Abstract: An improved high-throughput system for screw-capping a continuous supply of bottles with a continuous supply of screw-caps. The system generally comprises a conveyor having opposed parallel gripper belts for ushering bottles single-file along a continuous supply and transporting them to a capping station for screw-capping (the spacing of said gripper belts being adjustable to accommodate bottles of various sizes), an adjustable-incline cap feeding chute for delivery of caps to the capping station, a capping head for receiving bottles and caps from said conveyor and feeding chute, respectively, and for applying the caps onto the bottles with programmable torque. The capping head is fully adjustable and comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) for controlling operation of the entire capping system. Indexed readouts for calibration are provided at all primary adjustment points.

Abstract: A closer for pressing a lid onto a container includes a presser foot mounted for reciprocating movement into and out of force applying engagement with the lid; an actuator moveable between retracted and extended positions; and a force multiplying assembly disposed in operative relationship intermediate the presser foot and the actuator for multiplying an input force from the actuator to a predetermined maximum lid pressing force at the extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting documents (2) having at least one guide strip (13, 14) which is reciprocable between a retracted position and a projecting position in which it reaches further into the stuffing position than in the retracted position for guiding into an envelope (11) in the stuffing position at least one document (2) coming from the document transport path (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for covering goods, and goods stacked on a pallet with plastic wrap supplied in a roll comprises: a) a roll head adapted to rotatably carry the roll of plastic wrap, the roll head having a friction mechanism so that ease of rotation of the roll with respect to the head is controlled thereby facilitating stretching the wrap around the goods after an end portion of the wrap is initially secured adjacent to the goods; and, b) an elongate handle portion carrying the roll head and extending therefrom in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the roll of plastic wrap.

Abstract: This invention concerns an infusion bag, especially for tea, which has a top part with folded down corners and a middle part folded over it, to which a string with two free ends is attached that goes from one side of the top part through a hole in the folded down parts forming a loop on the other side of the top part and comes back, whereby the two free ends are drawn up through the loop laid over the top edge of the infusion bag and pulled to form a knot. The solution in the invention is characterized by the fact that two holes are made in the top part at a lateral distance next to one another, on the left and right of the longitudinal axis of the bag; each hole goes through a folded down corner and the middle of the top part; by the fact that the string forms a loop and one end goes through one hole and the other end through the second hole; by the fact that the loop is laid over the top edge of the infusion bag, and both ends of the string go up through the loop to form a double knot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conditioning of articles. According to one aspect of the invention, a conveyor conveys articles in a conveying direction along a path. A rotatable belt assembly extends adjacent to the path. The rotatable belt assembly includes a belt having a conditioning run extending generally in the conveying direction to contact articles being conveyed along the path. The belt is mounted so that it is capable of displacement to vary the spacing of the conditioning run from the conveying path. The rotatable belt assembly moves vertically and/or with a rocking movement to condition the articles contacted by the conditioning run. The speed of rotation of the rotatable belt assembly may be varied to adjust the spacing between the articles being conveyed.

Abstract: An appliance for evacuating a flexible container, the appliance including a base housing and a vacuum source disposed within the base housing. A drip retainer is removeably disposed in the base and is in communication with the vacuum source. The drip retainer includes a chamber for holding material. The drip retainer further including a nozzle projecting therefrom, the nozzle is engagable with an opening of the flexible container. A cover is rotatably connected to the base and movable to a closed position to cover the nozzle.

Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.

Abstract: A method of customizing a saddle to fit the back of a particular horse by using shims of various shapes and sizes between the underside of the saddle and pad. These shims are attached to the underside of the saddle and to the pad by a hook and loop fastening system. Different types molding or rebounding pads may be used. The rebounding pads are useful to allow the interchange of saddles between different horses while achieving a perfect fit on each horse.

Abstract: A system, and the method of operation and use thereof, for controlling and adjusting the height of a base cutter of a sugar cane harvester, during a harvesting operation, and without the necessity for continuous user intervention and adjustment, to maintain the height of the cut at approximately a desired height, including a control system that has a processor unit which is operable under program control during a harvesting operation, following initiation of program operation by a machine operator, to simultaneously monitor both the detected base cutter height and the detected cutting resistance encountered by the harvester as it traverses a particular ground track, and, based upon such detected conditions, to automatedly control the adjustment of the height of the harvester chassis above the ground surface so that the cutting apparatus of the base cutter unit is continuously adjusted to cut at approximately the desired cutting height, within an acceptable vertical movement range or bandwidth, during the cour

Abstract: A variable width mower deck has three cutting chambers mounted under a top deck surface. Two of the cutting chambers may be moved between a retracted cutting position and an extended cutting position. An endless belt engages the pulleys on each spindle to rotate the rotary cutting blades. The left and right cutting chambers move between the retracted and extended positions while maintaining engagement between the endless belt and the pulleys.

Abstract: A finger for a crop gathering auger of a grain header for an agricultural combine, including a tether which spans a failure region of the finger and will retain a free end of the finger in connection with a mounting end thereof when the failure region is broken, and which is preferably additionally operable for automatically retracting the broken off free end into an auger drum and retaining it therein during subsequent rotation of the drum for limiting potential damage from the broken end and preventing entry of the broken end into crop handling equipment of the combine.

Abstract: The compact sickle drive mechanism is adapted to incorporated into or beneath a floor or pan of a header at a location between and spaced from the sides or ends of the header, and can be configured for reciprocatingly driving two knife assemblies disposed in end to end relation, in opposite directions, such that potentially vibratory forces, including those generated by the moving masses of the knife assemblies, at least substantially cancel one another and thus are not transferred to structure of the header. As a result, the overall width of the header and structure thereof can also be reduced.

Abstract: A fishing line including a core of at least one multifilament yarn based on synthetic organic fibrous materials such as polyethylene of an ultra-high molecular weight, and a casing formed from polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) film tape which is wound around the core in the S direction and the Z direction or vice versa.

Abstract: A textile thread having a core and a sheath surrounding the core. The core, formed of high-tenacity synthetic organic endless fibers, is tightly wound by slit film tapes made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the S-direction and the Z-direction, or vice versa, and the slit film tapes forms a sheath.

Abstract: A fuel system (10) for a gas turbine engine (18) having a shaft (30) and requiring fuel to be supplied at a first rate for engine start up, the fuel system (10) including: a main fuel pump (14) for providing fuel to the gas turbine engine (18), the main fuel pump (14) having an output varying with shaft speed, the output being at a windmilling rate when the engine (18) is windmilling, the windmilling rate being less than the first rate; and an auxiliary fuel pump (40) for providing fuel to the gas turbine engine (18) and having an auxiliary output rate greater than or equal to the difference between the first rate and the windmilling rate. A method of operating such a fuel system (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling regeneration of a lean NOx trap includes estimating an accumulated NOx in the lean NOx trap; determining whether the estimated NOx exceeds a first threshold value or a second threshold value; estimating the temperature of the lean NOx trap; determining whether the estimated temperature exceeds a threshold temperature; determining a desired air-fuel ratio for initiating a regeneration event, the desired air-fuel ratio being determined based upon the estimated NOx and the estimated temperature of the lean NOx trap; hastening the occurrence of a regeneration event when the estimated NOx exceeds the first threshold value through active control of engine operating regimes; and initiating a regeneration event when the estimated NOx exceeds the second threshold value or when the estimated temperature exceeds the threshold temperature by forcing homogenous operation of the engine at the desired air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: A heat shield for an internal combustion engine exhaust system for supporting a first heat shield plate and a second heat shield plate on a U-shaped exhaust pipe extending from an exhaust port of an engine, via a support member such as band members, and heat shield plate attachment fixtures. The first heat shield plate covers all around a curved section of the U-shaped exhaust pipe in the vicinity of the exhaust port. The second heat shield plate covers an upper part of a straight section of the U-shaped exhaust pipe and extends rearwardly from the curved section. Further, since the exhaust pipe is formed as one piece, the first heat shield plate may be formed as a simple two-part structure using the band members. With this configuration, an effective heat shielding effect can be exhibited, and cost can be reduced.

Abstract: First and second displacement variable regenerating hydraulic motors are provided in third and fourth flow rate control lines which function as discharge flow paths for oil discharged, respectively, from first and second oil supply and discharge ports of a hydraulic motor, where controlling the displacement of the regenerating hydraulic motors allows the flow rate of discharge oil as well as the pressure of the third and fourth flow rate control lines to be controlled. First and second generators which generate electric power due to the rotation of the first and second regenerating hydraulic motors are further provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided for an engine driven vehicle. The hydraulic system includes a higher pressure engine driven pump for supplying pressurized fluid to a higher pressure circuit via a first supply line. The system also includes a lower pressure engine driven pump for supplying lower pressure fluid to a lower pressure circuit via a second supply line. The system also includes a pressure responsive relief valve. The relief valve has a sensing port connected to the first supply line, an inlet connected to the first supply line, and an outlet connected to the second circuit via the second supply line. The relief valve opens when a demand of the higher pressure circuit is satisfied. A cut-off valve controls communication between the high pressure circuit and a reservoir, and a control unit controls the cut-off valve as a function of operation of the high pressure circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic drive, especially for two-cylinder thick matter pumps. Said hydraulic drive comprises at least one main pump (10) embodied as a hydraulic variable displacement pump, and two hydraulically actuatable drive cylinders (20, 22) that are each connected to a connection line (16, 18) of the main pump (10) by means of pump connections mounted on one end thereof, forming a closed hydraulic circuit, and communicate with each other at the ends thereof opposing the pump connections (24, 26) by means of a swinging oil line (28). The hydraulic drive also comprises a feed pump (42), by which means pressurized oil is fed from an oil tank to the current low-pressure side into the hydraulic circuit, and a flushing branch (52), by which means a flushing oil flow is branched off from the current low-pressure side under a limited pressure into the oil tank (44).

Abstract: Pump assembly for the lift cylinder of a hand fork-lift truck includes a piston pump activated by a bar of a hand fork-lift truck and has a piston chamber and an annulus collector. A three stage control valve connects the lift cylinder with a tank in the lowered setting and connects the piston chamber with the tank in a neutral setting and in a pump setting, connects the piston chamber with the lift cylinder through a first check-valve, with the tank through a second check-valve, a third check-valve between the piston chamber and the annulus collector open to the piston chamber, and a reversing valve between the piston chamber and the annulus collector.

Abstract: A piston seal is provided in a circumferential groove formed in a cylinder body. The piston seal is capable of sealing a pressure chamber, which supplies fluid pressure to a discharge passage, from a supply passage, which communicates with a reservoir. The piston seal comprises: an annular base portion; an inner circumferential lip portion projecting from an inner circumferential side of the base portion and being in slidable contact with an outer circumferential surface of a piston; an outer circumferential lip portion projecting from an outer circumferential side of the base portion and being in abutment with the circumferential groove of the cylinder body; and an intermediate projecting portion which is formed between the inner circumferential lip portion and the outer circumferential lip portion of the base portion and which is projected beyond the outer circumferential lip portion. Cutout grooves are formed on a tip side of the intermediate projecting portion.

Abstract: System and method for preserving food. Embodiments of the system include a food compartment to store food and a user interface configured to receive user input relating to the preservation of the food stored. The system also includes a humidity sensor configured to sense a humidity level, an ozone generator configured to generate ozone gas, an ozone sensor configured to sense an ozone level and a gas sensor configured to sense a level of residual gases inside the food compartment. The system further includes a controller, responsive to the user interface, the humidity sensor, the ozone sensor and the gas sensor. In one embodiment, the controller preserves the food stored in the food compartment as a function of the user input, the humidity level, the ozone level, the residual gas level and as a function of a type of the food stored in the food compartment.

Abstract: There is provided a water supply control apparatus for an ice maker and method thereof. In the apparatus and method, an ejector pushes out ice, a sensor detecting portion is formed on the ejector, and at least two sensors detect a senor transit time for the sensor detecting portion to travel from one of the sensors to the other. Therefore, an adequate amount of water can be supplied to the ice maker to make ice with a desired size regardless of the variation in the water pressure of a water inlet line from a household water source.

Abstract: A dynamic spray system for effectively thermally managing electronic components. The dynamic spray system includes a thermal management system including a spray unit, and a control unit in communication with the thermal management system. The spray unit includes a spray head and an atomizer within the spray head for dispensing a continuous coolant spray having a spray characteristic. The control unit delivers an electrical signal to the spray unit dependent upon feedback data received from the thermal management system, wherein the electrical signal controls the spray unit to adjust the spray characteristic of the continuous coolant spray.

Abstract: A refrigeration system module including a frame, a heating plate having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a first heat transfer surface, a cooling plate having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a second heat transfer surface, an expansion device disposed between the heating and cooling plates and in fluid communication with the heating plate fluid outlet and the cooling plate fluid inlet, and a hermetic compressor assembly. The compressor assembly is disposed between the heating and cooling plates and has a discharge outlet in fluid communication with the heating plate inlet, and a suction inlet in fluid communication with the cooling plate fluid outlet. The heating plate, the cooling plate, the expansion device and the compressor are fixed to the frame, and the first and second heat transfer surfaces each at least partially define an exterior surface of the module.

Abstract: A dual refrigerant refrigerating system provides a refrigeration cycle in which a primary refrigerant cools a secondary refrigerant in a primary evaporator into a partially frozen state, in which a fusion portion thereof is frozen. The primary refrigerant thus absorbs a secondary latent heat from secondary refrigerant, including a latent heat of fusion required for freezing the fusion portion. Secondary refrigerant is subsequently at least partially thawed, in a secondary evaporator, by re-absorption thereby of secondary latent heat from material proximal to secondary evaporator. Evaporation in secondary evaporator requires at least partial thawing of fusion portion, and thus latent heat of fusion is at least partially re-absorbed by secondary refrigerant, thus increasing secondary heat absorbed from material and facilitating refrigeration thereof. The system also provides defrost and heat reclaim capabilities.

Abstract: A thermal food storage cabinet has a sealed box with a thermally insulated compartment, a freezer compartment and a refrigeration compartment, a compressor, a condenser, evaporator and thermal expansion valve. The thermally insulated compartment has a heat-conducting panel. The compressor, the evaporator and the thermal expansion valve are mounted in the thermal food storage cabinet to cool the freezer compartment and the refrigeration compartment. The condenser is mounted on the heat-conducting panel so heat dissipated by the condenser can flow into the thermally insulated compartment.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system that can approximate the Ericsson or Brayton cycles and operated in reverse or forward modes to implement a cooler or engine, respectively. The thermodynamic system includes a device for compressing a first fluid stream containing a first gas-liquid mixture having a sufficient liquid content so that compression of the gas within the first gas-liquid mixture by the compressing device is nearly isothermal, and a device for expanding a second fluid stream containing a second gas-liquid mixture having a sufficient liquid content so that expansion of the gas within the second gas-liquid mixture by the expanding device is nearly isothermal. A heat sink is in thermal communication with at least the liquid of the first gas-liquid mixture for transferring heat therefrom, and a heat source is in thermal communication with at least the liquid of the second gas-liquid mixture for transferring heat thereto.

Abstract: A heated and softened glass sheet is put on a bending surface of a frame unit to be preliminarily bent by gravity before the glass sheet is pressed by an upper mold and the frame unit. There are steps for using a certain means for controlling an amount of preliminary bending to control deformation of the glass sheet caused by the preliminary bending; and pressing the preliminarily bent glass sheet by the upper mold and the frame unit.

Abstract: A glass sheet, which has been heated to have a viscosity of not lower than 105 Pa·s and not higher than 108 Pa·s, is pressed against a mold having a certain bending surface to be bent. There are a step for controlling a bending temperature T and a bending time period t for the glass sheet so as to satisfy the following formulas 1 and 2, and a step for bending the glass sheet: 0.05<?<2.00Formula 1 ? = ? 0 t ? P ? ( ? ) ? ? ( T ) ? ? ? Formula ? ? 2 where P(?) is a surface pressure difference (unit: Pa) between a pressure applied on a primary surface of the glass sheet and a pressure applied on a rear surface of the glass sheet at a time ?, t is a bending time period (unit: s), ?(T) is the viscosity (unit: Pa·s) of the glass sheet at a temperature T, and T is a bending temperature (unit: ° C.) at the time ?.

Abstract: The manufacturing method comprises: a softening step of softening a straight glass tube in a heating furnace; a moving and placing step of moving the softened glass tube so that the glass tube is placed on the top of the mandrel; and a winding step of winding the glass tube placed on the top of the mandrel around the periphery of the mandrel. The mandrel is disposed beneath the glass tube starting to get soft, and the glass tube being soft is perpendicularly lowered in order to be placed on the top of the mandrel. In the winding step, the winding speed Vr at which the glass tube is wound around the mandrel is higher than the moving speed Vs at which chuck units holding the ends of the glass tube move toward the mandrel.

Abstract: An accessory basket for a washing machine includes a substantially cylindrical basket member having a bottom end with a centrally disposed aperture thereon. A plurality of slots radially extend from the aperture allowing the basket to be placed over a washing machine agitator. The top end of the basket is open allowing accessory articles such a shoes to be placed within the basket. A lid a placed over the top end of the basket to secure the accessory items therein. Accordingly, operation of the washing machine will result in the articles being shifted about within the basket thereby minimizing noise and damage to the washing machine or article.

Abstract: A front-loading type clothes washing machine comprises a washing tub, a drum which is rotatable within said washing tub about a horizontal or inclined center of rotation and capable of containing the items to be washed, a door assembly for closing the tub and an annular bellow-type gasket interposed between the door assembly and the washing tub. The washing machine further comprises a safety device having a sensor disposed in the zone of the annular gasket and adapted to detect when at least an item of laundry is present in said zone, in order to prevent any possible damage to such item of laundry.

Abstract: A lock device for a notebook computer includes a fixing seat, two overlapping locking members, two elastic members, a mounting ring, an extension cable and a lock unit. Thus, the notebook computer is locked onto a fixture by the lock device to prevent the notebook computer from being stolen easily. In addition, the notebook computer is locked by or unlocked from the lock device by rotation of a key, so that the lock device is operated easily and quickly, thereby facilitating a user operating the lock device.

Abstract: Portable locker apparatus is disclosed comprising three parts or components which includes a locker body formed of plastic material a tray for holding beverage cans placed horizontally on wave form ridges in the tray, and a carrying bag fitting around the portable locker apparatus, and in this first embodiment a cable fitting in slots in the portable locker apparatus with a padlock connecting eyelets on the cable ends and to anchor the whole assembly as needed. The second embodiment excludes the cable and slots but includes all other components of the portable locker apparatus, beverage tray and carrying bag.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: A handle, housing and cover assembly includes an relatively thick oval handle sandwiched between a relatively thin oval housing base and a relatively thin oval cover. The oval exteriors of these three relatively movable components are of substantially the same size and shape, and align when the cover is closed and when the handle is in its normal, non-operated position to provide a low profile stack of components that can nest comfortably within the palm of one's hand so the palmed cover can be moved by gentle hand pressure between closed and open positions, and so the handle can be pivoted by fingertip pressure between non-operated and operated positions. The cover, when open, provides access to a keyway into which a key can be inserted and turned to selectively prevent and permit turning of the handle relative to the housing base.

Abstract: Steel strip issues continuously from a downstream end of a rolling line and can be wound up there on a coiler. An inspection table downstream of the rolling line has a surface aligned with the downstream end and the strip emerging therefrom. The coiler is below a plane of the table surface. During normal rolling the strip is deflected downward to the coiler and reeled up. For inspection of the strip, the strip is cut transversely to produce a new leading end and is fed starting at this end toward the table without substantial deflection. Then the strip is cut again upstream of the new leading end to form a strip sample separate from the strip emerging from the rolling line, which sample is fed to the table and arrested and inspected while strip emerging from the line is deflected back down to the coiler to continue coiling it up.

Abstract: A die through hole has an inside surface including a bell portion, an approach portion, and a bearing portion from the entrance side. The diameter of the approach portion is D1 on its entrance side and D2 on its exit side and gradually decreases from the entrance side to the exit side. The diameter satisfies Equation (1): 0.7?D2/D1<0.97. The die half angle of an inside surface where the diameter D3 is D2/0.97 is not less than the die half angle R2 of an inside surface nearer to the approach portion exit side than the inside surface where the diameter is D3. The axial distance LR from the inside surface where the diameter is D3 to the inside surface where the diameter is D2 satisfies Equation (2): 20?LR/((D3?D2)/2)?115. The through hole diameter at the bearing portion is fixed at D2, and the length is LB and satisfies Equation (3): 0.3?LB/D2?10.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fabricating materials by die-forming that may be implemented to form a joggle in a bendable workpiece by securing the workpiece to each of at least two respective adjacent working areas, and then by displacing at least one of the at least two working areas relative to an adjacent working area in order to induce the joggle within the workpiece.

Abstract: A cylinder is formed in the lower portion of a cushion pad, and a piston coupled to an upper end of a rod is slidably contained in the cylinder. The rod is coupled to a rotary shaft of a servomotor. An oil pressure chamber is formed of an inner wall surface of the cylinder and a wall surface of the piston. The axial center of the oil pressure chamber is identical with the axial center of the rod. The pressure oil for alleviating an impact is filled in the oil pressure chamber. The pressure oil filled in the oil pressure chamber absorbs a force operating instantaneously at the cushion pad. According to this structure, the impact generated in a press machine can be alleviated.

Abstract: A one-piece frame for a refrigerator shelf is produced from a planar blank having first and second side members that extend at an angle from a central cross member. The side members are folded along bend zones located between each of the first and second side members and the cross member such that, once folded, the first and second side members extend outward from the cross member forming a three-sided frame. At this point, edge portions of the first and second side members are folded along additional bend zones to form upper flanges. Preferably, an upper edge portion of the cross member is folded along still another bend zone to form a hook element. The hook element is designed to engage with a shelf support member provided in the refrigerated compartment such that the shelf frame is supported in a cantilevered manner.

Abstract: A cold-formed, raised-center axle for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a central tube having a pair of ends, a pair of spindles attached to the central tube ends, and a wall thickness of from about 0.500 to about 0.625 inches. A hump is formed in the center portion of the tube and includes compressive residual stresses in its bottom portion when the axle is in an in-service position. A method for forming the raised-center axle includes the steps of providing a substantially straight axle, inserting the axle into a press, over-forming a hump in the axle in the direction such that camber is induced in the axle, and forming the axle in a second direction, thereby substantially removing the camber and replacing a detrimental residual stress state in the humped portion of the axle with a beneficial residual stress state.

Abstract: A tool system for brake forming having a punch or a die and at least one insert. In one embodiment, two inserts are removably attached to a die. The die has a defined shape running along a longitudinal axis. Each insert has a protrusion with a particular cross-sectional shape running along the same longitudinal axis. The die has two cavities, each cavity having a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion of one of the inserts. In another embodiment, the die has two protrusions and each insert has a cavity for receipt of one of the protrusions of the die. When one of the protrusions is inserted into one of the cavities, the insert is removably fixed to the die. At least one surface of each insert corresponds to and combines with the defined shape of the die, forming a bending surface against which a sheet of metal is formed. After press braking, the sheet of metal is substantially conformed to the defined shape of the die.

Abstract: A control device (10) for a die cushion mechanism that produces a force for a slide (24) in a press machine, comprising slide velocity command-forming means (61) for forming a velocity command for the slide (24), die cushion velocity command-forming means (62) for forming a velocity command for said die cushion (20), and velocity relation calculation means (65) for calculating a velocity relation between the velocity of the slide and the velocity of the die cushion based on a rate of increase (dF) in the force produced between the slide and the die cushion immediately after the collision of the slide with the die cushion. The cushion velocity command-forming means forms the velocity command for the die cushion based upon the slide velocity command formed by the slide velocity command-forming means and upon the velocity relation calculated by the velocity relation-calculation means. This makes it possible to form an optimum velocity command for the slide and/or the die cushion.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for calibrating at least one sensor within a gas detector which detector has a gas inlet in fluid communication with the or each sensor, the apparatus comprising a housing that contains: a) a surface for abutting against the detector; b) a holder for holding the gas detector with respect to the housing in such a manner that a region of the detector containing the gas inlet abuts against the surface of the housing to form a sealed gas interface between the surface and the detector; c) a connector for connecting a source of pressurized calibration gas to the apparatus, d) a conduit for delivering a calibration gas from the connector to the interface between the detector and the apparatus housing, e) electrical connections within the holder for forming electrical connections between the apparatus and a detector held within the holder, and e) a flow controller within the conduit for providing calibration gas at a predetermined level to the interface, the flow controller including an elec

Abstract: A valve test apparatus, a solenoid valve test method and a venturi valve test method are provided. The valve test apparatus may include a gas supply unit, a solenoid valve holding unit, a first measurement unit, a venturi valve holding unit, a second measurement unit, a timer unit and/or a power supply unit. The solenoid valve holding unit may be connected to one end of the gas supply unit. The first measurement unit may be connected to the solenoid valve holding unit. The venturi valve holding unit, on which a venturi valve to be tested may be arranged. The venturi valve may be selectively connected to the solenoid valve holding unit together with the first measurement unit. The second measurement unit may be connected to the venturi valve. The timer unit may measure a time interval between when the solenoid valve is activated and when a measured value by the first measurement unit or second measurement unit is equivalent to a desired value.

Abstract: An activity monitor is provided that corrects for the effects of motion external to the entity being monitored. For example, the activity monitor can overcome the effects of vehicular travel.