Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes a first passage and a second passage and is capable of operating in such a manner that outside air introduced in the first passage is conditioned by an evaporator and a heater core and subsequently blown, as a conditioned air, from a defrost outlet, side defrost outlet and side vent outlet toward windowpanes and, at the same time, inside air introduced in the second passage is conditioned by the evaporator and the heater core and subsequently blown, as a conditioned air, from a center vent outlet and front and rear heat outlets into a passenger compartment.

Abstract: An internal heat exchanger for an air conditioning system, having: a high pressure side through which a coolant under high pressure flows in operation; and a low pressure side through which coolant under low pressure flows in operation. The heat exchanger is configured in such a way that pulsations of the coolant flowing therethrough dampen noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a climate-control device (501) for a vehicle, having a thermal energy store (1105), wherein a gas recycler (1301) is formed for conditioning a gas mixture which is situated in a passenger compartment (1103) of the vehicle (1101). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for regulating a climate in a passenger compartment (1103) of a vehicle (1101).

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus uses R32, a refrigerant mixture containing R32 and HFO1234yf in which R32 has a mass percentage of 40% or higher, or a refrigerant mixture containing R32 and HFO1234ze in which R32 has a mass percentage of 15% or higher, as a heat-source refrigerant. The air-conditioning apparatus includes a low-pressure shell-structure compressor, a first flow switching valve, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, first flow control devices, and plural use-side heat exchangers connected by refrigerant pipes, forming a refrigeration cycle. The compressor includes a compression chamber within a sealed container including an opening extending between inside and outside of the sealed container. The air-conditioning apparatus can perform only a heating at the use-side heat exchangers, only a cooling at the use-side heat exchangers, and a mixed cooling and heating in a mixed fashion at the use-side heat exchangers.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet providing a storage chamber closed by a door, a water supply container disposed at the door or the storage chamber to store water to be supplied to an icemaker or a dispenser, a detachable container connection assembly disposed at an upper side of the water supply container, a housing disposed at the door or the storage chamber so that the container connection assembly can be detachably attached to the housing, and a manipulation unit disposed at the container connection assembly to lock or unlock the container connection assembly attached to the housing. Therefore, the refrigerator can be conveniently used.

Abstract: An adsorptive cooling system includes: a first highly adsorptive structure positioned to receive thermal energy from a thermal energy source, the first highly adsorptive structure including: a first substrate; and a first carbon aerogel adhered to the first substrate, a second highly adsorptive structure positioned to receive thermal energy from the thermal energy source, the second highly adsorptive structure including: a second substrate; and a second carbon aerogel adhered to the second substrate, a cooling unit; and a circulation system adapted for circulating the refrigerant from at least one of the first highly adsorptive structure and the second highly adsorptive structure to the cooling unit to provide cooling from the thermal energy source and to return the refrigerant from the cooling unit to at least one of the first highly adsorptive structure and the second highly adsorptive structure.

Abstract: A highly adsorptive structure, includes: a substrate; and a metal-organic framework (MOF) comprising a plurality of metal atoms coordinated to a plurality of organic spacer molecules; wherein the MOF is coupled to at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the MOF is adapted for adsorbing and desorbing a refrigerant under predetermined thermodynamic conditions. The refrigerant includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: acid halides, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chlorofluorocarbons, esters, ethers, fluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, halocarbons, halogenated aldehydes, halogenated amines, halogenated hydrocarbons, halomethanes, hydrocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, hydrofluoroolefins, inorganic gases, ketones, nitrocarbon compounds, noble gases, organochlorine compounds, organofluorine compounds, organophosphorous compounds, organosilicon compounds, oxide gases, refrigerant blends and thiols.

Abstract: A highly adsorptive structure includes: a substrate; and a carbon aerogel adhered to the substrate, wherein the carbon aerogel is characterized by having physical characteristics of in-situ formation on the substrate, and wherein the carbon aerogel is configured to selectively adsorb and desorb one or more refrigerants selected from the group consisting of: acid halides, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chlorofluorocarbons, esters, ethers, fluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, halocarbons, halogenated aldehydes, halogenated amines, halogenated hydrocarbons, halomethanes, hydrocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, hydrofluoroolefins, inorganic gases, ketones, nitrocarbon compounds, noble gases, organochlorine compounds, organofluorine compounds, organophosphorous compounds, organosilicon compounds, oxide gases, refrigerant blends and thiols.

Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a system that includes a gas compressor including an engine, a compressor driven by the engine, and a vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system driven by waste heat from the compressor, wherein the VAC system is configured to cool at least one medium. In other embodiments is provided a method that includes generating waste heat while compressing a gas, driving a vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system with the waste heat, and cooling at least one medium via the VAC system.

Abstract: An adsorptive cooling system includes: a first highly adsorptive structure positioned to receive thermal energy from a thermal energy source, including: a first substrate; and a first metal-organic framework (MOF) coupled to the first substrate and adapted for adsorbing and desorbing a refrigerant under predetermined thermodynamic conditions; a second highly adsorptive structure positioned to receive thermal energy from the thermal energy source including: a second substrate; and a second MOF coupled to the second substrate and adapted for adsorbing and desorbing a refrigerant under predetermined thermodynamic conditions; a cooling unit; and a circulation system adapted for circulating refrigerant from the first highly adsorptive structure and the second highly adsorptive structure to the cooling unit to provide cooling from the thermal energy source and to return the refrigerant to at least one of the first highly adsorptive structure and the second highly adsorptive structure.

Abstract: An air-conditioning loop, in which a refrigerant flows, is capable of operating as a heat pump. The air-conditioning loop includes a compressor. The air-conditioning loop further includes a first solenoid valve connected to the compressor, to a radiator, and to an external heat exchanger. The radiator is connected to the external heat exchanger via a first pressure-release device and to an evaporator via a second pressure-release device. The evaporator is connected to the compressor. The external heat exchanger is connected to the compressor and to the evaporator via a second solenoid valve. The external heat exchanger, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve constitute a unitary part.

Abstract: Impurities that are less volatile than carbon dioxide, e.g. hydrogen sulphide, are removed from crude carbon dioxide by processes involving sub-ambient distillation of said crude carbon dioxide in a distillation column system operating at super-atmospheric pressure(s) to produce carbon dioxide-enriched overhead vapour and bottoms liquid enriched with said impurities. Where such processes involve at least one heat pump cycle, significant savings in power consumption are realised when the process uses more than one recycle pressure in the heat pump cycle(s).

Abstract: A method for separating carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream is provided. The method includes cooling the gas stream in a cooling stage to form a cooled gas stream and cooling the cooled gas stream in a converging-diverging nozzle to form one or both of solid CO2 and liquid CO2. The method further includes separating at least a portion of one or both of solid CO2 and liquid CO2 from the cooled gas stream in the converging-diverging nozzle to form a CO2-rich stream and a CO2-lean gas stream. The method further includes expanding the CO2-lean gas stream in an expander downstream of the converging-diverging nozzle to form a cooled CO2-lean gas stream and circulating at least a portion of the cooled CO2-lean gas stream to the cooling stage for cooling the gas stream. Systems for separating carbon dioxide (CO2) from a CO2 stream are also provided.

Abstract: A process for recovering heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, expanded, and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded, cooled, and supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column below the mid-column feed positions and cooled by the LNG stream sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, with at least a portion of the condensed stream directed to the column at an upper mid-column feed position. A portion of the column overhead stream is cooled by the LNG feed stream to condense it and form both a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream that is supplied to the column at a top column feed position.

Abstract: A method of using the natural gas storage facility to reduce the effect of diurnal demand on a natural gas source includes introducing natural gas into the natural gas storage facility, separating the natural gas into a heavy natural gas component and a light natural gas component, and retaining the components during a non-peak period of demand. The natural gas storage facility includes a guard bed system and an adsorption bed system. The method also includes releasing the heavy and light natural gas components, mixing them into a released natural gas component product and introducing it to the natural gas source during a peak period of demand.

Abstract: A piping module is described which comprises at least two fluid connections or ports for connection to at least one main heat exchanger of an air fractionation plant, whereby the main heat exchanger becomes linked to at least two fluid lines in a warm part of the air fractionation plant. The piping module comprises at least two ports on the main compressor side, couplable to at least two fluid lines in the warm part of the air fractionation plant, and at least two ports on the main heat exchanger side, couplable to at least two fluid ports of the at least one main heat exchanger, and at least two fluid lines connecting the ports on the main compressor side to the ports on the main heat exchanger side. A corresponding air fractionation plant and a method for erecting such an air fractionation plant (100) are likewise described.

Abstract: A System and method for Securing Fishhooks is disclosed herein. Specifically, a hook guard system is disclosed. Such hook guard system can comprise a sheet, and a slap bracelet connected to the sheet. The slap bracelet can comprise an insert. Such insert can have a flat state and a curved state. Further, the bracelet can comprise a cover around the insert. Moreover, the sheet and the cover are unibody.

Abstract: A fragrant ceramic ornament and accessory with surface sandblasted and carved, includes a body of ornament and accessory, formed by a ceramic body capable of diffusing fragrance, wherein the ceramic body has a surface as an glaze layer or an electroplated layer which has concave pattern by sandblasting carving, wherein the concave pattern is an exposed portion of the ceramic body which loses the glaze layer or the electroplated layer and is concave on the surface of the ceramic body, wherein essential oil is absorbed into an inside of the ceramic body via the exposed portion. The surface carving is by a sandblasting process, which has long fragrance diffusing time and ability to change fragrance according to circumstances, so as to achieve an object of repeatedly using which is economical and environment-friendly, and prevent the perfume from contacting with the skin or clothes directly.

Abstract: Methods for selecting titania-doped quartz glass which experiences a reduction in OH group concentration of less than or equal to 100 ppm upon heat treatment at 900° C. for 100 hours as suitable material for the EUV lithography member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing volatilized chemical compounds from within enclosed or partially enclosed spaces containing molten glass. One or more condensing devices are positioned within the enclosure to produce preferential condensation of the vapor on condensing elements of the condensing devices, thereby facilitating easy removal of the condensates from the enclosure. The condensing elements may have a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the design of the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for producing a vial with low alkali elution by removing a deteriorated region caused by processing on an internal surface of a vial is disclosed. The method is for forming vials from borosilicate glass tubes with a bottom wherein an internal surface of the tube is fire-blasted with a flame.

Abstract: A melter apparatus includes a floor, a ceiling, and a wall connecting the floor and ceiling at a perimeter of the floor and ceiling, a melting zone being defined by the floor, ceiling and wall, the melting zone having a feed inlet and a molten glass outlet positioned at opposing ends of the melting zone. Melter apparatus include an exit end having a melter exit structure for discharging turbulent molten glass formed by one or more submerged combustion burners, the melter exit structure fluidly and mechanically connecting the melter vessel to a molten glass conditioning channel. The melter exit structure includes a fluid-cooled transition channel configured to form a frozen glass layer or highly viscous glass layer, or combination thereof, on inner surfaces of the fluid-cooled transition channel and thus protect the melter exit structure from mechanical energy imparted from the melter vessel to the melter exit structure.

Abstract: A molten glass discharging device provided in the bottom of a melting furnace of a waste vitrification apparatus so that the device can control the melting or cooling of a molten material. The molten glass discharging device, which is provided in the bottom of the furnace and controls discharging of a molten material, includes: an induction heating unit (110) having a discharging passage (10) along a discharging port formed in the bottom of the melting furnace; an induction coil (120) provided outside the induction heating unit (110); and a cooling unit (130) supporting the induction heating unit (110) and having a cooling conduit through which a cooling fluid circulates. The device can realize repeated discharging of the molten material by induction heating or cooling of the induction heating unit. Further, even when glass is adhered to the discharging port, the adhered glass can be easily discharged from the furnace.

Abstract: Methods for making a preform for a large diameter optical waveguide such as a cane waveguide are disclosed. The method includes inserting a preform into a glass tube to serve as cladding that provides a thickened preform, simultaneously fusing and stretching the thickened preform, sectioning the stretched and still thickened preform and repeating the procedure if necessary to provide an even further thickened preform. The drawing apparatus can be configured to work with the preform disposed either horizontally or vertically and usually includes a graphite resistance furnace. Typically, the drawing apparatus is an upper portion of a draw tower used for drawing an optical fiber from an optical fiber preform. The draw tower includes a tractor pulling mechanism that can adjust to grip a wide range of diameters.

Abstract: A protective glove including a knit fabric hand shell having a cuff portion and a hand portion that includes a back side opposite a palm side for covering opposing sides of a user's hand. A polymeric coating covers the palm side of the hand portion and has a thickness that gradually diminishes from the palm side to the back side of the hand portion. The back side of the hand portion has an area that is free of the polymeric coating to provide ventilation to the user's hand through the knit fabric hand shell. A plurality of perforations is uniformly dispersed over the palm side of the hand portion. The perforations have a diameter less than 0.2 mm and extend though the polymeric coating to provide ventilation to the user's hand and to increase a coefficient of friction for an exterior surface of the polymeric coating.

Abstract: A knitting head of a knitting machine for manufacturing flexible hoses (1) with a knitted reinforcement layer, which comprises a guide body (14) with a central tubular conduit (15) for the passage of the bearing layer (2) and having a outlet end portion (16) with a first outer peripheral surface (17) having a first predetermined radius (r1), a plurality of knitting needles (18) arranged along the periphery of said end portion (16) of said conduit (15) and having first longitudinal end sections (18?) arranged along the circumference of said outer peripheral surface (17) and second longitudinal end sections (18?) arranged over a second cylindrical surface (19) having a second radius (r2) greater than said first radius (r1), at least one disk-shaped cam element (22), which is adapted to rotate at a first rotation speed and has a third predetermined radius (r3).

Abstract: A combination lock is provided, the combination lock having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane; and a bolt configured for movement between a first position and a second position along a second plane the second plane being oriented at a different location than the first plane, the bolt engaging the rotary latch in the first position such that rotation of the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Locking/unlocking system of superimposable elements, comprising a first element (2) or upper element, and a second element (3), or lower element, to be locked and unlocked, superimposed each other along a plane (4) of relative motion, and a operating device (1), said system being characterized in that said first element (2) and said second element (3) provide each one the same number of a plurality of housings (210, 310), and reciprocally positioned so as to form pairs of housings (210, 310), each one providing inside centring means (220, 320), said system being further characterized in that it provides a plurality of first magnetic elements (230?) having a first length, a plurality of second magnetic elements (230?) having a second length, lower than the length of said plurality of first magnetic elements (230?), and a plurality of third magnetic elements (230?).

Abstract: A key assembly for housing a transponder within a transponder holder wherein the key assembly has a key blade with connecting shoulders attached to the key blade, a key head having lock tabs that removably attach the connecting shoulders to the key head, and a transponder adapter for retaining at least one transponder. The transponder adapter is removably fitted within the key head and the transponder adapter facilitates the insertion and removal of at least one transponder within the key assembly.

Abstract: A centralized unlocking operation device is provided in which a first operating arm pivots in response to a rotor being pivoted from a neutral position in a forward direction, and a second operating arm pivots in response to the rotor being pivoted from the neutral position in a reverse direction, wherein a first pressing face (38) that abuts against and imposes a pressing force on a first pressure-receiving part (35) of the first operating arm (33) when the rotor (15) is pivoted from the neutral position to the first operating position side and a second pressing face (39) that abuts against and imposes a pressing force on a second pressure-receiving part (36) of the second operating arm (34) when the rotor (15) is pivoted from the neutral position to the second operating position side are formed on a cam part (37) provided on the rotor (15), and the spring (32) is provided between the first and second operating arms (33, 34) so as to urge the first and second operating arms (33, 34) in a direction in which t

Abstract: The invention relates to the agricultural industry, specifically to the processing of organic waste materials (livestock and poultry farming waste, domestic and industrial waste water, straw, peat and other organic substances) to produce organomineral fertilizers in granulated form. The method for producing a granulated organomineral fertilizer from organic waste materials comprises feeding the mixture components, removing mechanical impurities, mixing with the addition of mineral components, grinding, decontaminating, homogenizing, granulating and drying. The grinding, decontamination, homogenization and granulation processes are performed simultaneously on continuously operating heated rollers with the mass to be processed being passed through shaping rings of the rollers and with cutting to form granules. The granules are dried to a set moisture content in a continuously operating heated vacuum dryer operating in pulsed vacuum modes.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fertilizer by feather processing inserts a weighed feather into a reaction container, and then adds caustic potash. Water is then added, and feather disintegration occurs. Phosphoric acid is poured into the mixture, and then the pH is measured—and if necessary improved with phosphoric acid or caustic potash. Epsom salt, vitriol of iron, boric acid, manganic sulphate, zinc sulphate, cuprous sulphate, ammonium molybdate and calcium nitrate are mixed in, and the mixture is partitioned into transportation containers depending on the weight of caustic potash included in the mixture using a drain pump through appropriate filter under constant stirring. The mixture is diluted with water, and the whole mass is perfectly mixed. Humic acids are then mixed into the diluted mixture to form a final keratin fertilizer with humic acid additive in colloid form.

Abstract: A fertilizer derived from an organic source and a method of making are provided. The fertilizer of the present invention advantageously has a Nitrogen content greater than 4%. The method of making the fertilizer also produces potable water.

Abstract: A dry flowable additive for aqueous urea-based fertilizers made of solid urea formaldehyde polymer (UFP), N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), and, optionally, dicyandiamide (DCD), wherein the liquid fertilizer containing the additive provides reduced nitrogen loss from the soil. Optionally, the dry additive may also be blended with molten or solid urea to form a solid urea-based fertilizer with reduced nitrogen loss from the soil.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of treating soil and a method of sequestering heavy metals in soil. The method of treating soil includes applying a blend to the soil to form treated soil, the blend including a slag by-product having a soluble compound. The soluble compound includes silicon. The method of sequestering heavy metals includes applying a blend to soil to form treated soil, the blend including a slag by-product having a soluble compound, and forming a substantially inert particle in the treated soil, the substantially inert particle including the blend and the heavy metals.

Abstract: A device for regulating a residual stress is comprised of: input means; a residual stress database; a process condition database; first searching means for searching a residual stress (?0) from the residual stress database; a calculator for calculating a first bending moment (Mrs) in a ridge line originated from the residual stress, and a second bending moment (Mz) in the ridge line originated from bending to obtain a total bending moment (Mrs?Mz) and calculating a camber curvature (?z) of the workpiece originated from the total bending moment (Mrs?Mz); comparing a difference (|?z??z0|) between the camber curvature (?z) and a target value (?z0) with a tolerable value (?); second searching means for searching a process condition satisfying a tolerable condition (|?z??z0|??) from the process condition database when (|?z??z0|>?); and regulating means for regulating a residual stress.

Abstract: A motorcycle frame rack enables a motorcycle frame to be repaired without removing many components from the motorcycle. A motorcycle is positioned on the motorcycle frame rack, secured in place and then the frame is adjusted using chains coupled to towers. A self-centering laser measuring system is able to be used to analyze and measure damage to the motorcycle frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a hard disk drive base plate with a sequence of progressive forging operations is described. The method may include advancing an initial hard disk drive base plate cut from an extruded sheet through a plurality of stations of a transfer die assembly. The method may also include performing a sequence of forgings on the initial hard disk drive base plate to progressively form parts on a hard disk drive base plate.

Abstract: A method for forming a piece of a sheet metal is performed by positioning a consumable body, made of metal, proximate to the piece of the sheet metal. The consumable body is rapidly vaporized, and the gas pressure generated thereby is directed into the piece of the sheet metal. This results in acceleration of the piece of sheet metal, and it is collided into a stationary body at a velocity, generally in excess of 200 m/s. Depending upon the type of stationary body, the piece of sheet metal is deformed into a predetermined shape or is welded onto the stationary body. The vaporization is accomplished by passing a high current of electricity into the consumable body. The effect of the vaporized metal may be augmented by additional components in the consumable body.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an Ni base alloy pipe stock comprises piercing and rolling a billet by use of Mannesmann piercing and rolling mill. The pipe stock has controlled amounts of C, Si, Mn, P, S, Cr, Ni, Mo, W, Cu, Al, N, with the balance being Fe. With the method, the following equations are satisfied, wherein values of TGBm, Psr and P? represented by the following equations (1) to (3) being not more than 1300, not more than 200 and not less than 0, respectively TGBm=1380?5000P?100S?4400C ??(1), PsrNi+10(Mo+0.5W)+100N ??(2), P?=(Ni?50)+10(N?0.1)?2(Cr?25)?5(Mo+0.5W?6)+12 ??(3), wherein each element symbol in the equations represents mass % of the element concerned.

Abstract: A flexible but strong universal die is disclosed, that is flexible enough to be elastically deflected into different curvatures by actuating forces and moments, while being strong enough to support the die forces and moments that it has to apply to parts to form them to the shape corresponding to its shape. A design of the die and actuation locations that makes it easy to deflect it into different constant curvatures, as well as into shapes with gradients of curvature along the length of the die, and the use of these dies for stretch roll forming are disclosed.

Abstract: A process of producing metal blanks with different thicknesses from a metallic material includes: producing sheet metal blanks from a band material; changing the temperature of the metal blanks such that, in the blanks, a plurality of regions is produced with different temperatures; rolling the metal blanks having regions with different temperatures in a rolling tool with a roll gap setting, wherein the roll gap setting is kept constant during the operation of rolling the metal blanks, wherein, due to the regions with different temperatures in the sheet metal blanks, portions are produced with different thicknesses. The invention also relates to a suitable device for producing sheet metal blanks with different thicknesses from a metallic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an installation for producing a component from sheet magnesium, comprising a forming tool, which comprises a punch and a die, for forming a semi-finished product made of sheet magnesium, in particular a semi-finished product in the form of a sheet magnesium blank, and a device for heating the semi-finished product to an elevated temperature, preferably to a temperature of at least 200° C., prior to the forming. In order to reduce the component costs, the invention proposes that the forming tool is designed without an internal heat source, is provided with a semi-finished product holder on which the heated semi-finished product can be placed in the forming tool without direct contact with the punch and the die, and comprises a drive which brings about a closing speed of the punch and the die in the range of 15 mm/s to 500 mm/s.

Abstract: A metal gasket includes embossments that exhibit essentially full functional recovery and full retained internal stress at temperatures up to about 1000° F. which is made from sheet material that is cold rolled and whose embossments are work hardened without any post embossment heat treating that would act to harden the material. This material may also receive a precipitation hardening heat treatment prior to being embossed. The gasket materials include alloys having greater than about 18% Ni, greater than about 14% Cr, from about 0.1 to 10% of at least one of Mo, Ti, V, Al, Co, Nb, Ta or Cu and the balance Fe with incidental impurities, which are cold rolled without any post embossment heat treating that would act to harden the material.

Abstract: A pipette includes a movable piston and a diaphragm that at least partly defines a fluid chamber enclosing a volume of working fluid. The piston displaces a volumetric amount of the working fluid in the chamber when moved. In response, the diaphragm displaces a smaller volumetric amount of fluid outside the chamber. A deamplification ratio is defined by the ratio of the volume displaced by the diaphragm to the volume displaced by the piston. The deamplification ratio is adjustable by adjusting or changing the diaphragm and/or by adjusting the size of the fluid chamber. The deamplifying pipette enables measuring and dispensing of very small volumes of liquid and is easily adapted to commercially available pipette components. Pipette components such as a pipette tip or adaptor may include a diaphragm to enable deamplification of the nominal volume capacity of a given pipette device.

Abstract: An impact assembly including an impact platform and at least two impact generating devices is provided. The at least two impact generating devices are disposed adjacent to each other in pair and detachably mounted to the impact platform. Each of the at least two impact generating devices has a housing and an impact generating unit. The housing is adapted to form a compartment where the impact generating unit is disposed. The impact generating units of the at least two impact generating devices provide at least two impact forces to the impact platform according to the at least two corresponding timings.

Abstract: The particulate matter detection element is constituted of a laminated body including first and second electrode layers each having a plate-like shape and a thickness between 50 ?m and 500 ?m laminated on each other through an intermediate insulating layer having a plate-like shape and a thickness between 3 ?m and 20 ?m. A cross-sectional surface of the laminated body in the lamination direction is used as a detection surface of the particulate matter detection element.

Abstract: A method for operating a soot sensor in the exhaust gas tract of an internal combustion engine. The soot sensor includes an inter-digital electrode structure to which a measurement voltage is applied. Soot particles from the exhaust gas flow deposit themselves on the inter-digital electrode structure and an measuring current is evaluated as a measurement for the soot concentration of the soot sensor. A heating element for burning clean the inter-digital electrode structure is provided. The method for operating the soot sensor has good measurement results and the shortest possible idle time. To this end, a point in time for burning clean the soot sensor is determined in accordance with the operational state of the internal combustion engine and then, the burning clean of the inter-digital electrode structure starts by heating the soot sensor by the heating element.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating gravitational acceleration includes: a chamber having a longitudinal axis and configured to contain a first gas; a first cavity ring-down spectrometer configured to measure a density of the first gas at a first location along the longitudinal axis using a first optical cavity having a first optical axis and configured to resonate light rays that are absorbed by the first gas in the first optical cavity, wherein the first optical axis has at least a vector component perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a processor configured to receive a first density measurement from the first cavity ring-down spectrometer and to estimate the gravitational acceleration using the first density measurement.

Abstract: A biological gas detection apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention includes: a sensor unit including plural types of gas sensors; a control unit of the sensor unit; a data recording unit; and a data analyzing unit, wherein the data recording unit includes a database on properties of sensitivities of the gas sensors for a single body of a desired gas component, a single body of an interference gas component, and a mixed gas of these that are included in the biological gas, and the data analyzing unit calculates concentration of the desired gas component based on sensitivities of the gas sensors output when detecting the biological gas and the database.