Abstract: An improved refrigeration cycle is provided. The cycle provides for improved thermal performance by incorporating a refrigerant makeup tank that introduces liquid refrigerant with expanded refrigerant upstream of the heat exchanger, thereby providing a savings in either electricity costs or refrigerant.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches systems and methods for distributed production of liquefied natural gas by utilizing refrigeration to reach the condensation of natural gas, removing of compression heat loads, sensible heat loads, and latent heat at ambient temperatures utilizes the Stirling cycle, both refrigeration and thermal heating processes, for enabling cryogenic refrigeration and the portable production of LNG. Generally, the natural gas may be supplied from existing or nearby pipelines and the LNG production system itself may be powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines. The refrigeration machine/LNG production system may be installed at, within or nearby to existing or new construction gas stations for refueling of all classes of motorized vehicles. Additional embodiments include the refrigeration machine installed into standard over-seas containers for LNG import or export, as well as any other portable platform for distributed LNG production.

Abstract: An improved refrigeration cycle is provided. The cycle provides for improved thermal performance by incorporating a refrigerant makeup tank that introduces liquid refrigerant with expanded refrigerant upstream of the heat exchanger, thereby providing a savings in either electricity costs or refrigerant.

Abstract: A system for preventing earphones or ear buds, when separated from ears of a user, from falling to the floor or ground, or dangling. The system includes an endless loop of neckwear proportioned to closely fit about a neck of a user preferably above the collarbone and a first clasp having a void space which, at its maximum size, is sufficiently small to preclude a slippage of the earphones or ear buds through it and to maintain left and right earphone cords thereof proximally the neck and torso of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ring for multiple finger and toe sizes wherein a first oval or circular band is connected to a second oval or circular band in two points in a substantially concentric, non-planar form, such that the angle between the planes of the first and the second oval or circular bands is neither 0 degrees nor 90 degrees.

Abstract: A process for optimizing flame polishing of a glass product includes subjecting a glass product to heating parameters related to the glass product, first sensing a first thermal image of the glass product, polishing the glass product with a flame, second sensing a second thermal image of the glass product after the polishing of the glass product, and adjusting parameters of the flame polishing as necessary based upon the second sensing of the second thermal image of the glass product.

Abstract: A glass sheet is formed on a mold into a glass article having a three-dimensional shape. The mold, with the glass article thereon, is arranged within an interior space of a radiation shield such that the mold is between a leading end barrier and a trailing end barrier of the radiation shield. The mold, glass article, and radiation shield are translated through a sequence of cooling stations while maintaining the mold between the leading and trailing end barriers, wherein the leading and trailing end barriers inhibit radiation heat transfer at leading and trailing ends of the mold.

Abstract: A method for activating an inner surface of a hollow glass substrate tube for manufacturing an optical fiber preform including depositing a plurality of activation glass layers on the inner surface of the hollow substrate tube by a PCVD process, wherein a total thickness of the deposited activation glass layers is between 10 microns and 250 microns, and etching the deposited activation glass layers to remove at least 30% of the deposited activation glass layers.

Abstract: An optical fiber fusion splice system includes a working table and a storage box which stores the working table. The working table includes a fusion splicing machine installation portion accommodating a fusion splicing machine to be stored in the storage box and a working surface on which preparation work for an optical fiber is configured to be performed. The fusion splicing machine installation portion includes a fusion splicing machine restriction portion being configured to restrict the fusion splicing machine without the fusion splicing machine moving in a horizontal direction with respect to the working table. The working surface includes a protrusion provided on an outer circumference of the working surface, the protrusion being configured to prevent a tool used in the preparation work from falling from the working surface. The storage box includes a box main body and a cover which covers an upper portion of the box main body.

Abstract: A feeder includes a carrier and a feeder arm that moves between retracted and extended positions. The feeder also includes a first actuation member that is coupled to the carrier and that is configured to move relative to the carrier in a first direction. The first actuation member has a first aperture at least partially defined by a first edge. Additionally, the feeder includes a second actuation member that is coupled to the carrier and that is configured to move relative to the carrier in a second direction. The second actuation member has a second aperture at least partially defined by a second edge. A projection of the feeder arm is received within both the first and second apertures. Movement of the first actuation member in the first direction causes the first edge to engage the projection for movement of the feeder arm between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: A knitted glove that includes a knitted liner, the knitted liner including at least a first yarn and a second yarn, the first and second yarns forming knitted courses, wherein the knitted courses are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the liner, forming a knitted glove.

Abstract: A washing machine including a drying function for drying laundry items received therein is provided. The washing machine may include an air circulating device that circulates air through a tub of the washing machine and heats air for re-supply to the tub, and an air discharge device that discharges a portion of moist air from the tub to an outside of the tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical axis washing machine provided with a washing fluids drainage system whose washing fluids are suctioned into the agitator and then drained from the washing basket from its central-bottom opening. In particular, a vertical axis washing machine (1) is characterized by the fact that said agitator (3) provides a radial suction flow, through a surrounding wall (31) and an axial discharge flow through its lower end (32), the lower end (32) of the agitator (3) has a fluid communication with the drain hole (21) of the washing basket (2), and the drain hole (21) of the washing basket (2) has a fluid communication with the drain pump (4).

Abstract: A laundry washing machine includes an outer casing and, inside the casing, a washing tub arranged inside the casing directly facing a laundry loading/unloading opening realized in a front wall of said casing, a rotatable drum arranged in axially rotating manner inside the washing tub and structured for receiving the laundry to be washed, a detergent dispenser which is structured for supplying detergent into the washing tub, and a water softening device which is structured for reducing the hardness degree of the fresh water supplied to the washing tub.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine includes an outer casing provided with a front wall, two side walls, a rear wall and a top wall, a washing tub arranged inside the casing directly facing a laundry loading/unloading opening realized in the front wall of the casing, a rotatable drum arranged in an axially rotating manner inside the washing tub and structured for receiving the laundry to be washed, a detergent dispenser which is housed inside the casing between the washing tub and the top wall of the casing and is structured for feeding into the washing tub a detergent, softener and/or other washing agent mixed with fresh water arriving from the water mains, a water softening device which includes water softening agents for reducing the hardness degree of the fresh water supplied to the washing tub, and a regeneration-agent reservoir which is housed inside the casing and is structured for receiving salt or other regeneration agent for performing a regeneration of the water softening agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collector ring of washing supplies for vertical axis washing machine between a storage container of washing supplies and the assembly formed by water storage tank and the washing basket. The said collector ring (1) comprises at least one receiving cavity (2) of washing supplies (WS) from at least one washing supplies container of the vertical axis washing machine, wherein said cavity (2) provided with at least one means of fluid communication (21) directed to the space between the water storage tank and the washing basket of the vertical axis washing machine, and stands by the fact of further providing at least one deflector grid (3) disposed over at least one receiving cavity (2) of washing supplies.

Abstract: A lock subassembly for a padlock includes a housing, a locking element, and a locking mechanism. The housing defines an internal cavity and at least one shackle bore isolated from the internal cavity. The locking element is disposed in a first portion of the internal cavity and extends beyond an upper surface of the housing. The locking element is movable between a locked position for interlocking engagement with a shackle and an unlocked position for releasing the shackle. The locking mechanism is disposed in a second portion of the internal cavity and is operable between a locking condition securing the locking element in the locked position and an unlocking condition permitting movement of the locking element to the unlocked position.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an electronic product during retail display. The product has a socket adapted for the transmission of power and/or information during normal operation. The device includes a plug for engagement with the socket. The plug has an insertable portion, for insertion into the socket. The insertable portion has a lock which locks to the socket to prevent removal while the insertable portion is locked. The insertable portion also has a release enabling for withdrawal of the insertable portion from the socket. The plug has a control mechanism for holding the lock such that when the plug is engaged with the socket, the lock can be changed from a locking to release configuration substantially only by operation of the control mechanism by a security key. The device also includes a flexible attachment for attaching the plug to a fixture.

Abstract: A cap lock system for limiting access to an access port of a gaseous system includes an outer cap including first and second key insertion passages, an inner lock having first and second key receivers and a rotatable key having first and second engagement fingers each engageable with an aligned set of key insertion passages and key receivers.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a combination wheel locking system are provided herein. The combination wheel locking system can be used to prevent access to one or more lug nuts on a wheel. The combination wheel locking system and anti-theft device can include a combination master lock system for operatively engaging and releasing from a portion of a wheel.

Abstract: An electronic lock, such as a deadbolt, with a locking device movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock includes a key fob including a RFID circuit indicative of a valid access code for the locking device. A circuit is provided that is configured to control movement of the locking device between the locked position and the unlocked position. The circuit includes a sensor, such as a contract sensor or a proximity sensor, which detects when a user is within range of a RFID device. When this happens, the sensor is configured to generate an electrical signal, which is used to activate the RFID device for a predetermined period of time. If the RFID device reads a valid access code, the device is unlocked.

Abstract: A re-keyable door lock assembly includes a re-keyable rotor having first and second ends, the first end configured to receive a key, the second end terminating in an endpiece. A tailpiece having an actuation end is configured for axial movement between a first axial position in which the actuation end engages the endpiece and a second axial position in which the actuation end is disengaged from the endpiece, wherein the tailpiece is rotatable by the rotor from an unlocked position to a locking position when the rotor is rotated by a key from a first rotational position to a second rotational position when the actuation end of the tailpiece is engaged with the endpiece, and wherein the rotor is rotatable past the second rotational position to a third rotational position only when the actuation end of the tailpiece is disengaged from the endpiece.

Abstract: A method and system for treatment of biological wastes for preparation of fertilizers is provided. The method and system involves mixing a biological waste with a dilute sulfuric acid in a predetermined ratio. The mixture of the biological waste and the dilute sulfuric acid is then filtered to obtain an organic slurry and an acidic liquid. Thereafter, the organic slurry is thermally cracked at an elevated temperature to obtain at least one of an ammonia gas, one or more flue gases, and char and ash. The method and system further involves utilizing the ammonia gas, the char and ash, and the acidic liquid for preparation of the fertilizers.

Abstract: Particulate compositions of reverted superphosphate substantially free of free acid containing at least one nitrification inhibitor and their methods of preparation and use

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating bioreactor wastewater streams are provided. In some embodiments, the methods and systems involve producing a composition, for example in the form of a solution, comprising ammonia or ammonium from the bioreactor wastewater stream. In some cases, the bioreactor is an anaerobic digester.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising at least one estolide compound of formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 0; m is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R1, independently for each occurrence, is selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R3 and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched. Also provided are uses of the compositions described herein.

Abstract: Method for non-destructively forming a component made of cast material beyond the quasistatic elongation at break, wherein the component is formed by means of electromagnetic high-speed forming (EMF) method.

Abstract: An improved method for processing coiled metal sheet is provided, wherein a line threading device is inserted between the metal sheet and the process line surface at the leading edge of the metal sheet. The device is rigid and adapted to glide easily along the process line surface when propelled in a forward direction. The device has an upper surface that includes a plurality of grooves that run perpendicular to the forward direction, and the leading edge of the sheet, when it curves toward the process line surface, does not come into contact with a recess of the process line surface, but instead becomes lodged in a groove of the device, which guides the sheet along the process line surface, and does not impede forward progress.

Abstract: A roller leveler for leveling strips of metal has a frame, a bank of upper and lower work rolls journalled in the frame via a housing positioned toward an exit portion of the leveler. A bank of upper and lower back-up rolls is in contact with the upper and lower work rolls to support the work rolls. The bank of upper and lower back-up rolls mounted to the frame via back-up housings. A second bank of upper and lower work rolls is positioned near an entry portion of the leveler. The first bank of upper and lower rolls has rolls of different diameter than the second bank of upper and lower work rolls. A roll or rolls can be mounted in an eccentric fashion that is achieved by permanent or adjustable positioning of offset of the work roll with respect to adjacent rolls or by providing a work roll that is larger in diameter than its adjacent rolls.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an annular material includes: a forging process of making a discoid forged material by forging an alloy material; and a ring rolling process of making an annular material by performing ring rolling on an annular intermediate made by forming a through-hole in the forged material. In the forging process, hot forging which achieves an absolute value ??1 of a strain in a circumferential direction of the forged material that is greater than or equal to 0.3, an absolute value ?h of a strain in a height direction of the forged material that is greater than or equal to 0.3, and a ratio ?h/??1 between the absolute values of the strains that is in a range of 0.4 to 2.5 is performed at least two or more times.

Abstract: Provided is a short stroke type extrusion press which is capable of increasing a container strip force, improving energy efficiency, and saving space by reducing apparatus length. A main cylinder housing (4) of the extrusion press comprises a transfer medium (10) which advances or retreats an extrusion stem (13) in an extrusion axis direction, and a transfer medium (16) which advances or retreats a container (14) in the extrusion axis direction. A container pushing medium (21) is disposed at an end platen (1) disposed opposite the main cylinder housing (4) and makes it possible for at least four different transfer motions to be carried out independently or in collaboration with the container transfer medium in the direction in which the container (14) separates from a die (9).

Abstract: A bending press system is disclosed. The bending press system may include: a base; a slider disposed above the base and moving downwardly toward the base or moving upwardly from the base; a curvature die mounted at the base and the slider, and integrated by descent of the slider such that a pipe member inserted in the curvature die is formed to have a predetermined curvature; and a pair of clamping units disposed to be rotatable by a predetermined angle corresponding to the curvature die at both sides of the base, and clamping both end portions of the pipe member.

Abstract: The invention enhances a cooling effect on a press die for hot press. A lower die includes a first base, a second base mounted on the first base and having an opening in the center, a support table provided in the opening of the second base, and a die portion detachably mounted on the support table and including die pieces. The die portion is divided in die pieces disposed adjoining each other, and cold water pipes are provided in the die pieces respectively. The cold water pipes are bent in a U shape and inserted in the die pieces respectively, and extended downward from the lower ends of the die pieces respectively. The cold water pipes have cooling water injection ends and cooling water ejection ends in a space between the first base and the support table.

Abstract: Tooling for making pointed headed bolts of a given diameter in numerous lengths with roll thread ready threaded to the head and partially threaded shanks in a four forming station forming machine, the tools being configured to work on wire stock as received at the first station of a diameter larger than or substantially the same as the roll diameter and not greater than the nominal diameter of the bolt, including at least two sequential head forming tools for mounting on the slide, an extrusion pointing tool for mounting on the die breast, a roll diameter extrusion tool for mounting on the die breast and a head support tool mountable in a station on the slide at multiple axial positions corresponding to standard lengths of the bolts being made, the head support tool being arranged to work at either the extrusion pointing station or the roll diameter extrusion station.

Abstract: A sheet forming tool (1) for the manufacture of a corrugated sheet has a lower tool element (40) and an upper tool element (50), each of the upper tool element and the lower tool element having a front side (23, 33, 41) and a rear side (25, 35, 42). The lower tool element (40) comprises a first base element (2, 4, 6, 8) and a first finger element (3, 5, 7, 9) projecting from said first base element (2, 4, 6, 8). The first finger element (3, 5, 7, 9) forms a first ridge (22, 24, 26, 28) for forming a corrugation peak in the sheet. The upper tool element (50) comprises a second base element (12, 14) and a second finger element (13, 15) projecting from said second base element (12, 14), the second finger element (13, 15) forming a second ridge (32, 34) for forming a corrugation trough in said sheet.

Abstract: A pilot assembly and method has a cylindrical pilot body with a pilot insert having tapered outer end. The pilot assembly has at least one inwardly curved sidewall relief, as well as internally mounted reciprocating ejector pins with outer ends that protrude through holes in the outer body end to strip stock from the pilot. A spring has its outer end mounted in the groove in the pilot body, and an inner end attached to the inner end of the pilot insert in a pre-tensed condition. A cap screw has an enlarged head that has at least a portion thereof fit into the pilot sidewall relief, and a threaded shank that anchors the pilot in an associated die member.

Abstract: A recoilless bucking bar system that includes a cylindrical housing with a first housing end and a second housing end, a tip adaptor shaft with a neck portion and a mouth portion, a spring, and compression springs. The neck portion has a neck portion first end and a neck portion second end. The neck portion first end is partially disposed within the cylindrical housing. The mouth portion can grip a bucking bar tip. The gripped bucking her tip is able to be inserted in a space such that the system can be used as a bucking bar. The spring is axially disposed within the cylindrical housing at the second housing end. The spring communicates with the neck portion first end, and is axially aligned to the tip adaptor shaft. The compression springs are disposed around the circumference of the neck portion that is partially disposed within the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: An improved calibration process for a medical testing machine. The machine automatically recognizes that a package of calibration material has been inserted into it, and performs a calibration sequence to ascertain a calibration parameter to be used in performing future tests with the medical testing machine. The calibration package may include machine-readable indicators that the package is to be used for calibration, and of a calibration setpoint of a calibration material in the package. A calibration material may be stored in a lyophilized state in the package, and the medical testing machine may automatically reconstitute the lyophilized material.

Abstract: A method for calibrating sensors in a drilling apparatus provided with a movable carrier, a frame, a boom assembly mounted to rotate about a turning axis vertical to the frame, and an angle sensor for measuring the turning angle of the boom assembly and gravity-based inclination sensors for measuring inclination. When the boom assembly is turned in relation to the frame, the value of the turning angle and the inclination values provided by the inclination sensors are measured, and on the basis of the measured values, deviation of the values of the inclination sensors from the real inclination angle value are determined.

Abstract: A series of nominally identical production workpieces is measured on a measuring apparatus. To correct for temperature variations, one of the workpieces forms a master artefact, the dimensions of which are known. The artefact is measured on the measuring apparatus at two or more temperatures, producing two or more corresponding sets of measured dimensional values of the master artefact at the respective temperatures. One or more error maps, look-up tables, or functions are generated which relate the measured dimensional values of the artefact to the known dimensions of the artefact. The error map(s), look-up table(s) or function(s) are dependent on the respective temperatures at which the artefact was measured. Correction values derived from the error map(s), look-up table(s) or function(s) are used to correct the measurements of production workpieces in the series. These correction values are determined in dependence upon the temperature at which the workpiece measurements were obtained.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for testing weld strengths of a test coupon joint. A test coupon is positionally fixed to a base of the testing device. A punch assembly having a head portion is provided so as to exert an axial force against an upright part of the test coupon to thereby determine weld strength between the planar and upright parts of the test coupon (e.g., a maximum force at which weld failure occurs).

Abstract: A method of measuring an atmosphere in a guest vacuum chamber of a vacuum tool includes measuring a first composition of the atmosphere in the host vacuum chamber using a residual gas analyzer (RGA). The host and guest vacuum chambers are not coupled during the measuring of the first composition. The host vacuum chamber is coupled to the guest vacuum chamber, so the atmospheres in each can mix in the host vacuum chamber. A second composition of the atmosphere in the host vacuum chamber is measured using the RGA after the chambers are coupled. Using a processor, a composition of the guest atmosphere is automatically determined using the measured first and second compositions. A vacuum tool can include the host and guest chambers, the valve, the RGA, and a processor configured to control the valve to carry out this or other methods.

Abstract: A gas sensor instrument comprises a housing formed of two parts (102, 10) and a diffusion chamber inside the housing. The diffusion chamber is formed from two parts (106, 108) and at least one of the diffusion chamber parts is formed integrally with one of the housing parts. This allows a reduction in size of the instrument without compromising the size of the diffusion chamber. Additionally, a tubular projection is formed integrally with one of the housing parts to form part of a Faraday cage for shielding an amplifier circuit of the instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-dimensional gas chromatography chip with a modulator. The multi-dimensional gas chromatography chip includes a chip body including first to third substrates; first micro channel pattern parts including first micro channels; second micro channel pattern parts including second micro channels; a gas inlet to supply a mobile phase; a gas outlet to discharge the mobile phase; position alignment markers formed on one surface of the first substrate, both surfaces of the second substrates and one surface of the third substrate; a first stationary phase spin-coated between the first and second substrates and a second stationary phase spin-coated between the second and third substrates; and a modulator provided in a region serving as an inlet side of the first micro channel pattern parts as well as an outlet side of the second micro channel pattern parts.

Abstract: A measurement arrangement includes four electrically heated resistors which are arranged in gas paths and are connected to form a Wheatstone bridge, where each of two resistors which are diagonally opposite each other in the Wheatstone bridge are contained in a respective component arranged on a common heated carrier, each respective component is assigned to one heating resistor arranged near the component on the carrier, and where an unbalanced state of the Wheatstone bridge is compensated for by variably energizing the heating resistors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas chromatography chip including: a substrate having an upper substrate and a lower substrate; a gas supply connecting part formed on one plane of one surface of the substrate or on one plane of an opposite surface of the substrate; a gas discharge connecting part formed another plane of the one surface of the substrate or on another plane of the opposite surface of the substrate; a micro channel continuously extending from the gas supply connecting part to the gas discharge connecting part to form a micro channel part and having a circular cross-section; at least two position alignment markers formed on one surface or an opposite surface of the opposite surfaces of the substrate; and a heat transfer part and a temperature control unit for controlling a temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: A wire retention clip includes a first compartment for allowing at least a first wire to pass through the compartment uninterrupted and for retaining the at least one wire to the wire retention clip. The wire retention clip also includes a second compartment that is distinct from the first compartment and contains and electronic device.

Abstract: A method for operating at least one sensor element for detecting at least one property of a gas in a measured-gas space is described. The method comprises at least the following steps: at least one first step, in the first step at least one parameter being ascertained; at least one second step, in the second step the parameter being compared with at least one comparison value, in accordance with that comparison at least one feature being allocated to the sensor element or to at least one part of the sensor element. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to developing a method of measuring the amount of producible oil and the producible oil saturation in shale-oil reservoirs using sample source rock. Further, the physical and chemical properties and amounts of producible oil in shale-oil reservoir samples may be determined. First and second solvents are applied to a sample source rock to extract petroleum from the sample source rock. The extracted source rock, the twice-extracted source rock, and the first and second extracted petroleum may be analyzed to determine the characteristics and properties of the reservoir rock.

Abstract: The subject technology is directed to a CO2-based chromatography system and method for rapid determination of the levels and/or the presence or absence of polymer additives (PAs) leachable or extractable from packing materials or implantable medical devices.