Abstract: A sensor for detecting a parameter of an object includes a probe, a first sensing member for detecting the parameter of an object to be sensed and a second sensing member for determining an orientation of the probe relative to the object to be sensed. The second sensing member communicates the orientation of the probe to a data acquisition device to minimize data analysis errors associated with inaccurate orientation information.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus includes a head configured to receive a pad for sampling explosive residue on a surface and a feedback system coupled to the head. The feedback system is configured to indicate when a pressure applied by the head is greater than a minimum threshold value. In another aspect, an apparatus includes a head configured to receive a pad and rotate to apply a shear force to the pad for sampling explosive residue on a surface. The apparatus includes a feedback system coupled to the head, which is configured to restrict the shear force applied by the head to be within a predetermined range. In another aspect, a method includes applying pressure to a pad to sample explosive residue on a surface, sensing the pressure applied to the pad, and providing an indication of when the pressure applied to the pad is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting ultrasonic flaw detection of an object processes an echo signal received from the object being tested in at least three signal channels, wherein the echo signal is scaled to different degrees along each channel to increase and extend the dynamic range of an associated A/D converter system, in a manner which dispenses with the need for using numerous analog high pass and low pass filters and a variable gain amplifier. This reduces complexity and avoids performance limitations. The digital to analog converters sample the differently scaled input signal and a selection circuit selects the output of the digital output obtained from that analog to digital converter which has the highest gain, but which has not overflowed. The digital outputs are seamlessly merged to produce an output that can be displayed as a scan display which shows the location of faults.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting ultrasonic flaw detection of an object processes an echo signal received from the object being tested in at least three signal channels, wherein the echo signal is scaled to different degrees along each channel to increase and extend the dynamic range of an associated A/D converter system, in a manner which dispenses with the need for using numerous analog high pass and low pass filters and a variable gain amplifier. This reduces complexity and avoids performance limitations. The digital to analog converters sample the differently scaled input signal and a selection circuit selects the output of the digital output obtained from that analog to digital converter which has the highest gain, but which has not overflowed. The digital outputs are seamlessly merged to produce an output that can be displayed as a scan display which shows the location of faults.

Abstract: Devices and methods facilitate inspections, repairs, and other operations within vessels without human entry into the vessels, and without introducing contaminants that could reduce the purity of materials held in the vessels below predetermined minimum levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting ultrasonic flaw detection of an object processes an echo signal received from the object being tested in at least three signal channels, wherein the echo signal is scaled to different degrees along each channel to increase and extend the dynamic range of an associated A/D converter system, in a manner which dispenses with the need for using numerous analog high pass and low pass filters and a variable gain amplifier. This reduces complexity and avoids performance limitations. The digital to analog converters sample the differently scaled input signal and a selection circuit selects the output of the digital output obtained from that analog to digital converter which has the highest gain, but which has not overflowed. The digital outputs are seamlessly merged to produce an output that can be displayed as a scan display which shows the location of faults.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for rapid testing of the quality of cereals, grits and flours by measuring the aggregation of gluten, whereby the sample to be tested in aqueous solution/suspension containing mineral salts and/or acids and/or liquors in a specific amount in a sample cup is stirred with an electrically driven stirring paddle and the resistance opposed to the paddle by the sample during the stirring process is measured, the torque loads acting on the rotatably mounted electric drive motor being measured from the beginning of the stirring process by means of extensometric gauges, the measurement being completed once the maximum rotating torque is reached and the measuring process being monitored, controlled and analyzed by software.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the condition of a pump (10) or at least one component of a system that includes a pump which component or components are not a part of the pump, includes the step of generating a predetermined test condition in the pump or system component or components. During a period in which such a test condition is present, signals indicative of the pump or system component or components are obtained. Wear in the pump bearings, the build-up of deposits in the pump or in pipework forming a part of the pump system can be detected or predicted and corrective action taken before the pump or system fails. By providing a method of monitoring pump or system condition in-situ, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of pump failure in use and the need to carry out over frequent servicing of the pump.

Abstract: An inspection head where non-destructive inspection is structured to fit into narrow spaces, and to accurately and repeatably move an inspection probe along a surface to be inspected. Movement of the inspection head along an X, Y, Z, ?, and ?-axis is precisely controlled by individual drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of testing a haptic device that includes an actuator and has a first weight includes placing the haptic device on a test fixture that has a second weight that is greater than the first weight. The haptic device is placed on the test fixture so that the actuator within the haptic device is substantially close to the center of gravity of the test fixture. The method further includes causing the haptic device to generate haptic effects via the actuator, and measuring the acceleration of the test fixture during the haptic effects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bi-directional piston displacement type volumetric fluid flow rate delivery and metering system (calibration standard) and operational method for calibration of fluid flowmeters. The present invention provides reduced uncertainty of delivered volumetric fluid flow rate at meters under test relative to the uncertainty of volumetric fluid flow rate at meters under test provided by prior art bi-directional piston displacement type volumetric fluid flow rate standards given the same nominal cylinder diameters and working fluid and equal dimensional, timing and temperature measurement uncertainties by employing a plurality of metering pistons and cylinders to minimize the connecting volume piping between the metering piston cylinder outlet and meters under test, providing open access to one side of each metering piston to accomplish installation of temperature probes through the pistons into the working fluid and by operational method which minimizes the connecting volume to standard volume ratio.

Abstract: Model human hands (902) for use in electromagnetic (e.g., microwave and RF) testing comprise a skeleton (1200, 104) of dielectric tubes (142, 148, 166, 170, 174, 178, 206, 208, 210, 1202, 1212, 1214, 1216, 1228, 1230, 1236, 1240, 1242, 194, 195, 196) inside a glove (908) that is filled with a fluid that has electrical properties that match that of a typical human hand at a particular frequency. According to certain embodiments the model hands comprise thumbs (193, 1236) that are located out of a plane of palms of the model hands. According to one embodiment the dielectric tubes are pivotally coupled to each other and biasing means (181,702) are provided to bias the hand into a gripping position so that the model human hand is able to grip different types of wireless communication devices (802) in different ways.

Abstract: A vibration test apparatus is disclosed. The vibration test apparatus includes a platform assembly, which receives a vibration input from a vibration source and imparts a multi-axial vibration to a test specimen on the platform assembly. In illustrated embodiments the platform assembly includes one or more platforms having an adjustable incline angle. The incline angle is adjusted to provide the desired output vibration based upon a measured or determined vibration profile and the input vibration from the vibration source.

Abstract: A sensor device includes: a detected part D having a movable element 5 and a fixed element 3 contacting each other in which a contact area of the both elements changes corresponding to an external load; a contact area detection sensor 2, provided to the fixed element 3, for detecting the contact area of the detected part D; and processing means for calculating the external load from an sensor output by using the correlation between the external load and the contact area.

Abstract: A sled carriage is configured to move in a direction of an axis. A platform is attached with the sled carriage and a sled buck is attached with the platform. Upon acceleration of the sled carriage, the sled buck and platform move relative to the sled carriage.

Abstract: A testing tool for electric bicycle devices includes a tester circuit and a connector. The tester circuit is configured and arranged to test and diagnose operability of at least one electric bicycle device. The connector extends from the tester circuit and is configured and arranged to connect to the electric bicycle device and provide electronic communications between the tester circuit and the electric bicycle device.

Abstract: An automatic ultrasonic examination device includes an ultrasonic test instrument, a robot arm, and a control device. The ultrasonic test instrument includes an ultrasonic probe to send ultrasonic and detecting reflected waves while being in contact with the spot-welded portion, and an ultrasonic test instrument main device connected to the ultrasonic probe to convert the reflected wave detection signals received from the ultrasonic probe into test information. The control device includes a real center location computing unit to identify a real center location of the spot-welded portion with reference to pieces of test information obtained around a preset tentative center location of the spot-welded portion, and a determination unit to check quality of the spot-welded portion with reference to test information obtained at the real center location.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of at least one web material traveling along a predetermined path. In one embodiment, the sensor system has at least one transmitter block having a plurality of transmitters capable of selectively transmitting ultrasonic signals and at least one receiver block having a plurality of receivers capable of generating receiver output signals in response to the receivers receiving at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter block. The receiver block is spaced a distance from the transmitter block so as to define a sensor field of view therebetween whereby at least a portion of the at least one web material traveling along a predetermined travel path interferes with at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter block.

Abstract: A compliance module, particularly for a manipulator for positioning a test head, comprising a housing that is securable to a component. The compliance module furthermore comprises an inner sleeve shiftingly mounted in said housing and axially urged by a spring element, and a pin arranged on said housing and connected to said inner sleeve. A compliance module of such kind provides a precise location on the one hand and a certain compliance achievable of a portion of the manipulator for positioning a test head on the other hand.

Abstract: A device for sampling drill cuttings includes a frame, an inclined perforated member mounted on the frame, a sprayer for washing cuttings down over the perforations, and a removable open-topped cuttings collector mounted under the perforated member, the perforated member cooperating with the downstream end of a vibratory screen over which the cuttings pass before translating onto the perforated screen.