Abstract: A gas turbine includes a compressor for compressing the combustion air, at least one combustion chamber, in which a fuel is burned while compressed combustion air is supplied, and at least one first turbine arranged downstream of the combustion chamber and in which the hot combustion gases from the combustion chamber are expanded to perform work. Part of the compressed combustion air is branched off, cooled in a cooling air cooler, brought to a lower cooling air pressure by a second turbine and supplied to the gas turbine for cooling purposes.

Abstract: A method of operating a turbine engine includes providing at least one combustor having a chamber defined therein. The assembly includes at least one combustor wall defining the chamber and a first fluid passage defining a first fluid inlet within the wall. The first fluid passage is coupled in flow communication with the chamber and is configured to inject a first fluid stream. The assembly further includes at least one second fluid passage defining at least one second fluid inlet within the wall. The second fluid inlet is adjacent to the first fluid inlet and is coupled in flow communication with the chamber. The method also includes injecting the first fluid stream and injecting the second fluid stream into the chamber at an oblique angle with respect to the first fluid stream, thereby intersecting and mixing the second fluid stream with the first fluid stream.

Abstract: A transition duct having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a body portion extending between the inlet and outlet openings at respective inlet and outlet ends. The inlet opening defines a generally circular cross-section for the body portion and has a geometric center, and the outlet opening defines a generally rectangular arc-like cross-section. The body portion has an internal profile substantially in accordance with coordinate values X, Y and Z at an angle ?, as set forth in Table 1, where each of the X, Y and Z coordinate values are taken at a sweep angle ? passing through the section origin and measured from a first plane defined by the inlet end and increasing toward a second plane defined by the outlet end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a core exhaust mixer, having a variable area, for turbo-fan jet engines of supersonic aircraft, comprising a nozzle (24) intended to be arranged about a gas generator of the jet engine, the nozzle comprising a plurality of external air intake apertures (30) emerging in a convergence zone between cold and hot flows from the gas generator and in which lobes (32), movable between two positions, are mounted; a first position in which they block the apertures (30) of the nozzle (24) and a second position, different from the first, in which they unblock said apertures and extend radially into the nozzle (24) in order to admit external air, the lobes (32) having an azimuthal component in the same direction in order to give a swirling motion to the external air admitted into the convergence zone when the lobes are in the second position.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a system and method for introducing fuel to the flow of air along a surface upstream of a combustion area. Fuel injectors can be used to deliver fuel to the air flow at or near the boundary layer of the air flow. The fuel injectors are ideally located substantially outside of the flow path. Many benefits can be realized by keeping the injectors out of the flow path including avoidance of potential excitations and smaller pressure drops in the flow. The potential of flame from the combustion area traveling upstream to the fuel injector can be minimized by creating a disturbance in the boundary layer of the flow downstream of the fuel injectors. Such disturbances can be achieved by placing a turbulence generator in the boundary layer. The turbulence generator can be a surface protrusion or a fluid cross-flow.

Abstract: A method of starting a gas turbine engine with a synchronous multiphase alternating current (AC) dynamoelectric machine with a rotor and a stator that allows re-engagement of a starting operation at non-zero rotor speeds comprises the steps of: applying electrical excitation to the rotor; measuring electromotive force (EMF) generated in the stator; determining rotor speed, acceleration and position from the measured EMF by sensorless means; initiating closed-loop sensorless position controlled power to the stator if the determined rotor speed is at least a pre-determined minimum closed-loop sensorless re-engagement speed; initiating open-loop position controlled power to the stator if the determined rotor speed is less than the pre-determined minimum closed-loop sensorless re-engagement speed but at least a predetermined minimum open-loop re-engagement speed and the determined rotor acceleration is no more than a pre-determined maximum open-loop re-engagement acceleration; and initiating open-loop zero-speed

Abstract: A control method for the air-conditioning treatment of products cyclically measures, at definable time intervals, the product temperature and, according thereto, automatically adjusts several environmental parameters inside the treatment chamber. In order to provide a process that is automatic and gentle and to save energy and time in comparison to conventional methods, actual values for a characteristic temperature of the product, the temperature of the air inside the treatment chamber and the temperature of the incoming air are measured in each cycle. At least at the beginning of the treatment process, the desired final state of the product is defined based on characteristic parameters, and set values for the measured parameters for the next cycle are automatically determined from the measured and defined parameters and, in the next measuring cycle, are compared with the respective actual values.

Abstract: An air conditioner has a heat exchanger, an absorbing agent, and a controller. The absorbing agent performs an absorbing operation for absorbing moisture in passing air flowing through the heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator and a regenerating operation for desorbing moisture from passing air heated by the heat exchanger functioning as a condenser. The controller performs control such that the absorbing operation and the regenerating operation are switched at a predetermined switching time interval. The controller also performs control of a capacity of a compressor and control for changing the predetermined switching time interval such that a predetermined load out of a total heat load, which is the sum of the latent heat load and the sensible heat load, is preferentially processed.

Abstract: To provide a quick freezing apparatus and method making it possible to prevent a subtle reaction between an object-to-be-preserved and a gas inside its freezing store to prevent deformation and deterioration of the object-to-be-preserved as much as possible and freeze-preserve the object maintaining its freshness and quality at a high standard for a long term, and thereby applicable to a long-term preservation of a living tissue. A quick freezing apparatus includes a freezing store 11 including a door for bringing in or taking out an object-to-be-frozen 3, a freezer 17 capable of lowering a temperature inside the freezing store to a temperature equal to or less than approximately ?30 degrees C., a pressure regulator 60 capable of adjusting a gas pressure inside the freezing store, and a ventilator 31 for sending cold air at a wind velocity of 1 to 5 m/sec toward the object-to-be-frozen placed inside the freezing store.

Abstract: A data center is configured in a room using alternating rows of racks containing heat-generating electronic devices and air conditioners or liquid conditioners. Chilled fluid, such as water or a refrigerant, for the air conditioners or liquid conditioners is supplied through redundant plumbing comprising first and second supply and return pipes below a raised floor. Attached to this redundant plumbing are standard fluid couplings configured to couple to either air conditioners or liquid conditioners. The air conditioners and liquid conditioners use the same chilled fluid so that they may share the redundant plumbing and continually receive chilled fluid in the event of the failure of one of the chilled fluid supplies.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit (10) is provided with two adsorption heat exchangers (31, 32) in addition to an outdoor heat exchanger (21) and an indoor heat exchanger (22). An adsorbent is carried on the surface of each of the adsorption heat exchangers (31, 32). In the adsorption heat exchanger (31, 32) serving as an evaporator, moisture in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. In the adsorption heat exchanger (31, 32) serving as a condenser, moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent and then applied to the air. Then, the air dehumidified or humidified by the adsorption heat exchanger (31, 32) is supplied to a room to cope with latent heat load in the room. On the other hand, in the indoor heat exchanger (22), air is cooled or heated. Then, the air cooled or heated by the indoor heat exchanger (22) is supplied to the room to cope with sensible heat load in the room.

Abstract: A dispenser, a food dispensing appliance with a dispenser, and a system including a food dispensing appliance for providing at least one service to a consumer electronic device. The dispenser has a service interface providing at least one service for a consumer electronic device. The appliance comprises a cabinet, a door movably mounted to the cabinet and having a peripheral edge, and a dispenser on the door. A service interface is provided on the dispenser and provides at least one service for use by a consumer electronic device. The system comprises an appliance with a dispenser and service interface supplying the at least one service and an adapter capable of coupling to the service interface to receive the service and supply it to the consumer electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a water tank and a refrigerator having the same. The water tank includes a tank main body provided with a water storage space formed therein and a discharge hole; a tank cover connected to the tank main body for opening and closing the water storage space; a valve movably installed in the tank main body for opening and closing the discharge hole; and a valve driving unit moving the valve using magnetic force so as to cause the valve to open and close the discharge hole. The water tank is opened and closed by the magnetic force of magnets and the restoring force of elastic members, and thus it is possible to prevent water stored in the water tank from leaking out in a process of attaching or detaching the water tank to or from the rear surface of a door or a refrigerator.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus, particularly a household refrigerator, has a liquid-supply system for a user device forming part of the apparatus, particularly a dispenser of a consumable product. The apparatus further comprises a protection system arranged for preventing flooding deriving from possible leakage of liquid, in particular from at least one of said supply system and said user device.

Abstract: An icemaker and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. An object of the present invention is to provide an icemaker and a method for controlling the same, which has an improved structure to make a lot of ice in a short time. an icemaker includes an ice tray rotatable with at least one column of ice making chambers formed therein to make ice; an ejector rotatably provided in each ice making chamber to eject the ice formed in the ice making chamber; an operation device which rotates the ice tray; and a separation device which separates the ice from the ice tray. The separation device may be a heater which heats the ice. Preferably, the heater is operated until adhesive force which acts between the ice and the ice tray is smaller than pushing force in which the ejector pushes the ice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing products by chilling or freezing includes a conveyor for conveying the products along a plane of travel; lifting means disposed for intermittent contact with the conveyor during processing; cam means rotatable for contacting and displacing the lifting means to contact and displace the conveyor from the plane of travel, thereby displacing the products on the conveyor to prevent the products from adhering to the conveyor and other of the products; and drive means operatively associated with the cam means to impart rotational movement to the cam means for intermittently contacting and displacing the lifting means.

Abstract: A container has a thermal pack aligned on a central axis of the container. The thermal pack includes a material such as a phase change material for cooling (or heating) the liquid in the container. The thermal pack attaches to the container such as by a threaded connection in a receiving tube, which makes full circumferential contact with an end of the thermal pack. The container has a drinking or pouring opening aligned relative to the thermal pack, but completely separated from the thermal pack. Radial flow slots permit fluid to flow from the container interior through the drinking or pouring opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for rapidly cooling small volumes of fluids. The apparatus includes a plurality of cooling elements each including a housing forming a sealable cooling fluid chamber which can house a cooling fluid. At least one spacer is arranged to separate opposed cooling elements and provide a separation distance between the opposed cooling elements. Each of the plurality of cooling elements is arranged to be independently separable to allow ready assembly, disassembly, and cleaning. The plurality of cooling elements can include a stack of disc-shaped cooling elements or concentric cylinders that can be situated in a container and rotated by a motor.

Abstract: A wearable cooler device for the transport of consumables having multiple access ports near the bottom thereof and containing pathways that direct the consumables to areas proximate the access ports, thereby allowing easy removal while preventing the unintended egress of the consumables from the wearable cooler.

Abstract: An oil separator for separating oil from a refrigerant gas and oil mixture on the high side of a refrigeration/chiller system comprising, a housing having an upper chamber with an inlet for the refrigerant gas and oil mixture, and having a refrigerant gas outlet therefrom, the outlet conduit being connected to multiple outlets for delivery of refrigerant gas to multiple condenser circuits in the system, and said housing also having a lower chamber with an oil outlet therefrom, and at least one oil filter in said upper chamber for removing oil out of the mixture for transfer to the lower chamber.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having an adsorbing core is advantageously applied to a refrigerating system mounted on an automotive vehicle. The adsorbing core absorbs heat from coolant and gives heat to the coolant thereby to perform heat-exchanging operation. The adsorbing core is composed of a heat exchanging member such as tubes or fins of the heat exchanger and a attracting layer connected to the surface of the heat exchanging member. A seed crystal retaining layer is firmly connected to the surface of the heat exchanging member, and the attractant crystals forming the attractant layer are grown on the seed crystals by a hydrothermal crystal growth method. Since the attracting layer is uniformly formed and firmly connected to the surface of the heat exchanging member, heat is quickly transferred between the attractant layer and the heat exchanging member.

Abstract: A multi-compressor heat pump system configured to provide heating and cooling over a range of ambient temperatures. The compressors can be operated independently and alone or together in series for maximum output. Heat exchangers are selectively fluidically connected to the compressors to enable refrigerant flow between the compressors and at least two heat exchangers in a manner that enables the heat pump system to be selectively operable in various modes. Preferred aspects include selectively operating the compressors based on the ratio of the evaporating and condensing pressures of the refrigerant within the heat pump system, a mixing chamber between the compressors, and a lubricant management system to prevent the accumulation of a lubricant in one of the compressors.

Abstract: Multi-piece charm includes at least one edge puzzle piece charm each having at least one smooth edge and at least one edge having at least one tab or blank, and at least one additional puzzle piece charm having a tab or blank and arranged to interlock with an edge puzzle piece charm. Each puzzle piece charm includes an aperture to enable a strand of material to be passed therethrough and enable the puzzle piece charms to be worn on a part of the body. The additional puzzle piece charm may be another edge puzzle piece or a middle puzzle piece charm which has one or more tabs or blanks, either on a single edge, on a plurality of edges or on all of its edges.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for protecting the thin films during chemical and/or thermal edge strengthening treatment. In one embodiment, a portion of each individual sheet is laminated. Pairs of sheets are then sealed together such that the thin film sides face inward to form a thin film sandwich. In some embodiments, the sandwich in then immersed in a chemical strengthener. In other embodiments, a localized treatment is applied to the unstrengthened edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a porous quartz glass base, which comprises hydrolyzing a silicon compound in an oxyhydrogen flame in a reaction furnace to generate and deposit fine silica particles on a starting member, thereby forming a porous quartz glass base, wherein a gas discharge pipe for discharging an unnecessary gas from the reaction furnace is heated. According to the present invention, fine silica particles can be prevented from adhering to a gas discharge pipe for discharging the unnecessary hydrogen chloride gas generated in producing a porous quartz glass base.

Abstract: A knitting machine in accordance with the invention includes a thread guide that is associated with a runner. The runner is disposed to hold open the latches of driven out needles of a first group while the needles of a second group are being driven out. Due to the time-staggered driving-out of the latch-type needles and of a first group and a second group, and due to the alternating arrangement of the needles of the first group and the second group, a rising of the knit fabric while the needles are being driven out is prevented without the assistance of holding-down/knock-over sinkers. Inasmuch as a runner that is separate from the thread guide is used for holding open the latches, the position of said runner can be optimally adjusted independent of the position of the thread guide.

Abstract: A latch-type needle that is particularly suitable for knitting machines that work without sinkers includes a latch that preferably carries on its outermost end a cam or extension, the cam or extension is provided with a sliding surface. The sliding surface may move along a complementary sliding or runner surface and temporarily prevent the latch from pivoting out of its open position, for example. A corresponding wear of material is concentrated on the sliding surface. A damage, deformation or impairment of other parts of the spoon or latch head, in particular of either of its edges, is prevented.

Abstract: A headband with a tension indicator having an elastic segment sized to fit around a wearer's head; and a non-elastic segment being smaller than and attached with the elastic segment. The non-elastic segment is sized to span a portion of the elastic segment when the elastic segment is stretched, and the non-elastic segment is larger than the portion of the elastic segment it spans when the elastic segment is not stretched. The non-elastic segment is attached with the elastic segment in such a manner that the non-elastic segment projects out from the surface of the elastic portion when the headband is not sufficiently tight, thus creating a loop which provides a visual indication that the headband needs re-tightening.

Abstract: A deodorization apparatus and a washing machine having the same are provided. The washing machine having the deodorization apparatus includes a tub including a ventilator, and a deodorization apparatus disposed outside the tub, having one side that communicates with the tub, and removing an laundry odor by injecting air into the tub. Therefore, the laundry odor can be quickly removed, and water and power consumption and damage to the laundry, which are caused by a washing operation using the water for deodorization of the laundry, can be prevented.

Abstract: A washing apparatus includes an outer casing being disposed to contain liquid for washing, a cylindrical basket-like washing tub, a rotating mechanism, a sensor, a controller, and a plurality of slits. The cylindrical basket-like washing tub is disposed in the outer casing and disposed to contain clothing. The plurality of protruding portions are disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical basket-like washing tub. The plurality of protruding portions protrude in a radial direction and extend along an axial direction. The rotating mechanism is disposed to rotate the cylindrical basket-like washing tub. The sensor is disposed to detect the level of the liquid in the outer casing. The controller is disposed to start rotating the cylindrical basket-like washing tub when the cylindrical basket-like washing tub is confirmed to be full of the liquid. The plurality of slits penetrate through the cylindrical basket-like washing tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine (7) and pump (8) for a washing machine (7). The pump is driven by a brushless DC motor (38). The pump can be controlled to improve the operation of the washing machine. In one aspect the invention comprises a washing machine (7) with a variable speed pump (8) for pumping out wastewater, a controller (50) for controlling the speed of the pump and a sensor (10) for determining the flow-rate of water being pumped from the washing machine, wherein the controller (50) controls the speed of the pump to maintain the flow-rate at a desirable level.

Abstract: An electric steering locking apparatus includes a cam plate (5) that rotates in an unlocking direction (R1) and a locking direction (R2) by driving operation of a motor unit, and a locking shaft (8) that follows a sliding surface (6) of the cam plate (5) and that moves between a locking position where the rotation of a steering shaft is prevented and an unlocking position where the rotation of the steering shaft is permitted. The cam plate (5) is set such that a rotation center (O) coincides with a center of gravity (G).

Abstract: A high security lock and key system with an increased number of code combinations wherein the blade of the key has a wave-like guiding surface at the side of the key blade which, upon insertion into an associated lock having a rotatable key plug, engages with one or more side locking tumblers in the lock cooperating with a side locking mechanism for locking the key plug against rotation. In order to provide an even higher number of possible code combinations, while preserving the overall dimensions of the locks and the keys of the system, an extra code level located at a longitudinally extending shelf surface, viz. at the upper boundary of the side material region where the wave-like guiding surface is cut at the side of the key blade. The invention also relates to a key and a key blade and to a lock for use in such a system.

Abstract: A lock cylinder that includes a housing and a plug. The housing defines a cylindrical cavity, and an outer pin chamber in communication with the cavity. The plug is rotatable within the cavity, and includes a key slot, a cylindrical outer surface, and an inner pin chamber aligned with the outer pin chamber when the plug is in a locked position. An outer pin is housed in the outer pin chamber, and an inner pin is housed in the inner pin chamber. The inner pin is engageable with a key inserted into the key slot, and further engageable with the outer pin. The lock cylinder also includes a lock member in communication with the housing and the plug that selectively disables the lock cylinder in response to partial rotation of the plug from the locked position without an appropriate key in the key slot.

Abstract: A method of electrohydraulically trimming a blank involving positioning a blank on a trimming member having a cutting edge such that a portion to be trimmed extends over the cutting edge and is in fluid communication with a chamber. Immobilize the blank with respect to the trimming member. Position a pair of electrodes in the chamber proximate the portion of the blank to be trimmed such that the electrodes and the trimming member are on opposite sides of the blank. Electrically connect the electrodes to a capacitor. Charge the capacitor. Fill the chamber with fluid to submerge the electrodes and to contact the portion of the blank to be trimmed. Discharge the capacitor across the electrodes to generate a pressure pulse that pushes the portion of the blank to be trimmed against the cutting edge thus trimming it off the blank.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method of shaping a metallic hollow member in a shaping tool (1, 20, 50) at increased temperature and under internal pressure, said hollow member (5) protruding at one end at least from said shaping tool (1), the configuration of the tool mold and/or the shaping parameters acting onto said hollow member being selected in such a manner that said hollow member (5, 59) substantially keeps its original shape outside said tool (1, 20, 50), with said tool being heated in the region of the cavity and a tool, said tool being completely made from a homogeneous ceramic material with the component part being heated inductively, the cavity having a tribological additional coating in order to minimize friction of the component part against the wall and/or the affinity of the component part with the material of the cavity wall.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-mode hammering machine that operates in a rigid mode, a flexible power hammer mode and a machine press mode to contour, shape and form sheet metal products. In all three modes, a ram is linearly stroked toward and away from a fixed die by a common ram drive assembly that includes a lever drive assembly and a reciprocating lever. The lever drive assembly moves in a rigid non-flexing manner. The reciprocating lever includes a rigid mode and a flexible mode. A conversion pin is used to engage one and simultaneously disengage the other. The lever drive assembly includes a control link that interfaces with a stroke adjustment mechanism. The gap adjustment mechanism is located at the fulcrum of the reciprocating lever. Both stroke length and gap are adjusted independently during the operation while the ram is cycling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming, such as a press tool comprising: a body having a receiving structure end for receiving into a receiving structure of a folding press, which end is connected via a central portion to a tool end, at least one safety member which can protrude beyond a surface plane of the receiving structure end, and an actuating member which is movable in a first direction and which is coupled to a safety member, comprising immobilizing means for making the actuating member inoperative.

Abstract: A calibrator includes a moving element having a structural member having a mounting feature for mounting the device to be calibrated. The moving element includes first and second coils at first and second ends. A fixed element supports the moving element and includes at least one magnet magnetically cooperating with the first and second coils. In at least one mode of operation, an amplifier is coupled to the first and second coils in parallel.

Abstract: An arrangement and process for calibrating and/or equilibrating single-channel and multi-channel liquid handling devices, wherein a dispensing volume of a liquid is dispensed via the dispensing channels of a liquid handling device into a measurement chamber of a measurement chamber carrier, each measurement chamber being associated with a dispensing channel, and the individual measurement chambers are hermetically sealed successively relative to the environment and are connected to a pressure chamber under an operating pressure so that an equilibrium pressure occurs that is relevant to the respective dispensing volume.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for characterizing and quantifying certain attributes of antiperspirants and deodorants is provided, such as payout, friction, and flakeoff. The apparatus is capable of reproducibly applying antiperspirants and deodorant to a substrate.

Abstract: A shock sensor comprises a substrate and at least one flexure coupled to the substrate and configured to deflect upon an application of force to the shock sensor sufficient to deflect the flexure. Deflection of the at least one flexure produces a detectable change in an electrical property of the shock sensor. Examples of detectable changes in an electrical property of the shock sensor include an open circuit condition, a closed circuit condition, and a variation in voltage of a piezo-electric detector. In some embodiments, the change in the electrical property of the shock sensor may be remotely read by interrogation of a radio frequency identification transponder positioned on the substrate using a remote radio frequency identification transceiver. The disclosure also relates to a shock sensing system and method of shock detection.

Abstract: A test apparatus applies high speed impact load to a sample to test the shear strength of attachment of a component part to the sample, by use of a rotary drive mechanism driving an impact tip. A support mechanism provides alignment between the impact tip and a portion of the sample to receive a test force, and prevents relative movement of at least one of the sample and the impact tip. The rotary drive mechanism establishes a impact force between the impact tip and the sample, and a force transducer receives the resultant force and providing a corresponding output. In one example the force transducer uses a piezoelectric film for sensing. The testing may be used, for example, to provide stable impact speed to a solder ball, and provide, as an output a force and displacement relationship curve. The stable speed can be acquired by clutch, and the data collection.

Abstract: A sensor, in particular a gas sensor for determining a physical characteristic of a measuring gas, in particular the temperature of the concentration of a gas component, in particular in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, includes a sensor element which protrudes with a gas-side end section from a sensor housing and having a double protecting tube, which encloses the gas-side end section, and has an outer tube and an inner tube. For improved protection of the sensor element against thermal shock, a reduction in the heating power for the sensor element, and sufficiently high dynamics of the sensor, a cup-shaped central protecting tube is placed over the gas-side end section, the central protecting tube being provided with gas passage apertures in the tube casing, the gas passage apertures being positioned offset to the tube bottom with respect to the gas passage apertures present in the inner tube.

Abstract: The gas absorption/adsorption memory effect in gas analysis can be reduced by controlling gas flow conditions such that the partial pressure of the analyte of interest is held constant, if the measured analyte concentration is within a predetermined range. Keeping the analyte partial pressure constant is helpful for mitigating the memory effect because changes in analyte absorption/adsorption rates tend to be driven by changes in analyte partial pressure. The memory effect can also be mitigated by performing concentration measurements at two or more different gas flow conditions, and employing a mathematical model to estimate true concentration and “memory effect” contributions to measured concentrations at one or more of the flow conditions. The mathematical model can be based on an assumption that the true analyte concentration is independent of flow rate or pressure, while the “memory effect” contribution to measured concentration is inversely proportional to flow rate or pressure.

Abstract: In a linear transport device (30) for tear-off lids (20), the latter are tested for the impermeability of the seal and the foil in a test device (9) that is integrated into the linear transport device. The lid is fixed between a pressure chamber (43) and a measuring chamber (47, 48, 49) in an airtight manner and a test pressure is applied to the lid from the underside. An air-permeable support (47) in the measuring chamber exerts pressure on the upper face of the lid and any increase in air pressure in the measuring chamber caused by a degree of permeability is detected and evaluated by a sensor (55). A burst test can be carried out in the same test device.

Abstract: A method of detecting leakage in a force main involves placing at least two spaced sensors on the force main. Liquid is pumped through the pipe by means of a pump. The pump is shut down for an interval of time, and during the period following pump shutdown while negative pressure is present in the pipe, signals are generated at the sensors due to noise or vibration resulting from fluid being drawn into the pipe. The position of a leak in the pipe is determined by correlating the leak noise signals generated while the pipe is under negative pressure. Alternatively, the invention can be applied to a pressurized pipe, in which case conditions of negative pressure can be deliberatively created for a period to draw in fluid from the outside.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEM) device per the present invention comprises a semiconductor wafer—typically an SOI wafer, a substrate, and a high temperature bond which bonds the wafer to the substrate to form a composite structure. Portions of the composite structure are patterned and etched to define stationary and movable MEM elements, with the movable elements being mechanically coupled to the stationary elements. The high temperature bond is preferably a mechanical bond, with the wafer and substrate having respective bonding pads which are aligned and mechanically connected to form a thermocompression bond to effect the bonding. A metallization layer is typically deposited on the composite structure and patterned to provide electrical interconnections for the device. The metallization layer preferably comprises a conductive refractory material such as platinum to withstand high temperature environments.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: A hydrostatically compensated soil resistance probe includes a cylindrical body having a distal tip for insertion into a material, a plurality of load gates for transitioning an axial load on said cylindrical body to a shear load, and a plurality of shear load sensors to measure a transverse loading on said probe due to an axial loading. The axial loading can be the result of the resistance on the probe tip to the insertion of the probe in the soil, or the frictional forces acting on a friction sleeve as the probe passes through the soil.