Abstract: A piezoresistive pressure and/or strain sensor micro-machined primarily from plastic and/or glass. In one illustrative embodiment, the piezoresistive pressure sensor is formed on a polymer substrate. A first selectively implanted region is provided in the polymer substrate to create a piezoresistive region in the polymer substrate. A second selectively implanted region is then provided in at least part of the first selectively implanted region to modulate the electrical conductivity of the first selectively implanted region. The illustrative sensor may be selectively implanted with, for example, nitrogen to create the piezoresistive region, and boron to modulate the electrical conductivity of the piezoresistive region. Phosphorus or any other suitable material may also be used to modulate the electrical conductivity of the piezoresistive region, as desired.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a subsonic wind tunnel capable for accurately maintaining a desired Mach number, pressure and temperature for use in aerothermal testing of materials. The invention allows the Mach number to be precisely controlled in the test section of the wind tunnel by employing a restricted outlet acting as a sonic throat for the wind tunnel. In the preferred embodiment, the restricted outlet is constructed to be variable in cross sectional area allowing a range of Mach numbers to be tested. The variable outlet is varied during the operation of the wind tunnel so that an actual trajectory with changing Mach numbers, pressure, and temperature is simulated.

Abstract: An illuminated rain gauge comprising an elongated, transparent collection vessel or tube having upper and lower ends with the lower end thereof being closed by a plug and which has a funnel-shaped collector at the upper end thereof. The plug has a battery compartment formed therein for receiving a DC battery power source. A pair of LEDs are operatively connected to the battery power source and are positioned on the plug so as to direct light upwardly therefrom to illuminate the rain gauge. The electronic circuitry of the gauge is positioned within the plug and is controlled by a remote IF control device which signals an IF receiver positioned on the plug. The LEDs direct light onto the collection vessel so that the rainfall amounts may be determined during periods of darkness.

Abstract: A device is described for determining the torque which is applied to a turbine shaft (10), the determination device having at least one system for contactless measurement of the integral torsion of the turbine shaft (10) and a unit for contactless measurement of the restoring constant of the turbine shaft (10). Furthermore, a method is described for determining the torque which is applied to the low-pressure turbine shaft (10) of a turbine engine, which is distinguished in that, to determine the torque, the integral torsion of the turbine shaft is measured by a contactless method and the restoring constant of the turbine shaft is measured.

Abstract: An array of three-axis magnetometers used for dynamic magnetic anomaly compensation are located at the corners of a parallelopiped, with pairs of magnetometer outputs used to derive a magnetic anomaly gradient vector used to compensate a compass and/or the output of a gyroscope in an inertial management unit. The system may be used in a neutrally buoyant remotely operated vehicle to permit ascertaining of course and position in the absence of surface control signals.

Abstract: A method and system for calculation of rotation dependent parameters in a system that senses shaft rotation of a toothed speed wheel. The method includes determining the passing edges of multiple gear teeth on a rotating speed wheel; calculating rotational speed of the rotating machine based on the passing edges of multiple gear teeth of the speed wheel; calculating a rotation independent tooth spacing correction factor for each gear tooth on the rotating wheel; and correcting the calculated rotational speed of the rotating machine using the tooth corrections.

Abstract: A rotational angle detecting sensor has a cylindrical housing including an end wall at a first end thereof. A covering member covers the second open end of the housing. A rotary shaft extends through the end wall of the housing and includes a large-diameter portion having a shoulder surface and rotatably received in the housing. A rotational angle detector is disposed between the inner surface of the covering member and the end surface of the large-diameter portion of the rotary shaft. An actuate groove is formed in the inner surface of the end wall of the housing concentrically with the rotary shaft. A stopper pin is attached to the shoulder surface of the large-diameter portion of the rotary shaft so as to be movable in the groove. The stopper pin abuts against the circumferential ends of the groove, thereby limiting the rotational range of the stopper pin.

Abstract: An acoustic pressure sensor includes a stack of one or more acoustically responsive elements which are contained within a housing. An external acoustic pressure to be sensed is transmitted to the stack via a diaphragm which exists in an end cap closing a top portion of the housing. The outer edge of the diaphragm is in direct contact with the outer edge of the housing. This area enhancement increases the basic sensitivity of the sensing stack without the need of a gap. The diaphragm allows flexure to occur in a controlled fashion. The housing is sealed at the top and bottom by end caps, the top end cap defining a diaphragm area, which diaphragm deflects to thereby apply pressure to the stack to convert acoustic signals into electrical signals.

Abstract: Sensors, including fiber optic sensors and their umbilicals, are mounted on support structures designed to be retro-fitted to in-place structures, including subsea structures. The sensor support structures are designed to monitor structure conditions, including strain, temperature, and in the instance of pipelines, the existence of production slugs. Moreover the support structures are designed for installation in harsh environments, such as deep water conditions using remotely operated vehicles.

Abstract: After it is tightened with a snug torque TA, a bolt is tuned by a total turning angle ?S equivalent to the sum of an initial-set turning angle ?A and a corrective additional-turning angle (?B+?C). The corrective additional-turning angle (?B+?C) is the sum of a first corrective additional-turning angle ?B and a second corrective additional-turning angle ?C, the first corrective additional-turning angle ?B being to compensate for a situation where a bolt turning angle ?22 corresponding to the snug torque ?A on an extension line of the bolt tightening torque properties C2 in a late tightening stage II is different from a bolt turning angle ?11 corresponding to the actual snug torque TA, the second corrective additional-turning angle ?C being to compensate for a decrease of an effective bolt axial force that is caused by an existence of the initial tightening stage I.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying defects in a repair patch applied to a structure are provided. The system includes a sheet of material configured to be attached to the structure, and a mechanism operable to generate stress waves within and along the sheet of material. The system also includes a plurality of non-destructive sensors carried by the sheet of material. Each sensor is capable of detecting the stress waves. The system further includes a data acquisition system capable of communicating with the sensors such that the data acquisition system is also capable of generating information indicative of at least a portion of the sheet of material based on the data detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A method for determining deformations of a body by which the effect of forces on the body is analyzed, including determining the way an equilibrium of forces between internal and external forces for a whole body or a part of it dependent on the material properties and the external boundary conditions comes about, by determining the deformations such that all acting forces are represented by the formula fext+msyst+mA+fs(ext)+ms(syst)=0.

Abstract: A pressure sensor, which is mounted on a vehicle for detecting a collision, has a detecting part for detecting a change of pressure and a housing for housing the detecting part therein. The housing is located in a hollow body defined in a part of the vehicle. The housing forms a passage hole for allowing communication between an inside of the housing and the hollow body. The passage hole has a first end opening adjacent to the detecting part and a second end opposite to the first end. The second end is located lower than the first end. The passage hole defines a passage area that increases from the first end toward the second end.

Abstract: A strain detector for in-situ lift-out, comprises a nano-manipulator probe shaft; a strain gauge mounted on the probe shaft; and a first cut-out on the probe shaft. The first cut-out has a rectangular cross-section. There is a second cut-out on the probe shaft; the second cut-out having a semicircular cross-section. The second cut-out is positioned on the shaft opposite from the first cut-out; the first and second cut-out, thus defining a thinned region in the probe. The strain gauge is mounted on the probe shaft at the location of the thinned region. There is detecting circuitry for detecting, amplifying and conditioning the output of the strain gauge; and, wires electrically connecting the strain gauge to the detection circuitry. The wires are preferably located in a trench in the probe shaft. Other embodiments are disclosed having multiple strain gauges and detectors.

Abstract: A preformed sensor housing including a conduit having an inside; a plug disposed within the conduit; and a deposit covering a portion of the plug and a portion of the conduit. A method is also disclosed for creating a thin film diaphragm on a housing including the step of inserting a sacrificial element into the housing; depositing a diaphragm material onto the sacrificial element and the housing; and removing the sacrificial element.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device includes a local terminal and a measuring element installed at a predetermined distance from the local terminal. The local terminal includes a first measuring unit for measuring a first human body temperature, a signal processing unit for receiving and converting the first human body temperature, a display unit coupled to the signal processing unit for displaying the converted first human body temperature, and a first interface unit coupled to the signal processing unit.

Abstract: A variable capacitance measuring device can comprise any one or more features in various different embodiments allow a reliable, compact device to be achieved. A capacitor electrode, a gettering housing, and pinch-off connector may be aligned along a common axis may reduce width dimensions without a substantial increase in length. Temperature-induced variations may be reduced by selecting materials that have coefficients of thermal expansion relatively closer to one another. Substantially varying topologies for ceramic-metal interfaces may reduce the likelihood of external contaminants from reaching the evacuated portion of the device. A tube can be used between the capacitor portion and a gettering housing to isolate external forces and getter activation heat from the sensor. The same tube also reduces heat loss from a heated sensor and protects the electronics from overheating. Embodiments also include processes for using and forming the devices.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the measurement of stress-strain relationships in thin films using substantially flat, parallel test surfaces with minimal width. This invention is further directed to the measurement of stress-strain relationships in thin films at controlled temperatures and at high strain rates above 100% per second.

Abstract: A torque sensor packaging system and method includes a torque member that includes one or more holes formed therein for receiving one or more respective fasteners associated with a sensing element. The sensing element can be connected to the torque member to the sensing element in order to transfer torque associated with the torque member to the sensing element for torque sensing operations thereof.

Abstract: An easily packaged torque monitoring system accurately captures driveline torque data for use by engine, transmission or other vehicle controllers. The torque monitoring system utilizes a structural member to hydraulically connect a driving member with a driven member. A pressure-sensing device is operatively connected with a fluid chamber in the structural member through which the driving member drives the driven member. The pressure-sensing device senses a pressure level within the chamber. The amount of torque transmitted from the driving member to the driven member is directly linearly related to the sensed pressure. In one embodiment, the pressure-sensing device is a surface acoustic wave sensor in contact with the hydraulic fluid that wirelessly relays a sensor signal (i.e., a signal with a value corresponding with sensed pressure and thus with torque) to a controller.