Abstract: An apparatus for the internal inspection of pipes and tubes or the like, comprising an ultrasonic measuring head and a cable coupled to the measuring head, which cable can be coupled outside the pipe or tube to be measured to a device processing the measuring data, the apparatus being provided at its distal end but behind the measuring head, with a reel for winding the cable on and off.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for measuring the mass and calculating the weight of individual objects to be held thereby, comprising forceps having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being adapted to grasp and hold a selected object, means associated with the forceps for initiating vibration of the same while the object is held thereby and means for measuring the oscillating frequency of the forceps while the object is held thereby, and for utilizing the measured higher oscillating frequency of the empty forceps to compute the mass and the weight of the selected object.

Abstract: A mass sensor in which a connection plate and a diaphragm are joined together at their respective side; 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: A mass sensor is provided, including a sensor substrate, at least one connection plate having a first end attached to a first portion of the sensor substrate and an opposed second end, and at least one diaphragm attached to the second end of the connection plate. Means for changing the mass of the diaphragm is provided on the diaphragm, and at least one sensing plate having a first end attached to a second portion of the sensor substrate and an opposed second end is attached to one of the diaphragm and the connection plate. At least one piezoelectric element is arranged on at least a portion of a surface of the sensing plate. The sensing plate and sensor substrate are arranged in one of a substantially parallel planar or coplanar relationship with respect to one another, and the connection plate, diaphragm, sensing plate and piezoelectric element define a resonance portion.

Abstract: The device for measuring the mass and/or the moisture of a material running through a spinning preparation machine is distinguished in that it has a microwave resonator (15, 18) and associated adapted measurement electronics. The method for measuring the mass and/or the moisture of a material running through a spinning preparation machine is distinguished in that the measurement is carried out with the aid of microwaves.

Abstract: A check weighing system is provided which can check weigh samples (1) on a production line. The check weighing system comprises a magnet (13) for creating a static magnetic field over an interrogation zone for creating a net magnetisation within a sample (1) located within the interrogation zone and an RF coil for applying an alternating magnetic field over the interrogation zone for causing excitation of the sample (1) within the interrogation zone according to the principles of NMR. The check weighing system also comprises a sensor for sensing the energy emitted as the sample relaxes back to an equilibrium state after excitation as the samples pass through the interrogation zone on a conveyor belt (9) forming part of the production line.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. Moreover, the sensor is smaller and lighter and has fewer parts, thus providing better manufacturability. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in the fluid sampling portion. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention. The present invention further provides improved electromagnetic interference performance.

Abstract: A method of controlling the evaporation of liquid in samples in an evaporating centrifuge, by monitoring the centrifugal force exerted on a sample holder containing a liquid sample having solid material dissolved or otherwise mixed therein. The centrifugal force is determined using a load cell, a strain gauge or, where relative movement between sample holder and rotor is permitted albeit with resilient restraint, the centrifugal force signal may be generated by a position sensing transducer. The speed of rotation is sensed by a further transducer and both force and speed signals are conveyed to a computer programmed to generate a process control signal for controlling the evaporation process therefrom. A preferred method of control involves determining the rate of change of weight with time and terminating the evaporation process when the rate of change drops to zero.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexural plate wave sensor includes the steps of depositing an etch-stop layer over a substrate, depositing a membrane layer over the etch stop layer, depositing a piezoelectric layer over the membrane layer, forming a first transducer on the piezoelectric layer and forming a second transducer on the piezoelectric layer, spaced from the first transducer. The method further includes the steps of etching a cavity through the substrate, the cavity having substantially parallel interior walls, removing the portion of the etch stop layer between the cavity and the membrane layer to expose a portion of the membrane layer, and depositing an absorptive coating on the exposed portion of the membrane layer.

Abstract: A process for measuring a total mass of a pressurized fluid flowing through a conduit is provided which includes measuring a first volume, temperature and pressure of the fluid during a first timed interval of a sequence of timed intervals, calculating a first mass during the first timed interval by applying the first temperature and pressure to an equation of state to determine a first density and multiplying the first density by the first volume to determine the first mass, measuring a second volume, temperature and pressure of the fluid during a second timed interval, calculating a second mass during the second timed interval by applying the second temperature and pressure to the equation of state to determine a second density and multiplying the second density by the second volume to determine the second mass, and calculating the total mass of the fluid by summing the first and second masses.

Abstract: Bulk material measurement packages are described including the preferred embodiment of an automated instrument package (AIP) suited to mount on the inside ceiling of a large silo. The gimbaled AIP vertical mounting bracket rotates in an approximate 360° azimuth. An instrument housing is mounted to the vertical mounting bracket, and it rotates approximately 190° in a vertical plane. The instrument housing has at least one range finding sensor such as a scanning laser to measure the top surface contours of the bulk material. The instrument housing can also contains other sensors such as air and quality instruments including temperature, humidity, spectral recognition sensor to detect grain/material type and/or flow rate, gas detectors for sniffing off-odors/spoilage/or safety problems, and live video. Optionally grain penetrating radar (GPR), time domain reflectometry (TDR), ultrasonics, and portable sensors are taught as well as alternate packaging.

Abstract: A device and method for determining values and/or generating signals, which can be used for closed-loop or open-loop controlling of the driving behavior of a vehicle equipped with a sensor system that detects wheel contact forces, includes determining the vehicle mass via the wheel contact forces that are detected, and further includes at least one of determining shifts in the wheel contact forces, and determining the required drive torque.

Abstract: A mass sensor (30) in which a connection plate (33) and a diaphragm (31) are joined together at their respective sides; a sensing plate (32) is joined to the connection plate (33) at their respective sides in the direction perpendicular to the direction where the diaphragm (31) is joined to the connection plate (33); a piezoelectric element (35) consisting of a piezoelectric film and an electrode is installed on at least either one of plate surfaces of the sensing plate (32); and a resonating portion consisting of the diaphragm (31), the sensing plate (32), the connection plate (33), and the piezoelectric element (35) is joined to a sensor substrate (34). Change in the mass of the diaphragm (31) is measured by measuring change in the resonant frequency of the resonating portion accompanying the change in the mass of the diaphragm (31).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexural plate wave sensor includes the steps of depositing an etch-stop layer over a substrate, depositing a membrane layer over the etch stop layer, depositing a piezoelectric layer over the membrane layer, forming a first transducer on the piezoelectric layer and forming a second transducer on the piezoelectric layer, spaced from the first transducer. The method further includes the steps of etching a cavity through the substrate, the cavity having substantially parallel interior walls, removing the portion of the etch stop layer between the cavity and the membrane layer to expose a portion of the membrane layer, and depositing an absorptive coating on the exposed portion of the membrane layer.

Abstract: A mass sensor (30) in which a connection plate (33) and a diaphragm (31) are joined together at their respective sides; a sensing plate (32) is joined to the connection plate (33) at their respective sides in the direction perpendicular to the direction where the diaphragm (31) is joined to the connection plate (33); a piezoelectric element (35) consisting of a piezoelectric film and an electrode is installed on at least either one of plate surfaces of the sensing plate (32); and a resonating portion consisting of the diaphragm (31), the sensing plate (32), the connection plate (33), and the piezoelectric element (35) is joined to a sensor substrate (34). Change in the mass of the diaphragm (31) is measured by measuring change in the resonant frequency of the resonating portion accompanying the change in the mass of the diaphragm (31).

Abstract: A method of testing whether a magnetic lifting device may safely lift a particular load where the magnetic lifting device is placed adjacent to the load, some or all of the magnetic elements of the magnetic lifting device are spaced such that the lifting ability of the magnetic lifting device is reduced by a predetermined amount. An attempt is then made to lift the load by a small safe distance. If this attempt is successful, the user can be sure use of the magnetic lifting device, when the lifting ability is restored, is safe. Conveniently, the spacing is achieved by the introduction of a substantially planar member between the magnetic lifting device and the load. The planar member has a similar footprint to that of the magnetic lifting device. The planar member may be made of stainless steel.

Abstract: The mass of particulate matter in a particle laden gas stream is measured using a single mass detector. Switching means causes the particle laden gas stream and a substantially identical but particle-free gas stream to alternately engage the mass detector during successive measurement time periods. A difference between a reading provided by the mass detector for a current measurement time period and a reading provided by the mass detector for a consecutive measurement time period is determined. This difference intrinsically corrects for volatilization losses occurring during the current measurement time period. A measure of the mass or concentration of particulate matter in the particulate laden gas stream is determined from this difference.

Abstract: A system for estimating vehicle mass includes a control circuit determining an instantaneous vehicle acceleration signal (VA) and an instantaneous vehicle drive force (FDW). As long as a number of preconditions are met, such as vehicle speed within speed range, fueling command above a fueling threshold, gear ratio within a predefined range and VA above an acceleration threshold, the control circuit computes a number of instantaneous vehicle mass estimates (VM) as a function of the VA and FDW values. When any one of the preconditions is no longer met, the control circuit computes a vehicle speed change during the next gear shift and disregards the number of vehicle mass estimates if this vehicle speed change is outside predefined boundaries. Otherwise, the control computer processes the number of vehicle mass estimates to form an updated vehicle mass estimate.

Abstract: A mass sensor including first and second connecting plates having a slit, an opening portion, and/or a thin-walled portion and a thick-walled portion formed therein; a first diaphragm joined with the first connecting plate at respective side surfaces thereof, and a second diaphragm joined with the second connecting plate at respective side surfaces thereof, between which connecting plates a first sensing plate to which a piezoelectric element is provided at least on a part of at least one surface is bridged; and a sensor substrate joined with the first and second connecting plates at respective side surfaces thereof so that the sensor substrate is positioned on a side opposite to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, wherein the diaphragms, connecting plates, sensing plate, and piezoelectric element form a resonating portion.

Abstract: There is provided a double-headed mass sensor (25) in which between a first connecting plate (22A) joined to a first diaphragm (21A) at respective sides and a second connecting plate (22B) joined to a second diaphragm (21B) at respective sides, a first sensing plate (41A), on which a main element (44) is provided on at least one plane surface, is bridged, and a resonating portion comprising the diaphragms (21A), (21B), the connecting plates (22A), (22B), the first sensing plate (41A) and the main element (44) is joined to a sensor substrate (27). Change in the mass of each of the diaphragms (21A), (21B) is measured by measuring change in the resonant frequency of the resonating portion accompanying the change in the mass of the diaphragms (21A), (21B). The mass sensor of the present invention enables the easy and highly accurate measurement of a minute mass of a nanogram order including microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, chemical substances, and the thickness of vapor-deposited films.

Abstract: A mass sensor (30) in which a connection plate (33) and a diaphragm (31) are joined together at their respective sides; a sensing plate (32) is joined to the connection plate (33) at their respective sides in the direction perpendicular to the direction where the diaphragm (31) is joined to the connection plate (33); a piezoelectric element (35) consisting of a piezoelectric film and an electrode is installed on at least either one of plate surfaces of the sensing plate (32); and a resonating portion consisting of the diaphragm (31), the sensing plate (32), the connection plate (33), and the piezoelectric element (35) is joined to a sensor substrate (34). Change in the mass of the diaphragm (31) is measured by measuring change in the resonant frequency of the resonating portion accompanying the change in the mass of the diaphragm (31).

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a weight measurement in centrifuges for separating suspensions into their solid and liquid components comprises a machine housing, a drum rotatingly mounted in the machine housing and receiving the suspension, and a filler pipe leading into the drum for feeding the suspension into the drum. The machine housing is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis of rotation, and a force measuring element senses weight-dependent deflections of the machine housing occurring about the axis of rotation and originating from a different degree of filling of the drum with suspension or from a different dewatering of the solid suspension components, and the machine housing deflections are indicated on a measurement value indicator. A pipeline is provided for generating a positive pressure or a negative pressure in the drum.

Abstract: A mass sensor (30) in which a connection plate (33) and a diaphragm (31) are joined together at their respective sides; a sensing plate (32) is joined to the connection plate (33) at their respective sides in the direction perpendicular to the direction where the diaphragm (31) is joined to the connection plate (33); a piezoelectric element (35) consisting of a piezoelectric film and an electrode is installed on at least either one of plate surfaces of the sensing plate (32); and a resonating portion consisting of the diaphragm (31), the sensing plate (32), the connection plate (33), and the piezoelectric element (35) is joined to a sensor substrate (34). Change in the mass of the diaphragm (31) is measured by measuring change in the resonant frequency of the resonating portion accompanying the change in the mass of the diaphragm (31).

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a weight measurement in centrifuges for separating suspensions into their solid and liquid components comprises a machine housing, a drum rotatingly mounted in the machine housing and receiving the suspension, and a filler pipe leading into the drum for feeding the suspension into the drum. The machine housing is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis of rotation, and a force measuring element senses weight-dependent deflections of the machine housing occurring about the axis of rotation and originating from a different degree of filling of the drum with suspension or from a different dewatering of the solid suspension components, and the machine housing deflections are indicated on a measurement value indicator. A pipeline is provided for generating a positive pressure or a negative pressure in the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a weight measurement in centrifuges for separating suspensions into their solid and liquid components comprises a machine housing, a drum rotatingly mounted in the machine housing and receiving the suspension, and a filler pipe leading into the drum for feeding the suspension into the drum. The machine housing is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis of rotation, and a force measuring element senses weight-dependent deflections of the machine housing occurring about the axis of rotation and originating from a different degree of filling of the drum with suspension or from a different dewatering of the solid suspension components, and the machine housing deflections are indicated on a measurement value indicator. A pipeline is provided for generating a positive pressure or a negative pressure in the drum.

Abstract: A method and a system for ascertaining a mass value representing the vehicle mass of a motor vehicle, particularly of a commercial vehicle, having a drive unit. An acquisition at least of a first and a second acceleration value is provided for this determination. These acceleration values represent the vehicle acceleration at a first and a second point of time. Further, at least one first and one second drive value are acquired. These drive values represent the drive force or the drive torque of the drive unit at the first and the second point of time. At least as a function of the acquired acceleration values and the acquired drive values, at least a first and a second driving-resistance value are then determined. The mass value is ascertained at least as a function of a comparison of the determined first driving-resistance or mass estimated value to the determined second driving-resistance or mass estimated value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for weighing the mass flow of fluent material, especially of particulate type, by determining the forces exerted on a substantially in the direction of the flow rectilinear and inclined plate (3) on which the material (1) is sliding. The measuring plate (3) is fastened at one central level (8 -8) of the plate, and the fastening device includes one moment measuring means (6) measuring the moment round a horizontal axis (7) which is crossing the vertical axis (8 - 8). The moment measuring means (6) is attached to a force measuring means (9) measuring the force directed in or parallel to the vertical axis (8 - 8). The force measuring means (9) is resting on or attached to the ground (10), and the material flow (1) is determined by a calculating means from the output signals from the moment measuring means (6) and the force/load measuring means (9).

Abstract: A test piece made of a material equal to the material of the workpiece is formed in a size that permits the test piece to be housed in an adsorption tube container mounted to a mass analyzing apparatus of a gas chromatograph. The test piece is left to stand for a predetermined time in a measuring site of the atmosphere within a cleansing chamber and, then, recovered. The recovered test piece is introduced into a mass analyzing apparatus of a gas chromatograph (GC-MS apparatus) for measurement of the material of the contaminant and the mass of the contaminant, thereby evaluating the degree of contamination of the measured point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for recursively estimating vehicle mass and/or aerodynamic coefficient of a moving vehicle. The vehicle speed and push force data are collected and a segment of qualified data is then selected from the collected data. Newton's second law is integrated to express vehicle mass and/or aerodynamic coefficient in terms of vehicle push force and vehicle speed. This expression is then used in a recursive analysis of the qualified data segment to determine an estimated vehicle mass and/or aerodynamic coefficient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for recursively estimating vehicle mass and/or aerodynamic coefficient of a moving vehicle. The vehicle speed and push force data are collected and a segment of qualified data is then selected from the collected data. Newton's second law is integrated to express vehicle mass and/or aerodynamic coefficient in terms of vehicle push force and vehicle speed. This expression is then used in a recursive analysis of the qualified data segment to determine an estimated vehicle mass and/or aerodynamic coefficient.

Abstract: A vehicular mass is determined, or a signal indicative thereof is generated, in particular for a commercial vehicle having a towing vehicle and a trailer/semitrailer. The vehicle has actuatable braking devices, which act, in particular, on the wheels of the towing vehicle and/or on the wheels of the trailer/semitrailer. At least one first acceleration value representing the vehicle's acceleration before the braking device is actuated, and at least one second acceleration value representing the vehicle's acceleration after the braking device is actuated, are measured. The vehicular mass or the signal indicative of the vehicular mass are determined and produced, respectively, as a function of the first and second measured acceleration values.

Abstract: An onboard system for use in measuring, computing and displaying the weight and center-of-gravity for aircraft, while keeping aircraft movement to a minimum. Pressure sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts. An onboard pump and reservoirs are attached to each of the landing gear struts and are activated by a computer/controller, while landing gear strut pressures are monitored in the determination of strut stiction. The computer/controller calculates the stiction of each landing gear strut and compensates for the pressure distortions caused by landing gear strut stiction. Additional features include reducing strut stiction, measuring landing gear strut fluid levels, monitoring landing gear strut health, weight adjustments for external ice and de-icing fluids, weight adjustments for wind, monitoring aircraft landing gear strut movement.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for the thermal and/or reactive properties of one or several samples of a solid, liquid or gaseous substance, comprising a measuring cell constituted by an electronic component suitable to detect a temperature difference between two regions on it's surface. The instrument includes a thermal inertia block defining an inner chamber in which is contained the measuring cell and which block is provided with an opening above the measuring cell and a skirt surrounding the chamber. The skirt extends vertically downwardly to an essentially horizontal bearing surface.

Abstract: An electronic parts loading device includes a head unit on which an operating element, such as a loading mechanism for loading electronic parts on a printed circuit board or an adhesive spread mechanism for spreading adhesive on the printed circuit board where the electronic parts are to be mounted, is mounted. The electronic parts loading device also includes a driving element for moving the operating element toward or away from the printed circuit board, a measuring element, mounted on the head unit, for measuring a distance from the head unit to a loading location on the printed circuit board, and a control element for optimally controlling the movement of the operating element in response to data measured by the measuring element whenever the operating element performs a loading or spreading application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the mass of a dynamic load without being influenced by vibration caused by the apparatus itself or the environment. A dynamic load sensor that supports the dynamic load is periodically and continuously reciprocated in at least one predetermined direction. Within the dynamic load sensor, one end of a member comprising a spring system is fixed to a base of a non-spring system, the other end of the spring system is free. A load is applied to the free end of the spring system. The base is continuously and periodically agitated along with the spring system. A displacement of the base y.sub.1 and a displacement y.sub.2 of the free end of the spring mass system are continuously measured. By obtaining the first-order derivatives y.sub.1 and y.sub.2 and the second-order derivatives y.sub.1 and y.sub.2 from said displacements y, and y.sub.2 with respect to time, the mass of the load, m, can be calculated by the equation:m?y!=mg-?(mg+kf.sub.2 (y-y.sub.1 +y.sub.2))-f.sub.3 (y-y.sub.

Abstract: A drug weighing method presenting the steps of feeding an orderly succession of drugs to a capacitive sensor; determining the weight of each drug by means of the capacitive sensor;periodically weighing a number of drugs in the succession by means of a precision scale;and periodically calibrating the capacitive sensoron the basis of the directly determined drug weights.

Abstract: A system for transporting a sheet of material including an actuator, a position sensing system, and a tactile sensor system. The actuator imparts a known force to a sheet, moving it through to the position sensing system, which measures the sheet velocity at various points. Afterward, the sheet moves through the tactile sensor system, which determines the coefficient of friction of the sheet. Given these quantities, a controller can determine the mass of the sheet, which can be used alter the performance of the sheet transport system.

Abstract: A system for measuring the mass of a sheet of material including an actuator, a position sensing system, and a tactile sensor system. The actuator imparts a known force to a sheet, moving it through to the position sensing system, which measures the sheet velocity at various points. Afterward, the sheet moves through the tactile sensor system, which determines the coefficient of friction of the sheet. Given these quantities, a controller can determine the mass of the sheet, which can be used alter the performance of a reproductive machine. A second embodiment of the mass measuring system includes an actuator, a position sensing system, and a subsystem for eliminating friction. The actuator applies a force to a sheet to move it into and through the subsystem. The position sensing system incorporated in the subsystem senses the acceleration of the sheet. Given this quantity, a controller can determine the mass of the sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of measuring mass flow of a gas in a gas delivery system. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to a source of a gas. The apparatus includes a fixed-volume chamber in fluid connection with the gas source. A flow control device can be used to control the flow of the gas into the chamber. A transducer assembly comprises, in combination, a pressure transducer in fluid connection with the chamber, and a signal modifying network associated with the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer permits measurement of the pressure of the gas in the chamber and provides a first electrical signal representative of the pressure of the known volume of the gas. The signal modifying network modifies the first signal to produce an output signal which is proportional to PV/RT and thus directly represents the number of moles of the gas in the chamber. The apparatus is useful for calibrating mass flow controllers and the like.

Abstract: A device for performing a weight measurement in centrifuges which serve to process chemical substances of different weights and in which fluctuating gas pressures cause different interfering forces which have an interfering effect on the weight measurement. The centrifuge is mounted so as to swivel in a vertical plane, a force measuring element senses the weight-dependent swivel movements of the machine, and a compensation means equalizes the interfering forces caused by the fluctuating gas pressures such that the weight measurement remains unaffected hereby. The compensation means comprises a sensor sensing the gas pressure in the centrifuge, this sensor correspondingly correcting a weight display as a function of changes sensed in the gas pressure.

Abstract: Successive rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry are conveyed transversely of their length along an arcuate path while advancing through a testing station wherein they are urged to impinge upon one or more sensors under the action of centrifugal force. The sensor or sensors transmit corresponding signals to one or more transducers which, in turn transmit signals to a processor wherein the signals are converted into signals denoting the actual weight of the tested articles. The apparatus can utilize piezoelectric transducers or other types of transducers, e.g., one or more extensometers.

Abstract: In a steam generator or boiler of the type having a pressure vessel having a zone in which heated water and steam can be separated, an outlet for the flow of pressurized steam and an outlet for the flow of liquid, a riser section in which fluid passes for heating therein and flow into the vessel zone, and a downcomer to receive the recirculated liquid from the vessel zone and feedwater for flow to the inlet of the riser section, the system includes feedwater control apparatus for sensing the mass flow of liquid in the downcomer, determining the liquid mass in the vessel zone, downcomer and riser section and controlling the feedwater rate in relation to such mass and the respective power conditions of the system, thereby providing better stability in the system operation. Trips and other problems caused by shrink and swell are thereby avoided and other benefits achieved.

Abstract: A device for measuring the mass of fiber slivers contains an entry part for the fiber sliver to be measured and a measuring part adjoining the entry part. Arranged on the measuring part are two measuring members working on different measurement principles, specifically a so-called fiber-sliver mechanically, and so-called active-pneumatic measuring member for measuring the pneumatic pressure generated by the fiber sliver at a contraction. In addition to measuring the mass of fiber slivers, the device can be used for obtaining a characteristic variable for their composition or for separate regulation and monitoring in a control stage.

Abstract: A device for measuring the mass of fiber slivers contains an entry part for the fiber sliver to be measured and a measuring part adjoining the entry part. Arranged on the measuring part are two measuring members working on different measurement principles, specifically a so-called fiber-sliver mechanically, and so-called active-pneumatic measuring member for measuring the pneumatic pressure generated by the fiber sliver at a contraction. In addition to measuring the mass of fiber slivers, the device can be used for obtaining a characteristic variable for their composition or for separate regulation and monitoring in a control stage.

Abstract: A gauging system for a fluid tank includes means for determining fluid pressure data for the tank; means for determining acceleration data of the tank; and means for determining quantity of fluid in the tank as a function of the pressure and acceleration data. A method for determining quantity of fluid in a tank is also provided and includes the steps of:a. determining an orientation vector for each of a plurality of sensing areas of the tank;b. producing an output corresponding to pressure of the fluid on each of the respective sensing areas;c. determining an acceleration vector of the tank; andd. calculating quantity of fluid in the tank as a function of the pressure output signals, the orientation vectors and the acceleration vector.

Abstract: A tablet determining method and an apparatus therefor capable of accurately determining ingredients of a multi-layer tablet without breaking the tablet. A multi-layer tablet is lighted from light sources, an area of the side surface of the tablet on which a boundary line between the layers appears is detected by image processing, an area of the side surface of at least one of the layers of the tablet which are separated by the boundary line is detected by image processing, and data obtained by the image processing and data on the total weight of the tablet are used for determining the layer by processing.

Abstract: This specific density of the liquid/air mixture is measured at successive levels within the reception vessel for the liquid using a reference measurement (Io) representing the specific density of the degasified liquid within a reference measuring path. The ratio of each obtained density value measurement and the reference value is calculated for each measuring level and multiplied with the specific density of the liquid to allow an accurate measurement of the overall liquid volume or flow-rate. Preferably the reception vessel (1) has a respective measuring electrode (El..En) at each measuring level with a common counter electrode (Eo) coupled to an oscillator (4) via a constant voltage circuit (5) and a coupling capacitor (6). Each measuring electrode (El-En) is coupled via a multiplexer (7) and an active rectifier (9) to an A/D converter (10) coupled to a microprocessor (11) controlling a read-out display (12).

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for measuring and recording as a function of time the resultant-weight of a test object immersed in a fluid medium. The apparatus and method are particularly suitable for determining a change in a chemical and/or physical property of a material exposed to a fluid, and for measurements such as of the floating forces produced by buoyant pharmaceutical dosage forms. An electronic toploader balance, with a weight-transmitter device connected to an electromagnetic measuring module of the balance, is positioned above a container so that the lower end of the weight-transmitter device extends into a solvent within the container. The weight transmitter device performs the double function of holding the test object submerged in the solvent and of transmitting to the balance the reacting force, that is the resultant-weight of the test object.

Abstract: A material dispensing monitor including an encoder and sensor adjustably mounted to a securement and a pump as a function of specific gravity to produce a series of pulses per cycle of the pump as a function of specific gravity and capacity of the pump so that the pulses provide a direct measure of weight. An all pneumatic system monitors and displays the weight of material dispensed and can provide annunciation when a predetermined weight of material has been dispensed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a plurality of basis weight sensors are interleaved with one or more processing stations used to conjoin or apply one or more layers to a base substrate to form a multilayer product such that a sensor is located on the input and output sides of each processing station. Each of the sensors can be calibrated with a plurality of product calibrations such that multiple output signals corresponding to multiple products can be generated simultaneously by the sensors. Each of the sensors is calibrated with product calibrations corresponding to the product or intermediate stage of the product which it monitors, the layer applied by the processing station preceding it, if any, and the layer applied by the processing station succeeding it, if any.