Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a compact heat pump using water as refrigerant, comprising an evaporator (20) located at a first end section of the heat pump casing (12), adapted to allow evaporation of water therefrom, One or more compressors (40) located at a second end section of the heat pump casing adapted to induce said evaporation by maintaining vacuum, provided with an intake conduit (32) extending from the evaporator (20) to the compressor (40) leading vapor thereto. A condenser (30) is located in the intermediate section of the casing (12) wherein the intake conduit (32) passes therethrough, adapted for condensing the vapor. The heat pump also comprises vacuum means (39) allowing creating and maintaining vacuum in the casing. There is also provided a snow dome allowing skiing and snow related activities in above zero conditions using the heat pump for creation of snow or ice slurry.

Abstract: An air conditioner is disclosed which includes a case having one or more air intake portions, a heat exchanger inside the case, a fan in a vicinity of the heat exchanger, and an intake amount reducing member at one of the air intake portions that reduces an intake amount of introduced air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a sensor cover slidingly-coupled to inside of a cooling chamber and accommodating a sensor therein. Since the sensor cover is easily coupled to or separated from the cooling chamber, damage of components is prevented.

Abstract: In a compression/expansion unit (30) serving as a fluid machine, both of a compression mechanism (50) and an expansion mechanism (60) are contained in a single casing (31). A shaft (40) coupling the compression mechanism (50) to the expansion mechanism (60) has an oil feeding channel (90) formed therein. Refrigerating machine oil accumulated at the bottom of the casing (31) is sucked up into the oil feeding channel (90) and fed to the compression mechanism (50) and the expansion mechanism (60). The refrigerating machine oil fed to the expansion mechanism (60) is discharged from the expansion mechanism (60) together with the refrigerant after expansion, flows through the refrigerant circuit and then flows back to the compression mechanism (50) in the compression/expansion unit (30).

Abstract: A stator core of a motor has a plurality of oil return passages extending through one surface and the other surface of the core. On the other surface of the stator core, a hydraulic diameter of each oil return passage is 5 mm or larger, and a ratio of a total area of the oil return passages to an area of a virtual circle having a diameter equal to a maximum outer diameter of the stator core is 5 to 15%. Lubricating oil accumulated on the other surface side of the stator core is returned to an oil reservoir through the oil return passages, and shortage of oil in the oil reservoir is prevented. Furthermore, a cross sectional area of the stator core can be securely kept, and motor efficiency is maintained.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the vapor distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed.

Abstract: An air stream is compressed in multiple stages using refrigeration derived from a refrigerant comprising natural gas for inter-stage cooling. The possibility of natural gas leaking into the air stream is reduced by use of an intermediate cooling medium (“ICM”) to transfer the refrigeration from the refrigerant to the inter-stage air stream. The compressed air stream can be fed to a cryogenic air separation unit that includes an LNG-based liquefier unit from which a cold natural gas stream is withdrawn for use as said refrigerant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and a system to compress air. The process involves the following steps, (i) compressing air in a compressor, (ii) cooling the compressed air as obtained in step (i) (iii) further compressing the air of step (ii) in a second compressor, (iv) further compressing at least part of the compressed air as obtained in step (iii) in a booster compressor, wherein the compressor in step (i) is an axial compressor, the compressor of step (i) and (iii) are driven by a common first driver and the booster compressor is driven by a separate second driver and wherein the compressors of steps (i) and (iii) are split into two individual casings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an earring assembly comprising an ornamental portion adapted to be suspended from a hook portion. The hook portion is adapted to be inserted into a piercing opening of an earlobe of a wearer by a pin portion extended from the hook. The assembly further comprises an ornamental ear lobe masking element, mounted on the hook, adapted to be securely mounted on the assembly and provided to mask or disguise the piercing opening or hole of the earlobe. The assembly further comprises a guard element mounted on the hook and adapted to abut the inner surface of the earlobe. The guard element is provided to facilitate a counter balance with the masking element and to keep the masking element flat against the earlobe. The masking element has generally a saucer-shaped configuration and provided with a central opening that threads onto the hook.

Abstract: Jewelry in the form of necklaces, bracelets, and bangles has a prominent component that is smooth and has a shape that is round or has rounded edges with no sharp edges or points. The jewelry is ornamentally attractive and is useful when worn on the person of a caregiver so that an infant can teeth on the jewelry. The jewelry is nontoxic and dishwasher safe.

Abstract: An article of jewelry includes at least one body having a top and bottom face. The body is constructed of a precious or semi-precious metal. In one embodiment, the metal is titanium. A magnetic element is connected to the body. In one embodiment, the magnetic element has a face or surface which comprises at least 50%, and preferably 75% to 90%, of the total area of the bottom face of the body. In one embodiment, the body comprises a link, and a plurality of the links are connected to form a bracelet. In one embodiment, the magnetic element is generally oval in shape and is inset into the body so that the face of the magnetic element is co-planar with the rear of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ring detacher typically including typically including a base, a retainer, a screw and a handle bar, in which said retainer having a through-hole is located to standing on the base for passing through the finger wearing on the ring, said retainer also has a radial threaded hole crossing the frame of the retainer connecting to the through-hole rightly so that the screw can be secured in or out the through-hole via the threaded hole with the external thread engaging with the threaded hole, meanwhile the screw has a crowned pressing head built on the bottom end stretched into the inside of the through-hole, and said handle bar can be located on the top end of the screw. The present invention has the simplified structure, so the operation is very convenient, safety avoiding the embarrassment situation of being unable to pull the ring off happening.

Abstract: An item of jewelry includes a movable or removable setting and a charm coupled to a short chain. The chain carrying the charm can be captured by the movable or removable setting. According to one embodiment, the setting has internal threads which mate with a threaded post. According to another embodiment, the setting is coupled to a slotted basket via a bayonet coupling. The charms are preferably provided in a wide range of designs, including, but not limited to holiday themes, religious themes, astrological signs, varsity letters, graduation year, wedding themes, commercial characters such as Disney characters, TV characters, messages such as “I Love You”, etc. The settings may include different color stones to match different color clothing, birth stones, etc.

Abstract: A gemstone setting that includes at least two gemstones arranged in a side-to-side configuration. The configuration forms a gemstone arrangement that has four corners. The setting also includes four posts which secure the four corners of the gemstone arrangement. The gemstone arrangement is also held in place by a support. The support supports the gemstone arrangement at a midpoint between the corners of the gemstone arrangement.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silica glass block is provided in which, by markedly reducing the bubbles within the silica glass block, the quality of a silica glass block can be improved, contamination of the silica glass block can be prevented, and the yield of the silica glass block can be improved. The method comprises preparing a natural or synthetic silica raw material powder, packing the silica raw material powder into a glass fusing furnace, preheat treating the silica raw material powder packed into the fusing furnace, heating and fusing the heat preheat-treated silica raw material powder, and cooling a silica glass melt fused in the fusing furnace. The silica raw material powder packed into the fusing furnace is closely packed in the packing step, and an evacuation and a rare gas or H2 gas introduction treatment is performed in the preheat treating step.

Abstract: A method for laminating glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic layers. The method comprises providing a first layer of glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic, wherein the glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic of the first layer is electromagnetic radiation-sensitive or has an electromagnetic radiation susceptor disposed on it; stacking a second layer of glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic on the first layer; and irradiating the stack with electromagnetic radiation to laminate the first and second layers.

Abstract: Methods of drawing glass sheet via a downdraw process are provided. In certain aspects, the methods utilize rapid cooling below the root (70) of the forming apparatus (10). Such rapid cooling can, for example, facilitate the use of glass having a liquidus viscosity less than about 100,000 poise. In other aspects, the methods utilize slow cooling between the viscosities of 1011 poises and 1014 poises. Such slow cooling can facilitate the production of glass substrates which exhibit low levels of compaction. In further aspects, substrates are removed from the glass sheet at elevated temperatures which can facilitate increases in the production rates of downdraw machines. In still further aspects, rapid cooling below the root, slow cooling between the viscosities of 1011 poises and 1014 poises, and/or substrate removal at elevated temperatures are combined. Such combinations can facilitate economically effective utilization of downdraw equipment.

Abstract: A glass strip manufacturing method includes heat-drawing a preform glass plate by softening the preform glass plate with heat and drawing the preform glass plate down to a desired thickness. The preform glass plate has a level of transmittance that allows radiant heat absorbed therein while passing therethrough to diffuse before locally accumulating therein. The minimum transmittance of the preform glass plate in a thickness of 3 millimeters at a wavelength of 800 to 2200 nanometers is 86 to 95%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet glass oven, in particular for tempering glass panes including a lower oven part provided with stove rollers for transporting the temperable glass panes, where the axes of rotation of the oven rollers are arranged substantially in a perpendicular position to the direction of a glass pane extension. The oven also includes a top oven part having a central section and a lid. The oven is also provided with lower heating groups and top heating groups, where the heating groups extend under the oven rollers and the top heating groups extend thereabove and are formed by electric heat resistances.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical fiber base material includes: forming a porous glass base material by depositing glass particles; providing a synthetic quartz glass vessel at least partly made of quartz glass which contains aluminum equal to or less than 0.01 ppm; introducing dehydration reaction gas and inert gas into the vessel; heating a portion made of quartz glass which contains aluminum equal to or less than 0.01 ppm in the vessel that contains the dehydration reaction gas and the inert gas; and inserting the porous glass base material into the heated vessel to dehydrate and sinter the porous glass base material.

Abstract: A sock includes a sole having protrusions formed on its inner surface by tuck knitting. The protrusions are spaced from each other in the course direction to define first recesses between the protrusions that are adjacent to each other in the course direction, and spaced from each other in the wale direction to define second recesses between the protrusions adjacent to each other in the wale direction. Each protrusion is formed by knitting six courses in one loop, and includes six rubber threads, 12 reinforcing threads, three front threads and three back threads. The protrusions are arranged in a plurality of rows, each row occupying one course. Between the adjacent rows of protrusions, the second recesses are defined, which each occupy four courses. The protrusions have a height of 3.5 to 4.5 mm from the second recesses.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present application, a knitting method is disclosed for a knitting fabric capable of eliminating the need of stitch transfer during knitting and easily knitting even a thick and less stretchable knitting fabric. Three types of stitching including knits marked with “O,” tacks marked with “V,” and missings marked with “-” are knitted repeatedly in a course direction and a wale direction. The thickness of the clothing fabric of a knitted product is 1.5 times that by plain knitting or thicker which is equal to a thickness obtained by rib knitting. The elongation of the knitted product in the course direction is approximately 1.5 times that by the other methods which is approximately half an elongation obtained by plain knitting which is approximately three times that by the other methods. The elongation of the knitted product in the wale direction is approximately 1.7 to 1.8 times that obtained by the other methods which is equal to an elongation obtained by plain knitting.

Abstract: A tub (100) for a washing machine, and a washing machine comprising the same are disclosed. The tub (100) is formed through injection molding with a bearing housing (200) inserted therein, and the washing machine comprises the same. Here, the bearing housing (200) comprises a flange (210) extending to have a protruded part (216) and a recessed part (215) in a radial direction. The tub (100), and the washing machine comprising the same solve the problems of the conventional washing machine, and fulfil various requirements. The tub (100) has excellent strength and rigidity of the rear wall thereof, exhibits a strong coupling force with respect to the inserted bearing housing (200), and reduces manufacturing costs. Thus, the washing machine has all the characteristics of the tub (100).

Abstract: An additive dispenser includes a fluid-retaining chamber. A siphoning post extends upward from a lower surface of the fluid-retaining chamber and cooperates with a cap or other structure so as to form a siphon chamber. When water is added to the chamber and a liquid level rises above an inlet to the siphoning element, a siphoning effect draws fluid from the chamber. When the siphoning effect is interrupted, any unsiphoned fluid remaining in the chamber exits by permeation through one or more porous elements located in a base of the chamber.

Abstract: A dispensing system for a liquid or viscous treating agent for use with a washing machine with a suds container configured to receive wash liquid. The dispensing system includes a dispenser box in communication with a water feed line. The dispenser box is configured to dispense treating agents to the suds container by flushing the treating agents out from the dispenser box. A receiving compartment is disposed in the dispenser box and is configured to receive a cartridge for holding a supply of the liquid or viscous treating agent. A dosing device configured to dispense the treating agent from the cartridge to the suds container is included in the dispensing system. The dosing device includes a linear displacement pump disposed on the cartridge. The linear displacement pump is configured to dispense a substantially constant volume of the treating agent from the cartridge with each stroke. The substantially constant volume of treating agent is a fraction of a total volume of treating agent for dispensing.

Abstract: A laundry machine having a steam generator is disclosed. A heater is controlled, such that steam generation coincides with a predetermined time period, whereby the steam supply time is enabled to be controlled with relative accuracy. If an error occurs when water is being supplied to the steam generator, then an error message is displayed such that a user may be informed of the error. If a predetermined time period has elapsed, then a pump is stopped to prevent an excessive amount of water from being supplied to the steam generator.

Abstract: A stop arrangement for precluding disengagement of a mortise deadbolt lock element by a cam which is employed to extend and retract the element. The arrangement employs first and second stop arms angularly spaced from a cam, which are rotatable, along with the cam, and which engage the lock element to preclude over-rotation.

Abstract: A security bar for quickly barricading a doorknob-operated, outward-opening door from inside a room, especially useful for fire safety doors used in schools and similar institutions. The bar spans the doorway from the knob to at least one side of the doorframe, with the ends of the bar overlying, and preferably directly engaging, the sides of the doorframe in a non-rotating fashion. The bar has a doorknob-engaging platform that engages the inner doorknob. A clamping member carried by the doorknob-engaging platform normally rests in a storage position out of the way of the doorknob while the bar is being applied to the door, but is quickly activated to clamp the doorknob to the platform. A lock is optionally engaged to lock the clamping member in place and prevent attempts to lift the bar out of engagement with the doorknob. Attempts to force the door open from the outside simply force the bar more tightly against the doorframe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective hood anti-rotation lock for a portable power tool (12a-k), especially for an angle grinder, for providing anti-rotational locking between the portable power tool (12a-k) and a protective hood unit (14a-k). According to the invention, the protective hood anti-rotation lock has a form-fit unit (16a-k) which is provided for anti-rotational locking of the protective hood unit (14a-k) in relation to the portable power tool (12a-k) in the event of a tool (18a-k) breakage.

Abstract: A closing mechanism with a lock which contains both a rotatably supported latch and a pivotably supported pawl, which is spring-loaded toward the latch. The latch is in an open position when the door is open, and, when the door is being closed, it moves first into a prelatching position, in which the pawl engages with a prelatching notch on the latch. A closing aid moves the latch from its prelatching position into a main latching position, in which the pawl is supported on the main latching notch of the latch. When the door is opened, before the release or during the release, the closing aid be activated again not in the same direction as the preceding closing movement but rather in the opposite direction. As a result, the same component, namely, the closing aid, is used to move the latch gradually and gently back into its open position.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for quickly and efficiently locking and securing the security doors of a building with A single Allen key piece, A housing for the Allen key piece, and diamond knurling on the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the Allen key is fitted into the housing for proper use.

Abstract: The composter (1) includes a body formed with at least one series of side panels (2) of plastic material that define an inner space (4) where organic waste is to be provided. At least the panels (2) are obtained by pressing of a material essentially consisting of plastic and other waste materials. The plastic may be from selective collection waste, such as paper, cardboard, fabric, PET, aluminum, etc. A composter (1) is obtained having good technical features and with a low cost, by using an organic, recycled and recyclable material.

Abstract: A cutoff unit for cutting a variably swept continuous beam extending from a roll forming mill includes a pickup subassembly for tracking a shape of the continuous beam, and a cutoff subassembly that engages and supports sides of the continuous beam while a blade slices transversely through the continuous beam. A controller connected to the roll forming mill and to the cutoff unit controls the cutoff unit to allow pass through of the continuous beam, and is configured to actuate the pickup and then actuate the blade to cut the continuous beam into longitudinally symmetrical beam segments, each having a center section (swept or not) and with mirror-image equally-swept end sections.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rolling stand, a rolling train, and a method for rolling a stepped preprofiled metal strip. In order to guarantee that the metal strip is free of waviness in its longitudinal direction, even after individual thickness reduction of the steps, the invention proposes that the thickness reduction be carried out on a step-specific basis according to the following mathematical relationship: ?hi/hi=?hi+1/hi+1=?=constant, where ?hi represents the amount of the thickness reduction in the region of the i-th step, and hi represents the value of the resulting thickness of the metal strip 200 after rolling in the region of the i-th step.

Abstract: A bending device for two working rolls of a rolling stand. Guide blocks provided in lateral roll housings for guiding two pressure-transmission bodies vertically adjustable with respect to each other and, on which the working rolls are supported via chocks. Bending cylinders are arranged in pairs between the pressure-transmission bodies at each end of the rolls. Each cylinder has a piston rod acting on one pressure-transmission body and a cylinder at the respective other pressure-transmission body. Each pressure-transmission body is supported on a respective guide block in a sliding manner. So that loads acting on the pressure-transmission bodies can be introduced into the guide block free of edge pressure, the pressure-transmission bodies are supported on the respective guide blocks in a sliding manner by self-adjusting wearing plates which include surfaces that enable both sliding and pivoting of the bodies with respect to the guide blocks.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method for producing untrimmed container bodies from pre-cut metal blanks. The method involves cupping a pre-cut metal blank by positioning the blank against an immovable draw punch comprising an annular body having an inner surface adapted to form a redraw die and an outer surface, and drawing a periphery of the blank over the outer surface of the draw punch with an encircling draw die to form a cup having an open end, a closed end and an interior. The cup is then inverted and redrawn by forcing a redraw punch into the closed end of the cup to draw the closed end through the redraw die until the cup is inverted to form an inverted cup with a closed end supported on the punch. The inverted cup while supported on the redraw punch is passed through one or more ironing rings to lengthen the inverted cup to form an untrimmed container body having a closed end.

Abstract: A two-dimensional sheet material is provided that is suitable for bending along a bend line to form a three-dimensional object. The sheet material is provided with a plurality of displacements in a thickness direction of the sheet material on one side of the bend line. A portion of the displacements shear adjacent the bend line and define an edge and an opposed face. The edge and opposed face configured to produce edge-to-face engagement of the sheet material during bending. Alternatively, sheet material is provided with a plurality of displacements in a thickness direction of the sheet material on one or both sides of the bend line, and with a plurality of corresponding and cooperating protrusions to improve structural integrity and/or to improve electromagnetic and radio frequency shielding. The sheet material may also be provided with a self-latching structure. A method of preparing and using these sheet materials is also described.

Abstract: A method of preparing a two-dimensional sheet of material for bending along a bend line to form a three-dimensional article having a fluid-resistant bend includes the steps of forming at least one bend-controlling displacement in the thickness direction of the sheet of material, a portion of a periphery of the bend-controlling displacement proximate the bend line defining a sheared face directed toward an opposed sheet surface in the sheet of material on an opposite side of the bend line, and bending the sheet of material. A balancing of the forces during bending produces face-to-surface engagement between the sheared face and the opposed sheet surface such that the sheet material is substantially fluid-resistant along the bend line.

Abstract: A substantially two-dimensional sheet material is configured for bending along a bend line to form a three-dimensional structure having a hinge along the bend line. The sheet material includes a substantially two-dimensional in a region in which a bend is to be made, and a plurality of displacements in a thickness direction of the sheet material along opposing sides of the bend line, each displacement having a sheared edge extending between end portions thereof and substantially parallel to the bend line. The adjacent sheared edges overlap one another with respect to the bend line to form a hinge structure therebetween extending along the bend line, the hinge structure having hinge ends that conform in shape with the end portions. The hinge structure is dimensioned and configured for multiple bend and unbend cycles thereby providing a monolithic hinge connecting opposing panels of the sheet material on opposing sides of the bend line.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending a work using a punch mounted onto an upper table and a die mounted onto a lower table by operation of a ram consisting of the upper table or the lower table includes: a machining information determining means for determining bending sequences, tools, tool layouts, and work positions, based on product information; a tool management database for accumulating numbers of uses of each tool that actually bent the work along with operation of the ram, based on the determined work positions, tools and tool layouts; a number of uses of tool detecting means for detecting number of uses of each mounted tool, referring to the tool management database; and a displaying means for displaying number of uses of relevant predetermined tool, when the detected number of uses of each tool becomes equal or approximate to a durable number of uses, or when a display command signal from a worker side is input.

Abstract: A method of confidence testing in an uncontrolled environment using at least one test analyte in a container; placing the container adjacent to or connected to the detector, where the detector is configured to detect analytes within a threat library comprising the test analyte; releasing the test analyte from the container; detecting the test analyte with the detector; and comparing the detected test analyte with the threat library to determine whether the detector is operating correctly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for testing the operation of a detection instrument, which comprises a first enclosure having at least two ports and containing a fluid comprising a substance detectable in gas form by the instrument, said fluid being present in part as a vapor phase and in part as a liquid phase in equilibrium with one another, said first enclosure being interconnected with the instrument such that the fluid contained in the first enclosure can be dispensed to the instrument via at least one port of said first enclosure; a second enclosure having at least one port and containing either the same or a different fluid in gas form as compared with the first enclosure, said second enclosure being adapted for selective dispensing of a known or ascertainable mass of the fluid contained therein via at least one port thereof, and being interconnected with the first enclosure such that said mass can be introduced into the volume within said first enclosure through at least one port thereof, thereby t

Abstract: An electronic balance is provided, in which a tolerance resulting from temperature variation is variable and a frequency for sensitivity calibration corresponds to the tolerance. A load detecting portion 1 detects a load of an object to be weighed 12, a processing portion 2 converts a detecting signal from the load detecting portion 1 into a mass value, transmits the mass data to a display portion 3, and controls a sensitivity calibrating mechanism 6a to perform a sensitivity calibration by increasing or reducing internal weights 13 on the load detecting portion 1. An operation control program of the processing portion 2 is built with a tolerance input function 21, a sensitivity calibration execution condition calculating function 22, and a sensitivity calibration execution determining function 24. Whenever the temperature variation reaches or exceeds an allowable temperature variation ?T, a sensitivity calibration is performed.

Abstract: An optical method and system for generating calibration data are provided. The calibration data is for use in calibrating a part inspection system. The method includes supporting a calibration device having a central axis and a plurality of regions which are rotationally symmetric about the axis. The method further includes scanning the device with an array of spaced planes of radiation so that the device occludes each of the planes of radiation at spaced locations along the central axis to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the device. The method still further includes measuring the amount of radiation present in each of the unobstructed planar portions to obtain measurement signals. The method includes processing the measurement signals to obtain calibration data for calibrating the system.

Abstract: A calibration device for use in an optical, part measuring system is provided. The device has a central axis and a plurality of regions which are rotationally symmetric about the axis. The device includes a series of step-shaped portions defining a multi-step region having a plurality of step edges. A profile of the multi-step region contains information for calibrating the system. The device further includes a plurality of cylindrically-shaped portions spaced apart along the axis and defining constant diameter regions containing information for calibrating the system. The device still further includes a frustum-shaped portion defining a pair of spaced, slope edge regions and a sloped region having boundaries marked by the pair of slope edge regions. The frustum-shaped portion has first and second diameters at its boundaries which define a range of diameters of parts capable of being measured in the system.

Abstract: A programmable liquid sampler for obtaining and digitally analyzing multiple, sequential samples in real time from an external source of liquid to be analyzed comprises an adaptive feedback algorithm for correcting sample weight measurements occasioned by vacuum delays. A sampling assembly receives and at least temporarily stores a sample drawn by suction through an air port that can also pressurize the chamber. A load cell determines sample mass through a logic controller that implements adaptive feedback by recognizing a desired target sample size, requesting an initial sample, and measuring the initial sample size. A variable scaling factor is derived by comparing the target sample size to said measured sample size and the subsequent requesting size is scaled. Samples can be stored in multiple compartments of a radial table that is indexed by the computer software for proper sample control.

Abstract: An apparatus including: an optical sensor comprising an optical transmitter and an optical receiver; and a calibration system configured to change calibration of the sensor when a measurement taken at the optical receiver, while the optical transmitter is on and the apparatus is in use, passes a test.

Abstract: A hammer for a Charpy pendulum, comprising a body including a head and an arm, wherein the arm is equipped with a portion for attachment to an end opposite to that of the head and wherein the head has a general C-shape, with a concave part in which an area of impact is situated. The arm and the head of said body are obtained in a monolithic form by means of perimetral cutting of a plane plate.

Abstract: According to a process for treating perfluorides in which a perfluoride treatment undertaker carries out decomposition treatment of perfluorides discharged from a manufacturing plant by using a perfluoride treating apparatus connected to said manufacturing plant, and the cost of treatment of perfluorides calculated according to the amount of perfluorides treated by said perfluoride treating apparatus is communicated to the owner of said manufacturing plant, it is possible to reduce the cost required for the decomposition treatment of perfluorides which cost is to be defrayed by the product manufacturer.

Abstract: A micro fluid analyzer that may be highly sensitive, fast and very compact. The analyzer may use sufficiently low power per analysis to be easily implemented with an equivalently small battery pack or other portable power source. There may be energy conservation features in the analyzer, such as optimal adsorber film thicknesses in the pre-concentrator, concentrator and chromatographic separators. There may be special timing of the phased heating elements in the concentrators and separators to further reduce energy consumption. Various kinds of detectors and sensors may be incorporated in the analyzer for achieving low probability for false positives and detection versatility. There may be a controller that provides data acquisition and analyses, drive signals for control, management of wireless signal transmission and reception, processing, and other operational uses of the micro analyzer.