An auxiliary lighting system for a high-intensity discharge lamp. In one embodiment, the auxiliary lighting system has an auxiliary light source, an HID lamp status circuit having an input for connection to a status signal representative of the operational state of a high-intensity discharge lamp wherein the HID lamp status circuit determines whether the status signal meets predetermined signal criteria, a switch circuit having a first state that effects application of a voltage source to the auxiliary light source, and a second state that isolates the voltage source from the auxiliary light source, and a control circuit responsive to the HID lamp status circuit for controlling the switch circuit. The control circuit has a first state when the HID lamp status circuit determines that the status signal meets the predetermined signal criteria and a second state when the HID lamp status circuit determines that the status signal does not meet the predetermined signal criteria. When the control circuit is in the first state, the control circuit outputs a control signal for input into the switch circuit that configures the switch circuit into the first state. When the control circuit is in the second state, the control circuit outputs a control signal for input into the switch circuit that configures the switch circuit into the second state.

A process of a pixel electrode of a direct-sight type of reflection type liquid-crystal display device is simplified. A pixel electrode 120 of a reflection type liquid-crystal display device is formed of an aluminum film which is formed by sputtering. In forming the aluminum film, moisture is intentionally contained in atmosphere, and also a sample is heated. With this process, aluminum grains grow so that irregularities of μm order is formed on the surface of the aluminum film. The aluminum film thus formed allows the incident light to be irregularly reflected so that it is in a visually white muddy state. This is suitable to the pixel electrode for the reflection type liquid-crystal display device.

An information handling system projector tracks lamp usage to generate a lamp order form for order of a replacement lamp when lamp usage is a predetermined usage. The lamp order form is automatically generated and displayed to include lamp usage and projector identification information so that a user need not manually input that information into an order form. A network module of the projector supports queries for lamp usage from a lamp management module running on an information handling system. A projector processor interfaced with the network module reads the lamp usage and projector identification information from firmware of the projector and provides the lamp usage and projector identification information to the lamp management module for automatic generation of the lamp order form display.

In general, this disclosure describes techniques for changing a sampling frequency of a digital signal. In particular, the techniques provide a more accurate way to determining a relative timing between a desired output sample and a corresponding input sample using a non-approximated integer representation of the relative timing. The relative timing between the desired output sample and corresponding input sample may be represented using a first component that identifies a latest input sample of the digital signal used to generate intermediate samples, a second component that identifies an intermediate sample, and a third component that identifies a timing difference between the desired output sample and the intermediate sample. Each of the components may be recursively updated using non-approximated integer values.

A bridge for crossing a passage of a navigation channel includes a section in the form of a single span, which may be displaced by vertical translation between a base position spanning the passage, in which the span rests on fixed support sections of the bridge, and a raised position, for opening the passage, and a support structure for the span on displacement of the span, and a drive for lifting the span. The bridge has only one support structure, with the drive, located on one side of the passage to be spanned.

A power tool has an electric motor that includes a commutator, with which at least one commutator brush is acted upon with spring force via at least one commutator spring in the direction of a non-rotatable collector of the commutator. At least one auxiliary tool for adjusting the commutator spring is located on a component of the power tool.

An information handling system projector tracks lamp usage to generate a lamp order form for order of a replacement lamp when lamp usage is a predetermined usage. The lamp order form is automatically generated and displayed to include lamp usage and projector identification information so that a user need not manually input that information into an order form. A network module of the projector supports queries for lamp usage from a lamp management module running on an information handling system. A projector processor interfaced with the network module reads the lamp usage and projector identification information from firmware of the projector and provides the lamp usage and projector identification information to the lamp management module for automatic generation of the lamp order form display.

This disclosure relates to a micro manipulator having a simple structure and having high possibility of recording a biological signal of a neuron at a desired position by improving positioning resolution of an electrode disposed adjacent to a subject's brain neuron or an electrode holder attached with the electrode. The micro manipulator according to the disclosure includes: a motor which includes a shaft and a vibration portion; a mobile which is connected to the shaft so as to be movable along the shaft; and a frame which supports the motor, wherein an electrode is connected to the mobile in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the shaft, and wherein when the mobile moves linearly in accordance with a vibration of the shaft due to the vibration portion, the electrode moves linearly.

A welding head is provided. The welding head includes a bracket and a plurality of blocks coupled to the bracket. Each of the plurality of blocks has a contact tip. The contact tips are adapted to receive an electrode. Further, at least one of the plurality of blocks is capable of variable positioning relative to the bracket.

A non-contact and non-disposable electric induction LED lamp includes a power source and a luminous-radiating unit combined together. The power source is formed with a power source module electrically connected with a first electric induction plate, while the luminous-radiating unit is provided with a second electric induction plate corresponding with the first electric induction plate and electrically connected with an LED module. Thus, the electricity of the power source can be transmitted to the luminous-radiating unit via electromagnetic induction produced between the first and the second electric induction plates to enable the LED module to emit light. The LED lamp of this invention can partially be replaced conveniently and has water proof and dustproof effects.

A sleigh for travel over a snow covered surface adapted to be disassembled or knocked down into a storage or transport position, from an operating position, is shown. Runners of the sleigh are pivotally connected to a floorboard along side edges thereof. The runners are locked into an operating position and may be unlocked to fold against a bottom surface of the floorboard in a stored position. An upper body including a seat is formed of multiple planar pieces which are dependently interlocked with each other for assembly and later disassembly. Means are provided for interlocking the runners to a hitching assembly to which a horse is conventionally harnessed.

A device and method to facilitate wearing of jewelry items which have hoop and clasp closures, comprising: a base or clamp for stabilizing the device on a surface; a wire guide member protruding from the base and affixed securely thereto, the wire guide having hook at its opposite end for engaging a distal hoop or link on an unclasped jewelry item, thereby permitting a person to: a. engage one end of a jewelry object with a device, b. open a complementary jewelry clasp with one or both free hands, c. position a wrist or neck within the bight of the jewelry item, d. close the clasp upon the hoop link, and e. slidably remove the clasped jewelry item from the device.

In order to achieve seal durability and bring about a damping action for a piston-type pressure regulating valve, a pressure regulating valve of the present invention is characterized by a valve moving member moving in such a manner as to cause communication or block communication between a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within a case, wherein a plurality of central members are arranged between the case and the valve moving member and the plurality of central members are taken to be different materials. It is then possible to bring about both a damping action and seal durability using the central members by providing central members of different materials.

A fluid actuator includes a housing having a fluid chamber providing a first friction surface. An actuating member is arranged in the fluid chamber and has a second friction surface slideably engaging the first friction surface. The actuating member is configured to slide within the chamber between first and second positions. An insert is constructed from a first thermoplastic material and provides one of the first and second friction surfaces. A body structurally supports the insert and provides one of the housing or actuating member. The body is constructed from a second thermoplastic material molded about the insert and including short reinforcing fibers.

The present invention provides a variable displacement swash plate type compressor that reduces wear of cylinder bores and the amount of blow-by gas. Each piston of the compressor has a piston main body, which has a distal portion located at an end corresponding to the compression chamber. A tapering portion and an arcuate portion are formed in the distal portion. The arcuate portion is continuous with an end of the tapering portion that is closer to the compression chamber. The tapering portion and the arcuate portion each have a diameter that increases toward the skirt. The tapering portion has a tapering angle that is in a range from 0.45 degrees to 1.5 degrees. The distance between the distal end of the piston main body and a starting point of the tapering portion on an end closer to the skirt is set in a range from 1.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

The present invention relates to a position sensor and limit switch apparatus for an actuator. The actuator has a cylinder and a piston with at least one magnetized portion reciprocatingly disposed within the cylinder. The apparatus includes an elongate housing aligned parallel with the cylinder. A magnetostrictive linear displacement transducer is disposed within the housing for sensing the position of the at least one magnetized portion. The apparatus includes a switch means responsive to the transducer for operatively interrupting actuation of the piston upon the at least one magnetized portion reaching a limit position.

Disclosed is a wobble plate type variable displacement compressor that uses a constant velocity universal joint mechanism, which comprises an inner ring and an outer ring, balls that are held between guide grooves of the inner ring and the outer ring to transmit power, wherein a wobble plate is connected and fixed to the outer ring. In the compressor, the wobble plate is provided with a cylindrical part which extends in the axial direction of a swash plate, and in the relative rotation structure between the swash plate, and the wobble plate and the outer ring, the swash plate is supported to be able to relatively rotate only in relation to the wobble plate via a bearing interposed at least between the cylindrical part and the inner diameter portion of the swash plate, without being supported to be able to rotate relative to the outer ring. With this wobble plate type variable displacement compressor using the specified constant velocity universal joint mechanism, the relative rotation structure between the wobble plate and the outer ring, and the swash plate, can be improved, workability and productivity can be improved, and the cost and weight can be reduced.

To improve productivity and increase seizing resistance and abrasion resistance of a sliding surface of a tilt adjustment cylinder, a plurality of pistons are arranged cirumferentially in a cylinder block configured to rotate with a rotating shaft. Tip end portions of the pistons slide along the swash plate, and the pistons reciprocate. The swash plate is supported to tilt with respect to the rotating shaft. Further, a tilt adjustment driving portion is included. The tilt adjustment driving portion includes tilt adjustment large- and small-diameter cylinder chambers and tilt adjustment large- and small-diameter pistons configured to slide in the cylinder chambers to change the tilt angle of the swash plate. A sliding surface of the inner peripheral surface of each of the cylinder chambers includes a quenched portion formed by quenching using laser light, the sliding surface being a surface on which the tilt adjustment piston slides.

A variable displacement fluid working machine includes an inward ring and an outward ring, one of the inward ring and the outward ring including a rotatable ring cam coupled to a drive shaft, the other including a plurality of radially extending piston cylinders circumferentially spaced around the respective ring. The outward ring has first and second axially spaced structural members and a plurality of demountable blocks demountably retainable therebetween, the demountable blocks having either piston cylinders or ring cam segments. The demountable blocks are removable radially to facilitate maintenance and repair and to facilitate radial access to the inward ring.

The invention is an accumulator system in which multiple elastomeric accumulators are attached in series or parallel in order to generate total differential pressure in excess of that generated in a non-series system. Also disclosed is a “stacked” accumulator system. The system stores energy when the accumulators deform from their original shape in response to the flow of a pressurized fluid. The stored energy is available for use when the fluid is released from the accumulators and the accumulators return to their original shape.

Primer apparatus and methods are described herein. An example primer apparatus includes a flexible body defining an internal chamber to be fluidly coupled to a fuel system. The body includes a first layer material having a low permeation characteristic to substantially prevent diurnal emissions from escaping the fuel system, a second layer material adjacent the first layer material having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to an uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by a user, and a third layer material adjacent to the first layer material such that the first layer material is disposed between the second layer material and the third layer material and having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to the uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by the user.

A device for actuating a flap, in particular a wastegate flap in an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, includes a control rod, which can be moved by an actuator substantially in an axial direction and is guided in a fist gate via a first pin at the side thereof facing away from the actuator. A carriage is articulated on the first pin and is guided in the first gate via a second pin on the side facing away from the first pin, wherein a pivot lever is articulated on the second pin and, on the side facing away from the second pin, the pivot lever is rotatably mounted in a machine housing, preferably a turbine housing, and the flap is arranged on the pivot lever on the side facing away from the second pin. By way of the articulated design, a non-linear adjustment of the flap is possible.

A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.

A countermeasure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a front side rail extending in a generally longitudinal direction; a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension forming an end portion of the bumper; and a pivot link having front and rear mounting portions. The front mounting portion is pivotably engaged with the bumper extension member to define a front pivot joint, and the rear mounting portion is pivotably engaged with the front side rail to define a rear pivot joint. The rear pivot joint is located rearward and inward from the front pivot joint. The bumper extension is bolted to the forward end of the front side rail. The bumper extension has a front member and a rear member, of which the rear member is bolted to the front side rail. The front member and the rear member of the bumper extension define a hollow box structure.

A material handling vehicle includes a laminated bumper that provides both durability and reduced energy transmissibility. The laminated bumper includes at least a first bumper layer and a second bumper layer, such that at least one of the first bumper layer and second bumper layer of the laminate bumper are allowed to translate upon bumper contact with an object.

A bumper (10) created using a resistive implant welding process. The bumper includes a mounting plate portion (12) and a composite bumper portion (14). The mounting plate portion (12) is connected to the composite bumper portion (14) using a resistive implant welding process. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a bumper for a vehicle having a mounting plate (12) and a bumper portion (14). The bumper portion (14) includes at least one flange (24) formed as part of the bumper portion (14), a first contact area (28) formed as part of the mounting plate (12), and a second contact area (30) formed as part of the flange (24). A connection point is used to bond the first contact area (28) and the second contact area (30) such that the mounting plate (12) is connected to the bumper portion (14).

A front bumper assembly including a bumper beam and two deflectors are provided on right and left sides of the front bumper assembly. The deflectors include hook-shaped portions and telescopic portions. The telescopic portions are received within the front bumper assembly. The hook-shaped portion of the deflector may be engaged by a rigid barrier aligned with the deflectors. In the event of a collision, the rigid barrier engages one of the hook-shaped portions and withdraws the telescopic portion from the front bumper assembly. The deflector is pulsed outwardly to move the front wheel and tire assembly to a tow-in orientation.

A front-end assembly including a deflector and a catcher bracket. The V-shaped deflector is attached to a bumper of a vehicle, a rear leg of the deflector has a distal end disposed adjacent to the frame rail. In a collision, the distal end of the rear leg engages the catcher bracket to reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.

A railroad coupler knuckle includes a single, solid rib at a horizontal centerline of the knuckle that passes through a pivot pin hub thereof. The single, solid rib extends generally from a flag hole of a finger cavity of the knuckle to an opposite side of the knuckle from the flag hole. In another aspect, a railcar coupler knuckle includes a tail section, a hub section, and a nose section. The tail, hub, and nose sections define internal cavities including (i) a combined void that defines a pivot pin hub cavity and a kidney cavity and (ii) an isolated finger cavity. The combined void is formed using a first internal core during manufacturing of the coupler knuckle. The isolated finger cavity is formed using a second internal core during manufacturing of the coupler knuckle, such that molten alloy substantially separates the combined void and the isolated finger cavity.

An electrical contact coupling for a track-borne vehicle has a coupling housing and a protective flap articulated to the coupling housing. In order to ensure a reliable sealing of the coupling housing in the closed state of the electrical contact coupling, a seal is utilized which exhibits an upper sealing area running parallel to the axis of rotation and a lower sealing area running parallel to the axis of rotation. The upper sealing area associates with a sealing face aligned perpendicular to the housing end face and the lower sealing area associates with a sealing face aligned substantially parallel to the housing end face.

A draft gear assembly includes housing and an elastomeric spring stack disposed therewithin and including a plurality of compressible elastomeric springs disposed in series with each other. Each compressible elastomeric spring includes a compressible elastomeric pad, a rigid member positioned in direct contact with one end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad, a central aperture through a thickness of the rigid member, an abutment upstanding axially on the end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad, the abutment having a peripheral surface thereof sized to be received within the central aperture formed through the thickness of the rigid member, and an annular lip disposed on a distal end of the axial abutment in a plane being substantially transverse to the central axis, whereby an annular thickness portion of the rigid member is caged between the end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad and an inner surface of the annular lip.

A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

A heavy-duty pivot plate adjusting joint for railroad freight cars connects multi-part car sections. To this end, the adjusting joint is configured such that each drawbar end is provided with only one end coupling rod part having a spring column, and the drawbar is connected by way of the drawbar end plates to the support bearing plates of an under frame provided on a car side. Each adjusting joint is provided with an adjusting point pivot plate, wherein a pivot plate roll surface is present directly at the pivot plate or at the adjoining contact surfaces transmitting pressure force, the surfaces having a spherical or two-dimensional shape. A configuration of the adjusting joints in a “regular embodiment” is proposed, wherein the distance of the transmission end points of balance is smaller than the distance of the spring travel limiters.

The invention relates to an articulated coupling between a first car (3) and a second car of a vehicle, especially a railway vehicle, having at least two cars, said articulated coupling including a first element (33) capable of being connected to said first car (3) and a second element (35) capable of being connected to said second car, a device for moving said second element (35) in translation relative to said first element (33) in the event of an impact, and an energy absorber capable of being arranged between said first (3) and second (19) cars. The energy absorber is arranged between said first (33) and second (35) elements, and in the first element (33) is designed to allow persons to pass between said first car (3) and said second car.

A friction/elastomeric draft gear having a housing, a spring assembly arranged within the housing, and a friction clutch assembly having a wedge member and defining first sliding friction surface disposed at an angle θ relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear and a second friction surface disposed at an angle β relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear. The spring assembly is designed in combination with the angles θ and β of the first and second friction sliding surfaces relative to the longitudinal axis such that the draft gear consistently and repeatedly withstands between about 100 KJ and 130 KJ of energy imparted at less than three meganewtons over a range of travel of the wedge member in an inward axial direction relative to the draft gear housing not exceeding 120 mm.

A railcar draft gear assembly including a housing, a spring sea, a spring and a friction clutch assembly in operable combination relative to each other within the housing. The spring includes a series of axially stacked elastomeric pads arranged between a closed end of the housing and the spring seat. An axially elongated guide rod is endwise passed through the spring seat and elastomeric pads for aligning the pads relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly. The guide rod is operably inhibited from axial shifting movements during operation of the draft gear assembly. A related method for assembling the draft gear is also disclosed.

Disclosed is a method of producing a chemically pure and stably dispersed organic nanoparticle colloidal suspension using an ultrafast pulsed laser ablation process. The method comprises irradiating a target of an organic compound material in contact with a poor solvent with ultrashort laser pulses at a high repetition rate and collecting the nanoparticles of the organic compound produced. The method may be implemented with a high repetition rate ultrafast pulsed laser source, an optical system for focusing and moving the pulsed laser beam, an organic compound target in contact with a poor solvent, and a solvent circulating system to cool the laser focal volume and collect the produced nanoparticle products. By controlling various laser parameters, and with optional poor solvent flow movement, the method provides stable colloids of dispersed organic nanoparticles in the poor solvent in the absence of any stabilizing agents.

The invention relates to a device (1) for producing chocolate by mixing and grinding ingredients, such as cacao mass, cacao butter, sugar and/or milk powder, comprising a mixer (3), a grinder (4), and means for passing the mixture from the mixer (3) to the grinder (4). The mixer (3) comprises a toroidal, preferably annular vessel (6) for receiving and mixing the ingredients.

A method of producing a semifinished confectionary product, such as chocolate or similar, using at least one centrifugal unit for simultaneously grinding and mixing at least some of the ingredients of the semifinished product, and which includes an elongated processing chamber with a substantially horizontal axis, at least one inlet for the ingredients to be processed and one outlet for the processed ingredients, and a powered shaft fitted inside the processing chamber, coaxially with the axis, and fitted with a succession of radial appendixes arranged between the inlet and the outlet; the method including the steps of loading at least a first ingredient of the semifinished product through the inlet; grinding the first ingredient inside the grinding and mixing unit by rotating the shaft at a first speed; loading at least a second ingredient through the inlet, after grinding; rotating the shaft at a second speed to grind and mix the ingredients to form a mixture of the same grain size as the semifinished product; loading at least a third ingredient through the inlet; mixing the third ingredient with the previously ground mixture to form a further mixture; bringing the further mixture to a given temperature to obtain the semifinished product; and transferring the semifinished product to a storage or packaging station.

Method and device for preparing a paste by blending or mixing materials, in particular for making aluminum production electrodes. The method includes the following operations: a) introducing the materials to be blended or mixed into a vat (31) having an inner surface extending along a substantially horizontal axis of revolution (X), b) rotating the vat (31) about the axis of revolution (X) and urging the materials via centrifugation against the inner surface of the vat (31), and c) locally dislodging the centrifuged materials from the inner surface by rotating the vat (31) and causing same to fall onto a crumbling tool (40).

A method and system is used to process slag material to yield by-products including a finished iron rich product and a finished low iron fines product. The by-products may include a finished high iron product and a finished medium iron product. The method and system include size classifying the material into a plurality of sized groups prior to using magnetic separation to separate at least one of the sized groups into two portions having differing magnetic susceptibilities. The method and system may include more than one phase of size classifying the material into a plurality of sized groups and using magnetic separation to separate at least one of the sized groups into portions, where the average size of the material remaining after one phase is reduced prior to the subsequent phase.

The present invention may be embodied as a compounding system having a chamber assembly defining a working chamber; a shaft, a sleeve assembly, and a plurality of arms. The sleeve assembly has first and second sleeve members each defining at least one arm opening and adapted to be arranged in a first configuration in which the first and second sleeve members are detached from each other and a second configuration in which the first and second sleeve members are secured together around the shaft to support the sleeve assembly on the shaft. Each of the arms is configured to be inserted partly through one of the arm openings when the sleeve assembly is in the first configuration and held in a desired configuration relative to one of the first and second sleeve members when the sleeve assembly is in the second configuration.

An improved scraper plate assembly is provided on a comminuting device having compliant rounded edges, sloped walls, and reduced height for placement along recycle flow paths within a comminuting apparatus when circulating subdivided waste material from between a pair of scissor rolls for further delivery to a scissor roll for further movement and subdividing of the subdivided waste material. A comminuting apparatus is also provided.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for fuelizing inflammable waste capable of efficiently fuelizing inflammable waste while reducing facility and operation costs of the overall system and maintaining stable operation, and so on. More particularly, the apparatus 1 for fuelizing inflammable waste comprises: a primary crusher 4 for crushing an inflammable waste W containing as principal component at least one selected from a group comprising plastics, sponges, fibers, rubbers and wood materials; a foreign matter removing device 7 for removing foreign matters F contained in the crushed objects W1; a secondary crusher 9 for secondarily crushing the crushed objects W3 from which foreign matters I, M are removed; and an injecting device 11 for injecting the secondarily crushed objects W4 generated by the secondary crusher 9 into a burner 10, and so on. The apparatus 1 may be provided with an intermediate tank 8 for storing the crushed objects W3 from which foreign matters I, M are removed, and from the intermediate tank 8 is supplied the crushed objects W3 to the secondary crusher 9.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for filtering liquid products. The apparatus includes a filtration bell provided with filtering device and connected to an inflow circuit and a first outlet circuit of the retentate, and to a second outlet circuit of the filtered liquid. The apparatus can include a monitoring and control unit, a first and second sensing device suitable for detecting the value of a first pressure PT1 in the first outlet circuit and of a second pressure PT2 in the second outlet circuit, a flow rate detection device that detects the value of a first flow rate FIT in the second outlet circuit, and value device arranged in the second circuit downstream of the second sensing device. The monitoring and control unit includes a device to control the closure of the valve device and to start a process of backwashing the filtering device.

A fluid filter assembly with sight glass provides an upper housing carrying a transparent sight glass for visualizing the interior of the filter assembly and fluids passing therethrough. A sight glass retainer secures the sight glass within the upper housing. A screen filter is carried between the upper housing and a mating lower housing. A fluid inlet port is defined in the upper housing above the screen filter and a fluid output port is defined in the lower housing below the screen filter. The sight glass retainer carries plural fluid deflectors and plural sight glass supports for fluid dispersion and fluid cooling. A pressurized air input communicating with fluid inlet port allows pressurized air to be injected into the assembly to force fluids through the screen filter and out of the filter assembly. A low pressure drain valve and a bypass valve are carried in the lower housing.

A system for monitoring water chemistry of a recreational water installation includes a sensor configured to detect bather load in the recreational water installation and a controller configured to determine a required adjustment to the water chemistry of the recreational water installation based upon the detected bather load.

A supporting plate of a device is suggested. The device has at least one component and a housing for at least partly protecting the component. The supporting plate has at least one receiving element adapted for accepting the at least one component of the device in at least one of the following manners: in a form-closed manner, in a force-closed manner. The supporting plate is part of the housing.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for inflating a chamber within an inflatable avalanche safety system. The method includes providing an inflatable avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber; receiving a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system; transmitting ambient air from an external region to within the inflatable chamber; and inflating the inflatable chamber entirely with the transmitted external ambient air to a particular internal pressure and shape configured to protect the user from burial during an avalanche. The transmission of ambient air within the inflatable chamber may be accomplished with a fan or an electrical component.