Abstract: A series of ultrasound strain images of a breast lesion are acquired along with corresponding B-mode images using a real-time ultrasound strain imaging system and a free-hand technique. A visual assessment of the lesion is made by the sonographer after image acquisition. A conspicuity metric is calculated from the strain images based on the weighted sum of lesion contrast values in each strain image. The weighting of each lesion contrast value is based on observed characteristics of malignant lesions in a series of strain images.

Abstract: A monolithic capacitive differential pressure transducer (68, 156, 170) is shown composed of ceramic material having first and second cavities formed adjacent to opposed face surfaces to form first and second flexible diaphragms (70, 72; 110, 140; 172, 174) and a motion transfer pin (74, 124/130, 202) attached to and extending between the diaphragms. Capacitor plates are disposed on opposed rigid platform members (76, 78; 100, 126; 184, 194). Component parts are first pressed from ceramic powder and assembled into a unit using one of several methods including a selected amount of pressure to press them together or using a combination of low pressure along with raising the temperature of the material to soften the binder in the ceramic material at surfaces of the parts which are to be joined together.

Abstract: A pressure system has a pressure vessel holding gas under pressure and has a pressure responsive device arranged to be responsive to loss of gas from the vessel to provide a warning signal or the like corresponding to the gas loss. The device has two springs opposing movement of a device diaphragm in response to the gas pressure in the vessel, one spring being arranged to oppose diaphragm movement resulting from change in the gas pressure due to change in gas temperature from a selected temperature in accordance with the gas law, and the other spring being arranged to permit diaphragm movement to change position of a control to provide a signal corresponding to a gas loss when change in the gas pressure in the vessel decreases to a selected level at the selected gas temperature.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises an improved capacitive pressure transducer having a first capacitor plate secured to a limited portion of a first surface of a relatively rigid ceramic substrate and having a diaphragm with an electrically conductive surface forming a second capacitor plate, the diaphragm being secured to the ceramic substrate at a location spaced inwardly from the periphery of that first substrate for disposing the second capacitor plate in spaced, overlying relation to the first capacitor plate to be movable in response to applied pressure for varying the capacitor formed by the plates. Support means bear against opposite surfaces of the ceramic substrate at the periphery of the substrate for mounting the transducer with the diaphragm thereof substantially free of mounting stresses to be exposed to a pressure force in a pressure zone to be monitored.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises an improved capacitive pressure transducer having a first capacitor plate secured to a limited portion of a first surface of a relatively rigid ceramic substrate and having a diaphragm with an electrically conductive surface forming a second capacitor plate, the diaphragm being secured to the ceramic substrate at a location spaced inwardly from the periphery of that first substrate surface for disposing the second capacitor plate in spaced, overlying relation to the first capacitor plate to be movable in response to applied pressure for varying the capacitor formed by the plates. Support means bear against opposite surfaces of the ceramic substrate at the periphery of the substrate for mounting the transducer with the diaphragm thereof substantially free of mounting stresses to be exposed to a pressure force in a pressure zone to be monitored.

Abstract: There is provided an improvement in a seat belt retractor mechanism of the type having a seat belt reel rotatably mounted in a support frame adapted to be assembled on a movable door of a vehicle, wherein the reel has at least on one end a generally circular ratchet plate for engaging a locking element movably mounted on the support frame between a first position allowing the reel to payout the belt freely and a second position engaging the ratchet plate to hold the reel against rotation to payout the seat belt. An inertia sensing element carried by the support frame shifts this locking element into the locked position upon being moved by inertia forces caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle to which the mechanism is mounted. In addition, an electromagnet is employed for increasing the amount of inertia force needed to move the inertia sensor element during such rapid changes in speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A dual function sensor particularly useful with vehicular coolant systems indicates when a coolant liquid becomes corrosive to such cooling system materials as well as when the liquid falls to a low level condition. A reference and a sense electrode are used to probe the condition of the coolant liquid. Integral electronics provide signal conditioning and transmitting to indicate both corrosive and low level coolant conditions. The sensor assembly mounts directly onto a tubular coupling on the vehicle radiator by pushing the assembly onto the coupling until a spring wire element snaps past a lip formed on the free distal end of the coupling. An electrical connector shroud extends from the assembly and accommodates a mating male connector which is pushed onto the shroud until a clip mounted on the male connector snaps over a locking tab located on the shroud. The male connector typically is connected to an engine control module (ECM).

Abstract: A liquid level sensor is provided which includes a base assembly and a dipstick assembly. The base assembly includes an electronic printed circuit board assembly, electrical connections to both the dipstick assembly and a wiring harness, and a mounting assembly for securing it to an engine dipstick tube. The dipstick assembly includes a cap, a tube, and a sensor element. The cap is designed to provide the necessary keying and locking features to mate with the base assembly. The tube provides protection for lead wires which connect the sensing element to the printed circuit board assembly.

Abstract: A control circuit and method for using the same in operating a power switch such as a relay, FET, etc., having conductive and nonconductive conditions and adapted to direct a high magnitude driving current from a power supply through an electric load circuit when the power switch is in the conductive condition. Such a power switch can be used to control small motors used extensively in motor vehicles. This control circuit comprises testing means for directing a low magnitude, low duty cycle testing current through the load or motor circuit while the power switch is in the nonconductive condition, sensing means for creating a control signal indicative of a predetermined electrical characteristic, such as current flow, in the load circuit, means for shifting the power switch into the conductive condition for energizing the load when the control signal from the sensing means has a predetermined value, i.e.

Abstract: A system for actuating a warning device when the level of a liquid in a receptacle is below a preselected level. This system includes a probe formed from a length of positive temperature coefficient wire whereby the resistance through the wire increases with increased temperature. This wire is mounted within the receptacle in a manner that allows the wire to be submerged in the liquid under normal conditions. A detection can be made when such wire is partially or completely out of the liquid. There is a first switching means in the system to apply a voltage across the wire and a detector means for actuating the warning device in response to an electrical characteristic of the wire as determined at a preselected control point in the circuit including the probe. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the detector means includes a capacitor and a second switching means to ground the capacitor for a preselected time and then use the charged capacitor to follow the voltage of the probe.

Abstract: A system for actuating a warning device when the level of a liquid in a receptacle is below a preselected level. This system includes a probe formed from a length of positive temperature coefficient wire whereby the resistance through the wire increases with increased temperature. This wire is mounted within the receptacle in a manner that allows the wire to be submerged in the liquid under normal conditions. A detection can be made when such wire is partially or completely out of the liquid. There is a first switching device in the system to apply a voltage across the wire and a detector for actuating the warning device in response to an electrical characteristic of the wire as determined at a preselected control point in the circuit including the probe. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the detector includes a capacitor and a second switching device to ground the capacitor for a preselected time and then use the charged capacitor to follow the voltage of the probe.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor adapted to be installed inside a reservoir of a liquid to be monitored. The level sensor includes a float made from magnetic material which moves between two opposed end positions along a predetermined up-and-down path following the top surface level of the liquid. An a.c. coil driven by a pulse generator is located at one end of the float path such that the magnetic material of the float is closer to the coil at this one end of the path than at the opposite end, and is thus a variable part of the "core" of the coil which changes in response to the liquid level in the reservoir. The magnetic flux generated by the coil and/or its inductive reactance, also being a function of the variable core and thus a function of the liquid level, can be monitored electrically to provide an indication of the liquid level to an operator. The level sensor can be used to provide a signal at a predetermined level, or to provide an output which is proportional to the level of the liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A relatively low cost, high performance pressure responsive switch device comprises a base, switch means mounted on the base, and a discrete pressure-responsive unit which is separately testable for predetermining its pressure response characteristics and which is then mounted on the base for moving the switch means between selected switch positions in response to the application of a selected fluid pressure. The discrete pressure-responsive unit is particularly adapted for achieving long unit cycle life under high operating pressure conditions and for actuating the switch means incorporated in the device to achieve long cycle life as well.

Abstract: A thermal or pressure responsive switch has a contact arm movable between switch positions opening and closing switch contacts, has a spring biasing the arm to one of the switch positions, and has a dished disc element movable with snap action between original and dished configurations during changes in pressure or temperature conditions. The dished disc element cooperates with the spring in moving the contact arm between switch positions on the occurrence of selected switch actuating or reset pressure or temperature conditions, and the switch components are arranged to permit overtravel of the disc during snap acting movement for closing switch contacts without substantially altering the pressure or temperature response characteristics of the switch.

Abstract: A snap action toggle switch having a spring contact element formed of resilient metal strip material and including a U-shaped body member rigidified against flexure and comprised of a pair of spaced parallel side legs integral with and connected at one end by a flat base end portion and a plate spring member connected at one end with said base end portion and extending flatwise therefrom in the same general direction as the side legs and located therebetween.