Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a tire deformation of a vehicle tire includes a tire pressure sensor for sensing a tire pressure, a signal processor configured to provide a signal indicating the tire deformation based on a difference between the tire pressure at a first time and the tire pressure at a second time. What is achieved thereby is that a tire deformation may efficiently be sensed.

Abstract: A technique for manufacturing an integrated pressure sensor includes a number of steps. Initially, a substrate with conductive electrical traces located on first and second sides of the substrate is provided. A plurality of compensation circuits are positioned in an array on the first side of the substrate in electrical contact with one or more of the conductive electrical traces on the first side of the substrate. A plurality of pressure sensors are positioned on the second side of the substrate in electrical contact with one or more of the conductive electrical traces on the second side of the substrate. Each one of the sensors is associated with one of the compensation circuits to form a plurality of pressure sensor-compensation circuit pairs. The substrate includes conductive vias to electrically connect each of the sensor-compensation circuit pairs. Each of the compensation circuits provides temperature compensation for an associated one of the sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing tire performance by generating accurate, timely tire-to-surface slippage information under any operational/environmental conditions and on any road and/or off-road surface without requiring instrumentation of the roadway. The approach is capable of storing generated tire-to-surface slippage information for later retrieval and analysis and/or capable of supporting dynamic, real-time collection and dissemination of generated data. One exemplary embodiment generates and disseminates tire-to-surface slippage information in real-time that is compatible with and may be formatted for use by any consumer vehicle control system as well as external test and analysis equipment.

Abstract: A sensor is described, which basically consists of a leadless high sensitivity differential transducer chip which responds to both static and dynamic pressure. Located on the transducer are two sensors. One sensor has a thicker diaphragm and responds to both static and dynamic pressure to produce an output indicative of essentially static pressure, the static pressure being of a much higher magnitude than dynamic pressure. The other sensor has a thinner diaphragm and has one side or surface responsive to both static and dynamic pressure. The other side of the differential sensor or transducer structure has a long serpentine reference tube coupled to the underneath of the diaphragm. The tube only allows static pressure to be applied on the underside of the diaphragm and because of the natural resonance frequency of the tube, the dynamic pressure is suppressed and does not, in any manner, interface with the sensor or transducer having a thinned diaphragm.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a conventional dynamic material testing system to advantageously provide uniform self-resistive specimen heating with enhanced temperature uniformity. Specifically, an anvil stack (300) in an anvil assembly (200) has a foil interface (242) with a composite layer (320A, 320B, 320C) containing, e.g., a concentrically oriented multi-component arrangement formed of an inner high strength and insulating disk (315, 325, 335) and an outer ring-shaped resistive region (313, 323, 333), situated between an anvil base (241) and an anvil top (240). An insulating member (243) electrically and thermally insulates all sides of the anvil stack from its supporting structure.

Abstract: A pressure sensor apparatus having capability of preventing invasion of foreign materials into a pressure sensor with a simplified structure includes the pressure sensor (1) for detecting pressure of a fluid for measurement, and a sensor container (2) for housing therein the pressure sensor (1). The sensor container (2) is connected to a pressure intake port (13) formed in a pipe (12) through which the fluid for measurement flows. The sensor container (2) includes a wall (17) for defining a second compartment (16) located in opposition to the pressure intake port (13) and a first compartment (15) having a pressure introducing port (14) for introducing the fluid for measurement extracted through the pressure intake port (13) to the pressure sensor (1).

Abstract: A magnetostrictive fluid-pressure sensor includes annular inner and outer cylinders, a first connector, annular second and third connectors, and first and second coils. The inner cylinder surrounds a fluid-receiving bore. At least one of the cylinders is a magnetostrictive cylinder. The first connector connects the first ends of the cylinders and has a first portion extending radially inward of the inner cylinder. The second connector connects the second ends of the cylinders and defines a fluid inlet. The third connector connects the cylinders and is positioned longitudinally between the first and second connectors. The first coil is positioned radially between the inner and outer cylinders and longitudinally between the first and third connectors. The second coil is positioned radially between the inner and outer cylinders and longitudinally between the second and third connectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting motion of a wheel comprising tyre. The apparatus comprises a pressure sensor for measuring the tyre pressure and generating a signal corresponding to the measured tyre pressure, and means for detecting a component of said signal that corresponds to, or is generated by, vibrations of the tyre. Upon detection of the signal component, the apparatus determines that the wheel is in motion. The detecting means may arranged to detect an audio signal component or signal components having a frequency in the range 200 Hz to 300 Hz.

Abstract: A multi-functional tire pressure gauge includes a housing, an air-guide seat, a diaphragm, a helical seat, an annular seat, a tread-measuring device, a display panel and an air-guiding device. The multi-functional tire pressure gauge can measure tire pressure and tread's depth simultaneously. Specifically, when the diaphragm moves up and down under the effect of the tire pressure, the helical seat converts the up-and-down motion of the diaphragm into circular motion, so that the index pointer can display tire pressure value. Furthermore, the probe extending in treads of the tire can obtain the depth of the tread.

Abstract: In an in-line type fluid pressure sensor for determining the fluid pressure in flow of a fluid circulated through a fluid flow circuit employed in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, an inner wall surface located particularly in a downstream side connection port (6) of a body member (1) of the sensor is moderately inclined in contour in longitudinal section, which makes it possible for the fluid to flow through a fluid introduction portion (9a) of the body member (1) in a smooth manner without standing in flow in the fluid introduction portion (9a). Due to this, in such a fluid introduction portion (9a), there is not any fear of occurrence of the fluid flow standing phenomenon or problem at all. This makes it possible for the in-line type fluid pressure sensor to realize a precise measurement of the fluid pressure in flow of the fluid circulated through the fluid flow circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for pressure measurement may include the ability to readily produce a pressure measurement system. In one general aspect, pressure measurement may include a signal-converting circuit that includes a coupler, a signal biaser, and a signal span adjuster. The coupler is operable to receive a pressure-representative signal, and the signal biaser includes a thermally-insensitive voltage divider that facilitates biasing the pressure-representative signal. The signal span adjuster is coupled to the coupler and the signal biaser and includes a thermally-insensitive voltage divider that facilitates adjusting the span of the pressure-representative signal.

Abstract: A preload indicating washer assembly that operates in the elastic region for a rated compression is disclosed. Because it operates in the elastic region, the preload indicating washer assembly resumes its original shape when the compression is decreased or removed. The washer assembly elastically deforms again to the same extent as its original deformation when the predetermined compression is restored. Thus the washer assembly will indicate the proper fastener preload when used for multiple loading cycles or in multiple locations.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a vessel, an electrode and a diaphragm. The vessel receives the process fluid. The electrode is integral with an inner wall of the vessel. The diaphragm extends at least partially over the electrode and is configured to move relative to the electrode in response to the pressure of the process fluid. An electrical capacitance between the electrode and the diaphragm is related to the pressure of the process fluid.

Abstract: A wind meter comprising a plurality of micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) differential pressure sensors positioned in a lobed housing, with an even number of circumferential ports arranged in an equally-spaced, circular pattern at the distal ends of the lobes of the housing, with tubes leading inward from the ports to the MEM sensors. The MEM sensors and other control system electronics are contained in the housing and are fully enclosed therein. The lobed housing structure does not impede or influence the movement of the wind as it passes and yet serves to prevent the ingress of moisture into the housing, thereby preventing fouling of the sensors. The tubular structures include an internal coating of hydrophobic material and are oriented at a slight angle from the horizontal in order to accomplish this protection. The openings at the ends of the tubular structures are positioned outside the fluid boundary layer.

Abstract: A device having integrally formed channels that prevent forces on a sensor cable from damaging a load cell such that if the cable is overloaded it will break but the strain gauge within the load cell will be protected.

Abstract: A dynamic load fixture (DLF) for testing a unit under test (UUT) includes a lateral load system that applies a time-varying lateral load profile to the UUT drive shaft and an encoder that measures its angular rotation. An isolation stage suitably constrains the encoder from rotating about the axis while allowing it to move in other directions in which the application of the lateral force induces motion. The lateral load system includes a load bearing around the drive shaft, an actuator that applies a lateral force to the load bearing, a force sensor for measuring the applied lateral force, and a lateral controller for adjusting a command signal to the actuator to implement a lateral load profile. The DLF may also include a torsion load system that applies a time-varying torsion load profile to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A test method for visual documentation of micro-cracks during tensile coupon testing includes the steps of: assembling a test unit; inserting a carbon-reinforced composite specimen having a prepared edge into the tensile coupon testing machine; illuminating the prepared edge of the specimen with a camera strobe light and a microscope light; applying a tensile load to the specimen; and capturing images (at 10% increments of the expected failing stress) of the prepared edge of the specimen with a digital camera that is attached to a stereomicroscope. Using the test method of the present invention photographic documentation of the formation and growth of micro-cracks in carbon-reinforced composite materials under tensile load is possible. The obtained data may be used to avoid or limit fatigue failure of carbon-reinforced structures used, for example, in the aerospace industry, for example, in spacecrafts and advanced military aircraft.

Abstract: Differential pressure sensor systems and methods are disclosed, including an absolute pressure sensor composed of a plurality of pressure sense die for detecting sensed media, wherein each of the pressure sense die possess a back side and a front side and are respectively associated with a plurality of varying pressures. The sensed media are applied only at the backside of the pressure sense die, thereby preventing wire bonds and active regions associated with the front side of the pressure sense die from exposure to sensed media and attack from acids and abrasive chemicals associated with the sensed media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a yarn processing system, comprising a yarn feeder (F), a textile machine (M), at least one controlled yarn brake (B) and a tensiometer, which senses the yarn downstream of said yarn brake, for at least measuring the yarn tension (g). According to said invention, the tensiometer (T) is permanently arranged within the yarn path, can be adjusted between a passive position (I) and at least one deflection position (II, III) and can be readjusted from said detection position (II, III) to the passive position (I) after a number of weft cycles, which number suffices to represent at least the proper adjustment of a yarn tension target profile.

Abstract: Process for contacting diaphragm electrode (6) for pressure-measuring configuration. Connection of diaphragm (3) on which diaphragm electrode (6) is positioned to base (1) by connecting element (2) made of electrically insulating material running between the two. Base exhibits throughplating hole (7, 10) between attachment point (8) and connecting point (9) for electrically insulating material, and connecting element (2) exhibits connecting element throughplating (11) between connecting point (9) and diaphragm or diaphragm electrode. Conductive contact material (13) is provided in throughplating hole (7, 10). Contact material (13) is activated by heating. Throughplating (11) is prepared through connecting element (2) without forming opening that weakens material and without needing to align diaphragm, connecting element, and base with respect to throughplating holes.