Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a fertilizer composition from still bottoms obtained from milling of a starch-containing feedstock (such as corn), comprising separating still bottoms into a solids stream and a thin stillage stream; removing water to generate a condensed distillers solubles stream; and recovering the condensed distillers solubles stream as a fertilizer composition. Novel fertilizer compositions as well as novel distillers grains products are co-produced with a fermentation product (such as ethanol or isobutanol).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising an effective amount of sulphur, an effective amount of zinc sulphate or zinc oxide and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition containing a stabilized solvent ketone, ester, or glycol liquid concentrate of at least one N-alkyl thiophosphoric triamide and at least one surfactant. The invention also relates to methods of using the composition.

Abstract: An encapsulated particle including a core particle, a base layer, and an outer layer is provided. The base layer is disposed about the core particle and comprises polycarbodiimide. The outer layer is disposed about the base layer and comprises wax. A method of forming the encapsulated particle including the steps of reacting an isocyanate in the presence of a catalyst to form the polycarbodiimide, encapsulating the core particle with the polycarbodiimide to form the base layer, and encapsulating the base layer with the wax to form the outer layer is also provided.

Abstract: A dust suppressing aggregate includes a core particle and a dust suppressing agent. The dust suppressing agent comprises polycarbodiimide and is disposed about the core particle for suppressing dusting of the core particle. A method of forming the dust suppressing aggregate includes the steps of reacting isocyanates in the presence of a catalyst to form the polycarbodiimide and encapsulating the core particle with the polycarbodiimide to form the dust suppressing agent. A system for producing the dust suppressing aggregate includes the core particle, the isocyanates, and the catalyst.

Abstract: A method for lubricating rolls, especially work rolls of a rolling stand, and rolling stock passed between the rolls during the rolling operation, in which a lubricant-gas mixture, a lubricant-water-gas mixture, a lubricant-water mixture and/or a grease-medium mixture is applied to the rolls or the rolling stock on the run-in side of the rolling stand, wherein the mixture is prepared with at least one mixing device in the area upstream of the rolling stand.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for caulking a caulking member such as a caulking nut or a caulking bolt to a metal plate. The metal plate is arranged on a die having a caulking protrusion formed on an end surface thereof, the caulking member is arranged on the metal plate while a position of a caulking recess portion of the caulking member is aligned with the caulking protrusion, and a punch is brought closer to the die so that the caulking member is pressed against the metal plate. While an upper surface of the metal plate in a position opposite to the caulking recess portion is restricted by a downward protruding portion of the punch or by the caulking member, the metal plate is plastically fluidized into the caulking recess portion, so that the caulking member is caulked without boring a hole in the metal plate.

Abstract: A horizontal can necking machine assembly includes a plural of main turrets and a plural of transfer starwheels. Each main turret includes a main turret shaft, a main gear mounted on the main turret shaft, a pusher assembly, and a die capable of necking a can body upon actuation of the turret shaft. Each transfer starwheel includes a transfer shaft and a transfer gear mounted on the transfer shaft. The main gears are engaged with the transfer gears such that lines through the main gear center and the centers of opposing transfer gears form an included angle of less than 170 degrees, thereby increasing the angular range available for necking the can body. The main turrets and transfer starwheels may operate to neck and move at least 2800 cans per minute, and each pusher assembly may have a stroke length relative to the die that is at least 1.5 inches.

Abstract: A method of forming an article from an ??? titanium including, in weight percentages, from about 2.9 to about 5.0 aluminum, from about 2.0 to about 3.0 vanadium, from about 0.4 to about 2.0 iron, and from about 0.2 to about 0.3 oxygen. The method comprises cold working the ??? titanium alloy.

Abstract: The method for cooling a hot-rolled steel sheet of the invention includes a target ratio-setting process in which a top and bottom heat transfer coefficient ratio X1, at which a temperature standard deviation Y becomes a minimum value Ymin, is set as a target ratio Xt based on correlation data between a top and bottom heat transfer coefficient ratio X of the hot-rolled steel sheet and the temperature standard deviation Y of the hot-rolled steel sheet; and a cooling control process in which at least one of an amount of heat dissipated from a top surface by cooling and an amount of heat dissipated from a bottom surface by cooling of the hot-rolled steel sheet in the cooling section is controlled so that the top and bottom heat transfer coefficient ratio X of the hot-rolled steel sheet in the cooling section matches the target ratio Xt.

Abstract: According to the apparatus and method, metals can be molded under a low extrusion pressure, the life of the apparatus is prolonged, the strength of the metal products is improved, the ignition of the metals is inhibited during processing, the amount of a protective gas used is reduced, and the formation of welding lines is inhibited.

Abstract: A method of extruding elements, especially made of metal, and a system for extruding elements, especially made of metal, are employed for production of elements by means of extrusion. The material is deflected from the infeed wheel tangentially or at an angle within 90° and is caused to flow locally within the area of the die, by the mandrel's rotary action. This method is executed in a system where in the gap's output area there is a wedge to deflect the direction of exit of the material fed by the rotating infeed wheel, and in the space between the friction block and the deflection wedge there is a mandrel caused to cyclically move bidirectionally at frequency of (0.1-10) Hz, whose face contacts the material in the area of transfer into the die.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus that manufactures flattened tube fins includes: a press apparatus equipped with a mold apparatus that forms cutaway portions in a thin metal plate to produce a metal strip; an inter-row slit apparatus cutting the metal strip into predetermined widths to form metal strips of a product width; a cutoff apparatus that cuts the metal strips of the product width into predetermined lengths to obtain flattened tube fins; and a metal strip guide which is disposed between the inter-row slit apparatus and the cutoff apparatus and supplies the metal strips of the product width to the cutoff apparatus in a state where the metal strips are separated from one another.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell stack, in which the concept of automation is introduced to the entire process for manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly and, in particular, bonding and stamping processes for the membrane electrode assembly and a gas diffusion layer are integrated. According to the present invention, it may be possible to reduce the installation area of the system and reduce the production cycle type, thus facilitating mass production.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a dispenser, which has a material dispensing unit that is configured to dispense material on a substrate, includes dispensing a line of material on a surface, capturing at least one image of the line dispensed on the surface, calculating an average line width of the line dispensed on the surface, and comparing the average line width of the line dispensed on the surface to a desired line width. A controller configured to perform the method is further disclosed.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods, devices, and systems for monitoring sensor data and indicating recommendations for confirmation tests on a user interface are provided. Sensor data is received and is monitored to detect predetermined signal characteristics that are associated with a likelihood of inaccuracy of the sensor data. A recommendation for a confirmation test to be performed is indicated on a user interface after the occurrence of a predetermined signal characteristic is detected.

Abstract: Measures are described which simplify the functional testing of a component having an MEMS element provided with a pressure-sensitive sensor diaphragm, and which allow a self-calibration of the component even after it is already in place, i.e., following the end of the production process. The component has a housing, in which are situated at least one MEMS element having a pressure-sensitive sensor diaphragm and a switching arrangement for detecting the diaphragm deflections as measuring signals; an arrangement for analyzing the measuring signals; and an arrangement for the defined excitation of the sensor diaphragm. The housing has at least one pressure connection port. The arrangement for exciting the sensor diaphragm includes at least one selectively actuable actuator component for generating defined pressure pulses that act on the sensor diaphragm.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for verifying the flow rate of gas through a mass flow controller, such as a mass flow controller used with a tool for semiconductor or solar cell fabrication. To verify the mass flow rate measured by the mass flow controller, gas passing through the mass flow controller is also passed through a mass flow meter. The measured flow rate through the mass flow controller is compared to the measured flow rate through the mass flow meter and any difference between the two measured flow rates is determined. Depending upon the magnitude of any difference, the flow of gas to the mass flow controller may be altered.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for calibrating a metrology tool by using proportionality factors. The proportionality factors may be obtained by measuring a substrate under different measurement conditions. Then calculating the measured metrology value and one or more quality merits. From this information, proportionality factors may be determined. Thereafter the proportionality factors may be used to quantify the inaccuracy in a metrology measurement. The proportionality factors may also be used to determine an optimize measurement recipe. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The apparatus for determining coefficients of friction collects data required for determining static and dynamic coefficients of friction between various materials. The apparatus includes a ramp with adjustable slope and a plurality of test masses for placement on the ramp. Upslope lights and sensors, downslope lights and sensors, and a digital angle meter are installed on the ramp. The apparatus has a timing device having a display to show the elapsed time between a test mass passing the upslope sensor and the downslope sensor. The operator can determine the static coefficient of fraction from the tangent of the angle displayed on the digital angle meter when a test mass first begins to slide, and can compute the kinetic coefficient of friction from the angle displayed on the digital angle meter and the elapsed time shown on the timing device.

Abstract: A device is provided which includes an activity sensor, a communication portion, and a route suggesting portion. The activity sensor can detect physical activity of a user of a device. The communication portion may provide access one or more social networks via a communication network, in which the device may communicate with a social network of contacts. The route suggesting portion may provide an alternate route to travel such that the predicted odor may not offend others that are socially connected to the user and that travel the same routes as the user.

Abstract: A modulator for simply providing fast and precise sampling of a chromatographic peak eluting from a first column into a second column of a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph, where the modulator includes a planar component containing a first gas passage for connecting a carrier gas source to the second separation column, a second gas passage for connecting the first separation column to an exhaust outlet, a connecting gas passage between the first and second gas passages, and two individually controllable open/close valves arranged in parallel connection in the first gas passage between its connection to the carrier gas source and the branch-off of the connecting gas passage, and where the gas passages and valves are formed in the planar component by micromachining.

Abstract: Method for chromatographic analysis of a hydrogen-containing gas mixture, wherein a first dose of the gas mixture is guided through a separation device using helium as a carrier gas during a first measurement pass and concentrations of separated components are measured, the concentration of the hydrogen in the gas mixture is measured and the measurement value is obtained up to an upper limit value in the range from 5% to 6%, and a second dose of the same gas mixture is guided through the separation device using the same carrier gas during a second measurement pass, wherein as compared to the first measurement pass the dose is reduced, the gas mixture is volumetrically diluted and/or the carrier-gas speed is reduced, and the hydrogen concentration is re-measured, and the measurement value obtained during the first measurement pass is verified against the measurement value obtained in the second measurement pass.

Abstract: An acoustical transformer having a last matching section that includes a protective barrier of low permeability. The protective barrier is in contact with a test medium. In one embodiment, the protective barrier comprises one or more low permeability layers, such as a metallic foil or metallic coating(s) disposed on a low impedance layer such as polyimide, so that the low impedance layer and the protective barrier constitute the last matching section of the acoustical transformer. In other embodiments, the protective barrier comprises a fluoropolymer. A method for determining the thicknesses of the various layers of the acoustical transformer for enhanced performance is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one oscillation measurement signal, which has vibrations of a vibratory body are registered. A temperature sensor is applied thermally attached with a non fluid contacting, second surface of the vibratory body for producing a temperature measurement signal representing a time curve of a variable temperature of the vibratory body. The temperature measurement signal can follow, however time delayed, a change of the temperature of the vibratory body from a beginning temperature value, to a new temperature value. Based on the oscillation measurement signal as well as the temperature measurement signal, density, measured values are produced representing the density, wherein, during such, discrepancies possibly occurring between the time curve of the temperature of the vibratory body and the temperature measurement signal are taken into consideration, respectively at least partially compensated.

Abstract: A system and a method is described herein for the collection of small particles in a concentrated manner, whereby particles are deposited onto a solid surface or collected into a volume of liquid. The collected samples readily interface to any of a number of different elemental, chemical, or biological or other analysis techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting a fuel system leak. While a system vacuum pump is operated to supply vacuum to a vacuum consumption device, air exhausted from the vacuum pump is routed to a fuel system to apply positive pressure thereon. A fuel system leak is identified based on a rate of decay of the pressure applied from the vacuum pump.

Abstract: Single-use, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor or in a barcode printed on the sensor. These sensors may be utilized with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances. The sensors exhibit both their primary sensing function such as conductivity, pH level, dissolved oxygen, pressure or temperature, as well as at least one secondary sensing function of risk management or risk mitigation.

Abstract: A capillary bridge viscometer (120), comprises at least two at least generally balanced bridge arm conduits (R1, R2) a bulkhead supporting structure (122,134) supporting removable connection portions for each of a plurality of the arms in a bridge configuration, a bridge supporting structure (124,136) supporting the bridge arm conduits (R1,R2) and supporting two further removable connection portions (132) for each of the bridge arm conduits, wherein each of the further removable connection portions (132) supported by the bridge supporting structure are positioned to mate with a corresponding one of the removable connection portions (130) supported by the bulkhead supporting structure concurrently to hydraulically connect the bridge arm conduits in the bridge configuration; and a balance detector having hydraulic connections for connection between first and second differential detection points in the bridge when the removable connection portions on the bridge are mated to corresponding ones of the removable co

Abstract: A heat insulating member 13 is provided on the outer circumference of a connection pipe 11. The heat insulating member 13 includes: a tube 12; and an air layer 15 between the connection pipe 11 and the tube 12. Accordingly, it is possible to always keep the temperature of a sample component at the time of detection by a detector constant and thus prevent an influence of the temperature on an output result of the detector, in a low flow rate analysis using a modularized column unit and a modularized detection unit.

Abstract: A moisture status measuring device includes a moisture sensor, a drainage sensor, and a moisture status acquirer. The moisture sensor outputs an output value according to an amount of moisture contained in soil housed in a container that includes drainage holes. The drainage sensor detects water discharged from the drainage holes. The moisture status acquirer acquires moisture status information expressing the current moisture status of moisture in the soil on the basis of the output value from the moisture sensor at the time when the drainage sensor detected water and the current output value from the moisture sensor.

Abstract: An injector relay diagnostic system is provided. The system comprises a first fuel injector, a first electrical relay disposed between an electrical potential and the first fuel injector, wherein the first electrical relay is configured to connect the first fuel injector to the electrical potential upon receipt of a first control signal, and a control module configured to transmit the first control signal to the first electrical relay, receive an output from the first fuel injector, and determine a state of the first electrical relay by comparing the output from the first fuel injector to a predetermined parameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a flow of heated air in an airfoil model of an inlet of an aircraft engine. Heated air is sent into a duct system associated with the airfoil model of the inlet of the aircraft engine. The heated air is circulated within the airfoil model of the inlet of the aircraft engine using the duct system in a manner that simulates air flowing in the inlet of the aircraft engine.

Abstract: A compact, easy to use tire tread gauge has a window that displays an indication of the condition of an automobile tire and whether it needs to be replaced because of tread wear.

Abstract: The invention provides measurement equipment for measuring the inflation pressure of a tire of a vehicle wheel 1, the equipment comprising: a body 16 defining an internal volume; a communication orifice 19 for putting the inside volume of the body 16 into communication with an inflation chamber situated between a rim 2 and a tire of the wheel and containing an inflation gas; an indicator member 25 slidably mounted in the body 16 so as to define a gastight separation between a first chamber 26 containing a given quantity of a reference gas and a second chamber 27 into which the communication orifice 19 leads, such that the indicator member 25 is subjected to opposing pressures that exist in each of the chambers; and position-identification means 30 for identifying the position of the indicator member in the body.

Abstract: A MEMS pressure sensor device is provided that can provide both a linear output with regard to external pressure, and a differential capacitance output so as to improve the signal amplitude level. These benefits are provided through use of a rotating proof mass that generates capacitive output from electrodes configured at both ends of the rotating proof mass. Sensor output can then be generated using a difference between the capacitances generated from the ends of the rotating proof mass. An additional benefit of such a configuration is that the differential capacitance output changes in a more linear fashion with respect to external pressure changes than does a capacitive output from traditional MEMS pressure sensors.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to indirect tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMSs) and methods that utilize anti-lock braking system (ABS) signals. In embodiments, information from the ABS Hall signal is obtained in analog form, before pulse forming. The information can be analyzed for a resonance frequency within the ABS sensor. In some embodiments, the digitized information can be modulated onto the conventional ABS wheel speed clock signal for transmission to and analysis by the indirect TPMS electronic control unit (ECU). According to embodiments, additional information about higher-order harmonics of the wheel rotation can be provided to the TPMS ECU, which can then calculate a more accurate estimation of tire pressure while reducing warning latency.

Abstract: A tire monitoring device includes a housing mounted within a cavity of a tire/wheel assembly. A sensor within the housing senses a condition within the cavity via an open passage in the housing. A hollow first tube extends away from the housing coaxial to an axis of the open passage. The first tube has an internal bore aligned with the open passage, and includes: a first tubular portion having a first cross sectional width; and a second tubular portion having a second cross sectional width smaller than the first cross sectional width. The second tubular portion further has a free end opening positioned in the cavity above a level of a liquid present in the cavity when the tire monitoring device is positioned at a lowest point in the cavity. The opening has a cross sectional width sized to prevent entrance of the liquid past the opening.

Abstract: For the purpose of determining a weight concentration of a clay material in a porous medium sample, a specific active surface area of the clay material and an initial specific active surface area of the porous sample are measured. A water solution of the clay material is pumped through the sample and a specific active surface area of the sample of the porous medium is measured after the pumping. Then, the weight concentration of the clay material is calculated.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a stator which encircles a portion of a cylindrical diaphragm. This encircling forms a circumferential gap between the sidewalls of the stator and the diaphragm. Therefore, a greater area “A” can be achieved in smaller diameter sensor footprint than prior art designs and yet still detect relatively small changes in capacitance. Additionally, the width “g1” of the gap can be wider than prior art designs without negatively affecting capacitance detection. A bonding agent which has a melting temperature of about half that of bonding agents used in prior art designs, secures the stator to the diaphragm and reduces oxidation issues during assembly, thereby decreasing manufacturing time and cost. To ensure proper side-to-side alignment of the stator relative to the diaphragm, a centering sleeve, which is removed after bonding, is placed over as stub at the upper end of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A man packable, portable sounding kit includes, in one example, at least two balloons and at least two radiosondes each including a tether for connecting a radiosonde to a balloon. A gas container includes gas for inflating the at least two balloons. A fill hose assembly includes a balloon inflation nozzle coupled to a pressure regulator. A data transceiver unit is configured to receive and optionally to rebroadcast atmospheric weather data from the radiosonde. A case houses the balloons, radiosondes, data transceiver unit, gas container, and fill hose assembly.

Abstract: A fluid flow resistance modifying chemical additive system includes a flow loop, a first friction loop flow resistance measuring system coupled proximate an inlet side of the flow loop, at least one chemical additive device downstream of the first friction loop in the flow loop and a second friction loop flow resistance measuring system coupled proximate an outlet side of the flow loop. A method for continuous measuring effect of at least one flow resistance chemical additive on a base fluid include pumping the base fluid into a flow loop. A property of the base fluid is measured. At least one modifying chemical is added to the base fluid. The property of the combined base fluid and at least one flow resistance modifying chemical is then measured and/or modified with respect to the flow resistance properties of the base fluid.

Abstract: A device for detecting at least one property of a fluid medium has at least one sensor housing introducible into the fluid medium, which sensor housing has at least one channel through which the fluid medium flows and which has at least one outlet opening. The fluid medium flows out through the outlet opening after flowing through the channel. The sensor housing has at least one housing body and at least one cover. The outlet opening is situated in the cover. The housing body has at least one collar section, which engages with the outlet opening and which forms at least one part of an edge of the outlet opening.

Abstract: A reflector target includes a reflector defining a tapered reflector surface. The reflector includes an apex opening and an opposed base opening, wherein the base opening has a larger perimeter than the apex opening. The tapered reflector surface extends between the openings forming a tapered passage there-between. The tapered reflector surface is configured to resist the accumulation of surface bubbles on the reflector surface by movement of bubbles along the reflector surface out through the apex opening.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for measuring gravitational force are described where at least one first radiation can be provided to at least one optomechanical oscillator, the at least one optomechanical oscillator being structured to deform under the gravitational force to cause a shift in resonance associated with the at least one optomechanical oscillator. In addition, at least one second radiation is received from the at least one optomechanical oscillator, wherein the at least one second radiation is associated with the shift in the resonance, and the shift in the resonance can be determined based on the first and second radiations.

Abstract: A system for decorative space-saving measuring cups is a set of modified nesting doll that can be used to measure sequential volumetric quantities. Each of the nesting dolls can split apart into a first measuring cup and a second measuring cup, which are sized to hold two different volumes of a substance. The second measuring cup of an arbitrary nesting doll is always elevated by the second measuring cup of the next-largest nesting doll so that the second measuring cup of the arbitrary nesting doll is easier to grasp.