Abstract: Device and method for providing inertial indications with high accuracy using micro inertial sensors with inherent very small size and low accuracy. The device and method of the invention disclose use of the cluster of multiple micro inertial sensors to receive from the multiple sensors an equivalent single inertial indication with high accuracy based on the multiple independent indications and mathematical manipulations for averaging the plurality of single readings and for eliminating common deviations based, for example, on measurements of the deviation of the single readings.

Abstract: A method for evaluating output signals of a rotational rate sensor unit, including providing an n-tuple of angular speed values measured by at least one rotational rate sensor of the rotational rate sensor unit, in a first step; determining an intermediate value as a function of the n-tuple of angular speed values, in a second step; calculating a new change of orientation value as a function of the intermediate value and an earlier change of orientation value stored in a register of the rotational rate sensor unit, in a third step; and storing the new change of orientation value in the register, in a fourth step, repeating the first, second, third, and fourth step until, the new change of orientation value is read out by an external data processing unit connected to the rotational rate sensor unit, and/or, an exceeding of a threshold value is detected.

Abstract: A vibration element includes a base section, a support arm extending from the base section, a driving vibration arm extending from the support arm in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the support arm, a drive section provided to the driving vibration arm, and having a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a first piezoelectric layer disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, the first electrode layer being disposed on the driving vibration arm side, and a monitor section adapted to detect a vibration of the driving vibration arm, provided to the driving vibration arm, and having a third electrode layer, a fourth electrode layer, and a second piezoelectric layer disposed between the third electrode layer and the fourth electrode layer, the third electrode layer being disposed on the driving vibration arm side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microelectromechanical structure, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of compensating the effect of the thermo-mechanical stress by incorporating and adjusting elastic elements that are used to couple a moveable proof mass to anchors. The proof mass responds to acceleration by displacing and tilting with respect to a moveable mass rotational axis. The thermo-mechanical stress is accumulated in the structure during the courses of manufacturing, packaging and assembly or over the structure's lifetime. The stress causes a displacement on the proof mass. A plurality of elastic elements is coupled to support the proof mass. Geometry and configuration of these elastic elements are adjusted to reduce the displacement caused by the thermo-mechanical stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microelectromechanical structure, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of incorporating z-axis out-of-plane stoppers that are controlled to protect the structure from both mechanical shock and electrostatic disturbance. The z-axis out-of plane stoppers include shock stoppers and balance stoppers. The shock stoppers are arranged on a cap substrate that is used to package the structure. These shock stoppers are further aligned to a proof mass in the structure to reduce the impact of the mechanical shock. The balance stoppers are placed underneath the proof mass, and electrically coupled to a balance voltage, such that electrostatic force and torque imposed by the shock stoppers is balanced by that force and torque generated by the balance stoppers. This structure is less susceptible to mechanical shock, and shows a negligible offset that may be induced by electrostatic disturbance caused by the shock stoppers.

Abstract: The density of gold and tungsten are almost identical, allowing for substitution by unscrupulous entities. The detection of the replacement is difficult to detect by common nondestructive testing methods, and repositories have resorted to drilling, cutting and melting samples of gold bars to certify their integrity. Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy allows a digital fingerprint to be produced, which has been shown to be effective in the detection of tampering. These spectra are representative of the dimensions, density and elastic constants of any solid object. Since the dimensions and density are essentially identical for pure and adulterated gold samples, only the elastic constant variance changes the spectral fingerprint. The method described in this application provides a reliable and accurate process to certify the integrity of gold samples.

Abstract: A direct field acoustic testing system provides an acoustic field having a higher degree of spatial uniformity. The system includes a control microphone, a controller, a combiner, and at least four acoustic transducers. The controller is operatively coupled to the control microphone such that the controller receives at least one input signal from the control microphone and provides at least four separately controllable controller output signals. The combiner combines the at least four separately controllable output signals to form at least four secondary output signals, each composed of combinations of one or more of the at least four separately controllable controller output signals. Each of the at least four transducers is operatively coupled to at least one of the at least four secondary output signals such that the output of the transducer varies in response to changes in at least two of the at least four separately controllable controller output signals.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a first wafer having a cavity formed therein and a second wafer bonded relative to the first wafer to form a diaphragm over the cavity. A trench is formed in the second wafer in or around the diaphragm and the trench may be filled with an isolating material to help thermally and/or electrically isolate the diaphragm. The diaphragm may support one or more sense elements. The sensor assembly may be used a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor, as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retrievable pressure sensor for in situ measurement of pressure in a process fluid in a pipe/chamber. The pressure sensor comprising a pressure-transferring device and an outer sensor part having a pressure sensing element attached at a distance from the pipe/chamber where the pressure is to be measured. The pressure-transferring device comprises a first device for sealing attachment in an opening in a wall of the pipe/chamber where the pressure is to be measured, and has a first separation diaphragm for separating between the process fluid and the pressure-transferring fluid. The pressure-transferring device further comprises a second device for attachment at a distance from the pipe/chamber where the pressure is to be measured. The pressure-transferring device comprises a first cavity with a pressure-transferring fluid, wherein the first cavity comprising a capillary tube for pressure transferring connection between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A composite material includes a polymer matrix and silica gel, which is bound in the polymer matrix. The volume fraction of the silica gel to the volume fraction of the composite material amounts to at least 50%, especially at least 65%. An electronic device, especially measuring device, includes at least one housing having at least one inner space, which contains an electronic circuit, wherein the device has at least one gas path, via which moisture can get into the housing, wherein the device has at least one formed body of the composite material.

Abstract: A stress monitoring device of elasto-magneto-electric (EME) effect type, for monitoring stress of a structural component of ferromagnetic materials, includes a magnetic field generating unit, a magneto-electric (ME) sensing unit, a support skeleton, and a signal controlling and conditioning instrument. Under the control of the signal controlling and conditioning instrument, the magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field for magnetizing the structural component. The ME sensing unit outputs an electrical signal VME characterizing the magnetic field without a need of external power supply. This electrical signal VME is analyzed and processed by the signal controlling and conditioning instrument to output a magnetic characteristic value Vst corresponding to the changes of the external forces that are exerted on the component. This stress monitoring device realizes on-line, real-time, and nondestructive monitoring, as well as off-line nondestructive monitoring.

Abstract: The invention relates mainly to a test bench (10) for a radial bearing (14) suitable for being interposed between two members (12, 16) that are movable relative to each other in rotation, the test bench being characterized in that it comprises a radial force measurement device (18) for measuring radial forces exerted on said bearing (14), a radial acceleration measurement device (20) for measuring radial accelerations to which said bearing (14) is subjected, and an electronic calculation unit (26) in communication with the radial force measurement device (18) and with the radial acceleration measurement device (20). The invention also relates to a method of establishing a behavior relationship for the radial bearing (14).

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and material wherein the material's viscoelastic and/or fatigue life may be altered by application of a secondary tuning electromagnetic field or a selected temperature, and the material's viscoelastic and/or fatigue properties are measured by a mechanical response of the material caused by applying a primary driving electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A flow sensor assembly includes a flow sensor for sensing a flow parameter. The flow sensor may provide a flow sensor output signal that is related to the sensed parameter. A control block operatively connected to the flow sensor may receive a measure related to the flow rate of the fluid stream and drive the heater of the flow sensor to a heater temperature, such that the heater temperature may be dependent on the flow rate of the fluid stream, which causes the analog output of the flow sensor to be relatively linear over an expected operating range of flow rates.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter includes a yoke of a solenoid unit, which is accommodated in the interior of a body. The yoke is U-shaped in cross section, with a pipe unit including a measurement conduit being arranged in the interior of the yoke. One end portion and another end portion of the measurement conduit are formed with true circular shapes in cross section, whereas an intermediate portion thereof between the one end portion and the other end portion is formed with an oval shape in cross section. On the measurement conduit, cross-sectional straight line portions thereof, which are formed in the intermediate portion, are arranged in a vertical direction. Coils of the solenoid unit and excitation plates are arranged in facing relation to the cross-sectional straight line portions.

Abstract: A flexible tactile imager includes an array of sensing cells that measure shear force and normal force. The sensing cells include a first sub-cell and a second sub-cell. Each sub-cell includes multi-fingered capacitors configured to measure shear force in a first or second direction and to measure the normal force. The multi-fingered capacitors include a flexible printed circuit board, a comb-like fingered sense electrode and drive electrode patterned on a layer of the flexible printed circuit board, a deformable dielectric material positioned above the comb-like fingered sense and drive electrodes, the comb-like fingered floating electrode patterned above the deformable dielectric material, a first capacitance formed between the comb-like fingered sense electrode and the comb-like fingered floating electrode, and a second capacitance formed between the comb-like fingered drive electrode and the comb-like fingered floating electrode.

Abstract: A torque sensing device includes a rotating component configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and a first sensor positioned adjacent to the rotating component to sense instantaneous angular position of the rotating component at a first location. A second sensor is positioned adjacent to the rotating component radially inboard of the first sensor to sense instantaneous angular position of the rotating component at a second location. A controller is operably coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor. The controller determines a relative phase shift between a first signal generated by the first sensor and a second signal generated by the second sensor to calculate an output proportional to a torque applied to the rotating component.

Abstract: A load detecting device for attachment to a structure under load comprises a carrier unit and a plurality of strain gages. The carrier unit comprises a first and a second mounting section arranged along a longitudinal axis and connected by a sensing section, wherein the plurality of strain gages are arranged at the sensing section of the carrier unit. The sensing section includes two connecting elements extending along the longitudinal axis between the first mounting section and the second mounting section, each of the connecting elements being curved and having a convex side, the convex sides of the two connecting elements facing each other.

Abstract: Sample preparation device for receiving in sealing relation one or more filter assemblies and one or more sample containers, each container uniquely positioned within the device to receive filtered sample from a designated filter. The device includes a body, a lid disposed on the body, a container tray, a base, an integrated seal on the body, a valve and a valve actuator. The tray can be disposed in a vacuum chamber defined by the lid and the body, and one or more sample containers can be disposed in the tray. When properly positioned in the tray in the vacuum chamber, each container is in fluid communication with a single respective filter assembly disposed in sealing relation in a respective aperture in the lid. A single actuation of a valve to place the vacuum chamber under vacuum causes the lid to seal to the base and drives the simultaneous filtration of a plurality of samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positive displacement sampling pipette (1), comprising a control rod (8) the bottom end (16) of which controls the displacement of a device (20) for gripping the top end (86) of a piston (82) belonging to a capillary-piston assembly (84) intended to cooperate with said pipette, According to the invention, the pipette includes an ejection rod (86) of said capillary-piston assembly, movably mounted with respect to said control rod (8) such that its bottom end (54) can exert an ejection strain on the top end (86) of the piston (82) accommodated in the gripping device (20), during a relative displacement between the ejection rod (46) and the control rod (8).

Abstract: Disclosed is a biological sample holder, a container for storing multiple holders, and an automated holder retrieval system. The sample holder may comprise an elongate generally planar support including a handle end and an opposing biological sample storage end, wherein, a substrate for accepting a biological sample is mounted to the holder at said sample storage end. Optionally the substrate is so mounted within a recess in the surface of the support and the recess has a local surface providing a reaction surface for allowing a sub-sample to be removed from the medium by mechanical action, such as cutting or punching. The container may include an array of wells each well being generally square or rectangular in plan and the holders dimensioned so that they are held diagonally in a respective well.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an appurtenance to a wound dressing includes: a substrate with at least one surface of a size and shape to mate with a surface of a wound dressing; a plurality of projections attached to the substrate and positioned to secure the substrate to the wound dressing; one or more sensor units attached to the substrate, the one or more sensor units configured to sense a condition of the wound dressing; and a transmission unit attached to the substrate and operably coupled to the one or more sensor units, the transmission unit including circuitry configured to transmit information associated with the one or more sensor units.

Abstract: Appurtenances to a wound dressing and systems for monitoring wound dressings are described. In some embodiments, a system for monitoring a wound dressing includes: an appurtenance to a wound dressing, wherein the appurtenance includes a sensor unit, an electronic identifier, and a transmitter unit operably attached to the sensor unit and to the electronic identifier; and a local unit including a receiver for the transmitter unit, a processor operably attached to the receiver, and a communication unit operably attached to the processor.

Abstract: Methods of marking paper products and marked paper products are provided. Some methods include irradiating the paper product to alter the functionalization of the paper.

Abstract: In order to make a physical quantity detection device whose sensor and logical circuit operate with different operating voltages have a simple configuration and be capable of recognizing a detection result of the sensor accurately, the physical quantity detection device according to the present invention is configured so that the sensor and the logical circuit may be connected by a bidirectional communication line and may be operate with mutually different operating voltages, and when receiving the detection result of the sensor, recognizes Hi/Lo level signals using second Hi/Lo level thresholds set up on arithmetic processing in place of first Hi/Lo level thresholds that an arithmetic unit has.

Abstract: A sensor includes a detection element; a plurality of terminal members, each of the terminal members including an elongated frame body portion extending along the axial direction, an element contact portion in elastic contact with an electrode terminal, and a folded portion connecting the frame body portion and the element contact portion; and a separator. The element contact portion of each of the terminal members has a turning portion which turns inward with respect to the width direction between the folded portion and a contact portion in contact with an electrode terminal. In those two of the terminal members which are adjacent to each other along the width direction, the distance along the width direction between the contact portions is smaller than the distance along the width direction between the frame body portions.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an insertion portion; an insertion assisting mechanism portion that is provided on an outer circumference of the insertion portion and is rotatable in a first rotational direction, or a second rotational direction that is the opposite direction to the first rotational direction; a drive portion that generates a driving force for causing the insertion assisting mechanism portion to rotate; a drive shaft that can be rotated by a driving force of the drive portion, and with respect to which a torsional rigidity in a fourth rotational direction that is an opposite direction to a third rotational direction is set so as to be higher than a torsional rigidity in the third rotational direction; and a drive mechanism portion that, by means of the drive shaft rotating in the fourth rotational direction, causes the insertion assisting mechanism portion to rotate in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly includes a cylinder, a nut and screw assembly, a thrust tube that extends axially from the nut and out the cylinder, a drive assembly mounted to the cylinder for rotating the screw to effect axial translation of the nut relative to the screw, thereby causing the thrust tube to axially extend or retract relative to the cylinder, and an anti-rotate feature for restricting rotation of the nut relative to the cylinder. The anti-rotate feature may include a guide member coupled to the nut and including at least one key on one of the guide member or the cylinder and at least one corresponding slot on the other of the guide member or the cylinder that engages on the key. The guide member may be allowed limited movement relative to the nut and/or the cylinder thereby preventing binding of the nut relative to the cylinder.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for use in a linear actuator comprises a hollow body permitting passage of a screw therein. At least one pair of legs extends longitudinally away from the hollow body and each leg of the at least one pair includes a first key feature configured for mating or complementary engagement with a second key feature of an housing used to enclose the screw, nut and anti-rotation device. In one embodiment, each leg is configured to extend or flex radially outward relative to an outer diameter of the hollow body. In another embodiment, the second key features of the housing are substantially longitudinally uniform, whereas the first key feature of at least one of the legs includes a longitudinally non-uniform feature. These pre-loading features induce self-centering of the anti-rotation device that reduces or eliminates play between the components and noise while also improving performance of the linear actuator.

Abstract: A pivot structure includes a gear mechanism, a first pivot assembly including a first stand, and a second pivot assembly including a second stand. The gear mechanism includes a first gear having a tooth portion, transmitting gears, and an end gear. The first gear, the transmitting gears, and the end gear are engaged in sequence. The second stand is rotated between a closed angle and an opening angle relative to the first stand by the gear mechanism. The tooth portion drives the transmitting gears to rotate the end gear when the second stand is rotated between a first middle angle and a second middle angle relative to the first stand, and the tooth portion is departed from the first transmitting gear when the second stand is rotated between the closed angle and the first middle angle relative to the first stand.

Abstract: Described herein is a gearbox for a motor vehicle including a plurality of forward gear ratios and a reverse gear ratio, the gearbox further including: a control device (configured for controlling the selection and the engagement of said forward gear ratios and of said reverse gear ratio; and a plurality of engagement devices that can be controlled by means of said control device for engaging the forward gear ratios or reverse gear ratio (RM) of the gearbox that are operatively associated to said devices. The gearbox includes a locking device, which is electrically controlled and configured for preventing actuation of the engagement device associated to a predetermined forward gear ratio, said locking device being configured for being actuated above a threshold speed of the motor vehicle on which said gearbox is installed.

Abstract: A motion control system is provided where a rotatable driven gear is held by bearings. The bearings are held inside a rotatable cam, where the cam has eccentricity between the outside and inside diameter. The outside diameter is held in a case that contains a driving gear. The backlash of the system is controlled by rotating the cam, which adjusts the center to center distance between the driving and driven gear.

Abstract: An adjusting drive, in particular for a steering column adjuster or a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle, and a method for producing an adjusting drive, are provided in which an axial play of the output shaft is reliably and permanently compensated. The compensating element for ensuring the axial-play-free arrangement of the output shaft is connected, in its operating position, to the housing by ultrasound welding.

Abstract: An actuator for controlling joint movement of a robot includes a first deceleration module and a second deceleration module, which receives and outputs driving force by being in gear with the first deceleration module. The first deceleration module includes a driving motor, a first print circuit board for controlling the driving motor by feeding back the output of the second deceleration module, at least one first reduction gear which is rotated by a driving motor, and a housing on which the driving motor, the first print circuit board, and the first reduction gear are mounted. The second deceleration module includes at least one other reduction gear, which rotates by being in gear with the first reduction gear, and a case on which the second reduction gear is mounted and which is connected to the housing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-material gear is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (a) heating a first pre-form element of a first material to a temperature at which the first material can be formed; (b) heating a second pre-form element of a second material to a temperature at which the second material can be formed; and (c) forming the first and second pre-form elements in a die at least towards the shape of the gear, thereby providing bonding between the elements.

Abstract: A herringbone gear assembly, includes: a first gear segment having a first set of teeth; a second gear segment having a second set of teeth, wherein the second set of teeth have a different configuration than the first set of teeth; and a series of compatible locators on the first and second gear segments configured to assist with gear segment alignment.

Abstract: A child unit (30) is configured to freely pivot about a first axial center (AX1) relative to a parent unit (10), and a grandchild unit (50) including a manipulator (56) is configured to freely pivot about a second axial center (AX2), which is orthogonal to the first axial center (AX1), relative to the child unit (30). A first rotary volume (32) is configured to detect a relative pivot amount of the parent unit (10) and the child unit (30) about the first axial center (AX1), and a second rotary volume (39) is configured to detect a relative pivot amount of the child unit (30) and the grandchild unit (50) about the second axial center (AX2). Both the first rotary volume (32) and the second rotary volume (39) are mounted to an electrical circuit board (43) of the child unit (30).

Abstract: A bicycle component operating apparatus is basically provided with a controller. The controller is configured to electrically adjust an input position of at least one operating member for starting operation of at least one bicycle component.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle parking brake for after market installation on an ATV, UTV, RUV or MUV that relies on placing the vehicle shift lever in a park position to hold the vehicle on a hill. The parking brake includes a brake handle that is mounted to the vehicle dash board to pivot between brake engaged and disengaged positions, extending and retracting a linkage that connects and disconnects through a straight sleeve, with the linkage connecting to a rod end bearing that connects to a brake pedal arm, depressing the brake pedal when an operator activates the parking brake.

Abstract: A modular robotic system that includes a plurality of self-configuring robots. Each self-configuring robot includes a frame structure having a plurality of cylindrical bonding magnets positioned along the edges of the frame structure. The frame structure includes magnetic, non-gendered, hinges on any of the edges of the frame. The hinges provide enough force to maintain a pivot axis through various motions. The cylindrical bonding magnets are free to rotate allowing for multiple self-configurations with other like self-configuring robots. A movement generator is positioned within the frame structure that pivots to generate multi-axis movement allowing both robust self-reconfiguration with the other self-configuring robots and independent locomotion.

Abstract: A robot with improved cleanliness for use in a clean environment is disclosed, having a uniform flow through the open interface between the clean environment and the interior of the robot housing, passing the particle generation area to an exhaust port, keeping the particles from the clean environment. The uniform flow reduces or eliminates the back flow, and further allows the scalability of the open interface to prevent particles generated from moving mechanisms within the robot housing to contaminate the clean environment. The uniform flow can be established by designing the flow dynamic, centering the exhaust port, or by restricting the flow along the elongated slot, for example, by uniformly restricting the flow along the elongated slot, or by implementing a restrictor along the elongated slot.

Abstract: A clutch pedal assembly for an automotive transmission is provided. The clutch pedal assembly includes a clutch pedal lever for disengaging a clutch of a vehicular transmission. The clutch pedal lever has a depressed position and a return position. A biasing member is coupled to the clutch pedal lever. A structural member has a first portion and a second portion. The biasing member is selectively connectable to the first and second portions of the structural member.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal is supported by a support member. A biasing member biases the accelerator pedal to the full close position. A resistance application unit increases a frictional force to increase a rotational resistance applied to the accelerator pedal, as a rotation angle of the accelerator pedal increases. A slidable portion is mounted to the support member and slidable on the accelerator pedal. A first latch portion and a second latch portion define an interspace therebetween in a rotational direction. The support member includes a rotation restrictive projection fitted between the first latch portion and the second latch portion.

Abstract: An active vibratory pedal assembly including a pedal and means integrated with the pedal for causing the vibration of the pedal which, in one embodiment, comprises a vibration generation assembly located and mounted to the underside of the pedal plate which includes an electric motor and an eccentric coupled to and rotatable relative to the motor and adapted to generate a force that causes the vibration of the pedal plate for providing an operator with a sensory signal of a vehicular condition or event such as, for example, a vehicle's excessive speed.

Abstract: Apparatus, and a corresponding method for its operation, for precisely moving a movable rotor by urging a motor, such as a piezoelectric motor, into operative engagement with a circumferential rim-like portion of the rotor, with a radial preload force great enough to produce tangential motion in the rim-like portion and thereby to move the rotor in any desired manner and with very high precision. Possible damaging effects of the radial preload force are canceled by the introduction of an oppositely directed radial resistive force, such as by means of one or more pinch rollers positioned opposite the motor and also engaging the rim-like member. The motor is mounted in an assembly that permits limited sliding and pivoting movements of the motor and thereby allows the motor to adapt to any physical irregularities in the driven rim-like member.

Abstract: Back in the nineteen seventies with the energy crisis. I thought There has to be other sources of energy in the world so I started to experiment with magnets and designed a magnetic generator, but the more I experiment with it I discovered that the earths magnetic field could interfere and also when a magnet gets hot it stopped being a magnet. So as time went on my Attion directed me to gravity. but the energy needed to pick Something up to drop it would be the same.

Abstract: A drive train including an internal combustion engine having a predefined number of cylinders, and operable in a first engine operating state in which all cylinders are in operation, and a second operating state in which some of the cylinders are not in operation. The drive train has a torsional-vibration damping system with at least one torsional-vibration damper and at least one centrifugal-force pendulum. In order to improve the torsional-vibration behavior of the drive train, a centrifugal-force pendulum and optionally a torsional-vibration damper are adapted to control torsional-vibration behavior of the engine in one operating state, and a torsional-vibration damper and optionally a second centrifugal-force pendulum are adapted to control the torsional-vibration behavior of the engine in the other engine operating state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and gasification system for recycling methane-rich gas from syngas stream emanating from fluidized bed reactor and then returning the methane to the fluidized bed reactor. The method comprises recovering methane-rich gas from the synthesis gas and delivering at least a portion of the recovered methane-rich gas to the fluidized bed reactor. Methods to recover methane-rich gas from syngas at different steps in the gasification system are also provided herein.

Abstract: Recovering gold from gold-loaded fine carbon by application of thermo-kinetic chemical activation regime at a low temperature, while preventing vitrification of imputies found in the gold-loaded fine carbon.

Abstract: A top-blowing lance includes a refining oxygen gas blowing nozzle having a plurality of ejection openings through which oxygen gas is blown into an iron bath in a reaction vessel, the ejection openings being disposed along a circular orbit at intervals, and a burner nozzle having an axis coaxial with the central axis of the circular orbit, forming a flame inside the refining oxygen gas blowing nozzle, and having ejection openings for blowing a powder heated by the flame into the iron bath, wherein an indicator A that indicates the positional relationship between the ejection openings of the refining oxygen gas blowing nozzle and the ejection openings of the burner nozzle satisfies the specified conditions.