Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a first actuator, a first valve arrangement, a second actuator, and a second valve arrangement. The hydraulic system may also have at least one operator interface device movable by an operator to generate a first signal indicative of desired work tool movement in a first manner, and a second signal indicative of desired work tool movement in a second manner; and a controller configured to generate a first flow rate command directed to the first valve arrangement based on the first signal, and generate a second flow rate command directed to the second valve arrangement based on the second signal. The controller may also be configured to selectively generate a third flow rate scaled from the first flow rate command and directed to the second valve arrangement based on only the first signal.

Abstract: Hydrostatic transmission apparatus having an elementary motor with a feed enclosure and a discharge enclosure; a displacement selector suitable for taking up a bypass position, in which the feed and discharge enclosures are interconnected via a bypass link; and constriction means for constricting said bypass link.

Abstract: A roller bearing sub-assembly can include a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion spaced apart from the first mounting portion, a first roller disposed between the first and second mounting portions and straps wrapped partially around different portions of the first roller. The first mounting portion, second mounting portion, first roller and straps are configured such that the first and second mounting portions are moveable relative to each other along a selected direction for a distance that is approximately equal to a circumference of the first roller in opposite directions from a mid-stroke position. Linear roller bearing assemblies and methods of forming linear roller bearing assemblies are also disclosed, as are multi-cylinder Stirling engines and a thermal energy recovery system.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are disclosed that generally involve adjusting the temperature of an air mass to improve the efficiency of an air hybrid engine. In one embodiment, an air management system is provided that includes a heat exchanger, a recuperator, and associated control valves that connect between the air hybrid engine, its exhaust system, and its air tank. The air management system improves the efficiency of the energy transfer to the air tank by compressed air during AC and FC modes and improves the efficiency of the energy transfer from the air tank by compressed air during AE and AEF modes. The improvement in efficiency from the system results in reduced engine and vehicle fuel consumption during driving cycles comprising accelerations, decelerations, and steady-state cruising.

Abstract: A turbine for an exhaust turbocharger, in particular for a motor vehicle, has a turbine flap which controls an exhaust volume flowing through the turbine. A wastegate valve directs exhaust past the turbine and a wastegate flap controls an exhaust volume flowing through the wastegate valve. We also provide for an exhaust turbocharger, a motor vehicle having such an exhaust turbocharger, and for a method for operating such an exhaust turbocharger.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a plurality of cylinders, an air intake line and an exhaust line collecting exhaust gas. The engine also includes an EGR line for rerouting a part of the exhaust gas from the exhaust line towards the air intake line and at least a first turbocharger comprising a first turbine driven by the exhaust gas flowing towards the atmosphere, linked to a first compressor located on the air intake line. The engine further includes a variable geometry EGR turbine located on the EGR line, driven by the EGR gas flowing in the EGR line. Thus, thanks to the pressure reduction occurring in the turbine, the EGR gas temperature is lowered, and less cooling power from the engine cooling system is required to cool down the EGR.

Abstract: The invention relates to a V engine (1), especially a diesel engine, comprising a first cylinder bank (2) and a second cylinder bank (3), said V engine being designed for two-stage charging by means of a low-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger (4, 5) and a high-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger (6, 7). The invention is characterised in that the low-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger (4, 5) and the high-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger (6, 7) are respectively arranged on the front of a cylinder bank (2, 3) above a main output element (23) of the V engine (1).

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant including a solar collector steam generator unit for generating steam, a solar collector steam superheater unit for superheating the steam, and a steam turbine is provided. The solar thermal power plant includes an intermediate storage which is connected to the steam conduit system in a first high-temperature storage connecting point interposed between the solar thermal steam superheater unit and the steam turbine to remove steam superheated in a storage mode from the steam conduit and which includes a heat reservoir in which thermal energy is drained from the steam fed into during the storage mode and is accumulated and the stored thermal energy is given off to the steam in an extraction mode, steam being fed to the steam conduit system from the intermediate storage. The intermediate storage is connected to a condenser and/or a relaxation device of the plant in a low-temperature storage connecting point.

Abstract: A system and process is provided for generating power from a syngas fermentation process. The process includes contacting hot syngas having a temperature above about 1400° F. with cooled syngas to produce a pre-cooled syngas having a temperature of 1400° F. or less at an inlet of a waste heat boiler. A waste heat boiler receives the pre-cooled syngas and is effective for producing waste heat boiler high pressure steam and a cooled syngas.

Abstract: A thermal separator/power generator uses the thermodynamic properties of refrigerant substances to provide supplemental heating, cooling, and power without emitting any additional greenhouse gases to the environment by utilizing waste or unused heat energy. This is accomplished through the combined operation of a Rankine Cycle Generator using a refrigerant, preferably a natural refrigerant such as NH3, as the working fluid, and a CO2 a vapor compression heat pump cycle, also called a Thermal Separator Module. The combined system is called a Thermal Separator/Power Generator. It produces electrical power and simultaneously produces secondary heating and water or air cooling as byproducts. In the combined vapor compression heat pump/Rankine power generator cycle, waste heat from external source(s) are recovered and used for heating in the Rankine power cycle. The CO2 heat pump provides cooling and optional space or process heating in lieu of heat boost efficiency for the Rankine power generator cycle.

Abstract: A method comprises heating a feedwater stream in a feedwater heater, boiling the feedwater stream in a boiler to produce a steam stream, superheating the steam stream in the boiler to produce a superheated steam stream, producing power using the superheated steam stream to produce an outlet steam stream, using a first portion of the outlet steam stream to provide heat for the heating step, and modulating the flow of the first portion of the outlet steam stream below a full flow to allow the superheated steam stream to meet a superheated steam set point.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method generate power and refrigeration from low-grade heat. The apparatus includes a heating module, a power generator module, an ejector, a heat exchanger, a condenser module, a low-temperature evaporator, a reservoir, a pressure pump and two direction controllable three-way valves. The heating module includes a heat source and a boiler. The power generator module includes an expansion turbine and a power generator. The condenser module includes a condenser and a cooling tower. The method is that the direction controllable three-way valves are operated to change the flow directions of the working fluid for executing a power generation and refrigeration mode, a power generation mode, a refrigeration mode or an idle mode.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide recovery system includes a high-pressure 11, a boiler 15, a carbon dioxide recovery unit 24 that includes a carbon dioxide absorber 21 that absorbs and reduces carbon dioxide in flue gas G emitted from the boiler 15 using a carbon dioxide absorbent and an absorbent regenerator 23 that regenerates a carbon dioxide absorbent having absorbed the carbon dioxide using a regenerating superheater 22 to obtain a regenerated carbon dioxide absorbent, a high-temperature and high-pressure steam extraction line L11 that extracts the high-temperature and high-pressure steam 14 from the boiler 15 before the steam is introduced into the high-pressure turbine 11, an auxiliary turbine 32 that recovers power with the high-temperature and high-pressure steam 14, and a steam supply line L12 that supplies emission steam 33 emitted from the auxiliary turbine 32 to the regenerating superheater 22 to be used as a heat source.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide recovery system includes a high-pressure turbine 11, an intermediate-pressure turbine 12, a low-pressure turbine 13, a main boiler 15 that generates steam 14 for driving these turbines, a carbon dioxide recovery unit 24 including a carbon dioxide absorber 21 that absorbs and reduces carbon dioxide in flue gas (emission gas) G emitted from the main boiler 15 using a carbon dioxide absorbent and an absorbent regenerator 23 that regenerates a carbon dioxide absorbent having absorbed the carbon dioxide using a regenerating superheater 22 to obtain a regenerated carbon dioxide absorbent, an auxiliary boiler 30 that generates saturated water vapor 31 to be supplied to the regenerating superheater 22 in the absorbent regenerator 23, and a steam turbine 32 that is driven by steam from the auxiliary boiler 30.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine transition duct 34 is used to convey exhaust gas and bypass air away from the engine, towards an exhaust nozzle (not shown). The duct 34 defines the outer extremity of the path for gas and/or air through the duct. The duct comprises a plurality of flat panel members 36 which together define the outer extremity of the path.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustion chamber includes a first wall and a second wall. The second wall is arranged within and spaced from the first wall to define a cavity between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall has a plurality of impingement apertures extending there-through and the second wall has a plurality of effusion apertures extending there-through. The impingement apertures have a first diameter, a first pitch, and a first area. The effusion apertures have a second diameter, a second pitch, and a second area. The ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is at least 3, the ratio of the first pitch to the second pitch is at least 4 and the ratio of the first area to the second area is at least 9. This arrangement increases the cooling performance of the effusion apertures in the second wall.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus by which steam and/or hot water generated using solar energy may be utilized to generate electricity or work are disclosed herein. A method in one instance may involve driving a first turbine using a fluid having energy obtained from a main energy source other than solar energy, and using solar energy-generated hot water and/or steam as an auxiliary energy input to drive the first turbine. An apparatus in one instance may include (1) a first turbine in fluid communication with and driven by a fluid heated by a main energy source other than solar energy in fluid communication with (2) a solar steam and/or hot water generator that utilizes solar energy to generate hot water and/or steam or other working fluid as an auxiliary energy input source for the first turbine.

Abstract: A combustor nozzle includes a center body and a shroud circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the center body to define a passage between the center body and the shroud. A guide between the center body and the shroud can pivot with respect to the center body. A method for supplying fuel to a combustor includes flowing a working fluid through a nozzle at a mass flow rate and flowing a fuel through the nozzle. The method further includes sensing a flame holding event inside the nozzle and pivoting a guide inside the nozzle to increase the mass flow rate of the working fluid flowing through the nozzle.

Abstract: A cooling structure, a gas turbine combustor, and a method of manufacturing the cooling structure attain a high cooling efficiency without increasing manufacturing cost. The cooling structure includes a first member as a cooling object having a first plane, and a second member arranged above the first plane and having an opposing second plane such that a passage is formed between the first plane and the second plane for a cooling medium to flow. The first member has a plurality of prominences each of which extends upwardly from the first plane, and extends to be inclined along a direction in which the cooling medium flows. A clearance between the second plane and a tip of each prominence is set such that a heat transfer rate between the cooling medium and the first member becomes larger than that when each prominence extends vertically upward from the first plane.

Abstract: An open brayton cycle power generation system is enabled and improved by integration of an energy storage system utilizing cryogenic storage of atmospheric gas. A particular improved system is an open brayton cycle power generation system in which the heating source is Concentrating Solar Power. Multiple embodiments are described which permit various modes of operation and improved overall efficiency.

Abstract: A method for fast cooling of samples comprises: pressurizing a liquid coolant source; securing a sample in a sample container; securing the sample container onto an insertion mechanism; with the insertion mechanism outside a cryogenic cooling chamber, inserting the sample container into the cryogenic cooling chamber through an opening of the cooling chamber; locking the insertion mechanism and securing the sample container in place some distance away from a cooling head, but within range of a continuous stream of pressurized liquid coolant; cooling the sample by spraying the sample container with a continuous stream of pressurized liquid coolant; and retrieving the sample container after cooling.

Abstract: A cryopump system includes: a cryopump including a refrigerator for executing cooling operation for cooling a cryopanel and heating operation for regenerating the cryopanel; and a compressor for supplying operating gas to the refrigerator. The cryopump system raises the temperature of operating gas in the compressor during the heating operation than the temperature thereof during the cooling operation. The compressor may include a heat exchanger for cooling operating gas to be supplied to the refrigerator, and a bypass passage that circumvents the heat exchanger. The control unit may switch, in accordance with the operation status of the refrigerator, between a flow passage that passes through the heat exchanger and a flow passage that passes through the bypass flow passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cooling materials, in particular food, in a cooling apparatus, the cooling being completely or partially carried out by contacting the materials with a cryogenic liquid. Said method is characterized in that the contacting is carried out by means of the injection of two cryogenic liquids, nitrogen and CO2. The liquid nitrogen and the liquid CO2 are injected either separately, into at least two injection points of the apparatus, or by mixing both cryogenic fluids at the injection point. The invention is of use if the apparatus being utilized is a mixing, batch mixing, or grinding chamber, with the injection being carried out into the body of the material in the bottom portion of the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cooling or heating a fluid or a body by means of a vapour compression circuit containing a heat transfer fluid, said circuit being at least partially contained in an enclosure, and the relative humidity of the air in the enclosure being less than or equal to a threshold value H1 which is less than 50%, the flammability of the heat transfer fluid at relative humidity H1 being less than the flammability of the heat transfer fluid at 50% relative humidity. The invention also relates to a cooling or heating installation suited to the implementation of this method. The invention also relates to a method of protection against the risks of fire or explosion in an enclosure containing at least partially a vapour compression circuit containing a heat transfer fluid, as well as a method for reducing the GWP of a transfer fluid. The invention also relates to heat transfer fluids suited to the implementation of the above methods.

Abstract: An automated control device for monitoring the position angle of an absorption type cooling system or refrigerator that circulates a refrigerant, an absorbent, and a diffusion agent within a conduit system includes a housing, a controller with a processor within the housing, a sensor in communication with the controller for measuring the angle of inclination of the refrigerator, and a stress counter connected to the controller for counting increments of stress induced into the cooling system. The tilt monitoring control method prevents system stress, which in turn prevents personal and property damage due to hydrogen gas leaks, fires and explosions.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit having a main circuit performing a refrigeration cycle and a branch circuit which branches part of high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing through the main circuit and leads the part of high-pressure liquid refrigerant from a high-pressure part of the main circuit to part of the main circuit having a pressure lower than that of the high-pressure part. The branch circuit is connected to a cooler configured to cool a power element(s) of a power supply device supplying power to drivers of components of the refrigerant circuit by refrigerant. In the refrigeration apparatus, an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust the state of refrigerant flowing through the branch circuit and adjust the temperature of refrigerant passing through the cooler to a target temperature is provided.

Abstract: A refrigerant cycle device includes a first refrigerant passage for guiding refrigerant from a refrigerant radiator to an inlet side of an outdoor heat exchanger, a first throttle part capable of varying an opening area of the first refrigerant passage, a second refrigerant passage for guiding the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger to a compressor-suction side, a first opening/closing part for opening/closing the second refrigerant passage, a third refrigerant passage for guiding the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor-suction side via an evaporator, a second throttle part capable of varying an opening area of the third refrigerant passage, a bypass passage for guiding the refrigerant flowing between the refrigerant radiator and the first throttle part to a position between the outdoor heat exchanger and the second throttle part in the third refrigerant passage, and a second opening/closing part for opening/closing the bypass passage.

Abstract: Provided is an air-conditioning hot-water supply combined system configured such that, in the case where all of load side units perform a cooling operation and a hot water load (heating load) is low during a cooling and heating mixed operation in a cooling cycle, an input of an air conditioning refrigerant block is reduced to increase the COP of the system. An air-conditioning hot-water supply combined system A reduces a target condensing temperature in a heat source unit in the case where a heating load in load side units and a hot water load in a hot water unit are less than a predetermined reference value in a cooling operation cycle state.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a refrigerator comprises: a main body having a storage compartment; a refrigerating cycle apparatus for cooling the storage compartment; a quick cooling body which accommodates beverages inserted therein, and which has a plurality of jet-colliding holes for jet-colliding the cooling air in the storage compartment against the beverages; a quick cooling air blower which enables the cooling air in the storage compartment to flow toward the quick cooling body such that the cooling air in the storage compartment passes through the jet-colliding holes, is jet-collided against the beverages, and is then discharged to the storage compartment; and a quick cooling body moving mechanism mounted in the main body and connected to the quick cooling body to move the quick cooling body, thereby minimizing the quick cooling time of the beverages.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body partitioned by a horizontal partition wall to have an upper cooling chamber and a lower freezing chamber; a cool air generating device generating cool air in the main body; a storage basket accommodated within the freezing chamber and including a receiving groove to receive a product in a standing state, the storage basket being moveable integrally with a freezer door; an auxiliary basket disposed above the storage basket and including an insertion groove to receive a top portion of the pizza box product in the standing state; and a bracket having a first side detachably coupled to the door and a second side rotatably coupled to the auxiliary storage unit. The door has at least first and second fixing members. The first side of the bracket has at least one fixing groove adapted to receive the first fixing member of the door.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, an outdoor heat-exchanger that heat-exchanges with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor according to a first operation mode, an indoor heat-exchanger that heat-exchanges with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor according to a second operation mode, and an expander that decompresses the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat-exchanger or the indoor heat-exchanger. The expander may include a first decompression portion disposed at an outlet side or an inlet side of the outdoor heat-exchanger, the first decompression portion having a first inner diameter, and a second decompression portion connected to the first decompression portion in series, the second decompression portion having a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing temperature control includes a bottom layer, an upper layer permeable to liquid, a hydratable absorbent material positioned between the bottom layer and the upper layer, and an outer layer positioned over the upper layer, the outer layer including one or more apertures for passing a liquid from an exterior surface of the outer layer to the upper layer.

Abstract: A process comprising separating a hydrocarbon feed stream into a natural gas-rich stream and a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-rich stream using process equipment comprising only one multi-stage separation column, wherein the natural gas-rich stream has an energy content of less than or equal to about 1,300 British thermal units per cubic foot (Btu/ft3), and wherein the LPG-rich stream has a vapor pressure less than or equal to about 350 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). A process comprising separating a hydrocarbon feed stream into a top effluent stream and a LPG-rich stream, and subsequently expanding the top effluent stream to produce a natural gas-rich stream. An apparatus comprising a multi-stage separation column configured to separate a hydrocarbon feed stream into a top effluent stream and a LPG-rich stream, and an expander configured to expand the top effluent stream and produce a natural gas-rich stream.

Abstract: A device or holder for holding a pair of eyeglasses that may be incorporated into a necklace assembly is provided. The holder or device may be connected to a necklace having a first and a second end by a linker, one linker attached to the holder and adapted to attach to a first end of a necklace and one linker attached to the holder and adapted to attach to a second end of a necklace. The first and second end of the necklace may have terminal loops. The necklace assembly may be worn about the neck having a device or holder for holding a temple piece of eyeglasses assembly connected between ends of the necklace. The device or holder for holding a temple piece of eyeglasses includes an eyeglass-holder tube and optionally a first and a second linker.

Abstract: A disk roll base material includes 20 to 38 wt % of alumina silicate wool that include 40 to 60 wt % of alumina and 40 to 60 wt % of silica, and have a content of shots having a dimension of 45 ?m or more of 5 wt % or less, 10 to 30 wt % of kibushi clay, 2 to 20 wt % of bentonite, and 20 to 40 wt % of mica.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lid or a door for a washing machine and, more particularly, to a door that provides magnification of the interior of the washing machine. The door provides a magnified view of the washing chamber of the appliance to improve consumer perception of the capacity of the washing chamber while also allowing the consumer to view the washing chamber when the machine is operating.

Abstract: A drain hose for a household appliance in which the drain hose includes a first open end, a second open end, and a continuous portion extending from the first open end to the second open end, wherein the continuous portion includes a first bending portion having a plurality of repeating profiles, wherein a cross-section of each profile includes a ridge and a trough, and wherein one of the ridge has three predetermined bending points, and the trough has two predetermined bending points.

Abstract: A drain hose clip for securing a drain hose to a household appliance, and a household appliance having the drain hose clip and drain hose. The drain hose clip includes a body configured to be coupled to the drain hose and to secure the drain hose to the household appliance, and an orientation control feature on the body that engages a corresponding orientation control feature on the drain hose to maintain a fixed position of the drain hose with respect to the body of the drain hose clip.

Abstract: A merchandise security device is adapted to hold an item of merchandise to a merchandise display device to enable the merchandise to be displayed and provide an impediment to prevent the ring from being removed from the display device. The security device is adapted to freely rotate in a hole in the display device such that twisting the merchandise causes rotation of the merchandise without tearing it from the display device packaging. The security device can include two holes to allow the merchandise to be strapped or tied to the security device The security device can include a post on one of its surfaces that supports the fastening strap away from security device so a cutting device can be positioned to cut the merchandise free after purchase.

Abstract: A security device for hindering the unauthorized opening of safes includes first and second, retractably cooperable longitudinal members. First and second lateral members are provided at respective outer ends of the longitudinal members. A locking mechanism locks the first longitudinal member to the second longitudinal member. A tension spring retractably biases the second longitudinal member into the first longitudinal member. The locking mechanism can include a clamping member swivellably attached to the first longitudinal member and containing a pawl member, while the second longitudinal member includes a sawtoothed element. The clamping member can then be swiveled, so as to push the second longitudinal member further into the first longitudinal member. A vernier arrangement may be included to further tighten the lateral members against the walls of the safe. The device provides, firstly, a visible deterrent and, secondly, a physical barrier to would-be intruders.

Abstract: A tamper resistant lock is provided. The tamper resistant lock comprises a primary locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the tamper resistant lock with an appropriate key. A secondary locking mechanism is engaged and prevents unlocking when a sufficient force is applied to the tamper resistant lock. The force may be the result of driving a screwdriver into a keyway of the lock in an attempt to forcefully unlock the lock.

Abstract: Soluble organic fertilizers and methods for preparing and using the same are disclosed. The soluble organic fertilizers of the invention contain soluble organic nutrients. Preparation of a soluble organic fertilizer of the invention involves extracting soluble organic nutrients from a solid organic nutrient source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new liquid fertilizer comprised of potassium sulfite and potassium bisulfite, with neutral to slightly alkaline pH, relatively lower salt index and potentially lower phytotoxicity damage compared to other sources of potassium and sulfur products applied in equal amounts as a starter fertilizer. More specifically, the present invention further relates to methods for fertilizing using a composition of potassium sulfite and potassium bisulfite, particularly as a starter fertilizer, in-furrow fertilizer, side dress fertilizer, and for foliar, broadcast, soil injection and fertigation applications. The fertilizer composition is comprised primarily of potassium sulfite (with the fertilizer grade of 0-0-23-8S).

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for corrugating a metallic tape. The system includes a first gear and a second gear, where the second gear is configured to partially mate with the first gear. The system also includes a turning mechanism, where the turning mechanism is configured to turn the first gear. A metallic tape passing through the partial mating of the first gear with the second gear is corrugated.

Abstract: A press working apparatus for processing a heated workpiece is provided with a base part which is relatively movable so as to advance and retreat with respect to the workpiece, a pad provided on the base part and configured to hold the workpiece, a working tool provided on the base part to pass through the pad and adapted to process the workpiece, and a support member configured to movably support the working tool in a direction perpendicular to an advance and retreat direction of the base part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool are provided. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less. Once the sample is uniformly heated such that the entire sample block has a sufficiently low process viscosity it may be shaped into high quality amorphous bulk articles via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, sheet forming, and blow molding in a time frame of less than 1 second.

Abstract: The invention is a process of making a forged sickle guard for use in mowing and cutting machines. The sickle guard has at least one longitudinally extending guard finger wherein the guard finger has a lower body portion and a separate upper body portion. Each body portion is separately processed through forging dies followed by a punch and trimming operation. The entire ledger surface of the lower body portion is then subjected to a coining operation experiencing a sufficiently high stress to induce plastic flow of the ledger surface material thereby creating a sharp cutting edge along the entire periphery thereof. Subsequent heat treat and welding steps unite the lower and upper body portions into a unitary sickle guard without utilizing any machining operations.

Abstract: A particle sensor arranged in an exhaust duct such that particles from the exhaust-gas flow accumulate on and/or between at least two sensor electrodes when a voltage greater than a limit voltage is applied between the two sensor electrodes and substantially no particles accumulate if the voltage is lower than the limit voltage. During a first time period, a first voltage greater than the limit voltage is applied between the sensor electrodes. During a second time period, a second voltage, lower than the limit voltage, is applied between the sensor electrodes, and/or the particle sensor is heated to a predefined temperature, such that substantially no particles accumulate on and/or between the at least two sensor electrodes. Following the second time period, a third voltage greater than the limit voltage is applied between the sensor electrodes.

Abstract: There is provided a chromatograph. The chromatograph includes: at least two analysis modules. Each of the analysis modules includes: a column that separates components of a sample; and a detector that detects the components separated by the column. Each of the analysis modules analyzes the sample in an analysis cycle that is set for each of the analysis modules.