Abstract: A side collision detecting apparatus includes a pressure sensor disposed in a side door of a vehicle and including a diaphragm for detecting a pressure in the side door. The diaphragm has a pressure receiving surface configured to be distorted in accordance with a change in the pressure. The pressure sensor is arranged so as to satisfy one of a first condition where an angle between a line along which the pressure receiving surface extends and a horizontal line extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle is from 60 degrees to 90 degrees and a second condition where the angle is less than 60 degrees or greater than 90 degrees and the pressure receiving surface is not vertical.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a housing; a pressure input orifice opened at a pipe sleeve of the housing; a diaphragm sealing the pressure input orifice, the diaphragm having a first surface serving as a pressure receiving surface; a pressure sensitive unit using a direction of detecting a force as a detecting axis. A first end of the pressure sensitive unit is connected to a central area of a second surface of the diaphragm. A second end of the pressure sensitive unit is connected to the housing. The detecting axis is approximately orthogonal to the pressure receiving surface. A circumference of a portion where the central area and the first end of the pressure sensitive unit are in contact with each other is located inside a circumference of the central area. A thickness of the central area is larger than a thickness of an area surrounding the central area.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a pressure sensor includes: a central section serving as a diaphragm body, the central section including: an external surface deformed upon receipt of an external pressure; and an internal surface transmitting a force to a pressure sensitive element inside a housing of the pressure sensor; a peripheral section that is an exterior of the central section and welded to an outer circumference of a pressure input orifice that is provided to the housing; and a step wall provided between the central section and the peripheral section. The central section and the peripheral section are integrally and concentrically provided. The diaphragm seals the pressure input orifice.

Abstract: An implantable pressure sensor, which may be incorporated within an implantable medical electrical lead, includes an insulative sidewall, which contains a gap capacitor and an integrated circuit. The insulative sidewall of the pressure sensor includes a pressure sensitive diaphragm portion, and the gap capacitor includes a first electrode plate, which is attached to an interior surface of the diaphragm portion of the sidewall, and a second electrode plate, which is spaced apart from the first electrode plate and coupled to the integrated circuit, which is coupled, through the sidewall, to a supply contact and a ground contact. A conductive layer extends over one of the interior surface of the diaphragm portion of the sidewall and an exterior surface of the diaphragm portion; and the conductive layer is coupled to the ground contact to either shield or ground the first electrode plate.

Abstract: A process fluid pressure transmitter includes a pressure sensor, transmitter electronics, and an isolation system. The pressure sensor has an electrical characteristic that changes with pressure. The transmitter electronics are coupled to the pressure sensor to sense the electrical characteristic and calculate a pressure output. The isolation system includes a base member, and isolation diaphragm, and a fill-fluid. The isolation diaphragm is mounted to the base member and interposed between the pressure sensor and a process fluid. The fill-fluid is disposed between the isolation diaphragm and the pressure sensor. The base member and the isolation diaphragm are constructed from different materials such that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the isolation diaphragm is larger than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the base member.

Abstract: An external pressure measuring device having a base and a tubing system bent with various radii. Pressure inside the bent tubing causes the tubing to move in such a way that can be measured and can provide an indication of internal pressure.

Abstract: A mechanical property testing device and method for reliably measuring strain and fatigue characteristics of material specimens is described. An input electrical signal is applied to create an electric field around a first piezoelectric member. The resultant deformation of the first piezoelectric member transfers a force to the specimen being tested which transfers a force to a second piezoelectric member causing deformation. The deformation of the second piezoelectric member generates an output electrical field which is measured. The stress state of the specimen is calculated from fundamental material constants and the measured output electrical field.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of measuring tension in a handrail for an escalator or moving walkway provides for three support or contact points on the handrail. Two outer or first and second support points are provided by rollers at either end of the support bar. A centre point is provided by a suction cup or other attachment device that grasps the handrail. The centre point is displaced relative to the first and second points by an amount less than a clearance between the handrail and an underlining guide. This displacement and the load necessary to cause the displacement, together with the overall dimensions of the apparatus enable the tension in the handrail to be provided. The use of a suction cup effectively overcomes the requirement to provide a centre point on the opposite side of the handrail from the two other support points, this other side not otherwise being accessible in use.

Abstract: A torsion tool testing fixture is disclosed. It comprises a ring with locking teeth engageable with a test feature and a housing surrounding the locking teeth. A securement for the test feature is tested for quality by applying a predetermined limiting torque to the housing.

Abstract: A measuring transducer including a measuring tube for conveying a fluid; a measuring electrode arrangement for registering electric voltages produced in the flowing fluid; as well as a magnetic field system situated externally on the measuring tube for producing a magnetic field at least partially passing through the measuring tube as well as the therein conveyed fluid during operation, for inducing an electric field in the flowing fluid, wherein the magnetic field system has at least one field coil, through which an electrical exciter current flows at least at times during operation. A coil holder is also including serving for holding the at least one field coil externally on the measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube and coil holder are connected joint-freely with one another, so that the coil holder is embodied as an integral component of the measuring tube.

Abstract: To ensure, with ease, airtightness of an internal cavity when connecting a shielded lead lines to the outside. Tubes are installed on the portions of shields of lead lines positioned at through passages of a packing. An adhesive agent is caused to flow between the tubes and the shields, to bond therebetween. Doing so maintains an airtight seal through the adhesive agent (an adhesive agent that is caused to penetrate the spaces in the meshes of the shields, and hardened therein) between the shields and the inner peripheral surfaces of the tubes of the lead lines through the inner peripheral surfaces of the through passages of the packing and the outer peripheral surfaces of the tubes of the lead lines being tightly sealed.

Abstract: A flowmeter including a system chip with a silicon substrate provided on a carrier, in an opening whereof at least one silicon flow tube is provided for transporting a medium whose flow rate is to be measured, the tube having two ends that issue via a wall of the opening into channels coated with silicon nitride in the silicon substrate, wherein the flow tube forms part of a Coriolis flow sensor and/or a thermal flow sensor, and wherein the channels are preferably in communication through the carrier with connection lines to the external world.

Abstract: A tightening torque measuring unit capable of reducing errors with respect to either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as soon as possible is provided. A tightening torque measuring unit 10, installed in a tightening device, includes a torque sensor 12 that detects a tightening torque and an amplifier that amplifies an output from the torque sensor 12. The amplifier 40 or 42 applies a different gain to the output from the torque sensor depending on whether the tightening direction of the tightening apparatus is clockwise or counterclockwise.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for measuring power output, as in an athletic activity such as cycling. One embodiment relates to a force sensing device configured to be mounted on the bottom surface of a shoe as part of a mechanical linkage through which force is exerted. For cycling, the force sensor is mounted on the bottom surface of a cycling shoe and fitted with a cleat that interlockingly engages a bicycle pedal. To measure both positive and negative pressures on the pedal, the force sensor is pre-stressed with a compressive load to an intermediate point in its dynamic range. Strains that further compress or decompress the force sensor can thus be measured. The computing module mathematically converts the measured pressures, positive and negative, to a measurement of total power exerted by the rider. In addition, the computing module may utilize cyclical regularities in the signal to compute the rider's cadence (pedal revolutions per unit of time).

Abstract: Disclosed is an axial force transducer comprising a deformable element (1) which forms a measuring spring and is rotationally symmetrical to the force inducing axis as well as strain gauges (15, 18) that are arranged in pairs in areas extending in opposite directions and are connected so as to form an electrical resistance bridge. The deformable element (1) is provided with a central location hole (8) which extends radially under the effect of an axial force and whose edge (12) is connected to a deformable disk (13) via an annular rib (10), said deformable disk (13) being disposed at an axial distance from the location hole (8). The edge (14) of the deformable disk (13) radially protrudes from the annular rib (10). The strain gauges (15, 18) are applied to the face of the deformable disk (13) in pairs, inside and outside the diameter of the annular rib (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid sampling device comprising a housing arranged to be freely rotatable under the influence of a fluid and comprising an opening for channeling the fluid through the housing such that the fluid contacts a particular portion of a sampling medium corresponding to a relative angular position of the housing.

Abstract: A sampling device for obtaining a full stream cut of a slurry flowing in a pipe has a body connected in a section of pipe, with a first bore through the body forming a continuation of the pipe, and a second bore intersecting the first and supporting a cylinder for rotary and/or axial movement between first and second positions. The cylinder has a transverse bore which, in the first position is aligned with and forms a continuation of the flow path. When the cylinder is moved to the second position, the material in the transverse bore is captured and drained as a full stream cut sample. The cylinder may be quickly returned to the first position to permit continued flow through the pipe, or a second transverse bore in the cylinder may provide substantially continuous flow.

Abstract: The clinical analyzer includes a cuvette carrier that is moved in a manner to provide flexible assay timing and variable incubation periods. Multiple assays having such varied incubation times can be run concurrently in random-access, avoiding timing conflicts. Fluid delivery stations are placed around the cuvette carrier in positions that are independent of assay timing. The cuvettes move in unison, in multiples of incremental steps, along a closed geometrical path. The cuvette carrier is movable variable distances in opposite directions in a single time cycle to position specific cuvettes at specific locations for delivery of sample or reagent. The direction of movement of the cuvette carrier is preferably based on a determination of the shortest distance between the cuvette and respective fluid delivery stations. However, in each time cycle there is a net progressive incremental stepwise movement of the cuvettes in a selected direction.

Abstract: A closure and method of making a closure are disclosed. The closure includes a cap body having a top portion and an opening extending therethrough defining a cavity in communication with said opening. A flow channel is defined within a portion of the cap body having an inlet and an outlet. A stopper is disposed within the cavity adjacent the outlet of the flow channel. The stopper is formed from a material adapted for flowing through the flow channel to form a pierceable portion, with at least one of the cap body and the stopper configured for closing a container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device (100) for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid sample. The device (100) has an opening (115) for introducing the liquid sample into a first chamber (301) for collecting the liquid sample, and a second chamber (601) connected to the first chamber (301) by a passageway (205) and containing a test element. The device also has a third chamber (701) connected to the second chamber (601) by a channel and containing a movable member (311) having first and second positions. The third chamber (701) is divided by the movable member (311) into first (901) and second (902) zones, and the first zone (901) has a vent hole (165). The movable member (311) is in contact with at least one wall of the third chamber (701) to prevent gas communication between the first and second zones (901, 902).

Abstract: The invention concerns a secure method for collecting and analyzing samples using a device for storing samples comprising data storage means and at least one sampling receptacle capable of being associated therewith, the device being provided with means for verifying and ensuring the integrity of the receptacle before and after its use when said receptacle is associated with the device, the receptacle including data storage means already including data for identifying said receptacle, the method providing for recording of all data concerning sampling and analysis in the storage means.

Abstract: A linear actuator for reclining furniture has a rotary motor that can axially displace a nonrotatable inner tube coaxial engaged in an axially fixed and nonrotatable outer tube, with the inner tube projecting axially forward from an end of the outer tube. An inner sleeve coaxially fits around the end of the outer tube and is axially traversed by the inner tube, and an outer sleeve coaxially fits around the inner sleeve, projects axially forward and rearward past the inner sleeve, and ix axially traversed by the inner tube. The outer sleeve has axially forward of the inner sleeve a radially inwardly projecting collar engaged around the inner tube and bearing axially rearwardly on the inner sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot joint driving apparatus and a robot having the same. The robot joint driving apparatus includes a driving motor being rotatable in forward and reverse directions; a pair of movable members connected to the driving motor, and moving rectilinearly in mutually opposite directions according to the rotation of the driving motor; a wire provided with both ends respectively connected to the pair of movable members; and a joint unit, on which the wire is wound, driven by the movement of the wire.

Abstract: Provided are a steering device and a feed screw mechanism. The steering device is made so easy in the adjusting work of a backlash that it can eliminate the backlash reliably, even if the precision of the thread of a feed thread shaft or a feed nut is poor, thereby to improve the rigidity and to reduce the manufacturing cost of the feed screw mechanism. An upper-side end portion feed nut is urged upward of FIG. 8 by an upper-side disc spring so that an upper-side flank face of the thread ridge of the upper-side end portion fee nut is brought into close contact with the lower-side flank face of the thread ridge of a feed screw shaft. On the other hand, a lower-side end portion feed nut is urged downward of FIG. 8 by a lower-side disc spring so that a lower-side flank face of the thread ridge of the lower-side end portion fee nut is brought into close contact with the upper-side flank face of the thread ridge of the feed screw shaft.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for press machine according to the invention transmits rotational power from a drive shaft to a driven shaft. The apparatus has at least two drive gears arranged along an axial direction and substantially integrally attached to the drive shaft, a driven gear substantially integrally attached to the driven shaft, and an idle gear rotatably supported on an idle shaft and having a gear meshing with the driven gear and a plurality of gears corresponding respectively to the at least two drive gears. The idle gear can be displaced relative to the drive gear along the axial direction of the idle shaft to cause one of the at least two drive gears and corresponding one of the plurality of gears of the idle gear to mesh with each other selectively.

Abstract: A lifting motor drive includes a gearbox housing, a transmission shaft mounted inside the gearbox housing and having a first connector at one side for the connection of an external object to be moved by the transmission shaft and a second connector at the other side for the connection of a crank handle for allowing rotation of the transmission shaft manually by a user, a motor for rotating the transmission shaft through a driving gear and a driven gear, and a thermistor, which detects the working temperature of the motor and cuts off power supply from the motor when the working temperature of the motor surpasses a predetermined temperature level.

Abstract: A ball screw device includes a screw shaft engaged into a ball nut and each having helical grooves for forming two multiple turn, helical raceways, a group of rollers is received in one of the helical raceways for bearing a greater load in a forward-motion, and a group of ball bearing members is received in another helical raceway for bearing a smaller load in a backward-motion. The helical groove of the screw shaft may include a V-shaped cross section, or a flat surface at one side for engaging with the rollers, and a curved surface at another side for engaging with the ball bearing members. The ball nut may include two nut members secured together.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission is proposed, whose housing (5) comprises a region in which a connection plate (7) that can be firmly attached to the housing (5) is provided, said connection plate comprising receiving areas for at least parts of the actuating elements for actuating the torque-transmitting components and/or parts of the actuating elements for actuating the shift device of the transmission, wherein the at least one required actuating cylinder (3) is formed by a first cylinder part that is provided in the connection plate (7), and by a second cylinder part that is provided in the transmission housing (5), wherein the stop ring (10) provided in the cylinder (3) is configured in such a way that the sealing contact faces of the piston (2) in the transmission housing (5) and/or in the connection plate (7) are formed by a bushing-shaped expansion (10?, 10?) of the stop ring (10).

Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a main support shaft, a first control unit and a second control unit. Each of the control units includes a wire takeup element, a positioning structure and an operating member. The wire takeup elements are both rotatably mounted on the main support shaft. The positioning structures are operatively coupled to their respective wire takeup elements to selectively maintain their respective wire takeup elements in one of at least two positions. The operating members are operatively coupled to their respective positioning structure to change a current position of their respective wire takeup element. The first wire takeup element is stationary when the second operating member is operated to change the current position of the second wire takeup element such that the current position of the first wire takeup element always remains the same in response to operation of the second operating member.

Abstract: A modular bicycle comprising a first section having a front frame section and a first tire, a second section being couplable to the first section and comprising a central frame, and a third section being couplable to the second section and the first section, with the third section comprising a rear frame section, a second tire, and a handle bar. The bicycle also comprises pedals that are removably securable to the crank arms of the bicycle. The pedals comprise a foot rest, a base section secured to the foot rest, and a locking member pivotally connected to the base section. The locking member is insertable into a through bore located on the crank arm and is pivotally rotatable towards the crank arm, thereby securing the pedal to the crank arm.

Abstract: A cycle pedal including a pedal frame rotatably mounted on a rotation axis of a pedal pin, the pedal pin being securable to a crank arm of a cycle, a clamping mechanism for securing a rider's foot to the cycle pedal, and a ratchet mechanism coupled to the rotation axis and operative to permit rotation of the pedal frame about the rotation axis only in a first direction, wherein in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the ratchet mechanism does not permit rotation of the pedal frame about the rotation axis and is operative together with the clamping mechanism to transmit torque power in the second direction to the crank arm, wherein the ratchet mechanism comprises a toothed cog that ratchets with a pawl, and wherein the toothed cog has ratchet teeth only on a portion thereof.

Abstract: It's a highly compact actuator with multiple outputs able to transfer force to those outputs in nearly any combination. The underlying technology, which I call a “differentiated clutch”, may have other applications as well. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that any claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and. scope of the present invention.

Abstract: A torque transfer system for cranking an engine includes a starter motor, an engine crankshaft, a pinion, a ring gear engaged with the pinion and driveably connected to the crankshaft, and a one-way clutch for alternately opening and closing a drive connection between the pinion and the starter motor.

Abstract: A rotary actuating mechanism for a vehicle is disclosed including at least one rotary wheel, an urging mechanism having a resistance force for producing a torque requirement for a rotation of the at least one rotary wheel, and a torque selector adapted to selectively engage the urging mechanism to adjust the resistance force thereof, wherein the torque selector selectively decreases and increases the torque requirement for the rotation of the at least one rotary wheel.

Abstract: A push-bar indexing device that, when an index table is rotated by a specific angle, the table is accurately stopped to accurately index a workpiece. Each time a push bar is moved, a stopper is moved to a predetermined position by excessive relative movement between a spindle and a main table. An engagement member is operatively associated with the index table, which causes the engagement member to be rotated by a specific angle each time the index table is rotated. This allows the engagement member to be engaged with the stopper of a predetermined position, causing the index table to be stopped by the stopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing inertial forces, the resultant of which is a unidirectional force, includes at least two masses (M) or pairs thereof, each rotating on a generic plane along a closed path, the path included between minimum and maximum paths, both included in an outer circumference (C1) having a radius (R1) and a diameter (D1) perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the path of (M), as well as a centre (O) coinciding with the rotational centre of (M). The minimum path is defined by a circumference (C3) having a radius (R3) equal to 1/10 of (R1), and a centre (O?), set on the axis of symmetry of the path of the masses and tangential to the centre of (C1). The maximum path is defined by two minor circumferences of radius (RK)?¾ (R1), each having its own centre on the diameter (D1) of (C1) and being tangential thereto.

Abstract: The invention is a novel photo-induced method for converting large quantities of silver nanospheres into nanoprisms, the nanoprisms formed by this method and applications in which the nanoprisms are useful. Significantly, this light driven process results in a colloid with a unique set of optical properties that directly relate to the nanoprism shape of the particles. Theoretical calculations coupled with experimental observations allow for the assignment of the nanoprism plasmon bands and the first identification of two distinct quadrupole plasmon resonances for a nanoparticle. Finally, unlike the spherical particles from which they derive and which Rayleigh light scatter in the blue, these nanoprisms exhibit-scattering in the red, permitting multicolor diagnostic labels based not only on nanoparticle composition and size but also on shape.

Abstract: A method and device for the purification and separation of purified metal from a metal mother liquid having a specific density and comprising one or more foreign element(s). The method includes: providing in a column device a starting material including metal crystals and a metal mother liquid including at least one foreign element; applying a temperature difference between a relatively hot zone at the upper end of the column and a relatively cool zone at the lower end of the column; a separation step wherein at least a part of the metal crystals is separated from the metal mother liquid by rising of the metal crystals to the upper surface of the metal mother liquid; and a further separation step wherein purified metal floating on the upper surface of the metal mother liquid is discharged from the column device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing metalliferous material to a reduction product. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing metalliferous material to a reduction product.

Abstract: A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from metalliferous feed material in a direct smelting process is disclosed. The plant includes a process controller for adjusting the volumetric flow rate of fuel gas supplied to a burner unit of at least one of the unit operations of the plant so as to at least meet selected requirements of the plant to operate the direct smelting process.

Abstract: A corkscrew (1) with fulcrum moving and acting alternately in two different positions: the first one to screw the worm into the cork; the second one to extract it. The three operations (screwing, extracting and ejecting the cork) take place with a single reciprocating movement of two-lever (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw gun including a driving unit fitted with a slidable cartridge holder adapted for receiving and indexing a separate cartridge containing a plurality of screws. The invention further relates to the replaceable cartridge containing the plurality of screws for use in a screw gun. The invention allows for the loading and insertion of a plurality of screws from a cartridge without requiring a worker to handle and insert the individual screws into the driver.

Abstract: This invention relates to a standard pipe threading wrench and prevents an inherent malfunction when ratcheting. This type of wrench has been on the market for many decades unchanged. To use the wrench the die is inserted into the wrench head. The die, with attached wrench, is slipped over the end of an unthreaded pipe. The wrench handle is used to rotate the die and cut tapered threads into the pipe end. The wrench head rotates the die in one direction and ratchets in the opposite direction, allowing the user to reassert leverage on the handle from the same position. The ratcheting action is accomplished via a tapered and spring loaded pawl in the wrench head. The ratcheting teeth are in the die. The pawl also performs a second function holding the die in the wrench head as it is extended radially inward between two retaining rings in the die.

Abstract: A wrench has a socket defined by a plurality of flat faces and a handle. A first threading tool is provided having a shape and dimension to fit into the socket. An adapter that retains a second threading tool includes a connector having the same shape and the dimension as the first threading tool that fits into the socket. A retaining member is rotatably mounted to the body for movement between a first position and a second position for locking the adapter and the die in the socket. The retaining member has a second plurality of flat faces defining an opening where the second plurality of faces are coextensive with the faces of the socket when the retaining member is in the first position and are offset from the faces of the socket when the retaining member is in the second position.

Abstract: A multipurpose socket wrench includes an elongated tubular body with an internal opening extending longitudinally from the distal end and having a hexagonal cross-section. The body includes a driver receiving opening extending longitudinally from the proximal end. Two longitudinally extending grooves are formed in the outer surface of the body in diametrically opposed relationship. Elongated holding arms are positioned, one each in each of the pair of grooves. The arms are mounted in the grooves for limited longitudinal movement therealong between an extended position in which a portion of the arms extends beyond the distal end of the body and a retracted position. Each of the arms includes an attachment component gripping feature positioned in the portion of the arms extending beyond the distal end of the body with the arms in the extended position. The arms are further mounted for limited radial movement of the gripping features.

Abstract: A hand tool generally includes a tool mount that removably receives thereon a tool. The tool mount and tool cooperate to provide the hand tool with a variable angle of attack with an enhanced power ratio for accommodating aged, arthritic and otherwise handicapped people.

Abstract: A dual locking system for a tool including a first actuator and a second actuator each of which are required to be actuated to unlock the tool. The system includes spring biased locking members individually and operatively associated with a button assembly.

Abstract: A motor-driven machine tool with a tool that can be rotatably driven comprises a drive shaft and a tool shaft on which the tool is received, the rotational movement of the drive shaft being transmissible onto the tool shaft via a coupling device. The drive shaft is rotatably received in pivot bearings in the housing of the machine tool, the coupling device acting upon the drive shaft in the portion between the two pivot bearings.

Abstract: Turrets (11, 12), which can rotate about a common axis (y-y) and on the outer peripheral surfaces of which a plurality of tools (15) are radially installed, are disposed along the axis (y-y) in a turret housing (100). Respective turrets (11, 12) can be dividedly rotated by separate turret driving motors (13, 14).

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a printer that includes a cutting frame that has opposing side walls is provided. The cutting assembly further includes a blade housing slidably mounted in the cutting frame for slidable movement along the side walls and a blade fixed in the blade housing that includes a cutting edge. The cutting assembly further includes a plurality of ejector posts that extends from the blade housing in a direction of blade housing slidable movement and past the cutting edge to engage media being cut by the cuffing edge.