Abstract: Radiographic system and method for noninvasively assessing the response of tissue to a compound, such as a therapeutic compound. In one embodiment, a non-radioactive, radio-opaque imaging agent accumulates in tissue in proportion to the tissue concentration of a predefined cellular target. The imaging agent is administered to a live organism, and after an accumulation interval, radiographic images are acquired. The tissue being examined is transilluminated by X-ray beams with preselected different mean energy spectra, and a separate radiographic image is acquired during transillumination by each beam. An image processing system performs a weighted combination of the acquired images to produce a first image. The image processing procedure isolates the radiographic density contributed solely by differential tissue accumulation of the imaging agent. A compound is administered to the organism, and after a selected interval, a second radiographic image of the tissue is acquired.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a tire pressure, comprises the steps: measuring at least one parameter that influences the tire pressure, calculating the optimum tire pressure &rgr;opt on the basis of the at least one measured parameter, comparing a measured tire pressure p with the optimum tire pressure &rgr;opt in order to generate a deviation signal in the event of a predetermined deviation.

Abstract: A pressure sensor 1′ comprising a housing 10′ having a pressure introduction hole 12, a pressure sensing element 22 composed of a semiconductor element having piezoresistance effect, a holder 30 having fixed thereto the pressure sensing element 22, a guide member 98, a seal member 99 and a connector case 70, the pressure sensor element 22 and holder 30 joined in airtight manner to create a reference pressure chamber 72. On the holder 30 of the pressure sensor body is mounted a circuit board 40 having electrode pads, the electrode pads connected to connectors 80 fixed to the connector case 70 via conductive spring bodies 50. The guide member 98 supports holder 30, and in the opening 100 of the guide member 98 is placed the seal member 99.

Abstract: A device for articulating a tire-pressure sensor to a motor vehicle rim includes: a tire-inflation valve having a base designed to come into contact with a corresponding part of a tire-pressure sensor electronic unit, the valve having a threaded shank designed to be introduced through an orifice in a wheel rim and protrude outward therefrom, the valve base being situated in the continuation of the shank, and a tire-pressure electronic unit housing the valve base, and being pressed against the bottom of the rim by tightening a securing nut onto the threaded part of the shank of the valve. The valve base has a roughly spherical part collaborating with a region of corresponding shape formed on the electronic unit.

Abstract: The invention is a safety device for a trapped volume space for use as overpressure protection made of a housing forming a chamber within a trapped volume space having a incompressible fluid, a compressible material disposed in the chamber, and a pressure relief component in communication with the compressible material and the incompressible fluid, wherein the pressure relief component is adapted to break at a predetermined point thereby increasing the trapped volume space by compressing the compressible material and resulting in a reduced pressure in the trapped volume space.

Abstract: A method for testing tires includes setting a tire, with a predefined inflation pressure and load condition, in rotation on a surface with a predefined speed, and applying a pressure against a sidewall of the tire in proximity to a contact area of the tire with the surface. The pressure is applied using a shaped body for deforming the tire sidewall according to a profile including at least two portions with opposite curvatures. A related apparatus includes a surface, an arm for supporting a tire, a device for setting the tire in rotation on the surface, and a shaped body movable transversely with respect to the tire between a non-operative position and an operative position. In the operative position, the shaped body pushes against a sidewall of the tire to deform the tire sidewall a predefined depth with respect to an undeformed profile of the tire sidewall.

Abstract: A system for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy concerns a power generation device with a piezoelectric structure and an energy storage device. The piezoelectric structure preferably comprises a plurality of piezoelectric fibers embedded in a generally unidirectional fashion within an epoxy matrix. The piezoelectric structure may be mounted on a support substrate that helps distribute mechanical strain to which the piezoelectric fibers are subjected in a substantially uniform fashion. The piezoelectric structure is preferably mounted within a tire structure such that electric charge is generated therein as the wheel assembly moves along a ground surface. Electrode layers within the piezoelectric structure are coupled to a power conditioning module that rectifies the resultant electric current from the piezoelectric structure and stores it in an energy storage device, preferably an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of tire pressure in a vehicle having front tires including a right tire and a left tire, and rear tires including a right tire and a left tire, a system and method are provided for automatically identifying tire location. A transmitters mounted in each tire transmits tire information signals conveying tire pressure data, and associated tire temperature data and tire rotation direction data. A vehicle mounted controller determines whether pressure data conveyed by tire information signals is associated with a front tire or a rear tire based on the associated temperature data, and whether pressure data is associated with a right tire or a left tire based on the associated rotation direction data.

Abstract: The output characteristics of the sensing device or the control quantity of the sensing element can be adjusted by extracting an adjusting terminal in addition to a power source terminal, a ground terminal, an output terminal and the like outside a housing containing and protecting an electronic circuit. Further, by arranging the adjusting terminal inside a connector housing containing terminals such as the power source terminal, the ground terminal, the output terminal and the like, it is possible to prevent contact of foreign objects to the adjusting terminal and to water-proof the terminals for preventing corrosion since an associated connector is attached to the connector when the sensing device is actually used.

Abstract: A pressure sensor housing and assembly is disclosed. The pressure sensor may have a manifold and a header comprising one integral unitary housing. The unitary housing may have a pressure inlet in communication with an elongated tube. The unitary housing also may have a sensing die coupled to the elongated tube in order to receive pressure input signals through the pressure inlet. The sensing die may detect an applied pressure and derive an electrical signal from the applied pressure.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes an elastic member extending about a central axis, having a central region, a peripheral region, a first side, and a second side. An overpressure stop member has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the overpressure stop member has a contour adapted to limit deflection of the elastic member caused by a differential pressure between the two regions across the elastic member. The outer surface of the overpressure stop member has an first electrically conductive region. A second plate is spaced apart from the outer surface of the overpressure stop member, and being connected to the central region of the elastic member by a post, wherein the post transfers deformation of the elastic member caused by differential pressure across the elastic member to movement of the second plate along the central axis.

Abstract: A sensor chip has a piezo-resistive bridge, a first resistor network that can be used for biasing when connected to an external amplifier, a second resistor network that can be used to set gain when connected to the external amplifier, and a leadout resistor that connects an output of the bridge to a common summing point of the two resistor networks. The summing point is connected to the non-inverting input of the external amplifier. The leadout resistor has a predetermined number of squares. A portion of the squares has a light implant and the remaining portion of the squares has a heavy implant. The ratio of the heavy and light implant portions provides customized span compensation of the amplified output for specific operating temperature ranges.

Abstract: A port fitting is formed with a closed, pedestal end forming a diaphragm on which a strain gauge sensor is mounted. A support member is received on the pedestal end and is formed with a flat end wall having an aperture aligned with the sensor. A portion of a flexible circuit assembly is bonded to the flat end wall with a connector disposed over the support member. A tubular outer housing is fitted over the several components and its bottom portion is welded to the port fitting while its top portion places a selected load on an O-ring received about the connector as well as internal components of the transducer. In one embodiment, a loading washer (72a) is disposed over the O-ring on a first portion (70a) of a two portion connector (70) and retained by a second connector portion (70b). Protrusions (76a1) formed on the tubular housing (76) pass through cut-outs in the second connector portion to place a load on the loading washer.

Abstract: A tire condition monitoring apparatus monitors the condition of a tire of a vehicle. A transmitter of the apparatus includes an installed portion, a casing, and arms. A tire condition detecting element is installed in the installed portion. The casing accommodates the installed portion. The installed portion is connected to the casing by the arms. The arms tolerate reactive force and protect the installed portion from that reactive force.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating the temperature of a sensor to reduce temperature gradients that form within the sensor. In one embodiment, the temperature gradients are reduced utilizing a temperature regulator with two controlled zones that surround a variable capacitance sensor. Measurements are made for the ambient temperature of at least one of the two temperature controlled zones, and the temperature differential between the two temperature controlled zones. The temperature regulator then adjusts the temperature of the two controlled zones based upon this differential in order to minimize the existing temperature gradient.

Abstract: Surface micromachined structures having a relatively thick silicon nitride layer and a relatively thin conductive polysilicon layer bonded together. Preferably, the silicon nitride layer and conductive polysilicon layer are made in the same low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) step. The polysilicon layer is thin enough compared to the silicon nitride layer so that the mechanical properties of the microstructure are primarily determined by the silicon nitride layer. This provides superior mechanical properties for many applications. The thin conductive polysilicon layer provides conductivity for the microstructure (silicon nitride is an electrical insulator). The polysilicon layer has a thickness less than ⅕ the thickness of the silicon nitride layer. Preferably, the polysilicon layer is much thinner than this. The polysilicon layer can be located on a top surface or bottom surface of the silicon nitride layer. Also, the polysilicon layer can be located within the silicon nitride layer.

Abstract: A wheel rim having a tire sensor for a pneumatic tire is disclosed. The wheel rim includes a rim portion having a valve rod, a base seat fixing on the rim portion at a location other than the location of the valve rod, and a sensor embedded in and attached to the base seat. The sensor is used for sensing the conditions of the pneumatic tire and transmitting the obtained signals by radio frequency.

Abstract: In a pressure sensor, a first electrode is formed on a base plate. A insulating laminate material coats the first electrode. A conductive rubber is attached on a click rubber. The conductive rubber is brought into a pressure contact with the first electrode coated with the insulating laminate material.

Abstract: A pressure gauge having a pressure operated piston for measuring the difference in pressure between two pressure signals including an automatically operative pressure relief valve and a manually operable three-way valve to provide a venting function useful for inspecting the operation of the pressure operated piston of the pressure gauge.

Abstract: The operating efficiency of a compressor in the range of low Mach numbers at a supersonic wind tunnel test section (for which a considerable flow rate is required) is emphasized, and a design is provided in which pressure fluctuations can be reduced in a supersonic flow and also can be reduced in a supersonic wind tunnel circuit capable of operating at the required Mach number. Pressure fluctuations of flow brought about by inefficient operation can be reduced by operating an axial compressor 9 at a higher operating efficiency in the presence of a tunnel circuit resistor than the operating efficiency determined by the operating state theoretically calculated based on the Mach number required at a test section 19 in the absence of the tunnel circuit resistor. The Mach number at the test section can be made to conform to the required Mach number by causing the stream produced by the axial compressor 9 to pass through the tunnel circuit resistor such as a mesh plate 20 mounted in the tunnel circuit.