Abstract: Interfacial tension between first and second immiscible liquids is determined using a device in which entrance and exit channels are connected by a cavity with wider cross-section. A flow of the first liquid enters the cavity as a jet and breaks into droplets within the cavity. Passage of a droplet through the exit channel feeds back to perturb the jet entering the cavity. An alternating signal applied to a heating element perturbs the incoming jet and is progressively scanned over a frequency range which includes the system's resonant frequency (frequency of droplet formation with no signal to the heating element). A bandwidth of frequency is observed in which the frequency of droplet formation is phase locked to the frequency applied to the heater. The ratio of resonant frequency to this bandwidth is a measurement of the interfacial tension between the two liquids.

Abstract: A moisture-sensitive ceramic material having a composition represented by the general formula RE(A,B)O3, wherein RE is a rare earth element, A is a divalent metal element, and B is a tetravalent metal element. More specifically, the moisture-sensitive ceramic material has a composition represented by the general formula RE(A1-xBx)O3, and A is Ni or Mg, and B is Ti or Sn.

Abstract: This invention provides a measurable, easy and inexpensive way to gauge the ripeness/hardness of the interior of a fruit without cutting into it.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for detecting and relaying operating parameters of equipment, devices or liquid, gaseous or solid materials. Embodiments of the invention may be utilized to determine whether equipment is operating within established operating parameters or to detect other characteristics of the equipment, device or material being monitored.

Abstract: A method of controlling fuel composition learning includes steps of monitoring changes in airflow within an engine to determine steady state conditions. The method further includes steps of initiating a fuel composition learning process during steady state conditions. A current fuel component concentration factor is updated using a temporary fuel component concentration factor. The temporary fuel component concentration factor is calculated as the average of an air/fuel correction factor. Once the current fuel component concentration factor is updated, the temporary fuel component concentration factor is reset. The air/fuel correction factor is reset to reflect any difference that existed between the temporary fuel component concentration factor and the air/fuel correction factor at the update time.

Abstract: In a method for diagnosing a valve in a fluid supply line to a suction line of an air system of a combustion engine, the fluid supply line being is part of an exhaust-gas recirculation system or a crankcase ventilation system, when the valve is actuated, a first pressure in the suction line is monitored for change, and an error of the valve is detected if the change of the first pressure lies outside a specific reference range when the valve is actuated.

Abstract: A service procedure to test the SCR device involves turning on an upstream and downstream SCR NOx sensor, turning off an NH3 injector, running the engine until enough upstream NOx mass has been generated by the engine to deplete any NH3 load remaining in the SCR device, determining the operational status of the NOx sensors as follows: if 1?downstream NOx ppm/upstream NOx ppm=approx. 0; then the downstream NOx sensor is reading the same as the upstream NOx sensor and the downstream NOx sensor is determined to be good and the SCR device may have to be replaced; and if 1?downstream NOx ppm/upstream NOx ppm>approx. 0; then the downstream NOx sensor is reading high and the downstream NOx sensor is determined to be bad and downstream NOx sensor may have to be replaced.

Abstract: A tire uniformity machine includes an apparatus for receiving and rotating a tire. The apparatus includes opposed spindles for receiving, inflating and rotating a tire, and a load wheel applied to the rotating tire to obtain tire test results. A spindle alignment assembly is associated with the opposed spindles to align the spindles with one another each time a tire is received. At least one characterizing device is associated with components of the apparatus to characterize forces of the opposed spindles and the characterized forces are used in adjusting tire test results.

Abstract: A tire uniformity machine includes an apparatus for receiving and rotating a tire. The apparatus includes opposed spindles for receiving, inflating and rotating a tire, and a load wheel applied to the rotating tire to obtain tire test results. A spindle alignment assembly is associated with the opposed spindles to align the spindles with one another each time a tire is received. At least one characterizing device is associated with components of the apparatus to characterize forces of the opposed spindles and the characterized forces are used in adjusting tire test results.

Abstract: A transmission device of a tire condition monitoring system comprises a sensor which detects, as tire information, the condition of gas filled into a tire cavity region, a transmitter which transmits the detected tire information by radio, and a housing which covers the sensor and the transmitter. A surface of the housing defines an opening that connects an internal space within the housing and the tire cavity region. The opening extends on the surface of the housing while forming the shape of a straight line, a curved line, or a combination of a straight line and a curved line. The maximum value of the opening width orthogonal to the direction in which the opening extends is 0.8 mm or less. Even if a flat tire is fixed using a puncture sealant, tire information such as tire pressure information can be appropriately measured and acquired by this transmission device.

Abstract: There is provided a wind tunnel model measuring system for use with a wind tunnel. The system has a measuring assembly with an automated movable structure with at least one measuring device mounted thereon and configured for placement within the wind tunnel, and a measuring controller device located outside the wind tunnel to control the automated movable structure in order to remotely move the automated movable structure from a storage position within the wind tunnel to one or more operating positions with respect to a wind tunnel model within the wind tunnel and to allow the at least one measuring device to determine a relative position of at least one movable first component with respect to a second component, both of the wind tunnel model. The system further has a processing device configured for placement outside the wind tunnel and coupled to the measuring controller device.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a kit for performing adhesive audits and a method of doing the same.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for analyzing drilled submarine sediment on a ship. The apparatus includes: a core temperature measuring unit measuring temperatures of each portion of the drilled core positioned on a ship; a gas content analyzing unit analyzing a kind and a content of gases included in a submarine sediment sample collected from the drilled core in a state in which it is positioned on the ship; and a salinity measuring unit measuring salinity of the submarine sediment sample collected from the drilled core in a state in which it is positioned on the ship.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for simulation of bore hole fractures are disclosed. A device for simulating a fracture in a subterranean formation comprises a housing, a gap in the housing, and one or more shims positioned inside the gap. The shims cover at least a portion of a surface of a wall forming the gap. The device further comprises an inlet for directing a sample fluid into the gap. The sample fluid flows through the gap and flows out of the gap through an outlet.

Abstract: A liquid (6) flows through a wedge meter (13). The density of the liquid (6) is measured with a Coriolis meter (14). Density as measured by the Coriolis meter (14) is used in calculating the volume flow of fluid (6) through the wedge meter (13).

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a pipe and a device for measuring and storing vibration data related to the use of the pipe and its remaining lifespan. The data can be collected wirelessly using a radio frequency device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a well treatment, comprising the steps of installing at least one distributed acoustic strain sensor in at least one monitoring well, said monitoring well being a known distance from the treatment well, initiating a well treatment on the first well, monitoring the formation surrounding the monitoring well using the distributed acoustic strain sensor, and using the distributed acoustic strain sensor, detecting a change in strain at a first location in the monitoring well, using the change in strain to make determinations about the well treatment. The sensor may comprise a fiber optic cable. The change in strain may be used as an indicator that the effect of the well treatment has extended beyond a predetermined preferred treatment zone, the treatment may be a fracture treatment, and the well treatment may be controlled or ceased based on the determinations made in step e).

Abstract: A flow sensor for direct measurement of mass flow that includes a rigid, electrically conductive carrier part and a sensor element that is connected to the carrier part via electrically conductive connections. The sensor element includes a plate-like carrier substrate on which a temperature sensor and a heating element are disposed. The sensor element also includes a stable encapsulation, which partially surrounds the sensor element and the carrier part in form-locking fashion. The sensor element also includes a first region on a top side of the sensor element that is not covered by the encapsulation and a second region of an underside of said sensor element that is not covered by the encapsulation. The mass flow to be measured can circulate around the first region and the second region without hindrance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for capacitive determining and/or monitoring at least of fill level of a medium in a container, comprising a probe unit having at least one probe electrode, and an electronics unit, which supplies at least the probe electrode with an electrical, transmitted signal, and receives and evaluates an electrical, response signal from the probe unit. Besides relating to an apparatus, the invention also relates to a corresponding method. The invention is distinguished by features including that an electronics unit supplies the probe electrode at least at times by means of a frequency sweep with a transmitted signal, which has a plurality of discrete frequencies following one another within a predeterminable frequency band, that the electronics unit, based on the frequency sweep, ascertains a measuring frequency optimal for present application parameters, and that the electronics unit determines fill level from the response signal belonging to the optimal measuring frequency.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes a motion sensor which detects a motion of an object, outputs a detection value, and is mounted on the object through an attachment, a filter which receives the detection value, passes a given frequency band, and is able to change a cutoff frequency of the frequency band, and a control unit which controls the cutoff frequency, wherein the control unit determines the cutoff frequency in accordance with hardness of the attachment.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to integrated sensors and sensing methods. Embodiments relate to integrated sensor layouts. Embodiments are configured to maximize a ratio of sensor spacing over a die area. While being generally applicable to many different types of sensors, particular advantages can be presented for magnetoresistive (xMR) sensors.

Abstract: A vibration gyro having a structure for canceling a quadrature error generated by structural asymmetricity due to production tolerance and a means for correcting a bias value when an angular velocity is zero. In order to apply a counter torque to a sense mass for canceling the quadrature error, left correction comb electrodes are fixed to a substrate adjacent to a left drive mass, and comb electrodes opposed to the correction comb electrodes are arranged on an inner portion of a frame member which constitutes the left drive mass. By applying DC voltage to the correction electrodes, electrostatic force, for canceling the leakage rotational displacement of the sense mass generated when the input angular velocity is zero, is generated.

Abstract: An example include microelectromechanical die for sensing motion that includes a fixed portion, an anchor coupled to the fixed portion, a first nonlinear suspension member coupled to anchor on a side of the anchor, a second nonlinear suspension member coupled to the anchor on the same side of the anchor, the second nonlinear suspension member having a shape and location mirroring the first nonlinear suspension member about an anchor bisecting plane and a proof-mass that is planar, the proof mass suspended at least in part by the first nonlinear suspension member and the second nonlinear suspension member such that the proof-mass is rotable about the anchor and is slideable in a plane parallel to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor, having a substrate which has a main extension plane, for detecting a yaw rate about a first direction extending either parallel to the main extension plane or perpendicular to the main extension plane. The yaw-rate sensor has a drive device, a first Coriolis mass and a second Coriolis mass, the drive device being configured to drive at least one part of the first Coriolis mass and at least one part of the second Coriolis mass in a direction parallel to a drive direction extending perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A gyro sensor includes a substrate, and a first function element, a second function element and a third function element which are arranged above the substrate. With respect to function elements next to each other of the first function element, the second function element and the third function element, the direction of vibration of a vibrating body of one function element is different from the direction of displacement of a movable body of the other function element, and the direction of displacement of a movable body of the one function element is different from the direction of vibration of a vibrating body of the other function element.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an angular velocity sensor capable of measuring an exact angular velocity, an ink jet head capable of producing an exact amount of ink, and a piezoelectric generating element capable of generating electric power due to positive piezoelectric effect. In the present invention, a piezoelectric film comprising a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode is used. The first electrode comprises an electrode layer having a (001) orientation. The piezoelectric layer comprises a (NaxBiy)TiO0.5x+1.5y+2—BaTiO3 layer (0.30?x?0.46 and 0.51?y?0.62) having a (001) orientation.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inertia! sensor comprising a frame, a proof mass; a first resonant element having a proximal end and a distal end, the first resonant element being fixed to the frame at its proximal end and coupled to the proof mass at its distal end, a second resonant element having a proximal end and a distal end, the second resonant element being fixed to the frame at its proximal end, adjacent to the first resonant element such that there is no coupling between the second resonant element and the proof mass, a means for coupling the first resonant element to the second resonant element; a drive means coupled to the first and second resonant elements for vibrating the first and second resonant elements; and a sensor assembly for detecting the amplitude of vibration of the resonant elements.

Abstract: In a measurement device (1) including a measurement chamber (2), in which an electromagnetic wave (4), having a carrier frequency and modulated by a modulation frequency, acts on a sample, it is proposed to arrange an acoustic pickup (6), which is tuned to the modulation frequency, outside of the measurement chamber (2) and to connect this acoustic pickup via acoustic decoupling means (9) to the measurement chamber (2) for detecting acoustic excitations (5) generated in the sample by the acting electromagnetic wave (4).

Abstract: Provided is a device for predicting an underground behavior by using an acoustic emission (AE) sensor, including: a waveguide rod having an elongated end to be inserted in a borehole; a plurality of acoustic emission sensors mounted on different positions of the waveguide rod; a wrapping layer configured to cover a circumferential surface of the waveguide rod such that a gap is formed between the waveguide rod and the wrapping layer; an acoustic emission generating layer filled into the gap and being homogeneous along a direction of the waveguide rod; and a grouting layer configured to fix the waveguide rod in the borehole.

Abstract: A process to monitor unwanted formation of a polymer having internal mechanical strain is disclosed. The acoustic emission generated by polymer formation is detected by one or more acoustic sensors attached to a piece of equipment.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a capacity detector, a waveguide and a manifold for use with a coin sensor as well as methods for sensing a capacity of a coin receptacle. In one aspect, the waveguide for use with a coin sensor comprises an excitation end for receiving an acoustic signal, a horn end for disposition adjacent to a coin receptacle, and a conduit interconnecting the horn end and the excitation end. In embodiments, the horn end of the waveguide may define a horn selected from a tapered horn, an exponential horn, a tractrix horn, or a modified tractrix horn.

Abstract: In a method of inspecting a wheel hub unit configured by attaching a rolling bearing. Which has an inner ring and an outer ring, to a hub wheel, an acoustic inspection dement is arranged so as to be in contact with an outer peripheral face of the outer ring, and the wheel hub unit (components except the outer ring) is rotated to measure an acoustic value of the outer ring and hence conduct inspection. When the wheel hub unit (components except the outer ring) is rotated, a preloading load that is equal to or higher than a load at which an axial internal clearance of the rolling bearing is a negative clearance is applied to the rolling bearing, and the axial internal clearance of the rolling bearing A is changed from a positive clearance before application of the load to a negative clearance after application of the load.

Abstract: A method for determining the fibre orientation in a fibre-reinforced component having a number of fibres distributed in a laminate material is provided. The fibres are orientated in at least one defined direction. An ultrasonic signal is emitted into the component by an ultrasonic transducer. A reflected ultrasonic signal is received by an ultrasonic receiver and a measurement signal is generated. The ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic receiver are disposed in a defined linear relationship. Information is determined indicating a degree of the fibre orientation in relation to the defined linear relationship of the ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic receiver from the respective measurement signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a changing, insufficiently defined or unknown shape (e.g., a variable radius or a noncircular radius caused by the use of soft tooling) at a rate that meets production requirements. The apparatus comprises a linear ultrasonic array (i.e., sensor) incorporated in a toppler, which in turn is slidably supported by an oscillating sensor mechanism carried by a traveling trailer vehicle. As a result of this arrangement, the sensor can undergo a back-and-forth sweeping motion coupled with motion along the spar radius. The sensor is further able to displace radially relative to a sweep pivot axis and rotate (hereinafter “topple”) about a topple pivot axis. In this manner, the orientation of the sensor can adjust to the contour of the inspected surface as the sensor scans.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting inhomogeneities in panels (1), of the type suitable to be used for panels (1) in transit along a processing line and comprising a plurality of sound wave emitting devices (2), operating from one side of the panel (1) in transit, and a plurality of sound wave receiving devices (3), operating from the opposite side of the same panel (1) at a pre-established distance from the emitting device (2). The receiving devices (3) are situated at the ends of a plurality of channels (30), which are disposed in alignment with the respective emitting devices (2), are set side by side at a short distance from one another and have their other ends near to said panels (1); each of said channels (30) being formed in an external structure consisting of a set of partitions or layers (33) placed one on top of the other successively at pre-established distances.

Abstract: A method for detecting damage to a hollow shaft having no radially encircling notches, openings, or channels by: (a) positioning a sensor for transmitting and receiving a signal at an end face of the hollow shaft, (b) transmitting a signal and receiving an echo of the signal, (c) determining the signal propagation time from the time of transmitting the signal until receiving the echo, (d) comparing the signal propagation time to a predetermined intended value and emitting a warning in the case of a deviation.

Abstract: An inspection arrangement and an associated method for inspecting an elongate object. The arrangement includes a housing providing an interior space. The housing has an entrance and exit that are aligned. The arrangement includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensor arrays disposed to direct ultrasonic sensory pluses. Each sensor array has a plurality of ultrasonic sensors with each ultrasonic sensor positioned to direct a respective ultrasonic sensory pulse in a respective direction. The arrangement includes a fluid delivery device that delivers a coupling fluid into the interior space. The coupling fluid transmits the ultrasonic sensory pluses to the elongate object. The arrangement includes a plurality of redirecting elements associated with the plurality of ultrasonic sensor arrays. Each redirecting element is positioned such that ultrasonic sensory pluses from the respective ultrasonic sensor array proceed through the respective redirecting element and are redirected along a different direction.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring rotors of turbines, including: an acoustic sensor; and a sound waveguide for connecting the acoustic sensor to a sensing point close to the rotor of the turbine. The acoustic sensor is configured to detect, as soundwaves, pressure fluctuations due to pressure differences between suction and pressure sides of blades of the rotor as they move past in proximity of a sensing point. A method of monitoring a rotor of a turbine transmits pressure fluctuations due to pressure differences between suction sides and pressure sides of blades of the rotor going past the proximity of a sensing point by a sound waveguide to an acoustic sensor to be picked up as soundwaves.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement, for example, on an anchor bolt, including at least one sensor (10). At least one bypass element (20) with a dilatant material is arranged in the area of the sensor (10), whereby impact forces that act upon the sensor (10) can be dissipated via the dilatant material of the bypass element (20).

Abstract: A force sensor may include a housing having a cavity enclosing a sense die, an actuating element and an elastomeric seal. The sense die may have a force sensing element for sensing a force applied to a surface of the sense die, and a temperature compensation circuit. The temperature compensation circuit may be located on the surface of the sense die and may be configured to at least partially compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the force sensing element. The actuating element may extend outside the housing and be used to transfer a force applied externally from the housing to the sense die. The elastomeric seal may include one or more conductive elements separated from the edge of the elastomeric seal by an insulating elastomeric material.

Abstract: A passive electromagnetic wave reflector for measuring, from a satellite, local strain in a structure located on the Earth's surface, characterized in that it comprises a substantially vertical, relative to the Earth's surface, planar element, the planar element having a rectilinear side making contact with the structure the strain of which is to be measured, said element being aligned with the axis of the Earth's poles, and, fixed to the planar element, a mechanical structure having a first part located on a first side of the planar element and a second part located on a second side of the planar element, opposite the first side, the mechanical structure forming a rectilinear edge that, in combination with the rectilinear side of the planar element, forms a means for holding in position the reflector on the structure the strain of which is to be measured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying the location of the load on a structure. Various embodiments include calculating a plurality of potential loading sites, assessing the statistical order of each of those predictions, and selecting regions of the structure where the load most likely occurred based on the orderliness (or randomness) of the assessments.

Abstract: There is derived an index FS (P) obtained by integrating the product of a probability distribution function f (?{square root over ( )}areamax) of an inclusion size ?{square root over ( )}areamax of a part and a “size S (P, ?{square root over ( )}?{square root over ( )}areamax) of a region of the part” where a stress amplitude ? of an acting stress exceeds a stress amplitude ?w of a fatigue strength at each location in the case of a load being applied under a loading condition P set previously by an operator over the inclusion size ?{square root over ( )}?{square root over ( )}areamax of the part with the whole region of a range where a probability distribution of the inclusion size ?{square root over ( )}areamax exists set as an integral range.

Abstract: Provided herein is a test equipment for evaluating safety of a piping for use in nuclear power plants, the test equipment having a test specimen made of a same material as the piping, and having a notch cut from a first surface which is an end portion of the test specimen, with a crack formed at an end portion of the notch; and a load applier connected to the test specimen to apply a load in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the notch is cut, wherein a pair of pin holes are connected to the load applier such that they are arranged to be distanced from each other along the direction of the load applied to the test specimen, and a central point is provided in a space between a second surface opposing the first surface and an end portion of the crack.

Abstract: A method of fatigue testing a component comprising the steps of machining a channel of predetermined depth and predetermined width in a surface of a component, applying a salt solution into the channel in the surface of the component and heating the component to a suitable temperature to evaporate the solvent from the salt solution to deposit the salt in the channel in the surface of the component, placing the component in an atmosphere containing air and sulphur dioxide at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time to precondition the grain boundaries, and fatigue testing the component. The method is useful for determining the fatigue life of gas turbine engine discs or gas turbine engine rotor blades particularly the firtree shaped disc posts or the firtree shaped rotor blade roots.

Abstract: System and method for using an apparatus for measuring shear strength and viscosity of sediments that extend both the maximum rotational rate attainable and the maximum torque sustainable, and include a high data acquisition rate and data storage. The apparatus can accurately measure, for example, but not limited to, peak, evolution, and residual values of the undrained shear strength, yield, and viscous and plastic flow (including hardening and softening) characteristics of cohesive sediments at various pre-set and variable values of the rotational velocity of the vane sensor.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided that includes a fluid meter for determination of the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a measuring tube, at least one measuring unit for detecting physical, chemical or biological properties of the fluid, at least one evaluation unit for evaluation of the data captured by means of the measuring unit, and at least one communication unit, wherein the measuring unit, evaluation unit and communication unit are designed as one or more individual modules and each individual module can be connected mechanically to the fluid meter.

Abstract: The volumetric rate of flow out of a flow line (4) of a bell nipple (2) is a function of the pressure of the head of liquid (7) above the threshold of the intersection of the vertical pipe (3) and the flow line (4). A pressure which is related to that pressure is measured by a pressure transducer (10) which is mounted below the threshold. Density of the fluid (7) is inferred by using the measured pressure as an input to a trained neural network.

Abstract: Fabry-Perot and Bragg grating optical measuring principles are combined with a torsional stress sensing mechanism that converts torque applied in one fluid environment to force exerted in a second environment to measure extreme environmental parameters such as pressure in a petroleum producing borehole.

Abstract: A torque sensor which detects a deflection angle between an input and an output shaft which are aligned with a shaft axis. An annular sine ring, annular cosine ring, and annular flux return ring, each constructed of a ferromagnetic material, are coaxially disposed around the shaft axis. A sine spoke has one end attached to the output shaft and its other end closely adjacent the sine ring and, similarly, a cosine spoke is secured to the output shaft at one end and is positioned closely adjacent the cosine ring at its other end. A pair of flux return spokes are also secured to the output shaft, each diametrically opposed from the sine or cosine spoke, and have their outer ends closely adjacent the return ring. A magnetic flux bridge is formed between the return flux ring and the sine ring as well as the cosine ring while magnetic sensors determine the magnitude of the flux across each bridge.