Abstract: Methods and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation in a double or triple air separation column. The column in the system with the highest operating pressure is said to be operating at medium pressure. All the air to be distilled is pressurized to a high pressure, which is about 5 bar greater than the medium pressure. The air is purified at this high pressure, and a portion of the purified air is cooled in a heat exchange line, while another portion is expanded in a turbine. Part of the cooled air is drawn from the exchange line with a cold booster, which is mechanically coupled to at least one turbine. An energy dissipation device is also provided which is coupled to the turbine not coupled to the cold booster. The energy dissipation device is either another booster, an oil break system, or an electrical generator.

Abstract: Multi-piece charm includes at least one edge puzzle piece charm each having at least one smooth edge and at least one edge having at least one tab or blank, and at least one additional puzzle piece charm having a tab or blank and arranged to interlock with an edge puzzle piece charm. Each puzzle piece charm includes an aperture to enable a strand of material to be passed therethrough and enable the puzzle piece charms to be worn on a part of the body. The additional puzzle piece charm may be another edge puzzle piece or a middle puzzle piece charm which has one or more tabs or blanks, either on a single edge, on a plurality of edges or on all of its edges.

Abstract: A method of mixing a viscous liquid comprising flowing the viscous liquid through an aperture to form a stream that falls through a free space volume by gravity. The viscous liquid may be directed through any combination of apertures. The corresponding streams of viscous liquid may be allowed to undergo fluid buckling as the streams fall, with the streams spreading the inhomogeneities and then recombining with each other, thereby mixing the viscous liquid globally and locally. A jet of gas may be directed against the falling streams to intertwine the streams, thereby mixing the viscous liquid. Alternatively, the streams may be manipulated with an electromagnetic field to create intertwining.

Abstract: An I. S. Machine has a plurality of sections each of which has a controller located with the blank side operator interface which receives a sync signal from a machine control and data from a machine data server. The controller operates the section in accordance with a number of cycles commanded by an operator via blank and blow side interfaces.

Abstract: A plunger foot assembly includes a preassembled gearbox for mounting on a section box base plate of a glassware forming machine. The preassembled gearbox has an input and an output gear with an internally threaded central opening. A hollow externally threaded shaft is threadably coupled to and extends from the internally threaded opening of the output gear. A plunger support is mounted on the hollow externally threaded shaft such that rotation of the output gear of the gearbox raises and lowers the plunger support. The plunger support has an upper face for mounting at least one plunger with air ports of the plunger opening at the face of the support. The plunger support also has air passages for feeding plunger up, plunger down and plunger cooling air to the air ports of a plunger mounted on the plunger support, and a cooling air exhaust passage for feeding cooling air exhaust from the plunger mounted on the support to the hollow interior of the externally threaded shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for welding one end of a primary preform and one end of a silica bar having different properties. The method includes the steps of projecting and fusing silica grain under a plasma torch onto an end of the primary preform and an end of the silica bar, and bringing into contact these respective ends to form an excellent weld between the primary preform and the silica bar. The invention provides a cost-effective way to secure a primary preform to a glass-working lathe support while reducing the risk of costly preform breakage.

Abstract: A laundry machine is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a drum in which laundry is put, a steam generator to generate steam, a water supply line connected to the steam generator, a steam line connected to the steam generator, and a valve placed in the steam line, wherein the valve is controlled to block the steam line to prevent water from flowing from the steam generator to the drum.

Abstract: A method of inputting a user input access combination in order to gain authorized entry into a secure location comprises providing an input device having first and second input keys as well as a display, randomly generating a first character and a second character on the display, inputting the user input access combination into the input device, and comparing the user input access combination with an authorized access combination. The user input access combination includes a first user input character and a second user input character. The step of inputting the user input access combination comprises pressing the first input key to change the first randomly generated character to the first user input character, and pressing the second input key to change the second randomly generated character to the second user input character.

Abstract: The invention is a bicycle frame having an integrated bicycle locking mechanism. Roughly mid-length of a tube of the bicycle frame is removed in order to accommodate the locking mechanism. Secured within one of the exposed ends of the frame is a flexible wire that can emerge and lock itself to a locking receptacle located on the other open end of the frame. Located on the exposed end of the flexible linkage is the locking mechanism. The invention is designed so as to enable the flexible wire to wrap around a stationary object, such as a pole or bicycle stand. Alternatively, the flexible wire can wrap around the rear wheel of the bicycle so as to prevent the bicycle from being used.

Abstract: A break-in resistant cylinder for locks, comprising a stator provided with a substantially cylindrical longitudinal cavity for accommodating a rotor with a longitudinal recess for the insertion of a key. The rotor and the stator comprise a plurality of channels which are substantially aligned and face each other (when the cylinder is in the closed configuration); the channels accommodate respective coding pins, tumbler pins and any elastic elements designed to prevent the rotation of the rotor within the stator if the key is not present in the longitudinal recess. At least one of the tumbler pins comprises a bush and a spike; the stem of the spike has a smaller diameter than the inside diameter of the bush and is longer than the bush. The spike is arranged so that its head is directed toward the bottom of the channel of the stator and rests against the elastic elements and the free end of the stem rests against the lower surface of the coding pin.

Abstract: A mortise lock comprising a housing, a locking mechanism, a locking latch and one or more bolts displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position; the locking mechanism fitted with a lock cylinder, a handle assembly comprising an inside locking latch activator articulated with the locking latch and the bolts and an independent outside locking latch activator articulated only with the locking latch, a locking latch sensor for selectively arresting the locking latch, and a deadbolt mechanism for arresting the bolts at their extended, locked position.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a method for rekeying a rekeyable lock cylinder. The first step of entire rekeying process is to insert a first user key into a keyhole of a sliding block of a plug assembly and turn the first user key to rotate the plug assembly, then a thrust is added to the first user key to move the sliding block of the plug assembly, thereby disengaging a plurality of upper locking pieces and a plurality of lower locking pieces within a plurality of lower pin sets. Next, after pulling out the first user key from the keyhole, a second user key is inserted into the keyhole of the sliding block and turned to restore the sliding block as to reengage the upper locking pieces and the lower locking pieces. Finally, the second user key is pulled out to complete the entire rekeying process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing nitrogen fertilizer, removing phosphate from organic waste products in liquid phase, sanitizing said waste or reducing emissions, and limiting the potassium concentration. According to the invention, the waste product is heated to temperatures ranging between 40° C. and 90° C. at a subatmospheric pressure, the escaping gas that contains carbon dioxide and ammonia is contacted with a mineral-aqueous suspension, the excess gas is conducted within the circuit while the subatmospheric pressure is autogenously stabilized, and the formed nitrogen fertilizer is discharged.

Abstract: Soil amendment/foliar nutrient compositions and methods for their manufacture and use are provided. The compositions are aqueous compositions that include a carbon skeleton energy component (CSE); a macronutrient; a vitamin cofactor; a complexing agent; and at least one of exotic micronutrient component and an ionophore component.

Abstract: A closing machine (1) for closing a rotating work piece (9) by pressing a heated die (4) against the work piece (9) comprises an air purge box (510) which opens onto the vicinity of the work piece (9), air supply means for supplying air to the air purge box (510), and a sensor (501, 502) provided in the interior of the air purge box (510) to detect a state of the work piece (9) or the die (4).

Abstract: Provided is a die cushion controller that controls an ascending/descending speed of a die cushion based on a predetermined pressure pattern 56. The pressure pattern 56 has a low pressure target value PL which is first followed by an increased cushion pressure, a high pressure target value PH corresponding to a requisite cushion pressure for retaining a workpiece, and a complementary target value PC which is followed by the cushion pressure at a substantially linear increase rate for a predetermined period of time T2 until the cushion pressure exceeds the low pressure target value PL and reaches the high pressure target value PH. The cushion pressure overshooting the low pressure target value PL continues to follow the complementary target value PC, so that an overshooting amount occurring at a time point at which the cushion pressure reaches the high pressure target value PH can be reduced. As a result, pressure variation in the cushion pressure can be suppressed.

Abstract: A roll grooving apparatus has a back-up roller, a grooving roller positioned vertically below the back-up roller, and a hydraulic jack positioned directly vertically below the grooving roller, with the hydraulic jack exerting an upward force to push the grooving roller towards the back-up roller to form a circumferential groove in a pipe segment that is positioned between the rollers.

Abstract: In a rolling step of feeding an electrode hoop (1) having electrode mixture layers (3a, 3b) formed on both sides of a band-shaped core (2) made of a metal thin plate to between a pair of mill rolls (8a, 8b) for rolling, the electrode hoop (1) is fed so that side a is wound about one of the mill rolls if the electrode mixture layers (3a, 3b) of the electrode hoop (1) have different average thicknesses, where the side a is one of the electrode mixture layers of the electrode hoop (1) having the smaller average thickness and side b is the other. This realizes a method for rolling an electrode hoop capable of making a rolled flat electrode even if the electrode mixture layers on both sides of the core have respective different thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (6) and method for repairing an upright profile (2) which has been bent out of an original position, in particular a profile of a warehouse rack upright for mounting of warehouse rack girders (3), wherein an inner space (13) accessible from an open side is defined in the profile. The device comprises an outer template (7) adapted to the form of the outer surface of the profile, an inner template (16,17) adapted to the form of the inner surface, wherein during use the inner template is arranged in the inner space of the profile via the open side, and pressing means for pressing the outer template against the outer side of the profile and pressing the inner template against the inner side of the profile with pressing force such that the upright profile is bent back into its original position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for protecting control lines used with tool strings in a downhole environment. A control line protector assembly comprises a plurality of components formed into a unitary piece which includes a guard section having a first end section and a second end section, a slot on each of the first end section and the second end section, and a securing mechanism for coupling the guard section having the first end section and the second end section to the coupling. A control line protector assembly is formed using a metal stamping process.

Abstract: This invention provides a metal sheet pressing method of precision-pressing a metal sheet, wherein after a metal sheet (1) is partially drawn so as to form a perforated portion (1a), the perforated portion (1a) is heated by baking and after it is heated by baking, the perforated portion (1a) is pressed with press dies into an uneven-surface shape.

Abstract: A die assembly is provided, which is structured to be affixed to a shell press. The die assembly includes at least one die shoe having first and second opposing ends, and a number of divisions between the first end and the second end. The divisions are structured to divide the at least one die shoe into a plurality of pieces to accommodate thermal expansion. Each of the divisions between the pieces of the at least one die shoe has a profile. Preferably, the profile is not straight. Each of the divisions of the at least one die shoe form a gap between the pieces of the die shoe, thereby spacing the pieces apart from one another. The pieces are independently coupled to a corresponding mounting surface of the shell press. A shell press and a method for employing the die assembly in a shell press are also disclosed.

Abstract: Quantification of a target analyte is performed using a single sample to which amounts of the target analyte are added. Calibration is performed as part of quantification on the same sample. The target analyte is detectable and quantifiable using label free reagents and requiring no sample preparation. Target analytes include biomarkers such as cancer biomarkers, pathogenic Escherichia coli, single stranded DNA, and staphylococcal enterotoxin. The quantification process includes determining a sensor response of a sensor exposed to the sample and configured to detect the target analyte. Sensor responses are determined after sequential additions of the target analyte to the sample. The amount of target analyte detected by the sensor when first exposed to the sample is determined in accordance with the multiple sensor responses.

Abstract: A particle detector (10) has a particle sensing surface (12) and a detecting layer (13). Provided on the particle sensing surface (12) is a random arrangement of projecting dactyls (15) which form boundaries to confinement cages (14). Only those particles having a size and shape that permits them to fit into the confinement cages between the dactyls are detected. The particle detector (10) advantageously is adapted to identify a large variety of different particles using the same detector.

Abstract: A method and an article of an electrically conductive ceramic interconnect bonded to a compatible ceramic housing for an oxygen partial pressure sensor system. The interconnect includes a LaxSryAlzMn1?zO3 (LSAM) having a stoichiometry enabling good electrical conductivity at high temperatures and the LSAM also bonded to a yttria stabilized zirconia forming a stable and durable seal.

Abstract: A gas sensor has at least one gas sensitive layer, which has at least one surface area in which the work function is dependent upon the concentration of a target gas capable of being brought into contact with the surface zone. At least one electric potential sensor is capacitatively coupled to the surface zone over an air gap. The surface zone of the gas sensitive layer is covered with an electrically insulating coating which is inert to the target gas and which is adhesively bound to the gas sensitive layer. The coating is configured so that it is permeable to the target gas and so that when the target gas contacts the surface zone of the gas sensitive layer, it prevents or at least impedes an alteration of the bound state of atoms and/or molecules bound to the surface zone and differing from the target gas.

Abstract: An aircraft engine includes a cylinder assembly knock detection and suppression system. The knock detection and control system includes a set of knock detection sensors and an engine controller. Each cylinder assembly of the aircraft engine carries a knock detection sensor and each knock detection sensor is electrically coupled to the engine controller. During operation, each knock detection sensor transmits signals to the engine controller where the signals correspond to detected cylinder assembly vibrations. As the engine controller receives input signals from the sensors, the engine controller filters the input signals to distinguish the input signals as being associated with either knocking or as a non-knock event. In the case where the engine controller detects the occurrence of one or more knock events in a particular cylinder assembly, the engine controller automatically reduces the spark timing for that cylinder assembly and/or increases the volume of fuel delivered to that cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A subsea leak detection system is disclosed which includes a plurality of subsea leak detection sensors and a leak detection controller adapted to receive leak detection data from the plurality of subsea leak detection sensors and direct the sensing activities of the plurality of subsea leak detection sensors based upon the received leak detection data.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a powdery/granular material flowability evaluation apparatus and a powdery/granular material flowability evaluation method capable of evaluating the flowability of a powdery/granular material in a dynamic state of the powdery/granular material.

Abstract: A test sensor adapted to assist in determining the analyte concentration in a fluid sample comprises a lid and a base. The lid has an upper lid surface and a lower lid surface. The lid has a first lid end, a second lid end, a first lid side, and a second lid side. The base has an upper base surface and a lower base surface. The base further has a first base end, a second base end, a first base side, and a second base side. The lid and base are attached such that a fluid chamber is formed between a portion of the lower lid surface and the upper base surface at or near the first lid end and the first base end. The fluid chamber is adapted to receive the fluid sample between at least the first base side and the first lid side, between the first lid end and the first lid end, or the combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample introducing apparatus which is designed such that the analytical flow path runs from the needle to the separation column without the flow path switching means placed at the downstream side of the needle. This design reduces dead volume, which in turn reduces the diffusion of the sample injected into the analytical flow path. Moreover, the absence of the flow path switching means at the downstream side of the needle to inject a sample into the analytical flow path eliminates connection of the pipe with the flow path switching means. This prevents the sample from remaining in the connecting part, thereby reducing sample carry-over and improving the accuracy of analysis.

Abstract: A method of assessing the degradation of an oxide-forming coating on a component after a period of operational use of the component, said degradation of the coating being caused by depletion of the oxide-forming element within a remnant coating layer due to inter-diffusion of said element between the remnant coating and both an outer oxide layer and an inner, secondary diffusion layer, wherein a depletion parameter indicative of the depletion of the oxide-forming element in the remnant coating layer varies as a function of the surface roughness of the coated component, the method comprising the steps of: carrying out a non-destructive, quantitative measurement of the surface roughness of the component after said period of operational use; and, based on an estimation of the functional relationship between the surface roughness and the depletion parameter, using the result of said measurement of surface roughness to quantitatively assess the degradation of the coating.

Abstract: An abnormality diagnostic device diagnoses the presence/absence of abnormality of an intake air temperature sensor (21) on the basis of the magnitude of deviation between the lowest temperature of the intake air detected via the intake air temperature sensor (21) in a period from the startup of an internal combustion engine until the trend of change in the temperature of the air taken into the internal combustion engine becomes stable and a temperature detected via a water temperature sensor (22). If the decline in the temperature of the intake air detected via the intake air temperature sensor (21) within the aforementioned period is greater than or equal to a predetermined criterion value (IAT1), the abnormality diagnosis is suspended.

Abstract: A tire defect tester and a method of operation are disclosed. In one aspect, the tire defect tester includes a first electrode arranged to direct energy toward a tire, and a second electrode arranged on an opposite side of the tire from the first electrode to receive energy passing through the tire from the first electrode. The tire defect tester further includes an energy sensor electrically connected to the second electrode and a fault indicator circuit responsive to the energy sensor and configured to indicate the presence of a flaw upon energy above a threshold level being sensed at the second electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one embodiment, a device for performing scrub testing on a plurality of samples simultaneously, including a plurality of scrubbing devices. A stage is provided which positions the plurality of samples in contact with the plurality of scrubbing devices. The scrubbing devices can individually be provided with different weights to produce different forces on the samples. A motion producing device produces one or both of linear and rotational motion between the brushes and the samples. The scrubbing devices are held in the stage so as move freely vertically.

Abstract: A method of downhole characterization of formation fluids is provided. The method includes: estimating a rough value of the bubble point pressure of the formation fluids; depressurizing the formation fluids at a first speed to a certain pressure which is a predetermined value higher than the estimated rough value while the formation fluids are isolated in a portion of the flowline; and depressurizing the isolated fluids at a second speed which is slower than the first speed in order to measure a precise value of the bubble point pressure.

Abstract: A method for measuring ocean surface currents using a long-range single station high frequency ground wave radar system includes the steps of forming a rectilinear grid based region, dividing the rectilinear grid into a plurality of sub-regions each having a uniform surface current flow therewithin, spanning each sub-region with a predetermined plurality of radial beam lines from the single radar station, dividing each radial beam line into a pre-selected plurality of radial sub-nodes, measuring radial surface current vector projection at each radial sub-node, inputting each radial surface current vector projection into a multiple regression model having two regressors, determining, with the multiple regression model, surface vector components along each of x and y axis, storing the surface vector components determined in step (g) to a database, and editing, with equation of continuity based algorithm, plurality of surface vector components stored in the database.

Abstract: Provided are a flow meter and a flow-rate control system using the same that is capable of measuring a flow rate in a minute flow-rate region with excellent measurement accuracy by preventing or suppressing the generation of bubbles and in which accumulation of the fluid and the bubbles is less likely to occur.

Abstract: A secondary flow channel of a flow rate measuring device includes: a guide flow channel in which an upstream side communicates with a guide port serving as a first bifurcation point, and a downstream side serves as a second bifurcation point; a first secondary flow channel in which an upstream side is bifurcated from a guide flow channel at the second bifurcation point and formed to be parallel to a primary flow channel, and a downstream side communicates with a discharge port; a second secondary flow channel in which an upstream side is bifurcated from the guide flow channel at the second bifurcation point and formed to cross the primary flow channel; and a detection flow channel in which an upstream side communicates with a downstream side of the second secondary flow channel, a flow rate detecting element is disposed, and a downstream side communicates with the discharge port.

Abstract: A flow sensor may be formed by bonding a sensor chip formed with a flow rate detecting part and a flow path-forming member that is provided on the sensor chip and is formed with a flow path for a fluid flowing in the flow rate detecting part to each other on the upper surface of a substrate. The flow path-forming member may be formed by bonding a transparent first flow path forming member and a second flow path-forming member to each other. The first flow path forming member has a plate shape, and is provided with an inflow port and a outflow port for the fluid to be measured, and the second flow path forming member has a plate shape, and is provided with a through hole that forms the flow path along the flow of the fluid flowing along the flow rate detecting part.

Abstract: A flow sensor may be formed of a sensor chip in which a flow rate detecting section is formed on an electric insulating film applied to cover at least a part of a concave portion formed on an upper surface of a substrate and may also include a flow path forming member which is provided on the sensor chip and has a flow path of a fluid flowing through the flow rate detecting section formed therein.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow sensor comprising a housing with a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, a valve chamber connected to the fluid inlet, and a movable valve body wherein the valve body moves between a first position, blocking a first outlet in the valve chamber, and a second position blocking a second outlet in the valve chamber; the first outlet of the valve chamber connected to an inlet at the first end of a measuring chamber, and the second outlet of the valve chamber connected to an inlet at the second end of the measuring chamber, with a movable measuring body located in the measuring chamber capable of moving between the first and second ends of the measuring chamber, and the measuring chamber having outlets at the first and second ends, so that the movable bodies switch position in tandem as fluid flows through the system.

Abstract: A rotation detecting device includes a sensor IC, a holder to which the sensor IC is attached, a case body attached to the holder and accommodating the holder and the sensor IC in an internal space of the case body, and a housing accommodating a portion of the case body and the holder. The holder includes a through-hole, which establishes a connection with the internal space of the case body when the case body is attached to the holder. The through-hole is used for injecting a first resin into the internal space of the case body. The injected first resin surrounds the sensor IC in the internal space of the case body. The housing is made of a second resin, which covers the through-hole when the housing is molded with the second resin.

Abstract: Sensing structures are provided which are designed using non-conventional designs. These sensing structures have improved sensitivity and noise floor at low frequencies.

Abstract: A driver device that forms an oscillation loop with a vibrator and causes the vibrator to produce driving vibrations includes a current-voltage converter that is provided in the oscillation loop and converts a current that flows through the vibrator into a voltage, and a GCA as a comparator that is provided in the oscillation loop and outputs a signal corresponding to a comparison result between an output from the current-voltage converter and a given voltage. The GCA outputs a first high-level voltage or a low-level voltage during oscillation startup, and outputs a second high-level voltage or the low-level voltage in a steady oscillation state. The first high-level voltage is a voltage higher in potential than the second high-level voltage.

Abstract: The average strength or Young's modulus of the constituent particles of a sample is determined from the measured speed of sound propagated from a source through the sample to a receiver. Other sample data, such as the porosity, Poisson's ratio and the pressure applied to the sample, are also used in the determination. However, no data pertaining to individual particle sizes is required. The method provides a non-destructive test for the average strengths of materials such as iron ore pellets, alumina powder, silica flour, and coal dust.

Abstract: An integrated multi-function sensor system has a head having a slot to accept a tube of a deformable material and a plurality of sensor elements mounted in the walls of the head slot to confront a tube in the slot, each sensor element being for affecting sensing of a condition relating to a liquid in the tube. An integrated electronic circuit including a microprocessor operates to determine the various conditions of a liquid flowing in the tube sensed by the sensor elements, which conditions include detection of air bubbles and/or particles by ultrasonic sensing elements, detection of an occlusion in the liquid flow by sensing the deformation of the tube wall by a force sensing element, determining the temperature of the liquid by an infrared temperature sensing element, and determining the color of the liquid by optical elements.

Abstract: A device for destruction-free testing of ferromagnetic component walls with respect to elongate defects has a sending transducer that excites ultrasound waves in a wall area of a ferromagnetic component wall magnetized in a predetermined direction of magnetization. The ultrasound waves propagate on a path oriented by the sending transducer. A receiving transducer receives the ultrasound waves at a spacing from the sending transducer. The configuration of the sending transducer and a high frequency emitted by the sending transducer, which high frequency is to be determined based on a thickness of the ferromagnetic component wall, are selected so as to effect excitation of horizontal shear waves of higher order. The path orientation is selected at a slant angle to the predetermined direction of magnetization. The receiving transducer is positioned lateral to the path and is oriented toward a predetermined testing area of the wall section in the path.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for non-contact ultrasonic detection of features on or within the walls of hollow pipes are described. An air-coupled, high-power ultrasonic transducer for generating guided waves in the pipe wall, and a high-sensitivity, air-coupled transducer for detecting these waves, are disposed at a distance apart and at chosen angle with respect to the surface of the pipe, either inside of or outside of the pipe. Measurements may be made in reflection or transmission modes depending on the relative position of the transducers and the pipe. Data are taken by sweeping the frequency of the incident ultrasonic waves, using a tracking narrow-band filter to reduce detected noise, and transforming the frequency domain data into the time domain using fast Fourier transformation, if required.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for non-contact (stand-off) ultrasonic determination of certain characteristics of fluids in containers or pipes are described. A combination of swept frequency acoustic interferometry (SFAI), wide-bandwidth, air-coupled acoustic transducers, narrowband frequency data acquisition, and data conversion from the frequency domain to the time domain, if required, permits meaningful information to be extracted from such fluids.