Abstract: A method and apparatus for electro-magnetically testing surface regions of elongated test objects for irregularities, such as flaws, and which is particularly suitable for testing test objects with non-circular or elliptical cross sections. Testing is performed by at least one coil, particularly an eddy current coil, through which a test object passes. The test coil has a coil plane passage of predetermined cross-section, and a modification of the passage cross-section of the test coil can be obtained by tilting the test coil. The test coil can optionally be rotated about an axis defined by the travel direction of the test object, and may also be moved in directions perpendicular to the travel direction. A disclosed apparatus for performing the method has several tiltable and rotatable and/or slidable test coils which are successfully arranged in the travel direction in the form of a coil group.

Abstract: An obstacle sensing apparatus uses an FM-CW wave as an emitted wave to an object in front of a car. A received wave from the object is mixed with the emitted wave to produce a beat signal which is analyzed in frequency to measure a distance and a relative speed with respect to the object. A distance and a relative speed at the next time is predicted from the measured distance and relative speed. The object is determined to be a car if the relative speed does not have an approaching direction or substantially the same value as a sensed car speed. The object is otherwise determined to be at least one of a guardrail and a sound barrier if a difference between the measured distance and the predicted distance exceeds a preset value and a plurality of the last measured distances are substantially constant. The object is otherwise determined to be a stationary object other than the guardrail.

Abstract: A self-bias sensor including a current source, a resistance measuring device and a sensor element sensitive to a magnetic field to be measured. The sensor element receives from the current source a current which creates a self-biasing field.

Abstract: A rotation sensor device capable of detecting rotation speed of a rotatable magnetic member with high accuracy and reliability even in a low rotation speed range and a method of manufacturing the same through simplified process. As a means for detecting a rotation frequency of a toothed-wheel-like rotatable magnetic member (100), a permanent magnet (25) and a magneto-electric conversion element (22) are used. Conductors (24) having these elements (22; 25) mounted at a tip end portion is embedded integrally in a base (23) of a resin material through an insert molding process such that the elements (22; 25) and those portions of the conductors which constitute mounting electrodes are exposed at least partially on the surface of the base (23). Electronic parts (26) are packaged on the mounting electrode portions (24a).

Abstract: A sensor system includes a magneto-optic Kerr effect magnetic field sensing element and an optical system including a light source, at least one polarizer or polarizing element and a detector disposed about the sensing element. The sensing element is responsive to an external magnetic field. In one embodiment, the optical system and sensing element can be arranged to measure the strength of a magnetic field. In another embodiment the optical system and sensing element can be arranged to measure the rotational speed of rotating members.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for simultaneously measuring velocity and an instantaneous spatial position of a spherical object. A first group of sensors and a second ground of sensors are arranged at known positions at intervals each less than the radius of the spherical object. The times when the spherical object begins to intercept the sensors of the groups of sensors and the time lengths of the respective interceptions are measured by using an instrumentation device. The velocity and instantaneous spatial position of the spherical object are calculated by using an arithmetic unit on the basis of the measured times and time lengths.

Abstract: A position measuring device having a sensor, the output signal Sd of which is a function of the distance between a graduation and a scanning unit. To render the distance-dependent signal independent of temperature changes, the sensor consists of a potentiometer circuit with an active branch and a complementary branch. Magneto-resistive elements which scan the graduation are disposed in the active branch. Resistive elements are disposed in the complementary branch which have the same temperature behavior as the magneto-resistive elements of the active branch, but are substantially insensitive to magnetic fields. The voltage across the active branch is taken as the distance-dependent measuring signal Sd and is used to control the amplitude of the position-dependent scanning signals generated by scanning the graduation.

Abstract: An inspection device for determining the integrity of electrical circuits in a connector having one or more electrical terminals therein. The test device carries probes, corresponding in number and location to the terminals, and the probes and the terminals are at an angle to each other so that, when in test position, the tips of the probes contact a portion of the terminals other than that at which a mating connector would be inserted. This eliminates the possibility of distortion or wear on fragile connecting surfaces.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging method and system utilizing a magnetization transfer contrast pulse that includes executing a first sequence including the application of the magnetization transfer contrast pulse to an examinee and executing a second sequence for acquiring a magnetic resonance angiography image data related to a predetermined imaging plane. The first sequence further includes the step of applying a slice gradient magnetic field for spatially selectively exciting a predetermined magnetization transfer contrast excitation plane at substantially the same timing as that of the magnetization transfer contrast pulse. A predetermined gradient magnetic field is applied by a gradient magnetic field application means in a manner superimposing upon a predetermined static magnetic field. An RF transmitting/receiving means is arranged for transmitting an RF pulse to an examinee and receiving a magnetic resonance signal from the examinee.

Abstract: An eddy current probe having an increased depth penetration. The probe includes an eddy current test assembly formed in the outer surface of a shoe that rotates within a tubular test specimen. The eddy current test assembly includes a pair of differentially-connected electromagnetic coils whose axes are parallel and lie in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the axis of the tubular test specimen. The probe assembly further includes a magnetically permeable backing plate that is closely adjacent to the innermost ends of the two differentially-connected coils. The differentially-connected coils are driven with a signal having a predominant frequency that is less than the natural resonant frequency of the eddy current probe. Flaws and other non-uniformities in the tubular test specimen are detected as the differentially-connected coils travel pass the location of the flaw.

Abstract: An odor concentration is measured by energizing an odor sensor connected across a power supply through a load resistance. A total resistance of the odor sensor is represented by and includes a parallel connection of a first resistive component having a value according to surrounding environmental conditions and a second resistive component having a value according to an odor concentration, and a saturation resistive component connected in series with the parallel connection of the first and second resistive components. A CPU is used to measure the odor concentration by obtaining the value of the second resistive component from an output of the odor sensor which is a voltage across the load resistance. Also, the measured odor concentration can be normalized and compared with a given threshold for fire detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the speed s/.delta.t) of vehicles, in which with the aid of at least two sensors (1, 2, 27, 28) spaced apart from one another (distance s), the time .delta.t=t.sub.1 -t.sub.2 required to drive over both sensors (1, 2, 27, 28) is ascertained. The object of the invention is to disclose a speed measuring method that is simple to accomplish, with which accurate measurement values are ascertainable, and in which external factors of the pavement can largely be ignored. This is attained essentially by using induction loops, instead of the usual piezoresistive pressure sensors, as the measurement sensors (1, 2, 27, 28).

Abstract: A magnetoresistance type sensor device for detecting an angle or strength of a magnetic field applied thereto includes first to fourth magnetoresistance elements interconnected so as to constitute a Wheatstone bridge circuit, and a differential amplifier circuit having inputs for receiving a first potential from a first junction formed between a pair of elements and a second potential from a second junction formed between paired elements for thereby generating a differential amplitude voltage signal indicative of the angle or strength of the magnetic field.

Abstract: Displacement measuring apparatus for measuring the displacement and movement of an object includes a sensor having an operative surface and circuitry for producing an electrical output signal whose value is dependent upon the area of the operative surface covered by an electrical/magnetic field producing member. The apparatus also includes an elongate, flexible band capable of producing an electric/magnetic field, where the band is attached at one end to the sensor to roll over and cover or unroll from over and uncover the operative surface as the object whose displacement is to be measured is moved. The value of the electrical output signal produced by the circuitry is thus dependent upon the area of the operative surface covered by the band and thus by the position and movement of the object.

Abstract: A transducer for Overhauser magnetic resonance imaging comprises a cylindrical NMR coil 11 and a two part VHF applicator 12, 13. The applicator and coil are arranged such that the electric field provided by the applicator in use is substantially perpendicular to the coil wires. The VHF applicator is shaped to give a helical field in the region filled by the RF coil, and the RF coil is arranged to be a helix of the opposite handedness. The applicator can comprise a number of similar elements having an electromagnetic resonance mode whose magnetic fled couple to the imaging volume. The elements can be arranged in spirals to form an electric periodic structure.

Abstract: A dual sensitivity stud sensor senses studs through both thick and thin surfaces. Studs are sensed by detecting a change in the capacitive loading of plates as they are moved along a surface and into proximity with a stud. The sensor informs the operator when the sensor has (incorrectly) been calibrated over a stud. The sensor also informs the operator if the sensor is placed against a surface either too thick or too thin for stud detection. Through use of a digital register, the sensor remains calibrated indefinitely while the sensor is powered on.

Abstract: A fiberoptic velocity transducer for use in determining the rotational speed of an object and comprising a magneto-optic material coated with a dielectric material that operates to selectively pass light energy having a first range of wavelengths, and to reflect light energy having a second range of wavelengths, so as to make the light energy with the second range of wavelengths available as a reference signal, the magneto-optic material functioning to cause a Faraday rotation in the light energy having the first range of wavelengths that is characteristic of the speed of the rotating object.

Abstract: A contactless position sensor uses at least a first magnetic flux source on one side of an object, wherein a sensor is responsive to the flux, for providing a sensed signal indicative of varying positions (x) of the first magnetic flux source and the object relative to each other, including a null position (g), wherein the sensed signal is related to the null position and the varying positions according to a relation (1/(g+x))-(1/(g-x)). An additional magnetic flux source can be provided on the other side of the object for providing additional flux sensed by the sensing means, wherein the first and second magnetic flux sources can be arranged to move in unison with respect to the object, or can be stationary while the object moves between them. The second flux source can be made stationary and its flux directed to either the object or to a second object with a fixed distance therebetween. Or, the second flux source can be dispensed with entirely and simulated by a bias signal.

Abstract: An improved sensor includes an inductor coil which is formed about a central axis. The inductor coil is configured to provide a magnetic field radially outwardly of the central axis. The monitor circuit monitors changes in the impedance of the coil, to in turn provide an indication of the amount of metal mass radially outwardly of the sensor. The monitor circuit is set to be triggered at a particular amount of metal mass, which would in turn be tailored to the particular application. In one desired application, the sensor is utilized to detect the presence of a nut in a metal plate. Metal plates as are typically utilized with vehicles will often include a number of holes which are to receive nuts. If the nuts are not received in the holes, then that particular metal plate should not be further assembled into the product. One widespread use of such a technique is with the assembly of vehicle bodies. The side sensor will detect the presence of a nut in the hole when positioned within the bore of the nut.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring head speed and an opening angle. At least four sensors are disposed at each vertex of a defined rectangle. An instrumentation device measures differences in time between instants in which a moving head intercepts rays of light toward the sensors, respectively. An arithmetic unit calculates head speed and an opening angle on the basis of the measured time differences.