Abstract: Disclosed is the auger in an ice bin mounted in a refrigerator, and the like. The auger in the ice bin is configured to rotate an auger having spiral-shaped transfer blades and to dispose ice in each space between the transfer blades of the auger for transfer. Accordingly, a certain amount of ice can always be discharged without simultaneously discharging a great amount of ice, and a user may select the number of ice, thus to diversity functions of an ice dispenser. In addition, since the auger is made of a flexible material, the ice can be prevented from being crushed during transfer, thereby enhancing the reliability of the ice dispenser.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigeration appliance including a cabinet defining a fresh-food compartment and a freezer compartment. The refrigeration appliance includes a refrigeration system that is operable to provide a cooling effect to an interior of the fresh-food and freezer compartments. A pair of doors is pivotally connected to the cabinet with a hinge assembly for restricting access to the interior of the fresh-food compartment. Each door includes a side portion extending between an exterior face and an interior portion of the door. The side portions of the doors generally oppose each other when the doors are closed. A user interface is also provided to the side portion of at least one of the doors comprising an input device to be manipulated by a user for controlling a target temperature within at least one of the fresh-food and freezer compartments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling the temperature of a series of interconnected kennels. The system includes a primary reservoir and supply and return lines for delivering a refrigerant to the series of kennel beds. Each of the kennels includes a flexible bed for supporting the animal and an interior chamber which is adapted to receive a volume of the refrigerant. Thus, the refrigerant, by way of the supply and return valves, is continuously supplied to the beds to provide a pleasing temperature for the animal.

Abstract: A food storage system including a secondary bowl that is adapted to be positioned at least partially on and/or in a main lid. The secondary bowl is adapted to be detachable from the main lid.

Abstract: A charm is provided including a body formed from a pliable material including an opening. A first member is at least partly inserted into the opening and is secured to the body. A cap is connected to the first member and is located external of the body. A method for securing such a cap to the charm is also provided.

Abstract: Experimental data is presented which shows that laser scoring of glass sheets (112) with existing techniques produces unacceptable levels of residual stress in the separated sheets as the scoring speed is increased. Methods for solving this problem are disclosed which employ elongated and, preferably, asymmetrically-truncated laser beams (13). The methods allow glass sheets (112) to be scored at speeds of 1000 mm/s and above with low levels of residual stress, e.g., levels of residual stress which are less than or equal to 500 psi. Such low levels of residual stress translate into low levels of distortion during the manufacture of display panels (e.g., LCD panels) as well as in improved properties of the separated edges. The methods can be used with glasses of various types including glasses having low coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention a method of manufacturing optical fiber cane comprises the steps of: (i) providing a core rod manufactured of relatively low viscosity glass; (ii) depositing SiO2 based soot around the core rod to form a soot preform, the soot being of relatively high viscosity material such that the softening point of the low viscosity glass is at least 200° C. lower than the viscosity of the high viscosity outer core region; and (iii) consolidating the soot of the soot preform by exposure to hot zone at temperatures of 1000° C.-1600° C. The soot is consolidated by heating the outer portion of the soot preform at a relatively fast heating rate, the heating rate being sufficient to densify the soot, so as to render the densified material with enough rigidity to confine the heated core rod and to prevent the heated core rod from puddling.

Abstract: A method of making a glass is provided in which the time needed for doping a refractive index control substance such as fluorine into a soot glass deposit body can be reduced. The method comprises the steps of: (1) putting a soot glass deposit body in a container; (2) doping a refractive index control substance into the soot glass deposit body by supplying an doping gas into the container, the doping gas containing the substance; and (3) consolidating the soot glass deposit body by heating, wherein the final set-value concentration of the substance is determined beforehand depending on the target refractive index of the glass, and in step (2), the container is supplied with the doping gas including the substance having a concentration set to be higher than the final set-value concentration, and subsequently, the doping gas including the substance having the final set-value concentration is supplied into the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to washing drum shell formed by a final sheet metal strip which is coiled in the form of a cylinder and whose ends are welded to one another. The longitudinal sides thereof are connected to a bottom disk by a high-flange joint provided with transversal embossments. The high flange joint is sufficiently stable even when the carriers of the washing drum are drawn into the shell. The drawn-in carriers are connected by at least one fold to openings shaped in at least one bottom disk and the transversal embossments of the high flange joint are shaped in an area which is arranged directly near a connection between the drawn-in carriers and the bottom disk.

Abstract: Drum assembly, and method for fabricating the same is disclosed, for making a capacity larger and enhancing stiffness and strength. The drum assembly includes a drum for holding laundry, a connector attached to an outside surface of a bottom of the drum, and a driving member coupled to the connector for rotating the drum, wherein the bottom includes an expansion region unoccupied by the connector, the expansion region being protruded toward an outside of the drum, to expand a capacity of the drum. The method includes a first time pressing for pressing a plate for forming a bottom of a drum, for securing a space for expanding a capacity of the drum, and a second time pressing for forming a seat for attaching a connector connecting a driving member and the drum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lock, which includes a housing and an indicative lock core. The indicative lock core is operable by a key to move to an indicative position and be stuck in the indicative position. The indicative lock core can move back to its original position only through a restore mechanism. When the key-operated lock core is in the indicative position, the key-operated lock core is partly situated outside the housing and is easily noticed.

Abstract: A universal security device for preventing unlocking rotation of right and left door stanchions of cargo containers including a protective housing for a puck lock and channel shaped cross bar wings extending from its laterally opposite sides. A hook with claws for engaging a stanchion includes a palm with a locking tab having a locking bar receiving opening. The palm is insertable through one of the complimentary openings provided in each of the two side walls of the housing. At least one interior tab with a locking bar receiving opening is provided in the housing and when the locking rod of a puck lock engages the openings in the locking tabs, the cross bar structure prevents an unlocking rotation of the stanchion.

Abstract: A valet key storage device, includes a valet key storage portion for storing a valet key having an opening, a locking bar for locking the valet key, a driving section for driving the locking bar to be inserted into the opening of the valet key, and a control section for controlling the driving section to insert the locking bar into the opening of the valet key or remove the locking bar therefrom.

Abstract: A disengageable cylinder for a motor vehicle lock mechanism includes a fixed stator, a sleeve, a rotor, a driver, and an indexer. The sleeve is mounted in rotation about its axis in the stator, and is fixed axially with respect to the stator. The rotor is mounted in rotation in the sleeve and is fixed axially in the sleeve. Further, the rotor includes tumblers which can move radially under the action of a key intended to be inserted axially into the rotor. The driver provides a coupling between the rotor and a cam actuator, when the key is appropriate. The indexer can move axially between rest and disengagement positions and is under the effect of a rotation of the sleeve with respect to the stator subsequent to the rotor being rotated by means of an inappropriate key.

Abstract: A method and storage and locking arrangement for storing keys to locks and controlling the use of keys. The storage and locking arrangement consists of a closed box or a similar storage unit, a central lock and its key, as well as a number of auxiliary locks, each having its designated key. The locks are arranged in a closed box or similar storage unit so that they can be unlocked using keys from the outside of the box. The central lock is arranged to control the operation of the auxiliary locks so that when the central lock is locked, it prevents the keys to the auxiliary locks from being removed from their respective locks, and once the central lock is unlocked, it can be used to select the operation of any single auxiliary lock at a time using the corresponding key so that the key to the auxiliary lock can be removed from the auxiliary lock.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a handle set for a lock with a latch, the handle set having an authentication circuit and actuator in the interior handle that allow access to authenticated transponders. The present invention also provides a device and method for transmitting a rotational movement and force in an electronic lock, wherein the transmission takes place in a coupled state and not in a decoupled state and wherein the transmission of force does not damage an actuator that requires little energy to change between the coupled and decoupled states. The handle set can include a coupling cartridge that can be easily handed. The electronic lock can be retrofitted in installed mortise locks and used with cylindrical locks. The electronic lock can include a security feature that prohibits the electronic lock from changing between the coupled and decoupled states.

Abstract: A clamp block kit for use on a machine having an adjustment mechanism employing a shaft and associated nut. The clamp block kit comprises a clamp block assembly securable about the nut and a mounting rail fastenable to the clamp block assembly with at least one second fastener. The clamp block assembly includes a first clamp including at least one threaded first hole, a second clamp including at least one second hole alignable with a respective first hole when in an assembled state, and at least one first fastener for extending into the aligned first and second holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the position of a mandrel (10), which is situated in a hydraulic punch consisting of a cylinder and a ram that form a mandrel cylinder (8), in an extrusion press for producing pipes (2), which are extruded from blocks (4) that are loaded into a receiving device (5) situated upstream of the extrusion press (3) and are punched using the mandrel (10). The invention is characterised in that the mandrel cylinder (8) is driven directly by pumps (11), which are set for a pre-calculated throughput that is dependent on the press speed, and that an additional throughput is added to the pre-calculated pump throughput. To adjust the position of the mandrel (10), a control valve (16) that acts on the ring side (12) of the mandrel (8) is connected to a tank (17).

Abstract: A process of producing an inner profile (18)in a tube or hollow profile (11) includes inserting the tube or hollow profile (11) into a supporting sleeve (12), with a first tube end (19) being axially supported; placing a pressure-loaded annular die 16 on to the other tube end (20); pressing a forming die (15) with an outer profile into the tube or hollow profile (11) from the latter tube end (20) for producing the inner profile (18); allowing a return of the annular die (16) under a pressure load in the opposite direction of that of pressing in the forming die (15).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for machining a variable trim line of a panel, which can machine the variable trim line through a simple manipulation within a single process at the time of machining a trunk lid panel. The apparatus includes: an upper die unit disposed at an upper die steel and including a select retainer adapted to selectively punch the variable trim line of the panel, and an upper punch adapted to be moved forward and backward; and a lower die unit disposed at a lower die steel in such a fashion as to be directed opposite to the upper die unit in a row and adapted to push a strap caught in the lower die steel while cooperating with punching operation of the upper punch of the upper die unit. With the apparatus, a die manufacturing cost can be reduced, productivity can be increased and default rate can be reduced.

Abstract: An impact detection device, as well as a system that includes such a device for simulation of a combat sport, or more generally for use in a sport in which the user creates an impact by striking an adversary or an object. This device includes a sensor that detects an impact and its intensity, which is mounted on a printed circuit, together with an indicator that activates when the detector detects an impact and/or in order to indicate to a user that the user must generate an impact. The indicator is imbedded in a protective covering so that it is located near the surface of its embedding material. The indicating means are mounted directly on the printed circuit, so that the embedding material also covers the printed circuit and the sensor.

Abstract: In the hydrogen remaining sensor of the present invention, the hydrogen remaining sensor is arranged in a space in which the hydrogen is absorbed/released by the main hydrogen storage alloy, and is equipped with the vessel-like sensor main body in which the sensor hydrogen storage alloy is filled and through which the hydrogen is moved. Also, the easy-to-deform portion in which the strain is caused easily due to the hydrogen absorption/release of the sensor hydrogen storage alloy is provided to a part of the sensor main body, and the strain gauge for measuring the strain of the easy-to-deform portion is provided. As a result, according to the hydrogen remaining sensor of the present invention can contribute to sense precisely a remaining amount of hydrogen in the main hydrogen storage alloy.

Abstract: A feeding device for enriching and feeding a fluid sample into a chemical detector, the feeding device comprises (a) a sorbent element having a sorbent material for sorbing at least one target chemical present in the fluid sample; (b) a desorbing mechanism for generating conditions for the sorbent material to desorb the at least one target chemical out of the sorbent material, thereby to provide an enriched fluid sample; and (c) a loose connector, for providing a loose connection between the feeding device and the chemical detector, such that when the sorbent material desorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by the enriched fluid sample, and when the sorbent material sorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by environmental fluids.

Abstract: An assembly for measuring both the level and specific gravity of a liquid in a container includes a first sensor arrangement for sensing the level of the liquid in the container, and a second sensor arrangement for sensing the specific gravity of the liquid. The first sensor arrangement measures and then independently outputs at least one signal relating to the liquid level in the container. The second sensor arrangement measures and then independently outputs at least one signal relating to the specific gravity of the liquid in the container, thereby providing an integrated device to measure both parameters of the liquid.

Abstract: A method and device for identifying leaks in or a leakage rate of an integrated circuit package. The method and device include integrating a micromachined-thermal-convection accelerometer in the integrated circuit package and evaluating the initial and subsequent sensitivities of the accelerometer. A change in sensitivity with time provides indicia of a leak and a measure of leakage rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining a moisture ingress in an insulating layer surrounding a pipe, the insulating layer being surrounded by a tubular jacket. The apparatus includes an acoustic transducer in communication with an exciter adapted to provide a brief and broad banded acoustic signal which includes frequencies which by their propagation in the material of the jacket has a wavelength which corresponds to twice the thickness of the jacket or an odd multiple of twice the thickness of the jacket, and to process a reverberation signal emitted from the jacket in response to sending into the jacket the brief and broad banded output signal from the transducer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow quantitative assay method capable of quantitatively determining the concentration and analyzing the spatial distribution of a disease marker by employing the principle of the laser-induced fluorescence detection technique, which is based on detecting emitted fluorescence when laser light is focused to the disease marker deposited onto a lateral flow quantitative assay chip. The present invention discloses a strip, a laser-induced epifluorescence detection device and a small scanner for the assay method.

Abstract: A method for determining postural stability of a person can include acquiring a plurality of pressure data points over a period of time from at least one pressure sensor. The method can also include the step of identifying a postural state for each pressure data point to generate a plurality of postural states. The method can include the step of determining a postural state of the person at a point in time based on at least the plurality of postural states.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope, capable of performing shape measurement not affected by electrostatic charge distribution of a sample, which: monitors an electrostatic charge state by detecting a change in a flexure or vibrating state of a cantilever due to electrostatic charges in synchronization with scanning during measurement with relative scanning between the probe and the sample, and makes potential adjustment so as to cancel an influence of electrostatic charge distribution, thus preventing damage of the probe or the sample due to discharge and achieving reduction in measurement errors due to electrostatic charge distribution.

Abstract: The control apparatus for the internal combustion engine includes: a unit for detecting the change in the alcohol concentration of a fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders; a unit for detecting an air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders; a unit for making the failure diagnosis when the air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and a unit for inhibiting the failure diagnosis executed based on the air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders when the change in the alcohol concentration is detected.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a condition of a system for supplying fuel to a fuel injected controlled-ignition internal combustion engine, of a type including an electric control device that makes use of an oxygen probe for closed-loop regulation of a value of air/fuel ratio admitted to combustion chambers of the engine, and according to which a signal delivered by an oxygen probe is analyzed, the method a) deducing from the signal, a change in a effective injection time making it possible to regulate richness of exhaust gases leaving the engine; b) calculating CRITERION=?(CRITERION 1+CRITERION2+CRITERION3); c) comparing CRITERION against predetermined minimum and maximum threshold values THRESHOLD_MIN and THRESHOLD_MAX; d) diagnosing a defective condition when CRITERION is outside of a window included between THRESHOLD_MIN and THRESHOLD_MAX.

Abstract: A vehicle that is equipped with an idling stop and restarting system and method thereof for testing a function of the idling stop and restarting system may include counting the ignition number of an engine including a first ignition, accumulating the operating time period after the first ignition, and setting a charging value of a battery as a predetermined value, if the ignition number is smaller than a predetermined ignition number and/or if operating time period is shorter than a predetermined operating time period, wherein the idling stop and restarting system is operated regardless of the real charging value of the battery.

Abstract: A sensor system for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle is provided, characterized in that, in one form, in and/or on a steering wheel rim at least one sensor device for recording the effects of an acceleration is arranged. Rapid and effective reactions can thus be made to impact events, for example.

Abstract: A tire testing apparatus and method for measuring the local stiffness of a tire. The apparatus includes a force producing mechanism, a force measuring device, a force transmitting member, and a measuring device. The force transmitting member applies a force to a tire surface and the measuring device measures the distance of the displacement of the tire surface caused by the force. A tire testing method comprising mounting a tire on a tire testing apparatus to measure a local stiffness of the tire. The method further comprises inflating the tire, applying a force to a local area of the tire, monitoring the force, measuring a distance corresponding to the local deflection, and calculating a local stiffness.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a pressure (P) of a tire of a motor vehicle involves measuring a pressure (P) of the tire and comparing the measured pressure with at least one reference value (PrM, Prm, Pr). The reference value (PrM, Prm, Pr) varies in accordance with a temporal law that depends on at least one of the following parameters: a temporal benchmark, a speech of the vehicle, a temperature of the tire, and a parameter that is based on at least one of the previous three parameters. The reference value (PrM, Prm, Pr) varies between first and second extreme values.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein may relate to energy harvesting piezoelectric modules as may be used, for example, in power supplies for tire pressure monitoring systems.

Abstract: A method of characterizing formation fluid present in a subsurface earth formation during drilling using methods for correcting the measured concentrations of gas components in drilling mud. Gas trap values for the gas components of interest, light hydrocarbons, are measured during mud logging and are corrected using relative response factors, determined from laboratory fluid analysis values and relative extraction efficiency values. The relative response factors for each gas component of interest can be used for correcting additional gas trap values measured in the same well or for correcting gas trap values measured in surrounding wells utilizing a similar drilling fluid. The corrected gas trap values for each of the gas components of interest can be utilized to calculate gas/oil ratios for characterizing the formation fluid from the volume of drilling mud.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of chamber holders having openings therein, and an exposure chamber positioned in each chamber holder. Each exposure chamber includes a mesh portion and a top end cap. One exposure chamber contains a mesh bottom and one contains a closed bottom. Each chamber holder is positioned within an opening contained within a base portion. One exposure chamber may extend beyond the lower boundary of the base portion. A top portion may be secured to the base portion to contain the chamber holders. A pump, with connected supply hose, may be coupled to the top portion. The supply hose is routed through the chamber holders such that a supply hose opening is adjacent to each chamber holder. The system may include a water quality sensor and a passive sampling device coupled to the base portion. A deployment system may be connected to the top portion.

Abstract: The flow sensor comprises a heater arranged between two sensing thermopiles. In addition, at least one monitoring thermocouple is provided for measuring the temperature of the heater. The signal from the monitoring thermocouple can be used to improve the accuracy of the device in several ways. In particular, the signal from the monitoring thermocouple depends on changes of the Seeback constant and other inherent properties of the thermopiles in the same way as the signal from the sensing thermopiles, which allows a compensation of such effects. The signal from the monitoring thermocouple can also be used as a reference voltage to an A/D converter for converting the signals from the sensing thermopiles.

Abstract: A level meter employs the radar concept for measuring the fill level of a medium in a container and incorporates an electric conductor system for conducting an electromagnetic signal into the container and returning reflected components of the electromagnetic signal from the container. Here, the electric conductor assembly is integrated into a wall of the container. The result is a universally employable electric conductor assembly so configured as to be unobstructed by built-in structures in the container such as agitators, intake pipe fittings or discharge connectors.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a sensor device for determining forces exerted by a cyclist on a pedal of a bicycle is provided. The sensor device includes a plurality of sensors coupled to a substrate, and wiring coupled to the sensors and the substrate, wherein the sensors, the substrate, and the wiring are housed inside a pedal spindle coupled to the pedal. The sensor device may also be used in a system for improving a pedaling technique of a cyclist.

Abstract: The method for correcting the eccentricity of a vehicle wheel in balancing machines or the like, comprises: a reading phase for reading the radial eccentricity deviation of the rim of a wheel to be balanced and the radial eccentricity deviation of the tire of the wheel, read at a plurality of predetermined angular positions along the entire outer perimeter of the rim and of the tire; a processing phase of the total radial eccentricity deviation values of the wheel, starting with the radial eccentricity deviations of the rim and of the tire read and according to the angular coupling positions between the rim and the tire; a definition phase for defining a geometric irregularity index of the wheel, determined according to the total radial eccentricity deviation values of the wheel and according to the angular coupling position between the rim and the tire; a determination phase for determining an optimal coupling angular position between the tire and the rim, selected among all the possible angular coupling pos

Abstract: A microsystem, and more particularly a microgyrometer, includes at least two mechanically coupled oscillating masses. The microsystem is achieved in a flat substrate. The oscillating masses are connected to the substrate by suspension springs. The oscillating masses are coupled together by a rigid coupling bar so as to produce an anti-phase movement of the oscillating masses when driven by an excitation device in a predefined excitation direction. The coupling bar is connected to intermediate zones of the corresponding suspension springs. The suspension springs are arranged on opposite sides of the oscillating masses. An intermediate zone is arranged between a first end of a suspension spring, which is fixed to the corresponding oscillating mass, and a second end of the suspension spring, which is fixed to the substrate by a corresponding anchoring point.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes a ring-shaped resonator mounted in a housing, and a bottom plate attached to the resonator. A plurality of openings arranged substantially circumferentially on the bottom plate, and a plurality of grooves between the openings. A plurality of piezoelectric elements are located in the grooves. The resonator is substantially cylindrical. The plurality of openings are arranged substantially symmetrically. The piezoelectric elements can be outside the resonator, or inside the resonator. A cylindrical flexible suspension connecting the bottom to the resonator to the ring shaped resonator, wherein an average radius of the cylindrical flexible suspension and the ring shaped resonator, accounting for variation thickness of wall, is the same throughout.

Abstract: A control component of an apparatus in one example is configured to signal a plurality of electrodes arranged in at least first, second, third, and fourth radial electrode groups along first, second, third, and fourth axes at approximately 0, 45, 90, and 135 degrees, respectively, around the planar resonator. During a first time period, the control component is configured to signal: the first radial electrode group to induce a drive oscillation in the planar resonator, the third radial electrode group to sense the drive oscillation, the second radial electrode group to sense a Coriolis force induced oscillation, and the fourth radial electrode group to null the Coriolis force induced oscillation.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device includes a substrate comprising at least one anchor, a proof mass having first and second deceleration extensions extending therefrom, a motor drive comb, a motor sense comb, a plurality of suspensions configured to suspend the proof mass over the substrate and between the motor drive comb and the motor sense comb. The suspensions are anchored to the substrate. A body is attached to the substrate. At least one deceleration beam extends from a first side of said body. The at least one deceleration beam is configured to engage at least one of the first and second deceleration extensions and slow or stop the proof mass before the proof mass contacts the motor drive comb and the motor sense comb.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a property of construction material. According to one aspect, a material property gauge operable to determine a property of construction material is disclosed. The gauge may include an electromagnetic sensor operable to measure a response of construction material to an electromagnetic field. Further, the electromagnetic sensor may be operable to produce a signal representing the measured response by the construction material to the electromagnetic field. An acoustic detector may be operable to detect a response of the construction material to the acoustical energy. Further, the acoustic detector may be operable to produce a signal representing the detected response by the construction material to the acoustical energy. A material property calculation function may be configured to calculate a property value associated with the construction material based upon the signals produced by the electromagnetic sensor and the acoustic detector.

Abstract: A method of examining a steam generator heat exchange tube from the outside surface employing ultrasonic nondestructive inspection techniques. An ultrasonic transducer contacts the outside surface of the tube and transmits a pseudo helical Lamb wave into the wall of the tube chosen to have a mode that does not significantly interact with water in the tube. The reflected waves are then analyzed for changes in modes to identify defects in the wall of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus including a chamber having a chamber opening, a plunger which is movable within the chamber so as to change a chamber volume, which is defined by the plunger and a chamber wall and which adjoins the chamber opening, includes a measurer for measuring a pressure within the chamber or for measuring a force F, F being the force which acts upon the plunger so as to change the chamber volume.

Abstract: The present application provides an instrumentation rake for use with a number of flow paths. The instrumentation rake may include a manifold, a first rake body connected to the manifold, and a second rake body connected to the manifold. A number of first rake body aspirators may be positioned about the first rake body and in communication with a first flow path and a number of second rake body aspirators may be positioned about the second rake body and in communication with a second flow path.