composite reference standards in the aircraft industry and in other non-aircraft applications.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonically inspecting components with wavy or uneven surfaces. A multi-element array ultrasonic transducer is operated with a substantial fluid layer, such as water, between the array transducer and the component surface. This fluid layer may be maintained by immersing the component in liquid or by using a captive couplant column between the probe and the component surface. The component is scanned, measuring the two dimensional surface profile using either a mechanical stylus, laser, or ultrasonic technique. Once an accurate surface profile of the component's surface has been obtained, data processing parameters are calculated for processing the ultrasonic signals reflected from the interior of the component that eliminate beam distortion effects and reflector mis-location that would otherwise occur due to the uneven surfaces.

Abstract: An inspection assembly adapted to traverse an inspection surface, the assembly includes: a crawler body including a first side and a bottom side, wherein the first side is adapted to face a first inspection surface and the bottom side is adapted to engage a second inspection surface separated from the first inspection surface by a gap; a suction module in the crawler body adapted to create a suction between the first inspection surface to bias the crawler body against the first inspection surface; at least one roller mounted in the crawler body adapted to engage the first inspection surface, and at least one mast having a mount to receive a sensor, wherein said mast extendable from the crawler body into the gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluid paths in etchable materials. Fluid paths are formed by forming a cavity through a substrate material with a first dry removal process to produce a first surface of the cavity. The first surface of the cavity is associated with a first roughness. The first surface of the cavity is etched with a second wet removal process to reduce the first roughness and produce a second roughness associated with the first surface of the cavity. A coating is applied to the first surface of the cavity to produce a second surface to improve wettability of the first or second surface of the cavity, reduce in size or number gas nucleation sites in the first or second surface of the cavity, reduce the amount of debris associated with the first roughness carried by the fluid flow, and/or improve hydrophilicity of the first or second surface.

Abstract: A pressure transducer assembly including: a pressure sensor header; a transducer assembly member; and a joining arrangement disposed at an interface of the header and the transducer assembly member, for joining the header with the transducer assembly member, the joining arrangement including: a recessed female joining element formed in one of the header and the transducer assembly member; and a protruding male joining element formed on the other of the header and the transducer assembly member, the male joining element received in the female joining element.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a weld on a pipe includes the application of an axial stress on the weld during the integrity test. Ali assembly for performing the method is also provided, wherein a pair of circumferential supports are provided on the pipe on opposite sides of the weld, and between which extend axial force applying devices. In one aspect, the invention is used to test a weld securing a flange to a pipe. The invention also provides novel circumferential clamps for securing to the exterior of pipes.

Abstract: A sensor array includes a plurality of q sensors, a common output lead electrically connected to each sensor, a plurality of m primary input leads each primary input lead electrically connected to n of the plurality of sensors, and a plurality of n secondary input leads each secondary input lead electrically connected to m of the plurality of sensors. The number of sensors q=m·n, m is at least 2, n is at least 2, and each sensor is electrically connected to one of the plurality of primary input leads and one of the plurality of secondary input leads.

Abstract: A device for use in combination with a fluid flow having a biologic component and subject to an adverse response to shear stress includes a surface in contact with the flow of the fluid. The surface has a longitudinal direction extending from a leading end toward a trailing end and aligned with a direction of the flow. The surface is susceptible to inducing boundary layer formation within the flow sufficient for a resulting shear stress to induce the response. The surface includes a surface feature sufficient to induce boundary layer tripping in the flow to retard growth of boundary layer formation along the length.

Abstract: A device for measuring a force exerted by a ferrule of a fiber optic connector includes a base including an adapter mount configured to accept one of a plurality of adapter assemblies, and a stage coupled to the base, the stage moving longitudinally with respect to the base. The device also includes a force gauge coupled to the stage, and an adapter assembly configured to be coupled to the adapter mount of the base, the adapter assembly defining an adapter configured to receive the fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector is connected to the adapter assembly, and the force gauge measures the force exerted by the ferrule of the fiber optic connector. Systems and methods for measuring the force exerted by the ferrule of a fiber optic connector are also included.

Abstract: An electromagnetic force-compensation direct-measuring system is disclosed. Referred to as direct-measuring system, it comprises a parallel-guiding mechanism; and a load receiver connected with the parallel-guiding mechanism and connected to a force-compensation device by a force-transmitting rod. The force-compensation device can include at least one permanent magnet and a coil that is electrically connected to a control circuit. At least one component of the parallel-guiding mechanism is configured to transmit electric signals.

Abstract: Multi-module weighing system with a holding structure serving to receive a plurality of weighing modules which are rigidly connected to each other in a given spatial arrangement and are operable independently of each other, wherein each weighing module comprises at least one load receiver, wherein the multi-module weighing system is connected to a temperature control device which is in thermal connection with each of the weighing modules.

Abstract: Vials used for obtaining an aliquot of a biological sample are provided. Also provided are method of using the vials and instruments to obtain an aliquot of a biological sample.

Abstract: A device and a method for distributing measurement sample and cleaning tubes, wherein the device comprises: a diluent container for accommodating a diluent therein; an aspirating tube for sucking a measurement sample; a first syringe driven by a power unit and used to quantify the measurement sample; a second syringe driven by the power unit and used to quantify the diluent; a first switching unit connected to the first syringe, the second syringe and the diluent container, for switching between a communication of the second syringe with the diluent container and a communication of the second syringe with the first syringe; a bath; a sample buffer tube communicated with the first syringe at a port thereof; a dispensing tube for dispensing the measurement sample and/or the diluent into the bath; a second switching unit connected to an output port of the aspirating tube, the other port of the sample buffer tube and an input port of the dispensing tube, for switching between a communication of the other port of