Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure determining unit configured for determining a pressure of a fluid. The pressure determining unit comprises a body structure and a deformation detector. The body structure has a fluidic path configured for conducting the fluid, wherein the body structure has a first surface in a first dimension and in a second dimension, and a thickness in a third dimension. The deformation detector is configured for responding to an elongation into the second dimension of the first surface of the body structure by generating a signal indicative of a value of the pressure of the fluid in the body structure. The fluidic path of the body structure comprises one or more first channel segments, each first channel segment having a height into the third dimension being at least twice of its width into the second dimension.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to tire characterization systems and methods for combining direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and tire resonance analysis in indirect tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) for the extraction of tire characteristics to characterize other tire parameters. In embodiments, iTPMS and methods that utilize anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensed signals coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) that may comprise circuitry and/or controllers to process the sensed signals using a resonance frequency analysis (RFA) technique can be combined with direct tire pressure sensor measurements from direct TPMS systems. Because direct TPMS systems deliver a precise value of a tire characteristic (for example, tire pressure), one of the unknown parameters that influence the resonance effects can be removed.

Abstract: A road classification system for determining a road surface condition includes a model having as an input changes in the measured axle vertical acceleration of the vehicle. The model further uses a sensor-measured tire inflation pressure and a tire construction type ascertained from a tire-based identification tag.

Abstract: An acoustic disdrometer is provided for measuring precipitation. The acoustic disdrometer has an acoustic transducer positioned within an acoustic chamber defined by an acoustic shell. Precipitation impacting the acoustic shell generates sound waves that are collected by the acoustic transducer for processing.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for testing and maintaining hydraulic tools and, in particular, devices and methods for testing and maintaining hydraulic forcible entry tools that are used to forcibly open locked doors, for example, in emergency situations.

Abstract: A vehicle tire deformation device for determining the size of a deformed contact patch of a tire which contacts the ground, said device comprising a movement detector connected to an attachment body by means of a moveable indicator element wherein both the movement detector and the attachment body are attachable to an inside surface of the tire, and wherein the size of the deformed contact patch of the tire is determined by the detector sensing a change in angle of the moveable indicator element indicating the border between the deformed contact patch of the tire and a non deformed part of the tire which is not in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A ceramic pressure sensor is described which is produced using an alternative production method and has a ceramic base body, a ceramic measuring membrane which is disposed on the base body and is to be charged with a pressure to be measured, and a pressure measuring chamber enclosed in the base body below the measuring membrane. A method to produce the pressure sensor by means of which, in particular, more complex shapes of the measuring membrane and/or the base body are producible with minimal pores wherein the base body and/or the measuring membrane have layers applied on each other in a 3-D printing method and produced by the selective laser melting of nanopowder layers.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a bonding strength test device measures bonding strength between a flexure of a suspension of a hard disk drive and microactuators mounted on a gimbal of the flexure. The bonding strength test device includes a clamp, dummy, and device body. The clamp fixes the flexure. The dummy is adhered to the microactuators. The probe is engaged in the dummy. The device body measures a tensile load applied to the probe while the probe is pulled toward a direction to be apart from the flexure.

Abstract: A system for controlling the position of a diaphragm in a diaphragm-containing pressure pod, is provided. The system can include a peristaltic pump, a pressure pod having a flow-through fluid side and a gas side that are separated by a diaphragm, and a pressure sensor operatively connected to the gas side. The pressure sensor is configured to sense pulses of pressure resulting from movement of the diaphragm and caused by the action of the peristaltic pump. A gas source and a valve can be in fluid communication with the gas side of the pressure pod and can be configured to provide gas to, or vent gas from, the gas side. A controller receives pressure signals from the pressure sensor and controls the valve in response, and in so doing, controls the position of the diaphragm. Methods for positioning the diaphragm are also included.

Abstract: A method for measuring the backlash of a gear train includes the steps of providing a gear train with an input end and an output end, spinning the input end of the gear train while loading the output end of the gear train with torque, and executing at least one round of measurement. The round of measurement includes the steps of measuring the rotational speed and/or angular position of the input end of the gear train and providing a first signal, measuring the rotational speed and/or angular position of the output end of the gear train and providing a second signal, and comparing the first and second signals with each other.

Abstract: A smartphone-operated air pressure meter and system includes an air pressure meter having a pair of input channels that are each connected to a pressure chamber and pressure sensor. A control unit is included with the pressure meter for receiving air pressure data and for transmitting the same. The system also includes an airflow balancing application that generates one or more application icons, and calculates airflow information. The airflow information can include the received pressure data alone, or pressure data that has been applied to a mathematical algorithm, along with environmental data.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pressure measuring cell, which has a ceramic platform and a ceramic measuring membrane, wherein the measuring membrane is joined with the platform pressure tightly by an active hard solder, or braze, wherein the method includes: providing the platform, the measuring membrane and the active hard solder, or braze, positioning the active hard solder, or braze, between the platform and the measuring membrane; melting the active hard solder, or braze, by irradiating the active hard solder, or braze, by a laser, wherein the irradiating of the active hard solder, or braze, occurs through the measuring membrane; and letting the active hard solder, or braze, solidify by cooling.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a pressure sensor element; a metal adapter integrally attached to the pressure sensor element and defining therein a hole through which a pressure of a fluid to be measured is introduced to the pressure sensor element; a metal fitting member provided with a housing recess receiving the adapter and connectable to a connected member; and an operation member pressing a valve provided to the connected member and defining a communicating path through which a flow path, in which the pressure of the fluid to be measured is introduced, is in communication with the hole of the adapter. The adapter and the fitting member are connected to each other by plastic deformation. The operation member is a synthetic resin member including: a contact portion brought into contact with the adapter; and a pressing portion provided on a side opposite to the contact portion to press the valve.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a position of an effective surface of the sensor includes a first magnetic field generator, a magnetic tunnel resistor, and a second magnetic field generator. The first magnetic field generator generates a first magnetic field that is oriented in an axis of a movement direction of the effective surface. The magnetic tunnel resistor is spaced from the first magnetic field generator in the extension of the axis. The magnetic tunnel resistor has a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a tunnel barrier. The tunnel barrier is arranged between the first layer and the second layer, and the first layer is electrically insulated from the second layer. The second magnetic field generator is configured to generate a second magnetic field that is oriented transversally to the axis. The second magnetic field generator is oriented in a fixed manner relative to the tunnel resistor.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection apparatus includes a main body. A sealing structure attached to the main body seals against an internal surface of the pipeline. An imaging module includes a camera and a light source. The light source is arranged to emit light in a direction towards the internal surface of the pipeline. The camera is arranged such that, in use, the camera captures image data of the internal surface of the pipeline. Control circuitry includes a power supply and memory for storing data captured by said camera, wherein the sealing structure forms a seal against the internal surface of the pipeline such that, in use, a fluid flowing along the pipeline applies a driving force to the pipeline inspection apparatus to propel the apparatus along the pipeline.

Abstract: Pressure measurement system (e.g., for an extracorporeal treatment system), method and pressure pod apparatus including a position sensor for use in repositioning a diaphragm that separates a liquid side cavity from a transducer side cavity (e.g., operatively connected to a pressure transducer); the liquid side cavity being in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: A pressure sensor with double measuring scale includes: a flexible body designed to undergo deflection as a function of a the pressure; piezoresistive transducers for detecting the deflection; a first focusing region designed to concentrate, during a first operating condition, a first value of the pressure in a first portion of the flexible body so as to generate a deflection of the first portion of the flexible body; and a second focusing region designed to concentrate, during a second operating condition, a second value of said pressure in a second portion of the flexible body so as to generate a deflection of the second portion of the flexible body. The piezoresistive transducers correlate the deflection of the first portion of the flexible body to the first pressure value and the deflection of the second portion of the flexible body to the second pressure value.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to generating a signal indicative of a differential pressure using a first absolute pressure sensor and a second absolute pressure sensor, each having a positive relation transducer configured to generate an electrical signal that increases in response to increasing pressure and a negative relation transducer configured to generate an electrical signal that decreases in response to increasing pressure. The first and second positive relation transducers of the first and second absolute pressure sensors, respectively, are electrically connected as a first leg of a Wheatstone bridge at a first output node. The first and second negative relation transducers of the first and second absolute pressure sensors, respectively, are electrically connected as a second leg of a Wheatstone bridge at a second output node. Both positive and both negative relation transducers are connected to a first and a second bias node of the Wheatstone bridge, respectively.

Abstract: A pressure sensor and methods of making a pressure sensor are described. In preferred embodiments, the pressure sensor is designed for low-pressure and high-sensitivity applications. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor comprises: a frame made from a single-crystal silicon starting material, the frame surrounding a cavity; a diaphragm that covers the cavity, the diaphragm constructed from a separate layer of material deposited on the single-crystal silicon starting material; a support structure that spans the diaphragm wherein the support structure is formed from the single-crystal starting material; and, a piezoresistor formed across an intersection of the frame and the support structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for simultaneously injecting fluids into a plurality of samples of porous media, comprising: a plurality of holders for the samples of porous media, each holder comprising a sleeve and first and second platens, the first platen having an inlet for an injection fluid and the second platen having an outlet for a produced fluid, and the samples of porous media being arranged, in use, in each of the holders such that the first platen and second platen of each holder contact a first and second end of the sample of porous medium respectively, the inlet of each first platen being in fluid communication with an injection line for injecting fluid into the sample of porous medium arranged in the holder, the outlet of each second platen being in fluid communication with a dedicated effluent line for removing fluid produced from the sample of porous medium arranged in the holder, on-line and/or off-line analytical means for analyzing the fluids injected into each of the samples of po