Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus includes a hydroforming die member and a hydroforming press. A fastener couples the press to the die member, the fastener having a shaft and a shoulder. A spacer positioned on the fastener spaces the die member from the press. The shaft is secured to the press housing. The shoulder is positioned within a slot in the die member configured to receive the shoulder as the shoulder is inserted into the slot in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fastener.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for monitoring and conditioning strip material are disclosed. The disclosed methods and apparatus receive encoder signals and sensor data to monitor a condition of a strip material. The system obtains a plurality of sensor readings associated with the condition of the strip material, converts the readings into a dimensional profile, and outputs a visual display of the dimensional profile. If an undesired material condition is detected, a material conditioner is adjusted to achieve a desired material condition. Each time the strip material passes a sensor, data associated with the strip material is recorded. The dimensional profile is additionally shown to an operator to facilitate the input of commands by the operator used to urge the material toward a desired profile.

Abstract: A liquid supply apparatus comprises a pump mechanism for pumping out a liquid to a conduit, a flowmeter for measuring a flowrate of the liquid flowing through the conduit, and a controller for controlling these mechanisms. The pump mechanism comprises a flexible chamber made of resin, a pressure chamber housing the flexible chamber, and an electro-pneumatic regulator for adjusting pressure in a space between the pressure chamber and the flexible chamber. The flexible chamber comprises a bellows. In the liquid supply apparatus, while pressure is applied to the flexible chamber of the pump mechanism and the liquid in the flexible chamber is pumped out to the conduit, the pressure applied to the flexible chamber is controlled by the controller on the basis of a flowrate of the liquid measured by the flowmeter. This makes it possible to supply the liquid of a small flowrate while controlling the flowrate accurately.

Abstract: A process applied to grinding, dicing, and/or stacking semiconductors is disclosed. One feature of the process is that after transparent material is stuck on its active surface, a semiconductor is ground from another surface thereof to become thinner, then the semiconductor is diced, by taking advantage of transparency of the transparent material, from its active surface, to obtain at least one smaller semiconductor unit such as die/dice or chip(s). Another feature is that the transparent material remains sticking to the active surface of the die by an adhesion layer until the die is attached to a carrier or another die, and then the transparent material and the adhesion layer are removed by taking advantage of a function of the adhesion layer: receiving a ray to lose adhesion between it and the active surface. Preferably the ray reaches the adhesion layer via the transparent material stuck on the active surface of the die.

Abstract: A forming machine includes a first transmission mechanism connected to a cutting mechanism and a conveying clamp mechanism, a drive mechanism for driving the first transmission mechanism; and a second transmission mechanism driven by the drive mechanism for driving a feeding mechanism. The second transmission mechanism includes a driven wheel driven by the drive mechanism, a first swing member connected to the feeding mechanism and confronting the driven wheel, an eccentric pin projecting axially from the driven wheel and connected slidably to the first swing member. The eccentric pin slides relative to the first swing member while rotating along with the driven wheel so that the first swing member is swung to and fro in a cycle motion and completes one cycle for each revolution of the eccentric pin.

Abstract: The sheet metal blank to be press molded comprises a product section (W1) and a grip section (W2) disposed on the periphery of the product section (W1). The press molding device performs press molding on the product section (W1) while gripping the grip section (W2) with the upper die (11) and the lower die (12). A bead (W3) comprising alternately disposed indented sections (A, C) and protruding sections (B, D) is press molded beforehand on the grip section (W2) by meshing the indented corners (6, 8) and protruding corners (3, 5) formed on the lower die (12) with corresponding indented corners (7, 9) and protruding corners (2, 4) formed on the upper die (11). Consequently a preferable constraining force without reducing the radius of the indented sections (A, C) and protruding sections (B, D), thereby protecting the galvanized surface of the sheet blank from chipping.

Abstract: A high-pressure piping part includes a body structure forged in a closed space. The body structure is formed to include a main body portion formed by forward extrusion and side arm portions formed by side extrusion. The main body portion has therein a fiber flow formed along a passage, and the side arm portion has therein a fiber flow formed along the passage. Therefore, the direction in which stress is applied to the passage of the body structure by an internal pressure is approximately perpendicular to the directions of the fiber flows, thereby improving the degree of allowance of the resistance to pressure of the body structure for an injector.

Abstract: A reconfigurable tool and/or die geometry and methods of use generally comprise forming at least a portion of a shape defining surface with a shape memory material. In response to an activation signal, the shape memory material changes geometry of the shape defining surface to provide a means for forming parts with different geometries from the same tool and/or die. In an alternative embodiment, an insert for a tool and/or die can be used, wherein the insert has at least a portion of its shape defining surface formed of a shape memory material. Also disclosed are processes for forming a first part with a defined geometry and a second part with a defined geometry different from the first part defined geometry using a reconfigurable tool and/or die as well as a reconfigurable insert with a standard tool and/or die.

Abstract: A tube partial thread forming apparatus and method is disclosed. A tube is placed on the apparatus around internal die sections, which are separated by a mandrel to cause the internal die sections to engage the tube. stripper pieces are moved into engagement around the outer surface of the tube to secure and support the tube. External die sections extend through the stripper pieces and engage the tube and form partial threads thereon.

Abstract: A method and machine for swaging steel cable connectors are provided. The swaging machine has an external and an internal trough. The connector having a circular cross-sectional shape is first swaged in the external trough into having an oval cross-sectional shape. The connector is then moved into the internal trough, where the connector is swaged and steel cable is fixedly clipped inside the connector. With this swaging machine, replacing molds is not required and a single mold is applicable to connectors of various sizes, so that both the production time and cost are reduced. In addition, the connector after swaging would have a smooth surface so that its outlook and safe usage are both enhanced.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for operating a gas sensor is described, including a reference gas space in which an electrode is situated which is supplied with a reference gas pump current to maintain the concentration of the reference gas. A diagnostic system determines a concentration change of the reference gas via a change in the reference pump current and a time-based evaluation of the sensor signal of the gas sensor.

Abstract: An engine lubrication system simulating device is provided, having a reservoir configured to contain engine oil. The simulating device may also include an agitation device configured to agitate oil in the reservoir. In addition, the simulating device may include a circulation system configured to circulate oil between the reservoir and a reserve tank of an oil consumption measuring device and maintain a constant level of oil in the reservoir. Further, the simulating device may include an output port configured to facilitate removal of oil from the reservoir at a known, controlled rate and transport it to a location separate from the reservoir and the oil consumption measuring device.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a level sensor installed in an empty tank. In the tank, the level sensor includes a float that is allowed to rest against a first stop, such as the tank bottom or tank top. This position of the float is stored as a first level, such as a minimum level, in memory of sensor electronics of the level sensor. The float is thereafter moved, such as under the force of gravity by inverting the tank, against a second stop such as the tank top or the tank bottom. This position of the float is stored as a second level, such as a maximum level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precisely detecting very small distances between a measurement probe and a surface, and more particularly to a proximity sensor using a constant liquid flow and sensing a liquid mass flow rate within a bridge to detect very small distances. Within the apparatus the use of a flow restrictor and/or snubber made of porous material and/or a liquid mass flow rate controller enables detection of very small distances in the nanometer to sub-nanometer range. A further embodiment wherein a measurement channel of a proximity sensor is connected to multiple measurement branches.

Abstract: A leak detector for an insulated duct carrying pressurized hot air comprises a cuff secured over a circumferential cut in the insulation of the duct, thereby creating a reservoir of hot air which has leaked from the duct, a manifold defining a conduit therein in communication with the hot air reservoir and a cap for securing heat sensitive wires to manifold at the end of the conduit such that the hot air from the hot air reservoir impinges directly on the heat sensitive wires.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for collecting and concentrating trace organics in a liquid sample, which includes steps of adsorption, dehydration, and thermal desorption. The process can be automatically operated by associating with analysis instruments for detecting gaseous materials, such as GC (Gas Chromatography), GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass spectroscopy) and FTIR (Fourier Transfer Infrared spectroscopy) to monitor the organics in the liquid sample. The process can collect and concentrate semi-volatile organic contaminants in a liquid sample which are unable to be collected and concentrated by purge & trap process or head-space process. The process of the present invention can be used to detect trace organics in a detecting limit at a ppt level.

Abstract: To provide a highly reliable apparatus for measuring mercury contained in the gaseous medium, in which the outlet port 3b of the reducing tube and the gas-liquid separator, both susceptible to deposition of stain, can be automatically cleaned to avoid reduction of the sensitivity of the measuring instrument, the apparatus for measuring mercury contained in the gaseous medium includes a reducing tube 3 for reducing divalent mercury contained in a gaseous medium to zerovalent mercury, a gas-liquid separator 4 for removing a liquid component (drain) from the gaseous medium that has passed through the reducing tube 3, a measuring instrument 6 for measuring the quantity of the mercury contained in the gaseous medium delivered from the gas-liquid separator 4, and a cleaning system 10 for running a cleaning liquid from an outlet port of the reducing tube 3 past the gas-liquid separator 4 to emerge outwardly of the gas-liquid separator 4.

Abstract: A microfluidic assay device for determining the presence or absence of an analyte within a fluid test sample is provided. The present invention provides a technique for achieving continuous flow in a microfluidic device by using at least one input channel, an analysis zone, and a plurality of wicking channels disposed about the perimeter of the analysis zone. In one embodiment, for example, the wicking channels extend radially from the analysis zone. As a result of the particular configuration of the microfluidic device, an assay may performed in a “single step” without the need for active forces, such as a pressure source, electrokinetic force, etc., to induce flow of the fluid test sample through the device. Likewise, flow rate is controlled so that the dwell time of the fluid test sample within the analysis zone is long enough to allow for the desired reactions and/or detection.

Abstract: Osmolarity measurement of a sample fluid, such as tear film, is achieved by depositing an aliquot-sized sample on a sample receiving substrate. The sample fluid is placed on a sample region of the substrate. Energy is imparted to the sample fluid and energy properties of the fluid can be detected to produce a sample fluid reading that indicates osmolarity of the sample fluid. An aliquot-sized volume can comprise, for example, a volume of no more than 20 microliters (?L). The aliquot-sized sample volume can be quickly and easily obtained, even from dry eye sufferers. The imparted energy can comprise electrical, optical or thermal energy. In the case of electrical energy, the energy property of the sample fluid can comprise electrical conductivity. In the case of optical energy, the energy property can comprise fluorescence. In the case of thermal energy, the measured property can be the freezing point of the sample fluid.

Abstract: A method for checking at least three sensors which detect a measured quantity in the area of an internal combustion engine. A measure of the sensor signal of the particular sensor to be checked is compared to a reference signal which is obtained from at least one part of the sensor signals of the sensors to be checked. A sensor is recognized as defective on the basis of a comparison of the measure for the sensor signal with the reference signal. The reference signal is formed, for example, from a mean value of a measure of the sensor signals of at least one part of the sensors to be checked, the individual sensor signals being weighted using correction factors in forming the mean value. The sensors are temperature sensors or pressure sensors, for example, which may be situated in an intake area of the internal combustion engine, on the internal combustion engine itself, in an exhaust area, and/or in an exhaust gas treatment system.

Abstract: A fuel vapor purge system is configured to execute a highly accurate leak diagnosis with respect to a fuel vapor leak. After the engine is stopped, the temperature of the fuel vapor rises temporarily and then decreases until it reaches the outside ambient temperature. During this period, the purge line is closed off and a purge line pressure decreasing rate is detected when the purge line pressure is slightly above atmospheric pressure. The detected purge line pressure decreasing rate is then compared to a threshold value. The purge system is diagnosed as “normal” if the purge line pressure decreasing rate is equal to or larger than the threshold value and as “leaking” if the purge line pressure decreasing rate is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: A device is provided for determining at least one parameter of a medium flowing in a line in a main flow direction, e.g., a parameter of the intake air mass of an internal combustion engine. The device includes a part, which is inserted into the line at a predetermined alignment with respect to the main flow direction in such a way that a partial flow of the medium flowing in the line in the main flow direction flows through at least one measuring channel provided in the part in a first direction from an intake of the measuring channel to an outlet of the measuring channel. The device further includes a measuring element situated in the measuring channel for determining the at least one parameter.

Abstract: An aerodynamic noise measurement system for a vehicle uses sound reflectors to determine the sound wave propagation of aerodynamic noise of the vehicle. The vehicle is placed within a test section of a wind tunnel. The air flow of the wind tunnel generates the aerodynamic noise as it passes over the vehicle. An array of sound reflectors is placed outside of the air flow of the wind tunnel. Microphone arrays receive the aerodynamic noise directly from the source and from the sound reflectors. An analyzer system forms an acoustic image of the vehicle based on the aerodynamic noise. A viewing device displays an image of the vehicle with an overlay of aerodynamic noise data in real-time.

Abstract: A method for measuring toughness of interfacial adhesion including applying a normal force with a probe to a surface of a coating joined to a major surface of a substrate, wherein the surface is substantially parallel to the major surface, and applying a lateral force to the coating with the probe by laterally moving a position of the probe relative to the major surface such that the probe forms at least one delaminated region in the coating as the position of the probe moves laterally across the major surface, the delaminated region having a starting point and an ending point. The method further includes measuring a magnitude of the lateral force over time, and determining a toughness of interfacial adhesion between the coating and the major surface based on changes in magnitude of the lateral force as the position of the probe moves from the starting point to ending point.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit that is lowered into vertically supported pipe filled with seawater. The apparatus includes a pipe weld location detector module carried by the inspection unit. The apparatus also includes a rotating time of flight diffusion (TOFD) module and a non-rotating wall thickness module carried by the inspection unit. The module includes a pair of rotatably mounted weld volume inspection transducers rotatable by an operator and adapted to inspect for and obtain data on weld volume defects. The TOFD module has a fluid carrier positioned within the TOFD module and contains an acoustic fluid. The non-rotating wall thickness module also contains an acoustic liquid and includes a plurality of fixedly mounted wall inspection transducers adapted to obtain data on wall thickness of a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for measuring subterranean strain. The methods and apparatus use fluid expansion principles to compensate for temperature variations and increase the accuracy of the strain measurements. The methods and apparatus contemplate the use of multiple fluid chambers according to some embodiments in order to remove temperature dependence from stress or strain measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a regulating device (1) for control of flow and/or pressure, including a housing (3) a enclosing a movable inner member (2) which is provided with a passage corresponding to the housing inlet. The inlet comprises at least two ports (4,5,6,7) which are spaced apart with a circumferentially equal distance, and the passage comprises apertures (8,9,10,11) positioned correspondingly. The inner member (2) is fitted with radial play inside the housing so that in operation a leakage of the liquid to be regulated will enter between the inner member and the housing so that these elements are in a floating relationship, whereby the inner member is relieved from radial forces in operation. The invention also concerns a dynamometer testing device.

Abstract: A flow-velocity measuring device of a simple structure in which the size in the direction of flow of a measured fluid is small and the size of a surface area for blocking the flow of the measured fluid is small includes: an inlet port formed on a surface of a main body and opening toward the upstream of a measured fluid; an introducing channel extending in the main body from the inlet port; a branch channel branched from the introducing channel and connected at a terminal end thereof to a first discharge port opening on the surface of the main body; a discharge channel extending from the introducing channel and connected at a terminal end thereof to a second discharge port opening on the surface of the main body; and a sensor element provided in the branch channel or in a measuring channel further branched from the branch channel and connected at a terminal end thereof to a third discharge port opening on the surface of the main body, and at least any one of the discharge channel, the introducing channel, the

Abstract: This invention relates to gases distribution systems and in particular, to temperature sensors. The sensor of the present invention is configured to determine the temperature of a flow of respiratory gases and comprises a sensor housing (36) configured for positioning proximate to a flow of gases and a temperature transducer (31) housed within the sensor housing (36). The sensor housing (36) provides a substantial pathogen barrier between the flow of gases and the temperature transducer (31), but permits the temperature transducer to provide a substantial indication of the temperature of the flow of gases. In particular, the temperature of the gases is remotely sensed via a conductive path (38) through the wall of the breathing circuit (14). This conductive path (38), integral to the breathing circuit (14), could then be disposed of or reused after suitable sterilisation.

Abstract: A method and a system for radar-based gauging of a filling level of a filling material is disclosed, wherein the tank has at least one interfering structure. The method comprises: transmitting at a first time moment a microwave signal towards the surface of the filling material; receiving microwave signals as reflected against the surface of the filling material and as reflected against said at least one interfering structure; calculating based on propagation times of the transmitted and reflected microwave signals at least two distances to reflective surfaces in the tank; and repeating at a second time moment the transmitting, the detecting and the calculating, wherein said first time moment is timely separated from said second time moment. Based on the several repeated measurements, the distance to the surface of the filling material is determiend as the calculated distance that exhibits the greatest change between said first and second time moments.

Abstract: A liquid sensing apparatus includes a liquid sensing chamber 33 having a liquid inlet port that is in communication with an external liquid container in which a liquid is reserved, and a liquid outlet port that is in communication with a liquid consuming apparatus, a movable member 34 movable depending on a liquid level in the liquid sensing chamber 33, a recess portion 33b, 41a for cooperating with a wall surface of the movable member 34 to form a closed space when the movable member 34 is moved to a predetermined position depending the liquid level, and a piezoelectric sensing means 40 for applying a vibration to the recess portion and sensing a state of a free vibration following upon the vibration.

Abstract: A device which is used to measure the density of a liquid, includes an enclosure (1) which is impervious to the liquid to be measured. The enclosure (1) has a rigid deformation-resistant casing housing at least one reference body (3) which is suspended in the enclosure (1). The enclosure (1) can move in relation to the reference body (3) such as, in the fully submerged state, to occupy a position which is a function of the density of the liquid in which the device is submerged. In the position, the enclosure exerts a pressure or tensile force on a measuring device (2) the movement of which is limited by the reference body (3).

Abstract: A released-beam sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a layer formed thereon, and an aperture formed in the layer. A beam is mechanically coupled at a first end to the layer and suspended above the layer such that a second end forms a cantilever above the aperture. A boss is coupled to a second end of the beam and suspended at least partially within the aperture. The beam is configured to flex in response to acceleration of the substrate along a vector substantially perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. Parameters of the sensor, such as the dimensions of the beam, the mass of the boss, and the distance between the boss and a contact surface within the aperture, are selected to establish an acceleration threshold at which the boss will make contact with the contact surface. The sensor may be employed to deploy an airbag in a vehicle.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio microelectromechanical system device for measuring an applied force, the device being a cellular in-plane accelerometer formed of a base having a substantially planar mounting surface. A pair of substantially rigid fixed electrode structures are formed in a doped silicon mechanism layer, the fixed electrode structures having substantially parallel and mutually opposing pickoff electrode surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to the planar mounting surface of the base and spaced apart along an input direction parallel with the planar mounting surface of the base, each of the fixed electrode structures being anchored to the mounting surface of the base. A pendulous electrostatic comb is formed in the doped silicon mechanism layer and oriented substantially perpendicular to the planar mounting surface of the base, the electrostatic comb being pendulously suspended from the mounting surface of the base between the fixed electrode structures for motion along the input direction.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting weld signatures from an ultrasound scan data obtained from scanning a pipeline is provided. The method includes a step for mapping multiple amplitude responses from the ultrasound scan data, each amplitude response being representative of a respective sensor signal. Continuous amplitude responses are located from the amplitude responses and corresponding signatures are identified for the continuous amplitude responses. The method also includes a step for tagging the corresponding signatures as weld signatures.

Abstract: A device for measuring thickness and/or rate of thickness increase of a film comprises at least one piezoelectric element, and first and second electrodes in contact with the piezoelectric element. A method of measuring thickness and/or rate of thickness increase of a film comprises applying a voltage across a piezoelectric element from a first electrode to a second electrode, thereby causing the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and measuring the rate of vibration of the piezoelectric element. Heat may be applied to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element may be formed of quartz crystal, e.g., IT-cut or near-IT-cut.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus utilizing film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs). The film bulk acoustic resonator has a bulk acoustic wave velocity (Vb) and a corresponding resonant frequency (f). When the FBAR is subjected to a force such as acceleration, g-force or an air pressure, the bulk acoustic wave velocity changes to obtain a frequency downshift (?f) in response to deformation caused by the force. A magnitude of the force is then obtained by calculating the frequency downshift (?f).

Abstract: A device 20 for detecting a resonant frequency comprises a sound source means 21, a signal synthesization switching means 26 and 27, and a measuring means 25. The signal synthesization switching means 26 and 27 are capable of switching between a first state in which the signal synthesization switching means 26 and 27 outputs a measurement signal and a second state in which the signal synthesization switching means 26 and 27 outputs a synthesized signal containing the measurement signal and the signal output from a microphone 14. The device 20 detects the resonant frequency based on comparison between the first amplitude frequency characteristic measured in the first state and the second amplitude frequency characteristic measured in the second state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration sensor capable of preventing a diaphragm electrode from being damaged without lowering sensitivity as well as realizing a satisfactory assembling process. The vibration sensor comprises a fixed electrode 1, and a diaphragm electrode 3 having a weight member 2 attached to a membrane surface facing away from the fixed electrode 1 and fixedly supported at peripheries thereof, the vibration sensor being capable of outputting variation of capacitance between the fixed electrode and the diaphragm electrode as vibration signals.

Abstract: A sensor, in accordance with aspects of the present technique, is provided. The sensor comprises a membrane formed of gallium nitride. The membrane is disposed on a substrate, which is wet-etched to form a closed cavity. The membrane exhibits both a capacitive response and a piezo-response to an external stimulus. The sensor further includes a circuit for measuring at least one of the capacitive response or the piezo-response. In certain aspects, the sensor may be operable to measure external stimuli, such as, pressure, force and mechanical vibration.

Abstract: Implantable pressure sensors and methods for making and using the same are provided. A feature of embodiments of the subject pressure sensors is that they are low-drift sensors. The subject sensors find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a housing with which terminals are insert-molded, a sensing element mounted on the housing and electrically connected to the terminals, an electrically insulating protective member for covering the terminals and the sensing element. The protective member has a triple-layer structure. The first protective member for covering the terminals has high elasticity to prevent bubbles from being produced in the protective member. The second protective member for covering the sensing element has low elasticity to reduce stress applied to the sensing element. The third protective member having higher acid resistance covers the second protective member so that the sensor has high acid resistance without sacrificing the sensor characteristics.

Abstract: A pressure-measuring device is configured for use in vacuum systems, which are used for surface coating or modification of objects and/or substrates in an inner receptacle inside a processing chamber. Elastic elements or portions are fabricated in the inner receptacle. The pressure-measuring device includes distance-measuring elements designed to measure the deformation of the elastic elements of the inner receptacle. The deformation measurements are related to the pressure in the inner receptacle. The pressure-measuring device provides a continuous and secure determination of the pressure.

Abstract: A micromechanical component and a method for producing a micromechanical component are proposed, a hollow space and a region of porous silicon being provided, the region of porous silicon being provided for lowering the pressure prevailing in the hollow space.

Abstract: Pressure sensor with an integrated structure comprising a support (33, 133, 233) and a silicon die (11), which lies substantially on the same plane as the upper surface (37, 137, 237) of the support and is integrated in a seat (34, 134, 234) made in the thickness of the support. On the inside face (23) of the die (11), in contact with the fluid the pressure of which has to be measured, is a protective layer.

Abstract: A force sensing membrane comprises (a) a first conductor that is movable toward a second conductor; (b) a second conductor; and (c) a composite material disposed between the first and second conductors for electrically connecting the first and second conductors under application of sufficient pressure therebetween; and (d) means for measuring dynamic electrical response across the force sensing membrane, the composite material comprising conductive particles at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer, the conductive particles having no relative orientation and being disposed so that substantially all electrical connections made between the first and second conductors are in the z direction, and the elastomeric layer being capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure.

Abstract: Tightening of a bolt is controlled by monitoring the change in round trip time of propagating longitudinal ultrasonic waves through the bolt and the reflection of these waves at the end of the bolt. The round trip time of the longitudinal waves through bolt is continuously measured and monitored in real-time. Elongation of the bolt as it is being tightened is determined based on the change in the round trip time of the longitudinal waves, which provides the level of bolt tension and joint clamp load. In determining the bolt elongation, an elongation-dependent wave speed has been formulated and used in-real time. When the elongation of the bolt reaches a predetermined level, tightening is automatically stopped.

Abstract: A force sensor, or a method, determines a force using at least a measured inductance in a coil wherein a quantum tunneling composite is located in a magnetic path created by the coil, is positioned in a load path of the force, and is under strain from the force. A strain sensor, or a method, determines a strain using at least a measured inductance in a coil wherein a quantum tunneling composite is located in a magnetic path created by the coil, is positioned in a load path of a force, and is under strain from the force.

Abstract: A tri-axial bending load testing jig includes a die including first and second supporting axes which upholds opposite sides of a board material, the first and the second supporting axes movable so that an interval therebetween can be adjusted according to a size of the board material, a punch mounted at an upper part of the die movable in a vertical direction to press down a center portion of the board material, a punch setting unit formed in the center of the die to set the center and parallelism of the punch with respect to the first and the second supporting axes and having a punch groove for receiving the punch at the center portion of the die, and a material positioning unit guiding a position of the board material to be put on the first and the second supporting axes, according to the size of the board material.

Abstract: Instrumentation for monitoring crack growth using a change in electric potential across a starter crack as the crack propagates is disclosed. The instrumentation includes a specimen of a material to be analyzed for crack growth propagation having a surface with a starter crack formed therein, a plurality of current leads to pass electric current through the specimen, a layer of insulating material disposed on each of opposite sides of the crack, a layer of conductive material disposed on each layer of insulating material, where a portion of each layer of conductive material is in electrical contact with the first specimen surface, and a pair of sensing leads, one sensing lead attached to each layer of conductive material. A method for using the instrumentation to monitor crack growth by measuring is also disclosed.