Abstract: The invention relates to annular acoustic transducers formed by a set of piezoelectric segments placed under prestress.It consists in grouping these segments (101) into a set of sectors (102) which are separated by tightening wedges (109). The set is placed in a shaper annulus (108). The keys are drawn towards the center by screws (111), thus thrusting the sectors against the shaper annulus and prestressing the segments. The strain gauges (107) make it possible to check the stress obtained in order to adjust it to the desired value while minimizing the scatter between the sectors.It makes it possible to manufacture dismantleable low-frequency high-power acoustic transducers.

Abstract: A load cell body for measuring components of force and moment in plural direction includes an integral assembly having a rigid central hub and a rigid annular ring concentric with the central hub. At least three radial tubes extends radially along corresponding longitudinal axes from the central hub to the annular ring. Flexure members join the radial tubes to the annular ring. Each flexure member is compliant for displacement of each corresponding radial tube along the corresponding longitudinal axis. As a load cell, a strain sensor mounted on each radial tube measures strain therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow sensor for sensing heat transfer with a high-speed response, which is manufactured by applying IC micro-machining technology, and which attains an improved heat transfer efficiency by controlling the flow's direction between a heating portion and a sensing portion or by utilizing the intrinsic characteristics of the gas flow.A flow sensor having a substrate whereon a heating portion and a sensing portion are formed each in the form of a bridge supported at both ends or at one end in said order in the direction of the flowing gas to be measured, and which is placed, its surface with the elements down, at the upper inside wall of a pipe for gas to be measured. Its output signal is taken out through lead wires.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presence of a splice in a running length of web material, particularly photosensitive web material. The apparatus includes first and second encoders coupled to first and second rollers, respectively. As the web material is transported across the rollers, the speeds of the rollers are continuously and simultaneously detected. The rollers will travel at substantially the same speed when the web is being transported across both rollers. The presence of the splice is detected when the speeds of the two rollers differ.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of forming the same, for measuring a head-to-disc contact force in a magnetic disc storage system are disclosed. A slider body of the head has a trailing edge and an air bearing surface. A flexible beam is formed on the slider body at a corner between the air bearing surface and the trailing edge. Contact between the flexible beam and the disc causes deflection of the flexible beam. A degree of deflection of the flexible beam is indicative of the force caused by contact between the head and the disc. The apparatus includes first and second electrical access terminals for use in determining a parameter indicative of the quantity of deflection of the flexible beam and thereby of the force caused by contact between the head and the disc.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic flowmeter, a magnetic field is generated in a direction perpendicular to measured fluid passing through a measurement tube, and electromotive force generated according to a flow rate of the fluid intersecting the magnetic field is detected by a pair of electrodes opposed on a diameter of the measurement tube. The electromagnetic flowmeter includes one pair of electrodes diametrically opposed on the measurement tube, first magnetic circuit forming members mounted on outer peripheries of both ends of the measurement tube, second magnetic circuit forming members for mutually connecting the first magnetic circuit forming members and pressing and supporting coils on the measurement tube, and a case made of non-magnetic material, for covering the measurement tube, the electrodes and the coils.

Abstract: A Villari effect sensor comprises a sensing rod constructed from a magnetostrictive material. An alternating current signal applied to an overlapping drive coil is inductively coupled by the sensing rod to the sensing coils and generates a signal thereon, responsive to the permeability of the magnetostrictive sensing rod which decreases responsive to the applied load. The sensing rod comprises one or more sections, each having a distinct cross-sectional area, and a sensing coil is associated with each section. A signal processor calculates the magnitude of the applied force from either the maximum flux density, or by differencing the first and third harmonics of the signal from the sensing coil. The weight of an occupant on a vehicle seat is measured by either incorporating a tensile force measuring Villari effect sensor in series with the seat springs, or incorporating a compressive force measuring Villari effect sensor in series with seat posts.

Abstract: A drag balance for measuring drag forces on a model is described which mos within a hollow region of a streamlined strut. The strut is attached to a carriage for towing the model through a medium. The drag balance has a ground frame attached inside the strut and a balance frame attached to the flat plate at the base of the strut. The ground frame and balance frame are connected by flexures which allow only a small amount of movement of the balance frame and model relative to the ground frame and strut in the towing direction. Strain gages are attached to one or more of the flexures to determine the amount of bending in the flexures and thus obtain a measure of the drag forces exerted on the model. Mounting the drag balance within the streamlined strut minimizes turbulence and allows the drag balance to be connected directly to the model at the base of the strut such that drag forces on the model are accurately determined.

Abstract: A brake pipe leakage test for a train is performed using an improved brake pipe drop pressure method prior to departure of the train consist from a railyard terminal. The train consist includes a brake, a brake pipe, and a brake pipe cutoff valve.

Abstract: A lift box and system simulates the lifting of a crate or box having cutout handles disposed therein. The lift box includes the normal hand hole cutouts, a structural frame adapted to hold a variable amount of disc-type weights and an outer shell which covers the frame and creates an inside cavity which contains the weights. A top surface of each hand hole cutout (the handle) is formed from a separate piece which is isolated from the shell and coupled to the frame through load cells. That arrangement prevents the user from applying any lifting force to the side walls of the lift box, which would reduce the overall force recognized by the load cells.

Abstract: A device for measuring the torque, released or received through a shaft, of machinery or apparatus, in particular an engine or a machine, comprises a first holding part, which is essentially firmly connected to a base. This first holding part is equipped with bearing means in which a second holding part is mounted so that it is pivotable about a pivot axis. The machinery or apparatus is disposed on the second holding part. The bearing means are designed in such a way that the pivot axis, about which the second holding part is pivotable with respect to the first holding part, is substantially coaxial to the axis, about which the shaft of the machinery or apparatus is rotatable. Inserted between the first holding means and the second holding means is a carrying part which is equipped with measuring means and which limits the pivoting. The force, or respectively the torque, acting upon the carrying part can be measured with the measuring elements.

Abstract: For measuring the tread depth of the tyre of a motor vehicle by means of a measuring head containing a laser (67), the laser measuring head is positioned relative to the tyre of the motor vehicle in such a way, that a reference surface or plane adopts a well-defined position with respect to the tyre. The laser beam (66) of the laser (67) is directed through the reference surface (68) at an angle (.alpha.) to the bottom (64) of the tyre tread, whereby a light spot (78) is generated on this bottom (64) of the tyre tread. The position (e) of the light spot (78) is observed by an image resolving sensor (82). Therefrom, a measure (t) of the depth of the tyre tread is gained.

Abstract: In a method for determining the roll attitude of a rolling flying object having a radio receiver, in particular for guiding a ballistic flying projectile/rocket having roll compensation, the aim is to determine a line of sight between a transmitting source and the antenna and to determine the roll attitude therefrom.

Abstract: A process correctly senses an outside temperature. In the case of vehicles, outside temperature sensors are conventionally provided which falsify measuring results due to environmental and outside influences. For example, the engine temperature heats the temperature sensor to a different degree according to the driving speed, the driving situation and condition or, shortly after the switch-off. The process correctly senses an outside temperature, by which a signal can be formed which corresponds to the actual value of the outside temperature. The outside temperature is sensed by a temperature sensor arranged in a vehicle. A corresponding temperature signal is generated. The vehicle operating and/or vehicle condition requirements are sensed. Correction values are determined as a function of the vehicle operating and/or vehicle condition requirements. Finally, the temperature signal emitted by the temperature sensor is changed corresponding to these correction values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas turbine engine surge control system comprising a pressure transducer positioned for sensing compressor discharge pressure, a hot wire anemometer positioned for sensing compressor discharge flow and temperature, means for electronically processing the signals from the sensors to obtain corrected compressor discharge flow without the use of look-up tables, and means for modulating a surge control valve based on corrected flow to prevent surge. The means for electronically processing said sensed signals incorporates means for canceling the dynamic response of the hot wire anemometer so as to have the effect of accelerating the response rate of the anemometer to match the response rate of the discharge pressure transducer.

Abstract: A self-verifying temperature sensor and method for measuring and verifying the true thermodynamic temperature of a system. The sensor is constructed of various combinations of the following temperature-dependent elements: thermoelements, resistive elements, capacitive elements and other inductive elements. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor is constructed of resistive element connected between four thermoelement wires. A fifth thermoelement wire is connected to the resistive element. The sensor produces a data signature from various voltage, resistance, inductance, and capacitance measurements. Measurement electronics collect and condition the data signature. A computer analyzes the data signature and provides the system operator with a verified sensor temperature, thus, allowing the system operator to recognize and account for drift or decalibration of the sensor.

Abstract: A method for measurement of axial forces acting on a shaft, being supplied with gas under overpressure such that gas pressure is built up between two opposing faces of said portion projecting radially from the shaft and at least one gas-permeable body provided external to said faces. A gas differential between the gas pressure on said opposing faces is established, and the axial force acting on said shaft is determined as a product of a constant and the pressure differential between the gas pressures on the two faces. Means are provided for supply of gas under overpressure to said body and pressure measuring means are provided for measurement of the pressure differential between the pressures on the two faces of the radially projecting portion. The protruding portion may also constitute a measuring plate which, provided in various manners, is subjected to forces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a multi-axis wheel transducer are disclosed. The apparatus of the invention comprises a wheel transducer for measuring the loads and moments acting on a vehicle wheel. Tubular load cells positioned in a radial fashion around the perimeter of the transducer hub join the rim and hub. Loads and moments acting on the rim of the wheel are transferred through the spoke-like load cells to the hub of the wheel. Sensors strategically positioned around the circumference of the tubular load cell monitor the intensity of the loads and moments. To detect angular position of the wheel, a light source generates a cone of polarized light to flood the wheel of the vehicle and detector-polarizing filter pairs detect an angle of the polarization relative to the wheel to determine its angular position. The transducer hub computer processes the sensor data and transfers the information via infrared signal to a computer located in the fender of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for measuring bidirectional flow, including backflow, of fluid in a conduit. The system utilizes a structural mechanism to create a pressure differential in the conduit. Pressure sensors are positioned upstream from the mechanism, at the mechanism, and downstream from the mechanism. Data from the pressure sensors are transmitted to a microprocessor or computer, and pressure differential detected between the pressure sensors is then used to calculate the backflow. Control signals may then be generated by the microprocessor or computer to shut off valves located in the conduit, upon the occurrence of backflow, or to control flow, total material dispersed, etc. in the conduit.

Abstract: A technique to dynamically configure a Secure Processing Unit (SPU) chip in a secure manner using a capability table, which defines the functions that an SPU can perform. The capability table employs a digital signature to ensure the authenticity of the source and contents of the table. It also contains information which identifies the SPU for which the table is intended and a time-stamp indicating the time by which the table must be loaded into an SPU.