Abstract: A basket (6) for loading the laundry in a washing machine, washer-drier, drier and the like comprises a innerly hollow body with a longitudinal axis (X) being the basket (6) rotation axis, wherein said body has at least one shaped length (12) the radial distance (r, r14, r15) thereof from the longitudinal axis (X) is increased towards the rear wall (8) such that the barycentre of the inner volume (10) being defined by the hollow body is displaced towards the rear wall (8), wherein in the shaped length (12) there are formed one or more steps (13) extending along a circumpherential direction to the longitudinal axis (X) each providing an increase in the radial distance (r, r14, r15) of the shaped length (12) from the longitudinal axis (X) and wherein the step defines at least two portions (14, 15) having different radial distances (r, r14, r15) from the longitudinal axis (X).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for locking and unlocking a component, where the system comprises a lock adapted to lock a component, the lock capable of being opened by manipulation of a combination mechanism, the lock having a communication apparatus for communicating information related to the opening of the lock with a tool. The system further comprises a tool matable with the lock and adapted to open the lock by manipulation of the combination mechanism, the tool adapted to receive the communicated information related to the opening of the lock from the communication apparatus. Also disclosed are locks and tools suitable for use in such a system, and methods of opening at least one combination lock with a tool.

Abstract: A key head or a key head holder is received within a key unit receiving cavity in a housing and is pivotally connected to the housing for pivotal movement between a first position in which it is substantially within the key cavity and a second position in which it extends outwardly from or is aligned with an open end in the housing. A key unit mounting pin extends across the cavity and into an opening in the head of the key or an opening in the key head holder. A spring is positioned in the mounting opening, and includes a helical portion surrounding the mounting pin. The spring has a first end portion connected to the housing and a second end portion connected to the key unit. The key unit is pivotally connected to the housing by said mounting pin, for pivotal movement between a first position in which it is substantially within the key unit receiving cavity, and a second position in which it projects outwardly from the open end of the cavity.

Abstract: A locking device, which mounts a user key (the first key) and a manager key (the second key) separatedly, places a first lock and a second lock unitedly in an outer cylinder. The first lock is opened or rotated by the first key. After the first lock is open, the first key cannot be pulled out of the locking device. If the second lock is open by the second key, the first key can be pulled out together with the second key.

Abstract: A die monitoring system for use in a press machine includes a die element, a vibration severity monitor, and a monitor receiving portion. The vibration severity monitor is configured for monitoring a vibration severity condition of the die element. The monitor receiving portion is associated with the die element and includes a monitor cavity. This monitor cavity is configured for an operable mounting of the vibration severity monitor therewithin. A primary feature of the vibration severity monitor is that it can remain with a particular die throughout the lifetime thereof, even if the die is interchanged between machine presses.

Abstract: A production apparatus for a tapered steel pipe which holds the two ends of the steel pipe by shafts on carriers and moves it in the axial direction while rotating it to draw it to a taper by an intermediate working roll, wherein the shaft of the working roll is inclined 20 to 40 degrees with respect to the axis of the steel pipe and a roll caliber of the working roll is made an outwardly curved surface with little difference in roll peripheral speed; the face plate for mounting the working roll is positioned and supported with respect to the body by a hinge mechanism and is fastened to the body by fastening members; and the bearing of the working roll at the side close to the steel pipe is made smaller than the bearing at the side far from the steel pipe and the two bearings are connected by a tie-rod.

Abstract: A roll-forming tool for deforming a flange cap from a splayed configuration to engage a vehicle flange, the tool includes a polymeric contact surface disposed about a rigid drum. The polymeric contact surface can be in the form of a sleeve and integrally formed to the metal drum, or alternatively, the sleeve can be removeably attached to the drum for allowing replacement. The drums can be metal and configured for eccentric rotation relative to a corresponding drive shaft, thereby accommodating further variations in flange thickness.

Abstract: A rolling mill for the production of rails comprising a reversible intermediate working section (3) which receives broken down bars from an appropriate upstream break down rolling station (2) and passes them to a downstream finishing station (4). The intermediate working section (3) comprises a first (30) and a second universal stand (32), a high edging stand (31) placed between the first and the second universal stands (30, 32). The three stands (30, 31, 32) are placed at such a distance between each other that the bar can be simultaneously held in all three said stands (30, 31, 32) during rolling. A method for the rolling of rails with such a plant comprises the following operations in order: a rolling passage (U1) in the second universal stand (32); a rolling passage (E1) in the high edging stand (31); a rolling passage (U2) in the first universal stand (30).

Abstract: A method for forging/molding a coarse blank of an oil cylinder, including steps of: placing burn-in softened aluminum material into a preheated mold; using a first punch head to first forge the aluminum material in the mold cavity from outer side of the molding hole so as to form a blank body of the oil cylinder with a first end cap, a second end cap and a shorter cylinder body; moving out the first punch head and connecting an extension mold with the mold; and immediately using a second punch head to secondarily forge the blank body in the mold cavity from outer side of the extension hole and making the end section of the second punch head extend into the mold cavity to a position near the inner end of the mold cavity, whereby the cylinder body of the blank body outward axially extends to the extension mold into a predetermined length so as to form the oil cylinder.

Abstract: A system for forging a rack bar from a blank pipe. A blank pipe 1 is held between dies 2 and 3. Stockers 7L and 7R are arranged on respective sides of the die set. In the stockers 7L and 7R, left-handed shuttles 6L1, 6L2, 6L3, . . . 6Ln and right-handed shuttles 6R1, 6R2, 6R3 . . . 6Rn are stored. First, a left-handed presser rod 5L inserts the shuttles 6L1 to the blank pipe from the left-handed stocker 7L. Then, a right-handed presser rod 5R inserts the shuttles 6R1 to the blank pipe from the right-handed stocker 7R, causing the shuttles 6L1 to be entrained and returned to the left-handed stocker 7L. Vertical shift movement is alternately executed between the left-handed and right-handed stockers 7L and 7R, so that a shuttle of step-likely increased working height is selected for executing a working process.

Abstract: A system for removing dents from metal or other materials comprising (i) a device which includes at least one magnet having a handle detachably held to a portion of the magnet by magnetic attraction and a roller detachably held to a portion of the magnet opposite the handle by the magnetic forces of the magnet; and (ii) a method which includes the steps of attaching the magnet to the handle, placing the roller inside the tubing of a dented instrument, placing the portion of the magnet opposite the handle against the exterior of the instrument, catching or acquiring the roller with the magnet such that the magnet and the roller form a magnetic assembly, wherein the roller is on the interior of the instrument and the magnet is on the exterior of the instrument, and moving, sliding, or rocking the magnetic assembly across the dents until the dents are removed from the metal.

Abstract: A sheet metal repair support device (1) capable of suppressing a secondary damage to a panel surface due to the drawing of a damaged part, comprising a drawing device (40) for drawing the damaged part and a plurality of leg parts (70) fixed onto the panel surface around the damaged part, wherein when the damaged part is drawn, the leg parts (70) fixed onto the panel surface are used as fulcrums, the leg parts (70) support the drawing device (40) at such angles that specified inclinations can be provided relative to normal lines (L) extending from the panel surface onto which the legs are fixed, the drawing device (40) is supported on a main frame (10) which is supported on sub frames (20), and the main frame (10) and the sub frames (20) are detachably connected to each other through slide brackets (60).

Abstract: Devices for straightening portions of a vehicle, particularly the unibody and/or frame of a vehicle following a collision. A device comprising a clamp which is attachable to a pulling device which exerts a pulling force in a direction P. The clamp comprises jaws which open in the general direction of pulling force P to engage a flange or other portion of a vehicle extending away from the direction of the pulling force P. This aspect is particularly useful for repairing the wheelhouse of a vehicle. Another aspect is a clamp with two openings, preferably in a single set of jaws. One opening may, for example, open proximally, i.e., in the general direction of pulling force P, while the other opening may open in a direction away from pulling force P. Another aspect of the present invention comprises providing a plurality of clamps in a single pulling device wherein the clamps are connectable, via a chain, to a single pulling arm, and where the clamps are independently positionable relative to each other.

Abstract: A method of compensating for hysteresis in a load cell, by: (a) pre-calibrating a load cell by: measuring load cell deflection under progressively increasing loads; determining a first set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively increasing loads; measuring load cell deflection under progressively decreasing loads; determining a second set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively decreasing loads; and then (b) compensating for hysteresis in the load cell, by: selecting the first set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively increasing, or selecting the second set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively decreasing; and applying a formula using the selected first or second set of coefficients to the measured load cell deflection at the particular load, thereby determining an accurate load cell deflection, and thus compensating for h

Abstract: An acoustic flowmeter calibration method and sampling system address a variation in acoustic transducer delay time with increasing temperature. In one aspect, calibration of the path length between the sending and receiving transducers and calibration of the transducer delay time over a wide temperature range are optimized. In another aspect, the flowmeter output is temperature compensated based on the exhaust flowmeter gas temperature. These two aspects may be embodied in an ultrasonic flowmeter for exhaust gas measurement individually or in combination in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a structural skeleton forming a core within an outer covering, the covering and skeleton forming a hub portion having at least one arm interconnecting the hub portion with an outer wheel portion. The skeleton within the outer wheel portion has a U-shaped cross sectional conformation. A wire harness is positioned within the U-shaped conformation of the outer wheel portion and a plurality of ethanol detectors are mounted in spaced apart relationship within the outer wheel portion and adjacent to an outer surface of the steering wheel. The ethanol detectors communicate with the wire harness and an electrical circuit, the circuit engaging the hub portion of the skeleton. The circuit is in communication with the wire harness for receiving electrical signals from the ethanol detectors for sensing ethanol vapors in proximity to at least one of the ethanol detectors.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that include a sampling device, a chromatographic column, and a transfer line through which a fluid containing analytes to be measured are communicated from the sampling device to the column. The pressure at which the fluid containing the analytes is applied at the inlet of the transfer line is adjusted as the temperature of the column increases in accordance with certain relationships in order to maintain a substantially constant flow rate or velocity for the fluid exiting the column. In this way, the system compensates for changes in the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the column that result from changes in the column temperature.

Abstract: A fluid conveyance apparatus having more than one particulate matter sensing probe situated at two or more locations on the apparatus. Signals from the probes from at least two locations may indicate particulate matter flowing within a fluid through the conveyance apparatus. The times between signals may be indicated the rate of movement of the particulate matter in the conveyance apparatus and also a flow rate and direction of the fluid. The sensing probe signals may be processed into control signals that may go to a flow control mechanism. An example application of the flow control mechanism may be for an exhaust gas recirculation system of an engine.

Abstract: A system and method that use a fluid gauge proximity sensor. A source of modulated unidirectional or alternating fluid flow travels along at least one path having a nozzle and a flow or pressure sensor. The fluid exists at a gap between the nozzle and a target. The sensor outputs an amplitude modulated signal that varies according to a size of the gap. The amplitude modulated signal is processed either digitally or in analog devices, which can include being filtered (e.g., band pass, band limited, high pass, etc. filter) to include the modulated frequency and sufficient bandwidth on either side of that frequency and/or being demodulated using a demodulator operating at the acoustical driver modulation frequency. Using this system and method can result in only ambient acoustical energy in a desired frequency range of the device actually having the opportunity to interfere with the device operation. This can lower the devices overall sensitivity to external acoustical noise and sensor offset.

Abstract: Isothermal semiconductor(s) forming a conductive bridge at the two junctions of the of a thermoelectric circuit legs are used to produce an increase the Seebeck coefficient of the circuit. For the circuit legs, a p- and n-type semiconductor pair is preferred in which the valence and conduction bands of the n-type are higher in energy (i.e. having a lower electron affinity) than those of the p-type leg. The isothermal semiconductor may be either p- or n-type. If it is n-type, its conduction band lies below (i.e. having a higher electron affinity) that of the n-type leg, and if it is a p-type material, its valence band lies above (i.e. having a lower electron affinity) that of the p-type leg. This arrangement results in an increase thermal conversion efficiency in comparison to the corresponding TE circuit that does not have the isothermal semiconductor present.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing the tube-to-header connections in a heat recovery system in which a plurality of tubes is connected to a header via tube-to-header connections. The test apparatus includes a source of test gas, a shroud surrounding the tube-to-header connections and a test gas detector in communication with the chamber within the shroud. The invention also relates to a method of testing the tube-to-header connections by forming a test chamber surrounding the tube-to-header connections, introducing a test gas into the chamber and then detecting the level of test gas in the chamber.

Abstract: The dynamic testing of materials in moving solutions, such as anti-fouling paint in seawater, is conducted in a cylindrical tank. A stirrer having a drive shaft and one or more paddles or blades is driven by a variable speed motor to rotate and to impart rotational velocity to a liquid, which passes over the test materials which are attached to the periphery of the tank. The flow conditions over the surface can be well characterized. The surface of the test materials may be instrumented to measure physical, chemical and hydrodynamic conditions. The energy required for testing is reduced over prior art techniques.

Abstract: A recognition force microscope for detecting interactions between a probe and a sensed agent on a scanned surface and methods for its operation are provided. The microscope includes a scanning probe having a tip that is sensitive to a property of the scanned surface, and the probe is adapted to oscillate with a low mechanical Q factor. Operation of the microscope includes recording the displacement of the probe tip as a function of time and simultaneously recording both topographic images and the spatial location of interactions between said probe and one or more sensed agents on the surface.

Abstract: A blocking device provided in an evaporation passage is placed in an open state such that communication between an inside of a canister and an inside of a fuel tank is permitted, a negative pressure generating device provided in an atmospheric passage is operated, and a pressure in the fuel tank is detected, whereby whether a failure has occurred in the fuel tank is determined. Then, the blocking device is placed in a blocking state, the negative pressure generating device operated, and a pressure in the canister is detected, whereby whether a failure has occurred in the canister is determined.

Abstract: A leakage detecting device is connected to an evaporating fuel processing apparatus to detect leakage of evaporating fuel in a ventilation apparatus that includes an electric pump, a fuel tank, and a filter. The electric pump includes a pump portion and a motor portion. The pump portion is capable of generating at least one of pressurizing force and de-pressurizing force. The motor portion drives the pump portion. The filter absorbs fuel evaporating in the fuel tank. The leakage detecting device generates pressure difference between the inside of the ventilation apparatus and the outside of the ventilation apparatus in accordance with the pressurizing force and the de-pressurizing force generated using the electric pump to detect a leakage condition of the ventilation apparatus. The leakage detecting device includes a rotation speed controlling means that controls rotation speed of the motor portion at a predetermined rotation speed.

Abstract: An intake air flow detecting device is provided to an intake air passage, through which intake air flows into an internal combustion engine. Intake air flow is divided into a main passage and a bypass passage. The detecting device includes a thermal air flowmeter, a bypass flow delay information calculating means, and a response delay compensating means. The thermal air flowmeter includes a detector arranged in the bypass passage for detecting an air flow amount in the intake air passage. The bypass flow delay information calculating means calculates a bypass flow delay information representing delay in variation in a flow amount in the bypass passage with respect to variation in a flow amount in the main passage. The response delay compensating means compensates delay in response of the air flowmeter in accordance with the bypass flow delay information.

Abstract: A system designed to assist with the therapeutic treatment of subjects who have difficulty in walking, specifically those with a lack of sensation due to nerve damage or amputation, who are unable to tell when the foot makes contact with the floor. The system consists of: 1. A removable insole placed inside the shoe which proportionally senses touchdown. 2. A miniature wireless transmitter which can be worn unobtrusively on the shoe. 3. A miniature wireless receiver with tone generator which feeds an earpiece worn by the user. 4. A separate wireless receiver used by the therapist to monitor the same signal received by the user, in order to facilitate initial set-up and adjustments.

Abstract: A filling level sensor (6) for a tank (4), particularly a tank of a motor vehicle that can be filled with fuel (20), comprises a bridge that can be displaced along at least two electric sliding contacts by means of an actuator in dependence on the filling level (26). The actuator consists of an actuator that generates a magnetic field (38), and the bridge consists of a conglomerate (36) of electrically conductive particles that can be moved by the magnetic field (38).

Abstract: A measuring device and method for measuring a volume of a gel-like, powder-like or liquid-like material is provided by defining a desired volume of the material, moving a peripheral measuring edge of a longitudinal inner member along an inside wall of a longitudinal outer member to the desired volume corresponding to an indicator indicated at one of a plurality of measurement positioning stops, filling the material in the longitudinal outer member on top of the longitudinal inner member, moving the peripheral measuring edge of the longitudinal inner member to a second measurement positioning stop, and releasing the material out of the longitudinal outer member.

Abstract: A machine and method for performing balancing measurements on a tire or tire/wheel assembly that includes a structure defining spaced apart tire centering and tire testing positions. A first conveyor moves a tire to a centering position where a shuttle assembly is operative to center the tire and, after it has been centered, engages the tire and effects the transfer of the tire from the centering station to a testing station. The shuttle assembly includes a pair of grippers that move towards and away from each other, in a lateral direction in order to engage the tire. The first conveyor permits movement of the tire in a lateral direction; whereas it substantially resists relative movement between the tire and conveyor in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the direction of movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: Angular rate sensor and method in which the parameters of a circuit which provides drive signals and processes signals from a sensing element are configured electronically by a programmable memory. Being configured in this manner, the circuit is extremely versatile and can be used with different types of sensing elements.

Abstract: Cross-monitoring sensor system and method in which a plurality of sensors each having a sensing element, circuitry for processing signals from the sensing element, an output interface for delivering processed signals, and an auxiliary input to which signals from another device can be input for processing and delivery by the output interface. Signals from each of the sensors are applied to the auxiliary input of another one of the sensors, and signals from the output interfaces of the sensors are compared to verify integrity of the system.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor is manufactured by simple method and has reduced size and height, and includesa base portion formed by piezoelectric single crystal and having length in the Y-axis direction and thickness in Z-axis direction; and four beams each having length in Y-axis direction vertical to the X- and Z-axis directions that are arranged side by side in X-axis direction and formed by piezoelectric single crystal integrally with the base portion, wherein four beams are grouped in two pairs with one in each pair used as drive beam and the other a counterbalance, the drive beams are provided with drive electrodes adapted to oscillate the beams in the X-axis direction and Y-axis sensing electrodes adapted to detect the rotation angle applied around the Y-axis, and the other beams serving as counterbalances are provided with X-axis sensing electrodes adapted to detect the rotation angle applied around the X-axis.

Abstract: A plurality of ultrasonic sensors is provided in both front and rear bumpers of a vehicle to detect obstacles around the vehicle. Each sensor sets up a transmission frequency of an ultrasonic pulse signal that should be set up in a frequency adjustment circuit and a center frequency in filter processing in a filter circuit in response to a frequency setting frame transmitted from an ECU. The ECU stores a combination of the transmission frequency and the center frequency for each ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus for non-destructive inspection of a test body. The apparatus includes a probe, a transmitter operably connected to the probe, a receiver operably connected to the probe and a monitor with a display operably connected to the receiver for representing the echo signals received. The receiver receives echo signals. The transmitter generates transmitter pulses and delivers the transmitter pulses to the probe, wherein the probe delivers ultrasonic pulses and insonifies them at a certain angle (?) into a test body. The pulses penetrate the test body where the test pulses are at least once reflected from a rear wall of the test body forming, as a result thereof, at least one first leg that extends from an entrance surface to the rear wall and a second leg that extends from the rear wall to the entrance surface. The echo signals received are represented on the display so as to show from which leg the echo signals originate.

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating vibration displacement of a vibrator according to one aspect of the present invention includes a mirror attached to a predetermined portion of a vibrator; a light emitting unit installed at a predetermined position spaced apart from the mirror and irradiating light on the mirror; a light receiving unit installed side by side with the light emitting unit, receiving light reflected by the mirror and generating an output voltage corresponding to the amount of the receiving light; and a vibration displacement calculating unit for calculating vibration displacement of the vibrator based on the generated output voltage.

Abstract: A pressure sensor (1) includes a diaphragm (21) with a bottom formed of a thin-wall portion (210) and a pressure introducing joint (10), in which an austenitic precipitation hardening Fe—Ni heat resisting steel having high mechanical strength is used for the diaphragm (21), while an austenitic stainless steel that is relatively inexpensive is used for the pressure introducing joint (10). The diaphragm (21) and the pressure introducing joint (10) are integrated by welding, and Ni content of a weld portion is appropriately adjusted. Thereby, the pressure sensor (1) achieves high accuracy and reliability, and usage amount of the expensive austenitic precipitation hardening Fe—Ni heat resisting steel can be minimized in manufacturing the pressure sensor (1). Also, since the austenitic stainless steel has an excellent corrosion resistance, the pressure sensor (1) can be used in measurement of a fluid with high corrosiveness.

Abstract: A multi-channel pressure sensor module (10) for integration in a hydraulic/electrical control unit of a vehicular braking system is shown. A body or manifold (16) mounts a plurality of strain gauge sense element assemblies (12) each having a port for connection to a fluid pressure source to be monitored. An electronic module assembly (14) has a contact printed circuit board (24) and a sense element printed circuit board (22) sandwiching a spacer/support member (20) and electrically coupled together by a flexible circuit board (26). The spacer/support member (20) is formed with pockets (20e, 20f) for receipt of discrete electronic components and to provide access to wire bond pads (22c) and sense element openings (22b). First and second sets of guide posts (20c, 20d) extend from the spacer/support member for alignment of the circuit boards as well as the electronic module assembly on the base.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a diaphragm in which an electrical circuit including a gauge resistance is formed, an insulation film provided on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, an Al film provided on the insulation film and electrically connected to the electrical circuit through a conductor hole of the insulation film, an Au film provided on the Al film through a Ti film, a first protective film which covers the Al film and has an opening portion from which a portion of the Au film is exposed. In the pressure sensor, a second protective film made of polyimideamide or polyimide covers at least the surface of the Au film exposed from the first protective film, and a vicinity of the opening portion of the first protective film. Therefore, corrosion resistance of the Al film can be prevented while the pressure sensor has a reduced component number.

Abstract: A fluid pressure sensor (1) for measuring the pressure of a fluid comprises a diaphragm portion (12) which is a strain generating body, a silicon oxide film (21) as an insulating film, and a strain gauge (20) made of crystalline silicon, and austenitic precipitation hardening type Fe—Ni heat-resisting steel excellent in mechanical strength and corrosion resistance is used for the diaphragm portion (12). The silicon oxide film (21) is formed with the internal stress thereof adjusted to the range from ?150 to 130 MPa. With this feature, the fluid pressure sensor (1) ensures high precision and reliability, and may be used even for measurement of a highly corrosive fluid.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for detecting vibrations in a machine tool having a rotor portion (2) which is provided with tool members (5) and defines an axis of rotation (2a), the apparatus comprising a sensor assembly (3) which is able to rotate together with the rotor portion (2) and is designed to issue signals correlated to the vibrations, and a supporting and amplification device (6) for supporting the sensor assembly (3) and for amplifying the vibrations, which is set between the sensor assembly (3) and the rotor portion (2) and has a rotational asymmetry about the axis of rotation (2a) for any angle smaller than a full circle

Abstract: The present invention relates to a load sensor provided with a structure (4, 5, 94, 95) deformable in relation to the weight (P) of a load applied to an element thereof. A load cell supplies an electrical signal which is a function of the stress transmitted thereto by the structural element (2, 92) to which the weight is applied. The structural elements (1, 2, 91, 92) composing the structure of the load sensor are produced with plates or sections made of metal such as stainless steel without the use of welds.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the tack of pastelike substances, in particular printing inks, includes a drive roller (2) and a contact-pressure roller (3), between which the substance (5) to be measured can be introduced and uniformly distributed. To enable replicable measurement of the tack of pastelike substances (5), the invention proposes measuring the force exerted by the substance (5) on at least one predetermined surface region (6) of the drive roller (2) or of the contact-pressure roller (3), for instance by means of a highly dynamic miniature force sensor (7), directly in this surface region (6) as a function of the respective rotary angle (?) of the corresponding roller (2, 3), and then using this force course for determining the tack of the substance (5).

Abstract: Simultaneous pressure and position information is accurately measured in a sensor realized by utilizing first and second sensor elements that each exhibit a decreasing width over the length of the sensor element and that are arranged overlapping each other and in a substantially complementary orientation to one another with respect to the width so that the point of narrowest width of the first sensor element overlaps the point of the widest width of the second sensor element. Pressure applied to the sensor causes each sensor element to generate an electrical signal that is proportional to both the applied pressure and the surface area at the location of the applied pressure. As a result of the complementary orientation and overlapping for these sensor elements, the first and second sensor elements generate an asymmetric pair of signals that uniquely define the applied pressure by position and magnitude.

Abstract: A measurement pickup includes at least four measuring tubes for conveying media to be measured. Each measuring tube has a first in-/outlet end and a second in-/outlet end. During operation, the measuring tubes vibrate, at least at times, especially simultaneously. The measurement pickup further includes an electromechanical exciter mechanism causing the measuring tube to vibrate, as well as a sensor arrangement reacting at least to local vibrations of the measuring tubes for producing at least one measurement signal influenced by vibrations of the measuring tubes.

Abstract: A rotation sensor includes a rotation detector mounted on a holder which is in turn inserted in a casing through its opening. A cover is formed by molding a resin so as to cover the opening of the casing and the portion of the holder protruding from the opening of the casing. A pair of relay terminals extend through a base portion of the holder and a gap defined in the holder, are fixed to a support wall, and connected to respective lead pieces of the detector. A resin cover is formed by molding a resin. When forming the cover, pressure is applied to the holder, thereby causing the holder to bulge axially in the holder. This in turn pushes the relay terminals in the axial direction. But since the relay terminals are fixed to the support wall, the support wall will absorb such pushing force, thereby preventing such pushing from being transmitted to the detector. In order to more effectively absorb such pushing force, the relay terminals may be provided with bent portions in the gap.

Abstract: A tactile sensor element includes a first pressure transfer layer and a second pressure transfer layer, an elastomeric body arranged between the first and second pressure transfer layers, the body having a first and a second surface opposed to each other, the first and second surfaces having corrugations to allow displacement of elastomeric body material in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the corrugations when exposed to a contact pressure on at least one of the surfaces, a first electrode arranged on the first surface and a second electrode arranged on the second surface, the first and the second electrodes being connectable to external means for determining the capacitance of a capacitor formed by the elastomeric body and the electrodes, where at least one pressure transfer layer has at least one portion of increased thickness. Further disclosed is a tactile sensor array comprising a plurality of sensor elements.

Abstract: Device with a removable probe head (15) for measuring a workpiece, whereby the device comprises a receiving section (17.1) for attaching the probe head (15). In the receiving section (17.1) sensors (17.2) in fixed, predefined positions are arranged. The removable probe head (15) comprises several counterpart elements, which interact with the sensors (17.2) if the probe head (15) is attached to the receiving section (17.1), whereby a coding of the removable probe head (15) can be set in advance, by adjusting the position of the counterpart elements.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive sensor to sense force or torque applied to a structural element to which the magnetostrictive sensor is non-invasively attached by a fixed, intimate contact therewith. The sensor consists of single continuous magnetostrictive layer in operable contact with a coil excited source of magnetic flux. A force or torque applied to the structural element produces a stress transferred to the single continuous magnetostrictive layer, thereby varying the magnetic permeability of the single continuous magnetostrictive layer. The change in the magnetic flux produces a change in the inductance and impedance of the coil, and thereby a detectable change in the voltage across the coil.

Abstract: A gas manifold is configured for encircling a steering wheel, and formed, in cross-section, as a crescent shape having an exterior concave panel conforming to the shape of the steering wheel for nesting therearound, and an exterior convex panel joined with the concave panel to form a hollow space between the panels. The convex panel provides plural first through-apertures for admitting vapors into the hollow space within the gas manifold. An internal vapor sensing circuit is mounted within the hollow space for contact with the vapors. A tubular conductor is in vapor-flow communication with the manifold for drawing the vapors by suction, through the manifold via the first through-apertures. Electrical conductors join the internal vapor sensing circuit with an external control circuit for electrical signal communication, establishing control of an ignition circuit of the motor vehicle.