Abstract: A pipe testing apparatus includes a rupture device for testing a rupture strength of a pipe. The rupture device has two clamping heads respectively accepting associated ends of the pipe which extends between the clamping heads, and a pressure-application system having a feed channel for imposing a fluid upon the pipe. The rupture device includes a tie rod which connects the clamping heads and extends through the pipe in coaxial relationship thereto such that an annular space is formed between the tie rod and the pipe, with the feed channel feeding into the annular space.

Abstract: A device for detecting leakage of liquid in a tank, in which, even if the liquid in the tank is a low viscosity liquid, degradation in flow rate measurement accuracy by an indirectly heated flow rate meter can be suppressed, so that a very fine amount of leakage can be accurately detected for a long period without degradation in detection accuracy. The liquid in the tank that is led in and out from a liquid lead-in/lead-out section (12) is lead in and out from the lower end of a measurement fine tube (13b, 13b?, 13?) positioned in the flow rate measurement section (13). A measurement tube (17) of a liquid storage section (14) is connected to the upper end of the measurement fine tube. The measurement tube (17) has a larger cross-sectional area than the measurement fine tube. The device has a flow rate sensor section that is attached to the measurement fine tube and measures the flow rate of the liquid. The flow rate sensor section includes a heater (135) and temperature sensors (133, 134).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention comprise devices, systems, and methods for estimating the rate at which rock, soil or any self-supporting material erode. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to devices and systems that subject a stationary soil or rock sample to shear stresses by rotating fluid about the soil or rock sample to simulate the effects of flowing fluids on the soil or rock sample. In various embodiments, the devices and systems include a torque cell unit and clutch assembly.

Abstract: Modifications to the indenter probe tips and transducer, and proper selection of optics in an indentation system allow straight down optical viewing of the sample surface under the indentation tip by a microscope, by providing an optical path through the transducer from the sample surface under the tip to a microscope objective, thereby simplifying alignment of the tip to features on the sample.

Abstract: A sensor for an engine manifold is provided that includes a sensing component positioned within the engine manifold and responsive to a condition, such as temperature or pressure, within the engine manifold. The sensor includes a shield partially surrounding the sensing component upstream of the sensing component in flow within the manifold, which includes exhaust gases and manifold intake air. The shield does not surround a downstream side of the sensing component. The shield minimizes contamination of the sensing component by contaminants within the exhaust gases or manifold intake air, without compromising responsiveness of the sensing component to changes in the sensed condition, as the sensing component is still directly open to the manifold air (i.e., the exhaust gases and intake air).

Abstract: A method of estimating a formation pressure in a wellbore is provided that in one aspect includes measuring a hydrostatic pressure at a selected location in the wellbore, and estimating supercharge pressure as a function of time using a forward model that utilizes the hydrostatic pressure and at least one property of mud in the wellbore that is a function of time. In another aspect, the method may estimate an initial formation pressure at a selected location in a wellbore by obtaining a hydrostatic pressure and at least three formation pressure measurements at three separate times at the selected location, and estimating the initial formation pressure using the hydrostatic pressure, the three pressure measurements and an internal mudcake parameter.

Abstract: In the thermal type flowmeter for measuring the flow rate by a measuring element with an exothermic resistor and a temperature measuring resistor being shaped in the side of the surface of a substrate, a facing wall facing the surface of the measuring element is arranged, cantilever plate parts protruding from the facing wall toward the measuring element side are arranged, a gap is provided between the tip of the cantilever plate parts and the measuring element, and the cantilever plate parts are extended from the upper stream to the down stream of the measuring element.

Abstract: A method for measuring operational density and/or operational sound velocity in a gaseous medium uses a sound transducer that is capable of vibrating, which is disposed in a housing in such a manner that chambers having the same volume are formed on both sides of the sound transducer, which are filled by the gaseous medium. The chambers are connected with one another by way of an open channel having defined dimensions. Using an exciter vibration applied to the sound transducer, the impedance of the sound transducer, which is influenced by the density of the gaseous medium, is determined within a frequency range that can be established, as a function of the exciter frequency. From this, the operational density and/or the operational sound velocity of the gaseous medium are determined using a plurality of characteristic frequencies of the sound transducer vibrating in the gaseous medium.

Abstract: A method, system and program storage device are provided for machine diagnostics, detection and profiling using pressure waves, the method including profiling known sources, acquiring pressure wave data, analyzing the acquired pressure wave data, and detecting if the analyzed pressure wave data matches a profiled known source; the system including a processor, a pressure wave transducer in signal communication with the processor, a pressure wave analysis unit in signal communication with the processor, and a source or threat detection unit in signal communication with the processor; and the program storage device including program steps for profiling known sources, acquiring pressure wave data, analyzing the acquired pressure wave data, and detecting if the analyzed pressure wave data matches a profiled known source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring and/or regulating the oscillation amplitude of an ultrasound oscillator of an ultrasound device. In order to be able to measure or regulate the oscillation amplitude of the ultrasound oscillator in a simple manner, it is proposed that a sensor capturing the oscillation amplitude be associated with at least one component element of the ultrasound oscillator.

Abstract: A method of examining a steam generator heat exchange tube from the outside surface employing ultrasonic nondestructive inspection techniques. An ultrasonic transducer contacts the outside surface of the tube and transmits a pseudo helical Lamb wave into the wall of the tube chosen to have a mode that does not significantly interact with water in the tube. The reflected waves are then analyzed for changes in modes to identify defects in the wall of the tube.

Abstract: A method for visualizing objects under light obstructing barriers of a target, the method including emitting an ultrasound wave and a laser wave towards a target, detecting a reflected laser wave is detected by optical means, analyzing the optical signal at the ultrasound frequency with demodulation means, generating ultrasonic image characteristics of the interaction of the ultrasound with the different layers of the target, and generating an optical image of the target obtained using optical imaging, wherein the ultrasonic image is fused with the optical image and the fused image is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A disclosed method determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. A sensor is positioned in operative communication with the external wall of the vessel such that expansion of the external wall of the vessel exerts a force against the sensor that is directed substantially radially outward with respect to the vessel. A substantially radially inward force is caused to be directed against the sensor in response to the substantially radially outward force exerted by the external vessel wall. The sensor can thus be used to detect the magnitude of the substantially radially outward force. A disclosed apparatus determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. The apparatus includes a sensor and a band operatively associated with the sensor and configured to at least partially encircle the vessel so as to retain the sensor in operative communication against the external wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A micromechanical device and a method for producing this device are provided, the device having a sensor pattern that includes a spring pattern and a seismic mass. The seismic mass may be connected to the substrate material via the spring pattern, and a clearance may be provided in a direction perpendicular to the major substrate plane between the spring pattern and the substrate material. Alternatively, the spring pattern and the seismic mass may have a common, essentially continuous, front side surface.

Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus (1) includes an elastically deformable pressure-sensitive diaphragm assembly (13) having a pressure-sensitive metal or metal alloy diaphragm (14). A functional filled dielectric layer (25) is on the diaphragm and includes a base dielectric material and at least one CTE raising filler. A CTE of the functional filled dielectric layer provides a CTE @ 800° C.?8 ppm/° C., such as ?10 ppm/° C. A plurality of piezoresistive elements (27) are on the functional filled dielectric layer (25).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting an electrical sensor, the system includes a sensor signal processing circuit further comprising an input port to receive a connector including the output signal lines of the sensor, a resistor connected to the output signal line of said input port, wherein the resistor is connected to a predetermined voltage; a sensor circuit having a connector adapted to connect to the connector, wherein the sensor circuit has a resistance substantially less than the pull-resistor, and the sensor signal processing circuit detects an unconnected sensor based on the voltage applied by the resistor.

Abstract: A pressure sensor stress isolation pedestal including a pressure sensor mounted in a housing with a circuit board. The sensor is bonded to a relatively tall pedestal. The height of the pedestal creates a stiff mounting structure that isolates the sensor from mechanical stress. The pedestal is formed by making a recess or moat-like structure around the pressure sensor in the housing that supports the sensor. Preferred sensors are MEMS type Pressure Sensors.

Abstract: A pressure cavity is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Micromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from the ambient in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g. intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.

Abstract: An active temperature differential compensation for strain gage based sensors. An array of temperature sensors can be placed at the gage locations to measure the difference in temperature that induces strain on the strain gages. The output of the temperature sensor network can be placed in series with the strain gage network to directly compensate the induced voltage caused by the temperature gradient and/or employed as the input of a mathematical algorithm that can compensate the output from the strain gage bridge to dynamically correct unwanted thermally induced strain in the strain gages.

Abstract: A sensor element capable of appropriately detecting an external force operating three-dimensionally is provided. The sensor element has an electrically conductive elastic member whose electrical property changes when compressed or expanded by an external force, and a plurality of electrode elements, which are capable of receiving power supply, for measuring electric properties from outside. The plurality of electrode elements are grouped into one or more sets, each having a predetermined number of electrode elements, for measuring electrical properties, and the electrode elements constituting a set are arranged three-dimensionally inside and on the surface of the conductive elastic member.

Abstract: A unit dedicated to mechanically loading a tubular sample. At least one packer is housed in a sample at a test zone, having a longitudinal extension greater than that of the test zone and including i) a first pressure mechanism to cause local variation in the diameter of at least a first portion of the packer so as to apply the packer against an internal surface of the sample at the test zone, ii) a second pressure mechanism exerting a first selected internal pressure over a portion of the internal surface located at a second portion of the packer, and/or iii) a third pressure mechanism to cooperate with at least one plug member attached to the sample at a distance from one end of the packer to define a zone of action, to exert on the sample a second selected internal pressure at the zone of action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic ultrasonic measurement section (1) used for the flow measurement of fluids. It is equipped with two ultrasonic transmitting and receiving transducers (2, 3) spaced in the fluid flow direction and is characterized in that the sound is guidable in Z-shaped manner between the transmitting and receiving transducers (2, 3) by means of at least two reflectors (4). A description is given of a corresponding measurement method and a method for the one-piece production of a measurement section (1) by injection moulding.

Abstract: A process for operating a Coriolis mass flow rate measurement device which has at least one measurement tube, the measurement tube being excited into vibrations with a predetermined excitation frequency and a predetermined excitation phase. The response phase which is achieved thereby and the rate of change of the response phase are detected and the excitation frequency is changed by the frequency amount which arises based on a predetermined function from the detected rate of change of the response phase. This makes it possible to maintain continuous measurement of the mass rate of flow even if two-phase flows occur.

Abstract: A volumetric fluid flow sensor (100) includes a flow channel (120) for flowing a fluid therein; and a diaphragm (110) having an outer surface within the flow channel (120). The diaphragm (110) includes at least one flow disrupting feature mechanically coupled to or emerging from the outer surface of the diaphragm (110). A sensing structure (126) is coupled to the diaphragm (110) for generating a sensing signal responsive to a pressure signal on the diaphragm (110).

Abstract: A flow switch uses an analog-to-digital converter combined with a multiplexer to measure voltages at one or more points of a measurement circuit and an algorithm within a microcontroller to calculate flow velocity. The measurement circuit has at least one sensor in the fluid stream. The sensor is heated by passing an electric current through the sensor. A second optional upstream sensor is not heated and is at the fluid temperature. The microcontroller then uses the voltage measurements with calibration information and equations based on the desired mode of operation to calculate the flow velocity.

Abstract: A flow rate/liquid type detecting method for detecting the flow rate of a fluid and, at the same time, detecting any one of or both the type of the fluid and the concentration of the fluid, characterized in that, by using a flow rate/liquid type detecting apparatus comprising: a main passage through which a fluid to be detected flows, an auxiliary passage branched from the main passage, and a flow rate/liquid type detecting sensor device provided in the auxiliary passage, is provided, and in conducting any one of or both the detection of the type of the fluid and the detection of the concentration of the fluid, the auxiliary passage opening/closing valve is closed, and the fluid is allowed to temporarily stay within the flow rate/liquid type detecting sensor device to conduct any one of or both the detection of the liquid type and the detection of the concentration, and in detecting the flow rate of the fluid detected, the auxiliary passage opening/closing valve is opened to allow the fluid to flow into the f

Abstract: A device and method for determining the web tension or the web tensile force in a printing substrate web is disclosed. A device is arranged at a first position along a transport path of the printing substrate web, which device supplies a signal to deduce the web tension in effect at the first position or the web tensile force in effect at the first position. A device arithmetically determines the web tension in effect or the web tensile force in effect at the second position from the web tension in effect at the first position or from the web tensile force in effect at the first position as well as from forces, which at least one driven roller and/or at least one trailing roller, which is/are arranged along the transport path of the printing substrate web between the first position and the second position, introduce to the printing substrate web.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a gas sampling system capable of taking discreet samples from a continuous flow of gas or fluid. Said apparatus offers a frame (1) and mounting components in the form of a fixed chuck (4) and a spring-loaded chuck with a sample container (5) mounted there between. The sampling container has self-sealing end cap valve assemblies (76) that automatically open when the sample container (5) communicates with the fixed chuck (4) and the spring loaded chuck (6) and the end cap valve assembly automatically closes when the sample container is removed. A value system allows the gas flow to be directed from one sample container to the other alternatively opening and closing a gas flow path. A sample extraction assembly (14) allows the efficient removal of samples from the sample containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid sample suctioning device capable of simplifying a structure thereof, preventing clogging of a pipette and contamination of a liquid sample, and closing a hole formed in a lid after the liquid sample is suctioned. The liquid sample suctioning device is adapted to suction the liquid sample in the container by piercing through the lid mounted on an opening of the container, comprising a piercer having a leading end insertable into the container by piercing through the lid and forming a deformation piece deformable toward an inner side of the container in the lid, a pipette configured for suctioning the liquid sample in the container, a first driving part for moving up and down the piercer, and a second driving part for moving up and down the pipette along the piercer.

Abstract: A base unit for integrating an imaging device, such as an atomic force microscope, and a manipulation device, such as a nano-manipulator. The integration of the two devices permits one device to perform both imaging and manipulation simultaneously. The simultaneous execution of these two tasks increases the rate at which experiments can be conducted, thereby improving the throughput of the device. Also, the simultaneous execution of these two tasks allows imaging during manipulation, which may be desirable or beneficial in some circumstances.

Abstract: A starter 1 with an intermediate gear is disclosed having a housing 12 formed with first and second bearing portions 17, 18 between which an intermediate shaft 5 is supported. The second bearing portion 18 has a mounting aperture 22 to which a retainer 13 is inserted. The retainer 13 includes a screw having a distal end, formed with a male threaded portion 13a, and an engagement portion 13c formed between a head portion 13b and the male threaded portion 13a. The intermediate shaft has one end formed with a cutout surface 5a. With the intermediate shaft 5 having both ends supported by the first and second bearing portions 17, 18, the engagement portion 13c of the retainer 13 is inserted to the mounting aperture 22 into abutting engagement with the cutout surface 5a to retain the intermediate shaft 5 in a fixed place.

Abstract: A starter assembly has a starter motor with a center casing. A front housing is attached to the center casing and the front housing is adapted to attach the starter assembly to the vehicle. The center casing includes a pilot ring which mates with a groove in the front housing to define a serpentine path between the inside and outside of the starter assembly. The pilot ring is formed at the inside diameter of the center housing to define a dam which prohibits contaminants from entering the center housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a propulsion power transmission device having a first interface (1) and a second interface (2). According to the invention, a hydrodynamic clutch is mounted in the driving connection between the first interface and the second interface and a first gear train (4) and a second gear train (5) are mounted parallel to each other in the driving connection, in series with the hydrodynamic clutch, the second gear train (5) causing a reversal in the direction of rotation in relation to the first gear train (4) at one of the two interfaces (1, 2). The propulsion power transmission device of the invention is characterized by the following features: the hydrodynamic clutch has two separate working chambers (3.1, 3.2), which can be independently filled with and drained of a working medium in order to transfer torque from one bladed primary wheel (3.3, 3.4) to at least one bladed secondary wheel (3.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver having an handle (10) and two pivotal pawls (26, 27) and a selector (51) rotatable relative to the handle for actuation of the pawls relative to a gear (18). The selector and gear are axially connected together and are arranged to be disassembled as a sub-assembly from the remainder of the screwdriver for cleaning the screwdriver. The pawls are mounted to pivot in parallel planes and on opposite sides of a radial plane extending along a longitudinal axis of the screwdriver, and they have V-shaped teeth for gear engagement. There is permanent indicia on the screwdriver showing four settings for the screwdriver, including a cleaning setting.

Abstract: Feed back vibrations of a metallic tool generated during the machining of metallic workpieces are damped by detecting an oscillatory motion of the tool, identifying a frequency of the oscillatory motion and generating a mechanical camping force having the same frequency as the oscillatory motion and applied to the tool in counter-direction to a velocity of the oscillatory motion. The damping force can be of constant amplitude or gradually decreasing amplitude.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for machining elements for axial couplings for mechanical connection, with non-circular cross section, which comprises: a work spindle (1) fitted on the shaft (103) of appropriate means (3) for actuation in rotation; a tool (7) guided by appropriate means (5, 6) in the displacements both along the axis perpendicular to that of rotation of the spindle and along the axis parallel to that of rotation of the spindle; means (105, 106) for actuation of the displacements of said tool on said guide means (5, 6); and a central control unit (4) connected to said displacement means (105, 106) of said tool and to said means for actuation in rotation (3) of said spindle (1), capable, via an appropriate program, of supervising turning of the side coupling surface of said elements for axial couplings for angular connection.

Abstract: An electrically-operated chuck opening-closing device includes a chuck that grasps workpiece, a conversion device with a control gear provided to the outer circumference, a drawbar that couples the conversion device and the chuck, a transmission gear provided to a main spindle, a second rotary shaft rotatably pivoted to be parallel to the main spindle, a first gear and a second gear rotatably provided on the second rotary shaft, an auxiliary motor that drives the first gear, a first clutch that can couple and decouple the auxiliary motor and the second rotary shaft, and a second clutch that can couple and decouple the second rotary shaft and the second gear.

Abstract: A missile launch and guidance apparatus of a rail-shoe launching type is disclosed. In a missile adapted to be launched while moving along a rail of a launch tube, a missile launch and guidance apparatus comprises: a bushing inserted into a missile body; a shoe, one end of which is inserted into the bushing, and the other end of which is in contact with the rail; and a spring inserted between the bushing and the shoe so as to provide a separation force to the shoe against the bushing. By separating the shoe from the missile in a lateral direction of the missile launching direction by an elastic force of the spring after launching the missile, the missile launch and guidance apparatus can keep constant the gap between the missile and the launch tube rail irrespective of the behavior of the missile taking place in a launching process, and the drag and weight of the missile launched from the launch tube is reduced to thereby exhibit the maximum flight performance.

Abstract: A restraint for immobilizing a projectile with respect to its launch system is disclosed. When electromagnetic force is applied to the restraint, the restraint releases the projectile, thereby enabling its launch.

Abstract: A differential piston (1), designed as an annular piston, having pressure chambers (8, 9) with at least one of the pressure chambers (8, 9) being pressurized from radially inside the differential piston (1), via a hollow shaft (29) or another radially inner element (16), such as, part of a (cylinder) housing element (20) and a radial pressure medium-guiding channel (13) arranged directly within the differential piston (1), such that only a single additional sealing element (18) is required.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor is disclosed. The compressor includes a crankcase for receiving a fluid. The crankcase has a plurality of compression chambers in which the fluid is compressed. A plurality of pistons disposed within the crankcase and are configured for reciprocal movement within the plurality of chambers to compress and pump the fluid. Further, a rotor assembly having a drive shaft and a rotor, wherein the rotor has a first pivot arm support member extending from a first surface of the rotor. A sleeve is slidably engaged with the drive shaft and configured for axial movement along a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. A swash ring is coupled to the plurality of pistons and to the rotor by means of a pivot arm. Rotary motion of the swash ring and rotor causes reciprocal motion of the plurality of pistons within the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a diaphragm pump, which diaphragm is asymmetrical about its longitudinal axis wherein the diaphragm has a central portion and a surrounding annular convolute portion. The convolute portion has a minimum depth and a maximum depth at diametrically opposed positions of the annular convolute. The convolute depth gradually increases from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the diametrically opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the annular convolute. The invention also provides a diaphragm pump with the asymmetrical diaphragm.

Abstract: Apparatus to seal a shaft to a diaphragm in a diaphragm actuator are disclosed. An example apparatus for use in a diaphragm actuator has a central aperture and an integral sealing protrusion disposed about a circumference of the central aperture. The sealing protrusion is configured to sealingly engage a shaft of the diaphragm actuator.

Abstract: A dual-acting linear actuator including a hollow body and a stationary hollow rod. The stationary hollow rod includes a first rod segment separated from a second rod segment by a separator plate, the stationary hollow rod extending through the hollow body such that the separator plate forms a first chamber and a second chamber within the hollow body, wherein the first rod segment is configured to transmit a power medium to the first chamber to cause the hollow body to move along the stationary hollow rod toward the first rod segment and the second rod segment is configured to transmit the power medium to the second chamber to cause the hollow body to move along the stationary hollow rod toward the second rod segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston pin bearing of an internal combustion engine, in which a cylindrical piston pin is mounted. The aim of the invention is to create a hub bore shape that is improved compared to prior art in order to significantly reduce mechanical stress in the piston and thus extend the service life of the piston. Furthermore, the shape is to prevent noise from being generated in the piston pin bearing. The aims are achieved by the fact that the surface line of the highly oval outer surface, which runs in the zenith of the hub, extends at an angle to the hub axis from a radially outward point to a radially inward point on the piston side such that the greatest degree of ovalness defined by the oval diameter thereof is created at the respective inner ends of the hub bores and does not exceed a predefined value of the oval diameter.

Abstract: A piston includes a piston main body and a seal ring. The seal ring has a metal ring including a fitting tube portion fitted to a cylinder portion of the piston main body and a flange portion extending radially to axially oppose a pressure receiving portion of the piston main body, and a rubber-like seal main body provided on the metal ring. The seal main body has a first seal lip contacting an inner surface of a clutch cylinder, a second seal lip extending from an end of the flange portion to contact the pressure receiving portion, and an axial direction compression seal portion provided on the flange portion and compressed toward the pressure receiving portion.

Abstract: System for the heating and extraction of food products in automatic dispensing machines, for use in automatic dispensing machines for food products conserved on cold trays until their consumption and which also have means of heating the products based on a microwave oven, in such a manner that the system comprises means of handling the products in their heating and extraction phase, said means of handling being connected by a hatch (7) with a cubicle (4) for the housing of some storage trays (5) for the products.

Abstract: A griddle for cooking and preparing foods and more specifically a griddle for use with a gas or a propane outdoor grill or barbeque. The griddle can include a cooking surface, a trip tray, a first sidewall, a rear wall, a second sidewall, a first cross brace, and a second cross brace. The first sidewall can include a first upper sidewall and a first lower sidewall. The rear wall can include an upper rear wall and a lower rear wall. The second sidewall can include a second upper sidewall and a second lower sidewall. The griddle can include at least one aperture located in each of the first lower sidewall, the lower rear wall, the second lower sidewall, the first cross brace, and the second cross brace. The griddle can be made of a metal, which can be a stainless steel.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing onto closed vial units. The vial units are formed in a series and the vial units have a drug therein. The apparatus comprises a conveyor belt for moving the vial units, with the conveyor belt having spaced cleats. A first side of the vial units is placed on the conveyor belt. The apparatus further comprises a printhead for printing an ink pattern onto the vial units, with the printhead configured to print to the first side, and a back-up roller configured opposite the printhead, with the back-up roller being a cylindrical member that contains an indented profile placed about the cylindrical member reciprocal to the vial units. The apparatus further includes a dryer positioned to receive the vial units from the printhead and provide for drying of the ink pattern from the printhead.

Abstract: A printing plate is produced having at least one edge which has been cut so that it is parallel to a line of delimitation of the type area of the plate. The printing plate is fed to an impression cylinder of a printing press, in an axial direction of the impression cylinder by use of a plate feeding and alignment device. During the process of feeding the printing plate to the impression cylinder, the at least one edge of the plate, which was cut parallel to the type line of determination, is guided against at least one stop.