Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for evaluating an adhesive layer such as a tack coat. In one embodiment, a portable apparatus is provided to test a tack coat layer prior to applying an overlay. The portable apparatus includes a tripod configuration placed on a surface, a plate conformed to the surface by a load and a torque wrench-applying a pull-off force to test the strength of the surface. In other embodiments, a portable apparatus is provided to test a tack coat layer prior to applying an overlay, where the portable apparatus does not include support members.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an automated machine for testing the physical properties of spherical objects. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a firing mechanism that includes an inner and outer barrel. An object inside the firing mechanism is propelled towards a striking surface that faces the firing mechanism. Two sensors located at predetermined points between the firing mechanism and the striking surface measure the inbound and outbound velocity of the object. A computing device then uses an algorithm to determine the COR of a given set of objects. An angular device uses gravity to direct the objects to a retrieval chute, which uses a tubing system to direct the objects for re-testing or collection.

Abstract: A pressure indicating structure comprising (1) a translucent or transparent sheet including reflective structure defining at least a portion of a second surface of that sheet for reflecting back through a first opposite surface of the sheet light entering the sheet through its first surface, that reflective structure comprising a multiplicity of peak portions and recessed portions having recessed surface portions of the second surface that define recesses from the peak portions; and (2) a deformable layer comprising pressure sensitive adhesive having a major surface along the second surface of the sheet over the peak portions of the reflective structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force measuring transducer with an oscillator (1) with an inductor (2) formed by a primary winding and a gauge (11) with a secondary winding (30) which is connected electroconductively to the gauge (11) and which is disposed in transformer coupling with the inductor (2) of the oscillator (1). Action of a force on the gauge (11) changes the impedance of the gauge (11) and the load of the inductively coupled secondary winding (30). An evaluation circuit (14) is used to determine the resulting frequency change of the oscillator (1) which is proportional to the force acting on the gauge (11).

Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide a novel load cell which measures the force applied to, for example, an oarlock, without alteration to the boat and with minimal requirements for installation, use and maintenance. The force sensing system comprises (i) a force sensor, (ii) a load member to which a load is applied and (iii) a support member contacting a support, the force sensor deflecting when transmitting a force between the load member and the support member; wherein the load member and support member are concentric tubes and form, with the force sensor, a unitary assembly.

Abstract: The optical pressure-sensing system essentially comprises a light source, a resonant cavity and a detector, where the light source is used for generating a light with a predetermined wavelength, the resonant cavity includes a stationary wall with a stationary plane and a movable wall with a movable plane, and the detector is used for detecting a resonated light generated in the resonant cavity by resonating the light between the stationary plane and the movable plane. According to the present invention, a first light is generated and resonated in a resonant cavity to amplify the interaction between the first light and gas molecules in the resonated cavity. The interaction is measured, and the pressure in the resonant cavity is calculated based on the interaction. The interaction between the light and gas molecules in the resonant cavity may change the polarization angle or the phase of the light.

Abstract: Using a strain gauge attached at an interior side of a cylinder bore at a siamese region, a plurality of output values of the strain gauge can be detected during partially cutting the cylinder bore and residual stress of the siamese region can be calculated based on the plurality of the output values.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing operational shock sensitivity of a MEMS device includes a closed-loop control circuit for controlling the MEMS device and a shock detector for detecting a shock experienced by the MEMS device. The closed-loop control circuit includes a movable MEMS structure, a detector for sensing a position of the MEMS structure and for providing a first feedback signal related to the sensed position, and a processor for receiving the first feedback signal and for providing a control signal used to control the MEMS device. The shock detector, which according to a preferred embodiment is the MEMS structure itself, is used for detecting the shock experienced by the MEMS device and for generating a second feedback signal, which is used to alter the control signal such that a response of the closed-loop control circuit to the shock is minimized.

Abstract: A force sensor, or a method, determines a force using at least a measured inductance in a coil wherein a quantum tunneling composite is located in a magnetic path created by the coil, is positioned in a load path of the force, and is under strain from the force. A strain sensor, or a method, determines a strain using at least a measured inductance in a coil wherein a quantum tunneling composite is located in a magnetic path created by the coil, is positioned in a load path of a force, and is under strain from the force.