Abstract: A method of compensating friction in a force-feedback device comprising a control member manipulated by a user and coupled to a tensioned cable that is actuated by a motor and gearbox unit. The method includes the steps of (1) detecting a variation in the sag of the cable caused by a manipulation of the control member, and (2) in response to such a detection, controlling the unit so that it develops a force (Fa) that compensates, at least in part, for the internal friction (Rsa) of the unit that opposes movement of the control member manipulated by the user.

Abstract: An inspection sled for remotely inspecting cables includes a chassis. The left end and right end of the chassis each includes a collar and a swing arm. Swing arms can be opened to admit a cable within the confines of the collars. The swing arms can be closed such that the cable is journaled within the collars, thus allowing the inspection sled to travel along the length of the tensioned cable to perform inspections of the tensioned cable.

Abstract: A monitoring system for an assembly that is subject to vibrations. The system has a first unit for monitoring vibrations. The monitoring system permits the connection of a sensor unit that detects one or more measured values. A measured value converter with inputs for one or more measured values is provided to convert the values into a temporally variable analogue signal, in which at least one frequency portion represents one measured value. Other detected measured values and status parameters can thus be processed in one vibration monitoring unit.

Abstract: A density monitor is used for monitoring a gas density in a measured volume with a separating wall which separates a first reference chamber formed in a density monitor housing from the measured volume. The density monitor further includes a separating wall movement detection device for detecting movement of the separating wall. In order to reduce false alarms, a second reference chamber is formed outside of the density monitor housing. The second reference chamber is fluidically connected to the first reference chamber by a fluid line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid sampling device comprising a plurality of inlet channels, each of which is arranged to receive an airflow from an associated direction, such that a sampling medium associated with a particular inlet channel is exposed to airflow from the associated direction.

Abstract: A method of operating a coordinate positioning apparatus having a surface sensor that is rotatable about at least a first axis. The method comprises obtaining a first measurement with the surface sensor at a first angular orientation and obtaining a at least a second measurement with the surface sensor at a second angular orientation. The first and second angular orientations are different to each other such that any offset of the surface sensor from an expected position will have at least a partially opposing affect on the first and second measurements. The method then compensates and/or establishes for the offset using the first and second measurements.

Abstract: A rationality diagnosis method and a rationality diagnosis apparatus for a sensor inside a tank are provided. The rationality diagnosis method and the rationality diagnosis apparatus can accurately and easily perform a diagnosis to determine whether rationality of all sensors is maintained. The rationality diagnosis method for the sensor inside the tank performs a rationality diagnosis of a concentration sensor, a liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor that are provided inside the tank that stores liquid. The rationality diagnosis method is characterized by diagnosing whether the rationality is lost in one of the concentration sensor, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor by determining whether there exists any contradiction between respective sensor values of the concentration sensor, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor and a sensor housing that supports the sensor and that operably engages a connector. The sensor housing includes a first retainer and a second retainer. The first retainer includes a tapered surface that tapers relative to the longitudinal axis, and the tapered surface abuts against the aperture surface of the connector to guide the sensor housing as the sensor housing moves substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis into the aperture. The sensor housing is engageable with the connector to receive the connector between the first retainer and the second retainer and to limit relative movement of the sensor housing and the connector in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second retainer abuts against the aperture surface of the connector to limit relative rotation of the sensor housing and the connector about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In the case of a tool (140) for handling a sample, which comprises a fastening device (141) for detachably fastening the tool to a tool holder of a sample handling apparatus, and comprises a sample manipulation device, for example realized as a syringe (150), fastened to the fastening device (141), this tool comprises a holding device, for example in the form of a needle guide (160), which, on the one hand, is fastened to the fastening device (141) so as to be movable in a coupling direction (165) and, on the other hand, can be coupled to and decoupled from the tool holder in the coupling direction (165).

Abstract: A control system and associated methods for an air treatment system. In one aspect, the present invention provides a control system and method for controlling blower speed as a function of separately determined smoke and dust concentrations. In one embodiment, the control system and method provides a variable delayed between changes in motor speed to address undesirable rapid changes between speeds. In another aspect, the present invention provides a system and method for calibrating a sensor to provide more uniform operation over time. In yet another aspect, the present invention provide a system and method for calibrating motor speed to provide more consistent and uniform motor speed over time. The present invention also provides a system and method for tracking filter life by as a function of time, motor speed and/or a sensed variable, such as particulate concentration in the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to low flow rate cascade impactors for sampling aerosols, notably but not limited to pharmaceutical aerosols. The impactor stages serve as both orifice plate and collecting cup, simplifying collection and analysis. The impactor is designed to operate at flow rates approximating the inspiratory flow rates of young children and infants. Also presented is a method of and apparatus for applying a coating material to the collection surface of the stages after an impactor is assembled for use. The method entails generation of a polydisperse aerosol and sampling into the impactor. The coating substance improves the trapping of particles on the stages. The apparatus and method of application limit the amount of coating material applied and confines it to the regions of particle impact opposite the stage orifices.

Abstract: A skew detection arrangement comprises first and second series of targets movable past respective sensors, and monitoring means operable to monitor the outputs of the sensors, wherein the monitoring means is operable upon sensing that an output of a first one of the sensors is in a transition state to determine, from a transition direction of the transition state and an output of the other of the sensors, whether a skew condition has arisen. A skew detection method is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a modular scanner and probe holding apparatus for inspection, which consists of an assembly of a plurality of connective links rigidly connected. The connective links are added or removed from the assembly to size the assembly so the assembly extends more than half way around a circumference of a tubular body to be inspected. At least one tail link is connected to an end of the assembly. The tail link is biased by a spring to apply a force against the tubular body to hold the assembly in place. A probe holder link is provided that connects to the connective links and has a probe holder for holding a probe.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for passively sealing a vessel containing a fluid and for sampling the fluid without carry-over or cross-contamination between the fluid sampling device, the sealing septum, and the vessel contents. The device includes an actuated septum having a plurality of septum fingers, to passively seal the vessel, and an actuation device, to open the passive seal without carry-over or cross-contamination. Each of the plurality of septum fingers includes a corresponding rib portion. The actuation device can be an actuation ring having an annulus. The plurality of septum fingers and corresponding rib portions are disposed internal or substantially internal to the vessel, while the actuation device is disposed external to the vessel.

Abstract: A system is provided to facilitate inspections, repairs, and other operations within vessels without human entry into the vessels, and without introducing contaminants that could reduce the purity of materials held in the vessels below predetermined minimum levels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating pressure gauges in one or more process chambers coupled to a transfer chamber having a transfer volume is disclosed herein. The method includes providing a first pressure in the transfer volume and in a first inner volume of a first process chamber coupled to the transfer chamber, wherein the transfer volume and the first inner volume are fluidly coupled, injecting a calibration gas into the transfer volume to raise a pressure in the transfer volume and in the first inner volume to a second pressure, measuring the second pressure using each of a reference pressure gauge coupled to the transfer chamber and a first pressure gauge coupled to the first process chamber while the transfer volume and the first inner volume are fluidly coupled, and calibrating the first pressure gauge based on a difference in the measured second pressure between the reference pressure gauge and the first pressure gauge.

Abstract: A method and a device for transferring a microscopic, isolated sample, particularly a membrane-supported micro-dissected specimen, from an object table to an analysis arrangement, with a suction apparatus comprising a nano-suction means with a suction tube and a terminal membrane and a vacuum/overpressure unit which can be coupled to the nano-suction means for sucking or blowing the sample onto or from the terminal membrane; and a carrier apparatus for carrying the nano-suction means, which can be moved by means of an associated positioning unit for positioning the nano-suction means exactly in a sample removal position for sucking the sample onto the terminal membrane and in a sample release position for blowing the sample from the terminal membrane. A micro-dissection system, comprising such a device and a method for the production of a nano-suction means that is used in such a device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held pipetting device (11) with a housing (13) and a pipette receptacle (23) on the housing (13) for a replaceable pipette (24). The pipette (24) is received with its first end in the pipette receptacle (23) and has a tip (26) as a second end. Furthermore, the hand-held pipetting device (11) has a negative pressure source for aspirating a liquid, an overpressure source for dispensing an aspirated liquid, and an air line which connects the negative pressure source and overpressure source with the pipette receptacle. A valve system, which is at least partially electrically controllable, is arranged within the air line and is controlled by an aspirating button (17) provided on the housing and by an dispensing button (19). A light source (37) is provided on the housing (13) at a short distance to the longitudinal axis (31) of the pipette receptacle (23).

Abstract: A method and a device for rapid testing of the quality of cereals, grits and flours measures the aggregation of gluten. The sample to be tested in aqueous solution/suspension containing mineral salts and/or acids and/or liquors in a specific amount in a sample cup is stirred with an electrically driven stirring paddle and the resistance opposed to the paddle by the sample during the stirring process is measured, the torque loads acting on the rotatably mounted electric drive motor being measured from the beginning of the stirring process using extensometric gauges, the measurement being completed once the maximum rotating torque is reached and the measuring process being monitored, controlled and analyzed by software.

Abstract: A device for sampling drill cuttings includes a frame, an inclined having a perforated planar member mounted on the frame, a sprayer for washing cuttings down over the perforations, and a. A removable open-topped cuttings collector mounted under the perforated planar member, the. The perforated member cooperating cooperates with the downstream end of a vibratory screen over which the cuttings pass before translating onto the perforated screen. The frame mounts to the vibratory screen so that vibrations of the vibratory screen also vibrate the perforated planar member and cuttings collector.