Abstract: A portable apparatus for measuring characteristics of hydraulic features in rivers and streams that are unwadeable. The apparatus consists of a tripod base, a horizontal boom that articulates on the tripod, a carriage configured to travel on the boom, and a measuring rod that can be moved vertically on the carriage. These components are designed to be portable, carried by hand or in a raft, and are adapted to be assembled on rugged terrain. The measuring rod is configured to accommodate sensors to measure characteristics such as channel topography, water surface topography, air-water mixing, velocity pressure differentials, and lift and drag forces. The apparatus can be adapted for measurement and monitoring in harsh environments such as volcanic lakes, fumaroles, and hot springs. The invention can be utilized for sampling air quality, weather, water quality, fluid mechanics (gas or liquid), soils, sediments, volcanic gases and hydrothermal fluids.

Abstract: A multi-axis force analyzer and data acquisition system is disclosed. Using non-invasive structure, parts to be tested are analyzed without obstructing user access or defacing the object in any way. Accordingly, the forces required to open and close a container can be accurately and easily measured.

Abstract: A self-calibrating pressure transducer is disclosed. The device uses an embedded zirconia membrane which pumps a determined quantity of oxygen into the device. The associated pressure can be determined, and thus, the transducer pressure readings can be calibrated. The zirconia membrane obtains oxygen from the surrounding environment when possible. Otherwise, an oxygen reservoir or other source is utilized. In another embodiment, a reversible fuel cell assembly is used to pump oxygen and hydrogen into the system. Since a known amount of gas is pumped across the cell, the pressure produced can be determined, and thus, the device can be calibrated. An isolation valve system is used to allow the device to be calibrated in situ. Calibration is optionally automated so that calibration can be continuously monitored. The device is preferably a fully integrated MEMS device. Since the device can be calibrated without removing it from the process, reductions in costs and down time are realized.

Abstract: A motion sensor system for a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that uses a piezoelectric sensor to sense vibration as an indication of wheel motion. The TPMS uses the detected vibration to transition between operation modes. In one embodiment, the TPMS has a motion mode and a park mode, wherein the TPMS has increased activity (e.g. sampling tire pressure at a higher rate and transmitting tire pressure at a higher rate) during the motion mode than in the park mode.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a substrate having a top metallized pad formed on the top surface and a bottom metallized pad formed on the bottom surface. These pads are divided into segments for connection with piezoresistors. A sensing piezoresistor is formed on the substrate's top surface in order to respond to a pressure of interest. A reference piezoresistor is formed on the substrate's bottom surface to respond to a reference pressure. A conductive strip is joined between the two piezoresistors for conducting heat and electricity therebetween. A temperature measuring resistor can also be positioned on the substrate. The substrate and sensors can be positioned in a housing having electrical contacts in communication with the sensors for providing voltages in response to changing pressure differentials and temperatures.

Abstract: A multifunctional tire pressure gauge for a car functions to measure the inner temperature of the car, the voltage of the car battery and the tire pressure of the tire. Thus, when the plug is inserted into the cigarette lighter of the car, the tire pressure gauge can be used to measure the temperature of the inside of the car and the voltage of the car battery simultaneously. In addition, after the plug is removed from the cigarette lighter, the tire pressure gauge functions as a portable tire pressure gauge.

Abstract: A physical value detecting apparatus includes a housing having a concave portion; a physical value detecting device housed in the concave portion and having a substantially rectangular shape for converting a physical value into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal; a device for taking out a signal from the physical value detecting device; an adhesive member for adhering the physical value detecting device to the concave portion; and a positioning device provided on an inner wall of the concave portion for positioning the physical value detecting device. The concave portion supports the physical value detecting device at a bottom thereof via the adhesive member without contacting corner parts of the physical value detecting device.

Abstract: Ions are imparted to a tire by ion generating means to electrically charge the tire. Then, the electrically charged tire is electrically connected to an earth by earth means to discharge electric charges therefrom. Thereafter, an electrification voltage of the tire from which electric charges have been discharged is detected by electrification voltage detection means.