Abstract: A method for fixing a functional component (2) in a housing (4). During a first step, a first housing portion (1) is prepared in which a functional component (2), to be fixed, is arranged in a provisional fixing position. During a second step, a second housing portion (3) is arranged in contact with the first housing portion (1) so that the functional component (2) is arranged in a joining direction (X) between the housing portions (1, 3). During a third step, material from at least one of the housing portions (1, 3) is melted in such manner that the functional component (2) between the housing portions (1, 3) is gripped in position by them when a material-integral bond is formed between the housing portions (1, 3). Also, an arrangement which can be produced by the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for simultaneously moving multiple semiconductor wafers in opposite directions while simultaneously performing processing operations on each of the wafers. The semiconductor wafers are orientated in coplanar fashion and are disposed on stages that simultaneously translate in opposite directions to produce a net system momentum of zero. The die of the respective semiconductor wafers are processed in the same spatial sequence with respect to a global alignment feature of the semiconductor wafer. A balance mass is not needed to counteract the motion of a stage because the opposite motions of the respective stages cancel each other.

Abstract: A drop test apparatus includes a base panel, at least one height adjustment member attached to the base panel, and at least one angle adjustment member pivotally attached to the at least one height adjustment member. The at least one height adjustment member has a portion protruding upward from the base panel. A height of the portion is variable. The at least one angle adjustment member is configured for supporting a device thereon and capable of rotating to different angles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using force measurements to determine the amount of material in a container and/or the rate at which material is discharged from a container are disclosed. A container for storing a desired material is positioned so that the center of gravity of the container shifts horizontally with changes in level of the material in the container. A plurality of load sensors are symmetrically arranged at a base of the container and are used to monitor the amount of materials in the container.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the detection of moisture. The technique utilizes distributed sensor lines deployed along an insulated vessel, such as an insulated pipe. The sensor lines are used to measure temperature and to determine a differential temperature across the insulation between the sensor lines. Changes in the differential temperature can be detected, and those changes are used to determine whether moisture has intruded into a specific region of the insulation.

Abstract: A mixed-signal integrated circuit comprises: 1) an analog front end having differential inputs adapted for directly connecting to at least one thermocouple, 2) an analog-to-digital (ADC) for converting the thermocouple voltages to digital representations thereof, 3) a linearization circuit capable of performing the multi-order polynomial equations for converting the thermocouple electromotive voltages (the digital representations) to linear temperature measurement units by using coefficients unique to each type of thermocouple from a coefficients table based upon the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 4) a integrated temperature sensor for measuring cold junction temperature, 5) optionally, an input multiplexer for selecting each of a plurality of thermocouples for measurement thereof, 6) optionally, registers for storing measured temperature values, high and low set points, alarm limits, etc., and 7) a communications interface for setting parameters and receiving temperature information.

Abstract: One-time, single-use sensor elements (22, 46) are provided for detecting the occurrence of predetermined conditions such as temperature and elapsed time-temperature. The sensor elements (22, 46) preferably comprise elongated, glass-coated, metal alloy, amorphous or nanocrystalline microwires (30, 48), which can be placed in a position to detect the predetermined condition of interest. An alternating magnetic field detector (28) may be used to continuously or periodically interrogate the sensor elements (22, 46) to determine if the predetermined condition has occurred. In one aspect of the invention, the microwires (30, 48) experience a change in configuration upon the occurrence of the predetermined condition, and have correspondingly different induced remagnetization responses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process valve (10) comprising a valve seat (14), a flow restrictor (12), a valve rod (16) and a drive unit (18) acting thereon, with a force measuring device (20, 44) being connected between said drive unit (18) and said flow restrictor (12). The invention is characterized in that said force measuring device (49) includes a spring (30, 46), and said force measuring device (29, 44) comprises a travel measuring device (38, 42, 50, 52) so as to allow the force acting on it to be determined based on the change in the deflection of the spring (30, 46) caused by the force acting on it.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for positioning a specimen to be tested relative to an external force applicator. The external force applicator is adapted for engaging the specimen for test purposes. A defined path extends between a first position away from the external load applicator and a second position underneath the external load applicator. A carriage positioned on the defined path moves relative to the external force applicator between the first position which is a loading position away from the external force applicator and the second position which is an engagement position. When the specimen is in the second engagement position, the external force applicator can engage the specimen to conduct the test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the convective heat transfer coefficients of nanofluids, which can realize a small-sized structure and can accurately control the movement velocity of a hot wire sensor within a fluid. The apparatus for measuring the convective heat transfer coefficients of nanofluids according to the present invention includes a sensor unit, a transfer unit and a liquid container. The transfer unit is formed on the sensor unit and is configured to allow the sensor unit to longitudinally reciprocate in a direction parallel to a ground surface with the sensor unit spaced apart from the ground surface. The liquid container is arranged below and spaced apart from the sensor unit, and is configured to allow a nanofluid or a base fluid, a convective heat transfer coefficient of which needs to be measured, to be put therein.

Abstract: A pipeline apparatus has a body configured to fit inside a pipeline. A flow channel is formed within the body and includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bypass channel connecting the inlet and the outlet, the inlet being configured to receive a portion of a fluid flowing through the pipeline, and the outlet being configured such that the fluid flowing through the bypass channel flows out of the bypass channel through the outlet. A flow control valve is attached to the body and has a sleeve configured to move to vary a flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the outlet. A motor is provided in a chamber in the body and is configured to move the sleeve.

Abstract: A manifold gauge cover featuring a first half shell and a second half shell connected via a hinge. The inner surfaces of the shells are lined with foam. The shells can move between an open position and a closed position respectively allowing and preventing access to the inner cavities of the shells. A locking mechanism secures the shells in the closed position. A gauge aperture is disposed in the back surfaces of the shells to allows passage of the hook of a manifold gauge set. A magnet is disposed on the bottom surface of a shell. A chart holder is disposed on the top surface of a shell adapted to hold a pressure temperature chart. When the half shells are in the closed position, the half shells cover a portion of a manifold gauge set.

Abstract: Provided is a method for testing adhesion. The method includes forming thin films on a substrate; attaching an elastic plate to the substrate, wherein the elastic plate has a larger elastic coefficient than the substrate; and performing an adhesion test on the thin films using an adhesion test apparatus.

Abstract: A measurement container with any number of graduated scales based upon total volume of application or based upon standardized consumer sized product vessels, with the adaptability to measure large or small amounts. The container will have a pour spout to ease introductions into batches. The measurement container will also include a handle and hand grab, to ease lifting and pouring with both hands.

Abstract: A method for performing ultrasonic testing comprising, in one embodiment, the steps of firing an ultrasonic transducer to generate an ultrasonic pulse that passes through a delay line, measuring a delay echo time of flight, and determining the temperature of the delay line using the delay echo time of flight, thereby eliminating the need for additional temperature measuring devices. Other embodiments further comprise the step of using the temperature of the delay line to determine the temperature of a test object, and using the temperature of the test object to determine a thickness of the test object that is compensated for thermal expansion and temperature dependent ultrasonic velocity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for differentiating foods with respect to mouthfeel, a method for identifying a composition having the ability to improve the mouthfeel of a food, and a method for predicting mouthfeel attributes of a food using a novel tribology device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for detecting contact within a monitored area. A piezoelectric sensor (40) is attached to one end of detector (100), which is positioned, for contact by passing items or individuals. The detector may correspond to plurality of parallel, rubber calendared cable or strip (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) of polycarbonate resin. Body deformations induced into the detector upon contact travel to piezoelectric sensor and detect as strain coupled to the piezoelectric sensor. The apparatus and methodology may be employed to detect vehicular traffic along travel paths, human contact with walls or floors, manufactured product with delivery system or any physical contact by animate or inanimate objects or individuals.

Abstract: A device for generating impacts on a structure has a projectile head. The head includes a main body on which an impact element is mounted so it projects. The device includes a mechanical propulsion element to set the projectile head in motion, and the propulsion element can move between an initial resting position where the propulsion element is immobile and the projectile head is held against the propulsion element by at least one retaining element, and a second position where after the propulsion element comes to a stop against stop elements, the projectile head moves alone in translation toward the structure guided by guidance elements. The device also includes an anti-rebound system to prevent any rebound by the projectile head after impact on the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fall detection system, for detecting human fall incidents. The detection system comprises a sensor module to be worn by a user, for collecting motion data of his body, for instance acceleration data; first evaluation logic for identifying a potential fall incident on the basis of an impact observed in the acceleration data; and second evaluation logic for verifying that the sensor module is actually worn by the user, at least around the time of said impact, to prevent the system from raising an alarm if only the sensor module has fallen. The second evaluation logic may comprise free fall detection means for evaluating the acceleration data on characteristics which are typical for a free falling object, such as one or more full rotation and/or a free falling phase, during which the magnitude of the acceleration data is relatively stable and small.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the work required to expel a tampon from a tampon applicator having a barrel containing the tampon and a plunger for expelling the tampon from the barrel. The method includes the steps of selecting and applying an applicator gripping test force to a grip zone on the barrel of the tampon applicator and selecting a tampon expulsion test rate and applying a force to the plunger sufficient to expel the tampon from the barrel of the tampon applicator at the selected tampon expulsion test rate. Further, the method includes the step of calculating the force on the plunger required to expel the tampon from the barrel at the selected tampon expulsion test rate as a function of the distance the tampon travels during expulsion.