Abstract: An apparatus measures a supporting force of ferroconcrete piles by means of a bi-directional front end oil pressure loading apparatus using a high pressure loading system capable of measuring a supporting force, a sinking amount and an axis load distribution on the ferroconcrete piles.

Abstract: A method of making a force sensor, the force sensor being particularly sensitive the axial component of a force applied along a predetermined axis, of the type including a force-receiving membrane deformable by an applied force to be sensed, the method comprising: providing the force sensor with a body of a liquid, and with a second membrane separated from said force-receiving membrane by the body of liquid; applying the force to be sensed to the center of the force-receiving membrane to thereby pressurize the liquid according to the magnitude and axis of the force applied to the force-receiving membrane; and measuring the deformation of the second membrane; wherein the force-receiving membrane is of a non-undulating configuration in its normal condition and is deformable, by a force applied to its center at an oblique angle to its surface, into an undulating configuration, to include an inwardly-bowed section on one side of its center, and an outwardly-bulged section on the opposite side of its center, such

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure in harsh environments such as the air pressure in a tire formed on a wafer substrate. Associated circuitry deposited in CMOS layers on the wafer substrate has a conductive layer at least partially overlying the associated circuitry, the conductive layer forming a first electrode of the capacitative sensor. A conductive membrane at least partially overlies the conductive layer, and is spaced from it to form a second electrode of the capacitative sensor. The conductive membrane has one side exposed to the fluid pressure and the conductive layer is sealed from the fluid pressure by the conductive membrane such that, the associated circuitry converts the deflection of the conductive membrane into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure. The conductive membrane is at least partially formed from a ceramic material to provide corrosion and wear resistance.

Abstract: A testing module for destructively testing the crush strength of objects. Radially arranged fingers are moved against the object by rotation of a cam ring engaged against cam followers on the fingers. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the cam ring, to rotate the cam ring. A load cell in one of the fingers records the force applied to the object until the object fails structurally.

Abstract: Increased distributed capacitance for an NMR resonant probe coil is obtained by a surrounding conducting surface which is congruent to and spaced from the major portion of the RF current density distribution on the surface of the inductive component of the resonator. This surface is interrupted with one or more gaps to avoid or control circulating currents on the conducting surface which reflect the circulating currents of the inductive component.