Abstract: In a known drawing method for producing a cylindrical component from quartz glass, a quartz glass strand (2) is continuously drawn off from a softened quartz glass composition (13) vertically downwards in the drawing direction (3), a piece (15) with a weight G is detached from the free end of the strand at a time t1 and the cylindrical component is produced from the piece (15). When the piece (15) is detached, there may be a sudden reduction in weight, which leads to fluctuations in the thawing-off control. To counteract this, it is proposed according to the invention that a weight compensating force which acts counter to the drawing direction (3), increases over time and completely or partially compensates for the weight G of the piece (15), is applied to the piece to be detached at a time t0 before t1.

Abstract: Apparatus (36, 36?) and a method for forming glass sheets utilizes a press ring assembly (50) adjacent a heating furnace to receive a heated class sheet therefrom for press forming. The press ring assembly (50) includes a press ring (52) for mounting on a support (48), with the press ring having an open interior and peripheral shape including an upwardly oriented forming face (74) for contacting the heated glass sheet periphery. A heater (75) extends along the peripheral shape of the press ring (52) to provide heating under the control of at least one thermocouple (110), and insulation (78) extends along the periphery of the press ring within the interior, around the exterior and below the press ring to reduce heat loss, with the heater located between the insulation and the press ring. An upper press mold (58) cooperates with the press ring assembly (50) to provide press forming.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a surface-treated glass plate having a concave portion on the order of nanometers, in which the depth of the concave portion is sufficiently large for the size thereof and which is free from an abnormal bump portion and excellent in the transparency to visible light. The present invention relates to a surface-treated glass plate having a plurality of the concave portions provided in a glass surface, in which a plane of the glass surface, excluding a region in which the concave portions are formed, is a flat plane, and the concave portions have an average open pore diameter of 10 nm to less than 1 ?m in a cross-sectional view thereof.

Abstract: A lithium aluminosilicate glass and a method for producing such lithium aluminosilicate glass are provided. The glass has a composition, in mol %, of: SiO2 60-70; Al2O3 10-13; B2O3 0.0-0.9; Li2O 9.6-11.6; Na2O 8.2-less than 10; K2O 0.0-0.7; MgO 0.0-0.2; CaO 0.2-2.3; ZnO 0.0-0.4; ZrO2 1.3-2.6; P2O5 0.0-0.5; Fe2O3 0.003-0.100; SnO2 0.0-0.3; and CeO2 0.004-0.200. Further, the composition complies with the following relations and conditions: (Li2O+Al2O3)/(Na2O+K2O) greater than 2; Li2O/(Li2O+Na2O+K2O) greater than 0.47 and less than 0.70; CaO+Fe2O3+ZnO+P2O5+B2O3+CeO2 greater that 0.8 and less than 3, where at least four out of the six oxides are included. The glass exhibits a modulus of elasticity of at least 82 GPa and has a glass transition point below 540° C. and/or a working point below 1150° C.

Abstract: A method of decorating chemically strengthened glass. The coating deposition process entails maintaining a deposition temperature and a curing temperature below a threshold where the chemically strengthened glass is weakened. The coating composition used in the process is a single phase and comprises alkoxysilane functionalized isocyanurate or alkoxysilane functionalized biuret, wherein the alkoxysilane is linked to the isocyanurate or biuret by an urea linking group.

Abstract: A conduit structure for molten glass, in which molten glass is flown through a double-pipe structure, with little stress loading even for a long time operation. A supporting rib connecting an inner pipe and an outer pipe is employed in the double pipe structure having the inner pipe and outer pipe in the conduit structure for molten glass, wherein excessive stress concentration hardly occurs in an inner pipe-joint portion, an outer pipe-joint portion and the rib when the rib is applied with a stress load due to the weight of the inner pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing glass tubes having a predetermined inner profile according to a Vello-method or Down-Draw-method, wherein molten glass 6 emerges from an outlet orifice 12 of a melt feed 2 and is drawn over a shaping body 3 so as to form a hollow drawing bulb 50, and the drawing bulb 50 is drawn over a profile forming body 4 positioned downstream of the shaping body 3 to form the predetermined inner profile. In order to enable a reliable and riskless positioning of the profile forming body 4 in an operational position within the drawing bulb 50, according to the invention the profile forming body 4 is moved in axial direction either from below the shaping body 3 via the inner space of the glass tube 5; 5? or via an inner bore 31 of a shaft 30 supporting said shaping body until reaching an operational position in the inner space of said glass tube 5; 5?.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic casting method of a silicon ingot in which a polycrystalline silicon ingot is continuously cast by charging silicon raw materials into a bottomless cold copper mold, melting the charged silicon raw materials through electromagnetic induction, pulling down to solidify the molten silicon, in which the length of a part of copper mold positioned below a lower end of an induction coil surrounding the copper mold is set to more than 40 mm and 180 mm or less. According to this method, a copper contamination of a silicon ingot incurred by a copper cold mold can be suppressed to produce a silicon ingot which is suitable as a starting material of the substrate of a solar cell.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a laser annealing apparatus includes a laser device configured to emit a pulse laser beam, an anneal chamber including a stage on which a process substrate, on which an amorphous silicon thin film is formed, is placed, an optical module disposed between the laser device and the anneal chamber and configured to guide the pulse laser beam, which is emitted from the laser device, to the anneal chamber, a platform frame on which the laser device, the anneal chamber and the optical module are mounted, and an elastic body configured to lift the platform frame from a building floor.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the evaporation rate of platinum and Pt alloys upon their use at high temperatures >1,200° C. in an oxidizing atmosphere include the steps: (A) providing a component made of platinum or a platinum alloy; (B) wrapping the outer surface of the component with a flexible bandage having open porosity and provided with an oxide ceramic material and/or a glass-forming material; (C) using the component at operating temperatures >1,200° C. Methods for scavenging noble metal oxides evaporating or sublimating from the surface of platinum or Pt alloys include: (A) providing a component made of platinum or a platinum alloy; (B) wrapping the outer surface of the component with a flexible bandage having open porosity; and (C) using the component at operating temperatures >1,200° C. Correspondingly wrapped components are also provided.

Abstract: In order to prevent thermal deformation of a thermal insulating board and scattering of radiant heat when sintering porous glass base material, provided is a thermal insulating member is arranged on a dummy rod above a porous glass base material, which is formed by depositing glass fine particles on the outside of a starting member formed by connecting the dummy rod to at least one end of a core rod, when heating the porous glass base material to achieve sintering. The thermal insulating member comprises a cylindrical insulating cylinder; an insulating upper board connected to a top end of the insulating cylinder; an insulating lower board connected to a bottom end of the insulating cylinder; and a thermal deformation preventing member that prevents thermal deformation of at least one of the insulating cylinder, the insulating upper board, and the insulating lower board.

Abstract: Provided is a glass base material elongating method of using a glass base material elongation apparatus including a heating furnace, a feeding mechanism, and a pulling mechanism to elongate the rod-shaped glass base material to form a thinner glass rod, the method comprising gripping a pulling dummy rod connected to a bottom end of the glass base material with first pulling rollers of the pulling mechanism and, together with the feeding mechanism, feeding the glass base material to the heating furnace; and before a pulling force necessary for pulling the pulling dummy rod to elongate the glass base material reaches a load force that causes slipping between the pulling dummy rod and the first pulling rollers, gripping and pulling the pulling dummy rod with second pulling rollers of the pulling mechanism in addition to the first pulling rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a mineral melt burns combustible material in the presence of inorganic particulate material to form a melt. The apparatus has a circulating combustion chamber having at least two inlets which receive fuel, pre-heated mineral material, and combustion gas. A heat exchange system for pre-heating the mineral material has a pre-heater cyclone, a conduit running from the circulating combustion chamber to the first pre-heater cyclone for transporting exhaust gases, a material inlet for injecting the material into the conduit, and a bottom cyclone outlet for feeding pre-heated mineral material to the combustion chamber. The outlet of the pre-heater cyclone stabilizes and splits the mineral material flow into two material flows for feeding combustion chamber inlets.

Abstract: This article of elastic knitted lingerie has a briefs part (12) intended to cover the abdomen and buttocks of a subject, said briefs part (12) being made of a base knit and having a silicone-based resin deposited on the base knit in the form of a network of lines (21, 22) and extending in one and/or the other of the two regions formed respectively by a first, approximately triangular zone at the front of the briefs (12), having its tip at the bottom and its base at the top, and a second zone at the rear of the briefs, formed by a substantially vertical region to the sides of the buttocks and a substantially horizontal region beneath the buttocks.

Abstract: An appliance is provided with features for preventing fluid additive drying in a conduit of the appliance. The appliance includes a tip configured for receipt of a cover fluid. The cover fluid is disposed within the tip such that the cover fluid deters evaporation of fluid additive in the conduit.

Abstract: A yarn treatment chamber for thermal treatment of a running yarn, with a centre zone, in which a pressurized hot, gaseous or vaporous medium acts on the yarn, and end zones on both sides of the centre zone, in which a cooling, gaseous medium is active. The end zones have a yarn inlet or outlet openings with a yarn sluice, which seals the associated end zone and the yarn treatment chamber. The yarn inlet and outlet openings (2, 3) are arranged such that the yarn (14) must change direction, and the yarn treatment chamber (21 has yarn deflection means (12) to guide the yarn (14) between the yarn inlet and outlet openings (2, 3). Both the yarn sluice (23A) and the yarn sluice (23B) are accessible without problems to operating staff at an ergonomically favourable height below the yarn deflection means (12) of the yarn treatment chamber (21).

Abstract: In a steering device having a steering lock device and a telescopic clamp device, the strength of a column in a key-locked state and the force of telescopic clamping are secured. A flange section and ribs are formed between a through hole which a lock pin comes in and leaves and a slit for reducing the inner circumferential diameter of an outer column so as to increase the strength of the outer column. Hence, both the strength of the outer column against the bending moment applied to the lock pin in a key-locked state and the strength of the outer column against telescopic clamping effected by reducing the inner peripheral diameter of the outer column can be secured.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to methods and means for opening, securing and/or operating vehicles, residences, locks, locked enclosures, and/or other machines and apparatuses, and for storing, processing, transmitting, receiving and displaying or otherwise outputting data or other information pertaining to vehicles, residences, locks, locked enclosures, and/or other machines and apparatuses, and/or pertaining to items, apparatuses, and/or entities which may be in such vehicles, residences, locked enclosures, and/or other machines and apparatuses. Various embodiments of the methods and means of the invention may be performed by and/or implemented in hardware, in software, by one or more entities, and/or by some combination of hardware, software and/or one or more entities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of animal waste are disclosed, together with a treated animal waste and fertilizer and growth media products derived therefrom.

Abstract: A method and a lubricant application device for regulating flatness and/or roughness of a metal strip in the outlet of a cold rolling stand by suitable metering of the amount of a lubricant per unit time applied to the metal strip in the inlet of the cold rolling stand. The invention that the applied amount of lubricant is metered in the form of a quantitative distribution over the width of the metal strip per unit time according to a detected control deviation between an actual and a desired flatness distribution over the width of the metal strip in the outlet of the cold rolling stand or a control deviation between an actual and a desired roughness distribution over the width of the metal strip in the outlet of the cold rolling stand or a combination of the two control deviations.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a continuous speed in a long rolling mill is provided that includes a plurality of guide rollers that feed a billet product from a caster to an entry roll stand along a mill pass line to an exit roll stand. Also, the system includes a plurality of gauges positioned at a plurality of locations along the mill pass line, the gauges perform speed measurement of the billet product passing along the guide rollers. Furthermore, the system includes a logic controller that receives the speed measurement and maintains a speed relationship where the speed between the caster and the entry roll stand is constant as well as the exit speed of the end roll stand is also constant.

Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing method of a laminated iron core which is formed of a strip-shaped iron core piece. The strip-shaped iron core piece includes segment iron core pieces connected through a joint positioned in a radial outside, and each of the segment iron core pieces has an artuate shape. The joint by which adjacent segment iron core pieces are connected is folded and lateral ends of the adjacent segment iron core pieces are aligned. The strip-shaped iron core piece is spirally wound while circumferentially shifting mutual joints formed on vertical adjacent layers. Crush processing is performed for flattening a bulged portion in a thickness direction of the segment iron core pieces formed at a time of folding the joint, and the crush processing is performed simultaneously with a time when or after mutual segment iron core pieces arranged vertically are crimped and laminated.

Abstract: Rolling mill shear provided with at least one blade having characteristics of toughness and resistance to thermal shock typical of the family of tool steels for hot shearing and at the same time having sufficiently high characteristics of surface hardness and wear resistance, typical of tool steels for cold shearing. This shear is particularly suitable for carrying out, with greater efficiency and for a longer time, relative to the known shears, the shearing of sections or bars at a temperature between 150 and 800° C., downstream of the Quenching & Tempering heat treatment thereof.

Abstract: A closing element for a machine frame of a rolling press, that sits on the end of a frame element as a hasp. The closing element includes and element enabling a pendular motion on the frame element. In this way, a floating mounting of the closing element is achieved. This enables a very fast dismounting that facilitates the replacement of the rolls, and leads to an optimum arrangement of the closing elements on corresponding end pieces of the machine frame.

Abstract: An example peening tool includes at least one first roller having a peening surface disposed about and along a first core. At least a portion of the at least one first roller is configured to contact a component to be peened along a length. The length extends along at least a portion of the first core. The at least one first roller is configured to provide line contact on the component along the length. A profile of the at least one first roller is determined based on a profile of the component. The peening tool includes a backer disposed in register with the first plurality of rollers such that the first plurality of rollers moves with the backer during peening. The at least one first roller and the backer are configured to be arranged on opposing surfaces of the component. Peening models may predict peening parameters and controller settings.

Abstract: An aluminum seat of a heat sink is made by placing a fixed amount of aluminum material into a forming slot of a lower die to undergo one-time extrusion by a punch of an upper die. A plurality of indentations are longitudinally disposed on an interior wall of the forming slot of the lower die, and the bottom of the forming slot is a closed end. When the fixed amount of aluminum material is distributed over the forming slot and the indentations during the extrusion, corresponding ribs are formed on an exterior wall of the aluminum seat of the heat sink after the dies are drawn off. Each rib facilitates firm insertion of fin units into the seat. The heat sink with radial fin units is produced from the aluminum seat and the fin units.

Abstract: A bipolar plate having a surface structure for a flow field, inner forms such as holes and slots in the plate, and a reference geometry on the outer form thereof is produced by means of a hydraulic fine-blanking press having an at least three-stage progressive die, in the first stage of which a blank is cut partially free from a metal-foil strip, subsequently in a second stage the surface structure is formed in the connected blank via compression-forming using a forming force of at least 2500 to 3500 kN, the inner form, the slots and the reference geometry are formed by way of cutting in, and on, the blank and then, in a third stage, cutting of the outer contour and removal of the finished blank in the form of the bipolar plate are carried out successively in the stroke cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for producing at least partially closed hollow profiles from a sheet by a U-O-forming with a tool set comprising a U-punch in a first tool half for producing an at least partially U-shaped sheet and an upper die in a second tool half for forming an at least partially U-shaped sheet into an at least partially closed hollow profile. Parts of the tool set run parallel to one another in the axial direction of the at least partially closed hollow profile to be produced and are arranged above one another in the closing direction of the tool halves, wherein a common matrix receiver is provided between the tool halves of the tool set, which receiver comprises at least two identical, partially U-shaped dies for the tool set and can rotate about its axial axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to produce an at least in part closed hollow profile from a board by means of a U-O-forming with a tool comprising at least a U-stamp and at least an upper cavity in a first tool half. At least two identical at least in part U-shaped die cavities are provided in a second tool half. The U-stamp and the upper cavity of the first tool half are each meshed with an at least in part U-shaped cavity when the tool is shut. The at least one U-stamp and the at least one upper cavity of the first tool half and the at least two at least in part U-shaped die cavities of the second tool half are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner to the rotational axis running in the closing direction of the tool.

Abstract: A machine or device for forming tubes or the like includes one or more cables or other elongated flexible members. An expanding forming device is positioned at an end of the cables, and the cables are inserted into a tube that is to be formed. The expanding device expands outwardly, and tension is placed on the cables to pull the cables through the tubes. This causes the tubes to be permanently deformed outwardly to a larger outer diameter.

Abstract: A press die for combination forming, capable of simultaneously performing a bending process and a curling process, the press die including a first die installed so as to perform a vertical movement, a second die configured to support a workpiece from a lower side of the first die, a moving apparatus configured to move the workpiece being supported by the second die, a stripper configured to hold the workpiece being moved by the moving apparatus such that the workpiece is mounted on the second die, a third die provided on the first die to bend the workpiece being mounted on the second die, and a fourth die provided on the second die to curl the workpiece being completed with the bending.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the response of a metal loss sensor which is configured in a way that its insertion depth and orientation in the process fluid are adjustable. These adjustments affect local turbulence and thereby enable achieving a desired corrosion rate at the metal loss sensor. Corrosion rate comparison between the metal loss sensor and pressure containment boundary can be measured directly or indirectly by computing wall shear stresses at the sensor and the pressure containment boundary.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the type of lambda probes having at least two electrodes disposed on and/or in a solid electrolyte, of which at least one electrode is separated from a gas mixture by a diffusion barrier, and a pump current Ip being applied to at least one of the electrodes. Either the internal resistance of the lambda probe between the electrodes is determined and the type of probe is inferred on the basis of this resistance, or currents are impressed between the electrodes and the type of probe is inferred based on the voltages or resistance ratios thereby resulting.

Abstract: Using a force-measuring balancing machine (1), the empirically determined permanent calibration is corrected in that the resonant frequencies (m) of the rotor (2) to be balanced are calculated, in a translatory direction and (?2) in a rotational direction, from the mass (mR) of a rotor (2) to be balanced, which is mounted in the balancing machine (1), the co-oscillating mass (Ms) of the bearing supports (3), the rigidity (c) of the bearing supports (3) and the spacing (L) of the rotor bearings, and a frequency response calculated from the resonant frequencies (?1, ?2) and the frequency (?) of the rotor (2) is introduced to the permanent calibration.

Abstract: A method for providing acceleration data with reduced substrate-displacement bias includes receiving in an accelerometer an external acceleration, determining the acceleration data with reduced substrate displacement bias in a compensation portion in response to a first and a second displacement indicators from a MEMS transducer, and, in response to substrate compensation factors from a MEMS compensation portion, outputting the acceleration data with reduced substrate displacement bias, wherein the first displacement indicator and the second displacement indicator are determined by the MEMS transducer relative to a substrate in response to the external acceleration and to a substrate displacement, and wherein the substrate compensation factors are determined by the MEMS compensation portion relative to the substrate in response to the substrate displacement.

Abstract: A system according to one embodiment includes a carrier for receiving a module; a transport mechanism for running a tape across a tape bearing surface of the module; and a measuring device for measuring an extent of wear of a coating on a tape bearing surface of the module. A module according to one embodiment includes a body having a tape bearing surface, the body having an approximate tape bearing surface profile and dimensions as a module of interest; and a coating on the tape bearing surface. A method according to one embodiment includes measuring an initial coating thickness on a tape bearing surface of a module in a carrier; running a tape across the tape bearing surface; and at intervals, measuring a residual thickness of the coating.

Abstract: A device and method for simulating a blast shock wave of the type produced by explosive devices such as bombs. A pneumatic charge releases a blast shock wave along a conduit which terminates in a first outlet that communicates with the atmosphere and a second outlet that is sealed to a specimen chamber. The first outlet has a quick release valve that prevents venting of the pneumatic charge to the atmosphere until the pressure at the valve reaches a predetermined level that opens the valve. The pneumatic charge therefore initially flows through the second outlet to direct the blast into the specimen chamber, until subsequent opening of the quick release valve redirects the gas flow out of the first outlet and rapidly reduces pressure in the chamber. The blast wave closely simulates the Friedlander curve, and its effects are viewed during instead of only after the blast is completed.

Abstract: A passive and reusable preconcentrator/injector device for measuring gas-phase analytes and methods of use. The device includes an upper plate defining an array of micro-scale diffusion channels and a lower plate secured to the upper plate. The lower plate defines a cavity for a reusable collection material in fluid communication with the micro-scale diffusion channels. An integral heating unit is provided adjacent the lower plate and configured for heating the cavity. A loading port may be included for introducing the reusable collection material into the cavity. An inlet port and an outlet port are provided, both in fluid communication with the cavity. The device may include a fluidic manifold system comprising a plurality of conduits disposed between the adsorbent cavity and the outlet port.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are two stage thermal modulators that are useful in the separation of the components of an analyte sample in an analytical method, such as gas chromatography. In some embodiments, the thermal modulators described herein include a modulator column coupled to at least one ground point so as to define a plurality of stages that may be independently temperature modulated. In some cases, the modulator column (or stages thereof adjacent to a ground point) and the ground point are thermally matched, so as to limit or eliminate the formation of a temperature differential between the modulator column and a ground point.

Abstract: A gas-measuring probe for determining a physical characteristic of a measuring gas, in particular the concentration of a gas component or the temperature or pressure of the measuring gas, which includes a sensor element accommodated in a housing, at least one connection cable for the sensor element having an electrical conductor, which is enclosed by an insulation sheath and contacts the sensor element, and a cable channel sealing the housing end, which has at least one axial cable feedthrough through which the connection cable is guided out of the housing. To achieve long-lasting sealing at the cable-exit end of the housing even at higher temperatures, the insulation sheath of the connection cable is at least regionally welded to the cable wall of the cable feedthrough. To this end, a tube made of a material that fuses with the insulation sheath and the cable channel when heated is slipped over the cable section of the connection cable lying inside the cable channel.

Abstract: A sensor element (100) includes a first conductive electrode (120) having a first conductive member (122) electrically coupled thereto; an absorptive dielectric layer (130) comprising a polymer of intrinsic microporosity; and a second conductive electrode (140) having a second conductive member (142) electrically coupled thereto. The second conductive electrode comprises carbon nanotubes and is permeable to at least one organic vapor. The absorptive dielectric layer is at least partially disposed between the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode. A method of making the sensor element, and sensor device (200) containing it, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The gas sensor has a substrate, a gate insulating film arranged on the substrate, and a gate electrode arranged on the gate insulating film, wherein the gate electrode comprises a metal oxide mixture film produced by mixing an oxygen-doped amorphous metal that contains oxygen with crystals of an oxide of the metal and a platinum film formed on the metal oxide mixture film, the platinum film is composed of multiple platinum crystal grains and grain boundary regions that are present between the platinum crystal grains, the grain boundary regions are filled with a metal oxide mixture, and each of the platinum crystal grains is surrounded by the metal oxide mixture.

Abstract: A HEPA filter which utilizes spun bond scrim material and ePTFE membrane for use in an aseptic pharmaceutical filtration air handling system for installation and testing is provided. The installation and testing configuration includes the ePTFE filter with a low or ultra-low concentration of challenging aerosol in the upstream side of the filter along with a scanning device for determining the upstream concentration, all completed in situ within a pharmaceutical air handling system. At the downstream side of the ePTFE filter is positioned another scanner which may be a discrete particle scanner for calculating the penetration percentage of the aerosol through the filtering media of ultra-low concentrations. The system and configuration allows for exposure to ePTFE filtration media for certification by low or ultra-low concentrations of oil based challenging compounds.

Abstract: Improved high speed helium leak-detection system for storage tanks comprising a mobile enclosure for operation of electrical components of leak detection sensors in Class 1, Division 1, Group D hazardous locations, comprising a rapid exchange purge assembly having pressure control valves, pressure reference controller and vent, a mechanically actuated vortex-type cooler, a helium leak detector having a pumping manifold connected to a sniffer probe hose to provide sample gas from the tank probe to a pair of pumps oriented in parallel. The first pump, downstream of the helium leak detector, draws a sample through the detector, and a second pump provides a rapid transfer of probe sample. The enclosure includes a controller, display and alarm. The enclosure is maintained overpressure to prevent infiltration of hazardous vapors and is continuously purged with com-pressed air. The system provides response time of about 2 seconds, a 5-fold improvement over current systems.

Abstract: Leak detection system. A rigid body is resiliently supported within an outer cage. Means are provided for detecting displacement of the rigid body with respect to the outer cage, the displacement indicating a leak when the rigid body is moved by a suction force generated by a local pressure gradient resulting from a leak within a pipe network. The invention allows a leak to be determined around the circumference of a pipe.

Abstract: A leak inspection device for inspecting leaks from a work by sealing a gas inside the work or sucking the gas therefrom includes: a depressurizing device that reduces the pressure of the gas inside the work; a pressurizing device that pressurizes the gas inside the work; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the work; a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the gas inside the work; and a controller. The controller calculates the saturation vapor pressure at the same temperature as the temperature of the work, controls the depressurizing device to thereby reduce the pressure of the gas inside the work to the saturation vapor pressure, sucks the water vapor that has vaporized inside the work, controls the pressurizing device to thereby seal the gas inside the work and pressurize the gas inside the work until the temperature of the work detected by the temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The leak detection appliance has a test inlet to which a test chamber containing the test specimen can be connected. A high-vacuum pump produces a high vacuum in a test gas detector. A preliminary vacuum pump contains two pump stages. In order to evacuate the test chamber, the pump stages are operated in parallel mode, with their suction capabilities being added. When the necessary vacuum has been achieved, the pump stages are operated in series in order to produce the necessary high vacuum—which is required for high detection sensitivity—on the test gas detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the viscosity of a sample solution. A capillary (2) having first and second spaced apart detection windows (W1,W2) is filled with a carrier solution. A plug (4) or a continuous volume (4) of a sample solution is injected into the first end of the capillary (2) and pumped through the capillary (2) at a first pump pressure passing through the first and second detection windows (W1,W2). At least part of each detection window (W1,W2) is illuminated with a light source. Light from the light source passing through the carrier solution or the sample solution at each detector window (W1,W2) is detected using an array detector (6) comprising a two dimensional array of detector locations which generates an array detector output signal indicative of the profile of light absorbance of the sample solution plug (4) or flow front (4) passing through each detection window (W1,W2).

Abstract: Vibrating wire viscometers are disclosed herein. An example viscometer includes a housing defining a chamber and a wire holder disposed in the chamber. The wire holder has an elongated, electrically insulating body and a channel extending along a length of the body. A wire is at least partially disposed in the channel and coupled to the wire holder at opposing ends of the wire holder to tension the wire and electrically isolate the wire from the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and kits for determining the presence or absence, and the amount if present, of vitamin D analogs in samples. One embodiment of the present method for detecting the presence or absence of vitamin D analogs in a sample comprises the steps of adding an effective amount of a multiple charge cationic agent to the sample to form a cationic treated sample. The effective amount of a multiple charge cationic agent enhances the signal from vitamin D analogs upon analysis by mass spectroscopy.