Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided that increases a usable space of a storage compartment of the refrigerator. The dispenser includes a chute which receives contents from an inside of the refrigerator and discharges the contents to an outside through an opening provided on an end of the chute. A cover selectively opens or shuts the opening. A first unit causes the cover to slide relative to the opening so as to open or shut the opening.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit.

Abstract: A storage assembly for a refrigerator having a freezer storage compartment includes a second storage compartment positioned within the freezer storage compartment, and a cooling plate positioned within the second storage compartment. The cooling plate is configured to support a food item and transfer thermal energy between the food item and the cooling plate through conduction. The storage assembly also includes a fan positioned at a first end of the second storage compartment. The fan is configured to draw cool air into the second storage compartment and direct the cool air across the food item.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for carbon dioxide liquefaction comprising a flow channel for carbon dioxide passage from an inlet port to an outlet port. The channel comprises a plurality of compressors (2, 5, 8) and coolers (4, 7, 9, 10, 13) arranged in series with an expansion chamber (14, 15) in said flow channel downstream of the final compressor (8) and cooler (9, 10, 13). The apparatus also comprises a recirculation channel (16) arranged to return gaseous carbon dioxide from said expansion chamber (15) into said flow channel (3) upstream of said final compressor (8) and cooler (9, 10, 13).

Abstract: Plant and method for liquefying natural gas. The plant comprises a common pre-cooling heat exchanger train (1), two natural gas liquids extraction units (100, 100?) and two main heat exchangers (200, 200?) to cool the overhead light fraction from its corresponding natural gas liquids extraction unit to liquefaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant (10) for liquefying natural gas (90), the plant (10) at least comprising: a pre-cooling heat exchanger train (1) comprising a final heat exchanger (2a) for cooling the natural gas stream (90); a distributor (4) located upstream of the final heat exchanger for splitting the natural gas stream (90) into at least first and second natural gas substreams; at least first and second main cryogenic systems (200,200?), each system (200,200?) comprising an outlet for liquefied natural gas (95,95?).

Abstract: A process for preparing foamed glass granulate comprises the following steps: provision of an aqueous glass binder slurry containing water at room temperature, a foaming agent and a glass binder in a preparation tank, addition of glass powder, preferably old glass powder, to the glass binder slurry to form a moist stirrable glass preparation, homogenisation of the glass preparation thus formed, transfer of the glass preparation into a stirring tank, stirring of the glass preparation for a stirring period of between 2 and 6 hours to fuse the glass components at least in part, addition of further glass powder to the glass preparation in a granulation mixer to form granulate green bodies, drying of the granulate green bodies and foaming of the granulate green bodies into foamed glass granulate particles.

Abstract: A system for and method of analyzing a cullet stream prior to batch formulation in glass manufacturing. Cullet is fed onto a conveyor where a real-time composition analysis is performed. Contaminants are optionally removed, and a determination is made as to whether the cullet batch color is consistent with a predetermined tolerance threshold. If necessary, the glass batch formulation is modified in view of the cullet analysis. Virgin raw materials requirements of the modified glass batch formulation may then be communicated to the batch controller before sending batch ingredients to the mixing stage and completing the overall glass manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flat fluorescent lamp. The flat fluorescent lamp comprises a single plate. Consequently, the flat fluorescent lamp is structurally safe, brightness of the flat fluorescent lamp is high, and efficiency of the flat fluorescent lamp is also high without the provision of other additional optical components. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing such a flat fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved cooling of a veil of glass fibers by using a combination of nozzle assemblies. The nozzle assemblies include air caps of differing configurations to control the penetration of the spray into the veil. One suitable spray configuration is a nozzle assembly having punch air cap that creates a narrow exit angle, high velocity flow of droplets to penetrate the veil to cool the fibers at the interior. Another suitable configuration is a nozzle assembly having a flat air cap that creates a wide exit angle, low velocity, dispersed spray pattern to cool the exterior of the veil. Preferably, the flat air cap creates a very fine particle size to increase the cooling efficiency of the spray. By using the cooling ring of the present invention, lower levels of binder to be applied to the fibers and environmental emissions from the plant may be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing high quality glass wool fibers, and more particularly to a spinner including a radiation shield is disclosed. The spinner includes a number of radiation shield positioned beneath the spinner base and decreases the temperature gradient along the peripheral sidewall of the spinner and improves the quality of the glass fibers. One suitable material for the radiation shield is a high temperature nickel alloy.

Abstract: A loom includes a plurality of knitting pegs. The loom further includes a substantially non-circular base structure configured to hold the plurality of knitting pegs substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substantially non-circular base structure. The substantially non-circular base structure also includes an elongated orifice having a long axis and a short axis. The plurality of knitting pegs form two substantially parallel rows of knitting pegs separated by the short axis of the elongated orifice. The loom also includes at least one knitting peg near the apex of the long axis of the elongated orifice and between the two substantially parallel rows of knitting pegs.

Abstract: A woven sock body having a multitude of high friction dots defining friction buttons arrayed around the bottom thereof.

Abstract: A two-way opened strap lock with an indication is a strap lock having a housing and a cover. A mouth at an end of the housing provides for an insertion and locking of push buttons of the cover, an interior of the housing is provided with dials, a tumbler, and an indicator assembly, and the indicator assembly includes a switch and an indicator. By using a key to drive the tumbler to rotate, the indicator can be driven to displace from a first position to a second position, of the housing.

Abstract: A padlock includes a housing, a shackle, a limit knob, a movable member and a locking mechanism. The shackle is movably mounted on the housing and includes a root section disposed within the housing and a free section which extends from the root section and is disposed outside of the housing. The limit knob is movably mounted on the housing to control movement of the free section of the shackle. The movable member is movably disposed at the limit knob. In addition, the locking mechanism includes a key lock unit disposed in the housing and a movable unit movably disposed in the housing. The key lock unit is configured to control movement of the limit knob and defines a key hole to receive a key.

Abstract: A theft deterrent tag is provided that has an engaging element which forms a loop for attaching to an article or object to be monitored thereby. A second engaging element can also be provided to secure an article or object.

Abstract: A latch has a housing and a dead bolt shiftable on the housing between extended and retracted positions. A latch nut is rotatable on the housing and connectable to door handles and carries actuating and panic levers. An actuating element is connected between the dead bolt and the actuating lever, and a panic element is connected between the panic lever and a locking pawl and is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position to shift the locking pawl into an unlocked position. A key cylinder on the housing has a movable actuating lug movable between a locking end positing and a freeing end position. A pivotal locking pawl is shiftable by movement the actuating lug of the key cylinder into a locked position blocking movement of the actuating element and holding the dead bolt in the extended position and an unlocked position freeing the bolt and actuating element.

Abstract: A latch for a door or window latch has a housing, a spring bolt and a dead bolt shiftable on the housing between respective extended and retracted positions. A key cylinder on the housing can shift a pivotal locking pawl between a locked position retaining the dead bolt in the respective extended position and an unlocked position permitting the dead bolt to move between the respective extended and retracted positions. A latch nut pivoted on the housing is connected to inside and outside door handles and carries an actuating lever and a panic lever. An actuating element is connected between the dead bolt and the actuating lever, and a panic element is connected between the panic lever and the locking pawl and is and movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position to shift the locking pawl into the unlocked position.

Abstract: A steering lock device has a steering catch mechanism including a handlebar attached to a steering stem, and a locking arm attached to this handlebar and being equipped with a lock pin for engagement on the tip end portion thereof. The steering catch mechanism also includes a locking claw as an engaging portion that is engagable with the lock pin. The locking claw is usually biased in the unlocking direction. In this catch mechanism, the locking claw is disposed on a rotation track of the lock pin. Accordingly, when an external force is applied to the lock pin such that the lock pin is in contact with the locking claw of the catch mechanism, the locking claw is moved in the locking direction so that the locking claw can be engaged with the lock pin. Therefore, a steering-lock stand-by state is accomplished.

Abstract: A dashboard with a glove compartment cover is created according to the invention, in which the dashboard and the glove compartment cover have a surface skin and a foam layer underneath it, and one of the foam layers comprises a first recess. The dashboard furthermore comprises a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the glove compartment cover and comprises a switch for actuating the locking mechanism. The dashboard is characterized in that the switch is arranged in the first recess of the foam layer under the surface skin.

Abstract: A combined active sealing system for connecting a panel to a frame of a door/window comprises a plurality of active sealing systems, a seal activation system, and an electronic control system. Each of the plurality of active sealing systems includes an anchor for engaging one of the panel and the frame, and an actuator connected to the anchor and for driving the anchor. In a closed position of the panel relative to the frame, the anchor is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The seal activation system is connected to at least one of the actuators of the plurality of active sealing systems. The electronic control system controls the seal activation system.

Abstract: A lock device comprises a housing (2) which includes an opening (4) and a core (10) which is rotatably disposed in the opening and which includes a key way (12) for reception of a key. A latching element (20) co-acts between the housing (2) and the core (10) and is movable between a release position in which the core is rotatable relative to the housing, and a latching position in which rotation of the core relative to the housing is blocked. An electronically controllable actuator (30) is disposed in the core and is rotatable between an opening-registering-position in which the latching element is movable to the release position, and a latching position in which movement of the latching element to said release position is blocked. A spring (46) abuts an abutment portion (30c) of the actuator. Since the spring is provided with two mutually parallel leg portions (46d, 46e), which abut radially opposite surfaces of the abutment portion of the actuator, several advantages are obtained.

Abstract: A cover plate assembly 10 is provided for a cabinet door or drawer lock 12. A cover plate 26 defines a first circular aperture 28 and a rotatably circular cover plate insert 32 defines an eccentrically positioned second circular aperture 34. The second circular aperture 34 defines an inner diameter 33 sized to selectively receive the cylinder and plug assembly housing 20, and the insert 32 has an outer diameter 39 sized to fit within and selectively rotate with respect to the first circular aperture 28. During installation, the outer diameter 39 of the insert 32 is positioned within the first circular aperture 28, and the insert 32 is selectively rotated to a position that enables the cover plate assembly 10 to register with a bolt housing 16 and the second circular aperture 34 to register with a cylinder and plug assembly housing 20.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the joining, to a first conductor that includes a connector, of a second conductor formed by at least one strand made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy and having at least one end, the shape of which allows it to be introduced into the connector of the first conductor. The method has a step of installing the conductors, with the end of the second conductor being inserted into the connector of the first conductor. There is a magnetostriction step which has an electrodynamic force being generated in the connector so that the connector is crushed around the second conductor introduced into the connector. The subject of the invention is also a magnetostriction-generating device. In particular, the invention applies to the connecting-up of energy networks on all (for example, aerospace) carriers and equipment, with high-current and/or long links. The invention may also apply to connections suitable for information transmission on general-purpose conductors.

Abstract: A method and a device to produce a knurl (2) on a surface or part of a metallic disk (1) or a friction wheel which are produced from sheet metal (13) through a drawing process are provided. The structure (7) of the knurl (2) is stamped or rolled onto the sheet metal prior to or after forming the sheet metal (13), in order to prevent sharp-edged knurl structures. The structure is produced with the aid of a stamping element (6) which is provided with the structure (7) or by a knurling cylinder (9) which is also provided with the structure (7), which can be pressed against the surface of the sheet metal (13) of the disk (1) or the friction wheel.

Abstract: A housing (10) used in portable electronic devices includes gripping portions (40) defined thereon, such gripping portions being bounded by grooving created in a surface of the housing. A method of manufacturing the housing is also provided, the method includes these steps: forming a housing; grinding the housing; polishing the housing; and forming the gripping portions on the housing.

Abstract: An exemplary method for making a metallic cover includes the following steps: providing a raw metallic block (20); rolling a pressing machine (30) on the metallic block to form a preformed body (40); and machining the preformed body 40 in a high precision machining process to yield a metallic cover (60). The thickness of a predetermined portion of the metallic cover is different from that of other portions of the metallic cover.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for drawing continuous metallic wire having a first diameter to a metallic fiber having a reduced second diameter. A feed mechanism moves the wire at a first linear velocity. A laser beam heats a region of the wire to an elevated temperature. A draw mechanism draws the heated wire at a second and greater linear velocity for providing a drawn metallic fiber having the reduced second diameter.

Abstract: A drawing machine includes a plate, two series of rollers, two slides and two jaws. The plate defines two looped grooves. The series of rollers can roll in the looped grooves. The slides are movable on the plate. Each of the slides includes an upright side and an inclined edge for sliding on a related one of the series of rollers. Each of the jaws is attached to the upright side of a related one of the slides.

Abstract: In a method of producing a honeycomb structure molding die composed of feed holes through which molding material is fed and slit grooves communicated with the feed holes for the use of molding a honeycomb structure body, the slit grooves are formed on one surface of a metal material in a lattice arrangement by repeatedly moving a thin circular grindstone blade which is rotating in a straight-line direction or a line direction approximating a straight line in order to cut the surface of the metal material. In particular, the method removes fine metal powder, generated by cutting the surface of the metal material, using polishing grooves formed in a dressing grindstone disposed in front of the metal material every cutting of the metal material during the slit groove formation.

Abstract: A cemented carbide tool containing tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, niobium carbide, possibly TaC, cobalt, chromium and possibly nickel, iron, molybdenum is disclosed. The composition of the materials provides a lighter material than usual, combined with a good resistance to corrosion as well as high hardness and wear resistance. These properties are particularly interesting for the manufacture of punch tools for cold forming operations. Cold forming tools made with these materials will have much better performance, particularly more steady performance and much longer lifetime. A method of cold forming and drawing, particularly deep drawing and ironing process of aluminum and steel beverage can manufacturing, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary metallic frame (60) is formed by forging and precise machining of a workpiece. The forging process is performed before the precise machining process, a hardness of the frame is larger than that of the workpiece and a surface roughness Ra of the frame reaches about 6.4 microns. The present invention further provides a method of making the frame. The method includes as follows: feeding workpiece process (12) for providing a workpiece (20); forging process (14), the workpiece be forged to form a preform (40); and precise machining process (18), the preform be precisely machined to form a frame.

Abstract: An automatic bending machine produces a steel rule punching die to be used for forming predetermined notch lines or fold lines in a paper strip, a sheet, a board member, or the like in production of a paper container or a corrugated box. The automatic bending machine has a bending tool 1 which bends a band blade 12 into a predetermined shape. In the machine, a diamond grinder 20 which is laterally and vertically moved by a computer control is disposed in front of the bending tool 1. When the bending tool is combined with the diamond grinder, bending of the band blade, linear cutting of the both ends, nicking of a blade edge, bridging (notching) of a blade bottom, and broaching (slotting) of a blade side wall are enabled.

Abstract: A flex fuel sensor is deployed in conjunction with the fuel transfer line (e.g. around a plastic fuel line) or at the bottom/side of a fuel tank. An RF signal of a constant frequency may be generated across a resonant circuit, which comprises of an inductor and a PCB trace capacitor, capacitor plates, semi cylindrical capacitor plates, or the like. Electromagnetic radiation is propagated into the passing fuel in the transfer pipe. The conductivity and dielectric properties of the fuel change the capacitance of the trace capacitor/capacitor plates. These changes are proportional to ethanol/alcohol content of the fuel and are preferably detected by a microcontroller, or the like, and then transmitted to a flex fuel vehicle Engine Management System.

Abstract: The calibrating gauge for calibrating a Vernier calliper has at least one calibrating face for calibrating a measuring surface for internal measurement, at least one calibrating face for calibrating a measuring surface for external measurement (3) and at least one calibrating face for calibrating a measuring surface for depth measurement (4), the calibrating gauge (1) being in the shape of an at least partly hollow cylinder, on the generated surface (6) of which is provided the calibrating face for calibrating the measuring surface for the external measurement and on the inner surface (10) of which is provided the calibrating face for calibrating the measuring surface for the internal measurement, and the calibrating face for calibrating the measuring surface for the depth measurement being provided on at least one of the end faces (5) of the cylinder.

Abstract: The coefficient of friction of an elastomeric sample can be determined by: (a) providing a friction test machine having a rigid wheel with an outer surface defining a curvilinear friction surface, a sample holder and, a force measurement device; (b) placing the elastomeric sample onto the sample holder; (c) adjusting the elastomeric sample and the curvilinear friction surface into frictional engagement thereby forming a curvilinear deformation in the elastomeric sample; (d) rotating the rigid wheel; and, (e) using the force measurement device to obtain a geometry independent measurement indicative of the coefficient of friction of the elastomeric sample.

Abstract: A specimen of an amniotic fluid is obtained and analyzed by GC/MS in order to generate a comprehensive metabolic profile. The profile is analyzed by comparing the levels of metabolites with normal levels of those compounds. Specific treatment is then prescribed for the metabolite levels that differ from the norm. These metabolites that are present in different levels than a normal specimen may be indicative of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome. The method of the present invention is used to model the complex problem of a chromosomal abnormality as the sum of several simpler problems that may be treatable. The comprehensive metabolic profile is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities, to suggest treatments for fetal chromosomal abnormalities, and to monitor their effectiveness.

Abstract: A stocker 1 includes a storage FOUP 20, plural purge units 50, a measurement FOUP 30 and a stacker crane 60. The storage FOUP 20 stores a semiconductor wafer inside. The measurement FOUP 30 includes a flow meter inside. The purge unit 50 includes a purge shelf 51 having plural purge tables 54 for placing the storage FOUP 20, and a nitrogen gas is supplied into the storage FOUP 20 placed on the purge table 54. The stacker crane 60 transports the storage container 20 onto the purge table 54, and the measurement FOUP 30 is transported between the plural purge tables 54.

Abstract: Gas resistance of an image is evaluated by placing the image in a mixed gas atmosphere containing at least ozone and nitrogen dioxide. The mixed gas atmosphere is controlled such that the concentrations of ozone and nitrogen dioxide are not less than 75 ppb and not less than 150 ppb, respectively, and the mixed gas is continuously supplied to the surface of a sample bearing the image at a flow rate not less than 0.2 m/s and not more than 3.0 m/s.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a gas sensor system comprising a gas sensor, a fluid reservoir enclosing a fluid and in proximity to the gas sensor and a membrane positioned between the gas sensor and fluid reservoir, wherein the membrane allows a sufficient amount of a test gas generated from the fluid to contact the gas sensor for testing. Embodiments also relate to a method of testing a gas sensor, the method comprises contacting reagents within a fluid reservoir, generating a test gas and contacting a gas sensor with the test gas sufficient to test the gas sensor.

Abstract: A combustion analyzer sample introduction apparatus and method for supplying a liquid sample into a combustion chamber (130,150) of a combustion analyzer. A supply member (108, preferably, cooled) extends through a combustion chamber opening (132,152) and comprises a downstream member end within the combustion chamber. A supply spray head (92) is received in the member end and comprises a discharge opening (94) to deliver liquid sample and carrier gas into the combustion chamber. A carrier gas supply conduit (106,114,122) supplies carrier gas (preferably, oxygen) to the discharge opening, along a carrier gas flow path. A sample supply conduit (100,102) having a downstream first end passes through the supply member towards the spray head and supplies liquid sample into the carrier gas flow path at a sample supply location within the combustion chamber at/adjacent the discharge opening. Liquid sample is thereby transported by carrier gas out of the discharge opening into the combustion chamber as a spray.

Abstract: A system for measurement and analysis of pipeline contaminants is provided. The system includes a first assembly for engaging a pipeline from which a first fluid flow sample may be isokinetically collected for measurement of aerosol contaminants. The system also includes a second assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a second fluid flow sample may be collected for chromatographic analysis of the aerosol contaminants. The system may further include a third assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a fluid flow sample may be obtained for measurement of solid contaminants. Information on aerosol contaminants and solid contaminants can subsequently be used to select an appropriate extraction technology to control the presence of aerosol and solid contaminants within the pipeline.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate a gas sensor system comprising a gas generating device adapted to generate a test gas, a target gas sensor positioned near the gas generating device, a test gas sensor positioned near the gas generating device and in communication with the target gas sensor and wherein the test gas sensor is sensitive to the test gas.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining a catalyst bed temperature. The method may include receiving a current fluid mass flow within an exhaust pipe and a total amount of unburned fuel available for catalytic combustion. The method may further include determining a plurality of fluid enthalpy values corresponding to various locations within the exhaust pipe. The method may continue with calculating an amount of fuel burned on an upstream catalyst based on the plurality of fluid enthalpy values, and determining an amount of fuel remaining that is available for combustion on a downstream catalyst. The method may determine a combustion efficiency of the downstream catalyst based on the temperature rise across the downstream catalyst, and an amount of heat generated within the downstream catalyst based on the combustion efficiency and the amount of fuel remaining that is available for combustion on the downstream catalyst.

Abstract: A low power consumption catalytic gas sensor includes three beads. A trigger bead, which is smaller than either a sensing on a compensating bead can be monitored for the presence of a combustible gas. Where gas has been sensed, the sensing and compensating beads can be energized to establish a gas concentration.