Abstract: The production of an optical component from quartz glass, by elongation of a coaxial arrangement of a core rod and a hollow cylinder of a given length, is known. The arrangement is thus introduced into a heating zone with a vertical orientation, such that the lower end begins to partly soften and the component is drawn downwards from the softened part. The hollow cylinder has an inner passage, provided with a restriction in the region of the lower end thereof, on which the core rod is supported. Several methods are disclosed for formation of the restriction in which the inner passage (55) is mechanically machined to a final dimension and, in one version of the method, the restriction in the inner passage (55) is generated by means of softening the lower end face of the hollow cylinder, swaged against a tool and thus folded inwards with formation of a peripheral bead ring.

Abstract: A heat-resistant fabric according to the present invention is a knitted or woven fabric including a heat-resistant fiber yarn and a fancy twist yarn. The heat-resistant fiber yarn is present more on one surface, and the fancy twist yarn is present more on the other surface. A heat-resistant glove according to the present invention is formed of a knitted fabric including a heat-resistant fiber yarn (11) and a fancy twist yarn (12). The knitted fabric is a knit, and the heat-resistant fiber yarn (11) is present more on an outer surface, and the fancy twist yarn (12) is present more on an inner surface. The heat-resistant fabric, a garment, and the heat-resistant glove have air permeability and good workability and are washable.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water; a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature representative of the steam generator chamber at a predetermined water level in the steam generator chamber; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to control flow of water through the supply conduit based on the sensed temperature to control the level of water in the steam generator chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A dry cleaning machine includes a tub for holding articles to be cleaned. A door is rotatably coupled to the dry cleaning machine. The door is movable from a closed position wherein access to the tub is substantially sealed, to an open position providing access to the tub. An outlet tube is coupled in flow communication to the tub. A filter assembly is positioned between the tub and the outlet tube filtering dry cleaning fluid channeled towards the outlet tube.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling the same are provided. The washing machine includes an exhaust port, a filter, and a nozzle. Humid air in a tub is exhausted through the exhaust port to the outside. The filter filters is provided to the exhaust port to filter lint. The nozzle sprays air to the filter. The lint filtered by the filter is automatically removed, so that use convenience safety is enhanced and dry efficiency of the washing machine is improved.

Abstract: An electrical panel lockout that locks the electrical panel door closed and prevents the panel cover from being removed. Two telescoping hollow tubes extend between two panel screws. Two slots in the ends of the hollow tubes slide under the screw heads of each of the loosened panel screws. The outer hollow tube and inner hollow tube extend across the panel door keeping it locked closed. The shackle of a padlock is inserted into one of the openings of the inner hollow tube to keep the device locked in the extended position onto the panel screws. The screw heads are encapsulated by the device rendering them inaccessible and preventing the electrical panel cover from being removed. Hollow tube extension fittings can be employed to increase the length of the device for use on electrical panels of larger widths. A guide screw attached to the inner hollow tube rides in a slot in the outer hollow tube to keep both tubes from separating.

Abstract: A gift box apparatus having a locking mechanism and a programmable timer for selecting a specific date and time for when the gift box apparatus may become unlocked to reveal a gift contained therein is disclosed. In one embodiment, the gift box apparatus includes an integrated compartment that may be automatically released from the gift box apparatus at a preselected time, thereby revealing a key contained therein, which may be used by a recipient of the gift box apparatus to unlock a main compartment of the gift box apparatus and retrieve a gift contained therein.

Abstract: A column lock assembly for a vehicle including a steering shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. A first abutment defining a plurality of recesses and a second abutment are mounted to the steering shaft. A sleeve is disposed between the abutments with a locking member movable between a locked position preventing rotation of the sleeve and an unlocked position allowing rotation of the sleeve. The sleeve includes a body portion and a first protrusion engaging one of the recesses to couple the sleeve to the steering shaft for concurrent rotation about the longitudinal axis with the body portion being deformable along the longitudinal axis to move the first protrusion from one of the recesses to an other one of the recesses for allowing rotation of the steering shaft relative to the sleeve when the locking member is in the locked position.

Abstract: A latch has a pawl, a handle connected to the pawl, a manual lock for preventing movement of the handle between a closed position and an open position, an electrical lock for preventing movement of the handle between the closed position and the open position, and a shuttle connected to both the manual lock and the electrical lock. The shuttle is moveable between an engaged position in which the handle is prevented from moving from the closed position to the open position and a disengaged position in which the handle is permitted to move from the closed position to the open position. Upon deenergization of the electrical lock, the shuttle remains in the engaged position if the shuttle was in the engaged position prior to deenergization and the shuttle remains in the unengaged position if the shuttle were in the unengaged position prior to deenergization.

Abstract: A lock core and key blank are disclosed. The disclosed lock core includes a core body, a core sleeve, a core plug, and a side pin assembly including a side pin, a region pin, and a spring.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one piece axle tube housing with an integral spindle includes providing a tube blank, providing the blank with a region of increased thickness, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing a reducing die over the tube to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further swaging step may be used to form the final spindle structure.

Abstract: A device for the production and/or machining of parts, in particular for the production of stampings, by at least one die which is capable of being put under pressure and/or force, and which has at least one plate and one die element, the die element being supported in the plate against pressure elements via a resilient element.

Abstract: A forging method for upsetting end portions of a raw material as diameter expansion scheduled portions includes: providing an upsetting apparatus having a fixing die, guides each having an insertion passage for inserting and holding an end portion of the raw material in a buckling preventing state, and punches each for axially pressing the end portion of the raw material inserted in and held by the insertion passage; inserting end portions of the raw material with the end portions protruded from the fixing die into the insertion passages; and moving the guides in direction opposite to moving direction of the punches such that length of exposed portion of the raw material becomes equal to or less than buckling limit length at cross-sectional area of the exposed portion of the raw material while simultaneously axially pressing the end portions of the raw material with the punches.

Abstract: A rivet fixing device includes a catch tab retainer tube engageable with a transmission spindle of an electrically-operated, pneumatic or battery-powered electric drill or screwdriver, an inner guide sleeve, a driver, pawls, a rivet breaker, and an outer guide sleeve. By being driven by the transmission structure of the electric screwdriver, a rivet, with a shank section thereof inserted into a front end of the rivet breaker and the rivet being fit through holes defined in steel plates, iron plates, copper plates, or aluminum plates, due to the catch tab retainer tube being depressed inward to engage the transmission spindle, is driven by the rearward movement of the catch tab retainer tube to have a fit end thereof that extends beyond the holes of the plates squeezed and deformed to form an expanded portion, serving as a positioning wall that stretches and secures the rivet between the two metal plates.

Abstract: A medical device crimping system comprises a crimper and a plurality of protective strips. The crimper defines a crimping iris, which has an open state and a closed state. In the open state the cross-sectional area of the crimping iris is greater than in the closed state. The plurality of protective strips extend longitudinally through the crimping iris. Each of the strips is radially offset from one another. The strips protect the stent from direct contact with the crimping blades of the crimper.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a scale which enforces exercise requirements. The method includes causing an interface to provide a first indication to place weight on the scale by control circuitry of the scale, receiving weight signals from a load cell by the control circuitry, causing the interface to provide a second indication that exercising has begun and of the level of weight applied by the control circuitry, determining that a minimum recommended calibration weight has been placed on the scale by the control circuitry, and causing an interface to provide a third indication that the minimum recommended calibration weight has been placed on the scale by the control circuitry.

Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to a portable device that includes a frame and a fixture for engaging a mechanical probe to be calibrated. The fixture can be a platform of hard material that receives pushing action of the mechanical probe. A displacement sensor senses position of the platform with respect to the frame. An actuator is coupled to the displacement sensor and a controller is coupled to the actuator. The controller operates the actuator to cause the platform to move to a position (as indicated by the displacement sensor), while the force required to cause the displacement is measured with a force sensor.

Abstract: By using a disc type resonator, a sensor detects a substance having a mass and the mass with high sensitivity. Moreover, it is preferable to detect a change in vibrations of a substance attached or adsorbed to an area having a vibration amplitude equal to or larger than a constant value. This disc type resonator can be fabricated by the MEMS technique by using single-crystal or polycrystalline Si as a structural material. To improve the attachment efficiency of molecules and the like to be detected, irregularity or a groove is preferably provided on the surface of the disc type resonator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensing device for obtaining information of a test sample using an electromagnetic wave including a frequency region within a frequency region of 30 GHz to 30 THz, the sensing device comprising an electromagnetic wave transmitting portion including a plurality of transmission portions (4a, 4b) for propagating electromagnetic waves and detection portions (3a, 3c) for receiving and detecting the electromagnetic waves from the plurality of transmission portions (4a, 4b), in which at least one of the plurality of transmission portions (4a, 4b) is constructed such that the test sample (5, 6) can be placed in a portion affected by an electromagnetic wave propagating therethrough.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the leak-tightness of an evacuated space which is hermetically closed, leak-tight, by means of at least one metallic wall is specified. A device which is connected to the evacuated space indicates an inadmissible pressure rise in the evacuated space caused by a leak in the wall. The device includes a metallic bellows, which is hermetically connected, leak-tight, to the evacuated space, and an electrical proximity switch to which an evaluation unit is connected. The proximity switch (7) is mounted, in the direction of movement of the bellows (5), at a distance from the end face of the latter, the size of which is varied as a function of the respective axial length of the bellows (5). A tube (9) connected fixedly to the wall (2) is mounted around the bellows (5), so as to maintain an air gap, surrounds the bellows (5) in a moisture-tight manner and is longer than the bellows (5) in its longest initial position corresponding to the expanded state.

Abstract: An automatic system for monitoring chemistry information for a body of water comprises a sensor for determining chemistry information, a microprocessor for processing chemistry information, and a housing coupled to at least one of the sensor and the microprocessor. Preferably the housing is floatable or mountable. The method of providing chemistry information of a body of water comprising the steps of obtaining a sample of the body of water and determining chemistry information.

Abstract: A device for determining the viscosity of fluids. The device includes an injector, which has a piston and a hollow cylinder with a nozzle. The device further includes a cannula. The device also includes a forward-feed device with the aid of which the piston is displaceable at a uniform speed.

Abstract: A probe for measuring the hardness of concrete includes a body adapted to receive a retainer such that the combined body and retainer can be held in an aperture extending through a wall of a mould for the hardenable material, with the body extending from the inside of the wall. A sensor circuit includes detector elements supported by the body and disposed when in use in the concrete, and circuit terminals which face the exterior of the mould wall when in use, and are accessible through the retainer for connection to terminals of an external instrument. Preferably, the detector elements are conductive portions of a printed circuit board forming a resonator. The instrument can operate a switch in the probe which interconnects the terminals to indicate a good connection and measures resonator impedance at multiple frequencies.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus comprising: a reference member held in fixed position and orientation with respect to a workpiece during measurement; a stylus for scanning a surface of the workpiece while being displaced upward and downward in accordance with unevenness of the surface of the workpiece; a displacement gauge for measuring a displacement of a specific part of the stylus relative to the reference member; and a scanner for causing the stylus to scan the workpiece along the surface; wherein the fixed position and orientation of the reference member with respect to the workpiece are not changed even during the operation of the scanner; the up-and-down displacement of the specific part of the stylus is measured relative to the reference member; a fine shape of the workpiece is detected in accordance with the measured displacement of the specific part of the stylus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting dynamic characterization of a gas turbine engine which involves generating exciting pressure pulses and measuring responses in the engine, and, in one aspect, then analyzing the measured response for engine dynamic characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: self-tuning engine control algorithms using inputs from transducers that measure pressure in the engine cylinders, and from an engine crankshaft rotational position sensor; methods of processing the input signals to “self-tune” or learn accurate values for a) pressure transducer voltage offset, b) crank position encoder error and c) engine compression ratio; improved pressure-ratio-based algorithms for calculating cylinder heat release fraction as a function of crank angle.

Abstract: In a non-critical pressure region where a pressure ratio [Pm/Pthrup(i?1)] of an intake air pressure Pm(throttle downstream pressure) detected by an intake air pressure sensor to a previous throttle upstream pressure Pthrup(i?1) is greater than a predetermined value B, the previous throttle upstream pressure Pthrup(i?1) is substituted for one of two terms of the throttle upstream pressures Pthrup(i) included in an intake system model so that present throttle upstream pressure Pthrup(i) is calculated. In a critical pressure region where the pressure ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value B, a physical value f(Pm/Pthrup(i)) using a pressure ratio [Pm/Pthrup(i)] of the intake air pressure Pm to a present throttle upstream pressure Pthrup(i) as a parameter is regarded as a steady value fc so that the present throttle upstream pressure Pthrup(i) is calculated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating the angle of attack of wheels, wheelsets, trucks and railway vehicles traveling over a track employing a wayside system having a plurality of sensors, adjacent to the rails of the track, for detecting the passing of each wheelset of each truck. Each sensor communicates its moment of activation and length of activation caused by a passing wheel to a sensor monitoring unit for use in determining the angle of attack of the passing wheel, wheelset, truck and railway vehicle. The estimated angle of attack of the wheelset at different locations along the track may be used to detect a hunting wheelset, truck or railway vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that determines the density of one component in a multi-component flow through a conduit. The multi-component flow is separated into two streams (404) where a first stream has essentially all the flow for a first one of the components. The density of the second stream is measured (406).

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium and includes: A mechanically oscillatable unit, which executes mechanical oscillations in a direction and which is secured at a seating. Included is an exciting/receiving unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to mechanical oscillations and which receives the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit; and a control/evaluation unit, which controls the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit and which determines and/or monitors the process variable. At least one compensating mass is provided, which is mechanically coupled with the mechanically oscillatable unit and which is embodied and/or secured in such a manner that it executes mechanical oscillations in a direction, wherein the direction of the oscillations of the compensating mass are essentially perpendicular to the direction of the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid container having an outer surface and an interior container from which the level of liquid in the container is not visible; the liquid container having a detecting unit having a liquid amount detecting means and a liquid temperature detecting means which are inserted into the inner container and detect a liquid amount and a liquid temperature. A unit outer package located on the outer surface of the container displays the liquid amount and the liquid temperature detected by the detecting means. All detecting and display components are included in a single unit.

Abstract: A liquid level detection apparatus of the present invention includes contacts provided at a distal end portion of a contact plate, and resistance plates which are formed on a wiring board, and have respective conductor portions over which the contacts can slide, respectively, so as to detect a liquid level. Conductor patterns other than the conductor portions are formed on those regions of the wiring board which the contacts at the distal end portion of the contact plate contact during the time when an arm holder is mounted on the wiring board.

Abstract: A vehicle sensor system consisting of video, radar, ultrasonic or laser sensors, oriented to obtain a 360 degree view around the vehicle for the purpose of developing a situation or scene awareness. The sensors may or may not have overlapping field of views, or support the same applications, but data will be shared by all. Orientation of the sensor to the vehicle body coordinates is critical in order to accurately assess threat and respond. This system describes methods based on measuring force and rotation on each sensor and computing a dynamic alignment to first each other, then second to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical oscillator metal loss sensor for use in a corrosive or erosive environment. The elements include a mechanical oscillator that is mechanical excited with two regions that corrode differently, where the regions are determined to affect specific influences on the resonance parameters, wherein said mechanical oscillator has a resonant frequency, f, and a quality factor, Q. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical oscillator has the shape of a tuning fork.

Abstract: A method useful for evaluating the presence and/or the quality of the cement bond of a downhole tubular. The method involves measuring radial resonance modes of the tubular, and comparing those measured values to the unbound tubular resonant values of a calibration ring. For a well bonded tubular, the measured radial resonance should be greater than that of the unbound tubular calibration ring. In regions where a fluid, such as water surrounds the outside of the tubular, or the cement is otherwise not bonded to the outer surface of the tubular, the measured response should be less than the calibrated response. The calibration ring should have the same diameter, wall thickness, and be made of the same material as the tubular.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a passage detection apparatus capable of detecting a passage of an object in a specific space. The passage detection apparatus includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a shielding member. The transmitting device is provided with a vibration generating source. The receiving device is arranged at the position corresponding to the transmitting device across the specific space. The shielding member has a through-hole, and is arranged so as to be interposed between the transmitting device and the receiving device. The vibration transmitted from the transmitting device reaches the receiving device via the through-hole and a passage route of the object. On the other hand, the reception of the vibration, reflected in the specific space, by the receiving device is suppressed by the shielding member.

Abstract: An inspection head for an air gap inspection device. The inspection head may include a pair of expandable shoes, an inspection device attached to the pair of shoes, and a transducer assembly attached to one of the pair of shoes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-mode calibration target operable to calibrate multiple optical sensors. One embodiment has multiple planar surfaces, wherein the multiple planar surfaces are able to be distinguished by visual sensors based on their color, hue, shade, tint, or tone. Additionally, these planar surfaces may be raised or recessed from one another to provide depth contrast as well as visual contrast. Other embodiments may include narrow band emitters such as laser diodes located at predetermined locations within the multi-mode target. These targets may then be used to calibrate various sensors, such as optical sensors, within an inspection system such as a laser ultrasonic inspection system.

Abstract: A device (10, 10?) for checking the play of linkages of vehicles is provided and can include a first device (20) for production of oscillations, which is connected, via an extension element (30), with a contact element (40) for contacting the device (10, 10?) with the component to be tested, and a second device (50) for recording the oscillations produced in the component to be tested. A process for testing the play of vehicle linkages is also provided and can include the steps of producing oscillations with a first device (20), the oscillations being transmitted to a component to be measured via a contact element (40) which is connected via an extension element (30) with the first device (20), and recording the oscillations produced in the component to be measured with a second device (50).

Abstract: A process and device for the reliable monitoring of the current condition of the protective jacket formed of fireproof material, in particular of a rotary tubular kiln burner lance, during operation of the kiln system. A compressed air ring main and/or an annular metal wire loop forming part of an electrical circuit extending around the circumference of the protective jacket are embedded in the fireproof compound of the protective jacket in the area of the burner tip, in which in the event of burning through of the ring main or metal wire loop, a connected pressure sensor or current sensor generates a monitoring signal.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a field device is disclosed that includes a housing defining a fluid cavity and a sensor cavity and having an isolation barrier to isolate the fluid cavity from the sensor cavity. The field device further includes a pressure sensor disposed within the sensor cavity. The pressure sensor includes at least one pressure inlet. The field device also includes a capillary tube extending from the at least one pressure inlet to the fluid cavity through the isolation barrier. The capillary tube includes a lumen having a non-cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A micromechanical pressure sensing device includes a silicon support structure, which is configured to provide a plurality of silicon support beams. The device further includes one or more diaphragms attached to and supported by the support beams, and at least one piezoresistive sensing device, which is buried in at least one of the support beams. The piezoresistive sensing device is arranged to sense a strain induced in the silicon support structure, the strain being induced by a fluid in contact with the one or more diaphragms, to determine the pressure acting on the one or more diaphragms.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for and method and medium of adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary of a touch sensor. The apparatus for adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary includes a reference sensing boundary setting unit adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary of a capacitance using a signal generated by a reference touch sensor; a determination unit determining whether or not a value measured by a device control touch sensor controlling a device to which the reference touch sensor is attached is within the set reference sensing boundary, by sensing a change in the capacitance; and an output unit outputting the measured value if the determination result indicates that the measured value is within the reference sensing boundary.

Abstract: A tensile testing apparatus is provided, and generally includes an X-Y automated stage, and a first specimen holder for holding and transferring force to a specimen to a first portion of a specimen. The first specimen holder is operatively supported by the X-Y automated stage. A Z-automated stage, a multi-function nanotensile transducer head assembly, and a second specimen holder for holding and transferring force to a second portion of the specimen is further provided. The second specimen holder is operatively linked to the Z-automated stage via the nanotensile transducer head assembly. Variable displacement modalities, and non-Z alignment assessment and adjustment are enabled by the multi-function nanotensile transducer head assembly, as well as the X, Y, and Z automated stages.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the accuracy of fuel flow measurement by a fuel dispenser are provided. Pressure sensors positioned in the fuel flow path detect pressure in the fuel flow path and communicate pressure signals to a control system in the fuel dispenser. The pressure signals are used by the control system to enhance the accuracy of the fuel flow rate and fuel dispensed that the control system determines by converting meter signals from a meter. In particular, the pressure signals are used by the control system to determine whether a non-steady state condition exists in the fuel flow path and compensate the fuel flow rate and fuel dispensed due to the non-steady state condition.

Abstract: An adapter for a pipe is disclosed where the adapter changes the effective inside diameter of the tube to increase the airspeed flowing through the area where the adapter is placed. The adapter is utilized in automobiles where to adjust engine parameters based upon the requirements from the various sensors. This allows original sensors to be used in pipe while providing the overall appearance of a larger section of pipe. A kit including a number of nesting adapters is provided to allow altering of the cross sectional area of the pipe. The location of the sensor is maintained in the center of the pipe and the adapter(s) engage, nest, or connect to cause a progressive reduction of the pipe diameter until the optimal air flow speed is achieved based upon the requirements of the sensor.

Abstract: A test system for measuring a rotary load comprises a stepper motor drives a gear box that is mounted at one end of a frame. A torque sensor provides a measurement signal transmission. The gear box's output shaft is connected to one of the torque sensor's stubs by means of a universal joint coupling. On the other side of the torque sensor a second universal joint coupling connects the sensor to a stainless steel shaft. A low friction flange bearing is used to provide support for the shaft. An angle encoder is disposed on the end of the shaft distal to the gear box. The gear box's output shaft, the torque sensor's cylindrical shaft hubs and associated couplings are arranged such that they are directly aligned with the shaft. The test system has been designed to take automated torque and angle readings from a shaft capable of rotary motion.

Abstract: In an electric power assisting system for a vehicle, a control unit receives an input shaft rotation angle detected by an input shaft rotation angle sensor and an output shaft rotation angle detected by an output shaft rotation angle sensor. The control unit controls rotation of a motor based on the detected two rotation angles. The control unit differently controls the rotation of the motor whether torque is applied from a steering wheel side or from a road surface side.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting the tension, moving direction, and length of a connector. The detecting apparatus includes a connector including one end connected inside the movement detecting apparatus and other end disposed at an outer side of the movement detecting apparatus, a tension detector measuring a tension force applied to the connector by detecting a minute change in a parameter of the tension detector when the other end of the connector is pulled away from the movement detecting apparatus, a direction detector measuring a movement of the connector in horizontal and vertical directions in a plane substantially perpendicular to the tension so as to detect a direction of the tension force applied to the connector, and a length detector detecting a length of the connector extended from the movement detecting apparatus by the tension force applied to the connector.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to protect an analytical sample from being diluted or otherwise contaminated during the analytical procedure.