Abstract: A method of operating a directed relief valve to ventilate a refrigerant by sensing the concentration of refrigerant leakage from the air conditioning system, and if the first concentration exceeds a threshold, by sensing a second concentration. If the first and second concentrations exceed a predetermined concentration, the system will send a leak message to the operator and/or ventilate the refrigerant to the surrounding atmosphere. The system continuously monitors the refrigerant leakage concentration when the vehicle engine is operative, but only periodically monitors the refrigerant leakage concentration when the vehicle engine is inoperative.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling components of a refrigeration system includes determining a desired rate of change of a refrigeration system operating parameter, using historical data to predict an expected rate of change of the operating parameter for cycling each component, calculating an appropriateness factor for each component corresponding to a difference between the expected rate of change for the component and the desired rate of change, ranking the components based on the appropriateness factor, and selectively cycling at least one component based on the ranking.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for cooling a modular computer system having multiple cooling devices and multiple heat-generating modules is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining the number of cooling device installed in the system; determining the positions of the installed cooling devices; applying predefined cooling device placement rules and signaling an error condition if a cooling device is in an unacceptable location; determining locations of all installed heat-generating modules; and applying the predefined cooling device placement rules and signaling an error condition if an installed heat-generating module is in an unacceptable location.

Abstract: A cooling device, in particular for a switchgear cabinet with a housing, in which a refrigeration cycle system is housed, wherein the refrigeration cycle system has vibration-generating elements, namely a compressor and at least one fan. The fan and the compressor are supported in the housing via vibration dampers. For preventing vibratory emissions a cooling device in accordance with this invention has the fan and/or the compressor separately supported by first vibration dampers on an intermediate bracket, or together on an intermediate bracket. The intermediate bracket is supported by second vibration dampers on a bracket, and the bracket is connected to the housing.

Abstract: An air conditioner according to the present invention prevents freezing of an outdoor heat exchanger in heating operation. A refrigeration cycle is formed by sequentially connecting a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, an indoor heat exchanger 3, a pressure reducing device 4, and an outdoor heat exchanger 5. In the refrigeration cycle, a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 1 flows through a receiver tank 6 before supplied for indoor heating. The receiver tank 6 is placed in the outdoor heat exchanger 5, and thus heat from the receiver tank 6 through which the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows can be used to prevent freezing of a fin or a tube 10 in the outdoor heat exchanger 5, thereby ensuring heating performance.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice dispenser, a discharge chute, and a cover for the discharge chute. A flat portion of the cover conforms to the discharge chute, the flat portion being flexible to a flexed position to actuate a switch and thereby operate the ice dispenser such that ice is discharged into the discharge chute.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes at least one water reservoir and a piping system connecting the water reservoir to a water dispenser and device for maintaining the water reservoir at a predetermined temperature. The piping system is designed for allowing a recirculation of water from and to the water reservoir in order to assure that the water delivered by the dispenser is at the correct temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outdoor portable cooling system for patios, campsites, and other related areas. The invention is primarily to be used as a portable cooling system, but may be adapted as a permanently affixed cooling system. The invention includes a housing that contains an absorption system that would be powered by a propane burner. Heat generated by the burning propane gas can be used to operate the fan motor via a module that produces electricity from heat or whereby the motor is powered by a battery supply. The battery supply may be recharged by a solar panel or by a standard electrical line.

Abstract: The thin flat glass substrate, especially for display engineering, has a thickness of less than 1.5 mm, a length of at least 1800 mm, a width of at least 1800 mm and a difference between a smallest thickness and largest thickness of less than 50 ?m. The float glass process for making the improved flat glass substrate provides flags (9) in the molten metal bath in the hot-spread region on both sides of the forming glass sheet, to minimize the variation in thickness of the thin flat glass substrate formed by the process.

Abstract: An adjustable stacker bar assembly includes a pad assembly having a lower pad that is mounted to a push bar. The lower pad is in direct contact with and independently mounted to the push bar. An upper pad is mounted to and spaced apart from the lower pad by a spacer. The spacer is free of contact with the push bar. The pads contact and push glass articles into an annealing furnace. The entire pad assembly is readily vertically movable relative to the push bar in the event that a workpiece is lodged beneath the lower pad.

Abstract: An induction furnace capable of drawing large diameter preforms of up to 130 mm is described. The induction furnace has top and bottom chimneys surrounding the entire preform during operation of the furnace with an inert conditioning gas which is introduced into the top chimney and flows downward through the furnace body and bottom chimney without significant turbulence. A distributor ring inside the top chimney redirects flow from a circumferential direction to a downward direction. The top chimney also includes a resilient seal to releasably hold the top of the preform. The bottom chimney has a smoothly decreasing cross-sectional area preventing turbulence at the furnace exit. The furnace insulation is preferably a rigid self-supporting graphite cylinder. A method of drawing large diameter preforms either to an optical fiber or to a preform of smaller diameter using such a furnace is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile product treating apparatus, in particular washing machine (1), drying apparatus or refreshing apparatus, comprising a main body (2) of the apparatus including a washing, drying and/or refreshment device; and a handheld ultrasonic cleaning device (10) comprising an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic wave emitting surface, wherein the ultrasonic cleaning device is connected by a flexible hose (11) to the main body (2). According to the invention a treatment area (6) is provided covering at least a portion of the top unit (3) of the main body (2) and adapted to place a textile product (15) to be treated thereon.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine including a balancer capable of rapidly reducing vibration of a spin tub. The drum type washing machine includes a spin tub which is rotated by receiving rotational force from a driving motor through a rotating shaft, a rear balancer having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub, and a shaft flange provided at a center portion thereof with the rotating shaft and coupled to the spin tub so as to uniformly transfer the rotational force to the spin tub. The rear balancer is supported on a rear surface of a rear cover by the shaft flange. Thus, the balls accommodated in the balancer are prevented from moving out of the balancer, even if the balancer is broken due to long-period use.

Abstract: A multi-functional laundry device and control method for same treats the laundry efficiently has a washing unit for washing the laundry and a drying unit integrated with the washing unit as one body for after-washing treatment including smoothing out wrinkles, and drying. A control unit provided at either of the washing unit and the drying unit for controlling the washing unit and the dry unit selectively provides steam to the washing and drying units.

Abstract: By using a plating bath containing chromic acid: 100 to 250 g/L, sulfate radical: 3.0 to 5.5 g/L, and a catalyst: 100 to 200% (a weight ratio to the chromic acid content) for conducting electroplating, a Cr-plating film which has an increased film crack density is formed on the surface of a mandrel bar base metal, whereby peeling-off of the Cr-plating film can be suppressed in mandrel mill rolling for extending the service life of the mandrel bar.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a coiler drum to be used in a coiler furnace and a coiler drum. The method comprises the step of forming a trinickel aluminide containing surface layer onto a coiler drum body.

Abstract: A reference leak (10) includes a first substrate (20), a second substrate (40) disposed and bonded on the first substrate, and predetermined numbers of leak channels (14) defined in at least one of the first and second substrates. Oblique walls of the leak channels are formed by crystal planes of the at least one of the first and second substrates, the oblique walls thereby being aligned according to such crystal planes. A method for making a reference leak is also provided.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a measuring device for measuring, in normal operation, a diffusion capacity of a person's lungs by measuring a change of concentration of a gas species in a mixture, when the mixture is inhaled and subsequently exhaled by the person or imposed by an artificial ventilator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving the mixture in a compartment; (b) circulating gas from the compartment back to the compartment through a circulation circuit; and (c) selectively reducing partial pressure of the gas species in the circulation circuit to a predetermined level. A device for implementing the evaluation method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus of easily controlling the Z-position of the probe used in a microprobe analyzer. The apparatus has: (A) a holder, (B) a reference body having a reference surface that is at the same height as a surface of a sample, the reference body being placed on or in the holder, (C) a probe-positioning device for bringing the probe into contact with the reference surface, (D) a controller for controlling motion of the probe-positioning device in the Z-direction, (E) position-measuring apparatus for measuring the Z-coordinate of the probe at which it is in contact with the reference surface, (F) a memory for storing a positional coordinate outputted by the position-measuring apparatus, and (G) probe contact detection apparatus for detecting that the probe is in contact with the reference surface.

Abstract: Methods for sensing and building sensors provide for adding nanotubes to a sensor to improve characteristics such as the Q-factor associated with the sensor. Mass loading and damping characteristics of micromachined quartz crystal resonators on which a thin film of debundled single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) has been deposited are disclosed. An absolute mass sensitivity of ˜100 fg was experimentally measured by monitoring the continuous desorption of gases from SWNT surfaces in a vacuum ambient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo-acoustic device (100) for photo-acoustic analysis of a sample such as exhaled human breath. The device includes a sample cell cavity (102) for containing the sample (116), a first light source (130) outside the sample cell cavity for emitting a first modulated light beam (114) at a wavelength in an absorbing range of the searched component. The first light beam is led into the cavity through a transparent cavity wall (106). The searched gas component absorbs the first light beam and first acoustic waves are thus generated which are picked up by the microphone (110). The microphone also picks up background acoustic waves caused by the laser light beam going trough the cavity wall. The device is further equipped with a noise cancellation system (120, 122) that generates a second set of acoustic waves in anti-phase with the background acoustic waves.

Abstract: A faceplate connection assembly and method adapted to promote detection of a missing or defective seal element. The faceplate connection includes a surface member having a pair of opposing face elements. A seal seating depression adapted to accept a compressible seal element disposed at least partially across at least one face. A fluid transport channel of open groove construction is disposed in intersecting relation to the seal seating depression. The fluid transport channel is in fluid communication with a port at an exterior portion of the faceplate connection assembly. According to the method a tracer fluid is introduced at a predefined edge of the seal seating depression and migration of the tracer fluid across the seal seating depression is monitored. Detection of migration across the seal seating depression indicates a missing or defective seal element.

Abstract: A surface texture measuring instrument includes a force sensor (1), an actuator (11) and a detector (12).

Abstract: A method for determining engine crankshaft position determines the position of a rotating crankshaft using one or many crankshaft position sensors. The sensor output signals representing crankshaft position are digitized and specific timing positions are derived. The sampled timing positions are compared to a known position template to determine crankshaft position.

Abstract: An active and adaptive tire system is disclosed. The active and adaptive tire system comprises a tire and an active material configured to alter at least one characteristic of the tire in response to at least one condition. Also disclosed are an intelligent tire system and a method of monitoring a condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting gas in return fluids. A semi-permeable interface is disposed on a tool sub, the semi-permeable interface being in communication with a fluid cell and with a return fluid in an annular region defined by an outside the tool sub and a borehole wall. A sensor responsive to a gas carried by the return fluid is disposed in the fluid cell to sense the gas that enters the fluid cell from the return fluid via the semi-permeable interface.

Abstract: A monstatic sodar system using long chirps and send-while-listening techniques employs transmitter-receiver pairs (Tw, Rw; Tv, Rv; Te, Re) that have coincident main lobes (Twm, Rwm; Tvm, Rvm; Tem, Rem). The system uses digital time domain matched filters and frequency modulated or digitally modulated (eg, BPSK) chirps. Digital frequency domain matched filtering may also be used. The matched filters generate sample streams indicative of the phase and amplitude of echo signals returned from the atmosphere after the transmission of a chirp into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A device for guiding the helmsman and crew of a sailing vessel in steering a correct point of sail course relative to the true wind by knowing the numerical compass degrees for every point of the compass rose for every point of sail. The device employs two dials coupled together to present the direction of the true wind in compass points to the point of sail on both a starboard tack and port tack in numerical compass degrees. This manual operated computer calculates the compass reading for all points of sail.

Abstract: A thermal flow meter corrects flow rate detection errors produced by vaporization of liquid phase components included in a gas to be measured. The thermal flow meter includes a correction circuit 500 that applies respectively different predetermined voltages to heating resistors consisting of first heating resistor Rh1 and second heating resistor Rh2 of a sensor element disposed in the gas to be measured to set a first temperature state and a second temperature state, calculates a first flow rate value Q1 of the gas to be measured in the first temperature state and a second flow rate value Q2 of the gas to be measured in the second temperature state, and calculates a flow rate correction value ?Q based on a ratio (Q1/Q2) between the first flow rate value and second flow rate value or a fourth-power value (Q1/Q2)4 of the ratio to correct a flow rate of the gas to be measured.

Abstract: A wireless sensing system monitors the level, temperature, magnetic permeability and electrical dielectric constant of a non-gaseous material in a container. An open-circuit electrical conductor is shaped to form a two-dimensional geometric pattern that can store and transfer electrical and magnetic energy. The conductor resonates in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field to generate a harmonic response. The conductor is mounted in an environmentally-sealed housing. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the time-varying magnetic field to power the conductor, and wirelessly detects the harmonic response that is an indication of at least one of level of the material in the container, temperature of the material in the container, magnetic permeability of the material in the container, and dielectric constant of the material in the container.

Abstract: The invention provides an oil level or condition sensor featuring a housing and a baffle or plate arrangement arranged in the housing, where the baffle or plate arrangement forms a capacitor when the housing is filled with oil, the baffle or plate arrangement being responsive to a signal, for providing an oil level or condition sensor signal containing information about the level or condition of the oil in the housing. The baffle or plate arrangement may include one or more plates or a single or multiple star shaped baffles. The one or more plates or multiple star shaped baffles are spaced apart to form the capacitor. The level or condition of the oil within the baffle or plate arrangement changes the inductance. The single or multiple star shaped baffles each have a small hole in the center which provides a visual indication of the oil level. The housing has a transparent window. The inductance change can be measured and used to send alarms or warnings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the level of liquid in a container in an analytical instrument, typically an automated analytical instrument in a laboratory. The apparatus comprises: (a) an electrically conductive support; (b) an electrically conductive platform rising up from said electrically conductive support, said platform capable of supporting at least one container that is capable of containing a liquid, said platform having an area less than that of the electrically conductive support; (c) an electrically conductive element, such as, for example, the electrically conductive tip of a probe, the distance between the electrically conductive platform and the electrically conductive element capable of being reduced or increased by relative movement between the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive platform; and (d) a capacitance sensor coupled to the electrically conductive element (c) and arranged to provide an electrical signal representing the capacitance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining and/or monitoring the process-variable fill-level of a fill substance in a container. The apparatus of the invention is to satisfy high demands with respect to chemical resistance and/or cleanability, while permitting individual parts to be replaced. In accordance with the invention, a housing part (2) is provided, which is securable on the container. Furthermore, a conductive element (3) is provided, which, when mounted, extends into the container, and which is coupled with the housing part (2) by means of a disengageable connection (4). The disengageable connection (4) is located in the interior of the housing part (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of tuning properties of a gravity gradiometer for measuring components of the gravity gradient tensor. The gravity gradiometer comprises a pair of first and second transversely arranged sensor masses that are arranged for movement about an axis and relative to each other in response to a gravity gradient. The gravity gradiometer further comprises first and second capacitors for sensing and influencing the movement of the first and second sensor masses. The method comprising applying a bias voltage to at least one of the capacitors for generating an electrostatic force which acts on one of the sensor masses and thereby influences the movement of that sensor mass.

Abstract: The present invention is related to sensor arrangements and particularly to sensor arrangements for symmetric response in a x-, y- and z-coordinate system. The arrangement comprises four gyroscopes with one axis arranged into different directions of sensitivity.

Abstract: A gyro-module includes: a first gyro element component having a first detection axis and a second detection axis, and outputting at least a signal that is based on angular velocity around the first detection axis and the second detection axis; a second gyro element component having a first detection axis and a second detection axis, and outputting at least a signal that is based on angular velocity around the first detection axis and the second detection axis; a third gyro element component having a first detection axis; a first operation circuit conducting an operation of an output signal from the first gyro element component and an output signal from the third gyro element component; and a second operation circuit conducting an operation of an output signal from the second gyro element component and an output signal from the third gyro element component.

Abstract: A mobile navigation system gyro module comprises: first and second gyro sensors outputting angular velocities ?1, ?2 around first and second axes intersecting at an acute angle ?12; a sign determination circuit determining a sign of ?1; a correction circuit correcting the first and second gyro sensor outputs; and a computation circuit computing ??=?(?1?2+SA2) and SA=(?2???1? cos ?12)/sin ?12 using angular velocities ?1?, ?2? from the correction circuit, and outputting angular velocity ? by multiplying ?? by the sign of ?1, wherein the correction circuit includes: first and second offset adjustment circuits outputting ?1? and ?2? by respectively subtracting from ?1 and ?2, corrections B1 and B2 corresponding to the first and second gyro sensor outputs when the mobile unit stops; and the angular velocity ? is around an axis coplanar with and between the first and second axes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micromachined sensor. The micromachined sensor includes a proof mass movable with respect to a substrate. The proof mass includes a first portion, a second portion separated from the first portion and a third portion connecting the first portion to the second portion. A frame is positioned on the substrate and encloses the proof mass. A plurality of springs connects the proof mass to the frame. A plurality of first and second electrodes extends from the frame. A plurality of third electrodes extends from the first portion of the proof mass and is interleaved with the first electrodes. A plurality of fourth electrodes extends from the second portion of the proof mass and is interleaved with the second electrodes. A first support beam extends from the frame to the area between the first and second portions of the proof mass. A plurality of seventh and eighth electrodes extends from the first support beam.

Abstract: A dual mode measurement system with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is provided, which includes a quartz sensing component, a first measurement circuit, a second measurement circuit and a switch unit. When the first measurement circuit is selected through the switch unit, the first measurement circuit and the quartz sensing component form an oscillation circuit and output a resonance signal. When the second measurement circuit is selected through the switch unit, the second measurement circuit outputs a frequency scanning signal to scan the quartz sensing component, so as to output an impedance sensing signal.

Abstract: Provided is a partial pressure measuring method and a partial pressure measuring apparatus by which a partial pressure distribution is easily measured in a vacuum chamber. The partial pressure measuring method and the partial pressure measuring apparatus includes: moving a local plasma source dedicated to partial pressure measuring provided in the vacuum chamber, to a location at which the measuring is to be performed; and measuring a partial pressure distribution in the vacuum chamber, by receiving emission of plasma generated by the local plasma source through a window which is formed in a wall part of the vacuum chamber and through which the emission passes, and thereby performing emission spectral analysis on intensity of the emission.

Abstract: A pressure sensor apparatus which can provide an integrated fluid control apparatus in which a pressure sensor is easily replaced independently, as well as achieving a more compact structure, and a pressure sensor built-in fluid control equipment. A pressure sensor apparatus (21) includes a first passage block (22) in which a predetermined passage (22a) is formed, a second passage block (23) in which a predetermined passage (23a) is formed and which opposes to the first passage block (22) at a predetermined interval, and a pressure sensor (24) which is provided in an opposing surface of any one of the first and second passage blocks (23) and detects a fluid pressure in an inner passage (23b), and is integrated in a pressure regulator (16).

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a process transmitter includes a corrosion resistive housing including a flange portion, where the corrosion resistive housing is formed from a first material. The process transmitter also includes an outer ring formed from a second material. The outer ring has an inner diameter and is brazed to the flange portion. The process transmitter further includes a deformable diaphragm formed from a third material, the deformable diaphragm is welded to the outer ring at a weld seam between the diaphragm and the outer ring adjacent to the inner diameter to form a fluid seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of the stresses occurring in wood when drying or being dried. With the method in accordance with the invention, electrodes are used to generate an electric field in drying wood in order to measure the electric complex spectrum using the impedance spectroscopy method while at the same time employing sensors to measure acoustic emissions from drying wood and using the results for calculating the parameters required for determining the stress state existing in the wood and for monitoring and/or controlling the drying process.

Abstract: A method is described for measuring the chain force (FK) in a drive chain (26) engaging on a body (20) that is rotatable around an axle (21) which is fixed in a frame (10) at least two connecting points (22, 23). The method comprises the steps of: measuring the reaction force (FL) between axle (21) and frame (10) at a first connecting point (22); measuring the reaction force (FL) between axle (21) and frame (10) at a second connecting point (23); and adding the two measured reaction forces (FL; FR).

Abstract: A bend sensor according to one aspect of the present invention is a bend sensor for sensing a bend of a base member in a longitudinal direction comprising: the base member; and a plurality of strain sensitive elements which are disposed at different positions in a width direction on an one side surface of the base member and are disposed at two or more different positions in a thickness direction of the base member.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a connection between a measuring tube and at least one flange, e.g., in the case of a Coriolis mass flowmeter. In order to ensure reliable connection of the components in this case, the measuring tube can be inserted at one end over a portion through a flange bore, such that it projects out of the bore on the other side, and that the projecting end be flared out over the sealing face of the flange.

Abstract: A change in a magnetic resistance generated between a plurality of windows of a cylindrical member formed by a nonmagnetic material and a torsion bar is regarded to be a change in inductances of detecting coils to detect a steering torque. Coil yokes accommodating the detecting coils therein are disposed coaxially on an outer periphery of the cylindrical member and L-shaped bent tip portions of output terminals of the detecting coils are inserted into a hole of a circuit board of a control module. Terminal holding portions are provided on an inside of a moving track so that an interference with other components can be prevented. The circuit board of the control module is disposed perpendicularly to a direction of shaft centers of an input and output shafts. An output terminal of a detecting coil has a tip portion bent to take an L shape and formed perpendicularly to the hole of the circuit board. Therefore, the detecting coil and the control module can be directly connected.

Abstract: Systems, methods and machine readable media related to determining a condition of an exercise machine belt are disclosed. An example system includes a sensor to detect an event related to the exercise machine belt. The example system also includes a counter to selectively change a count based on the event as well as an output device to output a notification associated with the condition of the exercise machine belt based on the count.

Abstract: A pipette nozzle is provided for use on a movable arm on an automated pipette machine. The pipette nozzle includes a body defining a passage therethrough and having at least two seating surfaces provided on the body. The first seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a first size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the first size of pipette tip. The second seating surface is configured to correspondingly receive, sealingly mate and provide passage first end fluid communication with a second size of pipette tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cycling a neutral switch of an automated mechanical transmission includes software which, either independently or by operator command through a shift actuator having side-to-side motion capability and sensors, controls a select piston and cylinder assembly to provide shift rail motion along a transverse axis of the transmission which simulates operator commanded motion of a shift rail of a conventional (manual) transmission as the operator checks for neutral. Such activity may release a malfunctioning neutral switch thereby providing a proper neutral indication to associated transmission and engine components to, for example, permit starting of the engine.