Abstract: A refrigerant system incorporates an economizer circuit, and a thermoelectric cooler to provide a performance boost to the conventional economized refrigerant system. A thermoelectric cooler cools the refrigerant either directly in a main refrigerant circuit, or in an economized circuit, or both.

Abstract: A hot air generating tool, comprising a tubular body for aspirating and discharging drying air, with which elements for heating the air and a handle are associated. The air heating elements are constituted by a Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube device supplied with compressed air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for adjusting heating value of natural gas, wherein components having high heating value are separated from natural gas consisting of various hydrocarbon components to reduce heating value of natural gas supplied to the markets. The method includes heating liquefied natural gas (LNG), separating the LNG heated and partially gasified into a gaseous component having low heating value and a liquid component having high heating value.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice maker positioned in the refrigerator and configured to make ice. The refrigerator also includes a plate positioned at an open side of the ice making tray and configured to reduce water overflow. The refrigerator further includes a cool air inlet passage configured to allow cool air to be introduced to an area inside of the plate. In addition, the refrigerator includes a cool air outlet passage that is separate from the cool air inlet passage, and configured to allow release of cool air from the area inside of the plate to an exterior of the plate.

Abstract: A micro-channel heat exchanger module is respectively connected to a compressor and an expansion device. The micro-channel heat exchanger module includes a heat transfer tube module and a block. The block has a working fluid inlet channel, a working fluid outlet channel, a working fluid distribution chamber, a plurality of working fluid outlet openings, and a plurality of working fluid inlet openings. The working fluid inlet channel is connected to one of a compressor and an expansion device. The working fluid distribution chamber communicates with the working fluid inlet channel. The working fluid outlet openings communicate the working fluid distribution chamber with the heat transfer tube module. The working fluid inlet openings communicate the heat sink with the working fluid outlet channel. The working fluid outlet channel is connected to the other one of the compressor and the expansion device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a tetrafluoropropene and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.

Abstract: An ice-making device that includes a duct through which ice is dispensed and a duct-covering part for opening and closing the duct. An ice conveying part conveys the ice dispensed through the duct. A driving speed of the ice conveying part increases for a previously set initial driving time when the dispensing of the ice starts, and the ice conveying part is driven at a previously set target speed when the initial driving time elapses.

Abstract: An ice-making device includes a duct through which ice is dispensed and a duct-covering part opening and closing the duct. A sensor part senses whether the duct-covering part closes the duct and a control part controls the duct-covering part to open the duct when the sensor part senses that the duct-covering part fails to close the duct and the duct-covering part has been attempting to close the duct for at least a preset period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator including a refrigerator main body having a cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a refrigerating chamber door positioned at the refrigerator main body and configured to open and close at least a portion of a refrigerating chamber. The refrigerator further includes an ice chamber disposed at an inner surface of the refrigerating chamber door containing ice. In addition, the refrigerator includes a door basket configured to be attached to an outer surface of the ice chamber and having a non-contact to portion positioned at a surface facing the ice chamber.

Abstract: To a hermetic compressor and a refrigeration cycle device having the same, an oil separator for separating oil from a refrigerant discharged from a compression unit is added. Separated oil is recollected into an oil pump driven by a driving motor. Because refrigerant separated from the oil is prevented from being re-introduced into the compressor, a cooling capability of the refrigeration cycle device may be enhanced. Because the oil pump is driven by the driving force of the driving motor, the compressor may have a simplified configuration, and the fabrication costs may be reduced. The oil used for a crankshaft lubrication process is returned to the oil pump by forming an oil pocket between bearing surfaces of a crankshaft and the oil pump, oil may be prevented from back-flowing to the oil separator from the crankshaft. This may allow oil to be smoothly recollected into the oil pump.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hermetic compressor and a refrigeration cycle device having the same. An oil separator for separating oil from a refrigerant is installed outside a casing. The oil separated by the oil separator is recollected into the casing by an oil pump driven by a driving force of a driving motor. The oil is recollected from the refrigerant and fabrication costs are be reduced. A cooling capability of the refrigeration cycle device is enhanced, the compressor has a simplified configuration, and the fabrication costs are reduced. Because an outlet of a discharge opening through which oil is discharged to the casing from the oil pump is installed at a position lower than a minimum level of oil in the casing, the refrigerant is prevented from backflowing into an oil passage, and the occurrence of air bubbles on the surface of oil in the compressor may be prevented.

Abstract: A method for liquefaction using a closed loop refrigeration system, the method comprising the steps of (a) compressing a gaseous refrigerant stream in at least one compressor; (b) cooling the compressed gaseous refrigerant stream in a first heat exchanger; (c) expanding at least a first portion of the cooled, compressed gaseous refrigerant stream from the first heat exchanger in a first expander to provide a first expanded gaseous refrigerant stream; and (d) cooling and substantially liquefying a feed gas stream to form a substantially liquefied feed gas stream in a second heat exchanger through indirect heat exchange against at least a first portion of the first expanded gaseous refrigerant stream from the first expander, wherein the first expanded gaseous refrigerant stream exiting the first expander is substantially vapor.

Abstract: A separation method and apparatus that separates a component from a feed stream by use of a membrane in which separation is driven, at least in part, by a sweep stream. The sweep stream may be pumped to a supercritical pressure and then heated to at least near supercritical temperature, at least in part, through heat exchange with a component laden sweep stream being discharged from the membrane. A multi-component mixture can also be used that will produce the sweep stream as a vapor as a result of the heat exchange. The component laden sweep stream, due to cooling through the indirect heat exchange, will form a two-phase fluid that can be phase separated into a vapor phase enriched in the component that can be taken as a product and a residual liquid that can be recirculated in the formation of the sweep stream in the liquid state.

Abstract: An application for pierced jewelry for wearing in a hole bored through the skin of a person's body (e.g., an ear lobe, etc) is disclosed. The pierced jewelry includes a support portion with a decorative portion affixed to a first end of the support portion. A bulge is located on the support portion. The bulge is slightly larger in cross section than the hole and the bulge is adapted to pass through the hole and, once through the hole, the bulge holds the pierced jewelry in the hole.

Abstract: A jewelry item including a body, a locking bar provided at one end of the body with a locking groove, and a locker provided at the other end with an insert groove and an internal hinge post. A locking release button is mounted within the locker and rotatable around the internal hinge post. The release button has a first end for engagement of the locking groove and a second pressing end protruding out of the locker. A spring is mounted about the internal hinge post. When the first end of the release button is received within the locking groove in a closed position and the pressing end is depressed, the first end of the release button is rotated against the elastic spring force and the locking bar is decoupled from the locker into an open position.

Abstract: A process and device for abating air-borne particles during glass melt handling processes by using electrostatic precipitation. The invention is effective in abating both precious metal inclusions and non-metallic inclusions in the produced glass.

Abstract: A situation where glass chip produced as a result of breakage of waste glass sheets floats in a cutting chamber when the waste glass sheets produced in glass sheet producing steps are collected is suppressed. Provided is a glass sheet production installation (1), in which a sheetshaped glass ribbon (B) is formed by supplying molten glass (A) into a forming body (2) and causing the molten glass (A) to flow downward on a conveyance path extending in an upper and lower direction from the forming body (2), and the glass ribbon (B) is cut into a predetermined dimension in a cutting chamber (6) provided on the conveyance path so that glass substrates (C) are produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating the ends of glass rods in which glass rods are inserted into receptacles in a carrier and with the carrier are carried past a burner and at least one rail in an advancing direction, the flame of the burner melting at least one end of the glass rods and the glass rods being lifted by the rail in the receptacles and rolling on the rail so that the glass rods are made to rotate during the melting process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for consolidating an optical fiber preform, wherein the optical fiber preform is located in a furnace comprising a muffle tube, said muffle tube comprising an inner section and an outer section surrounding the inner section. The inner and outer sections are comprised of different materials, and the preform is exposed to a pressure less than 0.8 atm while simultaneously exposing said preform to a temperature of at least 1000 C.

Abstract: An anti-theft shield that protects the latching apparatus on the large rear doors of cargo trucks and truck trailers is provided, the shield including an elongated sheath-like member for sliding over and enclosing the cargo door latch handle, and a connected panel member for extending over and protecting the cargo door latch mechanism and the associated padlock for locking the latch handle to the latch mechanism. At a first end of the sheath-like member on the rear side thereof is a planar guide member for insertion behind the latch handle and pivot pin locking hook. The shield is secured in position over the latch mechanism by means of the guide member in combination with a shield locking bracket having an opening for accepting the padlock bight during the locking procedure.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device for use with a bag, such as a purse, backpack or computer bag, and a method of deterring theft of an unsupervised bag. The device includes a housing with a connector attached to the housing, and a locking member with a retractable cord attached to an opposing side of the housing for use in securing the bag to a stationary object. Alternatively, the device includes a connector, attachment means and at least one locking member. The device may further include a second locking member attached to the connector through a second attachment means useful for securing a zipper on a bag to prevent easy access to the contents of the bag.

Abstract: A driving device for an electric lock latch, comprising: a) a housing; b) a motor positioned within the housing with a power output shaft secured to a drive shaft with a threaded portion; c) a spiral spring having an internal part fixed in the housing or at the motor, the middle part of the spiral spring having a threaded joint portion (with a smaller diameter) corresponding to the threaded portion of the drive shaft, the internal and external parts of the spiral spring not having the threaded connection to the threaded portion of the drive shaft; and d) a lock latch secured to the external part of the spiral spring. Unlike the conventional structure requiring an external power source, thereby leading to a complicated installation, the structure in accordance with the invention includes a drive shaft having a threaded portion for driving a spiral spring in threaded connection thereto. Moreover, the lock latch is connected at the external part of the spiral spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal-cutting machining process for a semi-finished product having a predetermined shape and at least one machining surface which has the steps: applying a protective foil having a predetermined elongation at break to the at least one machining surface with a predetermined adhesive force, placing a metal-cutting tool in a predetermined position above the machining surface, exerting a predetermined mechanical force in a predetermined direction for a predetermined length of time to the tool for carrying out a metal-cutting process on the semi-finished product and lifting the tool from the at least one machining surface after the predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A substantially two-dimensional sheet material is configured for bending along a bend line to form a three-dimensional article. The sheet material includes a sheet of elastically and plastically deformable material, one portion of the sheet material located on one side of the bend line and another portion located on the opposing side of the bend line, one portion being displaced relative to the another portion in the direction of the thickness of the sheet material, and/or a plurality of shear lengths extending along the bend line separating the one and another portions of the sheet material. At least a pair of adjacent shear lengths define a strap interconnecting the one and another portions of the sheet material.

Abstract: Preparation methods for introducing liquid samples to gas analysis instruments include 1) complete evaporation of a liquid sample in a sample chamber, and 2) allowing the sample vapor in the sample chamber to equilibrate for a predetermined time. An inert carrier gas (e.g., dry nitrogen or zero air) is also admitted to the sample chamber. After equilibration, the sample vapor is admitted as a conditioned sample to an analysis instrument. Preferably, the predetermined equilibration time is sufficiently long that the sample vapor in the sample chamber becomes substantially homogeneous with respect to both concentration and isotopic ratio. Vapor derived from a liquid calibration standard in this manner can be employed as an accurate gas-phase calibration reference.

Abstract: A sensor with continuous self test (101). An exemplary inertial sensor (106) may include one or more self test electrodes (208, 210) so that one or more test signals (402, 404) may be applied to the electrodes (208, 210) during normal operation of the sensor. Normal sensor output may be read and stored (316) during normal operation, when self test signals are typically not applied to the sensor. The normal sensor output provides a baseline for comparison to a sensor offset error detection signal (408) produced when a test signal may be applied to one self test electrode, and also to a sense error detection signal (406) produced when a test signal may be applied to both self test electrodes (208, 210).

Abstract: Embodiments for testing an acoustic property of an ultrasound probe including a plurality of transducer elements are disclosed. A Shlieren image of an ultrasound probe and a visualized acoustic field of an ultrasound signal generated when one of the transducer elements is excited are acquired. A preprocessing including noise removal and position calibration upon the Shlieren image is then carried out. An acoustic property of the ultrasound probe is tested based on the preprocessed Shlieren image.

Abstract: An abrasive wear testing machine exhibiting a support surface upon which is dynamically supported a tray to which a wear piece is secured. A tool bit is supported by a vertically displaceable and weight supporting bracket in a fixed and downward load applied fashion against the wear piece, such that the tray is reciprocated a selected number of cycles to determine a wear profile exerted upon the wear piece by the tool bit. The bracket is configured so that end located receiving channels are each seatingly engaged upon upwardly extending hydraulic lifts secured to the support surface, with a plurality of free weights arranged upon the hydraulic lifts.

Abstract: A gas sensor system including a gas sensor; a current control unit; a constant control unit; and a temperature acquisition unit. The gas sensor includes a measurement chamber, a pump cell and an electromotive force cell. The current control unit performs feedback control on current flowing through the pump cell in response to the voltage of the electromotive force cell and in accordance with a control constant which characterizes the feedback control. Further, the constant control unit changes the control constant of the feedback control in accordance with a value (for example, a resistance value of the electromotive force cell) corresponding to the temperature of the gas sensor.

Abstract: A gas sensor comprises a gas sensing element, a housing for the gas sensing element, and an element cover secured to an axial end of the housing and composed of an inner cover covering part of the gas sensing element and an outer cover disposed outside the inner cover. The outer cover comprise an approximately cylindrical side wall body, a bottom body integral with the side wall body, and a guide having first and second ends, the first end being secured to the side wall body and the second end being separated from the side wall body and located to provide a side opening between the second end and the side wall body. The side opening introduces a gas thereinto. A discharge opening is formed through the bottom body. The second end is recessed inward in the outer cover and is closer to the bottom body than the first end.

Abstract: Leak detector systems for detecting leaks in sealed food packages are disclosed, as well as methods for detecting leaks in sealed food packages. The leak detector system includes advancing a food package to a seal testing station where a portion of the food package is deflected and a deflection characteristic is measured. If the deflection characteristic is greater than a predetermined deflection characteristic limit that a sealed package should undergo while being subjected to the predetermined force, indicating that the package contains leaks, the food package is rejected. Otherwise the food package is advanced from the seal testing station.

Abstract: A method and control module for indicating engine oil life includes a viscosity determination module determining a viscosity of the engine oil based on an engine oil pressure and engine oil temperature. The control system further includes a comparison module comparing the viscosity of the engine oil to a threshold and generating a warning signal in response to comparing the viscosity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for measuring mechanical properties of materials using an indenter which has a predetermined geometry, a device for generating force permitting the indenter to penetrate into a material sample surface of an object of measurement, and a device for measuring the penetration depth, wherein, arranged between a force application portion on which the device for generating force is applied and a shaft with an indenter tip facing towards the material surface of the object of measurement, the indenter has at least one micro-mechanical motion actuator by which at least one radial deflection of the shaft with respect to the force absorption portion of the indenter is capable of being activated or detected.

Abstract: A control unit executes sensing of a fuel property of fuel based on a physical value, which is related to a combustion state of the fuel in an internal combustion engine, when it is determined that a predetermined prerequisite operational condition for the sensing of the fuel property is satisfied upon occurrence of at least one of consumption of a predetermined amount of fuel, traveling of a vehicle through a predetermined travel distance, and execution of a predetermined number of operation cycle(s). The predetermined prerequisite operational condition may be satisfied when an operational state of the internal combustion engine is a deceleration fuel cut-off state or an idle state.

Abstract: A shaft receiving section of a simulation wheel is attached to a hub of a vehicle such that the shaft receiving section is located outside the vehicle. A tire mounting section surrounding the shaft receiving section concentrically with the shaft receiving section with a bearing being interposed between the shaft receiving section and the tire mounting section and further surrounding the peripheral surface of the hub to allow a tire to be mounted at a portion surrounding the peripheral surface of the hub is provided. The tire is mounted on the tire mounting section. The shaft receiving section is made rotatable with the rotation of the tire mounting section being stopped. Load is applied to an axle from a dynamometer.

Abstract: A fluid level indicator strip measures the level of water in a closed receptacle containing a volume of fluid within an impermeable liner. The strip is a flexible, thin and impermeable elongate strip having a first pressure sensing part disposed vertically within the receptacle on the surface of an inside wall and a second visual display part disposed on the same wall outside surface. The first and second parts are connected by a third horizontal part. Each pressure sensor is electrically connected to a direct opposite and corresponding visual display. In one embodiment the pressure sensors are piezoresistive. In another embodiment the visual displays are LEDs.

Abstract: A rotation rate sensor includes: a mounting device; a first drive frame having a drive, which is designed to set the first drive frame into a first oscillatory motion along an axis of oscillation relative to the mounting device; a first stator electrode; a first actuator electrode coupled to the first drive frame in such a way that in a rotary motion of the rotation rate sensor due to a Coriolis force, the first actuator electrode being displaceable in a first deflection direction relative to the first stator electrode; and an evaluation device configured to determine a voltage applied between the first stator electrode and the first actuator electrode, and to specify information regarding the rotary motion of the rotation rate sensor while taking the determined voltage value into account.

Abstract: An evaluation electronics system for a rotation-rate sensor, having a first and a second seismic mass, is developed for the purpose of ascertaining a rotation rate, acting on the rotation-rate sensor, from a deflection of the first and second seismic masses. The evaluation electronics system, in this instance, has a regulation member in order to minimize an undesired deflection of the first and second seismic masses, caused by interference influences.

Abstract: A micromechanical component for detecting an acceleration. The component includes a conductive layer having a first and a second electrode and a rotatable flywheel mass in the form of a rocker having a first and a second lever arm. The first lever arm is situated opposite the first electrode, and the second lever arm is situated opposite the second electrode. The first lever arm has a first hole structure having a number of first cut-outs, and the second lever arm has a second hole structure having a number of second cut-outs. The first and the second lever arm have different masses. The component is characterized by the fact that the outer dimensions of the first and second lever arms correspond, and the first hole structure of the first lever arm differs from the second hole structure of the second lever arm. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a micromechanical component is provided.

Abstract: A multi-axis accelerometer is consisted of a substrate with sensing electrodes and a structure layer. The structure layer includes anchor bases fixed on the substrate. A first proof mass is disposed over the substrate and has a first opening and a second opening symmetric to each other. The first proof mass is suspended to the anchor bases. Fixed sensing blocks are disposed on the substrate, and capacitors are formed between each fixed sensing block and the first proof mass for sensing acceleration along two in-plane directions. A second proof mass and a third proof mass are disposed in the first opening and the second opening and are asymmetrically suspended. Separate electrodes are disposed on the substrate and form two differential capacitors with the second proof mass and the third proof mass for sensing the out-of-plane acceleration.

Abstract: A flow sensor apparatus that utilizes a pressure sensor with media isolated electrical connections. A cap can be attached to topside of the pressure sensor over a diaphragm to protect bond pads and wire bonds from a fluid media. A flow channel can be etched on the cap with an opening and exit on the sides of the cap so that liquid can flow through the flow channel. An inlet port and an outlet port can be attached to the channel's opening and exit to allow for fluid flow over the diaphragm. The flow channel creates a larger pressure over portions of the diaphragm that increases the deflection of the diaphragm, which increases an output signal of the pressure sensor. V-grooves can be created on two sides of the pressure sensor and in the cap to create the channel for the fluid in and out of the cap's cavity.

Abstract: A novel flexible transducer structure is suitable for attaching to curved surface such as the leading edge of an aircraft wing. The structure comprises a thin flexible sheet of an insulating material with a leadless transducer secured to the sheet. The sheet is then placed over the curved surface and assumes the curvature of the surface. The transducer secured to the sheet provides an output of pressure according the pressure exerted on the sheet. The sheet basically is fabricated from a thin material such as Kapton and is flexible so as to assume the curvature of the surface with the transducer being exposed to pressure applied to the curved surface. The sensor in conjunction with the flexible sheet allows pressure to be measured without disturbing the air flow patterns of the measuring surfaces and because of its construction, is moisture resistant over a large variety of atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a flowmeter, such as an inductive flowmeter, in which a medium flows through a measuring tube, and an arrangement of electrodes are conductively connected to the medium. To determine a filling level in a simple and reliable manner, at least four electrodes are arranged in the measuring tube essentially in a half-circumferential region based on a cross section through the measuring tube. When at least one signal is fed in at one of the electrodes or at one of the electrode pairs, an electrical current is measured at an electrode or between an electrode pair. An electrical voltage is measured between at least one other electrode pair or with respect to a common connection to ground. When comparing measurements with two different electrode combinations, different voltage and current values are related to infer a diagnosis, such as a filling level in the tube, and/or an electrode coating, and/or an oblique installation, and/or a sedimentation at a bottom of the tube.

Abstract: Method and system for a wet/wet differential pressure sensor based on microelectronic packaging process. A top cap with a hole can be attached to a topside of a MEMS-configured pressure sense die with a pressure sensing diaphragm in order to allow sensed media to come in contact with the topside of the pressure sensing diaphragm. An optional constraint with a hole for stress relief can be attached to a backside of the pressure sense die. Adhesive and/or elastomeric seals and/or solder can be utilized to seal the pressure sense die allowing sensed media to come in contact with both sides of the pressure sensing diaphragm without coming into contact with wirebonds and other metallized surfaces. The MEMS-configured pressure sense die can also be bonded to a substrate with standard die attach materials. Such microelectronic packaging processes yield a high performance and cost effective solution thereby providing wet-wet pressure sensing capability.

Abstract: Turbine comprising a tubular body that receives an upstream stator, a rotor including a propeller and a downstream stator. The trailing edge of the blades of the upstream stator is inclined through a negative angle relative to a normal relative to the axis, and the leading edge of the blades of the propeller is inclined and rounded in an incline directed downstream. The rotational mounting of the propeller in the turbine involves a fixed shaft installed in the upstream and downstream stators, and which carries an upstream bearing bush and a downstream bearing bush, close to the end of the location of the propeller, and a stop formed by a crown of support pins in an upstream and downstream direction. The propeller comprises a tubular hub through which the fixed shaft extends and which has a bearing bush at each end in order to co-operate at the same time with the corresponding bearing bush of the fixed shaft and with the corresponding peripheral stop.

Abstract: A Coriolis flow sensor with at least one vibrating flow tube through which a medium flows, includes elements for exciting the tube, and optical detection element for determining the movements of one or several points of the tube based on the principle of reflection of a light beam against the photosensitive surface of a light sensor. The light beam is directed at the tube wall, at a layer provided on this wall, or at an element fastened against this wall, wherein elements for shaping the beam are arranged for making the convergence of the beam in the direction of movement of the tube associated with the Coriolis forces smaller than the convergence in the direction of movement of the tube associated with the excitation forces. The sensitivity in the detection of the small movements of the tube caused by the Coriolis forces is enhanced.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer that stirs a plurality of different liquids to induce a reaction and measures an optical characteristic of a reaction liquid, thereby analyzing the reaction liquid. The automatic analyzer includes a stirring unit that includes a vibrator that is arranged on a vessel that contains a specimen including a sedimented component or a rack on which the vessel is arranged; and an electrode that is arranged on a transfer path for transferring the rack to a dispensing position and feeds electric power to the vibrator. The stirring unit feeds the electric power from the electrode to the vibrator while the rack is being transferred to the dispensing position along the transfer path and stirs the specimen including the sedimented component contained in the vessel.

Abstract: A test sample collection device includes a generally elongated sample collection section for collecting and holding a test sample, a handle member having a top half, a bottom half, a test strip located between the top and bottom halves, and an opening formed by the top and bottom halves, and a cap. Prong members fit within the opening of the handle member for releasably connecting the sample collecting section to the handle member. The cap is releasably mounted on the sample collecting section and covers the sample collecting section. Flexible extension members on the cap are used to release the sample collecting section from the handle member. The collecting section includes a plurality of fins and slots for assisting in collecting the test sample. The device also includes windows for magnified viewing of test results and for indicating whether a sufficient amount of the sample has been collected.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing a predeterminable concentration of at least one component in a microscopic sample liquid medium are described. The device includes a feeding device for the at least one component. Measurement data are determined, measuring a predeterminable parameter using a microscopic method. The concentration of the at least one component is adjusted or controlled via the feeding device based on the basis of measurement data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing reagent usage, comprising the steps of providing a retainer, at least one group of loopholes being provided on the sidewalls of said retainer; providing a colorimetric glass, adapted to be inserted into said retainer, for receiving the first reagent to be observed through said loopholes; providing a cap, for capping the colorimetric glass and the retainer into a whole, after the colorimetric glass being inserted into the retainer. The present invention mainly uses a reagent tube with a retainer having a new structure, a colorimetric glass and a cap, storing the first reagent only in the colorimetric glass, and the volume of the colorimetric glass is far less than that of the current reagent tube, thus the usage of the reagents can be reduced effectively.