Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the amount of fuel aboard a spacecraft under weightless conditions utilize at least one orifice, at least one flow latch valve for the selection of an orifice to be used, and at least one control valve for releasing a stream of a pressurizing gas from at least one high-pressure tank in order to restore pressure in a fuel tank following a pressure reduction due to withdrawal of fuel. The amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank is determined based on the time required to restore fuel tank pressure by a flow of gas from the high pressure tank to the fuel tank, via the orifice.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate a charge indicator for determining the mass of a fluid contained within a fluid enclosure, wherein the charge indicator responds to a deformation of a solid component in contact with the fluid and wherein the deformation is a function of the mass of fluid contained within the fluid enclosure.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave resonator including an input interdigital transducer (IDT), an output IDT, and a pair of gratings with each being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance and attached to a substrate. In at least one embodiment, the distance is equal to one-half of the wavelength of the acoustic wave produced by the input IDT. In a further embodiment, the surface acoustic wave further includes a polymer layer and a biomedical coating covering at least a part of the polymer layer. The surface acoustic wave resonator has uses in the mass sensor and communications fields.

Abstract: A method of determining a mass condition of a rotor of a wind turbine is disclosed. The method includes initiating a change of a quantity value of a quantity acting on the rotor, measuring a change of another quantity value of another quantity representative of a momentum of the rotor during a time interval, and determining the mass condition of the rotor based on the determined change of the another quantity value in relation with the initiated change of the quantity value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system and microchip for determining impedance of a variable impedance component. The method comprises tuning a tunable oscillator over a predefined tuning range, the tunable oscillator having the variable impedance component coupled as a load thereof. The frequency response of the tunable oscillator is measured as a function of said tuning. Finally, the measured frequency response is analyzed for determining the impedance of the variable impedance component. The invention makes possible to manufacture smaller and simpler monolithic sensor microchips.

Abstract: There is provided a dissolution properties measurement system using a piezoelectric sensor, capable of continuously measuring dissolution properties of a substrate in an aqueous solution by using the piezoelectric sensor. The dissolution properties measurement system includes: a specimen receiving unit including a chamber receiving a specimen therein; a mass measuring unit connected with the specimen to measure a mass change of the specimen in real time; and a dissolution properties measuring unit measuring a dissolution properties of the specimen on the basis of the value measured by the mass measuring unit.

Abstract: Containers for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents are described. The containers comprise a vessel suited to contain pressurized contents, a port integral with the vessel and through which pressurized contents contained in the vessel can be released from the vessel, preferably incrementally in approximately equal amounts, and a measuring device disposed in or otherwise associated with the vessel such that the quantity or amount of contents in the vessel can be measured or assessed. The measuring device senses ambient conditions in the vessel and, directly or with other components, indicates, for example, the amount of pressurized contents remaining in the vessel and displaying it to an observer. Devices for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents from such containers are also described.

Abstract: An insolation sensor is disclosed and is used to determine a solar light intensity as a basis for evaluating electric power generated by solar modules exposed to the solar light intensity. The insolation sensor includes an outer surface including a light entrance window, and at least one photo sensor configured to measure the solar light intensity. The at least one photo sensor is arranged behind the light entrance window. The insolation sensor further includes a detector device configured to detect precipitation and/or a resulting deposit on the surface which both affects the insolation sensor and the solar modules.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for measuring the mass of a substance. In one method, energy is applied to a substance and a response resulting from the application of energy as measured. The mass of the substance is then determined based at least in part on the measured response.

Abstract: An autonomous, self-powered device includes a radioisotope-powered current impulse generator including a spring assembly comprising a cantilever, and a piezoelectric-surface acoustic wave (P-SAW) structure connected in parallel to the current impulse generator. Positive charges are accumulated on an electrically isolated 63Ni thin film due to the continuous emission of ?-particles (electrons), which are collected on the cantilever. The accumulated charge eventually pulls the cantilever into the radioisotope thin-film until electrical discharge occurs. The electrical discharge generates a transient magnetic and electrical field that can excite the RF modes of a cavity in which the electrical discharge occurs. A piezoelectric-SAW resonator is connected to the discharge assembly to control the RF frequency output.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices to measure physical characteristics of sample fluids. Samples are introduced into a sample chamber in contact with a mechanically oscillating working member. The vibrations are received by a piezoelectric sensor transducer and correlated to a sample characteristic, such as viscosity or density. The devices include a sample chamber in contact with one or more working members actuated by a piezoelectric actuator and/or monitored by a piezoelectric sensor.

Abstract: A system 100 of monitoring mass in a furnace is described having a number of hanger rods 110 used to support at least a portion of the furnace. The system has at least one pressure sensor 111 that may be a load washer 111 operatively engaging a hanger rod 110 that provides a signal indicative of an amount of tension on the hanger rod 110. A pivoting unit 107, 109 distributes the force over the surface of the pressure sensor 111. A processor 200 monitors the signals from the pressure sensors 111 to set alarms when there is a mass overload, or adjust the operation of the furnace. The processor 200 may also predict when an overload will occur by extrapolating pressure sensor 111 readings forward into the future.

Abstract: A system and method for classifying a vehicle occupant is disclosed. A base is installed in each of leg frames of a seat of a vehicle. A cover is installed above the base to be spaced apart from the base. Two weight sensors are installed between the base and the cover to support the cover, and configured to measure a load transmitted to the cover by the weight of a vehicle occupant sitting in the seat. A control unit receives load values measured by the weight sensors, and determines whether the vehicle occupant sitting in the seat is an adult or a child based on the received load values. A shock absorption member is interposed between the weight sensors and the base. A stopper is interposed between the base and the cover in order to limit a downward movement range of the cover in a case of overload.

Abstract: A dust monitor is disclosed that is suitably deployed in dusty environments and capable of providing near real-time indications of exposure to airborne particulates. The monitor includes a filter and filter assembly made of materials that do not interfere with subsequent instrumental (such as spectrometric) analysis for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte. In some disclosed embodiments, the filter is made of nylon or other material that is readily subjected to thermal destruction prior to spectrometric analysis. The dust monitor also includes a humidity correction feature that permits the filter to be made of ashable organic materials even if those materials are not highly hydrophobic. Transport devices are provided for shipment of the filter and/or filter assembly to an analytical laboratory which prevent loss of particulate matter and which facilitate an accurate analysis procedure.

Abstract: A device for sensing a mass in a liquid environment including a resonator comprising a piezo layer having a top electrode and a bottom electrode, a sensing surface located adjacent and opposite the top electrode, the resonator and the sensing surface defining a gap therebetween, and a post attached to the sensing surface and the resonator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid dosage product includes the controlling of a measure of each of at least one property of dissolution of an ingredient of a sample of the solid dosage product, the measure of each of said at least one property being in an advantageous form and/or controlled in an advantageous manner, e.g., as a function of cumulative mass of the ingredient dissolved from the solid dosage product, and/or as determined under a member of certain advantageous dissolution conditions. A method of testing includes the determining and the evaluating of the measure of each of the at least one property in the advantageous form and/or in an advantageous manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specimen holder for use with an electron microscope. The specimen holder has a retainer mounted at the front end of the body of the specimen holder. The retainer has a plate member provided with a hole around its front end. The hole provides a reference in securing the whole specimen for a desired field of view. A circular groove is formed in the plate member and used to place the specimen in position. Any members lying perpendicularly to the tilted axis at the position of the specimen are cut out.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer metrology technique which corrects for the effect of electrostatic forces on an atmospheric buoyancy compensated weight force measurement of a semiconductor wafer. In one aspect a wafer is weighed in a faraday cage whose is measured independently. A change in the measured weight of the faraday cage can be used to correct the measure weight the wafer. In another aspect a direct electrostatic measurement can be converted into a weight correction using a predetermined correlation between an electrostatic charge measured by the charge meter and a weight error force. In another aspect the electrostatic measurement may be indirect, e.g. derived from varying the distance between the wafer and a grounded plate parallel to the wafer to effect a change in an electrostatic force between the grounded plate and the wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the mass of a hybrid vehicle having a prime mover, a secondary mover incorporating a flywheel, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) being connectable with a driveline of the vehicle and with the flywheel, the apparatus including a means for measuring a rate of change of CVT ratio during a transference of energy between the hybrid vehicle and the flywheel.

Abstract: A sensor having a mass that moves relative to a structure is disclosed. The mass is attached to the structure by a rigid member such that the mass moves around a pivot point on the structure, the pivot point remaining fixed with respect to the structure as the mass moves. A code scale is attached to the mass. An imaging system that is fixed with respect to the structure forms an image of the code scale. A controller provides an indication of a position of the mass relative to the structure using the code scale image. The rigid member can include a surface having the code scale thereon, the surface rotating about the pivot point as the mass moves such that the surface remains at a fixed distance from the pivot point as the mass moves.

Abstract: An electronic module for level measurements, pressure measurements or density measurements is disclosed. In the module, a safety-relevant function is transferred into an area that is categorized as safety-uncritical. In order to prevent malfunctions, a diagnostic function is performed in the safety-critical area of the electronic module in order to check the transferred function. This diagnostic function is also checked with respect to its effectiveness during the safety-oriented operation. Suitable measures can be initiated in case an error is detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automated testing system that tests for physical properties of golf balls or golf ball cores. The apparatus includes an on-load magazine wherein golf balls or cores are loaded for pick and place feeding to holding nests defined in a rotary indexing table. The nests are removable and/or of multiple size accommodations to accept balls and cores from 1.00 to 1.72 inches. The system includes a diameter measuring station, a compression measuring station, and a weight measuring station. Through the rotary indexing table, the golf ball or core may be selectively dialed to one or more of the stations for testing. A computer analyzes the properties of each ball or core tested and correlates the data so that each ball is subsequently either passed to an off-load magazine or rejected.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for measuring the mass of a substance. In one method, energy is applied to a substance and a response resulting from the application of energy as measured. The mass of the substance is then determined based at least in part on the measured response.

Abstract: Spin coating a mixture of graphene oxide platelets, water, and an organic solvent by placing a drop of the mixture on a spinning substrate while blowing a drying gas onto the substrate and allowing the water and the organic solvent on the substrate to evaporate; and repeating the spin coating one or more times to form a graphene oxide film in contact with the substrate. An about 1-100 nm thick film of overlapping platelets of reduced graphene oxide.

Abstract: A method (51) for measuring the mass of an object such as a letter (10) in motion. An apparatus (12) for carrying out the present invention includes a pair of rollers (16, 18) through which a letter passes. One of the rollers (16) is driven by a motor (20) which has an associated encoder (22) to give motor positional information to a controller (24). In a method of the present invention the controller generates a ramping torque signal (44) which is provided to the motor. A friction correction curve (40) is generated and applied to the torque signal, and an average torque value (C) is determined. From the positional information provided by the encoder, acceleration (50) is derived and an inertia value is obtained by dividing the average torque (C) by the acceleration. Prior to obtaining an inertia value with a letter, an initial inertia value is obtained without a letter to get a base inertia. The base inertia is subtracted from the measured inertia with a letter to get a difference ?l.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus of submergence aggregate according to the present invention comprising a stock bin for storing fine aggregate, a fine aggregate feed hopper placed under the stock bin, a vibrating feeder placed under a discharge opening of the fine aggregate feed hopper, a screen device placed in the vicinity of an exit of the vibrating feeder, a measurement tank placed under the screen device, an electrode-type displacement sensor as means for measuring a water level placed above the measurement tank, and load cells as mass measuring means for measuring a mass of the measurement tank.

Abstract: A method for computing activation energy of diffusion for a material in a liquid is provided. At least two identical samples of the material are submerged in the liquid at different temperatures. The time required for each sample to reach a goal weight percentage is measured. A reaction acceleration factor is computed for the two samples from the resulting times and temperatures. Activation energy of diffusion is computed from the reaction acceleration factor and the temperatures. Additional samples can be used to give an error estimate.

Abstract: A method and a device for verifying mass inside a quilt is provided. A top of a box of a write-through device is placed with the quilt, which is unfolded and paved, and which is then put with a transparent platen. The quilt is next gently pressed and fixed by a semi-transparent board of the box, and the box rotates twice and stops at a vertical position. When the quilt is photographed under a write-through condition, one photo which is put in a transparent bag, and the other photo which is a locally exploded picture of the quilt, are attached on proper positions of the quilt.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for measuring the mass of a substance. In one method, energy is applied to a substance and a response resulting from the application of energy as measured. The mass of the substance is then determined based at least in part on the measured response.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method for mass analyses of an array of samples contained in distinct sample holders. The sample holders are placed on a plurality of sensors which preferably comprise an array of microbalances providing output signals comprising mass data on the array of samples.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method for mass analyses of an array of samples contained in distinct sample holders. The sample holders are placed on a plurality of sensors which preferably comprise an array of microbalances providing output signals comprising mass data on the array of samples.

Abstract: The resolution of a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) and the range of valid mobility values for the charged particles that it can detect are increased. The DMA makes use of a flat configuration and a purely two-dimensional operating model in which shims are used for improved adjustment and precision of the parallel faces that make up the analysis area. The analyzer uses a closed and pressurized aerodynamic tunnel to establish a cross flow with a very high Reynolds number.

Abstract: A high throughput workstation includes: a sample deposition and annealing robot, a pan/sample weighing robot, and a thermal analyzer equipped with autosampler and data analysis system. After deposition, the solvent can be removed and multiple samples annealed simultaneously in a controlled manner. The sample pans are weighed before and after the samples are prepared using a robotic weigher. The high throughput workstation facilitates analysis of thermal properties of samples obtained via parallel plate reaction (PPR) in substantially less time than corresponding manual techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a device for a fluid enclosure. The device includes a sensing device that responds to a change in distance relative to a fluid enclosure. The change in distance is a function of at least one dimension of the fluid enclosure.

Abstract: A flow verifier for verifying measurement of a flow rate of a fluid by a device includes a flow restrictor that renders the flow rate verification substantially insensitive to elements upstream of the flow restrictor. The flow verifier includes a vessel that receives a flow of the fluid from the device, and a pressure sensor that measures pressure of the fluid within the vessel. An outlet valve regulates flow of the fluid out of the vessel. The flow restrictor is located adjacent to and upstream of the vessel, along a flow path of the fluid. The flow restrictor restricts the flow of the fluid so as to induce a shock in the flow path of the fluid, and sustains the shock during a time period sufficient to render the flow rate verification substantially insensitive to the elements upstream of the flow restrictor.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the powder dispersibility including dispersing a powder allowed to stand inside a closed container by mechanical vibration applied quantitatively to the powder; collecting the dispersed powder on a quartz crystal element or a piezo element; and measuring the mass of the collected powder using a quartz crystal microbalance or a piezo element mass meter to thereby measure the airborne powder concentration in air inside the closed container; a method for evaluating airborne powder concentration at work place using the method for evaluating the powder dispersibility; and a method for designing a powder containment facility using the method for evaluating airborne powder concentration.

Abstract: The higher the reading of relative density, liquid weight per unit volume, of pieces of produce such as fruits, the juicier the piece of produce is. By comparing a number of pieces of produce of the same type and species and ranking them, the juiciest pieces of produce may be easily selected and purchased by a shopper. An arrangement of linkages and a sliding spring element creates a device with two inputs, one input being proportional to the volume of the produce based on a representative diameter, and the other input being an approximation of the weight of the produce based on the deflection of a spring. The two inputs are mechanically combined to create one output indicative of density, and thus juiciness, and a pointer is employed whose deflection is proportional to the quotient of the weight and volumetric inputs of each piece of produce tested by the shopper.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements of manufactured articles. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements that can be performed on-line in a part manufacturing process. On-line measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of the manufactured items is performed 100% on-line. Real-time process control information is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of a manufactured item. Automated quality control inspection for manufactured articles is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of manufactured items.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate a charge indicator for determining the mass of a fluid contained within a fluid enclosure, wherein the charge indicator responds to a deformation of a solid component in contact with the fluid and wherein the deformation is a function of the mass of fluid contained within the fluid enclosure.

Abstract: A measurement system including a staging unit including a substrate having piezoelectric properties and a conductive electrode formed on the substrate, the conductive electrode including an area adapted to receive a sample, and an oscillator coupled to the conductive electrode. A method including in a tissue sample having a mass of less than about one microgram and that exerts a high osmotic pressure, calculating an osmotic pressure value for the tissue sample from a plurality of measurements of changes in the mass due to swelling.

Abstract: Relatively accurate gravimetric analysis of airborne particulate matter in a sample is achieved by making gravimetric measurements of the sample on a microbalance in a closed chamber, continuously electronically monitoring air pressure, humidity and temperature in the chamber, continuously controlling humidity and temperature in the chamber, and combining the gravimetric measurement with measurements of air pressure, humidity and temperature in the chamber to make a buoyancy corrected determination of the mass of the particulate matter.

Abstract: A filter rod measuring station is equipped with measuring devices which measure at least the mass (M) of a filter rod and the draw resistance (PD) of the filter rod, and a microwave measuring device is provided for measuring the mass of the softener and/or the moisture content and/or the dry mass of the filter rod.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for estimating, refining, and using the tare mass for an item to determine and monitor item depletion. In response to detecting an initial presence of an item in the storage unit, a controller collects data about the item. The controller then searches a database for a recorded item containing the same item identification. The tare mass of the item is set equal to the refined tare mass of the recorded item retrieved from the database. The tare mass is then used to calculate a depletion threshold for the item.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method for mass analyses of an array of samples contained in distinct sample holders. The sample holders are placed on a plurality of sensors which preferably comprise an array of microbalances providing output signals comprising mass data on the array of samples.

Abstract: A specimen holding apparatus includes a main body, a specimen supporting surface provided on the main body, and a restraining element movable along the main body in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body from a first position in which the restraining element is removed from the specimen supporting surface to a second position in which the restraining element encroaches over the specimen supporting surface. An alternate specimen holding apparatus includes a main body, a specimen supporting surface provided on the main body in a first horizontal plane, and a restraining element attached to the main body that is rotatable in a second horizontal plane substantially parallel to the first horizontal plane between a first position in which the restraining element is removed from the specimen supporting surface and a second position in which the restraining element encroaches over the specimen supporting surface.

Abstract: A flow verifier for in-situ verification of a device under test (DUT), including an inlet connectable to a DUT, an outlet connectable to a vacuum pump for drawing gas through the DUT and the flow verifier, a vessel having a predetermined volume, diffusive media connecting the inlet to the vessel, an outlet valve connecting the vessel to the outlet for controlling flow from the vessel to the outlet, at least one temperature sensor operatively connected to the vessel for providing temperature measurements from within the vessel, and a pressure transducer operatively connected to the vessel for providing pressure measurements from within the vessel.

Abstract: Sensor and process for measuring mass of water on a sheet forming fabric. The sensor includes a microwave element positionable to couple an electromagnetic field into a stock layer to be measured, and a microwave signal generator coupled to the microwave element to generate, in the microwave element, a microwave signal having a frequency lower than a relaxation frequency of water. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A mass sensor in which a connection plate and a diaphragm are joined together at their respective sides; a sensing plate is joined to the connection plate at their respective sides in the direction perpendicular to the direction where the diaphragm is joined to the connection plate; a piezoelectric element consisting of a piezoelectric film and an electrode is installed on at least either one of plate surfaces of the sensing plate; and a resonating portion consisting of the diaphragm, the sensing plate, the connection plate, and the piezoelectric element is joined to a sensor substrate. Change in the mass of the diaphragm is measured by measuring change in the resonant frequency of the resonating portion accompanying the change in the mass of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the non-destructive net weighing of capsules using microwaves.

Abstract: The vehicle weight determination device includes a microcomputer for achieving the vehicle weight determination by obtaining a driving force after filtering based on the speed ratio of the torque converter and obtaining an integrated driving force with the absolute value of the driving force after filtering by using an area method. Similarly, acceleration after filtering is obtained by filtering process of the acceleration and an integrated to obtain an integrated acceleration. The vehicle weight is determined by the integrated driving force divided by the integrated acceleration.