Abstract: A tamperproof power lock is provided for use in a pickup truck tailgate latch handle. The lock includes a power actuator, a rotating crank, a connecting rod and a lock bolt that locks the tailgate handle. The linear output motion of the actuator is transferred into rotation of the crank that is limited to rotate between two stops. An over center spring or friction keeps the crank or the lock bolt in either of the two stop positions. The rotation of the crank is transferred into linear motion of the locking bolt by the connecting rod. In the locked position the crank is up against one of the stops and the connecting rod past dead center. As a result the locking bolt cannot be pushed back forcibly in an attempt to defeat the lock.

Abstract: A security device (10) is provided for a mobile retail cart (12) having a lockable compartment (16) for storing goods to be sold. The security device comprises an electronic lock unit for securing a closure (14) of the compartment, the electronic lock unit including means (21) for reading an electronic key device and means (23) for locking and unlocking the closure in response thereto. A memory records data read from the electronic key device and information relating to the locking and/or unlocking of the compartment. The security device is suitable for use as an airline security device for a retail cart for storing goods to be sold on board an aircraft.

Abstract: A lockable container for securing assets that has an integral and internal locking mechanism and methods of use are provided. An illustrative lockable container may include first and second covers configured to move between an open position, which allows access to the asset, and a closed position, which encloses the asset. The locking mechanism of the lockable container may include a locking mate arrangement operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second covers, and a locking member that is configured to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The entirety of the locking member may be internal to the container when the locking member is in the unlocked position. A magnetic key arrangement may interact with the locking member to move the locking member between the unlocked and locked positions.

Abstract: An anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank is disclosed. The device has a body member that has a channel that covers the filler tube and cap assembly of the fuel tank, a ring member coupled to a top portion of the body member, a lid assembly coupled to and forming a cover over a top portion of the ring member, a hinging mechanism coupled to the ring member and to the lid assembly for pivoting the lid assembly over the ring member, and a locking mechanism coupled to the lid assembly. Flanges on the lid members may form a collar over the lip member to prevent a person from prying the lid members off of the device. The device may also have a guard device to prevent tampering of a locking device that may be used to lock the lid assembly.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a housing and a rotary actuator carried by the housing. The rotary actuator includes a shaft and armature disposed around at least a portion of the shaft. The armature is configured to rotate the shaft about a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The locking mechanism also has a cam carried by the shaft and a set of locking balls disposed between the cam and the housing. The locking mechanism has a locking assembly carried by the housing, the locking assembly being axially positionable between a locked position relative to the housing and a released position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A door lock control apparatus includes a lock switch on an exterior of a vehicle, a controller, and a check device. The controller performs a first key check in response to a lock command inputted through the lock switch. The first key check determines whether an electronic key specific to the vehicle is located outside around the vehicle based on a response from the key. The check device performs a second key check, when the key is put into a situation in which the key can be moved from inside to outside the vehicle. The second key check determines whether the key is located inside the vehicle based on the response from the key. The check device stores a result of the second key check as a check record.

Abstract: A compact power lock is provided for use in a pickup truck tailgate with a key lockable latch that relies on a lock lever for its operation. The power lock includes a linear power actuator attached to a sliding actuating link with two tabs that engage the lock lever of the key lockable tailgate latch. The actuating link is arranged alongside the linear power actuator so as not to add to its length and to attain maximum compactness. The spacing of the two tabs is such that the lock lever can move freely between the locked and unlocked position when it is activated by the key lockable tailgate latch. When the actuator is energized by voltage pulses of alternating polarity its motion is transferred to the attached actuating link and the tabs push the locking lever to or fro to lock or unlock the tail gate.

Abstract: A magnetic coded lock mechanism which includes a key having a plurality of recesses and a plurality of permanent magnets properly coded around the key body, a cylindrical plug having a keyway aperture, a plurality of main apertures as passages, which contain movable key pins, a plurality of auxiliary apertures as magnetic locking passages corresponding to coded key, which contain movable magnets, a plurality of fixed magnets coded around the cylindrical plug as the way for biasing the magnets and locking pins toward the keyway, and a stationary tubular cylinder having a longitudinal aperture disposed in the center for receiving the cylindrical plug, a plurality of radial main apertures as passages for mating with the main apertures of the cylindrical plug, each passage containing a driver pin with a coil spring, and radial auxiliary apertures as passages for mating with the auxiliary apertures of the cylindrical plug, each passage containing a locking pin, whereby in a locked position, the driver pins and loc

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock cylinder for a baggage lock having a cylinder housing, furthermore having a cylinder core which is rotatable in the cylinder housing and which has a keyway with a key introduction opening and having a plurality of tumblers which are arranged in two rows which are oppositely disposed along the key channel, with the lock cylinder being able to be actuated by means of an associated dimpled key which comprises, on two mutually oppositely disposed flat sides, a respective coding section provided with dimples and a respective end section adjoining said coding section and extending up to the tip of the key, with the associated key in particular being of the type TSA006 and with the tumbler of at least one of the rows furthest from the key introduction opening being arranged in a section of the key channel which receives the dimple-free end section of the associated key.

Abstract: A re-keyable cylinder lock has a control member to permit or restrict transverse movement of a re-keying unit. The control member is movable axially between first and second positions and transversely to a third position from the second position. In the third position, the re-keying unit moves transversely and disengages from first tumbler pieces. A limit member is provided to prevent the control member from moving axially when no right key is inserted into a plug. A security arm is connected to the control member and is breakable so that destructive forces cannot reach the control member.

Abstract: Lock assembly and method of coding and recoding locks. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of codebars, and a sidebar. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of code blocks, a sidebar, and a codebar.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of bacterial biocontrol. More precisely, the invention relates to the identification of chemicals which promote the growth of bacteria inactivating NAHL, such as gamma-caprolactone (GCL) and 4-heptanolide (HTN) and their use in soil additives.

Abstract: Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a geotextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events.

Abstract: A thickness control apparatus of a reversing rolling mill has an entry thickness gauge that measures the thickness of the material to be rolled, and entry material speed detector that is detects the speed of the material to be rolled. Measured thickness measured by the entry thickness gauge is tracked on the basis of the speed of the material to be rolled detected by the entry material speed detector. A mill delivery thickness calculator calculates thickness on the delivery side of the reversing rolling mill on the basis of the thickness on the entry side and the roll gap detected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for improving mechanical properties of a magnetically activatable material (14) includes at least one conveying device (1, 1a; 5, 5a; 9, 9a; 13, 13a) to convey the material (14) through a processing region. In the processing region, the material is deformed as a result of the application of a force. Since the force is contactlessly applied in the processing region by at least one magnetic field (A, B) and/or by at least one ultrasonic device (8a), a levelling process or material finishing process for metal bands and metal sheets is provided, which meets the requirements of all mutually-linked processing operations positioned upstream and downstream.

Abstract: A piercing and rolling plug has a film composed of oxides such as Fe3O4 and FeO and Fe (metal) as being formed on the surface of the base metal by electric arc spraying using an iron wire whose main component is Fe and, owing to this film, a plug excellent in heat-shielding and seizure-preventing effects can be realized and the lifetime of the plug can be prolonged. Further, in regenerating this plug, a film can be re-formed via the steps of shot blasting of the as-used plug in piercing and rolling and electric arc spraying in that order; thus, it is possible to regenerate the plug at low cost and in a short period of time.

Abstract: A method of forming a flexible conduit including: providing an elongated flexible metallic strip having a central portion disposed between a first and a second end portion, wherein at least a portion of the central portion includes a cross-sectional thickness TC which is less than a maximum cross-sectional thickness TM of the elongated shaped strip; rolling the first end portion in a first direction and the second end portion in a second direction generally opposite the first direction to form a shaped flexible strip; and helically winding the shaped flexible strip upon itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a coil spring. In the apparatus, a body is provided and a pair of machining units are disposed on the body to oppose each other at one end thereof. In each of the machining units, a mandrel is disposed in an upper central part of the body. The mandrel is rotatably configured to wind a coil spring material around an outer circumference thereof. A first motor is disposed at the other end of the machining unit to provide a driving force for rotating the mandrel. Also, a guide roller part is disposed movable along a length direction of the mandrel to guide the coil spring material to be wound around the mandrel. Two coil spring materials produced from a furnace are wound around the mandrels, respectively to produce two coil springs through one process.

Abstract: A method of forming titanium structures, and more specifically, a method of superplastically continuous roll forming titanium structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of forming a shape in an article comprising titanium, the method including, among other things, providing first and second rolling members, the first rolling members being conductive and the second rolling members being continuous roll shaping members; contacting the article with the first rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming; and with the article being in a superplastic state, contacting the article with the second rolling members to form the shape in the article.

Abstract: A rolling mill, in particular, a cold strip tandem rolling mill, for producing a metal strip, with a number of stands is arranged in a tandem path, wherein, in a direction of production of the metal strip, a first stand is designed as driving stand and serves as inlet for a section of the tandem path, in which a primary thickness reduction of the metal strip occurs, and by corresponding control of the driving stand, an increase in the mechanical inlet tension of the metal strip can be achieved. In a method for controlling a rolling mill, in particular, a cold strip tandem rolling mill, for producing a metal strip, in a production direction of the metal strip, a first stand is controlled as driving stand, the driving stand achieving a significant increase in the mechanical inlet tension on the metal strip and a significant thickness reduction of the metal strip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method which enables a steel wire to be highly strengthened with maintaining good ductility. Specifically, the present invention provides a method comprising: subjecting a high carbon steel wire material having carbon content of 0.85 to 1.10 mass % to a pre-stage drawing process with a predetermined magnitude of drawing, to form an intermediate wire material; subjecting the intermediate wire material formed by the pre-stage drawing process to a patenting treatment in which tensile strength of the wire material is adjusted to a range of 1323 to 1666 MPa; then subjecting the patented steel wire material to a subsequent drawing process including the final drawing.

Abstract: A die assembly for forming a workpiece includes a support clamp, a first clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a first portion of the workpiece, and a second clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a second portion of the workpiece. A forming punch is movable relative to the support clamp after the first clamp and the second clamp have been moved to form the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of making a tempered part has the steps of first heating a metal blank to above a first predetermined temperature and then preshaping the heated blank while still above the first temperature. The preshaped blank is then reheated to a second tempering temperature, and the reheated blank is given its final shape while still above the second temperature in a press. The blank with its final shape is cooled below the second tempering temperature while still in the press.

Abstract: An angular position measurement system including a continuous angular position sensor configured to provide a first signal representative of a continuous angular position of a rotating shaft, an incremental angular position sensor configured to provide a second signal representative of incremental angular positions of the rotating shaft, and a controller configured to calibrate the first signal based on the second signal to provide a third signal representative of a calibrated continuous angular position of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A performance test apparatus includes a control unit, an image taking device, and a base having a table and a frame mounted to the table. The image taking device includes at least one image taker and at last one parallel light source. The at least one image taker is movably mounted to the frame and electrically connected to the control unit. The at least one parallel light source faces the table and is electrically connected to the control unit. The least one parallel light source includes a plurality of spot light sources. The control unit controls on/off of the at least one parallel light source, so that the at least one parallel light source flicker at a high frequency.

Abstract: An impact detecting apparatus that is configured to be attached to an object and includes a drop-impact display unit configured to display a direction of drop impact when the object is dropped; and a tilt display unit configured to display a direction of tilting when the object is tilted. The drop-impact display unit and the tilt display unit displays the direction of drop impact and the direction of tilting at the same time.

Abstract: In the hydrogen remaining sensor of the present invention, the hydrogen remaining sensor is arranged in a space in which the hydrogen is absorbed/released by the main hydrogen storage alloy, and is equipped with the vessel-like sensor main body in which the sensor hydrogen storage alloy is filled and through which the hydrogen is moved. Also, the easy-to-deform portion in which the strain is caused easily due to the hydrogen absorption/release of the sensor hydrogen storage alloy is provided to a part of the sensor main body, and the strain gauge for measuring the strain of the easy-to-deform portion is provided. As a result, according to the hydrogen remaining sensor of the present invention can contribute to sense precisely a remaining amount of hydrogen in the main hydrogen storage alloy.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing a target substance in a gas stream is provided, the sensor comprising: a sensing element disposed to be exposed to the gas stream, the sensing element comprising: a working electrode; a counter electrode; and a layer of ion exchange material extending between the working electrode and the counter electrode; whereby contact of the ion exchange layer with the gas stream forms an electrical contact between the working and counter electrodes.

Abstract: The radiation emitted by the various components in a sample of a fluid wherein the radiation emitted by activated molecules within the sample of the fluid is used to determine the nature of and quantities of materials present in the fluid and a fluid analyser system comprising a receptacle(s) and an analysis apparatus containing a consistent light condition compartment containing temperature detection device(s) into which the receptacle containing the fluid sample may be placed and means are provided for activating the molecules within the sample so that the radiation emitted by the sample may be detected and amplified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and accompanying device for separating a known or unknown sample into one or more subsamples. By comparing the subsample's measurement profile data to the sample measurement profile data, the performance of the separation can be determined. The separation could be chromatography [such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), or the like], electrophoresis [such as capillary electrophoresis (CE) or the like], or another separation technique. The measurement profile data could be ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectra, mass spectra (MS), or another measurement technique.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is discussed. The sensor assembly may include a housing. The housing may include an inlet port and an outlet port. The sensor assembly may also include a sensing element disposed within the housing and extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end towards a second end. The sensing element may include heating elements. The sensor assembly may also include a sleeve circumferentially disposed about the sensing element. The sleeve may include a first passageway on a first side of the sensing element and a second passageway on an opposite second side of the sensing element. The first passageway and the second passageway may be longitudinal passageways extending along a length of the sensing element. The sleeve may also include an inlet orifice on one side of the sleeve and an outlet orifice on an opposite side of the sleeve. The inlet orifice may fluidly couple the inlet port with the first passageway and the outlet orifice may fluidly couple the outlet port with the second passageway.

Abstract: A gas sensor may include a sintered heating component which includes a ceramic insulating material, and a separately sintered sensing component which includes an ionically conductive material. The sensor may also include a bond attaching the sensing component to the heating component. The bond may be made of bonding material which is different from the insulating material and the ionically conductive material.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a detection element having a detection portion; a metal shell that surrounds the detection element so as to expose the detection portion to a measured atmosphere; an outer tube that is fixed to the metal shell so as to cover a rear end side of the detection element; and a seal member that is contained inside the outer tube, the seal member having a lead wire insertion hole and a through hole that penetrates in the axial direction; a tubular holding member made of a resin having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the seal member, the tubular holding member being held inside the through hole, the tubular holding member having a ventilation hole; and a filter that covers the ventilation hole, the filter being joined to the holding member, the filter blocking water from passing therethrough, and the filter having air permeability.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography. The improvement is a one valve switching modulator connecting the two separation columns. The valve includes either a two position eight-port valve or a two position twelve-port valve, and two transfer lines.

Abstract: A collection and detection system is directed to a combined system in which a detect to warn system is integrated with a detect to treat system. Such a combined system provides multi-levels of detection to determine the presence and identity of one or more different types of specific particles. In some applications, the combined system is configured to detect and identify one or more different types of specific biological particles such as toxins and pathogens. The combined system includes a first level detection device, in which the presence of one or more toxins and/or pathogens are detected, and a second level detection device. Upon detection by the first level detection device, the second level detection device performs a second level of detection in which the one or more toxins and/or pathogens are identified.

Abstract: A gas concentration detection apparatus and system including a gas sensor. Voltage Vd generated across detection resistor Rd through which pump current Ip flows is differentially amplified by OP1, and offset voltage Vofs is superposed thereon to obtain a detection voltage Vout. The amplification factor applied to the differential amplification of the voltage Vd is changed by turning switch SW3 on and off. When switch SW2 is turned on, the input terminal potentials of the operational amplifier OP1 are equalized, so that voltage Vofs is output as the detection voltage Vout. The detection voltage Vout contains an error attributable to the electronic components which form the circuit. The detection voltage Vout containing the error when SW2 is turned on is acquired as a correction voltage for each amplification factor, and is used for correction at the time of detection of the concentration so as to cancel the error.

Abstract: A multi-sensor gas detector includes a solid state heatable gas sensor, and at least one, different, infrared gas sensor. Emitted radiant energy from a heated surface of the solid state gas sensor, incident on the infrared gas sensor generates an output signal indicative thereof. The output signal and a signal from the solid state gas sensor can be coupled to evaluation circuits. The evaluation circuits can be implemented with a programmable processor and associated, executable control software to establish the presence of a target gas. One or more gas detectors can be incorporated into a regional monitoring system that includes a control unit coupled to a plurality of fire, smoke or gas detectors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas sensor made of field effect transistor based on ZnO nanowires (ZnO-FET) which operates according to the principle of metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and has a charge carrier channel made of ZnO nanowires between source and drain. The gas sensor device disclosed in the present invention has three electrodes-gate, source and drain, so that it is different from the known gas sensor device which has only two electrodes-cathode and anode. The ZnO nanowires as charge channel in the gas sensor device of the present invention is an n-type semiconductor with high specific surface area, and its electric resistance can be controlled by the gate bias, so that the capability of the present device for sensing gas can be largely promoted.

Abstract: The in-process or post-machining detection of intermediate and macro-level surface porosity in machined castings in a machine tool environment.

Abstract: A method and device for identifying leaks in or a leakage rate of an integrated circuit package. The method and device include integrating a micromachined-thermal-convection accelerometer in the integrated circuit package and evaluating the initial and subsequent sensitivities of the accelerometer. A change in sensitivity with time provides indicia of a leak and a measure of leakage rate.

Abstract: The disclosure features methods of analyzing preparations of heparin, and materials derived from heparin using strong anion exchange high performance liquid chromatography (SAX-HPLC).

Abstract: A capture and purification apparatus is configured as a stand-alone apparatus or as part of a larger system. The capture and purification apparatus can be configured as a microfluidic cartridge that includes microfluidic circuitry and individually controlled valves. The microfluidic cartridge can be configured to function independently, or can be configured to be coupled to a separate instrument that provides the actuation to perform the capture and purification process. The capture and purification apparatus is configured as a volume-driven system that applies single-direction valves, a single fluid driving device, and fluid lines to control and discretely direct fluid flow within a full-loaded fluidic system. Such control enables various fluid sample processing techniques to be performed including, but not limited to, lysis, thermal cycling, and/or target analyte capture and purification, for example using a combination of ion-exchange chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC).

Abstract: A concentrator that is operable to concentrate particles of target material from a high flow rate sampled airflow into a low flow rate secondary airflow. The concentrator may have an array of radially arranged blades. Each blade may have a sampled airflow inlet that uses centrifugal force to concentrate the particles into a central portion of the sampled airflow passing through it. Downstream, the blade may also have primary airflow outlets and knife-edged secondary airflow inlets that divide the sampled airflow into a pair of lateral, high flow rate primary airflows from which the particles have been depleted, and a central, low flow rate secondary airflow which carries the concentrated particles.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a sample chamber in which a sample is accommodated. The sample chamber includes: an introduction portion including a loading hole through which the sample is loaded; an accommodation portion including a discharge hole; and a neck portion forming a boundary between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion. The neck portion provides a capillary pressure for controlling flow of the sample between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion.

Abstract: A set of data is measured reliably and accurately to test, operate and/or monitor the performance of turbines. It is proposed to determine the performance parameters of a turbine applicable to its entire operating envelope and for a condition when it is producing net output power, by measuring its characteristic performance parameters in the mode of no net output-power production.

Abstract: In a misfire detection apparatus and method that detects a misfire in an internal combustion engine with cylinders provided in a vehicle, it is determined that a misfire occurs in the engine, if a first condition and a second condition are satisfied; the first condition is a condition that a rotational speed of an output shaft of the engine decreases by an amount equal to or larger than a first change amount during a time period from a compression top dead center in a first cylinder to the compression top dead center in a second cylinder; and the second condition is a condition that the rotational speed of the output shaft increases by an amount equal to or larger than a second change amount during a time period from the compression top dead center in the second cylinder to the compression top dead center in a third cylinder.

Abstract: A method of indicating a fault associated with a non-combustion chamber of an engine includes monitoring a fluid intake pressure for the engine, monitoring a pressure for a non-combustion chamber of the engine, and indicating a fault associated with the non-combustion chamber based on a difference between a first non-combustion chamber pressure and a second non-combustion chamber pressure being below a chamber threshold value.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring a fuel injection system are described. A manipulated variable is modified by a certain amount. A first value of a measured variable is detected prior to the modification and at least a second value is detected after the modification. An error is detected when the first value and/or the at least second value deviate from an expected value.

Abstract: A drain pan level monitoring system of an air conditioning system comprises a level sensor that generates a level sensor output signal related to a sensed level of condensation buildup within a drain pan. A method of monitoring a liquid level buildup in a drain pan of an air handling unit comprises determining a level of liquid buildup in the drain pan and determining whether an action should be taken in response to the determined level of liquid buildup by comparing the determined level of liquid buildup to a predetermined value. A method of preventing liquid overflow of a drain pan of an air handling unit comprises monitoring a pressure related to a liquid level buildup within the drain pan and taking an action when the pressure meets a predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A method for determining the efficiency of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) having an inlet and an outlet for the flow of an exhaust gas stream in an exhaust system used in conjunction with an electronic controlled internal combustion engine equipped with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) having memory, comprising: determining temperature of the exhaust gas stream at the DOC inlet; determining temperature of the exhaust gas stream at the DOC outlet; determining the energy released from the DOC; and comparing an actual change in temperature of the DOC out to a virtual temperature of the DOC out to determine whether the combustion efficiency of the DOC is below a predetermined value.