Abstract: A vehicular heat pump system may have two inside heat exchangers within an HVAC module, and may operate in mild cooling and mild heating modes. In mild cooling mode, a first isolation valve and a second isolation valve are fully open and closed, respectively, to direct the refrigerant flow to the first inside heat exchanger only. In mild heating mode, the first isolation valve and the second isolation valve are fully closed and fully open, respectively, to direct the refrigerant flow to the second inside heat exchanger only. In both modes, a first metering device is partially open to control the flow and expansion of the refrigerant, and a second metering device is fully closed to prevent the refrigerant from flowing between the inside heat exchangers. This staged operation of the heat pump system may reduce the risk of flash fog as well as reduce discharge air temperature spreads.

Abstract: A thermal management system is provided for a vehicle having an electric traction motor. The system includes a coolant system configured to convey coolant through a first thermal load, a refrigerant circuit including a condenser and a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, a control system and a sensor. The refrigerant circuit is configured to cool at least one second thermal load. The sensor is configured to send signals to the control system that are indicative of a temperature of the first thermal load. The control system is configured to control an outlet pressure of the compressor based on the signals.

Abstract: A computing device calculates a quality of a refrigerant flowing out of a second expansion device on the basis of an inlet liquid enthalpy calculated on the basis of a temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second expansion device and a saturated gas enthalpy and a saturated liquid enthalpy calculated on the basis of a temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the second expansion device or a pressure of the refrigerant sucked into a compressor; calculates a liquid-phase concentration and a gas-phase concentration of the refrigerant flowing out of the second expansion device on the basis of the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the second expansion device and the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor; and calculates a composition of the refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle on the basis of the calculated quality, liquid-phase concentration, and gas-phase concentration.

Abstract: An expansion valve (16) for a vapour compression system (1) and a vapour compression system (1) are disclosed. The expansion valve (16) comprises a first valve member (17), a second valve member (20) and a third valve member (21), said valve members (17, 20, 21) being arranged in such a manner that relative movements at least between the first valve member (17) and the second valve member (20), and between the first valve member (17) and the third valve member (21) are possible. The expansion valve (16) is switchable between a first state in which an opening degree of the expansion valve (16) is determined by the relative position of the first valve member (17) and the second valve member (20), and a second state in which an opening degree of the expansion valve (16) is determined by the relative position of the first valve member (17) and the third valve member (21).

Abstract: The refrigeration apparatus includes a controller. The controller performs normal operation control for controlling drive of the exterior fan and the compressor in order to bring the interior temperature to a target temperature, dehumidification control in which the interior humidity is adjusted to a predetermined target range of the high-humidity region, and power-saving control which is implemented by the control of drive of the exterior fan and the compressor such that a change in the interior temperature is kept within a temperature range based on the target temperature. The controller switches from the dehumidification control to the power-saving control in the case where the interior humidity has become a lower limit value of the target range of the high-humidity region or less.

Abstract: A vehicle heating, ventilation, and air cooling (HVAC) system that includes a casing, an evaporator, and a heater core. The casing defines a windshield outlet, a side window outlet, a front face outlet, and a front foot outlet. The evaporator and heater core are both housed within the casing. The side window outlet is between the evaporator and the windshield outlet.

Abstract: An evaporator condenser has a condenser unit which has plural plate units separated from one another by air gaps. Each plate unit has first and second plates that are coupled together about a perimeter thereof. Each plate unit has a first edge and an opposite second edge. The first and second plates are coupled together along at least one line so as to form a first channel that extends from the first edge to the second edge in the second channel by communicates with the first channel and extends back to the first edge. The channels decrease in volume from an inlet to an outlet.

Abstract: A solar air conditioner provides cooling by way of liquid evaporation. The solar air conditioner includes a liquid evaporation unit, a heat exchange unit, and a solar power generation unit. The liquid evaporation unit includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing includes a fan affixed to the top and an plurality of openings on the side wall. The inner housing inside the outer housing has a plurality of porous holes through which the liquid therein penetrates to the outer surface. The penetrated liquid comes in contact with the warm air drawn by the fan and evaporation subsequently occurs cooling the liquid inside the inner housing. The cooled liquid is then provided to the heat exchange unit for cooling a target area. The pumps and fans are powered by the solar power generation unit.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle device selectively performs a heating operation and a cooling operation. The refrigeration cycle device includes: a compressor that suctions a refrigerant and compresses the refrigerant; a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, and a fourth heat exchanger each of which exchanges heat with the refrigerant; an ejector that includes a refrigerant inlet port, a refrigerant suction port, and a refrigerant outlet port; a controller that is connected between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and configured to control a flow rate of the refrigerant; and a switching device configured to perform switching of a flow path of the refrigerant in both the heating and cooling operations.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for sealing components and areas of the food zone of an ice machine, including systems that transport fluids and devices used for the production and harvest of ice. Due to the form, fit, and function of food zone components, gaps or pathways may exist in that unwanted fluids or solids may enter the food zone. Pathways for contamination to enter a food zone include: refrigeration tubing, water supply, drain tubing, electrical connections, and devices for antimicrobial protection, automatic cleaning systems, ice harvest assist, and transportation of ice from the ice making surface to the storage bin. Methods and devices of creating contaminant-proof barriers are disclosed, including: sealing, trapping, gasketing and/or creating a positive pressure within the food zone, alone or in combination. The methods and devices can be used in a systematic arrangement to create an essentially contaminant-proof ice machine food zone.

Abstract: An air conditioning system including a blower, an evaporator, an airflow chamber, and a thermal expansion valve assembly. The airflow chamber extends between the blower and the evaporator to direct airflow generated by the blower to the evaporator. The thermal expansion valve assembly includes a valve and a sensor bulb. The valve is on an input side of the evaporator. The sensor bulb is arranged on an output side of the evaporator external to the airflow chamber, and in an airflow path of ambient air.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a vehicle may include a cooling unit including a radiator, a cooling fan to introduce air in the radiator, a water pump connected to the radiator through the cooling line, and a reserver tank provided on the cooling line to store a cooling fluid, a first condenser connected to the cooling line between the radiator and the reserver tank such that a cooling fluid is introduced and a refrigerant is introduced through a refrigerant line, and the refrigerant is condensed by heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the refrigerant, and a second condenser serially connected to the first condenser on the refrigerant line such that a condensed liquid phase refrigerant is introduced, and disposed on a front of the radiator such that the refrigerant is condensed by an air cooling type through heat exchange between the refrigerant and an outdoor air introduced on driving.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sealed compressor is configured to suction a working fluid to a rotary compression mechanism section through a suction pipe extending into an accumulator. The sealed compressor has a relation of Aac/Acy?4, Vac/Vcy?20, and As/Acy?0.12 when an inner diameter cross-sectional area of the accumulator is denoted by Aac (mm2), an inner diameter cross-sectional area of a cylinder chamber is denoted by Acy (mm2), an liquid retaining capacity to an upper end of the suction pipe inside the accumulator is denoted by Vac (cc), a total displacement volume of the rotary compression mechanism section is denoted by Vcy (cc), and a total inner diameter cross-sectional area of an extension portion inside the accumulator of the suction pipe is denoted by As (mm2).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cooling system including a controlled atmospheric heat rejection cycle with water re-capture. The cooling system for cooling a heat load includes a first evaporative section configured to circulate a first fluid to enable heat transfer from the heat load to the first fluid, a second evaporative section in fluid communication with the first evaporative section and configured to circulate the first fluid, and a liquid refrigerant distribution unit in thermal communication with the second evaporative section. The liquid refrigerant distribution unit is configured to circulate a second fluid to enable heat transfer from the first fluid to the second fluid.

Abstract: A process for recovering ethane and heavier hydrocarbons from LNG and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first is supplied to a fractionation column as a first upper mid-column feed. The second portion is heated while condensing a portion of a column distillation stream, thereby producing a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream. The reflux stream is supplied as top column feed. The second portion of LNG feed is heated further and supplied to the column as a first lower mid-column feed. The gas stream is divided into two portions. The second is expanded, then both portions are cooled while vaporizing the lean LNG stream and heating another portion of the distillation stream. The colder first portion is supplied to the column as a second upper mid-column feed, and the second is supplied as a second lower mid-column feed.

Abstract: A finger jewelry article has a crown that covers the top or back of the finger. A cap or tip portion may have a hollow protuberance or nail portion. Bands extend at least part-way across the bottom to define open zones at positions of the first and second finger knuckle joints. The article may be straight or curved, and may be made of any of a variety of materials, such as precious or non-precious metals, ceramics, or durable plastic resins. The crown portion may be a semi-cylindrical rigid member with an undulating edge on one side and with projecting ribs on the other side. The crown portion may have multiple perforations forming decorative openwork or filigree. The finger jewelry article may be encrusted with precious or semi-precious stones.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cooling optical fibers are disclosed. In one embodiment, In some embodiments, a cooling apparatus for cooling an optical fiber in a production process includes a channel defined by at least one sidewall assembly and a plurality of interior cavities positioned along the interior of the sidewall assembly. The interior cavities include at least one plenum, a first plurality of fluid supply cavities in fluid communication with the at least one plenum, and a second plurality of fluid supply cavities in fluid communication with the at least one plenum. Cooling fluid is supplied from the at least one plenum to the first plurality of fluid supply cavities in a first direction and the second plurality of fluid supply cavities in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: In order to provide a glass base material elongating apparatus that can safely elongate a glass base material in an extendable top chamber without damaging a flange, provided is a glass base material elongating apparatus comprising a heating furnace; an extendable top chamber formed of a multilayer cylinder disposed above the heating furnace; a glass base material hanging mechanism that hangs a glass base material into the heating furnace and the extendable top chamber; and a top chamber lifting mechanism. A flange is formed on a top portion of an outermost tube of the multilayer cylinder, and the top chamber lifting mechanism includes a cylinder support member that supports the flange from below and a cylinder lifting member that lifts up the cylinder support member.

Abstract: The device (1) comprises: a casing (2-4) in which there is clamped a diaphragm (5) which, together with a portion of the casing (2-4), defines at least one chamber (6, 7) having a variable volume; a winding (14); an interaction member (13), adapted to magnetically interact with the winding (14) as a consequence of a displacement of the diaphragm (5), in such a way that the inductance of the winding (14) varies as a function of the relative position of the interaction member (13) with respect to the winding (14), and a processing unit (17) coupled to the winding (14), in order to supply electric signals having a parameter which is variable as a function of the inductance of the winding (14) and thus as a function of the relative position of the interaction member (13).

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance may include a drum and an impeller. The impeller may have a raised center, a bottom plate, a transition region between the bottom plate and the raised center, a center post extending upward from the raised center, and a plurality of radial protrusions extending along the raised center, the bottom plate, and the transition region.

Abstract: A wall-mounted drum type washing machine includes a rear panel mounted on a wall surface; a tub containing wash water; a box unit coupled to the rear panel and surrounding the tub; and a reinforcement portion connecting the tub and the rear panel and surrounding the tub.

Abstract: A washing machine including a drum capable of improving washing efficiency is provided. The washing machine includes a body, a tub provided at an inside the body to store wash water, a drum rotatably provided at an inner side of the tub to accommodate laundry, a driving apparatus to rotate the drum, protrusions that are formed of polygons having polygonal shapes and protruding inward from the drum, and a through-hole provided between adjacent protrusions to drain water. A protrusion having polygons generates frictional force between laundry and the drum, thereby increasing the washing power. The through-holes are uniformly located around the protrusion, thereby preventing a spin dry water bottleneck phenomenon that occurs when water from a spin dry is concentrated on a certain through-hole, and thus enhancing the spin dry efficiency.

Abstract: A washing machine including a washing tub to allow enhancement in washing efficiency. A washing tub of the washing machine includes a pattern having a protrusion portion to generate friction force between laundry and the washing tub and to thereby increase washing efficiency. The pattern has a concave-convex structure and performs action similar to a lifter, washing efficiency may be enhanced using tumbling generated by the pattern. A plurality of drain holes are arranged in a certain pattern in the washing tub to prevent a dehydration bottleneck phenomenon in which dehydration is concentrated at a particular drain hole and to increase a dehydration rate. The pattern is provided such that protrusion portions and recessed portions continue on the surface of the washing tub to enhance stiffness of the washing tub.

Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is provided. The laundry treating apparatus may include a detergent storage device positioned below an introduction port for introducing laundry into and removing laundry from a washing tub of the apparatus, a detergent dissolution device to dissolve detergent in water, and a flow path switching valve to selectively open a flow path for dissolution of the detergent and a flow path for supply of the dissolved detergent and washing water solution to the washing tub.

Abstract: A loading device is attachable to the front of a front-loading laundry machine comprising a drum, a drum port and a drum port door for selectively closing the drum port. The loading device comprises a deformable chute mounted on a collapsible frame, and a pair of brackets for mounting the collapsible frame to the laundry machine such that the loading device is configurable between: a use condition in which he collapsible frame is open and the deformable chute is taut for directing laundry through the drum port into the laundry machine, and a storage condition in which the collapsible frame is closed for allowing the drum port door of the laundry machine to be closed. A front-loading laundry machine provided with the loading device located adjacent the drum port. The front-loading laundry machine may be a washing machine or a tumble dryer.

Abstract: A security device for securing an item, the security device comprising a housing configured to house a circuit board comprising electronics configured to send a telecommunication signal to a receiver when the electronics is activated; a cable configured to establish a conductive path with the circuit board when the housing is closed, thereby activating the electronics; a lock assembly configured to be activated when the housing is closed; and a cover configured to close the housing, the cover having a first pin configured to engage a first end of the cable to prevent removal of a first end of the cable from the housing when housing is closed, and the cover having a second pin configured to activate the lock assembly to prevent removal of a second end of the cable from the housing when the housing is closed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lockable eyewear display system. Embodiments of the system include a frame holder on which the eyewear is placed, a locking mechanism that secures the eyewear to the holder, and a key that enables a user to holder unlock and to remove the eyewear from the holder. In one embodiment, frame holder includes an articulating joint allowing at least a portion of the holder and eyewear to be swiveled. The frame holder is removably attachable to a display rod of the system configured to hold a plurality of frame holders. The display rod includes a lock in one embodiment to prevent removal of the frame holders from the rod without use of a specially configured access key. The display rod is mountable to a surface of a fixture or display object such as a rack or furniture.

Abstract: A door (200) of a motor vehicle has an outer panel (100) and an opening apparatus. The opening apparatus has a door handle (30) and a door lock (20) with a lock barrel (10). The lock barrel (10) and the door handle (30) are arranged completely on the inner side of the outer panel (100) of the door (200).

Abstract: A process including at least one reactive trituration step which includes putting an oil cake including from 3% to 30% oil in contact with an anhydrous light alcohol and an alkaline catalyst under temperature and time conditions that are sufficient to allow for the extraction and transesterification of the vegetable oil and lead to the production of a mixture including fatty acid esters and glycerol, and a de-oiled cake including less than 3% oil. Also, a detoxified de-oiled cake as well as to a mixture of fatty acid esters with improved stability and resistance to oxidation.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for preparing steel stock before hot rolling. The steps of preheating the stock (5, 16, 22) in a first induction furnace (6) so that the preheated stock enters a subsequent descaling apparatus (7) with a surface temperature of T1?1000° C.; descaling the preheated stock by a plurality of water jets in a descaling apparatus (7); direct subsequent heating of the descaled stock in a second induction furnace (8), where the descaled stock enters the second induction furnace (8) at a temperature T2 which is ?Tcurie of the stock and heating in the second induction furnace 8 is either in a largely inert or largely reducing protective gas atmosphere; passing the heated stock in a rolling mill (9), where the heated stock enters the rolling mill (9) at a temperature 1220° C.?T3 1050° C.

Abstract: A method for producing slit hollow profiles from a cut blank is provided, in which the hollow profile is produced from the essentially flat blank using rolling-up technology or using U-O-forming, so that the hollow profile has a slit in the axial direction along the abutting edges of the formed blank. Highly dimensionally stable, slit hollow profiles can be produced which can be easily joined to form closed hollow profiles, is achieved by the cut blank providing a circumferential length in the locally provided cross-sectional areas which is greater than the required forming length, so that when the cut blank is formed into a closed hollow profile the opposite edges of the formed cut blank abut on one another and when it is formed into the final shape at least the areas of the hollow profile abutting on the edge joint are at least partly compressed in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A rolling stand (1) with three working rolls (5, 6, 7) defining a rolling axis (X) and comprising a roll-holding cartridge (2) in which said three working rolls (5, 6, 7) with respective chocks are accommodated; wherein a locking device (20) is provided for locking the position of the chocks within the roll-holding cartridge (2), in order to lock the chocks in a predetermined position before carrying out a lateral extraction of the roll-holding cartridge (2) from the rolling stand; wherein said locking device (20) is of the movable type and controlled by control means.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extrusion press which eliminates unevenness of dynamic and thermal fatigue degrees of the hydraulic devices which form the hydraulic circuit in the extrusion press, the electric Motors which drive the hydraulic pump, the control devices, etc., which makes the dynamic and thermal fatigue degrees and remaining service lives of the component devices even, and which is excellent in energy saving effect. An extrusion press which has a plurality of variable capacity type hydraulic pumps connected to it in parallel for supplying working oil to hydraulic cylinders of the extrusion press, uses a preset working speed as the basis to find the required discharge rate of the hydraulic pumps, and selectively controls the drive operations of the hydraulic pumps, wherein the order of selection of the hydraulic pumps which are selectively controlled in drive operation is controlled by a program which progressively advances when a predetermined number of molding cycles are completed.

Abstract: A stretching device has a housing, a first clamping member attached to a first portion of the housing, a second clamping member attached to a second portion of the housing, a first insert mounted to the first clamping member, and a second insert mounted to the second clamping member. The first insert and the second insert protect workpieces to be clamped and gripped therebetween. The inserts are releasably mounted to gripping surfaces of the clamping members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hot stamping device for forming, cooling and trimming a material heated to a set temperature including a lower stanchion having a lower mold steel formed to a shape corresponding to a bottom surface of the material and a blank holder vertically movable on an exterior of the lower mold steel; a lower trimming steel mounted on the blank holder, configured to support the edges of the material; an upper stanchion having an upper mold steel formed to a shape corresponding to an upper surface of the material, and configured to move the upper mold steel up and down; an upper trimming steel disposed on an exterior of the upper mold steel move downwardly with the lower trimming steel to trim the edges of the material; and a cooling unit disposed on to the lower and the upper mold steels and the lower and the upper trimming steels, and configured to circulate coolant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming metal parts in a progressive forming machine wherein one of the opposed tools on a ram and die breast is spring biased to operatively close the tools before the ram reaches front dead center thereby allowing material of the blank to extrude sideways through an aperture formed by both of the opposed tools in the final forward movement of the ram.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press hardening tool having a shaping surface (2) that is used to shape a blank. The shaping surface (2) of the tool (1) is micro-structured at least in some areas by micro-recesses (3) introduced into the shaping surface (2). In said areas, the contact surface between the shaping surface (2) of the tool (1) and the surface of a blank is limited to the surface portions (4) located between the recesses (3) of the forming surface (2) and raised with respect to the recesses (3).

Abstract: A device for measurement of ultrasonic wave transit times of an ultrasonic flow sensor consists of: 1) a synchronization signal generator, 2) a reference pulse generator, 3) a sine wave generator, 4) an analog signal amplifier, 5) a comparator, 6) a plurality of latch circuits, 7) a digital adder, 8) an integrator, 9) an A/D converter, 10) a master counter, 11) a plurality of edge counters, and 12) an arithmetic circuit. The device measures the ultrasonic wave transit times using a method of averaging the ultrasonic wave arriving times at different measuring points (triggering point). This method has less dependency on triggering threshold level and the ultrasonic signal amplitude, and thus has less dependency on threshold drift, threshold stability, system gain fluctuation, electronic noise and signal amplitude variations. As a result, the method can greatly improve the velocity measurement accuracy and system robustness of an ultrasonic flow sensor.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for dynamic self-calibration of an accelerometer system. The method includes forcing a proof-mass associated with a sensor of the accelerometer system in a first direction to a first predetermined position and obtaining a first measurement associated with the sensor in the first predetermined position via at least one force/detection element of the sensor. The method also includes forcing the proof-mass to a second predetermined position and obtaining a second measurement associated with the sensor in the second predetermined position via the at least one force/detection element of the sensor. The method further includes calibrating the accelerometer system based on the first and second measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing are provided to test the durability and resilience of crib mattresses and other child development surfaces. The testing apparatus is configured to provided a movable fixture for imparting repeated force to a mattress. The fixture can include a pair of feet formed thereon to mimic the pressure profile provided by a toddler standing or jumping on a crib mattress. The method provides for the cycling of the apparatus over a predetermined time period and the determination of the deflection of the surface after the time period.

Abstract: A microchip oxygen sensor for sensing exhaust gases from a combustion process, and related methods. The microchip oxygen sensor includes a dielectric substrate and a heater pattern affixed to the substrate. A first electrode is affixed to the substrate and has a first plurality of fingers forming a first comb. A second electrode is affixed to the substrate and has a second plurality of fingers forming a second comb. The second electrode is disposed in spaced relation to the first electrode such that the first and second combs face each other. A semiconducting layer is disposed over the first and second electrodes so as form a physical semiconductor bridge between the first and second electrodes. The semiconducting layer comprises an n-type semiconducting material or a p-type semiconducting material. A porous dielectric protective layer, advantageously containing a catalytic precious metal, may cover the semiconducting layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a mobile electronic system that gathers and analyzes odors, airborne chemicals and/or compounds. The system includes a sample delivery component that can gather airborne substances and/or gaseous substances. A detection component can detect the presences of chemicals, substances, and/or visual gases in a sample. Analyzed samples can be compared with known substance and/or odor analysis. In addition, the source of the sample can be determined. Accordingly, odor, gas, and/or airborne substance identification can be accomplished.

Abstract: A method to detect a phase separation of gasoline and ethanol may include the steps of generating a sound signal in a tank, determining a speed of the sound signal, determining an interface level in the tank, determining the speed of the sound signal below the interface level and determining the phase separation based upon the speed of the sound signal.

Abstract: An investment casting shell substrate sensor method and apparatus comprising a hollow probe 10 having an aperture 30, the aperture 30 covered by a water proof breathable membrane (WPBM) 20 that is constructed and arranged to repel liquid from entering the aperture 30, while remaining permeable so as to allow vapor and air to pass through the aperture 30, thereby creating a liquid free internal void 50 within the hollow probe 10 that receives a sensor 40 for measuring the conditions (i.e. temperature and humidity) within the internal void 50, which are accurately indicative of the conditions at the shell substrate at the aperture 30 location. The disclosed sensor assembly provides target specific information at selected substrates within the shell real time, during the shell building process.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, there is provided herein a method of determining the air void distribution in a sample of fresh concrete. One embodiment of the invention determines a parameter related to air void distribution by applying a known pressure to a fresh concrete sample, measuring a first value representative of the volume under compression, releases at least a portion of the pressure, reapplies the same pressure to the sample, measures a second value representative of the volume under the second compression, and uses differential between the first and second values to estimate a parameter related to the air void distribution.

Abstract: A pore diffusion type flat membrane separation apparatus X including a plurality of flat membranes 7 and a plurality of flat plate-like supports 1 arranged alternately with each other, each flat membrane 7 defining a plurality of pores and configured to separate a predetermined dispersed substance contained in a solution by a pore diffusion technique, each flat plate-like support 1 having a flow conduit 2 on one or both faces thereof. A ratio between a spatial volume of the flow conduit 2 and a membrane area of the flat membrane 7 is set from 0.04 to 0.4 cm. The flat plate-like support 1 includes, in at least two positions in a lateral face thereof, water conduits 3 in communication with the flow conduit 2, so that flow directions of the solution in the flow conduits 2 of upper and lower flat plate-like supports 1 across the flat membrane 7 may be substantially same directions. The flat plate-like support 1 and the flat membrane 7 can be assembled with and disassembled from each other.

Abstract: A method for tightness testing, wherein an evacuated test object is exposed to the external influence of a test gas and wherein a gas mixture made of a test gas withdrawn from the test object and of a carrier gas, is examined for the presence of test gas by use of a test gas sensor which, when viewed in the flow direction of the gas mixture, is arranged downstream of a condensing pump for analyzing the compressed gas mixture, wherein the test object is exposed to the ambient atmosphere without being surrounded by a test chamber, and that a test gas gun is provided for generating the atmosphere containing the test gas.

Abstract: The invention provides novel porous materials that are useful in chromatographic processes, e.g., solid phase extraction, and that provide a number of advantages. Such advantages include superior wetting characteristics, selective capture of analytes of interest, and non-retention of interfering analytes. The invention advantageously provides novel porous materials having a large percentage of larger pores (i.e. wide pores). The invention advantageously provides novel porous materials that overcome the problems of SPE of biological samples.

Abstract: A liquid chromatographic system includes columns, column mounting fixtures to which the columns are mounted, a detector, a collector, a controller and a plurality of RFIDs. A first RFID communicates with the controller and cooperating RFIDs mounted to other components provide information such as the history of components, parameters and the like. They also receive information from sensors relating to the operation of the liquid chromatograph, store the information and transmit it. Moreover, the RFIDs may substitute for hard wiring in many applications and may enable a central computer to control several liquid chromatographic and environmental sample collectors.

Abstract: Method for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The method can include providing a container comprising a microstructured surface, and centrifuging the container toward the microstructured surface to form a sediment and a supernatant of the sample. Following centrifugation, the container can be inverted to decant at least a portion of the supernatant of the sample from the second portion, such that a concentrate (e.g., comprising the sediment) of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface. The concentrate can then be interrogated in the microstructured surface for the analyte of interest. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion can be substantially transparent, such that the concentrate can be interrogated from the outside of the container, without requiring that the container be opened prior to interrogation.