Abstract: An elevator positioning system includes an optical tape, optical tape clips, and a sensor. The optical tape clips are mountable to various structures within the hoistway. A crossbar of the optical tape clips is located between a sensor and optical tape such that the sensor detects an interruption in the optical tape and signals the detection to an elevator controller. The elevator car can then be controlled to align evenly with the landings associated with the hoistway. Another elevator positioning system includes a sensor and a reflector clip assembly. The reflector clip assemblies are mountable to various structures within the hoistway. A reflector target of the reflector clip assemblies faces the sensor such that the sensor detects the reflector target and signals the detection to an elevator controller. The elevator car can then be controlled to align evenly with the landings associated with the hoistway.

Abstract: A castor with separate brake device and brake release device is provided with a shell, a brake piece, a brake unit and a brake-release unit. The brake unit and the brake-release unit are two separate members, while they are interactively linked by a push portion and the notch portion, so as to ensure the accuracy of the brake operation. Whenever the castor is in a brake-activated status or brake-deactivated status, the brake pedal and the brake-release pedal pivot in opposite direction to present different angles, which makes it easier for the user to see the status of the castor (in brake position or non-brake position), and prevents confusion or accidental operation.

Abstract: A multifunctional castor with steering, directional and brake functions and is provided with a mounting seat, a rotary seat, an engaging member, a wheel, a brake swing member, a longitudinal rod assembly, an engaging assembly, a transverse rod, a brake pedal and a brake-release pedal. Pressing down or pushing up the brake pedal can activate the steering, direction and brake functions of the castor, and then the steering, direction and brake functions of the castor can be deactivated by controlling the brake-release pedal.

Abstract: A rotary lever disc brake actuating mechanism and a method for operating the rotary lever disc brake mechanism is provided. The mechanism includes a rotary lever which rotates a pinion to further rotate brake pad application racks. The racks are arranged to rotate toward an inboard brake pad to advance the brake pad toward a brake disc. The racks may further cooperate with lateral pins fixed to an outboard portion of the brake such that the outboard portion simultaneously advances an outboard brake pad toward the brake disc when the racks rotate. The brake mechanism may be assembled into a cartridge to be placed within an inboard portion of a brake caliper. The brake caliper may be located on a caliper mount via adjustment pins, whereby during new brake pad installation the caliper is self-centered by application of the brake, followed by securing the caliper to the adjustment pins.

Abstract: A disk brake pad comprising a supporting base with which a layer of friction material is associated, characterized in that a wall of said supporting base having associated therewith the layer of friction material is passed through by at least one channel communicating with a chamber, defined in correspondence of the supporting base, for collecting the powders produced due to the wear of the friction material.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a disc brake is provided, in which a torque plate affixed to a vehicle axle and a brake caliper mounting frame affixed to the torque plate have corresponding opposing projections and recesses provided to laterally and circumferentially limit relative motion between the torque plate and the mounting frame. A wedge element with at least one angled face is located between correspondingly-angled faces of the mounting frame and/or the torque plate to generate lateral and/or circumferential loading in response to tightening of vertically-oriented fasteners. The use of the angled components substantially reduces the amount of loading required to be applied by the vertical fasteners to resist relative motion between the torque plate and the mounting frame.

Abstract: A ferritically nitrocarburized rotational member of a vehicle brake is disclosed, including a rotational member having a friction surface configured for braking engagement with a corresponding friction material. A compound zone is disposed at the friction surface. An exposed surface of the compound zone is exposed to an atmosphere. The area of the exposed surface includes from about 0 percent to about 14 percent graphite.

Abstract: A friction brake pad for a friction brake comprises at least one corrosion prevention element located within a friction surface. The corrosion prevention element is flush with the friction surface and is configured to wear with the friction brake pad. The at least one corrosion prevention element may be formed of a baser metal than gray cast iron.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus includes: a partition wall member that divides a space inside an inner tube into an upper space and a lower space; a cap that covers an upper opening portion of an outer tube; and a support member of which one end portion is retained by the cap, and of which the other end portion supports the other end portion of a piston rod, in which a through-hole is formed in a portion of the inner tube, an inner space of the piton rod is a space inside the piston rod and communicates with the lower space, the support member is a cylindrical member and forms an upper portion space, and the upper portion space communicates with the inner space of the piston rod, and at least one of the cap and the support member is provided with a communication path.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus includes: a cylindrical outer tube; an inner tube a piston rod of which one end portion retains a piston; and a partition wall member that is mounted to an upper end portion of the inner tube to define an upper end portion of an annular oil chamber, that has a bowl portion, and that divides a space inside the inner tube into an inner space and an outer space of the bowl portion, in which the partition wall member divides the outer space into a gap space and a space other than the gap space, a through-hole is formed in the partition wall member, and at least one of the partition wall member and the inner tube is provided with a communication path through which an upper portion of the annular oil chamber communicates with the gap space.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder type damper is provided having a cylinder (12) with a piston assembly (10) which is mounted for reciprocal linear movement therein. The piston assembly (10) divides the cylinder (12) into separate chambers with a restricted flow path extending therebetween for passage of damping fluid contained within it. A piston rod (11) is mounted for linear reciprocal movement with respect to the cylinder (12) and is arranged to engage the piston assembly (10) with abutting contact. The contact between the piston rod (11) and piston assembly (10) is arranged to be remote from the restricted flow path.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a shock absorber body having a cylinder outer shell and a piston rod capable of going in/out of the outer shell and generating a damping force suppressing relative movement of the piston rod in an axial direction with respect to the outer shell, a cylindrical dust cover connected to the piston rod and allowing entry of the outer shell into an inside, and a cylindrical collar attached to the outer shell and arranged on an outer periphery of the piston rod.

Abstract: A friction brake device has a brake rotor that rotates around an axis of rotation, brake pads that can rotate around an axis of autorotation parallel to the axis of rotation, support members that support the brake pads respectively, and pressing devices that press the brake pads against the brake rotor respectively. In the friction brake device, when the brake pads are pressed against the brake rotor, the brake pads revolve around the axis of rotation relatively to the brake rotor while being frictionally engaged with lateral faces of the brake rotor respectively. The support members press the brake pads in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and frictionally engage outer peripheries of the brake pads with a cylindrical face of the brake rotor respectively. The brake pads auto-rotate around the axis of autorotation upon beginning to be pressed, but come to rest when the pressing force increases.

Abstract: A stator assembly for a torque converter includes a housing, a blocking element, an inner race, and a first ring. The housing includes a plurality of stator blades, a central axis, and a pocket. The blocking element is disposed in the pocket and is pivotable about an axis parallel to the central axis. The inner race includes an outer notch for engaging the blocking element, an inner spline for engaging a transmission shaft, and a first outer piloting surface. The first ring is for radially positioning the housing on the inner race first outer piloting surface. In some example embodiments, the housing includes a bore and the first ring is pressed into the housing bore. In some example embodiments, the housing includes a radially extending surface in contact with the first ring. In an example embodiment, the radially extending surface limits axial displacement of the inner race.

Abstract: A method of controlling shifts in a multi-speed transmission includes beginning an initial shift, which changes the transmission from a starting gear to an initial target gear, and executing an adjusted shift, which changes the transmission to an adjusted target gear having higher speed ratio than the initial target gear, when transition conditions are satisfied. The transition conditions include a threshold increase in torque request, which is sufficient to require the transmission to be placed into the adjusted target gear. The transition conditions also include a common controlling clutch, which is partially engaged during the initial shift and the adjusted shift and is an off-going clutch to place the transmission in the adjusted target gear. Executing the adjusted shift does not include placing the transmission in a neutral mode. Furthermore, executing the adjusted shift does not include completing the initial shift.

Abstract: A clutch unit includes a lever-side clutch section provided on an input side, for controlling rotational torque to be input through lever operation, and a brake-side clutch section provided on an output side, for transmitting the rotational torque from the lever-side clutch section to the output side, and interrupting rotational torque to be reversely input from the output side. The brake-side clutch section has a two-layer structure, in which two one-way clutches are arranged side by side in an axial direction. The first one-way clutch interrupts rotational torque in a forward direction, which is reversely input from the output side, through meshing of serrated projection and depression portions, whereas the second one-way clutch interrupts rotational torque in a backward direction, which is reversely input from the output side, through meshing of serrated projection and depression portions arranged in an opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-way clutch mechanical system, in particular a pulley-assembly for a motor vehicle alternator. The one-way clutch mechanical system includes an inner element and an outer element, which are movable relative to one another in rotation around a central axis (X1) and delimits an annular housing between them. The system further includes a one-way clutch device positioned in the annular housing, a member for damping a relative rotational movement between the inner and outer elements and for transmitting torque to the one-way clutch device, which is also positioned in that annular housing. The damping and torque transmission member is axially offset relative to the one-way clutch device, along the central axis (X1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-way clutch mechanical system for a pulley-assembly of a motor vehicle alternator, having an inner element, an outer element rotatably movable relative to one another around a central axis and delimiting an annular housing between them. A one-way clutch device positioned in the annular housing and a member damping a relative rotational movement between the inner and outer elements and elements transmitting torque to the clutch device is provided. A ring rotatably secured to a first element and adjacent, along the central axis, to a damping and torque transmission member, is provided with first means for activating the member to transmit torque. A sleeve belonging to the one-way clutch device is provided with second means for activating the damping and torque transmitting member. The one-way clutch device has cams that bear against the sleeve and the second activation means has at least one raised portion.

Abstract: A torque-release coupling can be remotely reset after an over-torque condition. A threshold torque may be adjusted while the coupling is miming. A pressure of pressurized fluid adjusts a force required to release a detent mechanism that holds a torque transmitting member in engagement across an interface between moving parts.

Abstract: An actuator for a vehicle transmission system, comprising: an electrical machine comprising an armature and an inductor, a static converter comprising a plurality of commutation cells, the static converter being arranged so as to electrically connect the electrical circuit of the armature to an electrical energy source, and a system for controlling the commutation cells of the static converter, said system being configured so that the torque constant of the electrical machine can assume at least two different values depending on the control applied to said cells.

Abstract: An actuator system for hydraulic actuation of a clutch comprises a master cylinder with a master piston, a readjustment container for containing hydraulic fluid, a connection opening between the readjustment container and the master cylinder, where a degree of openness of the connection opening is dependent on the position of the master piston, and a hydraulic actuator to control a position of the master piston. In an actuator system, a control device for controlling the hydrostatic actuator is also provided, such that a speed of motion of the master piston is high while the connection opening is wide open, and low while the connection opening is open a little. In a method according to the disclosure, a position of the master piston is detected, and the actuator is controlled at different speeds depending on the position or the degree of openness.

Abstract: Assisting users with controlling, navigating and performing any number of other operations for a secure storage apparatus is contemplated. The assistance may be in the form of easily navigable instructions/menus/screen and/or printed instructions, which may be optionally tailored to the particular operation contemplated for performance.

Abstract: A log singulator has first and second segments supported between roller mechanisms that allow the first and second segments to be reciprocated up and down. Each segment has a plurality of steps. Structural members of one segment extend between steps of the other segment. Some log singulators have first and second stages that can be independently operated. A first stage takes logs from a log pile and delivers the logs to a second stage that singulates the logs and delivers the logs to an output. A log storage area may be provided between the first and second stages. The first stage may operate at a higher cycle rate than the second stage. The second stage may be designed for rapid operation and good singulation of a range of log diameters. Embodiments of the first and second stages may be used in stand-alone applications and/or in combination with other log elevating and or singulating devices.

Abstract: The external conveyor supplying the trays coming from the filling machine is connected to a conveyor (1) formed of parallel straps or belts (101), which has a greater length than the length of the group of trays of larger dimensions to be grouped together and which is provided in the end part with components inserted between the belts (101), a comb lifter (9) of a length correlated with the length of said tray group to be formed, connected to lifting and lowering means with suitable acceleration and deceleration ramps.

Abstract: The first gear is fixed to a conveyance screw. The second gear is arranged in tandem with the first gear. The third gear meshes with the first gear and the second gear. The first support member supports the first gear to enable movement in one radial direction. The second support member supports the second gear to disable movement in the radial direction. The number of teeth of the first gear and that of the second gear are different. In the first gear, a first cam unit is formed. In the second gear, a second cam unit is formed. The both cam units converts a circumferential relative displacement, generated along with rotation of the third gear, between the first and second gears is converted into a displacement in the one direction of the first gear, in a predetermined period in accordance with the number of rotations of the third gear.

Abstract: Support unit for a conveyor of objects comprising a plurality of support bodies reciprocally pivoted with respect to each other to define a closed ring and suitable to slide in a guide of the conveyor along a closed path, said support bodies each being provided with at least a flat plate and with at least an anchoring base solidly associated to the plate and suitable to support sliding means suitable to slide on the guide. Each plate is provided with opposite pivoting ends configured to pivot, by means of pivoting means, with respective pivoting ends of an adjacent plate which follows and respectively which precedes so as to define the reciprocal connection between the support bodies. Each plate is made of an elastically flexible material at least with respect to its thickness, to adapt to curves defined by the guide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a limit switch comprising: a body (1) and a head (2), an actuation member (3), a shaft (30) that can be actuated in rotation about an axis of rotation (Y) by pivoting of the actuation member (3), a plunger (4), a cam mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the shaft (30) into a translational movement of the plunger (4) and vice versa, the cam mechanism comprising: a first cam (7) and a first cam follower (70), arranged to generate between them a first non-zero rotational torque over a first range of rotation of the shaft (30), a second cam (8) and a second cam follower (80), arranged to generate between them a second non-zero rotational torque over a second range of rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A switch mechanism capable of preventing a battery from short is disclosed in the present invention. The switch mechanism includes a base, a circuit board, a connector and a cover. The base has an accommodating space for accommodating the battery with a first terminal. The circuit board with a second terminal is disposed on the base. The connector is movably disposed on the base and moves between a first position and a second position. The connector located at the first position does not contact the first terminal or the second terminal. The cover is detachably disposed on the base. The cove includes an actuating portion, which moves the connector from the first position to the second position when the cove is assembled with the base, so that the connector simultaneously contacts the first terminal and the second terminal to electrically connect the battery with the circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for creating an integrated access door and switch actuator. The integrated access door and switch actuator are created from a single composite material. The composite material is flexible to allow movement, but is also durable to provide a protective covering. The integrated access door and switch actuator include a hinge, which allows the access door to move to an open and closed position while the switch actuator is stationary in a fixed position.

Abstract: A shuttle board relay is provided that is scalable to a specific pitch or routing density. The shuttle board relay provides a path with different sets of electrical components that allows this via by allowing the integration of components and other types of customization. The shuttle board relay provides a minimally disruptive path to the signal. This minimizes loss and signal distortion, isolation and crosstalk are a function of pitch. Since pitch can be set, grounds included, etc., a design may be fully optimized for low cross talk.

Abstract: This switching device (10) comprises at least one pair of fixed contacts (18) and, for the or each pair of fixed contacts (18), a movable contact (20) that is movable between a closed position and an open position; and a contact holder (26) capable of holding in place the or each movable contact (20). The contact holder (26) is movable along a vertical direction (Z) between a first position corresponding to the closed position of the or each movable contact (20) and a second position corresponding to the open position of the or each movable contact (20). The device (10) also includes a plate (44) capable of applying a force on the movable contact holder (26) so as to move it between its first and second positions. The plate (44) is movable relative to the movable contact holder (26).

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows full view of all connections while electrical switches are installed and operating. After the initial or first switch is installed, the remaining switches are installed and connected modularly. At any time, before, during, or after a complete installation, any of the switches can be changed to control a different device, without connecting or disconnecting any wires.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a casing of a hazard detector includes a body portion and a button portion. The button portion is coupled with the body portion via a plurality of arms. The arms allow the button portion to be axially movable relative to the body portion and also couple the button portion with the body portion so that tabs that extend radially outward from the button portion are positioned under and contact an inwardly facing surface of the body portion. The arms bias the button portion axially outward relative to the body portion so as maintain contact between the tabs and the inwardly facing surface. In this configuration, when the button portion is pressed at a position off-axis from a central axis of the button portion, the button portion pivots about one or more contact points between one or more tabs and the inwardly facing surface.

Abstract: A touch display device including a substrate, a display medium layer disposed above the substrate, first side electrodes and a sensing electrode disposed above the substrate is provided. The display medium layer includes charged particles and micro-structures connected to each other. Each of the micro-structures holds a portion of the charged particles, and has a first side wall which is not parallel to the substrate. Each of the first side electrodes is disposed above the first side wall of each of the micro-structures. The micro-structures are disposed between the substrate and the first side electrodes. A touch sensing unit is composed by the sensing electrode and the first side electrodes.

Abstract: This touch-sensitive sensor includes a layer of piezoelectric material interposed between, on the one hand, first and second electrically-conductive elements and, on the other hand, at least one third conductive element including a surface opposite at least one of the first and second conductors.

Abstract: A fast pyrolizer includes an elongated tubular housing having a feed inlet to receive material, an outlet, and a flow path. The flow path has an internal contact surface extending from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet is to be oriented to a non-vertical relative elevation with respect to the outlet. At least a portion of the internal contact surface directly contacts the material. A heater heats the internal contact surface such that the material is heated via direct thermal transfer from the internal contact surface.

Abstract: A device for processing a non-compressed gas stream, particularly biogas, including a heat exchanger, liquid separator particularly for water, blower to blow and transport the gas stream to the first heat exchanger and the separator, and a filter operating as a coalescence filter for filtering out volatile impurities and/or substances in the form of aerosols. The filter must operate at a temperature between 0 and 10° C. and is located downstream of the liquid separator. The first heat exchanger, the liquid separator, and the filter are contained in a single common enclosure and are integrated into the same functional structure and placed immediately adjacent to each other. The device operates continuously by controlled, automatic “oscillation” of the temperature of the cooling device connected to the heat exchanger, in which “oscillation” is controlled by continuously measuring and checking temperature at the outlet of first heat exchanger compared to a preset value.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a sputtering apparatus capable of obtaining an adequate film thickness distribution on a substrate surface even if a target projection plane is kept from being projected on the substrate. A sputtering apparatus includes: a process chamber; a substrate holder being rotatable in an in-plane direction of the substrate while holding the substrate; and a sputtering cathode located obliquely to the substrate holder, and arranged to incline to the substrate holder. A projection plane of a target holding surface of the sputtering cathode projected in a direction along a center normal line to the target holding surface onto a plane containing a substrate mounting surface of the substrate holder is formed outside the substrate mounting surface of the substrate holder, and the center normal line to the substrate mounting surface and the center normal line to the sputtering cathode are not coplanar.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus 1 includes a central inlet unit that introduces a processing gas containing at least one of an Ar gas, a He gas and an etching gas toward a central portion of a wafer W; a peripheral inlet unit 61 that introduces the processing gas toward a periphery portion thereof; a flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts a flow rate of the processing gas introduced toward the central portion thereof from the central inlet unit 55 and a flow rate of the processing gas introduced toward the periphery portion thereof from the peripheral inlet unit 61; and a controller 49 that controls the flow rates of the processing gas adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit such that a partial pressure ratio of the He gas to the Ar gas contained in the processing gas is equal to or higher than a preset value.

Abstract: Disclosed are pre-wetting apparatus designs and methods. These apparatus designs and methods are used to pre-wet a wafer prior to plating a metal on the surface of the wafer. Disclosed compositions of the pre-wetting fluid prevent corrosion of a seed layer on the wafer and also improve the filling rates of features on the wafer.

Abstract: A humidification control device and an apparatus implementing the humidification control device is provided. The device includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for the control of humidity in an enclosed space via electrolysis. The MEA includes an anode, a cathode and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) disposed between the anode and the cathode. The PEM is selected to increase the efficiency of the humidification control device by decreasing the back diffusion of water across the PEM. The PEM may include a functional tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer having a polymer chain of TFE and at least one comonomer having a proton conducting functional group pendant to said polymer chain. The comonomer may be present in an amount from about 0.01 mol. % to about 7 mol. % of the TFE copolymer. In one embodiment, the comonomer is a fluorovinyl ether such as perfluorosulfonyl vinyl ether (PSVE).

Abstract: The present embodiments are directed to systems and methods for plating of work rolls. In one embodiment, a system includes an inner tank having an inner diameter dimensioned to receive a work roll, and an outer tank, wherein the inner tank is disposed coaxially within the outer tank. The inner tank and the outer tank may each include cylindrical shapes. A temperature regulating tank, positioned outside of the outer tank, may be in fluid communication with an annular space between the inner and outer tanks. An exhaust hood having a generally ring-shaped profile including a plurality of slots formed therein may suction fumes from the inner tank. An anode configuration also is disclosed, having a shunt incorporated into the anode, wherein current going to the anode passes through the shunt.

Abstract: A system for hydrogen gas enhancement of hydrocarbon fuel combustion employs a closed electrolyzer vessel into which water is circulated, and an electrode plate assembly immersed in the vessel to dissociate water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Only water is used as the electrolyte fluid without any additives. An air injector in the water return line injects air bubbling for enhanced dissociation of water in the electrode plate assembly. The electrode plate assembly is formed by one or more unit stacks of 7-plates each, including two outer cathode plates, a middle anode plate, and two spaced inner plates between each cathode plate and the anode plate. The generated hydrogen and oxygen gases are maintained in a stable condition in the output gas flow by an electromagnetic coil assembly that separates the hydrogen gas from oxygen gas. The system can obtain 180% reduction in hydrocarbon fuel usage in a vehicle engine, and 20 times reduction in carbon emission from vehicle exhaust.

Abstract: Electrodes employing as active material iridium nanoparticles synthesized by a novel route are provided. The nanoparticle synthesis is facile and reproducible, and provides iridium nanoparticles of very small dimension and high purity for a wide range of metals. The electrodes utilizing these nanoparticles have excellent efficiency catalyzing the electrolytic production of oxygen from water.

Abstract: A blood glucose test device with viewing lens seal includes a meter body rigid portion of a first polymeric material and an opening. A resilient portion of a second polymeric material more compressible than the first polymeric material integrally connected to the rigid portion defines a rigid portion outer covering. A resilient portion edge extends beyond the rigid portion and partially into the opening about a perimeter of the opening. A transparent polymeric material lens has an outer perimeter surface in contact with the resilient portion edge. Multiple flexible arms extending from the lens each have a hook member. Each hook member engages a receiving member positioned in a meter body and is retained by multiple backup ribs. Hook member engagement at a locking position pulls the lens toward the edge partially compressing the second polymeric material and creating a fluid seal between the perimeter surface and edge.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for monitoring corrosion of steel for a steel concrete construction, the device including a battery provided with a first electrode, a second electrode made of a metal material having a higher electric potential than concrete steel reinforcement and spaced from the first electrode, and an electrolyte contacting the second electrode and first electrode and providing a path for ions to pass, the battery disposed inside the steel concrete construction and configured to collect electric energy generated through oxidation/reduction, that is a corrosion process of steel reinforcement; a capacitor electrically connected to the battery and configured to store electric energy; and an electric charge measurer configured to measure an amount of electric energy storage of the capacitor.

Abstract: A biological sample processing system (1) includes a liquid droplet manipulation instrument (20) with an electrode array (21) for inducing a movement of a liquid droplet (19) by electrowetting; a substrate (22); and a control unit (23). An electrode selector (34) of the control unit (23) is configured to individually select and provide each electrode (35) of the electrode array (21) with a voltage. The control unit (23) includes a central processing unit (36) for individually selecting at least one electrode (35) and for providing the selected electrode(s) (35) with an individual voltage pulse. The biological sample processing system (1) also includes a cartridge (40) with a container (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at an apparatus, method and plant for desalinating saltwater and contaminated saltwater. The apparatus includes a stack and a manifolding assembly. The stack includes a product chamber, a first and second concentrate chamber, an anion exchange membrane forming a boundary between the first concentrate chamber and the product chamber and a cation exchange membrane forming a boundary between the second concentrate chamber and the product chamber. The manifolding assembly includes product and concentrate manifolding fluidly coupled to the product and concentrate chambers respectively, to convey a saltwater being desalinated to and away from the product chamber, and a concentrate to and away from the concentrate chambers. The stack may include a diluent chamber and adjacent anion or cation exchange membranes between the product chamber, diluent chamber and concentrate chamber to respectively convey anions or cations across multiple chambers.

Abstract: In described embodiment a method and an apparatus are provided for blood characterization. A closed loop electrical circuit employs as part of the circuit, a time varying resistive path that is made out of blood constituents and other chemicals. As the blood characteristics are changing, the resistance of the electrical path is also changing. The resistance change over a predefined time window is used to determine the blood thickness information. The resistance value change over another predefined time window is used to determine the blood density information. Presence as well as absence of blood constituents is determined from the resistance change over a pre-defined time window.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy for die-casting, a metal case for a portable electrical device, and a method of manufacturing the metal case are disclosed. The aluminum alloy for die-casting includes about 1.95% to about 4.10% by weight of manganese, about 0.1% to about 2.0% by weight of zinc, about 0.3% to about 0.8% by weight of zircon, about 0.03% to about 0.09% by weight of titanium, and a remainder of aluminum. Thus, the aluminum alloy may provide a mechanical property and a glossiness that are appropriate for a case of a portable electrical device.