Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine with a cabinet for forming an appearance; a tub fixed to an inner side of the cabinet and for storing washing water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for washing and dehydrating laundry, and a driving motor positioned at a rear side of the drum for generating a driving force by which the drum is rotated. The washing machine can increase washing capacity with maintaining an entire size thereof by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing a size of the cabinet. The washing machine may include a supporting plate to rotatably support the rotational shaft, and a supporting unit to support the supporting plate, the supporting unit comprising a plurality of supporters connected between the supporting plate and the cabinet.

Abstract: Provided is a driving device for a full automatic washing machine in which a clutch unit can stop rotation of a dehydration axis without having a particular brake unit, since the clutch unit is closely adhered to a first dehydration axis and a bushing when the rotation of the dehydration axis is controlled according to a wash or dehydration stroke in a full automatic washing machine. In addition, since a clutch coupler of the clutch unit moves at a wash or dehydration stroke in a driving device of a washing machine to thus be attached to and detached from a clutch gear which controls rotation of the first dehydration axis, and to thereby control a rotational force which is transferred to an inner tub, the washing machine is embodied to have a simple clutch coupling structure.

Abstract: A washing machine with a direct drive system including a tub, a drum rotatably mounted inside the tub, a shaft connected to the drum at a first end for transmission of a driving force of a direct drive motor, a coaxial support connected to a rear portion of the tub and having a first seat for a first bearing supporting a second end of the shaft opposite the drum, a stator secured to the coaxial support and having a plurality of magnetic cores, a rotor including permanent magnets and connected to the shaft, and a second bearing for supporting the shaft between the second end and the first end. The tub is made of polymeric material in which a second seat for said second bearing is co-molded.

Abstract: A porthole door for a front-loading laundry appliance includes a door glass, a frame and a centering device. The door glass is curved inward toward an inside of the appliance. The frame includes an inner ring and a cover ring. The centering device is disposed on the frame and configured to bear resiliently against a peripheral edge of the door glass so as to provide a radial force acting on the door glass via the peripheral edge at various locations. The radial force brings the door glass into a centered position within the frame.

Abstract: An electronic lock is interchangeable with mechanical locks in retrofit applications or as an OEM lock. The lock includes interchangeable modular components. The lock housing is interchangeable with other housings of different configurations to permit replacement of existing mechanical locks. The lock may also include interchangeable drivers for compatibility with other systems. The lock includes an electronic access system such as a programmable keypad or card reader to activate a motor which powers the electronic lock. An optional manual bypass allows an operator to override the electronic access, for example when the motor is inoperative. When the lock is activated, the operator manually cranks a lock shaft to lock and unlock a storage unit. An optional modular chassis assembly includes a removable array of components for testing, maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A combined mechanical and electronic key includes a housing with an edge area having a link configured with grooves, electronics disposed in the housing, a key portion, which has a bearing surface mounted in a rotatable manner about an axis along the link, an activating element in the bearing surface having at least two radially projecting wings and a radially projecting driver, where the activating element is movable between a passive and an active position, the key portion is movable between an inoperative position and an operative position, where in the inoperative and operative positions, in which the activating element occupies the passive position, each wing is in a respective groove, and during the movement between the inoperative and operative positions, in which the activating element occupies the active position, the wings are detached from the grooves, and the driver engages with a contour of the bearing surface.

Abstract: A method for vibration damping and shape control of a suspended metal strip is provided. The method includes the steps of: measuring distance to the metal strip by a plurality of non-contact sensors, providing distance measurements; generating a deflection profile based on the distance measurements; decomposing the deflection profile to a number of base shapes; and controlling the deflection profile by a plurality of non-contact actuators. The step of controlling includes providing for each of the base shapes a corresponding combination of force profiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a side guide of a metal strip (1), in particular in the inlet or outlet of roll stands or driving apparatuses, wherein the side guide comprises a guide (2, 4) disposed laterally to the metal strip (1) on both sides of the metal strip (1), and the guides (2, 4) can be displaced independently of each other. One of the guides (2) is thereby driven by means of position control, and a second of the guides (4) is driven by means of force control, wherein forces of the metal strip (1) acting on the first guide (2) and the second guide (4) are measured. The target force for the second, force-controlled guide (4) is thereby prescribed as a function of the measured force on the first, position-controlled guide (2), wherein as the force on the first, position-controlled guide (2) increases, the target force for the second, force-controlled guide (4) is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a lateral guiding device for a metal strip (1), the lateral guiding device comprising a guide (2, 4) disposed laterally to the metal band (1) on both sides thereof, it being possible for the two guides (2, 4) to be displaced independently of each other, and both guides (2, 4) being operated in a position-controlled manner, forces of the metal strip that act on a first guide (2) of the two guides (2, 4) and on a second guide (4) of the two guides (2, 4) being measured, and the target position for the first and/or the second guide (2, 4) being controlled as a function of the forces measured at the first and at the second guide (2, 4), such that the lesser value of the forces measured at the first guide (2) and at the second guide (4) is above a selectable lower limit force and below a selectable upper limit force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for bending a profile in two bending directions, that comprises a bending tool including at least two clamping forms (19) centered on the profile bending axis and having the shape of disks having planar junction surfaces (19a) extending in planes perpendicular to said bending axis, in which are formed two rectilinear grooves (20b, 21b) and a peripheral rebate (22b) extending between said grooves and profiled as a continuation thereof, the grooves and the rebate being adapted so that, in the joined position of the junction surfaces (19a) of two clamping foams, the joined grooves define two clamping ducts of a profile and the joined rebates define a profile-winding bearing surface extending between said clamping ducts.

Abstract: A re-turning plant for rollers of rolling mills of the type comprising at least one roller stand and a plurality of rollers mounted to respective arms pivoting in the plane of the roller stand about respective pins that are fixed to the roller stand. The rollers are positioned within the roller stand in a work position in which work surfaces of the rollers determine the outer profile of a body to be rolled. The re-turning plant comprises a support structure configured to support the whole roller stand in a turning position, a tool-holding device that can be displaced in contact with the work surfaces of each roller fixed in the roller stand and mandrel means with means that can be rotatably coupled to each roller of the plurality of rollers fixed to the roller stand to rotate the same substantially in the work position.

Abstract: A two-piece guide pin for metal forming dies includes a guide pin body formed from a cut length of an elongate, solid bar of stock having a cylindrical shape and a hard and smooth finished exterior surface with an outside diameter selected for close reception and reciprocal motion in an associated die bore. An alignment member is formed on a first end of the guide pin body. A guide pin head is formed from a cut length of an elongate, solid bar of stock having an outside diameter that is substantially greater than that of the guide pin body, and is rigidly connected with the second end of the guide pin body in a generally concentric relationship to define an enlarged head that positively limits travel between an associated die shoe and die pad.

Abstract: A clinch-type fastener is formed by simultaneously creating an undercut during the same forging that creates the head and displacer of the fastener. A fastener blank is compressed end-to-end between top and bottom dies whereby the axial compression of a blank causes the outward bulging of the shank at its midline. Simultaneously, a tapered end point and a tangential interference band are formed provided by a curvilinear-shaped bulge in the shank. As the bulge is formed an undercut is created between the bulge and a shoulder which extends downwardly from a head of the fastener. This method of formation and the fastener produced thereby are particularly suited to the manufacture of small clinch pins having a diameter in the range of 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A method of forming a stent includes the steps of forming a composite member into a stent pattern, forming openings through an outer member of the composite member, processing the composite member to remove a portion of the composite member without adversely affecting the outer member, and swaging the outer member to create a plurality of lumens. The composite member may be formed of an outer member with an hourglass-shaped inner member, wherein the processing step removes the inner member and the swaging step forms two lumens from the hourglass shaped cavity. The composite member may be formed of an outer member, an inner member, and an intermediate member, wherein the processing step removes the intermediate member and the swaging step presses portions of the outer member into contact with the inner member to form two lumens separated by the inner member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a sensor system of at least one measuring bearing for a bearing installation, said method being used to adjust individual measured values of an individual bearing installation using representative reference values of a reference installation.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a dispenser of the type having an actuator that is movable over a variable stroke distance includes dispensing a quantity of viscous material from the dispenser by moving the actuator over one of a plurality of stroke distances, weighing the quantity of viscous material, repeating the acts of dispensing and weighing for each of the plurality of stroke distances, and displaying the weight of each of the dispensed quantities to a user using a user interface device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating pressure gauges in one or more process chambers coupled to a transfer chamber having a transfer volume is disclosed herein. The method includes providing a first pressure in the transfer volume and in a first inner volume of a first process chamber coupled to the transfer chamber, wherein the transfer volume and the first inner volume are fluidly coupled, injecting a calibration gas into the transfer volume to raise a pressure in the transfer volume and in the first inner volume to a second pressure, measuring the second pressure using each of a reference pressure gauge coupled to the transfer chamber and a first pressure gauge coupled to the first process chamber while the transfer volume and the first inner volume are fluidly coupled, and calibrating the first pressure gauge based on a difference in the measured second pressure between the reference pressure gauge and the first pressure gauge.

Abstract: The present invention provides for test surfaces and methods for calibration of surface profilometers, including interferometric and atomic force microscopes. Calibration is performed using a specially designed test surface, or the Binary Pseudo-random (BPR) grating (array). Utilizing the BPR grating (array) to measure the power spectral density (PSD) spectrum, the profilometer is calibrated by determining the instrumental modulation transfer function (IMTF).

Abstract: A method for deriving the concentration of a gas dissolved in an electrical insulating oil (2) comprises the following steps:—preparing a membrane (5) permeable to the gas, interposed between a container (7) of the oil (2) and a measuring chamber (4) that receives a part of the gas through the membrane (5);—measuring the value of gas concentration in the measuring chamber (4);—deriving an estimated value of the concentration of the gas in the oil (2) as a function of the measured value,—the measuring step comprising taking at successive measuring instants a plurality of measurements of the values of gas concentration in the measuring chamber (4);—the deriving step comprising calculating the estimated value of gas concentration in the oil (2), at an instant selected from said measuring instants, according to a non-linear function of the values measured at the selected measuring instant and at one or more of the measuring instants preceding the one selected.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a housing, which is closed off by a membrane that is made of palladium and selectively only pervious to hydrogen. The housing is evacuated and contains a Pirani pressure sensor. The membrane and the Pirani pressure sensor are each attached to a carrier. Both carriers are joined directly next to one another or kept at a distance by a connection piece. The hydrogen sensor has a high sensitivity and a low response time due to the relatively large membrane surface and the low housing volume. It can be produced in a small size and integrated in the handle of a sniffer-type leak indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating a fuel tank venting valve of a motor vehicle during leak testing of a fuel tank venting system where the fuel tank venting valve is arranged in a recovery line that connects a retention vessel to catch fuel vapors from a fuel tank to an inlet manifold of an operating internal combustion engine, comprising sealing the tank venting system from the atmosphere outside the motor vehicle, opening the fuel tank venting valve to expose the fuel tank and the tank venting system to a relative negative pressure present in the inlet manifold of the operating internal combustion engine and regulating the degree of opening of the tank venting valve based upon the external pressure, pA.

Abstract: A microfluidic sensor formed by stacking a plurality of substantially non-electrically conductive layers, typically formed from thin polymer films. Certain layers may carry patterned electrodes that are arranged to permit their connection to an electrical interrogation circuit. Electrodes may be disposed in a 3-dimensional array in the sensor. A fluid path through the sensor includes an orifice sized to promote single-file travel of particles. The orifice may be defined by a tunnel passing through at least one layer. Particles entrained in an electrolytic carrier fluid may be detected, or otherwise characterized, by interrogation circuitry connected to certain embodiments of the sensor. Sensors generally include portions of a fluid path disposed parallel to the layers. Sensors may operate under the Coulter principle, and/or Stokes' shift phenomena. In certain embodiments, the sensor may be carried by a cartridge, which is adapted to couple with an interrogation platform.

Abstract: Next-generation intelligent tire systems, such as active and adaptive tire systems and methods, are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention can sense actual tire, road and driving conditions and characteristics, and/or respond to externally controlled influences, and dynamically adapt thereto, thereby improving vehicle and passenger safety.

Abstract: A bond surface testing apparatus includes a solution chamber; a plurality of solutions in the solution chamber, the solution chamber adapted to dispense the solutions onto a bonding surface; an information capture module carried by the solution chamber and adapted to capture information relating to bonding surface properties of the bonding surface; at least one analysis module interfacing with the information capture module and adapted to analyze the bonding surface properties of the bonding surface; and a structural wettability factor prediction module interfacing with the at least one analysis module and adapted to predict a structural wettability factor based on the bonding surface properties.

Abstract: The method includes extraction of gases contained in a mud, in order to obtain a gas stream of extracted gases containing hydrocarbons to be analyzed and at least one parasitic compound. The method includes transporting the gas stream through a transport line (54) and passing it through a separation column (121) in order to separate the hydrocarbons to be analyzed according to their elution times in the separation column (121). The parasitic compound is likely to have an elution time in the separation column (121) between the elution time for the first hydrocarbon to be analyzed and the elution time of the final hydrocarbon to be analyzed. The method includes passing the gas stream over a surface (141) for chemical and/or physical interaction with the parasitic compound in order to selectively retain the or each parasitic compound without retaining the hydrocarbons to be analyzed.

Abstract: A system for identifying at least one species in space includes a physical response module for outputting multiple spectral data based on received signals from a target in space; a calibration module for receiving the spectral data and outputting a first dataset, including density of an {x, y, z} coordinate location in space as a function of time, t; and a classification module for receiving the first dataset, and outputting a second dataset including multiple tuples of {x, y, z, t, d} associated with the at least one species, wherein d is density of the at least one species. Also included is an HD processor for receiving the second dataset from the classification module and providing a visual image of the second dataset to a user.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the fill level of a liquid in a liquid container, in particular for monitoring the coolant fill level in a reactor pressure vessel of a pressurized water reactor system, wherein a determination is made about the drop in the liquid level below the installed height of a heated thermal element by way of the temperature difference measured between said heated thermal element and an unheated thermal element associated therewith, both of said elements being disposed in the liquid container, said method comprising the especially reliable triggering of an alarm with a short response time while maintaining a low level of physical and controls engineering complexity when the liquid level to be monitored falls below a critical value.

Abstract: A high-resolution digital seismic and gravity sensor includes an inertial mass connected to one or more force-sensitive resonators. The weight of the inertial mass is substantially unloaded with a spring arrangement when exposed to the force of the static gravity field. Seismic accelerations applied to the base of the seismic and gravity sensor, or changes in the gravitational field, generate loads that are transmitted to force-sensitive resonators so that changes in resonant frequency are related to the applied load. The changes in resonant frequency are thus a measure of the seismic accelerations and gravitational field variations.

Abstract: In an inertial sensor having a resonator and an accelerometer, acceleration signals are induced by resonating at least one shuttle of the resonator in a device plane at a shuttle resonance mode frequency and modulating the motion of the at least one resonator shuttle to induce accelerometer signals from the accelerometer. The motion may be modulated in the device plane or out of the device plane. A shuttle resonance mode and an accelerometer resonance mode may me matched based on the induced accelerometer signals, for example, by providing a feedback signal to the inertial sensor in response to such induced accelerometer signals to substantially nullify the induced accelerometer signals.

Abstract: A bulk acoustic wave gyroscope has a primary member in a member plane, and an electrode layer in an electrode plane spaced from the member plane. The electrode layer has a first portion that is electrically isolated from a second portion. The first portion, however, is mechanically coupled with the second portion and faces the primary member (e.g., to actuate or sense movement of the primary member). For support, the second portion of the electrode is directly coupled with structure in the member plane.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor having two generally planar proof masses, a sense axis in the plane of the masses, and an input axis perpendicular to the sense axis. The masses are suspended from a driving frame, which is mounted for torsional movement about the input axis in drive-mode. And the masses are constrained for anti-phase movement along the sense axis in sense-mode in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the input axis, with sensors responsive to the anti-phase movement of the masses along the sense axis for monitoring rate of rotation.

Abstract: A high-performance angular rate detecting device is provided. A driving part including a drive frame and a Coriolis frame is levitated by at least two fixing beams which share a fixed end and are extending in a direction orthogonal to a driving direction, thereby vibrating the driving part. Even when a substrate is deformed by mounting or heat fluctuation, internal stress generated to the fixed beam and a supporting beam is small, thereby maintaining a vibrating state such as resonance frequency and vibration amplitude constant. Therefore, a high-performance angular rate detecting device which is robust to changes in mounting environment can be obtained.

Abstract: A MEMS or NEMS device for detecting a force following a given direction, comprising a support and at least one seismic mass capable of moving under the effect of the force to be measured in the direction of the force, and a detector for detecting the movement of the seismic mass, the seismic mass being articulated relative to the support by at least one pivot link, and an actuator capable of varying the distance between the axis of the pivot link and the center of gravity of the exertion of the force on the seismic mass.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an acoustic method and device for localized, contactless, measurement of elastic and dissipative non-linearities and dynamic non-linear viscoelasticity in a medium subjected to a low-frequency acoustic stress and probed by ultrasonic pulses or wave trains.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a circuit device. The circuit device determines that the receiving device receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from an object, when an output voltage of the receiving device is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The circuit device includes a humidity detection section configured to detect an ambient humidity of the transmitting and receiving devices and a threshold adjustment section configured to calculate, based on the detected ambient humidity, a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave that is received by the receiving device after propagating over a round-trip distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object. The threshold adjustment section reduces the first threshold, when the output voltage corresponding to the calculated sound pressure is less than a second threshold that is greater the first threshold.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic inspection method or ultrasonic inspection system in which an ultrasonic wave is propagated to an test object via a medium such as a liquid or a gas, an incident position of the ultrasonic wave is accurately and reliably identified. In an ultrasonic inspection method based on an immersion technique, an optical irradiator is mounted on an ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving unit, an optical marker is irradiated from the optical irradiator to the test object, and an irradiated position of the optical marker is imaged using imaging equipment in order to perform inspection.

Abstract: A multiple chamber test system is provided. The multiple chamber test system includes a plurality of test chambers that each include a vibration table. In addition, each of the test chambers is provided with thermally controlled air from a common source. An output plenum for providing thermally controlled air to the test chambers may include a flow control device, to provide the same or similar thermal conditions in each of the test chambers. Where pneumatic actuators are used to impart movement to the vibration tables, the exhaust air from the actuators can be prevented from mixing with the thermally controlled chamber air.

Abstract: A pressure transducer assembly that uses static pressure compensation to capture low-level dynamic pressures in high temperature environments. The pressure transducer assembly combines a static-dynamic pressure transducer with a micro-filter element to achieve a compact system that can be used in extreme temperature applications where low-level, dynamic pressure measurements are required in a high pressure environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sensors including pressure sensors. In some cases, the pressure sensor may include a membrane or diaphragm, multiple sense elements connected to one another in a bridge configuration and positioned on the membrane, and an amplifier coupled to an output of the bridge configuration and having an output, where the diaphragm, sense elements and amplifier may be formed on a singled substrate or formed integrally therewith, or both. In one example, the pressure sensor may sense a particular range of pressures applied to the sensor, and/or may include an amplifier that has a selectable gain for amplifying an output of the bridge.

Abstract: A piston-type differential pressure gauge provides an electronic output for remote monitoring. A linear potentiometer, in communication with a magnetic portion of the piston of the gauge, tracks the location of the piston. Resistance change in the potentiometer can be used by an electronic circuit to provide the electronic output of the differential pressure remotely to a data acquisition system or control electronics.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly is disclosed wherein the substrate to which the pressure sensing die is mounted is decoupled from the package.

Abstract: Sensing strain in an adhesively bonded joint includes inducing a strain wave in the joint, and sensing a change in local magnetic characteristics in the joint. An array includes a plurality of elements for sensing and inducing a strain wave in selected regions of a structure having the adhesively bonded joint. The elements include at least one micromechanical driver for inducing strain waves in selected regions, a plurality of mechanical sensors for measuring vibrations resulting from the induced strain waves, a plurality of micromagnetic drivers for generating weak magnetic fields over the selected regions, and a plurality of micromagnetic sensors for sensing magnetic responses of the selected regions to the strain waves.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor based on spiral structure is a multi-loop spiral member formed by spring wire. A plurality of deformation teeth are continuously distributed on the upper surface and the lower surface (12) of the spring wire in a longitudinal direction along the spring wire; in two adjacent loops of the spring wire, the deformation teeth on the lower surface of the upper loop of the spring wire and the deformation teeth on the upper surface of the lower loop of the spring wire correspond to each other in a staggered way. A signal optical fiber is clamped between the deformation teeth on the lower surface of the upper loop of the spring wire and the deformation teeth on the upper surface of the lower loop of the spring wire, and connected to a test unit (5) by a transmission optical fiber.

Abstract: Methods of/for testing fire fighting vehicle foam delivery systems using an environmentally benign fluid. Systems and methods test the foam delivery systems' piping, valves, pump, proportioner, educator, and nozzles while minimizing the release of Aqueous Film Forming Foam to the environment. The testing system complies with the National Fire Protection Association.

Abstract: Systems of/for testing fire fighting vehicle arm delivery systems using an environmentally benign fluid. Systems test the foam delivery systems' piping, values, pump, proportioner, educator, and nozzles while minimizing the release of Aqueous Film Forming Foam to the environment. The testing system complies with the National Fire Protection Association.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for storage, retrieval and sampling of materials.

Abstract: A sampler for an elemental analyzer comprises a sample housing suitable to accommodate one or more samples, sealed in tin or silver capsules, to be analyzed, a closure mechanism suitable to reversibly seal the sample housing, a sample passage having a connection opening for the passage by gravity of the one or more samples from the sampler into the analyzer through the connection opening. The sampler further comprises a heater for heating the sample housing and a vacuum system or other means for pumping out environmental gases and vapors from the sample housing.

Abstract: A fitting for inserting a pig into a pipeline. The fitting comprises a cast body having a first end for connecting to a first end of a pipeline and a second end for connecting to a second end of the pipeline. The cast body further comprises a third end arranged at a predetermined angle to the first and second end of the cast body. A retractable guide within the cast body can be at least partially inserted into a run portion of the cast body for delivery or retrieval of the pig.

Abstract: A system is provided to facilitate inspections, repairs, and other operations within vessels without human entry into the vessels, and without introducing contaminants that could reduce the purity of materials held in the vessels below predetermined minimum levels.

Abstract: Testing the reliability of flexible separators arranged under conditions enabling the cycling rate of testing to be accelerated. According to the invention, two separators are enclosed in two rigid chambers, each defining a liquid capacity and a gas capacity. The two gas capacities communicate with each other, and each of the liquid capacities communicates with means for causing the volume of each of them to vary in alternation.