Abstract: A refrigerant expansion assembly, and method of operation, for use in a vehicle air conditioning system is disclosed. The assembly has a main body including an orifice inlet port, an orifice outlet port, an orifice channel extending between the orifice inlet and outlet ports and including a fixed orifice, an upstream bypass channel extending from the orifice channel between the orifice inlet port and the fixed orifice and including a valve seat, and a downstream bypass channel extending from the orifice channel between the fixed orifice and the orifice outlet port. A bypass valve flange extends from the main body, forming a bypass chamber connected to the upstream bypass channel and the downstream bypass channel, with the ball valve seat adjacent to the bypass chamber. A check ball mounts in the bypass chamber adjacent to the valve seat, and a spring biases the check ball into the valve seat.

Abstract: A refrigerant expansion assembly, and method of operation, for use in a vehicle air conditioning system is disclosed. An orifice channel connects an orifice inlet port to an orifice outlet port and includes a valve seat. A variable orifice assembly is mounted in the orifice channel and includes a fixed orifice passage extending axially through a variable orifice body having a sealing flange that can seal against a valve seat via an orifice spring. An orifice bypass valve includes a check ball biased against a ball seat by a bypass spring and selectively allows some of the refrigerant to bypass the variable orifice assembly. The refrigerant expansion assembly may also include a burst disk downstream of the variable orifice assembly.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a compressor, a first heat source-side heat exchanger for heating or cooling a refrigerant, a second heat source-side heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a heat delivery medium, a first utilization-side heat exchanger for performing indoor cooling by using the refrigerant cooled in the first heat source-side heat exchanger, a second utilization-side heat exchanger for performing indoor heating by using the heat delivery medium subjected to heat exchange in the second heat source-side heat exchanger, and a connection mechanism.

Abstract: A refrigeration system configured for use with a trailer including a container having a roof, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration unit configured to couple to the trailer and operable to condition the container. The refrigeration system also includes a duct in fluid communication between the refrigeration unit and an opening in the first sidewall. The duct is configured to direct an airflow in at least one of a first direction toward the refrigeration unit and a second direction away from the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A water filter for a refrigeration appliance has a housing (1), which contains a filter material and has a fitting for mounting in a filter socket (2) at one end. A grip portion (8) is attached to an opposite end (3) of the housing (1).

Abstract: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided which include dissimilar tube spacing configurations. The heat exchangers include multiple sets of multichannel tubes in fluid communication with each other. One set of multichannel tubes contains a plurality of tubes spaced apart at one spacing while the another set of multichannel tubes contains a plurality of tubes spaced apart at a different spacing. The different spacing between the multichannel tubes allows each set of tubes to be configured to the properties of the refrigerant flowing within the tubes.

Abstract: A refrigerating device is subdivided by a first partition into a storage zone and an air distribution zone. An air supply inlet and an air outlet open into the air distribution zone, and a plurality of holes are formed in the partition for letting air through from the air distribution zone into the storage zone and vice versa.

Abstract: A discharge device in a substance modifying device is provided with a positive electrode in linear or needle form and a negative electrode in plane form. Thus, substances having a nanostructure are made to contact an active species generated through streamer discharge, which is discharge between the positive and negative electrodes, where discharge between certain points of the positive electrode and a number of points on the negative electrode occurs stably and approximately simultaneously, and is diffused from between the positive and negative electrodes, so that the nanostructure is eliminated. The nanostructure is eliminated in this manner, and thus, the bioinvasive response due to the nanostructure of substances is reduced.

Abstract: In a condenser for an air conditioning system, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a condensing section (1b) and a supercooling section (1c) which is arranged above the condensing section, comprising an approximately tubular modulator (2) which is divided by a separating wall (2b) into a lower section (2c), which is connected to the condensing section (1b), and an upper section (2d), which is connected to the supercooling section (1c), comprising an ascending pipe (4) between the lower and upper sections of the modulator, and comprising a container (7) for desiccant in the lower section (2c) of the modulator, the modulator (2) is provided at the upper side with a plug (6), it being possible for the separating wall (2b) with the desiccant container to be removed upwards out of the modulator once the plug has been detached from the interchangeable unit.

Abstract: A humidity control system during humidification operation sequentially repeats a first mode in which a second adsorption heat exchanger (82) serves as an evaporator and the remaining adsorption heat exchangers serve as evaporators, a second mode in which a third adsorption heat exchanger (83) serves as an evaporator and the remaining adsorption heat exchangers serve as evaporators and a third mode in which a first adsorption heat exchanger (81) serves as an evaporator and the remaining adsorption heat exchangers serve as evaporators. For example, during the first mode, the first adsorption heat exchanger (81) serving as an evaporator adsorbs moisture in a first air. Furthermore, in the second adsorption heat exchanger (82) serving as a condenser, the adsorbent is regenerated to humidify a second air. Furthermore, in the third adsorption heat exchanger (83) serving as an evaporator, the second air given moisture and heat in the second adsorption heat exchanger (82) is cooled.

Abstract: A modular household refrigeration system and method includes a refrigerated source of a primary coolant. The refrigerated source includes a tank for holding the primary coolant and a vapor compression refrigeration cycle system having a secondary coolant in thermal contact with the primary coolant for cooling thereof. At least one refrigerator module is remotely positioned relative to the refrigerated source and the tank. The at least one refrigerator module is fluidly connected to the refrigerated source and the tank by an inlet coolant line for delivery of the primary coolant and an exit coolant line for return of the primary coolant. The primary coolant is delivered to the at least one refrigerator module for cooling thereof to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a suction pipe assembly with improved heat conductivity and a manufacturing method thereof. The suction pipe assembly includes a suction pipe, a capillary, a heat transmission pipe, and an adhesive agent. The suction pipe is disposed between a compressor and an evaporator and guides a refrigerant ejected from the evaporator to the compressor in a cooling system executing cooling by circulating the refrigerant and including the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator. The capillary is disposed between the condenser and the evaporator and guides the refrigerant ejected from the condenser to the evaporator. The heat transmission pipe includes the capillary inside and a contact portion for widening a contact area to the suction pipe outside to tightly contact the suction pipe. The adhesive agent is interposed between an external surface of the suction pipe and the contact portion to connect the heat transmission pipe with the suction pipe.

Abstract: Method for operating a frosting vessel of an anti-sublimation system for capturing CO2 from a gas stream. During defrosting of CO2 ice present in the frosting vessel CO2 gas is removed from the frosting vessel. Anti-sublimation system for capturing CO2 from a gas stream. Said anti-sublimation system comprises a frosting vessel and means for removing CO2 gas from the frosting vessel. Said means is adapted to remove CO2 gas during defrosting of CO2 ice present in the frosting vessel. Flue gas treatment system comprising one or more heat exchangers for lowering the temperature of the flue gas and one or more scrubbers for removing contaminants from the flue gas. Said flue gas treatment system further comprises the above-mentioned anti-sublimation system.

Abstract: A titania-doped quartz glass containing 3-12 wt % of titania at a titania concentration gradient less than or equal to 0.01 wt %/?m and having an apparent transmittance to 440 nm wavelength light of at least 30% at a thickness of 6.35 mm is of such homogeneity that it provides a high surface accuracy as required for EUV lithographic members, typically EUV lithographic photomask substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing single microlenses or an arrays of microlenses composed of a glass-type material, in which method a first substrate is provided with a surface containing impressions over which a second substrate composed of a glass-type material is placed at least partially overlapping it and is joined therewith under vacuum conditions. The substrate composite is tempered in such a manner that the second substrate softens and flows into the impressions of the first substrate, thereby structuring the side of the second substrate facing away from the first substrate in order to form at least one microlens surface.

Abstract: An optical glass having high refractivity and a low sag temperature and having a low-temperature softening property that enables precision press-molding is provided, and the optical glass contains, by mol %, 5 to 50% of B2O3, 3 to 50% of SiO2, 5 to 40% of TiO2, 1 to 40% of ZnO, 5 to 20% of La2O3, 0 to 10% of Gd2O3, 0 to 15% of Nb2O5, 0 to 10% of ZrO2, 0 to 5% of Ta2O5, 0 to 10% of Bi2O3, 0 to 10% of MgO, 0 to 8% of CaO, 0 to 10% of SrO, 0 to 10% of BaO, provided that the total content of MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO is 15% or less, 0 to 20% of Li2O, and 0 to 5% of Na2O, optionally containing Sb2O3 as a refining agent, and having a refractive index (nd) of 1.8 or more and an Abbe's number (vd) of 35 or less.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sock which offers a fit, and does not cause fatigue, blood congestion, or the like if worn for a long period of time. The sock has a length from a toe to at least an ankle, and is knitted from a knitting yarn. The sock has a base knit structure knitted at an inside half region of an arch part of the sole from an upper thread and under thread, and has an auxiliary thread further inserted together with the upper thread, so as to form a knitted part which is contracted and reduced in extensibility.

Abstract: A washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a washing tub that washes laundry; a storage drawer provided under the washing tub; a detergent bottle seat provided inside of the storage drawer, a detachable detergent bottle containing a liquid detergent being seated on the detergent bottle seat; a detergent bottle connecting part connected to the detergent bottle, the liquid detergent flowing into through the detergent bottle connecting part; and a detergent pump that supplies the liquid detergent to the washing tub.

Abstract: A washing machine may include a cabinet; a washing tub which is disposed in the cabinet and in which a washing operation is performed; a liquid detergent supplier which contains and supplies a liquid detergent; a drawer-type container to which the liquid detergent supplier is coupled so as to be easily attachable and detachable and in which the liquid detergent supplier is contained; and a liquid detergent storage unit which is coupled to the drawer-type container, uniformly supplies the liquid detergent supplied by the liquid detergent supplier into the washing tub and detects whether the liquid detergent supplied by the liquid detergent supplier is stored therein.

Abstract: A detergent supply apparatus comprising a storage space adjacent to a washing space in which washing is performed, a detergent bottle seat provided in the storage space and adapted to receive a detergent bottle containing a liquid detergent, a detergent reservoir in fluid communication with the detergent bottle, and a connecting part adapted to fix a portion of the detergent bottle to the detergent reservoir such that the liquid detergent can flow through the connecting part and into the detergent reservoir by gravitational force.

Abstract: A drum washing machine is disclosed. The drum washing machine according to the present invention includes a tub for storing wash water therein, a drum rotatably mounted within the tub, a motor mounted in rear of the tub, the motor having a shaft to rotate the drum, a bearing housing inserted into the tub with a hollow allowing the shaft of the motor to pass through formed in a center thereof, a bearing secured to the hollow of the bearing housing and an outlet hole for discharging gas or moisture generated in the bearing and the adjacent portion of the bearing to and outside of the bearing housing. The present invention has an advantageous effect of enhancing durability thereof, because the drum washing machine includes the outlet hole provided in the bearing housing where the shaft is rotated to prevent moisture or water from remaining in the bearing housing.

Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes a laundry receiving unit for receiving laundry, a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied to the laundry receiving unit, a water supply unit for supplying water to the steam generator, a water softening member for softening water to be supplied to the steam generator, and a control unit for controlling the replacement or regeneration time of the water softening member to be displayed on a display unit. According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent and/or remove wrinkles or rumples on laundry. Furthermore, it is possible to replace or regenerate a water softening member at an appropriate point of time, thereby increasing convenience in use.

Abstract: A security device includes a housing with a chamber defined by opposing sides, opposite end walls, a bottom wall, and a movable top member. The bottom wall includes one or more openings for receiving the body portions of correspondingly-sized drug vials while the openable top portions of the vials are securely retained inside the chamber. The top member is lockable in a closed position to prevent unauthorized access to the top portions of the vials. The body portions of the vials extend from the openings in the bottom wall and remain viewable and examinable while their top portions are secured. The top member is spaced from the bottom wall to prevent the vials from being pushed through the openings and fully into the chamber, and also to permit the device to be supported at a surface by one or more of the drug vials.

Abstract: An integrated locking assembly that includes a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism. The linear locking mechanism employs opposing locking plates having aligned bores that can lock onto a rod extending through the bores. The rotary locking mechanism includes rollers positioned between a housing and a cam where the rollers are wedged between the housing and the cam to lock the rotary locking mechanism and are positioned in an open position between the housing and the cam to unlock the rotary locking mechanism. The rotary locking mechanism includes T-shaped driving lugs each including a key portion that is slidably engaged in a slot in the cam and a driving portion having a flange that is positioned within an indented neck portion of the rollers when the rotary locking mechanism is in the locked position.

Abstract: A cylinder lock includes an outer rose disc having a middle opening, two locking holes, and an annular lateral rim formed with opposite engagement elements, a reinforcement structure having a first plate section that has a central hole aligned with the middle opening, and two passage holes aligned with the respective locking holes, two second plate sections extending transversely from two opposite ends of the first plate section, and two support sections respectively extending from the second plate sections to the lateral rim to engage the engagement elements. An outer drive tube extends through the middle opening and central hole. The reinforcement structure provides enhanced stiffness and robustness to two securing rods extending through the locking holes and the passage holes.

Abstract: A security device includes a plurality of cables which are securable about an item of merchandise with a lockable cable-linking member and a cable-tightening mechanism each connected to the cables in a spaced apart manner. The cable-linking member may include a key member for unlocking the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism includes an internal spool and other internal members some of which are related to the locking and unlocking of the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism carries sense loops which typically include the cables and which if compromised actuate an onboard audible alarm. The device is configured to sound a security gate alarm upon passing through the gate and upon simply reaching a certain distance from the gate. The tightening mechanism may include a flip-up handle for rotating the spool to tighten the cable.

Abstract: A lock driving mechanism for use in a lock has an inner driving member having an inner panel, and an outer driving member attached to the inner panel and having an outer panel. The inner panel has an inner surface from which a lock core driver extends and connects to a lock core assembly of the lock and an outer surface on which an inner driver and an outer driver are formed. The outer panel has an inner surface on which an inner limiting protrusion and an outer limiting protrusion are formed, and an outer surface from which a latch driver extends to connect with a latch bolt of the lock. When a key inserted into the lock core assembly rotates, the inner and outer driver rotate, synchronously push the inner and outer bump, respectively, to make the key and latch driver rotate smoothly to drive the latch bolt to lock or unlock a door.

Abstract: To provide a component crimping apparatus control method which enables a measuring tool to directly measure a temperature of a part pressed by a pressing head. The component crimping apparatus control method is applied to a component crimping apparatus which crimps a component onto a plate-shaped work, and causes a measuring tool shaped identically as the work to measure a temperature or a pressure of a pressed part in a pressing process of pressing a component onto the work using a heated pressing head. The method includes acquiring information indicating whether or not the measuring tool is held in the component crimping apparatus, and, in the case where the information indicating that the measuring tool is held is acquired, positioning the measuring tool identically as the work, and executing the pressing process on the component to be attached to the measuring tool after the positioning.

Abstract: A system for ultrasonically peeing surfaces includes a sonotrode comprising a body material and a vibrating surface, the vibrating surface coated with a coating material having a hardness greater than the body material, a treatment chamber defined at least in part by the vibrating surface, and at least one piece of shot within the treatment chamber to be excited by the vibrating surface of the sonotrode, the at least one piece of shot having a hardness greater than or equal to 800 HV.

Abstract: A method for producing workpieces wherein a generally cylindrical preform (8) is formed by at least one pressure roller (7) into a finished workpiece (8.2). The method includes slidingly placing a portion of the preform (8) on at least a first mandrel (3, 4?) which is slidably mounted in parallel with the longitudinal axis (A) of the preform (8), aligning the mandrel (3, 4?) such that the surface (3b, 4b, 4b?) thereof disposed within the preform (8) substantially defines a negative profile of an inner surface to be formed in said preform (8), and performing a relative movement between the preform (8) and the pressure roller (7) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) while pressing the pressure roller (7) against the preform (8) such that material of the preform (8) is displaced by the pressure roller (7) in such a way that the mandrel (3, 4?) is moved by the displaced material.

Abstract: A method urges a blank along an axial direction between a movable bending tool and a stationary counter-tool and, while the blank is being moved forwards, of moving the bending tool from a neutral position, in which the blank is not bent, to a working position, in which the blank is bent to the desired bending centerline radius, the working position being rotated with respect to the neutral position by a given angle of rotation depending on the desired bending centerline radius. The method further includes urging the blank between a pair of shoes upstream of the bending tool so as to make the deformation of the blank easier, and the step of moving the bending tool from the neutral position to the working position is carried out by controlling at least two degrees of freedom of the movement of the bending tool in the plane defined by the axial direction and by a transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for attachment to a conventional sheet metal forming press. The apparatus allows the sheet metal forming process to be preformed fully submerged in an oil. Methods for sheet metal forming in oil are also provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a multi-layer pipe (5) by means of a bending roller with individual material layers (1, 2) to be combined into the multi-layer pipe (5) being placed one upon the other, and the multi-layer material thus formed being shaped into a multi-layer pipe (5) by means of the bending roller, and in the final stage of pipe shaping in the bending roller and/or a subsequently used bending machine a material layer (1) acting as an internal pipe being pressed non-positively into a material layer (2) acting as an external pipe.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for shaping an article may comprise a plurality of movable dies arranged to form a chamber whose size may be varied by moving the dies. Each of the dies may have a contacting surface for contacting the article to be shaped. The chamber may have a first portion having a first cross-section and a second portion having a second cross-section. Either portion may include a taper. The first portion may have a differently shaped cross-section than the second portion. The first portion may have a cross-section of greater area than the second portion. The longitudinal axis of the first portion may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the second portion.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a response to an exhaust-stream NOx level in a motor vehicle is provided. The system comprises a NOx sensor that includes an electrode, a current from the electrode responsive to the exhaust-stream NOx level while a bias voltage is applied to the electrode. The system further comprises a controller configured to interrupt the bias voltage and to adjust a motor-vehicle response to the current based at least partly on an attained voltage of the electrode while the bias voltage is interrupted. Other embodiments provide a method of calibrating a NOx sensor response in terms of gain and offset parameters.

Abstract: A method of controlling a pipetting process for a liquid by the use of a pipetting device is suggested, the pipetting process including a calibration process and a dosing process being performed in accordance with a set of process variables wherein, before starting the dosing process for the liquid, the calibration process is carried out to determine the set of the process variables specifically for the liquid, the calibration process comprising the steps of: performing a preliminary dosing process for the liquid using a predefined reference set of the process variables, detecting a preliminary time characteristic of at least one state variable of a medium present in the pipetting device during the preliminary dosing process, and comparing the detected preliminary time characteristic of the state variable with a reference time characteristic of the state variable obtained in advance by performing a dosing process for a predefined reference liquid using the reference set of process variables.

Abstract: Calibration for an ultrasonic nondestructive materials testing system is specified, the system having an array of ultrasonic transducers which can be linearly moved and pivoted. In order to compensate for the offset between the beam direction of the ultrasonic transducers and the rotation point of the pivoting system or another desired point of the transducers, this offset is determined using a calibrating body which is, for example, spherical.

Abstract: A method for designing clothing and equipment for protecting law enforcement officers comprising the following steps: equipping a dummy with cinematic and/or load sensors, —positioning an impact application device to apply impacts on a target zone of the impact dummy, and the apply these impacts without the protection and the recording of the resulting measurements, the mounting of a form of protection on the target zone of the dummy, —the application of these impacts on the protected dummies, and the reading of the ensuing measurements, —the deduction of the energy absorbed from the measurements the value and/or attenuation of the impact force by the protection, —if the value(s) are superior to the threshold values, the clothing or equipment can be tagged as acceptable, —otherwise, structural modifications must be made to the protective clothing or equipment with the purpose of improving these values.

Abstract: When transfer a method from a measurement system of a liquid chromatograph to a measurement system under a condition of a high pressure and a high velocity, an influence due to analysis condition cannot be neglected. Further, since a transfer value obtained by calculation is a logical value, an improper result can be obtained in an actual measurement. Further, since conventional methods are optimized by such as know-how based on previous experiences, how to carry on these know-how to a new method is remained to be solved. One of the features of the present invention is to use a value of dwell volume so as to minimize a deviation of measurement result due to methods before and after transfer. Another is, when a deviation of the measurement result is caused, to calculate a correction value for correcting the deviation from analysis of measurement data and to automatically reflect the correction value for the method transfer.

Abstract: A photo acoustic trace gas detector (100) is provided for detecting a concentration of a trace gas in a gas mixture. The detector (100) comprises a light source (101) for producing a light beam and a light modulator (103) for modulating the light beam into a series of light pulses for generating sound waves in the gas mixture. The light modulator (103) is arranged for modulating the light beam between a non-zero lower intensity level and a higher intensity level. An amplitude of the sound waves being a measure of the concentration. An optical cavity (104a, 104b) contains the gas mixture and amplifies a light intensity of the light pulses. A transducer (109) for converts the sound waves into electrical signals. A feed back loop (110, 111) with a photo detector (110) for measuring the light intensity of the light pulses regulates the amplification of the light intensity in the optical cavity (104a, 104b).

Abstract: A skimmer device for concentrating an aerosol from a flowing gas stream, having an inlet with inlet aperture and inlet raceway, an outlet with virtual impact void and collector channel, and bulk flow divertors symmetrically disposed on either side of the long axis of flow, further characterized in that the downstream walls of the bulk flow divertors are concavedly curved and reverse the direction of bulk flow. In section, the four channels or passages of the “skimmer” thus form a “crossed tee” with concavedly contoured lateral arms curving back around. The lateral flow channels are for diverting the bulk flow into exhaust chimney spaces, and the chimney spaces are positioned proximate to the inlet element and anterior to the collection channel. In operation, the bulk flow streamlines are thereby folded more than 90 degrees away from the long axis of flow on the laterally disposed concave walls of the bulk flow channels.

Abstract: In the field of knock detection in a combustion engine, a method and a device detects and controls the knock by adapting the gain of an amplifier which amplifies the knock sensor signal. The gain of the amplifier is adapted based on analysis of a set of samples from the knock sensor so that the amplification of the knock sensor signal across the entire measuring window is optimum and the complete ADC evaluation range can be utilized better.

Abstract: The leakage search assembly has a main device which contains a vacuum pump and a test gas sensor, and a hand-held sniffing probe. Capillary lines which connect the sniffing probe to the basic assembly contain valves by means of which these lines can be selectively opened. In a leakage search mode, the capillary line having the larger cross section is open. This results in leaks also being found from a greater distance. The dead time before response of the test gas sensor is shortened. Once a leak has been located, the assembly is switched to the leakage rate measurement mode, in which only the capillary line with the smaller cross section is open. This results in quantitative determination of the leakage rate with high accuracy and high stability.

Abstract: In a leak testing apparatus and a method for manufacturing unleaky closed containers having first and second flexible wall areas with different flexibility characteristics, a biasing member is moved toward and onto the first flexible area and a force detector monitors a biasing force at the second flexible area. A container is considered unleaky if a difference signal from force measuring signals at first and second points in time fulfills a test criteria. Sampling the biasing force monitored which results in the first force measuring signal includes determining maximum biasing force signal value which occurs during a time span up to and including the first point in time.

Abstract: The present invention provides standing wave fluidic and biological tools, including: at least one elongated fiber that has mesoscale (i.e. milliscale), microscale, nanoscale, or picoscale dimensions, the at least one elongated fiber having a first end and a second end; and an actuator coupled to the first end of the at least one elongated fiber, wherein the actuator is operable for applying oscillation cycles to the at least one elongated fiber in one or more directions, and wherein the actuator is operable for generating a standing wave in the at least one elongated fiber. These standing wave fluidic and biological tools are selectively disposed in a fluid to provide a function such as mixing the fluid, measuring the viscosity of the fluid, attracting particles in the fluid, shepherding particles in the fluid, providing propulsive force in the fluid, pumping the fluid, dispensing the fluid, sensing particles in the fluid, and detecting particles in the fluid, among others.

Abstract: To an electronic control unit is connected a shaft position detection sensor that outputs, as a shaft position detection value, a signal whose magnitude changes stepwise by a predetermined amount in correspondence with the position of a control shaft of a valve characteristics change mechanism. The electronic control unit stores in advance, as a determination reference value, the drive amount of an actuator at the time when the magnitude of the shaft position detection value changes.

Abstract: A sensor having a temperature dependent resistor mounted within a protective housing. The resistor is connected to external circuitry via a pair of connecting wires. In use, variations in temperature of the exhaust gas cause a variation in the temperature experienced by the resistor and consequently, the resistance of the resistor also varies. The resistor is mounted in a projecting end portion of the housing which is of narrower cross-section than the bulk of the housing. The housing is filled with a filler material. The filler material provides support to the resistor and the wires. In the present invention, unlike in prior art sensors, the filler material does not completely fill the housing. Instead a gap is provided which is crossed by the wires. The gap interrupts heat flow through the filler material and thus improves the thermal isolation of the resistor and thereby the accuracy of the sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor additionally comprises an additional heat exchange element.

Abstract: A fill level in a mobile container or in a transport silo is determined using a position sensor that measures the angle of inclination of the container. The fill level data is acquired using a fill level sensor. On the basis of the measured data of the position sensor it is possible to detect whether or not the fill level measuring is valid. In this way incorrect readings may be rejected.

Abstract: A water level and temperature indicating device useful for signaling preset desired water levels in a bath tub and indicating air and bathwater temperature. The device has suction cup means for removably securing the device to the tub ledge. A depending float chamber and temperature probe for projecting into the bathtub, a battery operated audible alarm system and a battery operated digital thermometer device. An interchangeable weighted float of various lengths is housed within a float chamber. The float chamber has a removable screen unit to facilitate float changes which determine desired preset water level. A modified push on switch within the float chamber will complete an electrical circuit and sound an alarm when a desired preset water level is achieved. The thermometer device will indicate air temperature until it makes contact with the water. While in contact with water the thermometer device indicates water temperature.

Abstract: An integrated mechanical combi sensor apparatus and method for measuring humidity, pressure and temperature. A pressure sensor and an ASIC can be mounted in a first compartment, and a temperature sensor mounted in a second compartment of a housing. Similarly, a humidity sensor can be mounted in a third compartment such that the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor are isolated from each other. The sensor element associated with the sensors and the ASIC can be connected to a lead frame terminal by wire bonding for electrical connection. A pressure cover and a humidity cover can be utilized for covering the pressure sensor and the humidity sensor. The humidity sensor can include a hydrophobic filter for preventing moisture-saturated air from reaching the sensing element in order to provide accurate sensor measurements thereof.