Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable media for computerized vehicle service request systems having enhanced safety features are described.

Abstract: The subject invention provides improved means to measure mass collected on a sample collection surface in real time. A resonant structure is used as the “scale” to determine the mass in real time. The invention employs a membrane, or collection substrate, on the end of a resonant structure resonating in the longitudinal direction. A structure resonating in the longitudinal mode offers a considerably higher resonant frequency than the same structure in the bending mode. The higher the resonant frequency, the more resolution in the frequency of oscillation is available to determine the mass of the collection surface or membrane. The present invention implements this attribute in connection with such a structure.

Abstract: The subject invention provides improved means to measure mass collected on a sample collection surface in real time. A resonant structure is used as the “scale” to determine the mass in real time. The invention employs a membrane, or collection substrate, on the end of a resonant structure resonating in the longitudinal direction. A structure resonating in the longitudinal mode offers a considerably higher resonant frequency than the same structure in the bending mode. The higher the resonant frequency, the more resolution in the frequency of oscillation is available to determine the mass of the collection surface or membrane. The present invention implements this attribute in connection with such a structure.

Abstract: The use of bulk-solidifying amorphous metal alloys, frequently called “liquid metals”, are disclosed as a preferred material of construction for the manufacture of mechanical resonators, such as mechanical resonators utilized in the following: systems using tuning forks and variants of tuning forks, inertial microbalances, vibrating level detectors, vibrating viscosity and rheology measuring instruments, vibrating tube meters, such as Coriolis mass flow meters, vibrating structure gyroscopes, vortex flow meters, sonotrodes for various applications such as welding and medical applications, and piezoelectric activated mechanical resonators. A method of attaining high mechanical Q factors, sensitivity, elasticity, hardness, and high specific strength properties offered by the use of bulk-solidifying amorphous metal alloys in the manufacture of mechanical resonators is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal mass flow rate sensor is made of a resistance temperature detector wire wound around a mandrel. A metal sheath is formed about the mandrel and wire assembly to be in intimate contact with the mandrel and wire assembly. The materials of which the sensor is made are selected such that their co-efficients of thermal expansion are approximately the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precise measurement and calibration of gas flow rates is described. The apparatus and method employ precision-bored cylinders adapted for operation with ultrasonic transducers under the control of computer subroutines for accomplishing the desired methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precise measurement and calibration of gas flow rates is described. The apparatus and method employ precision-bored cylinders adapted for operation with ultrasonic transducers under the control of computer subroutines for accomplishing the desired methods.

Abstract: A fluid bypass type flowmeter has a main passage which is configurable to various effective diameters by selectably adding pre-defined additional cross-sections comprised of an adjustable laminar flow element located within a bore for fine adjustm=ent of the full-scale range of the flowmeter, and an adjustable restriction secondary passage for crude adjustments of the range of the meter. With adjustment of the flowmeter, all or a selected portion of the flow to be measured can be diverted through the secondary passage, where a flow measuring device is located, thereby allowing the flowmeter to operate at or near its full scale and thereby improving the accuracy of the flowmeter over various ranges of flow rate. A laminar flow element is employed in the main passage so that the pressure drop across the element varies linearly with flow rate and, accordingly, the ratio of diverted to un-diverted flow is a constant ratio even though the flow rate varies.

Abstract: An improved mass flowmeter of the type having a primary passage for the fluid whose flow rate is to be measured, a sensor tube which serves as a secondary passage for the fluid and is connected to the primary passage at upstream and downstream locations, and a pair of resistance wire coils surrounding the sensor tube and connected to a bridge circuit in which the resistance differential between the wire coils is proportional to the fluid flow rate. The sensor tube is a straight tube displaced from the primary passage and accessible at its ends for cleaning. The wire coils and the corresponding portion of the sensor tube are surrounded by an evacuated enclosure to prevent convection effects between the adjacent coils, to maximize the response time of the coils to changes in fluid flow rate, and to reduce conduction losses.