Abstract: A key device including a shaft including a key-cut surface for forming inward key cuts thereon, a key head mounted on the shaft; and a fixed key pin protruding outwards from the key-cut surface.

Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly including a plug rotatable in a cylinder lock body and including a plurality of chambers, each of the chambers having a chamber depth axis, and a plurality of plug locking elements received in the chambers, each of the plug locking elements including a key cut interface probe for interfacing with a key cut formed on a key, and wherein each of the plug locking elements is arranged to move along the chamber depth axis and not rotate about the chamber depth axis, and each of the key cut interface probes has a predetermined orientation with respect to the chamber depth axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating organic waste, which comprises the step of contacting an organic waste with one or more microorganisms from at least three of the following microorganism species: Bacillus sp. microorganisms, Pseudomonas sp. microorganisms, Bifidobacterium sp. microorganisms and Lactobacillus sp. microorganisms, the contacting being undertaken under conditions to at least partly convert the organic waste to organic fertilizer.

Abstract: The method of making an acid-absorbing biosolid composition provides a method for the use of recycled materials to produce an acid-absorbing composition that may then be recycled as a fertilizer after absorbing the acid. The method includes the steps of: collecting sewage sludge; drying the sewage sludge to remove water therefrom to form dried sludge; adding hydrochloric acid to the dried sludge to form a liquid intermediary product; heating the liquid intermediary product to produce a dried porous biomass; and mixing inorganic waste material with the dried porous biomass to produce the acid-absorbing biosolid composition. Thereafter, the acid-absorbing biosolid composition may be placed in a gas flow to absorb an acidic component therefrom; and then recycled for use as fertilizer following absorption of the acidic component from the gas flow.

Abstract: The method of making an acid-absorbing biosolid composition provides a method for the use of recycled materials to produce an acid-absorbing composition that may then be recycled as a fertilizer after absorbing the acid. The method includes the steps of: collecting sewage sludge; drying the sewage sludge to remove water therefrom to form dried sludge; adding hydrochloric acid to the dried sludge to form a liquid intermediary product; heating the liquid intermediary product to produce a dried porous biomass; and mixing inorganic waste material with the dried porous biomass to produce the acid-absorbing biosolid composition. Thereafter, the acid-absorbing biosolid composition may be placed in a gas flow to absorb an acidic component therefrom; and then recycled for use as fertilizer following absorption of the acidic component from the gas flow.

Abstract: A method forming a potassium chloride particle form potassium chloride powder having resistance to moisture absorption and shrinkage. The original feedstock comprises potassium chloride in a size distribution of 30 mesh and 100 mesh as well as a gluten based binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing seamless pipes of heated massive metal blocks, by means of a mandrel (4), which is fastened on a rolling rod (5), in the case of which a coating material is applied onto the inner side of the hollow block (3) during the forming process by means of the influence of the rolling rod (5) from the massive metal block to a hollow block (3), which is created during the forming.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of expanding a vehicle for extracting a person trapped therein by providing a structural bar with a plurality of receiving points, securing the structural bar to the vehicle such as by placing against the back seat of an interior of a vehicle or by chaining to structural elements of the vehicle. One end of an expansion ram is then set into one of the receiving points of the structural bar with the other end of the ram set into a point in the vehicle to be expanded, or against a structural plate placed in a vehicle. The ram is then activated or expanded, thus resulting in an expansion of the interior of the vehicle to permit a person trapped therein to be extracted.

Abstract: The system and method of the present application can include machining complex part features in a flat metal sheet, and subsequently forming the machined flat metal sheet to have the desired shape and contours. Prior to the step of machining the complex part features, the method can include calculating a scaled location of the complex part features so that the subsequent forming step acts to translate and deform the complex part features into a desired location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hollow profile-members having a longitudinal flange, wherein a plate which is arranged between the stamp and the first die being preshaped by introducing a stamp into a first die to form an U-shaped profile-member having a first member and a second member, and wherein the U-shaped profile-member being shaped with a second die to form an O-shaped profile-member having a longitudinal flange. In one aspect, the plate is preshaped to form the U-shaped profile-member, a longitudinal flange member portion is shaped in at least the first member and the longitudinal flange member portion is constructed during the shaping of the U-shaped profile-member to form an O-shaped profile-member substantially in a shape-retaining manner to form a portion of the longitudinal flange.

Abstract: A pilot assembly and method has a cylindrical pilot body with a tapered outer end, a grooved inner end, and a central portion with at least one inwardly curved side wall relief, as well as internally mounted reciprocating ejector pins with outer ends that protrude through holes in the outer body end to strip stock from the pilot. A spring has its outer end mounted in the groove in the outer body end, and an inner end attached to the inner body end in a pre-tensed condition. A cap screw has an enlarged head that has at least a portion thereof fit into the pilot sidewall relief, and a threaded shank that anchors the pilot in an associated die member.

Abstract: A rod bender includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end and extending along a longitudinal axis; a first arm having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the body and extending transversely therefrom and having a longitudinal axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the body; and a second arm having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the body and extending transversely therefrom and having a longitudinal axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the body and offset from the longitudinal axis of the first arm, said second arm including a channel positioned toward a distal end of said second arm, said channel having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second arm.

Abstract: A calibration assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a calibration assembly calibrating a downhole formation evaluation tool includes a calibration base having a first geometry, a calibration insert including a first material and having a second geometry, and a second material having a third geometry and being different from the first material. The second geometry enables the calibration insert to receive the second material to form a first composite region, wherein the first and second materials and the second and third geometries are selected such that a calibration property of the calibration assembly apparatus substantially matches a corresponding calibration property of a third material. Additional apparatuses, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A piston prover comprises a measurement cylinder; a hydraulic cylinder coupled with a downstream end of the measurement cylinder; a measuring piston that moves a predetermined distance through the measurement cylinder during a measurement due to a fluid flow to eject a reference volume of fluid; and a piston rod that is movably in the hydraulic cylinder, wherein the measuring piston and the piston rod are separately constructed, When returning the measuring piston to a predetermined upstream measurement standby position, the piston rod moves the measuring piston to set the measuring piston at the predetermined measurement standby position, and thereafter only the piston rod is moved from upstream to downstream and is accommodated in the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A method of testing a system, which has at least one electrochemical sensor for detecting an analyte gas within a housing of the system, and the housing has an inlet, includes exhaling in the vicinity of the inlet of the housing of the system and measuring a response to exhaled breath to test one or more transport paths of the system. Measuring the response to exhaled breath may, for example, include measuring the response of a sensor within the housing of the system that is responsive to the presence of exhaled breath. The sensor responsive to the presence of exhaled breath may, for example, include an electrochemically active electrode responsive to a gas within exhaled breath. The electrochemically active electrode may, for example, be responsive to carbon dioxide or to oxygen.

Abstract: Black shales differ from conventional gas plays in that in most cases there exists minimal geological scale gas migration. Thus, it is difficult to perform accurate reservoir characterization using classic geophysical and geological techniques (i.e. seismic analysis, gravity anomalies, structural geology, etc.). The principal technique that has traditionally been applied to determine the genetic history of gases or other fluids in the Earth's crust is the analysis of carbon isotopic composition of hydrocarbon gases and carbon dioxide, which has significant gaps in differentiating thermal and migrational histories. The present invention describes a method to determine the genetic fingerprint (i.e. identify the source formation and migration histories) of hydrocarbon gases or other crustal fluids of a geological system at lower cost and greater accuracy than existing methods (carbon and hydrogen isotopes) by analyzing the intrinsic, atmospheric and radiogenic (i.e.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine ozone concentration in a gas mixture of ozone and oxygen, based on measurements of the total gas mixture properties, can enable the measurements of ozone concentration at low pressure settings. The ozone concentration determination can be applied to vacuum processing chamber, using either novel ozone sensor or existing mass flow meter or controller.

Abstract: A system for detecting aberrations within a workpiece having a conduit with an input end and an output end is disclosed. The system comprises a fluid delivery device arranged proximate to input end of conduit to pass fluid into input end of the conduit, the fluid delivery device having one or more fluid controllers that control one or more conditions of the fluid passed thereby, a sensor having an input and an output, the input arranged proximate to output end of conduit to measure one or more conditions of the fluid experienced by input, a workpiece exciter situated to excite workpiece and a processor having an input connected to the output of sensor, the processor having a correlator to correlate any changed of the one or more conditions of the fluid experienced by input of sensor with an excitement of workpiece by sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detection of airborne impurities in confined spaces are disclosed. In one embodiment, a detection system to detect impurities in a confined chamber comprises an emitter to emit radiation, at least one channel positioned proximate the emitter to receive radiation from the emitter at a first end of the channel, and a receiver positioned proximate a second end of the channel to receive radiation from the emitter, and generate a first signal in response to the radiation received from the emitter. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gas sensor, and a method of manufacturing and using the same. The method includes: forming a detection material on a heater; coating an encapsulant on the detection material; and heating the heater to remove the encapsulant from the detection material when the gas sensor is operated.

Abstract: A device for checking the passability of a through-hole of a component includes a front section and an inflatable balloon. The front section is configured so that it can be pressed into or onto the through-hole. The inflatable balloon is fluidically connected to the front section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.

Abstract: Discloses is a process for detecting and evaluating metabolic disturbances and specific nutrient insufficiencies within an individual. The bio-chemical pathways of the individual are challenged by consuming an oral amino acid supplement prior to urine sample collection. The oral amino acid supplement includes at least two of the amino acids selected from the group: L-Valine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Tryptophan, L-Histidine, and L-Alanine. After processing the amino acid supplement, a urine sample is collected and a urinary organic acid profile is evaluated. The levels of metabolic markers within the organic acid profile are evaluated to determine the presence of metabolic disturbances, nutrient insufficiencies, genetic impairments, toxicant impairments, mitochondrial function impairment, or small intestinal dysbiosis, within the individual.

Abstract: A liquid mixing device that decreases a concentration non-uniformity in the flow direction of a mobile phase and a liquid chromatograph that uses the liquid mixing device are provided. The liquid mixing device is configured to include a flow channel unit that is made from an introduction channel, a branch portion that is positioned in a downstream of the introduction channel, multiple branched flow channels that branch from the branch portion, a junction portion in which the multiple branched flow channels join together, and a discharge channel of the downstream of the junction portion. The multiple branched flow channels are different in terms of any one of, or several of width, depth, and length that are associated with an external shape, and a structure filling the inside of the flow channel and thus the times for the liquid to pass through the branched flow channels are different from each other.

Abstract: A blood collection module includes a blood collection container that is coupled with a blood alcohol concentration detection device including an alcohol detection sensor having a detection probe that inhales an alcohol gas, and on one surface of which an inserting portion that is inserted by a detection probe of a blood alcohol concentration detection device is formed and on an outer surface of which blood inlet holes through which blood flows in are formed; and an absorption member that is provided in the blood collection container, to thus absorb examinee's blood that is introduced through the blood inlet holes, in which an alcohol gas generated from the blood absorbed by the absorption member is introduced into the alcohol detection sensor through the detection probe.

Abstract: In a liquid chromatograph and a pump unit for liquid chromatograph whereby a sample is analyzed while changing the mixing ratio of multiple kinds of solvents, mixing of the solvents can be accelerated without adding any novel device such as a mixer. The pump unit for liquid chromatograph has a configuration which comprises cylinders for introducing a multiple kinds of solvents thereinto and plungers that are reciprocated so as to introduce the solvents and discharge the same for sending, wherein a plurality of channels are formed in the cylinders for mixing the solvents.

Abstract: A detection cell for a chromatography system includes a cell body having an inlet, an outlet, and a counter electrode, a working electrode, a sample flow passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet and in fluid contact with the counter and working electrodes, and a palladium/noble metal reference electrode system. A method of using the detection cell is also described.

Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.

Abstract: Traditional porous material testing does not provide a measure of how well the porous material will perform in oil spill conditions. We disclose a new system that can analyze and determine the absorptive capability and oil-selectivity of a porous material in a moving mixture of oil and water, under different environmental conditions of pressure and wind. Our system allows the porous material under test and the mixture of oil and water to experience complex motion trajectories, and we measure the absorption capacity as well as the rate of oil absorption under different environmental conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring erosion. Systems of various embodiments include a sensor adapted to be placed where earthen material is expected to move and to sense a condition related to that movement (for instance, the position of the sensor). The sensor includes a receiver for receiving a wireless signal (be it acoustic, magneto-inductive, etc.) from another sensor which conveys an identifier for the second sensor. The first sensor also includes a signal generator that generates a second (possibly wireless) signal conveying that identifier and its own identifier. Systems of some embodiments include a second receiver placed outside of the region. If desired, the sensor can determine the signal strengths of the signals that they receive from the other sensor and can convey an indication of the received signal strengths. Furthermore, some sensors include accelerometers, roll sensors, tilt sensors, yaw sensors, magnetometers, etc.

Abstract: A system for sensing at least one physical characteristic associated with an engine including a turbine having a plurality of blades turning inside a casing, the system including: a pressure sensor coupled substantially adjacent to the casing and including at least one output; a port in the turbine casing for communicating a pressure indicative of a clearance between the blades and casing to the pressure sensor; a cooling cavity substantially surrounding the pressure sensor; and, an inlet for receiving fluid from the engine and feeding the fluid to the cooling cavity to cool the pressure sensor; wherein, the pressure sensor output is indicative of the clearance between the blades and casing.

Abstract: Methods for detection of the presence and distribution of oil in subsurface formation are described herein. The present invention involves injection of an aqueous dispersion of the nanoparticles into the potentially oil containing subsurface formation, followed by a remote detection of the oscillation responses of the nanoparticles in the oil/water interfaces in the reservoir rock by applying magnetic field.

Abstract: Distributed acoustic, vibration, density and/or strain sensing is utilized for downhole monitoring. A method of tracking fluid movement along a wellbore of a well includes: detecting vibration, density, strain (static and/or dynamic) and/or Brillouin frequency shift in the well using at least one optical waveguide installed in the well; and determining the fluid movement based on the detected vibration, density, strain and/or Brillouin frequency shift. Another method of tracking fluid movement along a wellbore of a well includes: detecting a change in density of an optical waveguide in the well; and determining the fluid movement based on the detected density change.

Abstract: A technique provides a system and method utilizing a well system having a plurality of tools with actuatable components. The well system also comprises tracer elements which are unique with respect to corresponding tools of the well system. The tracer elements are positioned and oriented to open when physically engaged by the actuatable component of a corresponding tool. Released tracer material from the tracer element may be detected to confirm actuation of a specific tool in the well system.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining parameter values in a downhole environment are described. An example method of determining a parameter value using calibration information is described. The calibration information corresponding to different parameter ranges in a downhole environment. The method includes determining a parameter range in the downhole environment using a controller and obtaining first calibration information or second calibration information based on the parameter range. The first calibration information associated with a first parameter range and the second calibration information associated with a second parameter range. The method also includes receiving an output signal from a sensor associated with the parameter and using the obtained calibration information to determine the parameter value based on the output signal received.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter, in particular for water, comprising a totaliser having an electronic card including a remote meter reading system using radio waves and contained in a metal housing covered in a leakproof manner by an upper transparent panel, this totaliser being covered by a cover which retains the said upper transparent panel in a leakproof manner and the said cover being covered by a cap made from plastic material. According to the invention the said upper transparent panel is made from glass and the said upper transparent panel and the said cover include an orifice in which is disposed a watertight arrangement for transmission of radio waves from the said electronic card towards an antenna disposed between the said cover and the said cap.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid-height detector employs conductive rods extending from a housing, and corresponding transducers, into a liquid, where elastic seals surround the rods at their exit point from the housing. Acoustic crosstalk between the rods through the seals and the housing (rather than through the liquid) is minimized by displacing the seals from each other as measured through the housing to increase a path length through the housing so that the crosstalk energy is delayed with respect to the direct energy indicating liquid height. A sampling window is positioned to sample transmitted sound across the rods at a time before the arrival of the crosstalk energy.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for managing the amount of power consumed by server components of a computer system, each server component having multiple power modes. The utilization of each server component is monitored. Based on the monitored utilization, a time period is determined in which to apply a selected power mode to the respective server component. The respective server component is configured to operate in the selected power mode for at least the determined time period.

Abstract: An angular velocity detection device includes an outer frame including fixed portions, outer beam portions connected to the fixed portions, a sensing part surrounded by the outer frame with first slit therebetween, and a joint connecting the outer frame and the sensing part. The sensing part includes an inner beam portion, a flexible portion, and a detector. The inner beam portion has a hollow region inside and is square-shaped when viewed from above. The flexible portion is formed in the hollow region of the inner beam portion, and is connected to the inner edge of the inner beam portion. The detector is disposed in the flexible portion. The first slit is formed to surround the sensing part excluding the joint.

Abstract: A pizeoresistive type Z-axis accelerometer is provided, including a substrate; a plurality of anchors formed over the substrate; a plurality of cantilever beams, wherein the cantilever beams include a piezoresistive material; and a proof mass, wherein the proof mass is suspended over the substrate by respectively connecting the proof mass with the anchors, and the accelerometer senses a movement of the proof mass by the piezoresistive material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of estimating the internal state of a first electrochemical system for electric power storage, such as a battery, wherein at last one property relative to the internal state of the first electrochemical system is estimated from acoustic emission measurements.

Abstract: An inspection scanner is described that has a low profile construction designed to fit into tight spaces and inspect structures such as weld joints. Wheel frame assemblies carry a probe holder assembly with an ultrasonic (US) array that emits US beams through the structure and receives reflected sound waves. The probe holder assembly extends and US beam is angled away to inspect in tight locations. The wheel frame assemblies roll on wheels that drive an encoder. Encoder provides the specific locations for the received sound waves with respect to the weld. The locations and received sound waves are used to reconstruct a signal showing imperfections inside of structure. The wheels may be magnetic to hold it to the structure being inspected. A brake system may be employed to hold the inspection scanner at a given location.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the strength of concrete using a surface wave velocity including an ultrasonic transmission and reception probe is provided. The apparatus is configured to include a surface wave velocity measurement device including an ultrasonic transmission probe and an ultrasonic reception probe. Further, a method of constructing the slip form of a concrete column member is provided. The method is capable of reducing the construction period by raising a concrete form rapidly and safely using a method of determining the slip-up time of the slip form based on the strength of concrete measured by the apparatus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic air-in-line detector for use with a fluid tube. A housing comprising a first arm and a second arm defines the edges of a cavity. A first convex lens mounted on the first arm protrudes into the cavity from the side of the first arm facing the cavity. A second convex lens mounted on the second arm protrudes into the cavity opposite the first convex lens from the side of the second arm facing the cavity. A first concave section is disposed on the side of the first arm facing the cavity and outside of a signal pathway between the first convex lens and the second convex lens. A second concave section is disposed on the side of the second arm facing the cavity outside of the signal pathway between the first convex lens and the second convex lens.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing strain or stress includes a body including magnetic shape-memory alloy (MSMA) material, having a first axis. A first drive coil and first sensor coil are wound around the body about the first axis. The drive coil is coupled to a power source and configured to generate an alternating magnetic field on the body. The first sensor coil is configured to detect changes in inductance of the body due to changes in magnetic permeability of the body with deformation thereof.

Abstract: A process for measuring the through stress distribution (12) in a workpiece (10) by taking progressive cuts (14, 16) and measuring the deflection of the workpiece at the cut point.

Abstract: A sensing assembly including a fiber for monitoring at least one condition or parameter and a strip formed from a pair of laminae disposed with the fiber. The laminae are arranged parallel to each other and engaged longitudinally along the fiber for enabling the strip to secure the fiber in place. A method of monitoring a parameter or condition with a sensing assembly is also included.

Abstract: In at least one implementation, a method for determining the stiffness of a structure may include connecting a test member to the structure, directing a beam of light at a measurement surface carried by at least one of the test member or the structure, impacting an impact surface carried by the test member with a known impact force, and determining the movement of the measurement surface that is caused by the impact. The movement of the measurement surface may be determined as a function of changes in the length of the beam of light and the stiffness of the structure may be a function of the magnitude of the measurement surface movement.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow rate measurement device capable of sensing and correcting a temperature without use of a sensor specifically designed for measuring a temperature is provided. The ultrasonic flow rate measurement device includes a first ultrasonic transducer and a second ultrasonic transducer that re disposed in a flow volume measurement block and arranged in such a way that ultrasonic waves are transmitted from one transducer and received by the other transducer; a counter for measuring a propagation time consumed for exchanging the ultrasonic waves between the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducers; a flow volume computing block that calculates a flow volume from a measurement value of the counter; an oscillation circuit used as a time counter when the counter calculates the propagation time; and a temperature sensing block for sensing a temperature by utilization of a frequency change attributable to a temperature of the oscillation circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic torque sensing device having a disk-shaped member with a magnetoelastically active region. The magnetoelastically active region has oppositely polarized magnetically conditioned regions with initial directions of magnetization that are perpendicular to the sensitive directions of magnetic field sensor pairs placed proximate to the magnetically active region. Magnetic field sensors are specially positioned in relation to the disk-shaped member to accurately measure torque while providing improved RSU performance and reducing the detrimental effects of compassing.