Abstract: A goal tracking system is described. The goal tracking system can include a bracelet having numeric indicia disposed thereon representing an accomplishment or a goal such as weight loss. A button connector is adjacent to each of the numeric indicia to maintain a button-charm. The button-charm is moved from numeric indicia to numeric indicia as a corresponding goal is achieved. In one aspect, the bracelet may be used to track weight loss results, set weight loss goals, promote improved eating habits, and serve as a reminder to stay focused and motivated towards reaching weight loss goals.

Abstract: A button cover capable of receiving ornamentation having a magnetically held latching system which holds the cover in place over a button easily and reliably. Such a system would allow a user to change button ornamentation quickly and easily with little fear of losing an expensive and decorative pendant.

Abstract: A stud and wire post assembly that may be used as an earring and/or as a support for hanging decorative elements that are suspended from the stud and wire assembly for swinging, rotational or other movement including a hollow stud having a bottom slot and a laterally extending wire post for supporting the decorative assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved methods and apparatus for forming sheet glass. In one embodiment, the invention introduces a counteracting force to the stresses on the forming structure in a manner such that the thermal creep which inevitably occurs has a minimum impact on the glass flow characteristics of the forming structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to lead free, cadmium free, bismuth free low melting high durability glass and enamel compositions. The compositions comprise silica, zinc, titanium, and boron oxide based glass frits. The resulting compositions can be used to decorate and protect automotive, beverage, architectural, pharmaceutical and other glass substrates.

Abstract: A method for heating glass sheets includes alternately loading on a conveyor system two different sets of glass sheets with the glass sheets of each set having different properties than those of the other set so as to require different heating than each other; conveying the alternately loaded sets of glass sheets on the conveyor system along a plane of conveyance through a heating chamber having a heating system; and controlling operation of the heating system to provide two different sets of heating zones alternating along the direction of conveyance and respectively moving with the two sets of glass sheets so as to provide heating in the heating chamber of each set of glass sheets as required and in a different way than the heating of the other set of glass sheets.

Abstract: Methods of producing a glass sheet comprise the step of fusion drawing a glass ribbon along a draw direction into a viscous zone downstream from a root of a forming wedge. The method further includes the steps of drawing the glass ribbon into a setting zone downstream from the viscous zone and an elastic zone downstream from the setting zone. The method also includes the step of creating a vacuum to force the entire lateral portion of the glass ribbon to engage an anvil portion of a breaking device in the elastic zone. The method still further includes the steps of forming a score line along the lateral portion of the glass ribbon and breaking away a glass sheet from the glass ribbon along the score line while the entire lateral portion is forced against the anvil portion by the vacuum.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a glass blank for a magnetic recording medium glass substrate, including: manufacturing a glass blank by at least press molding a falling molten glass gob with a pair of press molds both so as to face each other in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the molten glass gob falls, in which: the molten glass gob is formed of a glass material having a glass transition temperature of 600° C. or more; and when the press molding is carried out so that the molten glass gob is completely extended by pressure and molded into a flat glass between press-molding surfaces of the pair of press molds, at least a region in contact with the flat glass in each of the press-molding surfaces of the pair of press molds forms a substantially flat surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for shaping a glass sheet in more than one dimension, and within the one or more dimensions forming non-uniform shapes between, for example, the leading edge and the trailing edge of the same glass sheet. Such shaping is achieved by the selective location, in first and second shaping zones, of shaping rolls having first and second shaping configurations and by varying the speed of the glass sheet as it moves through the shaping zones, thus varying the length of time that selected portions of the glass sheet are in contact with certain shaping rolls.

Abstract: A splicer comprises a positioning device, in which the fiber ends in general have a residual offset. A memory stores a predetermined relationship between the possible offset and a parameter which controls the application of heat. The parameter which controls the application of heat, for example the splicing time for a predetermined splicing current, is defined on the basis of an actual offset which can be recorded by means of cameras.

Abstract: A multi-electrode system includes a fiber holder that holds at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrodes arranged to generate a heated field to heat the at least one optical fiber, and a vibration mechanism that causes at least one of the electrodes from the plurality of electrodes to vibrate. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. The system can be used for processing many types of fibers, such processing including, as examples, stripping, splicing, annealing, tapering, and so on. Corresponding fiber processing methods are also provided.

Abstract: Fiberizing bushings for fiberizing molten materials including molten glass are heated by applying a voltage drop across the bushings wherein molten material flows through an array of hollow tips attached to, or integral with, a tip plate having orifices therein that generally align with channels through the hollow tips to form fibers. The uniformity of the diameter of the fibers produced is much improved by using tips of different lengths and/or tips having channels of differing ID's to compensate for unequal electrical heating and/or cooling effects of drawn-in ambient air that cools the tips on the extreme outer periphery and/or cooling or heating effects of external supports or cooling members running through the array of tips that cools or heats adjacent tips more than the interior tips.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a main body, a drum disposed within the main body, an air supply duct disposed so as to be communicated with the drum, and supplying hot air to the inside of the drum, a first exhaust duct communicated with the drum so as to exhaust the hot air from the drum, a second exhaust duct to guide the hot air exhausted from the drum to the outside of the main body, a filter case provided with a hot air introduction hole connected to the first exhaust duct and a hot air exhaust hole connected to the second exhaust duct, a water storage chamber provided within the filter case, and a hot air flow chamber provided within the filter case and communicated with the water storage chamber.

Abstract: A laundry machine includes a cabinet (10), a first tub (20) having at least predetermined portion directly connected to the cabinet (10), a second tub (30) provided underneath the first tub (20), relative movable with respect to the first tub (20), the second tub (30) receiving wash water together with the first tub (20), and a drum (40) rotatable about a vertical shaft within the first and second tubs (20; 30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine which comprises: an auxiliary receiving platform which is provided on a water-supply flow pathway for the supply of washing water, and which constitutes a container structure able to support a solid additive when such an additive is introduced; and an additive storage unit which is fastened to the underside of the auxiliary receiving platform, and which stores washing water in which the solid additive has been dissolved. Further, the washing machine can use solid additives such as sheet-shaped softeners.

Abstract: A locking device that prevents unauthorized removal of a power feeding plug from an inlet. The locking device is provided with a lock mechanism, which includes a lock member that locks the power feeding plug to the inlet, and an operation member, which is operated at least when shifting the lock mechanism to a lock state. The operation member applies an operation force to the lock member to mechanically move the lock member and shift the lock mechanism to a lock state.

Abstract: Locking device with magnetic actuation which is reversible so as to be suitable both for right-hand doors and for left-hand doors, comprising a frontal plate (1) for the fixing on the impost wing of the door, a strike (21) for the fixing on the jamb of the door in a position which can be opposed to said frontal plate, a magnet housed inside said strike, a bolt, a second magnet (4) housed inside said bolt (3) and a driving mechanism made up of two pawls (13), (16), one (13) of which controlled by outside handle and the other (16) by inside handle, a slide (19) for the driving of the bolt (3) and a system for blocking the opening by outside handle, leaving, at the same time, opening by inside handle operational.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for a checkpoint, comprising a controlled access passage, the exit of which is closed by an exit door (gate). Said exit door (5) opens in response to a signal of a least one biometric unit (8) which is arranged in the controlled access space (3) and by which the biometric features of a person desiring passage can be detected, and said biometric unit (8) is arranged frontally opposite of the entrance to the controlled access space (3) and preferably integrated in the exit door (5) of the controlled access space (3). A person entering the controlled access space (3) is therefore immediately located quasi automatically in the correct position for detection by the biometric unit (8), which is to say, frontally opposite of the biometric unit.

Abstract: An operation restricting device for an ignition switch includes a body including a turning restriction portion at a first position and a second portion, a rotor rotatably disposed in the body, a locking pin held movably in a turning plane of the rotor by the rotor, for restricting a first turn of the rotor from the second position to the first position, and a second turn of the rotor from the first position to the second position, the first turn and the second turn being opposite to each other, and a plate disposed movably or immovably in a movement plane of the locking pin, for permitting the first turn and the second turn of the rotor by switching an actuator. The turning restriction portion at the second position includes a turning lever to turn in the turning plane of the rotor.

Abstract: An electronic device for a mechanical blocking and power mechanisms on its basis, intended for use in electronic locks, hydraulic/pneumatic automation, electronically controlled valve(tap), electronically controlled power electrical switches and commutators, electro-mechanical clutches and couplings, etc. The devices based on invention are compact, have a simple design and are rather reliable in conditions of shocks and vibrations. Low electric power consumption and corresponding long battery life have been obtained at the prototypes of these devices. It will be effectively used in the systems of autonomous access control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a key (1) and to a mechanical module for a key (1), comprising a body (2), the body (2) including a first body portion (21) and a second body portion (22), the first and second body portions (21, 22) being mechanically secured to each other via a shape assembly, the first body portion (21) including a base member (21?) and a matching member (23), the matching member (23) achieving the shape assembly with the second portion (22), and the matching member (23) and the base member (21?) being connected by an adhesive or welded connection.

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

Abstract: A method for of aligning a vehicle comprising the steps of: supporting a first portion (19A, 19B) of the vehicle and deforming the vehicle by applying a force to a second portion (5) of the vehicle. The method is characterised in positioning at least one motion sensing measuring unit (9A, 9B) including at least one accelerometer on the supported first portion (19A, 19B) of the vehicle before the deforming step, and tracking any movements of the supported first portion (19A, 19B) of the vehicle during the deformation by means of the motion sensing measuring unit (9A, 9B). An arrangement for aligning a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A lubricating oil for use in hot-rolling oil for aluminum sheet, comprises: (a) a mineral oil having a kinematic viscosity of 80 mm2/second or less at 40° C.; (b) 1 to 14 mass % of a fatty acid having 10 to 22 carbon atoms; (c) 5 to 15 mass % of an oil and fat and/or a synthetic ester; (d) 5 to 10 mass % of a phosphorus-containing extreme-pressure agent; (e) 0.1 to 1 mass % of a polyoxyethylene alkyl amine; and 0.1 to 10 mass % of an organic acid salt of a copolymer composed of a (meth)acrylic acid salt, (meth)acrylamide, and at least one amine monomer, and the mass ratio of the component (c) to the component (d) (component (c)/component (d)) is 1/0.6 to 1/1. The lubricating oil for use in hot-rolling oil for aluminum sheet of the invention provides a high level of rolling lubricity, iron corrosion protection in a hot-rolling step and a rolled aluminum sheet with high sheet surface quality can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) for and method of manufacturing structures (116) includes coaxial rotating faceplates (74, 89, 97), capable of rotation at different angular speeds. A plurality of forming rollers (76) and diameter defining rollers (78) are mounted on the inner faceplate (74, 89), which, in operation, cause a strip material (80) to be plastically deformed into a helical winding which may be lain down in abutting or self-overlapping relationship to form said tubular structure (116). A plurality of support rollers are mounted in a circle on the inner faceplate (74, 89) at a distance from the axis exceeding that of the outermost forming roller and serve to support the stock of strip material.

Abstract: A mandrel holder head with release/fastening device of the mandrel for rolling metallic tubes comprises a mandrel holder (1) which accommodates within an internal seat a half collar (2) of externally cylindrical shape through an opening in the side wall. In the internal seat are accommodated both an end part (52) of the mandrel shank and the half collar (2) through the opening. The half collar has an internal cavity with a second longitudinal side opening which accommodates a second part (51) of the shank of diameter smaller than that of the first part (52). The half collar is divided along an axial direction into two cylindrical parts (21, 22) which have different diameters. The locking member (30, 31) of the half collar (2) holds it in the mandrel holder (1) seat in working conditions, while allowing shank release with an axial movement in locked conditions.

Abstract: There is described multi-stand rolling mill with stands having four motorized rolls and provided with controls outside the stand and retractile spindles, which comprises a central body with said stands; a first platform (41) on a side charge position carrying the substitution stands; a second platform (42) on a side discharge position, opposite to said side charge position; a transversal translation device (43, 44) adapted to push the substitution stands against the corresponding stands to be substituted on the central body. The stands to be substituted translate on the second platform, and the substitution stands substitute the stands to be substituted in the central body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for radially expanding a container body, comprising the steps of: i) providing a cylindrical container body having a longitudinal weld seam; ii) providing the container body at least one end with a flange; iii) clamping the container body circumferentially at the flange in a suspended state; and iv) radially expanding the suspended and clamped body from the clamped body end towards the suspended body end, to an apparatus therefore and to the container body and container.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for profiling a tube of given length, whereby, after inserting the tube between at least one pair of rolls having respective coplanar, parallel axes of rotation crosswise to the tube, the rolls are moved onto the tube and pressed gradually against the tube, which, at the same time, is moved axially back and forth.

Abstract: A fence clip installation tool includes a pair of handles pivotally joined to respective jaws pivotally maintained between two plates to enable the jaws to counter-rotate in unison. Clips of a compatible design may then be nested between the jaws and compressed or deformed about objects upon closure of the handles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edge-bending press (10) which comprises an upper platen (12), a lower platen (14) and operating actuators (16). The operating actuators (16) are designed to cause a relative movement of the upper platen (12) and lower platen (14) towards and/or away from each other. The press (10) also comprises an upper die-holder assembly (22) which is connected to the upper platen (12) and a lower die-holder assembly (24) which is connected to the lower platen (14). Each die-holder assembly comprises a right-hand die-holder (222, 242) and a left-hand die-holder (224, 241); thus there is an upper right-hand die-holder (222), an upper left-hand die-holder (224), a lower right-hand die-holder (242) and a lower left-hand die-holder (244). The press (10) also comprises adjustment actuators (18) designed to cause a relative movement of the right-hand die-holders (222, 242) and left-hand die-holders (224, 244) towards and/or away from each other.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an acceleration sensor includes the following sequential steps: ascertaining acceleration values as a function of three spatial directions; for each of the three spatial directions, generating a comparison value from the acceleration values; comparing each of the comparison values to a first threshold value; calculating a cumulative value as a function of at least one acceleration value for each of the three spatial directions; comparing the cumulative value to a second threshold value; and calibrating the acceleration sensor when, in the third method step, for each of the three spatial directions, the comparison value is less than the threshold value, and when, in the fifth method step, the cumulative value is greater than the further threshold value.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a transmission includes a slip generation module, a volume determination module, and a calibration control module. The slip generation module generates transmission slip. The volume determination module, after the transmission slip has been generated, applies a torque converter clutch (TCC) and determines a volume of the TCC based on a period for the TCC to fill with hydraulic fluid. The calibration control module generates a calibrated volume based on the determined volume and calibrates a control module based on the calibrated volume, wherein the control module controls the transmission.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an articulating probe head comprising the steps of measuring an artefact of known dimensions with the workpiece sensing probe mounted on the articulating probe head, in which the articulating probe head is unlocked. An error functional map is generated corresponding to the difference between the measured and known dimensions of the artefact. Subsequent workpieces are measured with the articulating probe head unlocked and the corresponding correction applied. The true dimensions of the artefact may be determined by measuring it with a probe mounted on an articulating probe head in which the axes of the articulating probe head are locked. A mechanical lock is provided to lock the axes of the articulating probe head.

Abstract: A method of matching sensors in a multi-probe blade vibration monitor for a turbine. The method includes providing at least two probes mounted in a casing of the turbine adjacent to a rotating blade structure of the turbine. Targets are provided on radially outer portions of the blade structure. Each of the probes includes a sensor generating signals corresponding to target passing events, and a set of synchronous harmonics of the rotational speed of the rotor are produced for each sensor. The position of the sensors is adjusted such that the sets of harmonics of the sensors are substantially matched, indicating that the positions of the sensors are matched.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring or assessing the homeostatic relationship between gases in the body, environment or water. The measured or assessed level of gases in the body, environment or air uses the interrelationships of the various components in order to establish guidelines for treating individuals, the environment or water.

Abstract: A to-be-called side device includes an alcohol drinking state check means for performing an alcohol drinking state check of a user, a peripheral state obtaining means for obtaining peripheral states by sound and image to keep an illegal communication as to the check performed between a person who monitors the check and the user as evidence, a temporary record continuation means for continuing the temporary record of the peripheral states obtained by the peripheral state obtaining means, and a pre-check/post-check record means for recording the peripheral state for 10 minutes before the check and the peripheral state for 10 minutes after the check in the respective checks, wherein the pre-check/post-check record means obtains the record of the peripheral state at least before the check from the record by the temporarily record continuation means in the record of the peripheral states for 20 minutes before and after the check.

Abstract: A set of volatile organic compounds is provided, comprising at least butylated hydroxy toluene or 4,6-di(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-methyl-phenol for breath analysis. Methods of use thereof in diagnosing, monitoring or prognosing lung cancer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring the combustion of fuel in a power station are provided. An actual concentration distribution of a material in a combustion chamber is measured, the actual concentration distribution is evaluated, taking into consideration a combustion stochiometry, and conclusions are drawn regarding a composition of the fuel on the basis of the evaluation that has been carried out.

Abstract: A novel micro-optical electric field sensor exploits morphology-dependent shifts of the optical modes of dielectric cavities to measure temporally- and spatially-resolved of electric field with extremely high sensitivity. The measurement principle is based on the electrostriction effect on the optical modes of dielectric micro-resonators (or micro-cavities) and exploits recent developments in optical fiber and switching technologies. The optical modes are commonly referred to as “whispering gallery modes” (WGM) or “morphology dependent resonances” (MDR). By monitoring the WGM shifts, the electric field causing the electrostriction effect can be determined. Different sensitivities and measurement ranges (maximum measured electric field) can be obtained by using different cavity geometries (for example solid or hollow spheres), polymeric materials (PMMA, PDMS, etc) as well as poling the dielectric material.

Abstract: A refrigerant leak detection system is provided for a motor vehicle, in which the system includes a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) module having a refrigerant sensor assembly adapted to be fixed within the drain hole of the sump. The refrigerant sensor assembly includes an elongated sensor element extending into the sump, a flange portion having apertures that allows the condensate to drain from sump, a collar portion with self-tapping threads.

Abstract: A method for determining a characteristic viscosity variable of an engine oil in an internal combustion engine with hydraulic control of the gas exchange valves where a provision is made for an oxygen concentration, which is measured in an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, or a comparison variable, which is derived from the oxygen concentration, to be used as a measure of the characteristic viscosity variable, in particular the viscosity itself. This allows, particularly in the case of electrohydraulic actuation of the gas exchange valves, a statement to be made about the currently actual property of the engine oil used, without additional hardware components being required.

Abstract: An apparatus having a roughness sensing system and a roughness measurement sensor, wherein a slide element and a probe tip come to operation, and method of use thereof. The slide element is arranged on an extreme end of a probe pin in the form of a scan-slide element. The probe tip is integrated into the probe pin, and the distance between the scan-slide element and the probe tip is predetermined. The roughness sensing system is a 1D-, 2D- or 3D-scanning system having a parallelogram configuration. The apparatus further has a serving device which enables moving the probe pin together with the scan-slide element and the probe tip jointly over a surface to be scanned.

Abstract: A passive liquid flow monitoring system includes a monitoring device made of a liquid-soluble material in which coded transponders are releasably retained. The monitoring device may be deployed proximate a region of interest in a hydrocarbon-producing well. Characteristics of a liquid flow in the region of interest may be determined based upon detection of transponders that are released from the monitoring device when the monitoring device is exposed to the liquid flow.

Abstract: A pressure balancing device for a transducer is provided. The pressure balancing device comprises: a pressure transmission device having a cross-sectional area and arranged, in use, to be exposed to a fluid; and a fluid chamber having a hollow shaft, the fluid chamber being arranged to be acted on by the pressure transmission device; wherein the cross-sectional area of the hollow shaft is less than the cross-sectional area of the pressure transmission device.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a tank fullness monitoring system. The tank fullness monitoring system includes a plurality of buoyant sensor nodes coupled in series along a line, where the buoyant sensor nodes are configured to hang in series along the line, and where each of the buoyant sensor nodes is configured to indicate when floating at a fluid interface. The tank fullness monitoring system also includes a control node attached to the tank and coupled to a first one of the buoyant sensor nodes, and configured to monitor the buoyant sensor nodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring humidity or moisture, such as in concrete, is described comprising a sensor module comprising a humidity or moisture sensor in electrical communication with a first set of terminals and a hand-held reader module comprising a controller in electrical communication with a second set of terminals that are mateable with the first set of terminals such that the hand-held reader module is electrically connectable to and electrically disconnectable from the sensor module. The hand-held reader module is configured to read data from the sensor in response to making electrical connection with the sensor module. One set of terminals can comprise plural connector pins and the other set of terminals can comprise plural landing pads, such that the plural connector pins and the plural landing pads make a same electrical connection regardless of the rotational orientation of the hand-held reader module relative to the sensor module.

Abstract: An optical sensor in which acceleration, acoustic velocity, or displacement (vibration) causes a corresponding shift in the center wavelength of the sensor output. The sensor can be coupled to a high-speed interferometric interrogator through an unbalanced fiber interferometer. The unbalanced interferometer functions to translate optical wavelength shift into phase shift, which is easily demodulated by the interrogator. A method of measuring acceleration uses the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is related generally to the field of non-destructive materials testing using ultrasonic devices, more particularly, ultrasonic devices in a phased array and includes a wedge for conducting pitch-catch ultrasonic phase array testing of materials wherein the wedge includes a liquid column and is manufactured with specific angles so as to control the angle at which the ultrasonic waves pass into the wedge and then are refracted when passing from the liquid in the liquid column into the material being analyzed, thus providing a wider range of analysis via sweeping the beams from the wedge than was possible with known wedges.

Abstract: The ultrasonic element includes an ultrasonic oscillator for sending, receiving or transceiving ultrasonic waves, an element body having an opening for passage of ultrasonic waves formed on one surface, the ultrasonic oscillator being arranged within the element body, and terminal portions protruding from the element body to feed an electric current to the ultrasonic oscillator. The ultrasonic sensor further includes a housing having an opening formed on one surface for communication with the opening of the element body. The housing includes a receiving portion for receiving the ultrasonic element and a positioning portion integrally formed with the receiving portion to position the ultrasonic element in place. The ultrasonic sensor includes a printed wiring board arranged to interpose the ultrasonic element between the printed wiring board and the receiving portion. The terminal portions of the ultrasonic element are mounted to the printed wiring board.