Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a circuit device. The circuit device determines that the receiving device receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from an object, when an output voltage of the receiving device is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The circuit device includes a humidity detection section configured to detect an ambient humidity of the transmitting and receiving devices and a threshold adjustment section configured to calculate, based on the detected ambient humidity, a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave that is received by the receiving device after propagating over a round-trip distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object. The threshold adjustment section reduces the first threshold, when the output voltage corresponding to the calculated sound pressure is less than a second threshold that is greater the first threshold.

Abstract: A geometry compensating transducer attachment for ultrasonic inspection of a structure includes a geometry-compensating structure having at least one angled surface configured to engage the structure to be inspected, and the geometry-compensating structure having an acoustic velocity generally matching an acoustic velocity of the structure to be inspected.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe (100) includes an elongate handle (102) with first and second end regions (101, 103). The probe (100) further includes first and second blade sections (104, 112). The first blade section (104) is attached to the first end region (101) and extends in a direction away from the first end region. The second blade section (112) is movably attached to the first end region (101) and extends in the same direction as the first blade section (104). The second blade section (112) is configured to move between a first position in which the second blade section (112) is next to the first blade section (104) and a second position in which the second blade section (112) is further away from the first blade section (104). The probe (100) further includes transducer array (110) affixed to the first blade section (104) opposite the first end region (101) and in between the first and second blade sections (102, 104).

Abstract: A sensor system responsive to acoustic or seismic signals. One system includes a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. The sensor element, responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy, is positioned about the frame. Coupling between the sensor element and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy. Another system includes a frame and a cable element, responsive to a seismic or acoustic wavefield, extending about the frame. Coupling between the cable element and frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with acoustic or seismic energy. The element may be coaxial cable or have piezo-electric properties to generate a charge differential measurable as a voltage between conductors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a spatially-resolved measurement of mechanical parameters, in particular mechanical vibrations, comprising at least one optical fiber (3) for measuring at least one mechanical parameter with spatial resolution, at least one laser light source (1), the light from which can be coupled into the optical fiber (3), wherein in the optical fiber (3), backscattered portions of the light generated by the laser light source (1) can be coupled out of the optical fiber (3), tuning means (2) that can tune the laser light source (1) within a time period of less than 50 ms, detection means that can detect the portions of the backscattered light that are coupled out of the optical fiber (3), and analysis means that can determine at least one mechanical parameter of the optical fiber (3) in a spatially-resolved manner from the captured portions of the backscattered light.

Abstract: A wireless surface acoustic wave sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate, a surface acoustic wave device formed on the substrate, and an antenna formed on the substrate. In some embodiments, the antenna is formed on the surface of the substrate using one or more of photolithography, thin film processing, thick film processing, plating, and printing.

Abstract: An exemplary vibration testing device includes two mounting bases, a vibration generator located between the mounting bases, two pivot shafts, a supporting platform, two supporting elements and a control system. Each supporting element is telescopically extendable and retractable. The control system includes a lift control unit for controlling telescopic movement of the supporting elements, a first rotary control unit for controlling a rotationally movement of the vibration generator about the pivot shafts, and a second rotary control unit for controlling rotatable movement of the supporting elements about the pivot shafts. The control system is configured for controlling the vibration testing device to move between a first testing status in which vertical vibration forces are generated by the vibration generator and applied to the supporting platform and a second testing status in which horizontal vibration forces are generated by the vibration generator and applied to the supporting platform.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is disclosed that may include a minimum amount of fluid coupling packaging. In one illustrative embodiment, a pressure sensor assembly may include a pressure sensor die having a front side and a back side, and a pressure sensing diaphragm. The pressure sensor assembly may further include a housing having a mounting side and a sensing side. The sensing side may define a pressure port. The pressure sensor die may be secured to the housing such that the pressure sensing diaphragm is exposed to the pressure port, and such that front side of the pressure sense die is accessible from outside of the housing.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure measuring cell, including a ceramic platform and a ceramic measuring membrane, which are connected pressure tightly along a joint to form a reference pressure chamber between them. The measuring membrane has a first electrode facing the platform, and the platform has at least a second electrode facing the measuring membrane. The capacitance between the first and second electrodes depends on the difference between a pressure externally acting on the measuring membrane and a pressure reigning in the reference pressure chamber, wherein the joint has a thickness d, which defines an equilibrium distance between the measuring membrane and the front side of the platform. On the front side of the platform, a support layer is arranged, which comprises an inorganic insulator, wherein the support layer has a thickness of at least 0.2, and wherein the second electrode is arranged on the support layer.

Abstract: A media isolated pressure sensor is disclosed that helps improve performance and reduce cost. In one illustrative embodiment, a pressure sensor may include a carrier having one or more holes defined therein. The carrier may be coupled to a diaphragm on one side, and a pressure sensing die on the other, with the pressure sensing die in fluid communication with the hole in the carrier. The carrier, diaphragm and pressure sense die may form a transfer fluid cavity, which is filled with a pressure transfer fluid. An input pressure from a media to be sensed may be provided to the diaphragm, which transmits the pressure to the pressure sensing die via the pressure transfer fluid. The pressure sensing die remains isolated from the media to be sensed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring at least the bending strain of at least one electric cable provided with at least one peripheral mechanically non-symmetric strength member is provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring flow rate of at least one fluid in a multi-phase fluid comprises: providing a magnetic resonance module through which the fluid phases flow and at least one pre-polarization module of variable effective length upstream of the magnetic resonance module; and conducting, a measurement by: i) setting the pre-polarization module to have a first effective length, ii) applying a RF pulse sequence to the fluid, in the magnetic resonance module, iii) determining the intensity of a pre-determined number of spin echoes produced by the RF pulse sequence, iv) determining a line approximating the attenuation of the intensity during the RF sequence, v) determining slope and y-intercept of the line, vi) determining the ratio of the slope and intercept, vii) applying a calibration between the slope:intercept ratio and multi-phase flow rate so as to determine the flow velocity of the fluid in the multi-phase fluid.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of a fluid in fluid flow path of a fuel cell system is disclosed. The pressure sensor includes a housing provided with a communication path formed between the fluid flow path and an interior of the housing, the communication path having a hydrophobic feature to militate against a formation and an accumulation of an undesired material within the pressure sensor.

Abstract: This measurement device is a measurement device for measuring compressive force and pulling force in a direction of a longitudinal axis applied to a linear body having flexibility, and it includes a main body in which a through hole for inserting the linear body is formed. The through hole is formed to allow bending of the linear body in an arc shape in the through hole and variation in degree of bending of the linear body in accordance with compressive force and pulling force. This measurement device further includes a sensor for detecting a degree of bending of the linear body and a conversion circuit for converting the degree of bending detected by the sensor into a signal indicating compressive force and pulling force applied to the linear body.

Abstract: After being dispensed, a sample that needs to be quickly measured passes through another unit and is transported to an automatic analyzer. A plurality of units are provided for functions of processing including a dispensing unit that dispenses the sample stored in a sample vessel into another sample vessel. At least one discharge line discharges the sample from the dispensing unit to a transport line and a line that is perpendicular to the discharge line. A reverse direction transport line transports the sample in a direction reverse to a direction in which the sample loaded in the system is transported to the dispensing unit. The sample that is processed by the dispensing unit is transported to a storage unit located on the upstream side of the system, through the reverse direction transport line.

Abstract: Body fluid sampling device comprising a skin-piercing element having a fluid pathway for receiving body fluid, at least a portion of said fluid pathway is open to the environment and further comprising a fluid receiving means being spaced from said fluid pathway so that fluid in said pathway will not contact the fluid receiving means initially. Said fluid receiving means may have a test zone for performing an analytical reaction. Fluid from said channel is contacted with said fluid receiving means either by bringing the fluid receiving means and the fluid into mechanical contact or by electrically transporting fluid from the channel onto the fluid receiving means.

Abstract: An inspection tool for in-line inspection of a pipeline is provided. The inspection tool comprises a flow channel. The inspection tool also comprises a flow control valve assembly comprising: a valve member movable in a first direction for reducing the flow of fluid through the flow channel and in a second direction for increasing the flow of fluid through the flow channel; a motor configured to drive the valve member in the first direction; and a return spring configured to be wound during movement of the valve member in the first direction and to unwind and drive the valve member in the second direction when the motor is not driving the valve member in the first direction. The inspection tool further comprises an electrical circuit configured to regulate the movement of the valve member in the second direction under the action of the return spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power-transmitting apparatus The power-transmitting apparatus of the present invention comprises: a pin gear provided with a plurality of pins capable of rolling movement; a spur gear provided with a plurality of teeth and engagingly coupled to the pin gear so as to be relatively movable; and a lubricant supplying unit provided on the pin gear to supply lubricant to the plurality of pins. According to the present invention, by regularly applying a lubricant, the occurrence of problems such as the adherence of external dust and the efflorescence of the lubricant can be reduced, and in particular, because lubricant can be self-supplied to the plurality of pins provided on the pin gear, as opposed to the prior art, the task of applying a lubricant can be easily performed.

Abstract: [Problem] To prevent an eccentric load from occurring in a nut member of a linear actuator and ensure a longer service life of the nut member. [Solution] The nut member is coupled to a driven member by a contact force equalizing mechanism having two rotation axes which are virtually perpendicular to each other, to absorb slight inclination between the nut member and the driven member and prevent occurrence of an edge load; also the point of intersection which is obtained when the two rotation axes are projected toward a threaded shaft is set as an optimum point of application of load for the nut member to let an external force transmitted from the driven member act on the optimum point of application of load to equalize the loads applied to the contact portions between the nut member and the threaded shaft and thereby prevent an eccentric load from occurring in the nut member.

Abstract: A drive device for a Bowden control comprises at least one electric actuator and a mechanism connected to the Bowden control. The actuator and mechanism are surrounded by at least one housing. The housing comprises a closable cover in a connecting region between the mechanism and the Bowden control.

Abstract: A motion guide device includes a rolling passage formed between two members, a number of bearing members disposed in the rolling passage and engaged between the members, and a number of spacers disposed in the rolling passage and engaged between the bearing members, the spacers each include a spherical configuration having six sides arranged opposite to each other, and each include a depression formed in each of the six sides and formed by four tilted and planar surfaces for engaging with the bearing members, and for allowing the spacers to be suitably engaged between the bearing members even when the spacers are rotated relative to the bearing members.

Abstract: Actuator elements such as cables or push rods in an instrument are used for manipulating an end effector or distal end of the instrument. Each actuator element extends within a tubular housing and either the tubular housing is axially rotated about the actuator element or the actuator element is axially rotated within the tubular housing to reduce at least one force opposing an axial force exerted through or movement of the actuator element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric locking system (1) for locking the position of a steering column of a vehicle relative to the dashboard of said vehicle, the steering column including a tube-body movably mounted in a supporting assembly for enabling the manual adjustment of said steering column. The locking system includes means (2) for locking the tube-body on the supporting assembly, an electric motor (4) coupled to the locking means (2) for driving the latter and placing the steering column in an unlocked state or a locked state, motor control means providing motor actuation instructions for placing the steering column in the locked state and/or in the unlocked state, and means for detecting the state of the steering column and for generating an electric signal representative of the state of the column.

Abstract: This invention provides a new category of inertial sensors (linear and angular accelerometers, gyroscopes, inclinometers and seismometers) called Molecular Electronic Transducers (MET). Unlike other inertial sensors, MET sensors use a liquid electrolyte as their inertial mass. The sensors do not contain any precision mechanical parts or springs, and are relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a control device (accelerator pedal 11), which is to be actuated by an operator and has an at least indirect influence on the torque, the acceleration or the fuel delivery rate of an engine, wherein the control device can be actuated against the force of at least one return means (16, 18). According to the invention a return means (18) having an adjustable force is provided.

Abstract: A bicycle bar grip comprising a sleeve for being slipped onto a bike handlebar. A grip element is joined to the sleeve, extends over a portion of the length of the sleeve, and has a supporting portion for supporting a palm of the hand of a user. The sleeve also comprises a clamping area and a sleeve slot. A holding bar end extension is arranged in the clamping area via a clamp. The bar grip allows the cyclist, when changing his/her grip, to not lose contact with the bicycle handlebar grip and to maintain a secure hold.

Abstract: A rotary device associated with drive means. The rotary device comprises a shaft and/or a hub and balancing means for balancing its rotational motion. The balancing means has a hollow chamber surrounding the hub and a solid/fluidic material with thixotropic properties, which fills partly the hollow chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a metal link rod (6) that is longitudinally reinforced in its thickness by fiber reinforcement (2), the method comprising the following steps: making a metal blank including at least one longitudinal housing (11, 12) leading into an edge face of the blank; inserting fiber reinforcement (2) in the housing; connecting the fiber reinforcement to the blank by metal diffusion around the fibers of the fiber reinforcement (2); and finishing the blank in order to obtain a link rod (6). The invention also provides a link rod having a metal matrix in which reinforcing fibers are embedded that extend on either side of a longitudinal axis (X) of the link rod, the fibers leading into an edge face of the link rod.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly includes a channel-free pedal body having cross members which define holes for receiving an axle rod. The holes are axially aligned and formed with a shape which conforms to a profile of the axle rod to rotationally fix the pedal body to the rod. A first hollow bolt includes an externally threaded portion to mate with a left crank arm. A second hollow bolt includes a reversed externally threaded portion to mate with a right crank arm. Each of a pair of identical axles may be joined to either the first or second hollow bolt. Each pedal assembly in interchangeable between the left and right crank arms.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal with adjuster includes a pedal and at least one adjuster mounted in the pedal. The pedal has at least one buckling frame pivotally mounted thereon. Each buckling frame has a spindle passing through the pedal and the buckling frame. The at least one buckling frame has at least one elastomer mounted therein. Each adjuster has a head formed on one end thereof and a first threaded portion formed on the other end thereof. Each adjuster has a second threaded portion formed between the first threaded portion and the head. A threaded direction of the first threaded portion is opposite to that of the second threaded portion. A block portion is screwed on the second threaded portion and a position member is screwed on the first threaded portion.

Abstract: An eight forward speed dual clutch transmission includes a pair of input clutches which selectively provide drive torque to a pair of concentric input shafts. Gears coupled to and driven by the input shafts are in constant mesh with gears freely rotatably disposed on a pair of parallel countershafts or layshafts. A plurality of synchronizer clutches selectively synchronize and connect the various gears to the countershafts or layshafts to provide a desired gear ratio in the proper sequence. Reverse gear is similarly provided through a three gear gear train. Upon the synchronization and engagement of a particular gear, the associated input clutch is activated or engaged to supply drive torque to the input shaft, through the synchronized and engaged gear pair and out the countershaft or layshaft. An additional gear on each countershaft or layshaft engages a common gear that directly drives a differential which, in turn, drives a pair of drive axles.

Abstract: A drive system includes a first power branch and a second power branch. The first power branch includes a continuously variable transmission unit. The first power branch and the second power branch are connected by means of a summation gear. The summation gear includes a first, a second, and a third gear element. An output shaft of the continuously variable transmission unit is rotationally fixed to the first gear element. The second drive element can be connected to the output shaft of the first power branch. The third gear element is rotationally fixed to a mechanical transmission branch of the second power branch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual power driving system with epicycle gear sets transmitted in series, in which the input shaft, the output shaft and the controllable brake device of each epicycle gear set can be coaxially connected in series, or connected in parallel or not in parallel; the rotating shaft at the output end and the rotating shaft at the input end of each epicycle gear set can be directly connected, or an intermediate transmission device can be installed for connection, and through operating the controllable brake devices, the selections for the structural configurations of the dual power driving system are provided.

Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.

Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.

Abstract: A front-and-rear-wheel-drive vehicle includes first and second electric drive motors which drive front and rear wheels, the second electric drive motor has a maximum torque greater than that of the first electric drive motor, a first speed reducer which reduces rotation of the first electric drive motor, a second speed reducer which reduces rotation of the second electric drive motor at a speed reduction ratio smaller than that of the first speed reducer, the speed reduction ratios of the first and second speed reducers are set in a manner that a maximum rate of rotation of one of the front and rear wheels corresponding to that of the second electric drive motor is greater than a maximum rate of rotation of the other wheel corresponding to that of the first electric drive motor.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of ferromolybdenum from molybdenite concentrate, and more particularly, a manufacturing method of ferromolybdenum with copper content of 0.5% or less from molybdenite with high copper content without carrying out a separate copper removing process by putting molybdenite, aluminum metal and iron metal, in a heating furnace and reacting them at high temperature to manufacture the ferro molybdenum at the lower portion thereof, forming a slag using aluminum sulfide and iron sulfide as the main components at the upper portion thereof, and putting most of the copper (80 to 95%) existing in the molybdenite in a slag layer. The exemplary embodiment can shorten a process as compared to a metallothermic reduction (Thermit) method of the related art and reduce the consumption of a reducing agent, i.e., aluminum.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for the reduction of metal oxides to form metalized material by contact with hot reducing gas, which is produced at least partially by catalytic reformation of a mixture of—a gas containing carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or steam (H2O) with—gaseous hydrocarbons, the fuel gas for burners which provide the heat for the endothermal reformation processes which take place during the reformation is obtained at least partially from a partial quantity of the top gas produced during the reduction of metal oxides to form metalized material, wherein this partial quantity of the top gas, before it is used as a component of the fuel gas, is firstly subjected to dedusting and then to a CO conversion reaction, and the conversion gas obtained during the CO conversion reaction is subjected to CO2 removal after cooling.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing reduced iron and a method for manufacturing reduced iron. The method for manufacturing reduced iron includes the steps of: i) drying ores in an ore drier; ii) supplying the dried ores to at least one reduction reactor; iii) reducing the ores in the at least one reduction reactor and manufacturing reduced iron; iv) discharging exhaust gas by which the ores are reduced in the reduction reactor; v) branching the exhaust gas and providing the branched exhaust gas as ore feeding gas; and vi) exchanging heat between the exhaust gas and the ore feeding gas and transferring the sensible heat of the exhaust gas to the ore feeding gas. In the steps of supplying the dried ores to the at least one reduction reactor, the dried ores are supplied to the at least one reduction reactor by using the ore feeding gas.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.

Abstract: A method of agglomerating a nickel laterite ore comprising the steps of: i) feeding a nickel laterite ore material to be agglomerated into an agglomeration circuit; and ii) adding a sulfuric acid containing agglomerating solution to the ore material in the agglomeration circuit to provide an agglomerated ore material, wherein the acid concentration of the agglomerating solution is between 100 to 400 g/L.

Abstract: A portable optical fiber processing apparatus is disclosed. The portable optical fiber processing apparatus of the present invention includes a base (1), which provides a space in which components are installed, and a sheathing stripping unit (10), which is provided on the base and strips sheathing from an optical fiber (R). The apparatus further includes an optical fiber cutting unit (40), which is provided on the base and cuts a portion of the optical fiber, from which the sheathing has been stripped, using a sliding cutter (43) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and a welding unit (50), which is provided on the base and welds junction portions of two optical fibers. The present invention is characterized in that a process of stripping sheathing from an optical fiber and cutting, cleaning and welding processes can be conducted using a single apparatus.

Abstract: A wrench of ratchet wheel, to which a high torque force can be applied and which can be widely used, includes a grip, a ratchet wheel mechanism and a driver which successively connect one to another from above to below. The ratchet wheel mechanism includes stem, tumbler member, a first tooth, a second tooth and a tooth pin, wherein the first tooth and the second tooth are flexibly mounted on the stem, the stem is embedded in the tumbler member, the teeth on tooth pin are arranged around the external margin of tooth pin, and the tooth pin and the stem are nest-connected so as to rotate in relative to each other. The ratchet wheel mechanism further includes the third tooth and the fourth tooth, wherein the third tooth and the fourth tooth are flexibly mounted on the stem, and the first tooth, the second tooth, the third tooth and the fourth tooth are successively disposed in the circumference direction of the tooth pin.

Abstract: An insulated ratchet wrench comprising a body and an insulated coat coated with an outer periphery of the body. The body is divided into a head and a handle and a through hole is defined in the head for mounting a ratchet device. The ratchet device includes a polygonal stub extending therefrom and passing through the insulated coat for connecting to a workpiece. An actuator extends through the insulated coat and the through hole for partially and moved received in the polygonal stub. The insulated coat includes an enlarged portion for coating the head. A recess is defined in the enlarged portion for movably receiving the actuator and a through hole is defined in a bottom of the recess to allow the actuator extending through the insulated coat.

Abstract: A multiple-link tool assembly includes an elongated handle, an exchangeable extension link, and an exchangeable tool link. The exchangeable extension link has a first connecting end removably linked to the handle, and a second connecting end defining a sectioned cavity. The sectioned cavity includes a reduced-diameter internally serrated cavity section and an enlarged-diameter non-serrated cavity section. An adjustable geometric fitting having an externally serrated base is received and retained within the sectioned cavity. A spring is located within the non-serrated cavity section, and is adapted for normally urging the externally serrated base of the geometric fitting into the internally serrated cavity section. The exchangeable tool link has a proximal end removably joined to the geometric fitting of the extension link, and a fastener-engaging distal end adapted for engaging a threaded fastener.

Abstract: A wrench and wrench kit whereby a single connected unit is releasably attached and allows a user to access separate wrench handles from the detachment and further where said wrench handles are provided as a kit wherein attached handles have identical size wrench heads.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel hole punch system including a punch assembly removably coupled to a frame member. In one embodiment, the frame member has an elongated slide track defining a slot along which the punch assembly may be movably positioned. The punch assembly may include a punch mechanism for punching a hole in a material and a chad dispenser mechanism for efficiently storing and discharging accumulated chads.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a perforator are disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting and transferring apparatus configured to from a second sheet by cutting a continuous body of second sheets and to transfer the second sheet onto a continuous body of topsheet. The cutting and transferring apparatus includes a blade roll having a blade; a bed knife; and a transfer roll configured to transfer the second sheet onto the continuous body of topsheet. The transfer roll receives an edge portion of the continuous body before cutting. The blade and the bed knife cut the continuous body of the second sheets, in a state where the machine direction MD and a vertical direction coincide with each other.

Abstract: A device for cutting food products is provided. The device comprises a cutting blade having a main part defining a cutting plane and a reinforcing part connected to the main part. At least one cavity is formed between the main part and the reinforcing part.