Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed that includes a plurality of parallel refrigerant paths, and a distributor for delivering refrigerant to the plurality of parallel refrigerant paths, the distributor defining a flow restrictor at an entrance to each refrigerant path, wherein the flow restrictors are configured to keep the distributor pressurized at a predetermined level and thereby maintain single phase refrigerant flow into each of the parallel refrigerant paths. The flow restrictors further induce even flow distribution by providing choked flow to each refrigerant path.

Abstract: A floating LNG plant including a first and a second converted LNG carrier each provided with a hull and at least one LNG storage tank wherein the floating LNG plant further includes: a connection structure for connecting the hull of the first and the second converted LNG carrier in order to obtain a twin-hull vessel; process equipment for LNG processing on the floating LNG plant; and a mooring system for mooring the floating LNG plant to the seabed, wherein the at least first and second converted LNG carrier each include an LNG carrier, originally provided with a plurality of LNG tanks, wherein at least one LNG tank has been deactivated and/or removed from at least one LNG carrier to create space on the floating LNG plant for installing the process equipment for LNG processing.

Abstract: A light-emitting jewelry piece includes a gemstone, a head, and a mounting. The head is configured to interconnect the gemstone to the mounting. The mounting is arranged secure the light-emitting jewelry piece to a person or a personal adornment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the size of a bracelet are disclosed. In one embodiment, the bracelet includes a first end with a plurality of size adjustment openings and a second end having a hook. The hook is configured to latch on to one of the plurality of size adjustment openings to adjust the diameter of the bracelet.

Abstract: A jewelry item has a ring part pivotally attached to a closure at one end. The closure spans the continuity of the ring from an end of the ring part and comprises a ring continuation arm extending in continuity of the ring and pivotally attached to and of the ring part at a pivoted connection. The closure further comprises a bias arm extending along with the ring continuation arm along said ring continuity. The bias arm comprises a spring part and a lever part pivotally attached to each other. A connection between said lever part and the ring part is rigid, so that as the ring part is opened, said lever part is configured to rotate inwardly towards an interior of said item. The spring part has a natural shape of smaller circumference than the ring part so that once a certain extent is reached, the spring part pulls the lever part towards the spring part in order to allow the spring part to attain its smaller diameter and thus establish a stable open position.

Abstract: The second ring 31 and the fourth ring 33 are fixed to the ouch 5 so that the table surface 7a (front, of the ornament unit) has a position that is directed upward by an angle alpha of about 5° to 45° with respect to the gravity direction. When it is in use condition. For example, it is achieved by twisting the first joint 61 and the second joint 63 by an angle corresponding to the angle alpha.

Abstract: A method for cutting a strengthened glass sheet according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes: a step of collecting and scanning laser light in an intermediate layer, thereby forming a first reformed region along a first cutting-scheduled line; and a step of applying an external force to propagate a crack from the first reformed region as a start point in a thickness direction of the strengthened glass sheet, thereby dividing the strengthened glass sheet. In the step of forming the first reformed region, a width d1 (mm) of the first reformed region in the thickness direction is set to d1<2×103×Kc2/{?×(CT)2} based on a fracture toughness Kc (MPa·?m) of the strengthened glass sheet and the tensile stress CT (MPa) remaining in the intermediate layer.

Abstract: When dividing glass using laser radiation into blanks (5) made of glass, a bundled laser beam (1) is directed onto the glass to be divided, and while forming at least two blanks (5), the glass is divided with sides (15) lying in the area of the cut. After the glass is divided, a laser beam (1) is directed onto at least one edge (16) of a side (15) of the formed blank (5) in order to separate glass from the edge (16) while forming a bevel (17) that lies on the side (15). For forming the bevel (17), at least one laser source (6) and a reflector (19) assigned to the latter are moved along the side (15) so that the laser beam (1)—which with the plane of the blank (5) encompasses an acute angle—is effective for forming the bevel (17).

Abstract: Provided are a silicon purification apparatus that uses a ring-shaped thermal-insulating lid, which can be replaced while heating a crucible, as a thermal-insulating means for keeping the surface of a silicon melt at a high temperature, and has a simple structure and is easy to produce, said silicon purification apparatus being capable of continuously processing several tens of portions of charged silicon with the crucible heated as is; a silicon purification method that makes use of the silicon purification apparatus; and a purification method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass melting furnace comprising a channel-shaped melting tank, the batch materials being introduced at an upstream end, the molten glass being recovered at the downstream end, said furnace being heated by means of burners, in which the combustion energy is produced by oxy-fuel combustion in respect of at least 65% thereof, the burners being distributed on the walls along the length of the furnace, in which flue gas discharge is mostly localized close to the upstream end near the openings through which the batch materials are introduced, the rest of the flue gas being removed close to the downstream part so as to maintain dynamic sealing with respect to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A mould-supporting system for a machine for forming hollow glassware includes a supporting structure, and a first carriage and a second carriage, which are slidably mounted, respectively, on a first bar and a second bar of the supporting structure, and, moreover, are slidably mounted on a third bar of the supporting structure, common to the two carriages, the first and second carriages carrying, respectively, a first mould-carrier arm and a second mould-carrier arm. Mutual displacement of the first and second carriages is controlled between a position where they are set close to one another and a corresponding position where they are set apart. The first and second carriages have a first tubular portion that engages, respectively, the first and second bars via first sliding means, and a second tubular portion that engages the third bar via second sliding means.

Abstract: A mould-supporting system for a machine for forming hollow glassware, includes a supporting structure, a first carriage and a second carriage, which are slidably mounted respectively on a first bar and a second bar of the supporting structure, and carry, respectively, a first mould-carrier arm and a second mould-carrier arm. A mutual displacement of the first and second carriages between a position where they are set close to one another and a corresponding position where they are set apart is controlled. On one between the first and second carriages, means are provided for guiding the other between the first and second carriages during their mutual displacement.

Abstract: A knitting method for knitting, by a double knit electric jacquard circular knitting machine with needle selection on dial and cylinder, a knitted fabric in which a pattern on a front face of the knitted fabric is knitted by using one of a cylinder and a dial, boundaries between motifs of the pattern in a wale direction being continuous at the same position in the wale direction in a plurality of successive courses, and a pattern on a back face of the knitted fabric is knitted by using the other of the cylinder and the dial. The knitted fabric is knitted such that knit structures adjacent, on the back face of the knitted fabric, to a border line in the wale direction that is formed by the boundary between the motifs on the front face of the knitted fabric in at least one course of the number of successive courses that is fewer by one than the number of types of jacquard knitting yarns used are successively knitted.

Abstract: A warp knitted heat resistant separation fabric is provided, having at least two sets of warp yarns. A first set of warp yarns is positioned over the width of the fabric and formed with pillar stitches; and a second set of warp yarns positioned over the width of the fabric shows in its repeat in the fabric an underlap under at least two pillars that are formed by the first set of warp yarns.

Abstract: A dynamic balancer device for a laundry treating appliance includes, among other things, a first raceway piece having an L-shaped cross section defining a first annular channel and a second raceway piece having an L-shaped cross section defining a second annular channel. The first raceway piece is attached to the second raceway piece with the first annular channel facing the second annular channel to define a raceway. The dynamic balancer device also includes a mass disposed in the annular raceway and movable therein.

Abstract: A washing machine and a detergent delivery pump assembly thereof are provided. The detergent delivery pump assembly includes a pump defining a plurality of fixed-volume chambers therein for containing detergents respectively, each fixed-volume chamber being provided with a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve; a plurality of pistons disposed in the plurality of fixed-volume chambers in one-to-one correspondence relationship and each including piston head, the piston head being controlled to reciprocate in the fixed-volume chamber to draw or push out a fixed volume of detergent; a motor assembly; and a transmission mechanism to associate the piston heads with the motor assembly, such that the piston heads are controlled to move in the fixed-volume chambers by the motor assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a casing that has a generally cylindrical configuration having a bottom side that includes a bottom side cavity. The bottom side has a topography that is generally a negative topography of a surface of an article with which the bottom side associates. The topography of the bottom side is defined by a plurality of offset surfaces that define raised edges, with the offset surfaces and resulting raised edges forming reliefs.

Abstract: A gun trigger-locking device which is configured to be manually installed on a gun with a trigger-blocking member disposed behind the trigger to prevent the gun from being fired. The device includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same as data stored in the memory. If a data match is indicated, the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a locking member to an unlocked position, permitting the trigger-blocking member to be manually removed from the gun so the gun can be fired. A separate electronic key is provided to transmit unlock data to the data receiver of the trigger-locking device. This unlock data may be a password, a long pseudo-random number or biologic data identifying the gun owner or some other person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to fire the gun.

Abstract: A wirelessly-actuated, wall-mountable, deadbolt system for securing the locking of a door or window is provided that includes an actuator housing for storing therein at least a part of a electronically-controlled deadbolt actuator operable from a remote controller to direct reciprocal axial movement of a deadbolt, a deadbolt mechanically linked to the electronically-controlled actuator to move reciprocally upon actuation into and out of engagement with an opening in a side surface of the door or window; and a programmable controller to control actuation of the actuator and, thus, the deadbolt.

Abstract: A deadbolt lock is utilized to lock a turned wheel in place at an angle from its ordinary orientation. Perforations in the holy smoke tube match perforation in the head tube whereupon the bolt from the keyed lock may be inserted upon turning of a key. A rear wheel friction lock is provided having a member having a deadbolt lock that extends a frictional rubber device to make contact and block further rotation of the tire. Finally, a dual rack and pinion system has a key lock activated pinion articulating oppositely operating rack members; a pin or bolt lock blocks front tire and wheel movement and a hinged friction lock blocks rear tire and wheel motion.

Abstract: An electromechanical lock includes a lever coupled with a locking mechanism configured to receive mechanical power from an user, and to output the mechanical power to mechanically disengage the locking mechanism provided that a support of the fulcrum is in an open position, and a return mechanism for the support of the fulcrum including a reset spring whose other end is configured to, during the reception of the mechanical power from the user, move past the support of the fulcrum with the mechanical power outputted by the lever, and, finally, force the support of the fulcrum with the mechanical energy outputted by the return spring through the lever back to a locked position.

Abstract: A lockset is actuable by pivoting a handle about a longitudinal axis of the lockset by rotating the handle and by pivoting the handle about an axis transverse to the lockset axis, such as by pushing or pulling. The lockset includes an inside handle and an outside handle, each associated with an independent mechanism, each of which can independently actuate the lockset. A locking mechanism prevents actuation of a first one of the independent handle mechanisms without affecting operation of the other handle mechanism. Upon actuation of the other handle mechanism, a retractor engages a surface of the locking mechanism and removes it from engagement with the first locking mechanism. An adjustment ring has a first configuration that centers the lockset in a door having a first standard thickness and a second configuration that centers the lockset in a door having a second standard thickness.

Abstract: In a cylinder lock, a half tumbler biased to engage an engagement portion with a locking recess of a cylinder body is inserted into a tumbler insertion hole of a rotor so that the engagement portion is retraced from the locking recess in response to insertion of a legitimate mechanical key into a key insertion hole. An inner side surface of the tumbler insertion hole is formed to include: a guide portion facing a half tumbler and extending in a moving direction of the half tumbler; and a passage forming portion having larger clearance with the half tumbler than that of the guide portion to form a release passage between the passage forming portion and the half tumbler such that the release passage faces the key insertion hole, extends in the moving direction of the half tumbler, and has opposite ends opened to an outer surface of the rotor.

Abstract: (EN)The invention relates to the preparation of doped plant complexes by a process of fermenting a compost CP in particular of straw and of horse manure fermented for 3-6 days, with coverage by a special carbonated plant complex CVC. A doped or overdoped plant complex is obtained that has a very high concentration in particular of humic acid nuclei, mycorrhizae, and fixed gases (nitrogen, carbon), having an extremely improved biological activity with an application in the improvement of methanization, up to 200-350%.

Abstract: Soil amendment/foliar nutrient compositions and methods for their manufacture and use are provided. The compositions are aqueous compositions that include a carbon skeleton energy component (CSE); a macronutrient; a vitamin cofactor; a complexing agent; and at least one of exotic micronutrient component and an ionophore component.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for processing and changing the physical characteristics of a metal workpiece into a final metal component. Predetermined processing parameters are established for achieving a final metal component. The metal workpiece is positioned securely on a support during the changing of the physical characteristics. Impacts are applied to a surface of the workpiece multiple times for achieving the final metal component while controlling the impacting with the predetermined processing parameters. A sensor is provided for continuously sensing the currently existing physical conditions of the workpiece during impacting. The predetermined processing parameters are changed into adjusted processing parameters and the impacts are changed in reaction to the currently existing physical conditions of the workpiece from the sensing and processing of the workpiece until the final metal component has been achieved.

Abstract: Provided is an equipment system for producing a piercing-rolling plug to be used for producing a seamless steel tube/pipe, which includes a shotblasting device for applying shotblasting on a surface of the plug, and an arc-spraying device for performing arc-spraying of iron wires on a surface of a base metal of the plug to which the shotblasting is applied, so as to form a film containing oxide and Fe thereon. The arc-spraying device includes plural spraying booths each of which separately forms part of the film in turn in each of sections into which the surface of the base metal of the plug is divided along an axial direction of the plug. The production efficiency of the plug can therefore be maintained at a high level, and steady enhancement of the durability life of the plug can be realized during the piercing-rolling.

Abstract: A friction-stir mandrel includes a textured end portion integral with a body portion. The textured end portion is configured to friction-stir process a starting material forced across the textured end portion and through a die in a plasticized state to form a pipe. A pipe can be formed by forcing a starting material across a textured end of the mandrel and through a die in a plasticized state, so that the textured end of the mandrel breaks up existing grains of the starting material. The pipe is formed from material that is forced through the die. The friction-stir mandrel can be used with porthole die friction-stir extrusion, seamless tube friction-stir extrusion, and tube friction-stir drawing processes to provide tubing in which the grains are broken up by the textured portion of the friction-stir mandrel. The textured portion can include features, such as threads, ridges, studs, protrusions, and the like.

Abstract: To increase the life of a plug used in a piercing machine for piercing-rolling a billet. The plug (10) is used in a piercing machine (30) that piercing-rolls a billet (36). The plug (10) includes a plug body (12), a build-up layer (14), and a sprayed film (16). The build-up layer (14) is formed on a surface of the plug body (12). The sprayed film (16) covers at least an area ranging from the rear end of the build-up layer (14) to a position of the maximum outer diameter of the plug body (12).

Abstract: A wire forming apparatus which feeds out a wire to a formation space at a distal end of a wire guide (333) and works the wire into a desired shape by using radially arranged tools (T1-T4) includes a wire feeder (30) which supports the wire guide (333) and feeds out the wire to the wire guide (333), tool rotating means (230), from which the tool (T1-T4) is detachable, for changing a position of the tool (T1-T4) relative to the wire guide (333) by rotation, tool driving means (240), rotatably supported by the tool rotating means (230), for applying a driving force to the tool (T1-T4) attached to the tool rotating means (230), a table (210, 220) which supports the tool rotating means (230) and the tool driving means (240) and is configured to move in a two-dimensional direction, and control means (701) for controlling operations of the wire feeder (30), the tool rotating means (230), the tool driving means (240), and the table (210, 220) to work the wire into a desired shape.

Abstract: A method for forming a sill pan is provided that includes the measurement of a width and length of an opening sill to be sealed. A piece of flexible sill pan material is cut based on the measured opening sill. Fold lines and cuts are created in the piece to form the sill pan. The resulting sill pan is readily formed to have at least one attribute of self-adherence, draining without shims, nail hole self-sealing, and provision of dams without resort to frame cutting.

Abstract: A tool for hot forming and press hardening a steel structure includes an upper tool and a lower tool, each having a base body made of highly heat conductive material and comprised of at least two segments. The base body of at least one of the upper and lower tools has a cooling channel. Arranged on the base body of at least one of the upper and lower tools is a wear protection shield.

Abstract: A method of bending a tube arrangement including an inner tube disposed within an outer tube is performed using a bending die having a concave groove including a curved portion extending around a peripheral surface of the bending die, the curved portion of the concave groove having at least one ridge projecting therefrom. The tube arrangement is located within the concave groove and a force is applied to the tube arrangement in a direction toward the curved portion of the bending die to cause the tube arrangement to conform to the shape of the concave groove. The at least one ridge projecting from the concave groove causes the outer tube to deform such that an interior surface of the outer tube contacts an exterior surface of the inner tube, securing a position of the inner tube within the outer tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for changing physical characteristics of a workpiece which may have been pre-loaded before being further processed. The workpiece is supported in a fixed position during processing. A driven member applies multiple impacts to one surface of the workpiece. The driven member is operated within adjustable parameters. A controller, having the adjustable parameters, is operatively connected to the driven member for causing the driven member to apply multiple impacts against a surface of the workpiece while under the control of the pre-adjustable parameters for changing physical characteristics of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method according one embodiment includes at least one of bubbling dried air through a hydrogen peroxide solution in a container for producing a first hydrogen peroxide vapor, and passing dried air from the moisture trap into a headspace above the hydrogen peroxide solution in a container for producing a second hydrogen peroxide vapor. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A force sensor device has at least three arcs distributed around a central axis. The arcs have integrated sensing elements that measure strain applied on the arc resulting from a force applied on the central axis.

Abstract: A method for determining pressure sensor offset values in an evaporative emission control system. The method is performed during initial vehicle power up, and the method begins by receiving a reference signal indicating existing atmospheric pressure, as well as a check signal from a fuel tank pressure sensor indicating pressure within the fuel tank, at a time when the fuel system is open to atmosphere. A controller then calculates a sensor offset value based upon the reference signal and the check signal, and the controller stores the sensor offset value in a system memory location. During operation of the evaporative emission control system, the controller modifies pressure values received from the fuel tank pressure sensor by applying the sensor offset value. Whenever the system employs a reading from the fuel tank pressure sensor, that reading is corrected by applying the stored offset value.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and techniques for determining wear abrasion resistance of superhard components, such as cutters used in down-hole drilling tools. The methods and techniques provided herein produce an efficiency ratio of a superhard component through data obtained from a vertical turret lathe test. The efficiency ratio is the ratio between the volume of a target cylinder removed by the superhard component during the vertical turret lathe test and the normal force applied onto the superhard component by the target cylinder. The efficiency ratio is indicative of the energy efficiency of the superhard component.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor housing and a sensing element located within the sensor housing. The sensing element has a distal end and defines an axis. The gas sensor also includes a sensor protection device coupled to the sensor housing and at least partially surrounding the distal end of the sensing element. The sensor protection device includes a first member coupled to the housing, the first member having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the axis. The first member includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The sensor protection device also includes a second member coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A gas sensor element comprises an elongated plate-like element including, at a forward end portion, a detecting section comprising a solid electrolyte body having an outer surface and a back surface, a detection electrode on the outer surface and a reference electrode on the back surface, and a porous layer covering the detection electrode. The coating layer includes a first protection layer entirely covering the detecting section, and a second protection layer circumferentially covering the first protection layer and extending at least from a forward end of the first protection layer to a position located rearward of the porous layer. The thickness of the first protection layer on the porous layer is larger than that of the first protection layer rearward of the porous layer. The thickness of the second protection layer rearward of the porous layer is larger than that of the second protection layer above the porous layer.

Abstract: A moisture concentration detecting device including a gas chamber; a pair of porous electrodes facing each other in the gas chamber; a solid electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the electrodes; a case which covers the electrodes and the solid electrolyte membrane and on a surface of which a pleated portion is provided; an impedance measuring circuit measuring an AC impedance between the electrodes by applying an AC voltage to the electrodes; a storage device storing therein conversion information for converting an AC impedance between the electrodes into a moisture concentration in the insulating gas; and a computing unit obtaining a moisture concentration in the insulating gas from a measured value of the AC impedance by referring to the conversion information stored in the storage device with respect to the measured value of the AC impedance input from the impedance measuring circuit.

Abstract: A gas detector for determining the contributions of two or more target gases in an atmosphere to be sampled, the gas detector comprising: a gas sensor for sampling the gas, the gas sensor having a sensitivity to a target gas which is dependent on the temperature of the gas sensor; a temperature regulating device configured to change the temperature of the gas sensor; calculating means in communication with the gas sensor; wherein the gas detector is configured to: sample the atmosphere with the gas sensor at a plurality of temperatures, wherein the temperature regulating device changes the temperature of the sensor; and determine using the calculating means the contributions of the two or more target gases based on the measurements at the plurality of gas sensor temperatures and the sensitivity of the gas sensor at the plurality of gas sensor different temperatures.

Abstract: A gas sensor package includes a substrate, a gas sensing element on the substrate, and a cover module including ventilation holes.

Abstract: A gas sensor package is configured such that an output change part is provided in the gas sensor package including a gas sensor so that a resistance output mode can be changed to a voltage output mode, thereby enabling the gas sensor to have a regular initial voltage value by compensating a resistance change value to an initial gas sensing material. According to embodiments of the present application, a gas sensor package is configured such that a gas moving separation part is formed between a gas sensing element and a substrate with regard to a structure in which a gas sensing element is mounted to the substrate in a flip chip bonding method so that gas can be smoothly moved and thus gas sensing efficiency can be maximized.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, systems, and computer program products for generating and optimizing irrigation protocols. The disclosure also extends to a system and method for the detection of leaks in an irrigation system during operation in accordance with the disclosed methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing water usage in growing plants for yard and crops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides methods of distinguishing a glycosaminoglycan from one or more other components in a sample by subjecting the sample to size-exclusion chromatography using a mobile phase having a pH of 6.8 or lower. A mobile phase having a pH of 6.8 or lower is found to improve the separation of glycosaminoglycans from proteins during size exclusion chromatography. In some embodiments, improved separation is due to the low pH of the mobile phase causing elution of less dispersed fractions of the protein and/or glycosaminoglycan. In some embodiments, the overlap between protein and/or glycosaminoglycan fractions is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of biomarkers. In particular, the present invention relates to biomarkers such as PC-O 44:4 that can be used, for example for detecting and/or quantifying visceral adiposity and/or changes in visceral adiposity. This biomarker may also be used to diagnosing the effect of a change in lifestyle on visceral adiposity in a subject.

Abstract: A moisture sensing device having an elongated chute with an open top and a gate at the bottom. The gate is connected to an actuator for opening and closing the gate. A proximity sensor is mounted to the chute adjacent the gate to detect whether the gate is open or closed. Connected to and extending into the chute is a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor, proximity sensor, and actuator are all connected to a controller.

Abstract: An objective testing module includes a module base configured for coupling with an objective turret of a microscope. The objective testing module includes a mechanical testing assembly. The mechanical testing assembly is configured to mechanically test a sample at macro scale or less, and quantitatively determine one or more properties of the sample based on the mechanical testing. The mechanical testing assembly optionally includes a probe and one or more transducers coupled with the probe. The transducer measures one or more of force applied to a sample by the probe or displacement of the probe within the sample. In operation, an optical instrument locates a test location on a sample and the objective testing module mechanically tests at the test location with the mechanical testing assembly at a macro scale or less. The mechanical testing assembly further determines one or more properties of the sample according to the mechanical test.