Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a headlight lens (51) for a vehicle headlight, characterized in that a blank (20) made of glass is heated and thereafter pressed into an injection die (30) to form a headlight lens (51).

Abstract: A method of cutting a glass sheet that has been thermally or chemically strengthened along a predetermined line, axis, or direction with high speed and with minimum damage on the cut edges. The strengthened glass sheet may be cut into at least two pieces, one of which having a predetermined shape or dimension. At least one damage line is formed within the strengthened glass sheet. The at least one damage line is formed outside the strengthened compressive stress surface layers and within the tensile stress layer of the strengthened glass sheet. The at least one damage line may be formed by laser treatment. A crack is initiated in the strengthened glass sheet and propagated along the at least one damage line to separate the strengthened glass sheet along the predetermined line, axis, or direction into at least two pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a float glass, including a float bath for strong a molten metal on which a molten glass flows, wherein the molten metal flows in the float bath, comprises a plurality of discharge slits formed through a wall of a downstream end of the float bath to discharge a molten metal crashing against the wall and dross floating on the molten metal; a flow-back channel formed in a widthwise direction of the float bath and communicated with the discharge slits; and a dross collecting member for collecting the dross flowing through the flow-back channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a float glass, including a float bath for storing a molten metal on which a molten glass flows, wherein the molten metal flows in the float bath, comprises an discharge opening formed through a wall of a downstream end of the float bath at the center of the wall to discharge a molten metal crashing against the wall and dross floating on the molten metal; and a pair of side channels formed inside of the wall and communicated with the discharge opening and both sides of the float bath.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a float glass, including a float bath for storing a molten metal on which a molten glass flows, wherein the molten metal flows in the float bath, comprises a discharge slot having substantially the same size as width of the molten glass to discharge a molten metal crashing against a wall of a downstream end of the float bath and dross floating on the molten metal, and formed through the wall substantially parallel to a traveling direction of the molten glass; connecting channels for communicating the discharge slot with both sides of the float bath; and dross collecting members for collecting the dross.

Abstract: Resistive garments featuring a special knit, realized by circular knitting machines, fitted in some areas with an electrical circuit realised by direct knitting of conductive yarn in combination with a base of non-resistive yarn. The electrical circuit of this resistive garment is made up by three different knitting structures for “held or excluded stitches” with no cutting or stitching, in direct connection, without interruptions of any type. An electronic circuit allows the control of energy flowing in to the different heating zones of the electric circuit.

Abstract: A process for fabric washing in which fabric is treated sequentially with at least two different enzymes, the process comprising the steps: 1. treatment with one or more proteases, followed by 2. treatment with one or more of a second enzyme characterised in that the or each second enzyme(s) of the second step is/are of a different enzyme family to the protease(s) in the first step.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a housing with a front panel defining a front opening, a tub defining a tub opening, and a drum in the tub rotatable on a rotation axis and defining a drum opening. The drum is connected to a motor defining a rotation direction. The tub opening and the drum opening define a gap enabling drum rotation while the motor is rotating the drum. The washing machine further includes a ring-shaped gasket providing a substantially waterproof seal between the front panel and the tub and including a front rim engaging the front opening, a rear rim engaging the tub opening, and a collar having a first end adjacent the rear rim and projecting radially inwardly beyond the gap to a second end. A collar thickness between the first end and the second end is not uniform around the gasket.

Abstract: A tub (1) for washer or washer/dryer machine is disclosed, comprising: a tub body composed of a basically cylindrical lateral wall (20) connected by means of a circular connection section (21) to a bottom wall (2) and a cover (3) provided with a circular peripheral section (31) coupled with said bottom wall (2) of the tub body in such a way to form a box-shaped structure. The tub body comprises a first flange (25) that is coupled with a second flange (35) provided in said cover to generate a fluid-tight chamber (40) that can be used for various functions of the machine, such as pressure intake cover (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam laundry drier, and more specifically to a steam laundry dryer capable of removing or preventing crease or wrinkle occurring in cloth, etc. and capable of improving assembling efficiency by easily mounting a steam generator provided to remove the crease or the wrinkle and a water supply source supplying water to the steam generator in the inside of the steam laundry drier.

Abstract: Handcuffs made up of a half-bracelet (21), a second half-bracelet (11), at least one casing (1) with a mean of locking (22, 41, 5, 7) and unlocking (4, 5, 9). The second half-bracelet (11) being interdependent (or not) from the casing of the handcuffs. A main characteristic being that the first half-bracelet pivots around an axis (100) located within the casing. The handcuff has a mean of control (3, 6, 200, 24) the first half-bracelet can move around its axis in order to allow a frontal gripping of the hand (or leg) to be blocked.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel locking system is disclosed. The locking system includes a unitary locking bracket made from a hardened steel material having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending from the horizontal portion, wherein the horizontal portion of the locking bracket is configured to encapsulate a portion of the top of the frame of a photovoltaic panel and wherein the vertical portion is configured to flank the vertical portion of the photovoltaic panel frame, and wherein the vertical portion of the bracket includes a bracket aperture. The locking system also includes a lock configured to fit through both the bracket aperture and an aligned aperture formed in the vertical portion of the frame of the photovoltaic panel securing the locking bracket against the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: A locking system for securely closing the lid on an enclosure, such as a grade level box, includes an L-bolt connected to a spring-biased slide member positioned on the underside of the lid. The L-bolt rotates in a slotted housing that securely retains the L-bolt under the lid. The slide member engages an abutment on the inside of the enclosure, when the lid is forced down over an opening in the enclosure, e.g., by foot pressure. Downward force on the lid progressively causes the latch to retract against the spring-bias from contact with the abutment and then snaps the latch into a spring-biased locking position under the abutment. The L-bolt is accessed from outside the lid, rotated by a proprietary socket wrench or similar tool, to retract the latch from its locking position sufficiently for removing the lid from the enclosure.

Abstract: An electric steering lock for a motorcycle includes a housing, a transmission assembly, a spindle, a set of sensors and a circuit board. The transmission assembly has an actuator, a first gear, a second gear and a sliding block each arranged within the housing in transmissive engagement with each other. The spindle is assembled with the sliding block and acts in the housing. A primary control chip of the motorcycle controls the circuit board to make the transmission assembly to drive the spindle to move accordingly. The circuit board determines that the spindle is locked and reaches a predetermined position if the sliding block presses the front sensor, and the circuit board determined that the spindle is unlocked and reaches a predetermined position if the sliding block presses the rear sensor.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a bicycle that includes wheels disposed on a front fork and on a rear stay by a nut or bolt system and a saddle tube whose clamping axis comprises a nut or a bolt.

Abstract: Theft prevention device for enabling to lock the handlebar grip and the brake-lever of a two-wheeled vehicle, where the brake-lever is movably connected to the handlebar, to prevent stealing of the vehicle. The device may comprise a housing comprising at least two openings; a handlebar cuff that enables slidably attaching to the housing through the openings and cuffing of the handlebar grip therein; a brake-lever cuff that enables slidably attaching to the housing through the openings and, cuffing of the brake-lever therein; and a lock assembly that is operatively associated with the cuffs. The lock assembly enables locking the cuffs in a position where the cuffs cuff the handlebar grip and the brake-lever. To install the theft prevention device the cuffs should be approximate to one another, and then the user may lock the cuffs in the approximated cuffing position, using the lock assembly.

Abstract: In a locking device with a power supply unit, the energy supply unit includes at least one chamber for a liquid or a gas as energy carrier or electrolyte former for a battery.

Abstract: A light fence represented by aligned apertures in a plurality of wheels permits the passage of a light beam to a sensor to activate an electro-mechanical control for a lock. Such an arrangement avoids the sound-producing mechanical action of the typical tumbler lock and safeguards discovery of the opening combination. Rather than the typical case of a numerical sequencing combination, a novel approach is taken by using visual pattern recognition to align the apertures. The electro-mechanical control of the present invention additionally features optimized energy use, customizable settings, precision positioning, and an expansion of possible combination permutations by including direction of rotation.

Abstract: A master key lock includes a lock cylinder having a keyway for receiving a key, a sleeve about the cylinder, a plurality of wafer tumblers, a master key and means for axially moving the sleeve relative to the cylinder when the master key is inserted into the keyway. A system that uses the master key lock includes a lock case wherein the sleeve is disposed between the cylinder and the lock case, the sleeve being axially movable within the case. The sleeve comprises a plurality of transversely disposed slots for engaging the plurality of wafer tumblers such that the lock is unlocked by insertion of a key or a master key. The invention also provides for a method of using the master key lock.

Abstract: A profiled key for use in an associated cylinder lock provided with a rotatable key plug having a longitudinal keyway. The key has a substantially flat key blade with a longitudinally extending profile groove at a side surface thereof and at least one local recess adjacent to said profile groove. The local recess constitutes a locally expanded portion of said profile groove, and the locally expanded portion of the profile groove has a cross-section with two opposite, non-symmetrical side walls. The local reces will accommodate a blocking element in the lock, and permit full insertion of the key blade into the keyway.

Abstract: A cylinder lock and key combination is disclosed. The lock comprises a housing (30) having a cylindrical bore and a cylindrical key plug (33) being rotatably journalled in said cylindrical bore. The key plug has a longitudinal, profiled keyway (34) and means (1, 2) for locking the key plug against rotation in the cylindrical bore unless a correctly cut key is fully inserted into the keyway. The key blade (60) has a cross-sectional profile fitting into said keyway, and a profile groove (61) extending longitudinally along the key blade. The lock comprises a blocking mechanism with at least one blocking element (20), which is movable from a first blocking position, in which first projecting portion (21) of the cross-sectional profile of the blocking element extends outside the cross-sectional contour of said profile rib, into a second blocking position, in which a second projecting portion (22) extends outside the contour of the rib and is accommodated in a recess (70) in the key blade.

Abstract: A key having one end secured to a yoke mounted between in a casing to turn about a pivot axis between a position in which the key is retracted inside the casing and a position in which the key is extended, and a control pushbutton mounted in a housing of the yoke so as to be constrained to pivot therewith and so as to slide between a position for holding the yoke at least in the retracted position, and a position for releasing the yoke for pivoting, the control pushbutton having at least one stud received in a groove of the housing, the groove including an inlet segment that opens out via a first end in an outer face of the yoke and that opens out via a second end in a terminal segment, forming an angle therewith, the terminal segment extending along the pivot axis.

Abstract: A method of odor control comprising applying a urea formaldehyde polymer additive to manure in an amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate odor, wherein the polymer optionally contains NBPT and/or DCD, where the polymer can be a dry solid, or it can be suspended in a liquid and applied to unmanipulated liquid or solid manure.

Abstract: Reduced volatility of urea fertilizers are prepared in accordance with the present invention by first preparing an N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) solution by dissolving NBPT in a mixture of an amino alcohol having the formula 1—(H)x—N—((CH2)m—OH)n where m is 1-3, x is 0 or 1, and n is 2 when x is 1 and 3 when x is 0: or the formula 2—(H)y—N—((CH2)—CHOH—CH3)z such that the length of the carbon chain where the secondary hydroxyl group is located is 3, y is 0 or 1, and z is 2 when y is 1 and 3 when y is 0, and a carboxylic acid having 6 or fewer carbon atoms. The solution is then combining with a urea fertilizer in granular or liquid form.

Abstract: A method of producing reduced volatility of urea fertilizers comprising: dissolving N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) in an amino alcohol having the formula 1 —(H)x—N—((CH2)m—OH)n where m is 1-3, x is 0 or 1, and n is 2 when x is 1 and 3 when x is 0: or the formula 2 —(H)y—N—((CH2)—CHOH—CH3)z such that the length of the carbon chain where the secondary hydroxyl group is located is 3, y is 0 or 1, and z is 2 when y is 1 and 3 when y is 0 to form an NBPT solution; and combining a urea fertilizer in granular or liquid form with the NBPT solution.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of water insoluble bio-release micronutrient fertilizers, containing iron and manganese with either zinc and/or copper, comprising (a) heating orthophosphoric acid at a temperature of 130° C.-150° C. with a mixture of (i) source of iron oxide, (ii) manganese dioxide or pyrolusite, and (iii) either or both compounds of zinc or copper selected from zinc ash or zinc oxide and cupric oxide, or cupric sulphate or cupric chloride and (iii) a basic compound such as oxide or carbonate of magnesium or calcium, to produce a multi-metallic polyphosphate; (b) neutralisation of the polyphosphate with a basic compound followed by drying and pulverisation to obtain a solid powdery material.

Abstract: A driving device driving motors of rolling rolls that corrects asymmetry between top and bottom roll driving systems of a twin-drive rolling mill in which top and bottom rolling rolls are driven by upper and lower motors, respectively, so that torques propagate to the top and bottom rolling rolls simultaneously. To this end, an upper/lower axis system imbalance correction section that corrects inequalities of torques propagating to the top and bottom rolling rolls is provided in either one or both of an upper motor control section that controls the upper motor and a lower motor control section that controls the lower motor in a driving device of motors for rolling rolls used in a rolling mill. The top and bottom rolling rolls are driven by the upper motor and the lower motor, respectively, and one of the upper motor and the lower motor is located on a rolled material. Thus, torques propagate to the top and bottom rolling rolls simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention is intended to improve a tool arrangement and method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a moulding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by means of ignition of an explosive gas mixture, to the effect that the tool arrangement and the method are suitable and simplified for mass production. This object is solved by means of a tool arrangement and a method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a moulding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by means of ignition of an explosive gas mixture, in which the explosive gas mixture is provided at least partially above the surface of the liquid before the ignition.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow body having a hollow flange may include performing a hydroforming process to a tubular blank. The tubular blank may be deformed and shaped to form the hollow body and the hollow flange. Subsequent processes may be performed to the hollow flange such as a flattening process whereby confronting internal surfaces of the hollow flange are brought together to abut each other and form a flat flange.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine with bending mandrel having a load bearing structure which is particularly resistant to working stresses, comprises an extractor (2) which is fixed in a rear portion of the pipe bending machine, and mandrel rod (13) which extends with its longitudinal axis (g), from the extractor beyond a front portion of the machine, where a bending head (7) which is provided with a die (8) stresses a pipe (T) to be bent, which is inserted in a mandrel (12), by a traction resultant force that is transmitted along the mandrel rod (13) to the extractor (2) that counteracts with a resultant restraining reaction. The pipe bending machine comprises a load bearing structure (1) having a profile such that it contains inside the longitudinal axis (g) of the mandrel rod (13), in such a way that the load bearing structure (1) is subjected mainly to compression stresses.

Abstract: A press die and a processing method of the press die surface, and a manufacturing method of a vehicle body of an automobile, are capable of maintaining a high non-defective product rate of works after press processing, even in a case in which foreign matter such as iron filings and the like have adhered to a die surface. A press die for sheet metal forming has a multitude of concave portions on a die surface, and has a roughness (Ry) of a die surface on which the multitude of concave portions has been formed of 30 to 38 ?m.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface that will reduce fluid flow drag over exposed surfaces of aerodynamic or hydrodynamic structures. The surface shall define a plurality of dimples. The dimples might not be aligned. Adjacent dimples might not have the same diameter.

Abstract: A sensor system that provides an adjustable threshold level for the sensed quantity is described. The adjustable threshold allows the sensor to adjust to ambient conditions, aging of components, and other operational variations while still providing a relatively sensitive detection capability for hazardous conditions. The adjustable threshold sensor can operate for extended periods without maintenance or recalibration. In one embodiment, the sensor is self-calibrating and runs through a calibration sequence at startup or at periodic intervals. In one embodiment, the adjustable threshold sensor is used in an intelligent sensor system that includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with the sensor units. When one or more of the sensor units detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor unit communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition.

Abstract: In a parameter calibration method of an articulated coordinate measuring apparatus of the present invention, a standard unit (20A) having two small balls (22) is first placed in an operation space of a measuring arm (2), the measuring arm (2) is operated to bring a probe (3) close to the small balls (22) in order to measure a space coordinate of each of the small balls (22) at a plurality of arm positions, and a parameter calibration process of primary calibration parameters is performed based on measurement results thereof. Then, a standard unit (20C) having one small ball (22) is placed in the operation space of the measuring arm (2), the measuring arm (2) is operated to bring the probe (3) close to the small ball (22) in order to measure a space coordinate of the small ball (22) at a plurality of arm positions, and a parameter calibration process of secondary calibration parameters is performed based on measurement results thereof.

Abstract: A scratch testing apparatus for performing a scratching test while gradually increasing or decreasing a load, in which a pressure applied to the surface of a test specimen gradually increases or decreases as a head unit, to which a tip is attached, moves horizontally. The scratching testing apparatus includes a head unit having a bottom to which a tip attached; a guiding unit for guiding the head unit to move horizontally; and a pressure changing unit for changing pressure applied to the tip while the head unit is moving along the guiding unit. Therefore, the scratch testing apparatus may perform a scratching test as gradually increasing or gradually decreasing a load applied to the test specimen by the tip by moving the head unit, to which the tip is attached, horizontally.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention generally relate to an apparatus configured to monitor emissions. The apparatus includes a sampling chamber, a gas analyzer, and a particulate matter analyzer. The sampling chamber is configured to receive a portion of an exhaust flow from an exhaust stack. The portion of the exhaust flow comprises one or more gases and particulate matter. The gas analyzer is configured to receive the portion of the exhaust flow to measure at least one emission level of the one or more gases using a laser and output a signal indicative thereof. The particulate matter analyzer is operatively connected to the sampling chamber and is configured to measure the particulate matter using optics and output a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A smoke evaluation device includes a manifold in fluid communication with a source of smoke, and a first sampling line and a second sampling line in fluid communication with the manifold. The first sampling line and the second sampling line are arranged to convey parallel smoke flows. A first filter station is located in the first sampling line, and is adapted to support a filter paper in fluid communication with the smoke. A first circuit board station is located in the second sampling line, and is adapted to support a circuit board in fluid communication with the smoke.

Abstract: A fluidic device comprising a capillary for conducting a fluid and a pivot arm configured for being pivoted, wherein the pivot arm supports at least a portion of the capillary, and a part of the capillary is coiled to at least partially compensate stress resulting from pivoting of the pivot arm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for multidimensional gas chromatography for separating the analytes of a complex sample. The method comprises the steps of introducing the sample onto a first column whereby the sample is separated into at least two segments, introducing at least one segment into a heartcut device whereby the segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions, introducing at least one of the fractions onto a second column whereby at least one fraction is further separated into at least two analytes, introducing at least one analyte from the second column to a gas chromatography connector, introducing the analyte from the connector to a third column, and introducing the analyte from the third column into a detector whereby the analyte is analyzed and identified.

Abstract: A flow-through pressure sensor apparatus that reduces the dead space of a flow tube utilized to provide fluid communication between a pressure sense die and a fluid and with an absolute minimum trapped volume. A cover (e.g., plastic) with two-molded ports can be added to one side of the pressure sense die utilizing molded-in solder pins to improve ruggedness and rigidity. A temperature and a humidity sensor can also be mounted to a substrate (e.g., ceramic) in the flow path and can be connected to a programmable compensation integrated circuit on the opposite side utilizing a clip end of mounting pins or by vias through the substrate outside a pressurized area.

Abstract: A fog sensing apparatus for vehicle windows is provided. The fog sensing apparatus includes: a temperature/humidity sensor module including a glass surface temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of a glass surface of the vehicle window, and a humidity sensor for measuring relative humidity around the glass surface of the vehicle window; a flexible printed circuit board on which the temperature/humidity sensor module is mounted, which a temperature measurement part of the glass surface temperature sensor contacts, and on which a conductive pattern is formed to be connected to electrode terminals of the glass surface temperature sensor and electrode terminals of the humidity sensor; a substrate assembly having a through hole for the temperature/humidity sensor module to pass through, and connection terminals connected to the conductive pattern; and a case covering the substrate assembly, the substrate assembly interposed between the case and the flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: A recess-mounted detector assembly has a housing configured to be recess mounted in an opening of a structure located in a preselected zone. The housing has a base portion bounded by a sidewall portion to define an interior space having an open end. At least one detecting device is mounted in the interior space of the housing and is operable to detect a condition in an airstream in the preselected zone. A cover is configured for removable attachment at the opening of the structure and has at least one aperture therein for allowing an airflow of air from the airstream in the preselected zone into the interior space of the housing. An air inducing device is mounted in the interior space of the housing and is operable to induce the air flow in through the aperture of the cover from the preselected zone and into the interior space to allow the airflow to reach the detecting device to detect the condition in the airstream.

Abstract: A gas sensor, which is extremely compact to be arranged for separated gas piping in semiconductor device manufacturing equipment, a gas measuring system using such gas sensor, and a gas detection module for the gas measuring system. The gas sensor has a gas detection device containing a dielectric semiconductor, the electric conductivity of the gas detection device varying in response to the degree of adsorption of gases to the gas detection device, a capacitive element connected in series to the gas detection device, and a pair of electrodes which are connected to electric terminals of an electric element comprising the gas detection device and the capacitive element, wherein the gas sensor is capable of detecting the degree of adsorption of gases to the gas detection device from an electrical response to a voltage which is applied to the electrodes and which periodically varies and reverses in polarity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for quality control of a process to produce concrete goods products. The quality control is effected on the basis of measurements that are carried out on the concrete goods products in an intermediate step of the process after shaping and compacting in the fresh concrete phase. Measurement values are determined on a test fresh concrete product from the intermediate step of the process, which measurement values comprise a measure of the bulk density and the gas permeability of the test fresh concrete product. Subsequently, an estimated value for a quality measure of the hardened concrete product is determined on the basis of a predetermined predictive model. The predictive model relates the measurement values of fresh concrete products from the intermediate step of the process to the quality measure of the corresponding hardened concrete products.

Abstract: A leak detection method for an air bed having an air chamber comprises adjusting the air chamber to a predetermined pressure level, sensing a first pressure value of the air chamber after a first time interval, sensing a second pressure value of the air chamber after a second time interval, determining a pressure change in the air chamber, detecting whether the air chamber is leaking by comparing the pressure change with a second pressure value, and displaying a leak detection indicator. In one embodiment, the second pressure value is a pressure change in a second air chamber. In another embodiment, the second pressure value is an expected pressure change of the air chamber that is calculated based upon changes in ambient temperature and barometric pressure.

Abstract: There are provided a control method and a device of a filled water volume in a fluid space through which the fluid space can be filled with water while preventing a pipe in the fluid space from making contact with the filling water by controlling the filled water by controlling the filled water volume. The control method of a filled water volume in a fluid space requiring a water filling test includes disposing a pipe in the fluid space and enclosing the pipe with an enclosure, detecting pressure of a water filled portion in the fluid space or outside of the enclosure; and controlling, based on the detected pressure, the volumes of filling fluid and water to a water filling portion in the fluid space inside and outside the enclosure, such that the pressure in the enclosure becomes higher than the pressure at the water filling part in the fluid space outside the enclosure.

Abstract: A hose-attaching apparatus for leak-testing a pressurized hose may include a hose-attaching member. A bore may extend through the hose-attaching member. An internal annular cavity may extend coaxially around the bore. At least one of a detector probe hole and a detector probe may be connected to the internal annular cavity. At least a portion of the bore may have a diameter which is at least one of substantially equal to and less than a diameter of a hose to be leak-tested.

Abstract: A leak testing apparatus is provided by which temperature change can be surely detected even when an inner space of a workpiece is narrow. A body 71 of a heat sensitive member 70, made of a material having high thermal conductivity, is abutted against an outer surface of a workpiece 10 to close an opening of an inner space 11 of the workpiece 10. A pressure chamber 73 is formed inside the body 71 as arranged along the outer surface and as arranged over an area wider than the opening. Pressurized gas is introduced to the pressure chamber 73. Data on pressure change in the inner space 11 of the workpiece 10 is compensated based on inner pressure information regarding the pressure chamber 73, and leak judgment is made.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an immunoassay comprises determining the position of the flow edge of fluid across an immunoassay region. This allows, for example, early detection of possible errors in the test. For example the speed of the movement of the fluid flow edge may be determined from measurements of the position of the fluid flow edge at times throughout the test, and the determined speed may be compared with one or more thresholds to determine whether the test is proceeding correctly. A further method of monitoring an immunoassay comprising monitoring the variation with time of a reference zone of an immunoassay region. This can provide the user with early information as to whether the test is proceeding correctly. The above methods may also be used to provide methods to improve the run conditions of a test during its development. The method may be applied to a competitive assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test medium for the rapid analysis of engine oils in internal combustion engines, having a weight per unit area of 50.0 to 200.0 g/m2, comprising, based on the total weight of the test medium, 20.0% by weight to 98.0% by weight of cotton pulp, 0.0% by weight to 50.0% by weight of cellulose and 0.1% by weight to 50.0% by weight of silicic acid and/or at least one silicate salt. The present invention also relates to a method for the rapid analysis of engine oils in internal combustion engines, in which a drop of an engine oil to be analysed is applied to the test medium according to the invention and is allowed to penetrate into the test medium, and the test result is then preferably compared with at least one reference image in order to determine the condition of the engine.