96results about How to "More cost-efficient" patented technology

It is provided a dielectric barrier discharge lamp (10) for providing ultraviolet light, comprising an outer tube (12) filled with a discharge gas for providing ultraviolet light, an inner tube (14) arranged at least partially inside the outer tube (12), an outer electrode (16) electrically connected to the outer tube (12) and an inner electrode (18) electrically connected to the inner tube (14), wherein the inner electrode (18) comprises a conductor (20) and a plurality of an conductive granulated material (22) for providing an electrical contact between the conductor (20) and the inner tube (14). Due to the conductive granulated material (22) an electrical contact between the conductor (20) and the inner tube (14) is safeguarded and different thermal expansions of the inner electrode (18) and the inner tube (14) are compensated at the same time without applying mechanical stress to the inner tube (14). This leads to a dielectric barrier discharge lamp (10), which comprises an increased life time without the need for external cooling.

A system for inspecting an object has at least one light projector and at least one camera jointly defining a field of view and a computer operatively connected thereto. The computer is configured to acquire object data representative of the outer surface of the object through projection of light thereon by the light projector and acquisition of return light by the camera. The object data relates surface points on the outer surface of the object to one or more source point of the light projector. The computer is further configured to generate inspection information data based on the acquired object data and project the inspection information data on at least some of the surface points of the outer surface of the object using the corresponding source points of the at least one light projector. A method inspects an outer surface of an object.

A vegetation pod for creating a green roof is disclosed. The vegetation pod includes vegetation that absorbs and stores water. The roots of the vegetation grow in a growing media that rests atop a layer of filter fabric. The filter fabric is disposed within a tray that is easily handled by an installer. The tray includes a fastening mechanism that couples multiple trays together. An additional layer of absorbent material may be provided between the filter fabric and the tray. A second, preferably larger tray may be provided for accommodating a series of smaller trays. An additional layer of filter fabric may be provided between the trays.

A light-sensitive (i.e., touch-sensitive) display device that requires less circuitry than the currently available light-sensitive display devices is presented. Unlike the currently available devices, which require at least two switching elements and a capacitor to implement a photosensitive switch, the invention only requires one switching element. The device of the invention includes a substrate with a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of read-out lines, a power line, and an array of photosensitive switches formed thereon. The scan lines and the read-out lines extend in directions that are substantially perpendicular to each other, forming pixels. One photosensitive switch is formed in each pixel, and each photosensitive switch has one light-sensitive transistor. The transistor connects the power line to one of the read-out lines in response to sensing incident light.

A lighting device, capable of identifying and marking traffic areas of airports, comprises at least one semiconductor lamp and an electronic control circuit, which is connectable to an electrical AC supply network with constant current feed. For controlling the operation of the semiconductor lamp, the control circuit has a rectifier, which is connectable without a transformer to the electrical AC supply network. It further has an internal power supply, which is connected to the rectifier, for supplying the semiconductor lamp with an electric direct current. Furthermore, the voltage supply device (3) having electronic power factor correction means, by means of which voltage and current can be kept in phase in all operating states of the lighting device (1). It furthermore re-adjusts the input voltage from the electrical AC supply network to allow the current predefined on the AC supply network to flow in the event of a small power demand of the electronic control circuit.

A bar system for building, the system provided with a plurality of bars, a level adjustment mechanism, and a dampener. Each of the bars having a recess positioned in a shank portion, with bars being adapted in use to at least partly enclose the level adjustment mechanism. The level adjustment mechanism including level adjustable projections adapted to project from the bars against a support structure, and provided with a surface which extends in a longitudinal direction of the bars, as seen in the use of the system, and with engagement adapted for engagement with recess. The shank, which the recesses that is adapted to engage with the engagement, is adapted to press the engagement towards level adjustment during application of the bars to the level adjustment, and recess is adapted to allow the engagement for moving resiliently back for engagement with recess in an interconnected position.

The subject invention provides composite articles (20, 120) and associated systems (32, 132). A first composite article (20) includes a piezoelectric layer (22) having a piezoelectric property. The piezoelectric layer (22) is sandwiched between a first conductive layer (28) and a second conductive layer (30). At least one of the conductive layers (28, 30) is a conductive polymer having an electrically conductive property. A second composite article (120) includes first and second piezoelectric layers (122, 124) having a piezoelectric property. The first and second piezoelectric layers sandwich an insulating layer (126). A first system (32) and a second system (132) each include a control device (34) electrically connected to the first composite article (20) or the second composite article (120), respectively. The control device (34) measures an electrical signal generated by the respective piezoelectric layers (22, 122, 124) and / or produces an electrical signal to actuate the respective piezoelectric layers (22, 122, 124).

A phase-locked loop for a differential recovery of the clock signal wherein an extracted data signal (DS) is conveyed via a phase delay element and thence to a phase comparator. In the phase comparator comparison signals, whose phase shifts can be set relative to one another, differential phase evaluation is carried out. This results in a control signal (RS) whose operating point, independent of the power of the transmit channel, always lies in the center of the control range. In the inventive differential timing recovery, the dependencies on power fluctuations, signal-to-noise ratio, the pulse shape and on transmitted bit patterns are eliminated to the greatest possible extent.

The present invention provides a method for selective production of hydrogen and methane from a biomass feedstock in a reactor vessel maintained under anaerobic conditions by controlling moisture concentration in the reactor vessel. The method comprises the steps of introducing a biomass feedstock into the reactor vessel maintained under anaerobic conditions; introducing a bacterial inoculum into the reactor vessel to facilitate digestion of the biomass feedstock; setting a moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel at a first moisture level; and collecting hydrogen gas from the reactor vessel. The method may further comprise maintaining the moisture concentration at a first moisture level or within a first moisture range. The method may additionally comprise increasing the moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel to a second moisture concentration; and collecting methane gas from the reactor vessel. Switching between hydrogen and methane production is controlled by adjusting the moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel.

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for drying and gasifying substances using the calorific value contained in the substances, and it more specifically relates to apparatus and methods for processing wet, pasty, sticky substances, such as municipal wastewater treatment sewage sludge, into a workable, powdered product.

In a method for distribution and dispensing of beverages, a one-way system is used including a disposable and freestanding container (100) blow moulded in one piece from a preform of plastics, and a tube structure having a tube (136) to be inserted in the container and a closure cap (102). The thin-walled container (100) is filled with beverage by means of the tube (136) and then closed by the closure cap (102). This filled unit (100, 102, 136) is distributed to the end user and connected to standard beverage dispensing means (138). After use, the empty container (100) is collapsed and discarded along with the tube structure which also is made of plastics.

In a method for representation of the heart in a magnetic resonance system at least one MR overview image of the heart is acquired. An image plane with a predetermined position relative to the magnetic resonance system is selected for this overview image. The acquired MR overview image is displayed and a number of marking points are established in the displayed overview image. Further image planes for representation of the heart are calculated using some of the established marking points. Further MR images are acquired in the calculated image planes.

A sandwich core material for a sandwich laminate is disclosed. The sandwich core material includes a number of flexible core material elements having a longitudinal structure. A flexible core material for a sandwich core material, a sandwich laminate and a wind turbine blade including such a sandwich core material are provided. In addition, the present a method of manufacturing such a sandwich core material is provided.

A packaging machine for closing containers (5) is provided having a supply device (1, 2) for supplying containers (5) to be closed; a removal device (11) for removing closed containers (5″); and a closing device (25) between the supply device (1, 2) and the removal device (11). The closing device (25) is arranged lateral of a main transport path (8) of the containers (5) from the supply device (2) to the removal device (11) and a device is provided which transports at least one container (5) to be closed into the closing device (25) by means of a linear motion while transporting at least one closed container (5″) out from the closing device (25).

A method of manufacturing a decorative surface includes the steps of a) impregnating a paper substrate with a thermosetting resin; b) jetting a colour pattern with one or more aqueous inkjet inks including a polymer latex binder on the thermosetting resin impregnated paper; c) drying the one or more aqueous inkjet inks; and d) heat pressing the thermosetting paper carrying the colour pattern into a decorative surface.

A system, apparatus and method are provided to automate an audit of an information technology (IT) system.

The present disclosure relates to a solvent-containing dry film and a method for applying a dry film on a substrate. The dry film includes a carrier and a resin layer. The resin layer contains a resin composition and a solvent and the solvent is present in a total amount of at least 5 wt % based on the total weight of the resin layer. The dry film of the present invention can be applied onto a substrate without the use of a prior art vacuum lamination apparatus. The application process is simple and is more cost-efficient than the prior art techniques.

The present invention relates to squib connectors for instance for airbag ignition systems, which allow the electrical or electronic monitoring of the correct coupling of a squib plug-connector with its corresponding counterpart. According to the invention, a squib connector has at least two terminals having corresponding signal lines. In order to allow an electrical monitoring of the correct coupling of the plug connector, the terminals are in electrical contact with each other in the uncoupled or incorrectly coupled condition of the plug connector. This electrical contact between the terminals is adapted for being separated upon correct coupling to a corresponding counter-connector either automatically or by an actuating action. The disconnecting of the terminals may then be monitored by any suitable monitoring means.

Mold-free resin-insulated coil windings are obtained by applying continuous fibers embedded in a quasi-solid-state epoxy-resin matrix, e.g. in the form of a tape, to the coil windings. The tape is locally heated up to the melting point of its polymer matrix, and is subsequently pressed against the winding body. The heated and fused resin of the tape, which is pressed onto the coil, flows under pressure into the voids and gaps between the coil windings and fills them up, thereby hermetically insulating the coil windings. After leaving the heating and pressing apparatus the fused epoxy resin becomes solid again. The resulting curing process is thus considerably simplified and shortened, compared to the state of the art.

The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing sewage sludge using a gasification process. The gasification process takes place at high temperatures in an oxygen-starved environment, which enables carbon-containing materials in the sewage sludge to chemically react under the preferred temperature and oxygen levels, resulting in the formation of usable products, including ash, electricity, and syngas—all of which are generally environmentally benign.

Disclosed is a sheet buffering and inverting device having a sheet transport path and multiple sheet inverter paths extending upward and / or downward there from. Sheets being transported through the sheet transport path are selectively diverted into the sheet inverter paths, held, and subsequently fed back into the sheet transport path such that they are inverted. Optionally, an additional sheet transport path can branch off the sheet transport path upstream of the sheet inverter paths and can connect to the distal end of each of the sheet inverter paths to allow sheets to be buffered without being inverted. This device can be incorporated into a discrete module of a modular printing system to ensure sheets are properly merged and oriented after processing by multiple printing engines. Alternatively, it can be incorporated into a standalone printing system to ensure sheets are properly buffered and / or inverted prior to processing by a single printing engine.

An apparatus for measuring the temperature of outside air provided with a thermometer mounted in a housing connected to a forced ventilation blower for drawing a current outside air across the thermometer and with a Venturi nozzle having an air penetration opening disposed orthogonally relative to the air current for generating vacuum pressure and prevent reverse flow of air through the housing.

An inkjet printing method for manufacturing decorative surfaces includes the steps of a) jetting a colour pattern with one or more aqueous inkjet inks including a polymer latex binder on a thermosetting resin impregnated paper; and b) drying the one or more aqueous inkjet inks.

The present invention relates to squib connectors for instance for airbag ignition systems, which allow the electrical or electronic monitoring of the correct coupling of a squib plug-connector with its corresponding counterpart. According to the invention, a squib connector has at least two terminals having corresponding signal lines. In order to allow an electrical monitoring of the correct coupling of the plug connector, the terminals are in electrical contact with each other in the uncoupled or incorrectly coupled condition of the plug connector. This electrical contact between the terminals is adapted for being separated upon correct coupling to a corresponding counter-connector either automatically or by an actuating action. The disconnecting of the terminals may then be monitored by any suitable monitoring means.

A driver circuit includes a driver module having a first transistor for receiving a driver voltage signal. In response to the driver voltage signal, the first transistor conducts current through an electronic device. A protection module includes a second transistor in electrical communication with the first transistor for receiving a logic voltage signal and for inhibiting current flow through the first transistor in response to receiving the logic voltage signal. The protection module further includes a digital logic gate having at least one input in electrical communication with the first transistor for detecting a short-circuit voltage signal. At least one output of the digital logic gate is in electrical communication with the second transistor for outputting the logic voltage signal in response to receiving the short-circuit voltage signal.

So as to render the manufacturing of an at least equally efficient multi-stage ejector more cost-efficient, the invention provides a multi-stage ejector for generating a vacuum from a source of compressed air by passing said compressed air through a series of nozzles, accelerating said compressed air, and entraining air so as to form a jet flow in one or more stages and generate a vacuum across each stage, the multi-stage ejector comprising a drive stage; a second stage; and a converging-diverging nozzle provided in said series of nozzles between said drive stage and said second stage for receiving jet flow from said drive stage and accelerating said jet flow to form a second stage air jet and directing said second stage air jet into an inlet of an outlet nozzle of the second stage, wherein said converging-diverging nozzle is formed in a moulded nozzle piece mounted in said multi-stage ejector.

Application: detection of binding of biological and / or chemical components of liquid or gaseous mixtures and solutions, which are of mainly biological origin and / or determine parameters of living activity of biological objects, to substances that bind the said components due to a biological, chemical or physical interaction; and analysis of mixtures and solutions to determine presence of biological and / or chemical components. Essence: binding substances are arranged on a surface of or inside a sensor layer, which changes its thickness due to the binding being detected; the layer is affected by light of different wavelengths; a signal due to interference on the sensor layer is registered in the reflected or transmitted light. In the first variant, the signal is represented by a spectrum; the sensor layer is more than 10 mum thick and exceeds the maximal recorded wavelength by at least an order of magnitude; information about the binding being detected is obtained from analysis of a spectral shift of interference maximums and minimums. In the second variant, the light passes also a scanned Fabry-Perot interferometer; the recorded signal is a dependence of intensity of the resulting light upon changes of base of the scanned Fabry-Perot interferometer, in which maximums due to correlation of the spectral characteristics of interaction of the light with the sensor layer and interferometer are observed; information about the binding being detected is obtained from a shift of the said dependence along values of base. In the third variant, other interferometers are used, which are scanned due to a change of the path difference of interfering beams. The required technical result is to make measurement results independent from uncontrollable variations of intensity of the analyzed light in whole as well as in any part of its spectrum, any areas of the sensor layer, and, consequently, to increase accuracy of measurements and reliability of results, sensitivity and resolution with simultaneous reduction of the number of necessary operations, of labor input and cost of both single- and multi-channel variants including real-time registration.

Described is a method and an apparatus of directly digitizing microwave signals reflected at a filling product surface of a filling product present in a receptacle, in which method the microwave signals reflected at the filling product surface are sampled unmodified in their frequency, and the therefrom resulting analog values are converted into digital values, with successive digital values being stored in various intermediate memories, and the intermediately stored digital values are read out from the intermediate memories and are stored in a terminal memory unit, to which accesses an evaluation arrangement which determines the filling level height.