Abstract: The output voltage of a Wheatstone bridge type electrical circuit compris four main resistances (J.sub.1 to J.sub.4) having substantially the same ohmic value, R, and substantially the same temperature coefficient of resistance, .alpha., is made independent of temperature differences existing between the branches of the bridge by addition, in each of the branches, of a compensation element (r.sub.1 to r.sub.4) in series with the main resistance, each compensation element being physically located very close to a main resistance situated in one of the adjacent branches of the bridge so as to have the same temperature as that main resistance. The compensation elements have the same ohmic value r and the same temperature coefficient of resistance .beta., with R.alpha.=r.beta., r being less than R and, preferably, r/R.ltoreq.1/2, so as to limit the loss of sensitivity of the Wheatstone bridge to variations in the resistances of the bridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting the presence of a flat tire on a vehicle. A pair of spaced apart pressure sensing assemblies positioned on a roadway are operative to produce a signal corresponding to the pressure applied to one or more pressure sensing elements in each of the pressure sensing assemblies. Comparison of the pressure applied to each of the pressure sensing elements with a value corresponding to a normal non-flat tire indicates the condition of the tires.

Abstract: A high-pressure sensor specially for monitoring pulsating hydraulic pressure impulses, as for example in injection systems of combustion engines is provided with a pressure space shaped balloon-like before the diaphragm part, enabling optimal measuring signals to be combined simultaneously with significantly reduced mechanical forces in the welded joint. In addition, welding techniques are proposed enabling a gapless internal welding zone to be achieved, so that notch effects and migratory cracks resulting from these and leading to fractures are obviated. As optimal connection between measuring head and threaded body a two-stage welding routine is proposed first an internal weld is performed by electrical upset welding and then external welding by electron beam, inert gas or laser welding.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring tire air pressure of the wheels of an automobile, longitudinal force of the tires-slip test data pairs are measured and recorded for at least one wheel, while the automobile is being driven. A corresponding evaluation unit determines a compensation curve for the recorded longitudinal force of the tires-slip test data pairs, along with an associated offset value based on a zero point in a longitudinal force of the tires-slip performance graph. From the offset value, the respective wheel radius relationship between at least one driven and one non-driven wheel can be calculated, and from this the relative tire pressure of the wheels can be determined.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes a vibration member in which first and second piezoelectric substrates are joined together. On the outside main surface of the first piezoelectric substrate, a first external electrode divided into six electrode sections is formed. On the outside main surface of the second piezoelectric substrate, a second external electrode is formed. By removing a part of the electrode sections disposed at the center, a capacitance difference C(L)-C(R) between the capacitance C(L) formed between one of the electrode sections disposed at the center and the second external electrode, and the capacitance C(R) formed between another electrode section disposed at the center and the second external electrode is adjusted.

Abstract: A pressure sensor portion having a pressure-responsive element for detecting gas pressure in reference to the atmospheric pressure is connected to a mounting body such as a canister mounted on a vehicle by means of a fragile connecting member. The connecting member breaks off to dismount the sensor device from the mounting body when a high impact due to an accidental collision or crash is imposed on the sensor device, and thereby an inlet port connected to the sensor portion for introducing gas pressure thereinto is prevented from being broken or damaged by such a collision impact. The fragile connecting member may include a tubular pipe formed integrally with a cover that hermetically closes an inner cavity of the sensor portion. A mounting bracket connected to the sensor portion via the fragile connecting member may be used to mount the sensor device on the mounting body.

Abstract: A monitoring assembly for a pneumatic tire includes an electronic monitoring device having at least one sensor disposed in a protective body. The protective body includes an encapsulation layer that encapsulates the substrate and sensors, a cushion, and a skin on the outside of the cushion. The protective body is substantially spherical allowing the assembly to roll about the inside of a tire without being permanently connected to the tire. A breathing tube through the protective body is provided so that a pressure sensor can sense the pressure within the pneumatic tire. The breathing tube may be filled with a transfer gel to prevent the breathing tube from being clogged. The monitoring assembly may further include wings that help position the monitoring assembly within the tire. The antenna of the monitoring device may be disposed within one of the wings.

Abstract: A sensor used especially for the measurement of the internal pressure of injection lines of diesel engines comprises two housing parts which are connected via an articulation and can be clamped to the line with a tension device. For simple and in particular one-handed attachment of the sensor in every state of opening or closing, the tension device is located in the same sector, facing the articulation, on one side of the external region of the tube. The connecting plug for the discharging of the measuring signals is preferably insertible in the correspondingly fashioned articulation and can be locked there.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a body, a pressure inlet tube housed in the body and having a pressure inlet opening defined therein for introducing oil pressure, and a pressure sensor unit affixed to a proximal end surface of the pressure inlet tube covering the pressure inlet opening to convert the oil pressure to an electrical signal. An oil flow decelerating structure is disposed to a distal end side of the pressure inlet tube for reducing the flow rate of oil.

Abstract: A tire support structure capable of spreading the beads of a tire for inspection and repair is supported by a mechanism for raising and lowering the structure. This permits the structure to be positioned in a lower position at a convenient height for a worker in an adjoining working position and permits the structure to be raised to an elevated position for retrieving a tire from an overhead conveyor system or delivering a tire to the conveyor system. A work bench is preferably located adjacent the worker position for supporting tools and supplies for repairing the tire.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a metallic membrane and a frame. For detecting the deflection of the membrane, a silicon bridge element having piezoresistive resistor elements is arranged on the membrane and the frame.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the air pressure of pneumatic tires of vehicles having a pressure measuring system arranged on the vehicle wheel, the measured values of which are transmitted by means of a transmitter to a receiver, whereby each vehicle wheel is preferably associated with a receiver. The transmitters have a transmitting antenna which is fixed in relation to the wheel and is not integrated into the transmitter. The transmitter is preferably an antenna with several windings which are vulcanized in the side flanks or into the tread of the tire.

Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor having a sensor element including a sensor chip to which pressure from a pressure medium is applied, and a pedestal for supporting the sensor chip. The sensor element is bonded to a subplate at the pedestal, and the subplate is bonded to a main plate. The main plate includes an airtightness holding means for holding an airtight seal between the main plate and a sensor mounting part and disposed where pressure of a pressure medium can be detected.

Abstract: A tire pressure detector connected to the air valve of a vehicle tire to detect its inside pressure, the detector including a tubular shell fastened to the air valve of the vehicle tire, a transparent top cover fastened to the shell to hold down a socket inside the shell, a valve block moved in the socket subject to the condition of the tire pressure of the vehicle tire, and a display bolt supported on a spring member in the valve block, wherein the air pressure of the vehicle tire passes through the air valve of the vehicle tire and the air holes at the socket to push the valve block upwards in the top cover relative to the display unit upon connection of the shell to the air valve of the vehicle tire, and the air pressure of the vehicle tire is read out by viewing the area of the lower portion and upper portion of the display bolt being blocked by the valve block.

Abstract: In the case of a pressure sensor (1) a measuring cell (4) is fixed together with a retaining body (9) in a housing (2) of the pressure sensor. For this purpose, the housing (2) has a constriction (15) encircling it on the outside. A contact base (11), which is placed at the top onto the retaining body (9), is fixed by means of an inwardly bent section (18) of the housing (2), with the result that the pressure sensor (1) is closed in a sealed manner. The fixing of the retaining body (9) by means of the constriction (15) means that the pressure sensor (1) is also suitable for particularly high pressures with the risk that the retaining body (9) could slip in the housing (2) due to the pressure acting on the measuring cell (4) being excluded.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 mounts on a rim 11 of a vehicle wheel 13 on which a tire 12 may be mounted. The apparatus 10 comprises a tire pressure sensor 20, a first threaded fastener 30, and a tire valve stem 40. The tire pressure sensor 20 senses the pressure in the tire 12 and has a housing 21 with a pocket 22. The first threaded fastener 30 is mounted in the pocket 22 in the housing 21 and has a first threaded portion 31 extending along an axis 100. The first threaded fastener 30 and the housing 21 have surfaces 25, 26, 35 blocking rotation of the first threaded fastener 30 about the axis 100. The tire valve stem 40 projects through a first opening 17 in the rim 11 and through a second opening 27 in the housing 21 into the pocket 22. The tire valve stem 40 has a second threaded portion 41 for threaded engagement with the first threaded portion 31 upon relative rotation of the first 31 and second threaded portions 41 about the axis 100.

Abstract: A method for producing objective, verifiable data which discovers and documents hidden prior vehicle paint and body damage by measuring paint with non-destructive instrumentation at several locations on the exterior surface of an automotive vehicle's body panels, comparing the highest and lowest of these measurements with the standard maximum and minimum measurements, and evaluating the vehicles as to the extent and location of repainting or body damage. Another step of calculating the range of the vehicle's measurements, and comparing these measurements and their range to the normal measurement variations found on new or unrepaired vehicles provides more conclusive evidence of repainting. A vehicle is then evaluated as having one or more body panels refinished if the range of measurements is greater than normal acceptable factory variation.

Abstract: A pressure port for attaching a stainless steel high pressure sensor to an automotive pressure line includes a cold rolled steel ring having a hex-shaped perimeter and a central bore, and a stainless steel stud welded in the ring. A flange of the stud abuts one face of the ring and an interlocking feature between the stud and the ring relieves stress on the weld during installation and removal of the assembly. An end of the stud extends beyond the ring and is threaded for attachment to the housing of a pressure vessel.

Abstract: An air flow rate measuring apparatus includes a casing having opposite open ends, a flow rectifier mounted within the casing at an upstream-side portion thereof with respect to a direction of flow of fluid to be measured, and at least one fluid pressure detector which is mounted within the casing, and is disposed downstream of the flow rectifier, the fluid pressure detector including at least one differential pressure detector member. The differential pressure detector member includes a pair of tubular members of an identical configuration, and each of the tubular members has a flattened shape having opposed narrow side walls and opposed wide side walls, and at least one pressure-measuring port is formed through one of the opposed narrow side walls. The differential pressure detector member further includes a pair of plug members mounted on and closing opposite open ends of each of the tubular members, respectively, one of the pair of plug members having a pressure outlet port.

Abstract: A precipitation gauge that collects liquid and frozen precipitation in a reservoir, suspended by force-sensing transducers, permitting the accurate and precise measurement of accumulated precipitation. A proportionally-heated collector assembly prevents the accumulation of frozen rain or snow on the collector inner surface, converting it into water that enters the reservoir, with minimum electrical energy consumption. The force-sensing transducer may be a programmably excited vibrating strip transducer.