Abstract: For improving the sensitivity, lifetime and energy consumption of a dielectric elastomer transducer (1) to be used as a sensor, it is suggested that a dielectric layer (3) enclosed by two electrodes (2) of the transducer (1) includes a nanoscale volume of a fluid (15) such that the dielectric layer (3) is rendered compressible and/or displaceable out of a volume enclosed by the two electrodes (2). The advantage of such a design is that, although the dielectric layer (3) and possible buffer layers (4) separating the electrodes (2) from the dielectric layer (3) may all have thicknesses in the order of a few ?m or even in the sub-?m range, the transducer (1) is rendered highly compliant due to the movability of the fluid (15). In consequence, a large nominal capacitance of the transducer (1) as well as a large relative capacitance change (up to twenty times that of the nominal capacitance) can be achieved in conjunction with a very high sensitivity.

Abstract: The method for examining a clinched portion of a tubular body includes the steps of: giving an elastic vibration to a clinched body 90 formed by clinching a tubular body 91 with a clinch-target member 92; and acquiring, for each of a plurality of view areas 95 which differ from each other in the position in the circumferential direction of the tubular body 91, a vibration distribution optically and simultaneously measured within the view area 95 including a clinched portion 93 of the tubular body 91 and the clinch-target member 92, to determine whether or not the state of clinching is satisfactory over the entire clinched portion 93.

Abstract: A charge amplifier includes: an input line thorough which an electric charge signal is propagated; an integration circuit including an input terminal coupled to the input line and an output terminal that outputs the voltage signal; a reset switch configured to reset the voltage signal by closing between the input terminal and the output terminal; a leakage current correction circuit including a first resistance circuit and a first switch coupled in series in this order between a first node, which has a first potential different from a potential of the input line, and the input line; and a control circuit configured to control the first switch based on the voltage signal so as to cancel at least a part of a leakage current flowing through the integration circuit.

Abstract: A system for predicting one or more analytes based on outputs from thin film gas sensors is provided. The system may comprise an electronic nose (e-nose). The e-nose may comprise the gas sensors and a first processor. The system may further comprise a second processor. The second processor may be configured to receive the output from each of the gas sensors, evaluate a prediction accuracy using an evaluation parameter of each of a plurality of models which are trained and tested and select a model from among the plurality of models to deploy based on a comparison of the evaluation parameter for each of the plurality of models and use the same. The second processor may also receive, an output of each of the gas sensors caused by unknown one or more analytes; and predict, using the deployed model, the one or more analytes that causes the output.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis of the photosensitive drum and a gear at least a part of which is uncovered to outside of the cartridge and faces an axis of the photosensitive drum, with the gear being positioned at a first side of the cartridge in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum. A lever is movable between a first position and a second position such that an end of the lever is movable toward and away from the gear and the axis of the photosensitive drum. The cartridge also includes a frame supporting the photosensitive drum, the lever, and the development roller, with the frame including a first projecting portion and a second projecting portion at the first side of the cartridge, and the first projecting portion and the second projecting portion projecting away from a second side of the cartridge that is opposite to the first side.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzing apparatus includes a probe and a liquid level detector. The liquid level detector is electrically connected to the probe and detects contact between the probe and a liquid surface, wherein the liquid level detector comprises an adjuster configured to adjust electrostatic capacitance of one or more capacitors for circuitry for use in liquid level detection.

Abstract: A drive transmission device includes a drive train including a plurality of drive transmitters, and a container. The plurality of drive transmitters of the drive train transmit a driving force of a drive source to a rotator rotatable around a shaft and a swing member rotatable around a shaft different from the shaft of the rotator. The container contains the drive train.

Abstract: Cryogenic device analysis systems are provided that can include: a cold source within a first vacuum chamber; a cryogenic device mount within a second vacuum chamber, wherein the first and second vacuum chambers are separated by a vacuum barrier; a first thermal conduit extending from the cold source through the vacuum barrier to the sample mount; a first thermal switch along the first thermal conduit and operatively aligned between the cold source and the vacuum barrier. Methods for performing analysis of a cryogenic device are also provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a drive source, an object configured to be driven by the drive source, and a drive transmission mechanism including a driving member, a driven member, an intermediate member, an urging member, and an actuating portion. The intermediate member is configured to move in an axial direction. The intermediate member includes a shaft portion extending in the axial direction, and a positioning portion configured to determine a position of the driven member in a direction orthogonal to the axis. The shaft portion includes a receiving portion configured to receive a force. The receiving portion is positioned inward of the positioning portion in a radial direction of rotation of the intermediate member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising, a monolithic crystal comprising a substrate portion and at least one oscillator; a first electrode provided at a first location of the oscillator; a second electrode provided at a second location of the oscillator; a gap separating the oscillator from the substrate portion, exposing a side surface of the oscillator; and one or more tethers that extend across the gap so that the oscillator is supported by the substrate portion.

Abstract: A test system and a test method for a lip sticking force of tipping paper for cigarettes are provided. The test system includes an artificial lip and test equipment. The artificial lip is a silica gel block. The test equipment includes a friction meter testing platform, a force measuring sensor, a rigid rope, a pulley, a pulley bracket and a sample loading module. The pulley is installed on the pulley bracket, and the rigid rope slides in the pulley. The rigid rope is L-shaped, a first end of the rigid rope in a horizontal direction is connected to the force measuring sensor, and a second end of the rigid rope in a vertical direction is connected to the sample loading module. The artificial lip is located directly below the sample loading module, and the artificial lip is in contact with the sample loading module at a test position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a rock anchor with condition monitoring for determining tensions or deformations in form of a conductor trace which is applied on an anchor body, whose electrical resistance changes proportionally with respect to the tension/deformation. The conductor trace may consist of an electrically conductive ink which is directly applied on the anchor body by a printing method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a MEMS deformation sensor for measuring a relative movement between two regions of a structure, the sensor comprising: —a first portion (2) and a second portion (3) that are movable with respect to one another along a direction of measurement (X); —a thrust element (4) mounted fixed with respect to the first portion; —a first electrode (A) and a second electrode (B) that are capable of being raised to different electrical potentials, each mounted fixed with respect to the second portion; —a connecting portion (I) forming an electrical link between the first electrode and the second electrode, the thrust element applying a load to the connecting portion when the first portion moves with respect to the second portion along the direction of measurement beyond a predetermined distance, the electrical link being broken under the effect of the load.

Abstract: A method for customizing non-destructive testing is provided and includes receiving, by a non-destructive testing (NDT) device, a stock application. The method further includes the device performing a stock NDT function in response to execution of the stock application. The stock NDT function can include a first device manipulation, a first NDT data acquisition by a device sensor, a first analysis employing data acquired by the first NDT data acquisition, or a first NDT output. The method additionally includes the device receiving a custom application after receipt of the stock application. The method also includes the device performing a custom NDT function, different from the stock NDT functions, and including at least one of a second device manipulation, a second NDT data acquisition by a sensor of the device, a second analysis employing data acquired by the second NDT data acquisition, or a second NDT output.

Abstract: A fastener, in particular of a chassis component, has at least one sensor and at least one transmitter of a monitoring device for monitoring at least one mechanical fastening parameter. At least one power supply unit is associated with the transmitter, that the transmitter and the power supply unit are connected to one another by means of a switching contact, that an electrical connection can be closed by means of the switching contact, that the switching contact is designed in such a way that the electrical connection is open when the fastener is installed properly and is closed only when the fastener is released, and that the transmitter is supplied with current and transmits a signal only when the electrical connection of the switching contact is closed.

Abstract: An instrumented wind tunnel. The wind tunnel receives a test subject which can be a model of an object to be tested with dynamic airflow. The test subject is fitted with at least one sensor to deliver data to a chassis, which in turn uses a network having at least 10 Gb/s capability to deliver the data to a RAM cache. The RAM cache can push the data to multiple viewers for real time monitoring of wind tunnel tests. The operator can then make live adjustments of the test conditions.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a restricting member; a driven gear including a portion to be restricted; a planetary gear mechanism including input portion to transmit a driving force from a driving source, output portion for transmitting the driving force to the driven gear; and a stopping member that is configured to stop rotation, which is oriented in a first rotation direction, and allow rotation of the portion to be stopped in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, wherein when the input portion rotates in a first direction, the stopping member stops the rotation, and the output portion rotates the driven gear in a release direction opposite to the restriction direction, and when the rotation of the driven gear in the restriction direction is restricted and the input portion rotates to be oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A device for detecting a rail load fits into a bore of a rail and includes a sensor that generates a load signal under an action of the rail load caused when rail vehicles with wheels travel on the rail and the wheels exert a load onto the rail. The load signal is a measure for the rail load. The sensor includes at least one piezoelectric sensor element that generates electric polarization charges as the load signal.

Abstract: A tactile and proximity sensor includes a light source, a light receiving section, and a cover. The light source emits light. The light receiving section receives light and generates a signal providing a result of the received light. The cover includes an elastic body that deforms under external force and that covers the light source and the light receiving section. The cover includes a reflective section that reflects light between the light source and the light receiving section and a transmission section that allows light to pass through in a first direction from the light source and that allows light to pass through in a second direction from the light receiving section.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a sample separation unit configured for separating, preferably chromatographically separating, compounds in a fluidic sample includes a first fluid connector configured for being mechanically and fluidically coupled with a first fluid interface of the sample separation unit, a second fluid connector configured for being mechanically and fluidically coupled with a second fluid interface of the sample separation unit, and a swivel mechanism configured for swivelling the first fluid connector between a mounting orientation for mounting the first fluid interface of the sample separation unit at the first fluid connector and an alignment orientation for aligning the second fluid interface of the mounted sample separation unit with the second fluid connector for subsequently coupling the second fluid interface with the second fluid connector.