Abstract: A thermo-sensitive flow rate sensor having a flow rate detecting device comprising: a plate-like substrate; a heating element and a temperature compensating element constituted by thermo-sensitive resistance films and formed on a top surface of the substrate in such a way as to be spaced apart from each other; and a low heat capacity portion formed by removing partially an area, in which the heating element is formed, of the substrate from a back surface side thereof. This thermo-sensitive flow rate sensor is used for measuring the flow velocity or flow rate of a measurement fluid according to a heat transfer phenomenon where a heat is transferred from the heating element or from a portion heated by the heating element to the measurement fluid.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring a fluid pressure, comprising a pressure sensor portion (10), which is devised for accommodation in a recess (12), which is open at least at one end, wherein the pressure sensor portion (10) in relation to the recess (12) is to be dimensioned in such a way that the pressure sensor portion (10) is surrounded by a gap (14) for receiving fluid, wherein first and second surfaces (16a, 16b, 18a, 18b), which are situated on the pressure sensor portion (10) and in contact with fluid, are so dimensioned and aligned that forces, which are exerted by the fluid pressure on the first surfaces (16a, 16b) and push the pressure sensor portion (10) in the direction of the open end of the recess, are equal to or lower than the forces, which are exerted by the fluid pressure on the second surfaces (18a, 18b) and push the pressure sensor portion (10) away from the open end of the recess (12).

Abstract: An ink ejection device capable of canceling pressure wave vibrations remaining in ink after the ink has been ejected, regardless of the temperature of the ink. In response to a one-dot print command, the volume of the corresponding ink channel is increased (AS) then decreased (AE) after an interval 1.0 T (T is the time required for a pressure wave to propagate once across the length of the ink channel), causing ink to eject. After an interval of 0.75 T, the volume of the ink channel is again increased (BS) and then decreased (BE) after an interval 1.0 T, causing ink to eject again. After a pulse interval d2, determined according to the temperature of the ink, a non-ejection pulse signal C having a pulse width of 0.5 T is generated to cancel the pressure wave vibrations in the ink. For example, d2 is set to 2.45 T when ink temperature is between 0 and 10° C.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the flow rate of flowing, in particular liquid media using the Coriolis measurement principle, in which a measuring tube flowed through by the medium can be set vibrating and the deflection of the measuring tube is measured at at least two different measuring points via sensors and the flow rate can be determined from the amplitude and further vibration parameters with the aid of an electric evaluation unit. In this case, a further sensor is arranged at the site of vibration generation and the two other sensors are placed at sites which are arranged symmetrically with regard to their distance, referred to the tube section of the measuring tube, from the site of vibration generation. The evaluation unit contains logic means which, in the event of failure of one of the sensors, on the one hand report this, and on the other hand simulate the defective sensor in terms of evaluation by interpolation until the defective sensor is replaced.

Abstract: A method and appartus for measuring volumetric flow through a duct without knowing the viscosity of the fluid is provided. A dual rotor turbine volumetric flow meter is operably connected to a duct having fluid flowing therethrough. The dual rotor turbine has a temperature gauge, a first rotor and a second rotor with at least one of said first rotor and said second rotor having a non-linear response to fluid flow. The dual rotor turbine volumetric flow meter is calibrated by deriving a Roshko/Strouhal number curve therefor. During measurement, a first rotor frequency and a second rotor frequency are determined. The second rotor frequency is divided by the first rotor frequency to derive a frequency ratio which is then used to calculate a combined Roshko number. A combined Strouhal number is derived by using the combined Roshko number in conjunction with the Roshko/Strouhal number curve. The volumetric flow rate is calculated using the combined Strouhal number.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter arrangement is disclosed, having a measuring tube (2), a coil arrangement (3, 4) for generating a magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow through the measuring tube (2), an electrode arrangement (5, 6) substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow and to the magnetic field, an evaluating device and a testing device. In this connection, it is desirable to be able to carry out testing in a simple manner. For that purpose, the testing device comprises a elements (10-13) for applying voltage to the coil arrangement (3, 4) without generating a magnetic field, and an element for determining an ohmic and/or inductive and/or capacitive coupling between the coil arrangement (3, 4) and the coil evaluating device.

Abstract: A tire sensor assembly that is embedded in an elastomeric tire at a particular radial depth inwardly from a contact patch of the tire includes a flexible generally pyramid-shaped body and a pair of first strain sensors disposed on first opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body, the first strain sensors detecting a force in a first direction. In addition, the assembly includes a pair of second strain sensors disposed on second opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body, the second strain sensors detecting a force in a second direction. Moreover, each face of the first and second opposed faces is non-planar. Preferably, the first and second opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body are curved and generally symmetrical about an axis extending longitudinally through the apex of the body so as to allow adjustment of the sensitivity of the sensor assembly generally independent of the radial depth.

Abstract: In droplet deposition apparatus comprising one or more independently actuable ink ejection chambers, electrical signals are applied to reduce variation in the temperature of the droplet fluid between chambers and with variations in droplet ejection input data. Short potential difference pulses, suitable for influencing the temperature of the droplet fluid in a chamber, can be generated by application of longer duration voltages to ink chamber actuation means.

Abstract: A pressure signal from a differential pressure transducer is dynamically compensated for error, such as zero point drift, due to time passage or temperature change. A processor associated with a pressure transducer employs an algorithm to continuously monitor the pressure signal to determine when signal characteristics indicate zero signal level. Then the algorithm determines a current correction factor or updates a previously determined correction factor, and records the current correction factor in a non-volatile memory as a function of ambient temperature. When the signal characteristics indicate other than a zero signal level, such as when differential pressure is non-zero, the algorithm recalls from memory and applies the most recently determined correction factor for a corresponding ambient temperature. Suitable time intervals for determining a current correction factor are found by monitoring the process signal and seeking those time periods when the signal is both calm and quiet, i.e.

Abstract: A free fall sensor for detecting a falling state of portable electronic equipment such as notebook personal computers includes a movable electrode including a plurality of moving portions disposed on a circumference at regular intervals so as to be equidistant from a central axis, a fixed electrode disposed outside the movable electrode so as to be brought into contact with and separated from the movable electrode, an inertial member located inside the moving portions of the movable electrode, and a buffer preventing the inertial member from contacting the fixed electrode so that the moving portions serving as movable electrodes are held between the fixed electrode and the inertial member thereby to be prevented from being pressed or rolled. The central axis makes a right angle with a direction of gravity.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head comprising: a nozzle orifice for jetting ink; an ink chamber communicating with the nozzle; a diaphragm for pressurizing ink in the ink chamber; a piezoelectric thin film on the diaphragm; and an electrode for the piezoelectric thin film wherein the piezoelectric thin film and the electrode are patterned to the same shape.

Abstract: A flow meter and method for determining the corrected flow rate of a liquid falling into a predetermined class of liquids based on its viscosity and density is disclosed. The flow meter comprises a flow sensor for measuring an uncorrected flow rate of the liquid, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the liquid, and a microprocessor for calculating the corrected flow rate based on the liquids predetermined class and the measured temperature. The flow sensor can include a restriction in the fluid flow path, first and second pressure sensors positioned one on each side of the restriction and a temperature sensor. The first and second pressure sensors measure the drop in fluid pressure created by the restriction and the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the liquid. By basing the corrected flow rate calculation on the predetermined class of the liquid, the calculation becomes a closed form solution that is deterministic providing for quick and accurate corrected flow rate calculation.

Abstract: A manufacturing process that prevents stress between a titanium flow tube and a surrounding steel balance bar due to a brazing operation. A straight tube Coriolis flowmeter having a titanium flow tube is surrounded by a balance bar having separate longitudinal halves. The balance bar halves are connected to each other by an elongated side channel on each side of the balance bar halves. The elongated side channels are radially spaced apart from the balance bar halves but connected to the balance bar halves by means of tubular pegs which extend into holes in the side channels. The flow tube is joined by brazing via connecting rings to the balance bar halves and to an inner end of the pegs. The radially outer end of the pegs are inserted into the holes in the side channels and welded. Circular welds and slots in the side channels reduce axial shrinkage of the side channels as the welds cool. This prevents axial stress on the flow tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material testing device. The device includes a load frame and pressure vessel (16) which comprises a dual test space having an open section (22) and a pressure vessel cavity (24). The pressure vessel cavity (24) accepts an axisymmetric triaxial module (18) which can be configured with or without instrumentation means (60) and with or without a mounted membrane (52). In the preferred embodiment, an actuator (40) is mounted below the open section of the load frame and a reaction rod (42) is mounted so that it extends below the top of the pressure vessel cavity. In triaxial (pressurized) testing, the specimen under test (36) is positioned by lifting with the actuator (40) until it begins loading the reaction rod (42), at which point the role of the actuator changes from specimen positioning to specimen testing.

Abstract: A flow meter comprises a housing with a tube, a floater inside the tube, and a permanent magnet embracing the housing. The volume of a fluid being passed through the tube defines the height of the floater position in the tube. The floater is equipped with a rotation coil and bulb connected thereto. Rotating the floater in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet under the influence of a fluid induces a voltage in the coil, and the bulb is turned on making reading volume values easier and more convenient.

Abstract: An assembly for measuring fluid flow is provided having a base plate with an upstanding wall and a cut-out opening. A pivot shaft extends from the wall and a swinging arm is attached to the pivot shaft. At the lower end of the arm is a barrel shaft which supports a rotatable barrel. The base plate may be supported by legs and the assembly can then be positioned over an open stream of fluid. The arm is then swung down until the barrel enters the fluid. Alternatively, the assembly may be located above a top opening in a pipe containing a flowing stream of fluid. In this case, the arm and barrel will swing down through both the base plate cut-out opening and the pipe top opening. The moving fluid causes rotation of the barrel which is detected by a barrel rotation sensor. The sensor sends electronic signals to a signal processor which produces fluid velocity data. The arm may have an angular position sensor which will also deliver electronic signals to the signal processor.

Abstract: A compound meter assembly (10) has a housing (15, 17, 19), a high volume flow meter (14) disposed in a main flow passageway (22) for detecting a flow rate of relatively higher volume flows and a low volume flow meter (12) disposed in the secondary flow passageway (29) for detecting a flow rate of relatively lower volume flows. A flow distributor (70) is disposed in the inlet and disposed adjacent the entrance (27) into the secondary flow passageway from the main passageway, said flow distributor (70) having a central opening (71) for receiving the main flow and having flow ports (72) disposed around its circumference for allowing portions of the main flow to flow towards interior walls (26) of the housing (15, 17, 19) such that the flow is better distributed across a cross section of the main passageway (22) to maintain the accuracy of the meter at a crossover region (61, 62) between low flows being metered by the low volume flow meter (12) and high flows being metered by the high volume flow meter (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a physical quantity or parameter includes a housing having a supportably mounted shaft member. A first end of the shaft member is placed in proximity with the output of a displacement device which is responsive to a change in the physical quantity. A ribbon spring member is coaxially disposed and wound helically about the supported shaft member, one end of the spring member being attached to the shaft and a remaining end to a supporting structure. Based on a change in the physical quantity, (pressure, velocity, temperature, etc.), the output of the displacement device engages the shaft member, which axially displaces and rotates due to the constraint of the ribbon spring member. The rotation of the shaft member produces a corresponding angular deflection of an attached pointer relative to readable indicia.

Abstract: A machine, apparatus and method for testing tires with increased accuracy and reliability is disclosed. A flat belt tire tester employs a wheel and tire to be tested about an axis, whereby the tire is positioned above and upon the surface of a flat belt. A spindle and/or spindle extension is used for calibrating the machine, and forces are applied in a mechanical couple, providing a resulting force that is acceptable for calibration purposes. Once calibrated, the machine is capable of more reliably testing tires with accurate results. A numerical matrix is constructed by taking force measurements along each axis in a three axis system (X, Y and Z axes). An apparatus for reliably calibrating the machine and correcting for slight deviations (i.e., errors) in transducer readings by constructing an accurate matrix of correction factors is disclosed.

Abstract: An on-line sensor mount assembly for monitoring one or more physical properties of a particulate material that is free flowing in the ductwork of a processing installation. The sensor mount assembly includes a vertical housing with an upwardly open inlet opening and a uniform vertical sensing passage/chamber. An outlet opening is located at the lower end of the housing. A flow metering apparatus is installed at the lower end of the housing and includes a flow metering element positioned in blocking relationship between the sensing chamber and the outlet opening. Continuous operation of the flow metering element transports material from the sensing chamber through the outlet opening at a regulated rate. This assures that the sensing chamber is full and that there is a uniform flow of material past one or more sensor elements installed on the housing and positioned to monitor the particulate material passing through the sensing chamber.