Abstract: A volume flow meter for flowing media that works on the transit-time principle includes a conduit measurement section carrying the flowing medium, two ultrasonic transducers arranged on opposite ends of the conduit measurement section sending ultrasonic signals into the flowing medium and/or receiving them from the flowing medium and a control and evaluation circuit. The ultrasonic transducers send ultrasonic signals into the flowing medium via thermally insulating ultrasonic waveguides. The control and evaluation circuit determines the volume flow based on the difference between the total transit time of the ultrasonic signals between the ultrasonic transducers and the sum of the transit times of the ultrasonic signals in the ultrasonic waveguies.

Abstract: A heating resistor type air flow meter for measuring the amount of air flow which passes through an intake pipe for an internal combustion engine. The air flow meter has a constant-temperature control circuit for detecting air flow, which has a bridge circuit including a heating resistor and a temperature-sensitive resistor each provided in the intake pipe, and a power amplifier circuit for amplifying a signal from the constant-temperature control circuit to generate an air flow signal. The power amplifier circuit has a plurality of amplification resistors which determine a mu-factor for the amplifier to correct the amount of air flow with respect to variation of temperature. At least an amplification resistor has a temperature coefficient different form that of the other amplification resistor, to compensate variation of the mu-factor of the power amplifier circuit.

Abstract: A force and moment measuring device has multicomponent force measuring cells arranged in opposite pairs at either side of a force introducing platform or mounting plate, viewed in the direction of their tension/pressure sensitivity. The opposed force measuring cells are preloaded by a common preloading screw extending in the direction of their tension/pressure sensitivity and passing through the force introduction platform without friction. The opposed force measuring cells have opposed tension/pressure sensitivity orientation. The tension/pressure measuring signals resulting from a temperature change occurring in the mounting plate and/or in the common preloading screw are cancelled out by opposed measuring cells, while the measured values generated by a force acting in one direction are added together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the non-contact measurement of tensile loading (or tension) in ferromagnetic materials, particularly wire ropes, cables, and strands. The magnetostrictive effect is used to measure wave propagation properties within such materials to determine load forces imposed on the tested material based upon a signature obtained for like materials under like conditions. The apparatus and method contemplate an active measurement application, wherein a transmitting sensor generates an mechanical pulse within a material through the magnetostrictive effect, and a receiving sensor detects reflected mechanical waves within the material by the inverse magnetostrictive effect. Unlike other sensing methods, utilizing the magnetostrictive effect in this way has the advantage of generating and detecting mechanical waves in the tested material without direct physical or acoustical contact.

Abstract: A thin, tactile sensor for measuring the width of a contact region between two loaded rollers. The sensor comprises an array of sensing elements disposed between two thin substrates, and including conductive traces to provide electrical connection to external measurement electronics. Relatively thin conductive electrode patterns are disposed transversely with respect to the direction of travel of the sensor through the rollers, and are positioned at predetermined lateral spacings such that activation of selected sensors provides indicia of nip width.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for non-contact evaluation of wheel alignment for vehicles utilizes laser-based range-finders mounted at locations between which the vehicle is driven for test purposes. Range-finding at three locations on the wheel enables wheel attitude to be determined. Locations are chosen so that range-finding is carried out where a significant contour in the wheel assembly occurs, thereby enabling a clear and characteristic signal to be obtained from relatively simple apparatus.

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: An ultrasonic flow meter (10) has a pair of transducers (36, 38). A first (36) of the pair of transducers is coupled to a first divider (18) having a first predetermined divisor. A second (38) of the pair of transducers is coupled to a second divider (24) having a second predetermined divisor. The second predetermined divisor is not equal to the first predetermined divisor. An input (16) of the first divider (18) is coupled to a first oscillator (12). An input (22) of the second divider (24) is coupled to a second oscillator (14). A decoder circuit (50) is coupled to an output (15) of the first oscillator (12) and an output (20) of the second oscillator (14). The decoder circuit (50) determines a difference frequency.

Abstract: An active redundancy system for high power satellite communications payloads that use multiple antenna beams driven by multiple power amplifiers and that require power redistribution among the beams during the lifetime of a payload uses a number of power amplifiers equal to or greater than the number of antenna feeder elements to provide extra output power at the beginning of life, instead of commonly used redundancy switches. As power amplifiers fail, the amplitude and phase of the signals driving the remaining power amplifiers are adjusted to maintain antenna performance. Power amplifiers having sufficient capacity are used to ensure that, given an anticipated number of power amplifier chain failures, performance requirements can be met at the end of life.

Abstract: A torque sensing transducer sleeve of the magnetostrictive type is attached to a rotatable shaft where torque is to be measured. A shaft is provided on which torque is to be applied and measured. A transducer sleeve of the magnetostrictive type for measuring the torque is attached to the shaft with a nonmagnetic collar interposed between the shaft and the transducer sleeve. The nonmagnetic collar is formed having a shape such that when the transducer sleeve, and the collar are properly positioned on the shaft, the nonmagnetic sleeve exerts circumferential tension on the transducer sleeve producing circular magnetic anisotropy within the transducer sleeve.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electromagnetic flowmeter and an electromagnetic flowmeter wherein the measuring electrodes do not protrude into the flow channel and instead form part of the flow channel wall. The method for manufacturing the flowmeter includes the steps of forming the flowmeter body with a central channel smaller than that which is desired for final flowmeter use, inserting into the body electrodes with tapered tips which extend into the central channel, and reaming the central channel whereby the central channel is enlarged to its final diameter and the electrode tips are cut. The cut tips form concave cross sectional areas which are continuous and flush with the central channel wall. The resultant flowmeter has measuring electrodes which do not protrude into the channel. This substantially reduces turbulent flow of the measured liquid as it passes through the measuring region of the flowmeter, and a more accurate reading results.

Abstract: A device and a method for determining big end bearing and wrist pin bearing wear in a piston engine without complete disassembly of the engine. The device includes a probe rod which moves in response to the movements of the piston in a cylinder being tested. The position of the probe rod is transduced to an electrical signal which is inputted to a microcomputer. The method uses the piston position obtained via the probe rod and the crank throw angle to calculate the total amount of wear in the big end bearing and the wrist pin bearing. The results of the calculation are then sent to a display which forms part of the bearing inspection device of the present invention.

Abstract: A threshold value is stored in a CPU using setting switches. When a fluid is introduced into a flow passage, a rod disposed in the flow passage sheds Karman vortexes downstream thereof in the fluid as it flows through the flow passage. A piezoelectric device generates an electric signal depending on pressure fluctuations of the Karman vortexes, and the electric signal is applied through a comparator to the CPU. The CPU refers to a data table stored in a memory to determine a flow rate of the fluid based on the period of the electric signal. When the determined flow rate is greater than the threshold value, the CPU turns on transistors to energize loads as external devices. When the determined flow rate is smaller than the threshold value, the CPU turns off transistors to de-energize loads.

Abstract: A force sensor including a cylindrical body having a central section and two distal sections wherein selected acoustic resonant modes are trapped in the central section and decays exponentially in the distal sections. An electromechanical acoustic transducer (EMAT) can be used to excite and detect the selected resonant modes in the central section. Force applied to the distal sections, including axial stress and torque, alter the resonant frequencies of the selected modes.

Abstract: In ultrasound flow rate meters, an acoustical short circuit between ultrasonic transducers is a special problem. Such a short circuit results in an ultrasonic signal being propagated through a wall of a measuring tube from a sending to a receiving transducer and not being influenced by a medium in the measuring tube. Sealing off a gas path around the ultrasonic transducers is also problematic. In order to solve the problem, the ultrasonic transducers are sheathed with an elastomer molded body. From 25% to 60% of an outer surface of the ultrasonic transducer, which is constructed as a cup-type transducer, is lined with the elastomer molded body, beginning at a cup edge thereof. Contact of the holder with the ultrasonic transducer is minimal and occurs only in an acoustically quiet zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the tensile strength of a textile fabric comprises a measuring system having electromagnet, a mass capable of being held in place by the electromagnet, a piezoelectric force sensor connected to said mass, and a rounded-off impact body. By de-energizing the electromagnet, the impact body free-falls onto the textile fabric, which is held in place beneath the impact body under tension. The impact force detected by the sensor is converted to a form with which a computer can compute the tensile strength of the fabric. A series of measurements can be made of a length of fabric advanced through the apparatus in successive stages.

Abstract: A multi-axis force platform for determining forces and moments exerted on the platform along x, y and z axes includes at least one multi-axis spring. The multi-axis spring includes a block of rigid material through which a pattern of slots pass through to form a series of deflectable beams separated from each other by the slots. The deflectable beams surround an interior region of the spring and elastically couple the interior region of the spring to an outer region of the spring such that the interior region can deflect relative to the outer region along x, y and z axes when subjected to a load. One or more magnetic sensors are positioned within the interior region of the spring for sensing loads exerted on the spring.

Abstract: A force transducer having a post connected to an underlying substrate having a plurality of strain gauges, is protected from otherwise damaging static electric discharge current using a grounding guard. The guard is preferably a flat conductive member having an aperture for receiving the post and a tab for connection to electrical ground. The guard surrounds the post and overlays the substrate to channel such current away from delicate strain gauges and other electronics. In the preferred embodiment the aperture is formed by bending up a plurality of flaps cut into the guard and bent up to receive the post in press-fit engagement.

Abstract: A threshold value is stored in a CPU using setting switches. When a fluid is introduced into a flow passage, it lowers the temperature of a first thermistor heated by a regulated constant-current source, increasing the output voltage of the first thermistor. A second thermistor outputs a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the fluid. A differential amplifier outputs a differential voltage between the output voltages of the first and second thermistors, and the differential voltage is converted by an A/D converter into a digital voltage that is applied to a CPU. The CPU refers to a data table stored in a memory to determine a flow rate of the fluid based on the digital differential voltage. When the determined flow rate is greater than the threshold value, the CPU turns on transistors to energize loads as external devices. When the determined flow rate is smaller than the threshold value, the CPU turns off transistors to de-energize loads.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter comprises a pair of transducers spaced apart in the direction of fluid flow. A transmitter causes acoustic signals to be transmitted in both directions through the fluid by the transducers. A processor determines information relating to the fluid flow by monitoring the time of flight of acoustic signals received by the transducers. Part of the space between the transducers defines a flow path consisting of a flow structure having a plurality of parallel fluid flow passages which extend axially in the direction of flow, wherein the cross-sectional diameters of the passages are chosen such that substantially plane acoustic waves only are transmitted through the passages by the fluid, and wherein under working conditions that fluid flows through each passage such that the ratio of the volume flow rate through the passage to the total volume flow rate remains substantially constant with respect to the total volume flow rate.