Abstract: An article anti-theft device has a pair of hinged components that are detachably clamped together about a shaft of an article intended to be protected. The shaft is clamped between the two components with a selected one of the components having a resiliently mounted elongated prong insertably received within the other component and is held thereto by a ball clutch mechanism which includes a tapered housing with an internal tapered wall surface enclosing a plug member having at least two balls carried in opposing seats in the tapered housing and the plug member and a coaxial passageway insertably receives the elongated prong. The plug member is resiliently biased to a first position by an expansion spring causing the balls to bear against the tapered inner wall of the housing, restricting the passageway. When the prong occupies the passageway, the balls are forced outwardly as the plug member moves to compress the spring.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for forming and using a magnetic spring clamp.

Abstract: A cash drawer suitable for use in an applications where point of sale information is not recorded, such as at hotel front-desks, athletic health clubs, schools, and the like. The cash drawer includes an electronic keypad having one or more access codes used to control access to the cash drawer. The keypad can be reprogrammed easily to change access rights.

Abstract: A latching system that is comprised of a detent assembly and a securing plate. The detent assembly is comprised of a detent and a biasing member, which biases the detent in a first direction. The securing plate includes a curvilinear portion. The curvilinear portion is comprised of a detent traveling portion and a detent securing portion, which is located proximate to the detent traveling portion. The detent traveling portion is adapted to engage the detent and encourage the detent towards a second direction, which is approximately opposite of the first direction, upon engagement with the detent. When the detent is in contact with the detent securing portion, the detent assembly is reversibly secured relative to the securing plate.

Abstract: A device for locking the steering shaft of a motor vehicle against rotation by means of a locking bolt cooperating with locking recesses of the steering shaft. A control member that can be rotated back and forth displaces the locking bolt back and forth radially relative to the axis of rotation of the control member between a locking position and a release position. The locking bolt has a laterally protruding pin that engages a spiral groove of the control member on the front face of the control member adjacent to the locking bolt and that winds about the axis of rotation of the control member. The locking bolt has a pin which is is spring-loaded and movable in the direction towards the control member. The control member can be rotated as far as into the position corresponding to the locking position of the locking bolt even if no locking recess of the steering shaft is located in front of the locking bolt to receive same.

Abstract: A lock assembly for attachment to an enclosure door. The enclosure door has a lock assembly receiving opening specifically created to receive the lock assembly. The preferred lock assembly includes a lock case assembly having a bolt that can be moved between at least two positions; a lock actuating assembly interconnected with the lock case assembly such that the lock actuating assembly can actuate a change in the position of the bolt from one position to another; and a mounting plate having an interior side and an exterior side. The lock actuating assembly is preferably secured to the mounting plate on the exterior side and the lock case assembly is preferably secured to the mounting plate on the interior side. In alternate embodiments, the present invention provides a mounting plate, an enclosure door including a lock assembly and a method of securing a lock assembly to an enclosure door. A method of securing a preassembled electronic lock assembly to an enclosure door is provided.

Abstract: A door device equipped with a lock, which prevents forgetting to lock a door and the like, without an electrical warning device. The door device includes a lock allowing a rotating shaft to rotate between an opened position and a closed position by inserting and rotating a key and the key to be extracted only at the closed position, a cam rotating between the opened position and the closed position in linkage with the rotating shaft, and an oscillating strip oscillating between a first position and a second position, thereby contacting a door projection and moving to the first position when the door is closed while moving to the second position when the door is opened. An oscillating projection and a cam projection do not contact when the oscillating strip is in the first position, while they contact when the strip is in the second position. Thus, the cam rotation is suppressed and the lock rotation is restricted in the opened position.

Abstract: A system method of monitoring flatness of a material. A beam of coherent light is projected on to a surface of the material to provide a line on the surface. An image of the line on the surface is obtained, and the image is used to determine a deviation of the line from a predetermined configuration. The deviation corresponds to an irregular pattern or unevenness of the material.

Abstract: A flanging device for roll-flanging a rim of a component includes a flanging head, a first flanging roller which is mounted by the flanging head and can be rolled off on the rim during roll-flanging, and a second flanging roller which is mounted by the flanging head and forms a counter pressure roller for the first flanging roller, the flanging device including a stable protective structure which is or can be fastened to the component and forms a rolling surface for one of the flanging rollers or supports a rolling surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing feedstock materials for semi-solid forming comprising reducing the size of raw material, introducing the raw material into an extruder and extruding the raw material to produce feedstock material having a non-dendritic microstructure. Further disclosed is an apparatus for producing feedstock materials for semi-solid forming comprising an extruder, a feeder with means for maintaining raw material under a protective atmosphere, a nozzle on an end of the extruder with means for maintaining an extrudate under a protective atmosphere, temperature control means within the extruder and a pelletizer for pelletizing the extrudate. Additionally disclosed is a system for producing feedstock materials for semi-solid forming comprising a size reduction station, a magnetic screen, an extruder comprising a semi-solid raw material and a pelletizer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for drawing continuous metallic wire having a first diameter to a metallic fiber having a reduced second diameter. A feed mechanism moves the wire at a first linear velocity. A laser beam heats a region of the wire to an elevated temperature. A draw mechanism draws the heated wire at a second and greater linear velocity for providing a drawn metallic fiber having the reduced second diameter.

Abstract: A device which is designed as a spray head and is intended for lubricating and cooling molds, in particular forging dies and tools in metal forming, is described, in which device the feed passages for coolant, compressed air and lubricant are accommodated in a common compact housing but are designed to run separately from one another, and in which spray nozzles are in each case assigned to these separate flow passages, these spray nozzles being specifically designed for spraying the lubricant and the coolant, respectively. By means of this measure, the spraying operation can be designed in an optimum manner and it becomes possible to keep the lubricant and coolant consumption low.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding and transporting a workpiece having a plane surface The apparatus allows the lifting, holding and transporting of a workpiece comprising an opening or impression, by using the Venturi effect of a gas stream between said apparatus and the workpiece.

Abstract: A leak test arrangement having a leak calibration device is disclosed. The calibration device is connected into communication with the leak test arrangement and provides a controlled source (sink) of fluid at a predetermined amount. The calibration includes a substantially sealed volume of fluid in fluid communication with the test arrangement and a control arrangement for heating and/or cooling the volume to produce the source (sink) of the calibrator.

Abstract: A method and system for correcting for the inertial error of a transducer as a function of frequency or effective mass coupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an electronically controlled humidity chamber with temperature controls: to determine, by vapor desorption, high capillary pressures of core samples; to produce core samples with a high capillary pressure for testing electrical properties; and, using a curve of high capillary pressures from vapor desorption data, to transform a curve of high capillary pressures determined from high pressure mercury injection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus for acquiring physical properties of a fluid sample at high temperatures and pressures. The apparatus comprises a sample manifold, one or more pressure intensifiers to push or pull a sample through the sample manifold, and a viscosity coil to receive a part of the sample to measure a viscosity of the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the flowability of a core-forming material in which an airborne core-forming material is blown downwardly into a first, downwardly extending, long and confining passageway for a predetermined time, and the airborne core-forming material is allowed to escape the first long, confining passageway by diverting it into a short, transverse passageway, and further diverting it into a second, upwardly extending confining passageway, and the flowability of the core-forming material is evaluated from the quantity of core-forming material that has entered the second, upwardly extending confining passageway.

Abstract: A rheometer comprises a vessel mounted on a stand and a rotatable blade mounted above the vessel. A substance for rheometric assessment is put in the vessel. The rotor is advanced linearly into the substance while at the same time rotating. The blade is arranged with a profile such that there is substantially zero slip as it progresses, thereby minimising disturbance to the substance. The rheometric assessment is based on the axial force exerted as a result of the resistance of the substance to the progression of the blade through it.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a water quality measuring apparatus, which comprises a body in the shape of a flat panel being installed in a recession, and the recession is used to contain some sample water for measuring water quality and a positive/negative probe in the recession is used to transmit an electric charge signal of the sample water to a sampling unit of the body and then after a microprocessor calculates the level of water quality, a reading display unit on the body informs users about the level of water quality of the sample water. Therefore, the invention provides a portable and easy-to-use water quality measuring apparatus and allows users to measure the level of water quality anytime.

Abstract: In a method for determining the rotational speed of the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine having a sensor disk which is connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, the sensor disk having a marking via a system of alternating teeth and tooth spaces, and a first sensor assigned to the sensor disk generating an electrical signal which is able to assume at least two signal levels, one of the signal levels being assigned to a tooth and the other being assigned to a tooth space, the accuracy of the rotational speed determination is increased in that the rotational speed of the crankshaft is determined by the control unit from the angle between two markings divided by the time elapsed between the two markings; additional markings may be situated between the two markings and the number of markings which are situated between the two markings is a function of the rotational speed.

Abstract: A collision reaction force measurement apparatus includes: a collision surface receiving collision of a predetermined object; and a measurement part measuring a collision reaction force occurring when the predetermined object makes the collision against the collision surface, wherein the collision surface comprises a plurality of collision surface elements; and the measurement part comprises a plurality of measurement part elements provided for the plurality of collision surface elements, respectively.

Abstract: Techniques for using gravity in applications such as drilling and logging. Techniques are present for (1) gravity well logging using gravity sensors arrays; (2) creating density pseudosections using gravity measurements; (3) performing Gravity Measurement While Drilling (GMWD) using single or multiple gravity sensors; and (4) geosteering using GMWD.

Abstract: A borehole caliper tool includes a tool body, a bow spring flexibly coupled to the tool body, a target coupled to the bow spring, and an ultrasonic transducer coupled to the tool body, wherein in operation the ultrasonic transducer transmits an acoustic pulse to the target and receives an echo of the acoustic pulse from the target.

Abstract: A coupled level set projection method is incorporated into a finite-difference-based ink-jet simulation method to make the simulation easier and faster to run and to decrease the memory requirements. The coupled level set projection method is based on a central difference discretization on uniform rectangular grids. A constructed numerical projection operator, in the form of either a finite difference projection operator or a finite element projection operator, can be used in the central difference scheme, in which case the resulting linear systems can be solved by a multi-grid method. The finite difference projection operator is used when the fluid velocity is located at grid points and the pressure at cell centers, whereas the finite element projection operator is used when the fluid velocity is located at cell centers and the pressure at grid points.

Abstract: Condition-based monitoring functionality using sensors that monitor wind turbine component movement. A main shaft flange displacement sensor system can be used to provide signals used to perform fatigue assessment of the wind turbine rotor blades as well as drive train components. Output signals from the main shaft flange displacement sensor system are used to perform fatigue assessment, failure trending, diagnostic analysis, etc.

Abstract: A heating resistance flow rate measuring apparatus which can use a power source of an ECU in an automobile without requiring an expensive protective circuit and regulator. Heating of temperature detecting resistors themselves causes temperature changes on the windward and leeward sides, and these temperature changes depend on the amounts of heat generated by the temperature detecting resistors. The amounts of heat generated by the temperature detecting resistors depend on a voltage value of the ECU power source applied to the temperature detecting resistors, and an error is caused in a sensor output depending on a variation in the voltage of the ECU power source. Based on the finding that suppressing the amount of heat generated by the temperature detecting resistors is effective in avoiding the sensor output error caused depending on a variation in the output voltage of the ECU power source, means for suppressing the amount of heat generated by the temperature detecting resistors is disposed.

Abstract: A flow meter assembly includes a flow meter for use in a sanitary process environment. The flow meter includes a flow tube having an end which includes a first gasket lip and a first abutting face. A sealing flange mates with the flow tube and includes a second gasket lip and a second abutting face configured to abut against the first abutting face. A gasket provides a seal between the first and second gasket lips. The first abutting face and second abutting face limit compression of the sealing flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a density-compensated liquid level in a vessel containing a mixture of liquid and vapors comprises a temperature sensor which produces a signal that is proportional to the temperature of the mixture; and a processing apparatus that includes one or more pressure sensors that allow for a measurement of an operating pressure and a differential pressure between the mixture in the vessel and a constant reference leg. The processing apparatus further includes an integral microprocessor for calculating the respective specific gravities of the liquid and vapor portions of the mixture based on the operating pressure, and then computing the density-compensated liquid level in the vessel based on such calculations of specific gravity and the differential pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a free fall of an electronic device. The method includes: sensing a falling acceleration of the electronic device using an acceleration sensor; determining whether the sensed falling acceleration is less than a predetermined threshold; when the sensed falling acceleration is less than the predetermined threshold, determining whether the falling acceleration is a statistical constant, which has a statistical significance, and is maintained for a predetermined time; and when the falling acceleration is a statistical constant and maintained for a predetermined time, determining that the electronic device falls freely. Accordingly, it is possible to exactly detect a free fall of an electronic device, irrespective of an error of the acceleration of gravity generated when a falling acceleration of the electronic device is measured, due to ambient conditions, e.g., a temperature change and a rotation acceleration generated when the electronic device rotates.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a resonator gyroscope comprising a vibrationally isolated resonator including a proof mass, a counterbalancing plate having an extensive planar region, and one or more flexures interconnecting the proof mass and counterbalancing plate. A baseplate is affixed to the resonator by the one or more flexures and sense and drive electrodes are affixed to the baseplate proximate to the extensive planar region of the counterbalancing plate for exciting the resonator and sensing movement of the gyroscope. The isolated resonator transfers substantially no net momentum to the baseplate when the resonator is excited.

Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical structure formed by a substrate of semiconductor material and a suspended mass extending above the substrate and separated therefrom by an air gap. An insulating region of a first electrically insulating material extends through the suspended mass and divides it into at least one first electrically insulated suspended region and one second electrically insulated suspended region. A plug element of a second electrically insulating material different from the first electrically insulating material is formed underneath the insulating region and constitutes a barrier between the insulating region and the air gap for preventing removal of the insulating region during fabrication, when an etching agent is used for removing a sacrificial layer and forming the air gap.

Abstract: A piezo-electric vibration reed 1 including connection arms extended in opposing directions from a base 12, drive arms extended in a direction perpendicular to the connection arms at the respective tips of the connection arms 13 and 14, and detection arms extended from the base 12 in a direction perpendicular to the connection arms. In the respective tips of the drive arms, and the detection arms, there are formed a first deadweight portion and a second deadweight portion, which are adjustment portions used for mass adjustment. The adjustment portions are formed of deadweight layers and an electrode film.

Abstract: An accelerometer includes an inertial body; a magnetized fluid holding the inertial body in suspension; and a plurality of capacitive elements, each forming a capacitor with the inertial body. A displacement of the inertial body produces a change of capacitance of the capacitive elements that is indicative of acceleration. The capacitive elements include at least two capacitive elements per side of the accelerometer. A housing encloses the inertial body and the magnetized fluid, and the plurality of capacitive elements are mounted on the housing. The housing can be cylindrical shaped, rectangular shaped and tetrahedral-shaped. The inertial body can include a disk-shaped magnet, an annular-shaped magnet, or be non-magnetic, or be weakly magnetic. The acceleration can be linear acceleration, angular acceleration, or three components of angular acceleration and three components of linear acceleration. A plurality of magnets magnetize the magnetic fluid.

Abstract: A semiconductor acceleration sensor in which a reduction in size can be achieved when electrodes are formed in a chip main body and acceleration can be measured with good sensitivity. The semiconductor acceleration sensor comprises a weight section, flexible sections which support the weight section and have measurement elements P, and a chip main body which has a front surface having chip electrodes electrically connected with the measurement elements, and support the flexible sections, wherein an additional weight, which has an inclined face which surrounds a bonding section and decreases its size toward the bonding section, is bonded on the front surface of the weight section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test stand, particularly a ceiling test stand (1) for determining the sound insulation or insertion loss of a test object (2), particularly a vehicle floor, having a transmission chamber (3), which has multiple sound transmitters (8) and a test opening (4) for positioning the test object (2), and at least one microphone (12), which is positioned outside the transmission chamber, in front of the test opening (4).

Abstract: A pressure gauge includes a housing and a mechanical sensor placed in the housing for sensing change of the pressure. A characteristic of the sensor varies in correspondence to the change of the pressure. The gauge also includes an optical fiber, at least part of which is in the housing with a first end connected to the sensor such that a characteristic of the fiber varies in correspondence to the variance of the characteristic of the sensor, and an optical signal generator connected to a second end of the fiber for emitting an optical signal into the fiber. The second end of the fiber is distanced from the sensor, and the fiber generates at least a first reflected optical signal towards said second end, which first reflected optical signal contains information relating to the variance of the characteristic of the fiber.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing device and method for making and using such device having a temperature differential between two portions of the device is disclosed. A solid-state heat pump, such as a thermo-electric cooler (TEC), is used to pump heat from a cold portion to a hot portion of the device. A pressure sensor sensing the pressure of a hot fluid is disposed in the hot portion of the device, and sensor electronics are disposed in the cold portion of the device.

Abstract: In a method for determining the absolute pressure in pipes through which there is a fluid flow, in particular injection lines in diesel-operated internal combustion engine, a first signal from a first pressure sensor is detected. This first signal is integrated. The integrated signal is multiplied by a factor. This multiplied factor is then added to an operating pressure. This method advantageously allows detection of the absolute pressure within the injection line that connects the rail of an internal combustion engine to the corresponding injector.

Abstract: The method for promoting the size reduction, the performance improvement and the reliability improvement of a semiconductor device embedded with pressure sensor is provided. In a semiconductor device embedded with pressure sensor, a part of an uppermost wiring is used as a lower electrode of a pressure detecting unit. A part of a silicon oxide film formed on the lower electrode is a cavity. On a tungsten silicide film formed on the silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film is formed. The silicon nitride film has a function to fill a hole or holes and suppress immersion of moisture from outside to the semiconductor device embedded with pressure sensor. A laminated film of the silicon nitride film and the tungsten silicide film forms a diaphragm of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting cracks and their location in a structure. A circuit coupled to a structure has capacitive strain sensors coupled sequentially and in parallel to one another. When excited by a variable magnetic field, the circuit has a resonant frequency that is different for unstained and strained states. In terms of strained states, the resonant frequency is indicative of a region of the circuit that is experiencing strain induced by strain in a region of the structure in proximity to the region of the circuit. An inductor is electrically coupled to one end of each circuit. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the variable magnetic field to the inductor and senses the resonant frequency of the circuit so-excited by the variable magnetic field.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a MEMS cantilever strain sensor. Capacitor plates in a MEMS device of the invention are carried on cantilevered opposing micro-scale plates separated by a micro-scale gap under an unstrained condition. At least one of the micro-scale plates may be attached to a substrate or forms a substrate, which may be part of a monitored system. When a load is applied to the substrate, distal ends of the opposing cantilevered micro-scale plates become further separated, resulting in a change of capacitance. The change of capacitance is proportional to a load and therefore is an indication of the strain. Electrodes may be integrated into the strain sensor to provide a connection to measurement circuitry, for example. Sensors of the invention also provide for telemetric communication using radio frequency (RF) energy and can be interrogated without a power supply to the sensor.

Abstract: A test method for visual documentation of micro-cracks during tensile coupon testing includes the steps of: assembling a test unit; inserting a carbon-reinforced composite specimen having a prepared edge into the tensile coupon testing machine; illuminating the prepared edge of the specimen with a camera strobe light and a microscope light; applying a tensile load to the specimen; and capturing images (at 10% increments of the expected failing stress) of the prepared edge of the specimen with a digital camera that is attached to a stereomicroscope. Using the test method of the present invention photographic documentation of the formation and growth of micro-cracks in carbon-reinforced composite materials under tensile load is possible. The obtained data may be used to avoid or limit fatigue failure of carbon-reinforced structures used, for example, in the aerospace industry, for example, in spacecrafts and advanced military aircraft.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a ceramic component. The ceramic component is positioned on a first rotary table. The first rotary table rotates the ceramic component. Light is directed toward the first rotary table and the rotating ceramic component. A detector is located on a second rotary table. The second rotary table is operably connected to the first rotary table and the rotating ceramic component. The second rotary table is used to move the detector at an angle to the first rotary table and the rotating ceramic component.

Abstract: Pile testing apparatus and method apply static compressive forces on a pile to be tested for load bearing capacity. Retractable and reusable reaction anchor assemblies are installed into the ground for pile testing and then are retrieved from the ground after completion of the pile testing and are reused from one pile test site to another. The invention operates to receive an equal and opposite reaction force on an I-beam and provide at least two retractable and reusable reaction anchor assemblies installed into the ground at a depth significantly less than required with conventional pile testing methods. The I-beam is braced by the two retractable and reusable reaction anchor assemblies and held stationary in counter-action against the opposite reaction force on the I-beam. The pile testing apparatus and method of the present invention reduce costs considerably and can be used immediately as contrasted to conventional methods using concrete.

Abstract: A method for determining the circumferential properties of a tubular product, especially nuclear fuel cladding, utilizes compression of a polymeric plug within the tubular product to determine strain stress, yield stress and other properties. The process is especially useful in the determination of aging properties such as fuel rod embrittlement after long burn-down.

Abstract: A patient sensor configured to detect the presence of a patient on a patient support surface.

Abstract: A dynamic load fixture (DLF) applies a torsion load to a unit under test (UUT) to achieve the demanding aerodynamic load exposures encountered by a control actuation system (CAS) in flight. Instead of fixing the end of the torsion bar, the DLF controls the application of torque to the torsion bar, hence the UUT via a DLF motor. The dynamic load can be independent of the angular rotation of the UUT, which allows the DLF to more effectively reproduce desired acceptance tests such as torque-at-rate and nonlinear loads. Furthermore, application of the loads through a torsion bar allows the system the compliance needed to generate precise loads while allowing for the flexibility of changing torsion bars to test a wide variety of UUT on one test platform. To achieve the demanding aerodynamic load exposures encountered by a CAS in flight, the controller must be able to respond both very fast and very precisely.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensor for a device, such as breathing apparatus in the form of a cannula pipe or face mask, the sensor having means for monitoring and indicating the pressure or absence of a fluid flow in a conduit for supplying fluid from a fluid supply to the device. A means is provided responsive to back pressure in the conduit to actuate an indicator of the sensor to alert a use of the device of the presence and/or absence of the fluid flow.

Abstract: A tool has a tool part for producing a connection, and a signal generator generating a signal such that the tool part gives an operator a response signal regarding a progress of a work procedure, which response signal can be of acoustic nature and/or a tactile nature, and indicating a completed work procedure or completed parts of the work procedure, wherein the signal generator is arranged on the tool part or contained inside the tool part.