Abstract: In a glass-ribbon conveyance assisting device which is applied to a glass-ribbon conveyance device configured to convey a glass ribbon on a plurality of rotating glass-conveyance rolls, the glass-ribbon conveyance assisting device includes a rotary drive section, a plurality of rolls configured to be rotated by the rotary drive section, an annular belt configured to rotate while running with flexion under a state where the rolls have been inserted into the belt, and a wheel configured to press the glass ribbon which is conveyed on the belt. The glass ribbon is conveyed on the belt by a drive of the belt under a state where width-directional both end portions of the glass ribbon are sandwiched between the belt and the wheel.

Abstract: The washing machine of this invention comprises a housing with a washing tub, a rotating mechanism, a perforated basket, and an electrostatically atomizing device. The perforated basket is rotatably mounted in the washing tub with leaving a space between the perforated basket and the washing tub. The electrostatically atomizing device is configured to generate the mist of the charged minute water particles. The washing machine is configured to lead the mist of the charged minute water particles to the space, so that the space is filled with the mist of the charged minute water particles. Consequently, molds on an inside of the washing tub and an outside of the perforated basket is eliminated by the electrostatically atomizing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides cycle control that may be used among many different appliances. The cycle control provides a standard knob on the shaft that may be rotated and pulled out or pushed into activate the washing machine. The shaft is attached to a high-resolution encoder and a motor allowing software control of the actual movement and cycle definitions provided by the control.

Abstract: An inverter device provided on a washing machine for controlling a permanent magnet motor being provided with a rotor magnet including a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet having a level of coercivity smaller than the first permanent magnet. An excitation current is produced to vary the amount of magnetism of the second permanent magnet to execute a dehydrate operation with a magnetic flux of the rotor magnet reduced and to execute an operation being specified to operate at a lower maximum rotation count compared to the dehydrate operation with the magnetic flux of the rotor magnet increased. When the amount of magnetism of the second permanent magnet is varied while rotation of the permanent magnet motor is stopped, a phase of the excitation current for varying the amount of magnetism is switched depending on a rotation stop position of the rotor.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine including a tub installed in a cabinet is disclosed. The drum type washing machine includes a drum performing washing, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings having bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and the cabinet to mitigate vibration generated during rotation of the drum, a bracket installed to the bearing housings to form the rear side of the tub, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub to seal the tub and to prevent vibration from being transmitted from the bracket to the tub. Volumes of the tub and the drum can be easily increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet. Even when the volume of the washing machine is changed, only one of the tub and the bearing housings, which is not applicable to the drum type washing machine having the changed washing capacity, is selectively replaced. Thus parts can commonly used in various drum type washing machine having different volume.

Abstract: A padlock includes a housing, a shackle, a limit knob, a movable block and a lock core. The housing has an opening in a wall thereof. The shackle has a shaft portion movably mounted in the housing, and a locking portion extended from the shaft portion and located outside of the housing. The limit knob is partly received in the housing via the opening and has a button located outside of the housing. The movable block is disposed on the limit knob and capable of moving to a predetermined position which is outside of the housing. The lock core has a rotor configured to be driven by a key so as to move the limit knob to a first position where the button of the limit knob keeps the shackle from rotating and a second position where the button of the limit knob allows the shackle to rotate.

Abstract: An EAS Tag with a marker that includes an adjustable housing comprised of a plurality of portions movably coupled with one another, forming an adjustable enclosure. A portion of the plurality of portions is movably coupled with a next, subsequent adjacent portion of the plurality of portions, with a first section of a first portion detachably, and adjustably accommodating a final portion to form the adjustable enclosure.

Abstract: A locking device includes a housing having a retaining hole for retaining a door lock, and a combination lock set. When the combination lock set is unlocked, a latch of the combination lock set is disengageable from a retaining portion of the housing such that a front shell of the housing is pivotable away from a rear shell of the housing, thereby opening an accommodation chamber defining between the front shell and the rear shell. As a result, the door lock is exposed outside for allowing a key to be inserted into a key hole thereof. When the combination lock set is locked, the latch is firmly engaged with the retaining portion such that the front shell is locked on the rear shell, causing the door lock to be hidden in the accommodation chamber.

Abstract: A locking and/or throttle immobilization system (100) for a motorcycle, includes a lock and/or immobilization element (200), and a mounting unit (300). The mounting unit (300) is configured for being affixed to an end portion of a handlebar (23) and the lock/immobilization element (200) is configured for being detachably attached to the mounting unit (300). The lock comprises a locking element (150) formed as an integral body with a permanent slot (152) and configured for locking engagement to a disk-brake via the slot (152) when the lock is detached from said mounting unit. The lock can be the immobilization element.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a housing, a fastener that has a head, a lock member that is movable between a first position and a second position, and a barrier that is movably disposed within the housing. The barrier is displaceable between a first position at which the barrier at least partially covers the fastener head, and a second position at which the fastener head is generally accessible. The barrier is coupled with the lock member such that the barrier displaces from the barrier first and second positions when the lock member displaces between the lock member first and second positions.

Abstract: A process is presented for the production of ammonium sulfate nitrate. The process provides for producing a highly uniform product and having a substantially uniform size. The process includes reacting ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate to form an FASN slurry melt. The slurry melt is continuously stirred and heated to keep the slurry melt under a shear thinned condition and at a uniform temperature until the slurry melt is extruded, cooled and solidified.

Abstract: A shaping tool as depicted in exemplary FIG. 3 comprising a rotatable base member having at least one profiled bending roller (13) which is mounted on a circular track and is rotatable about a rotation axis. The bending roller (13) arranged on a radially movable slide (11) is movable from a position defining a maximum working aperture for the tool, by means of a spring-loaded lever (9) which has an axial configuration, into a position defining a minimum working aperture for the tool.

Abstract: A process is described for producing steel strips suitable for receiving a surface coating which is resisting to oxidation, in particular tin plating, of medium productivity, that does not require for its execution plants extended of a large areas or involving high economical investments. It comprises, starting from pickled hot strips having a thickness >0.7 mm, preferably obtained from thin-slab plants, a single cold rolling step by passing through not more than three stands of the Sendzimir 6Zhi type for the cold reduction of thickness to less than 0.25 mm and subsequent annealing. It is possible to obtain final thicknesses <0.18 mm both by simple reduction, which only provides subsequent skin-passing and finishing steps, and by double reduction on half-raw strip, which provides subsequent passes for thickness reduction of 30%.

Abstract: Methods of producing pack rolled aluminum products by contacting bright finishes of two strips with each other, contacting matte finishes of each strip to a pair of work rolls, and rolling the strips through a sheet and foil rolling mill are disclosed. Concomitant to the contacting step is lubricating at least one of the bright finishes of the two strips. Each strip can achieve a reduction in thickness of at least about 65% after the rolling step.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for decelerating and temporarily accumulating a hot rolled product moving longitudinally along a first axis at a first velocity V1. The apparatus comprises a curved guide with an entry end aligned with the first axis to receive the product, and with an exit end spaced radially from the first axis and orientated to deliver the product in an exit direction transverse to the first axis. The curved guide is rotatable about the first axis in a direction opposite to the exit direction of the product and at a speed at which its exit end has a second velocity V2 lower than V1 and such that the product is delivered from the exit end as a helical formation of rings and at a third velocity V3 equal to V1-V2. A cylindrical drum is arranged to axially receive the helical formation of rings and to rotate about the first axis in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the curved guide and at a speed such that the product is unwound from the drum at the third velocity V3.

Abstract: A roll-flanging tool, including a bearing structure comprising a connection means, by means of which the tool can be connected via a connection plane to an actuator which can be moved spatially. A first arm and a second arm are spread apart from each other and connected to each other in a connection portion which comprises the connection means. A first flanging roller is mounted on an end of the first arm which faces away from the connection plane, such that it can be rotated about a first rotational axis which extends along the first arm and pierces the connection plane. A second flanging roller is mounted on an end of the second arm which faces away from the connection plane, such that it can be rotated about a second rotational axis. The first rotational axis intersects or crosses a perpendicular dropped onto the second rotational axis, in or on the roll-flanging tool.

Abstract: A dual sided extrusion, where one side has a different shape than the other side, and the extrusion is intended to be used in different orientations depending on the application.

Abstract: An incremental metal folding apparatus may include a crank arm driving a folding mechanism in continuous reciprocating motion. The folding mechanism may be mechanically linked to a clamp arrangement such that motion of the folding mechanism causes movement of the clamp arrangement. The apparatus may be arranged to perform tangential folding operations.

Abstract: A cage having a plurality of cutouts for receiving rolling bodies of a joint, wherein the cage comprises a quenched and tempered steel, and the entire cage has a substantially uniform ductility over its cross section without surface hardening.

Abstract: A device for producing at least partly closed profiles from a blank includes at least one first die and at least one second die which can be positioned opposite the first die. The first die has a cavity and two side walls, wherein the side walls and the cavity of the first die can be raised and lowered relative to one another. A U-punch is provided to produce a U-shaped cross-sectional shape of the blank with the first die. The second die of the device has a cavity for producing an at least partly closed cross-sectional shape from a U-shaped blank. The device also has at least one supporting core. The cavity of the second die has elongated side walls in the direction of the first die, with which, the side walls of the first die can be lowered relative to the cavity of the first die.

Abstract: In a multi-stand rolling mill train, a strip successively runs through individual rolling stands. The strip—always as seen in relation to a rolling centre line—is threaded into each of the rolling stands with known respective head offset and inlet-side head pitch, and therefore a strip head emerges with the respective head offset, a respective outlet-side head pitch and a respective outlet-side head curvature. The respective outlet-side head pitch is determined on the basis of respective inlet-side head pitch and pass reduction which takes place in the respective rolling stand. The respective outlet-side head curvature of the strip is determined based on respective measured and further data. The respective outlet-side head curvature is used to determine a respective control intervention for the respective rolling stand and/or the one arranged directly downstream and to drive the corresponding rolling stand in accordance with the respective determined control intervention.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method for producing untrimmed container bodies from pre-cut metal blanks. The method involves cupping a metal blank by positioning the blank against an immovable draw punch comprising an annular body having an inner surface adapted to form a redraw die and an outer surface, and drawing a periphery of the blank over the outer surface of the draw punch with an encircling draw die to form a cup having an open end, a closed end and an interior. The cup is then inverted and redrawn by forcing a redraw punch into the closed end of the cup to draw the closed end through the redraw die until the cup is inverted to form an inverted cup with a closed end supported on the punch. The inverted cup while supported on the redraw punch is passed through one or more ironing rings to lengthen the inverted cup to form an untrimmed container body having a closed end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crimping tool, in particular crimping pliers. The crimping tool comprises crimping die halves having a resilient deformation region. At the end of a crimping process the resilient deformation region is elastically deformed with the result that the crimping contour opens and contour parts automatically move apart. Accordingly, the crimping contour “breaks free” from the work piece for an ease of the removal of the work piece from the crimping tool.

Abstract: A method for determining degradation of an exhaust gas sensor positioned in an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is provided. The method includes modulating an air/fuel ratio of gas exhausted by the internal combustion engine to the exhaust system through a cycle that includes at least one rich-to-lean transition and at least one lean-to-rich transition, indicating a degradation condition of the exhaust gas sensor in response to at least one of a rich-to-lean response duration of the exhaust gas sensor and a lean-to-rich response duration of the exhaust gas sensor being greater than a delay threshold, and indicating the degradation condition of the exhaust gas sensor in response to a ratio of the rich-to-lean response duration to the lean-to-rich response duration being greater than an asymmetry threshold that is relative to an axis of symmetry of the rich-to-lean response duration versus the lean-to-rich response duration.

Abstract: According to a method for initializing an indicating instrument for a vehicle, zero-reset processing is performed. In the zero-reset processing, a control device is made to control a drive signal to rotate a pointer in a zero-reset direction in order to force a step motor to lose synchronization. Furthermore, synchronization loss detection processing is performed. In the detection processing, a physical phenomenon generated in a rotary drive system due to forcible synchronization loss of the motor during the zero-reset processing, is detected. Then, an electrical angle of the drive signal at a time of detection of the phenomenon is selected as a synchronization loss electrical angle. Finally, zero point setting processing is performed. In the setting processing, the electrical angle phase-shifted from the synchronization loss electrical angle in an indication value increasing direction by 180 degrees or less, is set as a zero point stored in the control device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid phase extraction body, methods for its manufacture, uses of such extraction body and analytical methods involving such extraction body.

Abstract: Methods and systems to measure simultaneously concentrations or concentration ratio(s) of two or more gas ingredients in a sample area comprising: a wavelength modulated light source; an acoustic detector or a photodetector; and means to analyze the signal from the acoustic detector or the photodetector and calculate the concentrations or concentration ratio(s). The light from the light source is transmitted through the sample area. Part of the light will be absorbed in the sample area by the gas ingredients and generates photoacoustic signal. The acoustic detector is used to sample the photoacoustic signal. Alternatively, a photodetector is used to sample the light intensity after the light is transmitted through the sample area.

Abstract: The measurement sensitivity is improved by suppressing the surrounding temperature influence as much as possible, while realizing scale reduction, and by enlarging the detection signal, while reducing the production errors in enclosing a reference gas. Provided is a thermal conductivity sensor that detects thermal conductivity of a sample gas by using a Wheatstone Bridge circuit constructed in such a manner that measurement resistors that are brought into contact with the sample gas are disposed on a first side, and reference resistors that are brought into contact with a reference gas are disposed on a second side, and comparing the potential difference between connection points of the reference resistors and the measurement resistors. The measurement resistors disposed on the first side are assembled in one measurement space, and the reference resistors disposed on the second side are assembled in one reference space.

Abstract: A protective heated screen for an element of a sensor surrounds a portion of the element and reduces and/or minimizes the propensity for liquid droplets to come in contact with the heated element. The screen can allow fluid flow therethrough to allow the sensor element to come in contact with the fluid stream. The screen can be in continuous heat-transferring contact with the sensor element such that both the sensor element and screen are at a temperature significantly greater than the ambient temperature. Liquid droplets contacting the heated screen may evaporate such that the liquid droplets do not come in contact with the sensor element. The screen can also break down the liquid droplets into smaller droplets such that the thermal stress created by the droplets contacting the heated element is reduced over that caused by a larger droplet.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a flow distribution measuring system comprising a sensor matrix adapted to measure the flow distribution of permeate passing through a membrane filtration arrangement and also refers to a cap comprising such a sensor matrix; wherein the cap is adapted to be affixed to a membrane filtration arrangement. The present invention further refers to methods of using the flow distribution measuring system and the cap.

Abstract: A leak detecting apparatus for detecting flaws in a surface submerged in liquid is provided that includes a vacuum head for contacting the surface and forming a vacuum chamber filled with liquid between the surface and the vacuum head, the vacuum head including a multi-surface elastomer seal for contacting the surface; and a vacuum generator for pulling gas through a flaw in the surface into the vacuum head and to the gas separation chamber so as to displace the liquid from the gas separation chamber. A method for detecting flaws in a surface submerged in liquid is also provided.

Abstract: A test sample heating apparatus and method includes a heating jacket that applies heat to a sample vessel containing a test sample. The heating jacket has a vessel-receiving recess that is sized and shaped to allow the sample vessel to be placed within the recess with limited annular spacing between at least part of the sample vessel exterior surface and at least part of the heating jacket recess interior surface. Proximate surfaces of at least one of the heating jacket and the sample vessel may be coated with a dark coating to enhance heat transfer.

Abstract: In a method for production of a polycrystalline ceramic film on a substrate: a) the substrate is prepared with the substrate surface and preparation of at least one source for the ceramic particles of the ceramic film and b) a particle stream of the ceramic particles is generated from the source of ceramic particles in the direction of the substrate surface on the substrate, with deposition of the ceramic particles on the substrate surface on the substrate with formation of the ceramic film. At least one screen is arranged within the gap, for adjusting an average incidence angle of the ceramic particles relative to a plane normal of the substrate surface, such that the ceramic particles are deposited on the substrate surface at a preferred direction and a relative position of the substrate surface and the screen is altered whilst the gap remains essentially the same.

Abstract: Certain aspects and examples are directed to sorbent devices and methods of using them. In certain embodiments, a sorbent device comprising a body comprising a sampling inlet, a base and a longitudinal diffusion path between the inlet and the base is provided. In some embodiments, the sorbent device can include at least two sorbent materials fluidically coupled to the longitudinal diffusion path, in which the sorbent materials are arranged from a material with a weakest sorbent strength to a material with a strongest sorbent strength with the weakest sorbent strength material adjacent to the sampling inlet.

Abstract: A process for erosion testing of a specimen article includes securing a test specimen in a test rig; measuring physical characteristics of the test specimen article; using a thermal spray coating apparatus, flowing incident particles at the test specimen; and re-measuring the physical characteristics of the test specimen.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: a control to advance or retard the fuel injection timing by a prescribed value; determining whether the torque output variation of an engine exceeds a threshold torque output variation; and determining the fuel injection timing to be abnormal if the torque output variation of the engine is equal to or below the threshold torque output variation.

Abstract: An engine system includes a status determination module and an open-loop fuel control module. The status determination module determines whether a first ignition fuse is in a failure state. The open-loop fuel control module disables a first plurality of fuel injectors and actuates a second plurality of fuel injectors based on a first air/fuel (A/F) ratio when the first ignition fuse is in the failure state, wherein the first ignition fuse and the first plurality of fuel injectors correspond to a first cylinder bank, and wherein a second ignition fuse and the second plurality of fuel injectors correspond to a second cylinder bank.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for evaluating performance of an integrated coil on plug (CoP) assembly is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller. The controller is configured to transmit a control signal to activate the CoP assembly. The controller is further configured to receive an indirect signal including a low frequency (LF) component from the CoP assembly responsive to the control signal. The controller is further configured to compare the LF component to predetermined data to evaluate the performance of the CoP assembly.

Abstract: A method for operating a sensor in an exhaust gas tract of an internal combustion engine and a device for carrying out the method are provided. In the method, a diagnosis is carried out of the condition of the saturation temperature, exclusively while taking into consideration a few fundamental input variables characterizing the operating state of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nano-robots system and methods for well logging and borewell measurements. In one embodiment, a nano-robot includes a propulsion system for providing thrust in drilling mud, with extendable fins to help steer nano-robot in the drilling mud. The fins are also extendable to a further position then when used for steering, so that the nano-robot may embed itself into a formation to measure its properties, such as porosity and permeability. In an embodiment, a nano-robot includes electrodes to generate a voltage from the ions in the drilling mud, and a transceiver and antenna to provide communication with other nano-robots, and with a transponder on a drilling string so that measured data may be transmitted to surface receivers for data storage and analysis. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for performing fluid influx tests in a wellbore (3) traversing a permeable formation (4) to test the compatibility of one or more completion fluids comprises: a) inserting a well test device (1) comprising a straddle packer assembly (6A,6B) into the wellbore (3) such that the straddle packer assembly (6A,6B) separates a well test section (13) from other sections of the wellbore; b) performing a first fluid influx test during which the fluid pressure the test section (13) is reduced, pore fluid is induced to flow from the pores of the permeable formation (4) into the test section (13) and fluid influx into the test section (13) is monitored; c) injecting a completion fluid into the test section (13), thereby increasing the fluid pressure within the test section and inducing the completion fluid to flow into the pores of the surrounding formation (4); d) performing a second fluid influx test during which the fluid pressure within the test section (13) is reduced, the completion fluid and pore fluid are

Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a capacitor-based system and/or method is provided for auto-correlating sensor data to determine the existence of a material on the window, and then cross-correlating sensor data to identify the type and/or amount of that material (e.g., rain). This data may be used to actuate and/or deactivate a vehicle's wiper(s), and/or adjust wiper speed. In certain example embodiments, the sensor may include an array of at least two capacitors. In certain example embodiments, the system and/or method may perform check(s) to enhance the accuracy of the detection by comparing, for example, the sign of autocorrelation values, maximum autocorrelation values, and/or gradients of autocorrelation values.

Abstract: An instrument for obtaining airborne measurements of cloud microphysical parameters. The instrument comprises supporting arms mounted thereon, optics and a detector for measuring the cloud microphysical parameters The supporting arms define an optical path of the instrument and comprise probe tips affixed thereto. The probe tips comprise an outer portion for deflecting particles away from the optical path of the instrument and an inner portion opposite the outer portion. The outer portion of the tips have a pyramidal section with a centre ridgeline and flat or concave surfaces effective to reduce water shedding and particle shattering during in-flight collection of data.

Abstract: A first sub passage portion and a second sub passage portion are configured so as to form layers on both sides of a separation wall, respectively. A linear passage portion of a third sub passage portion is formed so that a cross section thereof extends within a range across both sides of the separation wall in a direction perpendicular to a wall surface of the separation wall. The cross section is taken along a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the linear passage portion. The separation wall separates the layer of the first sub passage portion and the layer of the second sub passage portion from each other. A first communication passage portion which allows the first sub passage portion to communicate with the third sub passage portion curves to make a directional change and connects a passage wall surface of the first sub passage portion to a side wall of the third sub passage portion by an inclined surface. The passage wall surface is defined by the separation wall.

Abstract: A flow meter and a temperature stabilizing cover for tie flow meter are disclosed. In some embodiments, the flow meter includes a spool member having a throughbore for fluids to pass therethrough, one or more transducers extending into the throughbore, and a cover disposed about the spool member and the one or more transducers. The cover includes a plurality of cover pieces fastened together. The cover pieces are formed of layers including an insulation layer, a radiant barrier, and an outer shell. The outer shell includes a material having a rigidity exceeding that of the insulation layer and that of the radiant barrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly-sensitive thermal-type flow-rate sensor with enhanced reliability. Provided is a thermal-type flow-rate sensor including: a passage into which a measurement-target fluid is introduced; and a sensor element which is provided in the passage and which measures the flow rate of the measurement-target fluid. The sensor element 1 includes: a semiconductor substrate; a hollow portion formed in the semiconductor substrate; and a heating resistor formed on an electric insulating film above the hollow portion. The sensor element measures the flow rate of the measurement-target fluid by radiating heat from the heating resistor to the measurement-target fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to hot film shear stress sensors and their fabrication. We describe a hot film shear stress sensor comprising a silicon substrate supporting a membrane having a cavity underneath, said membrane bearing a film of metal and having electrical contacts for heating said film, and wherein said membrane comprises a silicon oxide membrane, where in said metal comprises aluminium or tungsten, and wherein said membrane has a protective layer of a silicon-based material over said film of metal. In preferred embodiments the sensor is fabricated by a CMOS process and the metal comprises aluminium or tungsten.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid level monitoring system includes an ultrasonic transducer unit that is externally mountable to a tank. An ultrasonic emitter may generate an ultrasonic beam and receive an echo of the ultrasonic beam off a liquid surface inside a tank. An acoustic lens is coupled to the ultrasonic emitter to shape the ultrasonic beam to compensate for lensing effects of the tank wall. An acoustic coupler may be disposed between the acoustic lens and the tank wall to improve the acoustic coupling between the ultrasonic emitter and the tank wall. The system determines a time-of-flight between generating the ultrasonic beam and receiving the echo. Using the time-of-flight and geometry of a tank, the system may calculate the liquid volume inside the tank. The time-of-flight may be transmitted via a satellite data link or a local data link. The local data link may further be used to configure and maintain the system.

Abstract: There is provided a bubble column type hydrocarbon synthesis reactor which synthesizes a hydrocarbon compound by a chemical reaction of a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide as main components, and a slurry having solid catalyst particles suspended in liquid. The hydrocarbon synthesis reactor includes a reactor main body which accommodates the slurry, a synthesis gas supplying section which supplies the synthesis gas to the slurry; one pressure sensor which is arranged higher than the liquid level of the slurry to measure the pressure of the synthesis gas above the liquid level, another pressure sensor which is arranged lower than the liquid level of the slurry to measure the pressure of the slurry, and a liquid level detecting device which detects a liquid level position of the slurry on the basis of measurement results of the pressure sensors. A plurality of the other pressure sensors are provided at arbitrary intervals in an axial direction of the reactor main body.

Abstract: A tank or vessel volume measurement apparatus that includes multiple buoyancy elements. The buoyancy elements can be placed within a perforated tube to reduce any effects from turbulent flow within the tank. The multiple buoyancy load sensors are each made of different density or cross sections to cancel out any accumulation of contamination that may collect on the buoyancy elements placed within the fluid and to determine the density or specific gravity of the fluid within the tank. The buoyancy elements are attached to a load sensor or strain gauge that measures the weight or load from the buoyancy element. Temperature of other sensors can be placed on the buoyancy elements or within the tank to collect other readings or to adjust for temperature variations. The buoyancy elements can be fabricated in pieces and assembled on site or within the tank to accommodate taller tanks or height restrictions.