Abstract: A hydraulic pump apparatus having an internal sump formed by a housing having an internal portion and an end cap secured to the housing. A rotatable cylinder block is located in the sump and driven by an input shaft extending into the housing. The pump apparatus also has a system of hydraulic porting in fluid communication with the cylinder block. The porting includes a pair of system ports located on a first side of the hydraulic pump apparatus, a fluid inlet on a second side of the hydraulic pump apparatus, opposite the first side, and a bypass valve positioned on the second side adjacent to the fluid inlet.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic brake actuation device includes a hydraulic master cylinder housing having a bore and a push rod guide surface, a master piston and a radial seal received in the bore, a push rod and a lever. The push rod is supported by the push rod guide surface for sliding movement within the hydraulic master cylinder housing. The push rod is configured to move the master piston and the radial seal from a neutral position to a braking position. The lever is pivotally attached to the housing for pivotal movement between an at rest position and a brake actuation position. The lever is also configured and arranged to move the push rod and the master piston from the neutral position toward the braking position as the lever is pivoted between the at rest position and the brake actuation position.

Abstract: A master cylinder including a cylinder body having a tubular shape with a closed end; and a piston having one side slidably inserted into the cylinder body and another side that projects from the cylinder body. The piston and the cylinder body define a pressure chamber for generating hydraulic pressure. The master cylinder also includes a protecting member for covering the side of the piston projects from the cylinder body. The protecting member is adapted to extend and contract, and limit backward movement of the piston.

Abstract: An engine air supply control method relating to a turbocharged engine including an intake manifold (20) which is disposed downstream of the compressor of the turbocharger (14) and an exhaust manifold (22) which is disposed upstream of the turbine of the turbocharger (14). The method includes determining the mass air flow supplying the engine and/or the pressure in the intake manifold (20) and the temperature in the exhaust manifold. The pressure in the exhaust manifold (22) is determined as a function of the pressure in the intake manifold (20), the engine speed, the temperatures in the cylinders (4) and in the exhaust manifold (22), the pressure in the intake manifold (20) being optionally determined from the mass air flow. Inversely, the pressure in the intake manifold.

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a power sub-system configured to receive a heat source stream, and one or more heat exchangers configured to transfer heat from the heat source stream to a working stream. The working stream is ultimately heated to a point where it can be passed through one or more turbines, to generate power, while the heat source stream is cooled to a low temperature tail. A distillation condensation sub-system cools the spent stream to generate an intermediate stream and a working stream. The working stream can be variably heated by the intermediate stream so that it is at a sufficient temperature to make efficient use of the low temperature tail. The working stream is then heated by the low temperature tail, and subsequently passed on for use in the power sub-system.

Abstract: A boiler system for producing steam from water includes a plurality of serially arranged oxy fuel boilers. Each boiler has an inlet in flow communication with a plurality of tubes. The tubes of each boiler form at least one water wall. Each of the boilers is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. Each boiler includes an oxy fuel combustion system including an oxygen supply for supplying oxygen having a purity of greater than 21 percent, a carbon based fuel supply for supplying a carbon based fuel and at least one oxy-fuel burner system for feeding the oxygen and the carbon based fuel into its respective boiler in a near stoichiometric proportion. The oxy fuel system is configured to limit an excess of either the oxygen or the carbon based fuel to a predetermined tolerance. The boiler tubes of each boiler are configured for direct, radiant energy exposure for energy transfer. Each of the boilers is independent of each of the other boilers.

Abstract: A multiple accessory support bracket that mounts a plurality of external accessories for an auxiliary power unit (APU) so that all the external accessories may be mounted to the APU in a single operation.

Abstract: Control apparatus for an environmental control system comprises input circuitry receiving environmental information and output circuitry for controlling an HVAC system. Processing circuitry in the controller configures the output circuitry based at least in part on the signals received on the input circuitry. Information about the status of the HVAC system may be transferred to system administrators using a wireless link.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a chilled beverage from a storage area to a beverage dispenser comprises a beverage conduit, a coolant source or reservoir, a coolant pump, a coolant conduit, an insulating sleeve encircling the conduits and supporting them in positions enabling heat transfer between such conduits, and a common support for the coolant and coolant pump. The common support is so constructed as to enable mounting of the coolant reservoir and pump in any selected one of a number of different locations.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for cooling produce. The container includes a box-like housing and a common plenum wall, creating a supply air distribution plenum, a return air distribution plenum and a treatment zone therebetween. Within the treatment zone, produce can be placed. A plurality of openings are located within the common plenum wall allows air flow to pass between the plenums and the treatment zone, and thus cooling the produced located therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a built-in refrigerator comprising: a furniture body having a receiving space therein; a furniture door installed at a front side of the furniture body to be opened and closed, and having a through hole at a front surface thereof; a refrigerator body installed in the receiving space of the furniture body; a refrigerator door installed at a front side of the refrigerator body to be opened and closed, and having a display portion for informing an operation state of the refrigerator at a front surface thereof; a bracket installed between the furniture door and the refrigerator door so that the refrigerator door can be opened and closed together with the furniture door at the time of opening and closing the furniture door; and a cover member installed at the through hole of the furniture door.

Abstract: The apparatus is used to produce a product by low-temperature separation of a gas mixture, in particular air. It includes a direct contact cooler (3) for cooling the feed mixture, a purification apparatus (4) for purifying the cooled feed mixture and a low-temperature part (7). The low-temperature part (7) includes a main heat exchanger (8a) for cooling the purified feed mixture to approximately dewpoint temperature and a distillation column (9a) for low-temperature separation of the feed mixture. The direct contact cooler (3), the purification apparatus (4) and the low-temperature part (7) are arranged on one line (101).

Abstract: A krypton-xenon concentrate is first divided into krypton and xenon fractions in a preliminary rectifying column. Semi-volatile impurities are removed from each fraction, and production krypton and xenon are obtained from the refined fractions in krypton and xenon production columns. A recovered krypton flow is produced in a krypton recovery rectifying column. Reflux is formed in condensers-evaporators of rectification columns of the device in such a way that the formation of a solid phase is excluded. The operation of the rectification columns is initiated by supplying krypton to a contacting space.

Abstract: An on-line thickness gauge (OLTG) and method are described herein that are capable of measuring a thickness of a moving glass substrate. In the preferred embodiment, the OLTG includes a Y-guide and a stabilizing unit that respectively captures and stabilizes the moving glass substrate. The OLTG also includes a laser instrument which contains a laser source and a detector. The laser source emits a beam at the front surface of the moving glass substrate. And, the detector receives two beams one of which was reflected by the front surface of the moving glass substrate and the other beam which was reflected by the back surface of the moving glass substrate. The OLTG further includes a processor that analyzes the two beams received by the detector to determine a distance between the two beams which is then used to determine the thickness of the moving glass substrate.

Abstract: A laundry appliance can be selectively operated in either manual or automatic modes of operation. In the automatic mode, a laundering operation is initiated upon receiving a single cycle input parameter from the user, preferably through a LCD touch screen display, while relying on additional operating cycle parameters established by factory preset settings or prior consumer established preferences. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a consumer need merely select a single cycle parameter, such as a type of stain adapted to be removed, and the appliance will start based on temperature and other setting parameters taken from memory. However, even with the automatic start feature activated, the user will still be able to adjust pre-established cycle parameters by changing default values after the cycle has started.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having an improved circulation apparatus for pumping water in a lower side of the tub and discharging the pumped water from an upper side of the tub. The circulation apparatus includes a circulation motor, a circulation hose and an injection unit. The circulation motor communicates with a lower side of a tub of a washing machine to pump water in the tub. The circulation hose has one end that is connected with the circulation motor, and guides the pumped water. The injection unit includes a nozzle. that has a facing surface facing an inside of a drum and left and right surfaces of the facing surface, the facing surface and the left and right surfaces being completely opened. The nozzle disperses the water into the inside of the drum.

Abstract: A safe includes a housing, a door and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a lock interface disposed on an external surface of the housing. The housing defines an internal cavity in communication with an opening of the housing. The door is configured to be assembled with the opening of the housing. The door includes first and second shackle legs configured to extend into the housing when the door is assembled with the housing. The locking mechanism is disposed within the housing and includes at least one locking member configured to lockingly engage the first and second shackle legs when the door is assembled with the housing. When the door is assembled with the housing, proper manipulation of the lock interface disengages the at least one locking member from the first and second shackle legs, thereby allowing the door to be removed from the housing.

Abstract: A remotely controlled lock apparatus is attached to a container, such as a tool box, that includes a container lid portion and a container body portion. The apparatus includes a manual key-operated cylinder connected to a wall of the container. A manually-operated lock latch assembly is supported by a wall of the container and includes a pivoted manually-operated lock latch member which includes a latch-to-container locking portion and a blocking-member abutment portion. A remotely controlled electrically powered linear mechanism assembly is connected to a wall of the container, and a dual latch control unit, is connected between the electrically powered linear mechanism assembly and the manually-operated lock latch assembly and between the manual key-operated cylinder and the manually-operated lock latch assembly, for selectively controlling locking and unlocking of the lock latch assembly by the electrically powered linear mechanism assembly or by the manual key-operated cylinder.

Abstract: An electric lock includes a manual operation mechanism and an electric control mechanism. The manual operation mechanism includes a rotary knob unit, a first attracting member mounted fixedly to the rotary knob unit, a key-operated lockset, and a lock-connecting rod connected to and rotatable by the rotary knob unit and the key-operated lockset. The electric control mechanism includes a power source unit, a clutch gear driven by the power source unit to rotate in two directions, and a second attracting member mounted fixedly to the clutch gear. When the clutch gear is driven by the power source unit to rotate to align the first and second attracting members with each other, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the first and second attracting members to allow for co-rotation of the rotary knob unit with the clutch gear.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic forming (EHF) tool having a pair of electrodes that can be used to generate a shockwave to facilitate forming a sheet metal blank against a forming die. The electrodes may be adjusted during the course of operation. This may be useful should continued use cause their efficiency to drop below a desired threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a forming machine for deforming a workpiece, such as a metal cylinder or plate (3), by means of a tool, in particular one or more forming rollers (5), wherein the workpiece and/or the tool are rotated about an axis (4) relative to each other, the tool move; through one or more deforming curves and at least part of the workpiece is deformed. During the deforming process, values of one or more coordinates of the position of the extreme: edge of the workpiece are measured, and one or more parameters of the deforming process is/are changed on the basis of the measured values.

Abstract: A device for forming a circumferential groove in a pipe is disclosed. The pipe has an inner and an outer surface. The device has a first roller tool, which engages the outer surface of the pipe, and a second roller tool, which engages the inner surface of the pipe. The roller tools are arranged opposite to one another and are rotated relative to the pipe while being forced toward each other, thereby cooperating to form the groove. To prevent excessive thinning of the pipe wall, the roller tools are offset from each other along their axes of rotation. The midpoint of facing circumferential surfaces on each roller tool serves as a measuring point for the relative offset.

Abstract: There is provided a method of texturing a metal sheet or strip (8), which method comprises a plurality of sequential texturing passes each of which is performed by passing the sheet or strip (8) between at least one pair of rollers (7), wherein at least one of each pair of rollers (7) has a textured pattern on the surface thereof and the textured patterns are transferred to the sheet or strip (8) during each texturing pass, and wherein the textured surface on the sheet or strip (8) resulting from each pass overlaps with that from the one or more other passes to form a final textured pattern. There is also provided an apparatus for texturing a metal sheet or strip (8).

Abstract: A portable hand tool includes a frame for guiding a sheet of material, e.g., sheet metal. A pair of shafts are spaced from each other and are selectively slideable relative to the frame to define a plurality of adjustment positions. A pair of rollers are respectively mounted to the shafts for deforming the sheet of material between the rollers. An adjustment rod is mounted to and extends outwardly from the frame. A support interconnects the shafts and an adjustment device is rotatably engaged with the support. A coupling device is disposed about the adjustment rod and is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the coupling device couples the adjustment rod and the adjustment device to lock the shafts and rollers laterally relative to the frame. In the disengaged position, the shafts and rollers are slideable relative to the frame between the adjustment positions.

Abstract: A method of making a structure having an optimized sterical shape of a material 4 comprises the steps of forming a pre-form 1 of the structure of the material 4, setting geometric boundary conditions for the material 4 being in a state in which it is able to rearrange under the influence of internal tensions in the volume of the pre-form 1 so that the material rearranges itself into the structure in a self-organized way, and transferring the rearranged material 4 into a state in which the rearrangement of the material 4 is conserved.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a sheet metal blank or tubular blank in a metal forming tool, such as a sheet metal press or a media forming tool. The sheet metal press has an upper die and a lower die that are moved by a press to form the metal blank. The forming tool has a plurality of electrodes that are connected in an electrical circuit to a source of direct current. The electrodes provide pulses of the electric current to at least a portion of the blank. The method comprises loading the blank into the forming tool and closing the upper die and the lower die. The electrical circuit is completed between multiple electrodes through one or more portions of the blank. Electrical current is pulsed intermittently through the blank in a plurality of pulses.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of calibrating a microfluidic flow sensor, in which the flow of a fluid through a flow sensor is stopped and a first value is read from the flow sensor, then the fluid is pumped through the flow sensor sequentially at first and second selected rates, and readings from the flow sensor of the flow rate are taken for each of the rates. The readings are used in a polynomial equation to determine the actual flow rate, which is used to calibrate the sensor. The flow sensor can be connected to a computer programmed to perform the calibration method, determine the actual flow rate of the sensor, and make appropriate adjustments to the flow rate of a pump.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a distance sensor of a rotary actuator device for controlling a valve of an internal combustion engine. The rotary actuator includes an electric motor with an actuator element for actuating the valve, two energy storage means acting on the valve in opposite drive directions, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. The electric motor is controlled such that the valve is transferred from a first end position, in which the actuator element is a metastable torque-neutral position, to a second metastable torque-neutral position. Starting from a torque-neutral position, the electric motor is controlled such that the rotor is moved out of the torque-neutral position in at least one direction by a distance, and the resulting electric motor power consumption is measured. Depending on the electric motor current values, a new rotor position for calibration of the distance signal is ascertained.

Abstract: A sensor is able to perform identification of an impact acting on a support and resonance plate (2) and send a signal to a measuring and recording station (4). The sensor (1) is provided with an intermediate apparatus (3) which, after analyzing the characteristics of the effects produced by the impact and comparing them with the characteristics produced by the impact of a non-lethal projectile, sends the signal to the measuring and recording station (4) only in the case where these characteristics coincide substantially.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing bending strength is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a load-supporting platform, a motor, and a control part. The load-supporting platform is mounted on the frame. The load-supporting platform includes a vessel configured for receiving a hand-held device. The motor includes a piston. A piston head is mounted on one end of the piston for impacting the vessel. The piston head includes a convex face oriented to face the vessel. The control part is configured for controlling the piston to move up and down repeatedly. The apparatus can be used to test a hand-held device's bending strength conveniently.

Abstract: A stress wave sensor comprising a piezoelectric film and means therein for connection to sensor electronics. The piezoelectric film preferably comprises polyvinylidene fluoride. Also a stress wave sensor system and methods employing one or more such stress wave sensors, preferably attached to a vehicle transparent component, most preferably to the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an impact test of an object of test by use of a hammer is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pendulum arm swingable in an up-down direction in response to rotation of a rotary cam. The rotary cam is driven to rotate by a rotational drive unit, so that the hammer provided on a distal end portion of the pendulum arm successively applies impacts to the object of test.

Abstract: A device and a method for assigning at least two knock sensors to at least two cylinders of an internal combustion engine are provided. An arrangement for comparison is provided, which implements the assignment of the knock sensors to the cylinders by comparing at least two characteristic acoustic signals.

Abstract: An apparatus detects a leak of an electrically conductive fluid from a disposable plastic bag used in mixing applications, such as during bioprocessing in a sterile environment. In one embodiment, the bag is associated with a sensor for detecting a leak from an interior compartment. The sensor may be arranged to detect either a leak internal to the at least two material layers of the bag or external to the outer layer, or both. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for determining “real time” air leakage from a duct involves an airflow meter for taking airflow measurements at the inlet and at the outlet of the duct. Also included is a base fan that operates in three different modes to simultaneously vary an enclosure pressure at the inlet and outlet. This is done while a duct fan, inside the duct, is operated to continuously move air through the duct. A comparison of airflow measurements at the inlet, or at the outlet, under the three base fan operational modes will respectively identify whether leaks are present in the duct, upstream or downstream from the duct fan.

Abstract: A system that facilitates in situ determination of lubricity in a fluid comprises a multi-element sensor positioned within a machine, wherein the multi-element sensor obtains data regarding a plurality of parameters of a fluid. A component calculates lubricity of the fluid based at least in part upon the measured parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method that relates to determining water content of a solid insulation at a specific location within a transformer. The method comprising, determining a temperature of the solid insulation at a specific location, calculating a relative moisture saturation of the oil at the specific location, calculating the ultimate water content in the solid insulation at the specific location, and calculating an actual water content in the solid insulation at the specific location.

Abstract: A method and a device for exciting pressure fluctuations in a fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine are provided, which in turn enable a determination of the sound velocity of the fuel. A quantity that characterizes the pressure in a fuel storage device or a fuel line is evaluated. In at least one operating state of the internal combustion engine, a natural oscillation of the fuel in the fuel storage device or the fuel line is excited.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring apparatus includes a pressure transducer having a housing and a valve stem secured to the housing. The valve stem projects through an opening in a wheel for holding the tire. A retention clip is secured to the valve stem. The retention clip includes a plurality of spring retention members for engaging the opening in the when the valve stem projects through the opening. The retention members are deflected when the valve stem projects through the opening and have resilient properties that spring bias the retention members against the wheel to help retain the tire pressure monitoring apparatus on the wheel.

Abstract: A formation fluid sample is exposed to a rigidly-supported semi-permeable membrane such as silicone rubber to permit diffusion of gases and vapors from the formation fluid into a vacuum chamber, while at the same time, blocking the passage of any liquids. The membrane-transmitted gas is analyzed in the vacuum chamber by a sorbent-coated resonator. The sorbent absorbs gas and changes the resonant frequency of the resonator to indicate the presence of a gas. An ion pump or sorbent is associated with the evacuated chamber to maintain the vacuum. The ion pump or sorbent removes gases and vapors from the chamber that diffuse into the chamber from the reservoir sample that is on the opposite side of the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: Techniques for evaluating physical aspects of a formation fluid from within a wellbore include changing pressure on a sample of the formation fluid and transmitting at least one acoustic pulse through the fluid sample and analyzing acoustic information collected. Apparatus and methods for the evaluating involve using at least one acoustic transducer. Analyzing typically involves use of formulae that relate the fluid's equation of state and other properties to a change in the sound speed in the fluid as a function of pressure.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and apparatus for diagnosing a motor-operated valve capable of continuously measuring a preload of a spring cartridge at low costs, with high accuracy, and with ease, so that the elastic characteristics of the spring cartridge may be easily calibrated in a simple manner. The method and apparatus is for diagnosing a motor-operated valve including a valve disc 25, a worm 12 rotatably driven by motor power, a link mechanism which opens and closes the valve disc 25 with the rotational driving force transmitted from the worm 12, and a spring cartridge 13 containing disc springs 15 which expand or compress in response to reaction force acting on the worm 12 in its axial direction from the link mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating wind direction including: a holder, a supportive pole connected to the holder, a wind vane rotatably connected to the supportive pole in view of wind so as to indicate a direction of wind, an orientation indicator rotatably connected to the supportive pole to show the direction of the magnetic pole of the earth, and a solar-power supplier disposed at the holder, which provides power to illuminate the wind van and the orientation indicator.

Abstract: A transmitter senses flow or pressure of a process fluid in a process pipe. The process pipe may include a flow restrictor positioned therein that carries a primary flow of a process fluid. Impulse piping is configured to carry a secondary flow of the process fluid from an upstream side of the flow restrictor to a downstream side. An electro-kinetic element is positioned within the impulse piping and is configured to generate an electro-kinetic potential related to the primary flow. Measurement circuitry in the transmitter is configured to measure the electro-kinetic potential across the electro-kinetic element and relate the electro-kinetic potential to the flow of process fluid through the process pipe.

Abstract: A sensor having a mass that moves relative to a structure is disclosed. A spring mechanism applies a restoring force to the mass when the mass moves from an equilibrium position with respect to the structure. A first code scale is attached to the mass and viewed by a first imaging system that is fixed with respect to the structure. The first imaging system forms images of the first code scale that are used by a controller to provide an indication of the relative position of the mass with respect to the structure. The mass can be located in a sealed chamber in the structure that has a transparent liquid through which the mass moves. The first imaging can view the first code scale from outside the chamber through a transparent window in the chamber.

Abstract: A convective accelerometer capable of measuring linear or angular acceleration, velocity, or angle of inclination is provided. The accelerometer comprises sensing elements that are sensitive to convection located inside a sealed housing containing a liquid agent. Applied external acceleration causes forced convection of the liquid agent, which produces variations in an electric current produced by the sensing elements that are proportional to the applied acceleration or angle of inclination. The accelerometer has a small size, extremely wide frequency and dynamic ranges, high sensitivity, simple design and is suitable for mass production. The device has a wide range of application, such as stabilization and control systems, homeland security, and oil exploration.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device with a mechanism layer having a first part and a second part, and at least one cover for sealing the mechanism layer. The inner surface of at least one of the covers is structured such that a protruding structure is present on the inner surface of the cover and wherein the protruding structure mechanically causes the first part to be deflected out of a plane associated with the second part.

Abstract: A method of detecting defects in a railway track rail, the rail (101) having a longitudinal centre plane and a surface, the surface including a running surface (102), the method comprising directing an excitation laser beam (106) to an excitation position (103) on the surface of the rail (101) to induce an ultrasonic wave in the rail (101); and directing a detection laser beam (108) to a detection position (104) on the surface of the rail (101) to detect at least one predetermined property of the induced ultrasonic wave; wherein the excitation position (103) and the detection position (104) are located on the running surface (102) and displaced from the longitudinal centre plane of the rail (101).

Abstract: A system for locating a failure event in a sample is disclosed. The system includes at least one sensor configured to detect acoustic energy corresponding to the failure event in the sample. The system also includes an infrared camera configured to detect a thermal release of energy corresponding to the failure event in the sample.

Abstract: In a method for the ultrasonic testing of a workpiece (2) in a curved area of its surface, in particular of a workpiece (2) made of a fiber composite material, an ultrasonic test head (10) is acoustically coupled to the workpiece in this area, and includes an ultrasonic transducer arrangement (12) comprising a plurality (N) of individually driveable transducer elements (20i) which are arranged next to one another. In chronologically successive test cycles, a number (n) of transducer elements (20i) are respectively combined to form a group and are driven in a plurality of test pulses within this test cycle in a time delayed manner with respect to one another such that the transmitted ultrasound beam (30a-d) in this test cycle is swept within a predetermined angular range (?1, ?2), so that one of the number of echo signals, corresponding to the number of test pulses, for each group is received from different directions of the workpiece (2).