Abstract: To provide a hydraulic master cylinder with inlet ports and outlet ports arranged in an angle to each other wherein the outlet ports can be on either side of the housing without the need of two different casts, the master cylinder according to the invention is equipped with either two sets of protrusions adapted to be machined into inlet ports or two sets of protrusions adapted to be machined into outlet ports. The two sets of identical protrusions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the one set of different protrusions. Thus, depending on the desired side of the outlet ports, only one set of the two sets of identical protrusions is machined while the other set remains an unmachined accumulation of material.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor has a premixing burner for jetting out a premixed gas of fuel and air. A stabilizer forms a circulation of combustion gas generated by combustion of the premixed gas at the downstream side of the stabilizer to stabilize flame formed by the combustion of the premixed gas. Before the operation of the combustor, a relationship between a temperature of the stabilizer and combustion conditions of the premixed gas is checked. Thereafter during operation of the combustor, the temperature of the stabilizer is measured during combustion and the combustion conditions are checked according to only the measured temperature of the stabilizer and the aforesaid relationship. The stabilizer has a heat receiving surface at the most downstream side thereof. The temperature of a portion of the stabilizer around the heat receiving surfaces measured to allow an accurate assessment of the combustion conditions.

Abstract: A fuel mixer for a gas turbine combustor is provided. The fuel mixer has a substantially cylindrical body with a flared end and a tapered end. The flared end is adapted for receiving compressed air and for channeling the compressed air into the fuel mixer. The fuel mixer has a fuel/air mixing disk disposed within the body proximate the flared end. A disk axis of the fuel/air mixing disk is substantially parallel to the axis of the fuel mixer body. The fuel/air mixing disk has a plurality of holes parallel to the disk axis. The fuel/air mixer reduces NO.sub.x and CO emissions in a gas turbine combustor by providing more evenly distributed fuel/air mixtures without increasing the risk of flame holding or flashback.

Abstract: A thermal storage system providing a receptacle in a motor vehicle which can be used to keep refrigerated items cool or heated items hot during transportation of those items. The receptacle is removably mounted from the vehicle to facilitate carrying of the items to and from the vehicle. Additionally, the receptacle can be folded to reduce its size for storage within a cavity in the motor vehicle after passing the receptacle through an opening in a vehicle interior component. The receptacle has insulated walls which operate to keep the stored items either heated or cooled in passive operation. Active heating or cooling can be provided with a thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A container useful for keeping food or beverages warm or cold includes a combination lid and tray door assembly. The lid and tray are both coupled to the container and to each other. The tray may be pivoted independently of the lid into a table top position and it may be separated from the container and used as a separate tray. The tray and lid are also pivotable together as an integral door assembly, and the lid is pivotable independently of the tray when the tray is removed or deployed as a table top. The overall height of the container is less than the overall length and the overall width so that the container has a low, stable center of gravity which permits it to be used on an unstable surface, such as an automobile seat, and so that the container does not obstruct movement or view of occupants of an automobile when it is used in an automobile.

Abstract: Method and plant for cooling a food mass contained in a vessel are provided. The method includes, supplying a cryogenic liquid from a source and injecting the cryogenic liquid into the food mass through a bottom portion of the vessel. The pressure of the injected liquid is greater than 3 bar, and is preferably between 5 and 15 bar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressor in which an oil for application or that for assembly has non-compatibility with a refrigerant to be charged in a refrigerant circuit and an lubricating oil to be charged in the compressor has compatibility with the refrigerant.

Abstract: A freeze point protection method and system is provided for water cooled chillers. The method prevents freezing of chilled water and damage to the chiller. The method allows the evaporator temperature to drop below a freezing temperature for a predetermined amount of time prior to shutting down the chiller. The temperature of the refrigerant in the water chiller is periodically sensed. The amount of time that the chiller is below a predetermined freezing temperature is periodically counted and compared with a determined maximum time that the chiller may operate at a sensed temperature below the predetermined freezing temperature without damaging the chiller. The method will shut down the water chiller if the counted time exceeds the determined maximum time. A system for shutting down a water cooled chiller to prevent freezing of chilled water is also provided.

Abstract: A remote controlled system for remotely controlling a high load device, such as the defrosting cycle of a self-defrosting refrigerator, is provided. The system includes a data interface to receive commands from an electricity supplier and to transmit those commands via the power line to the refrigerator. The refrigerator is equipped with a power line interface to receive the commands from the power line and transmit the commands to a defrost sequencer. Between the power line interface and the defrost sequencer may be provided another interface that converts the commands into a digital signal more suitable for the defrost sequencer, which is typically a microprocessor.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system in which outdoor units and indoor units of plural air conditioning units are connected to one another through a single bus line, when signals of at least two air conditioners are output onto the bus line substantially at the same output timing, the signal output timing of at least one air conditioner is changed by timing changing means so that the output timings of the signals of the air conditioners are different from one another. Further, each of the outdoor units of the air conditioners is provided with operation data recording means for recording the operation data of the outdoor unit, operation data output means for outputting the operation data of a desired outdoor unit, and operation data transmitting means for transmitting the operation data recorded in the operation data recording means to another outdoor unit through the bus line.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus suitable for use in small boats having enclosed cabins, comprising an insulated compartment; a cooling coil having an inner surface and an outer surface; a small pump for causing a liquid cooling fluid to travel along a defined flow path leading from the insulated compartment, across the inner surface of the cooling coil, and back to the insulated compartment; and a means for causing air to flow across the outer surface of the cooling coil in heat exchange relationship with the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid is cooled by contact with a slowly melting frozen material stored inside the insulated compartment. No on-board vapor compression refrigeration cycle like those used in conventional marine air conditioning systems is used for either chilling the cooling fluid or refreezing the frozen material after it melts. This leads to a significant decrease in power requirements.

Abstract: A multi-unit air conditioner has a compressor for compressing refrigerant, an outdoor heat-exchanger for receiving compressed refrigerant from the compressor, and a plurality of indoor heat-exchangers connected in parallel with the outdoor heat-exchanger for receiving heat-exchanged refrigerant therefrom. A by-pass section is provided for returning some of the refrigerant from the outdoor heat-exchanger back to the compressor inlet when one of the indoor heat-exchangers is inactive, to restrict the amount of refrigerant supplied to the active indoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: An accumulator for a refrigeration system includes a housing having a cylindrical sidewall and upper and lower end walls. Inlet and outlet tubes are provided in the housing for directing refrigerant into and out of the accumulator. The inlet tube includes a first end fluidly connected to an inlet fitting at the upper end wall of the housing, and a second end located proximate the lower end wall of the housing. A longitudinal orifice is provided along the entire length of the inlet tube, from a location above the level of stored liquid refrigerant in the accumulator, to a location below the level of stored liquid. The orifice is oriented to direct fluid tangentially along the inside surface of the side wall. The inlet tube is formed by a strip of material where the side edges of the strip are brought together to define the opening, or the side edges can be brought into contact along a seam and a plurality of openings can be provided along the tube.

Abstract: In a process for crystallizing material to be isolated, fluid is vaporized from a melt or a solution comprising the material to be isolated and the fluid and the vaporized fluid is condensed or absorbed in a liquid material to form a liquid mixture, wherein the fluid components to be condensed/absorbed have partial pressures over the liquid mixture which are smaller than the partial pressures of these components over the crystallizing solution/melt and the freezing point of the liquid mixture is lower than the condensation/absorption temperature in the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A blast furnace (1) is supplied with a flow of optionally oxygen-enriched air coming from an isothermal compressor (3) or a (radial) centrifugal compressor (11).

Abstract: A convertible jewelry article including a mounting wand and clip assembly releasably secured to an ornamental jewelry button. The mounting clip is releasably snap received with the back side of the jewelry button. The convertible jewelry article further includes a variety of different mounting wand and clip assemblies as well as a variety of differently styled ornamental jewelry buttons. The combination of different mounting wand and clip assemblies and different ornamental jewelry buttons provides the user with a wide range of different jewelry options. The mounting wand cooperates with a selected ornamental button to be worn on the person as an article of jewelry in a variety of different ways.

Abstract: The body jewelry device has a post part and cap part with the cap part having an integral and threaded stub. The post part has an integrally formed and complementary threaded bore for receiving the threaded stud. The cap part post is thereby securely, but releasably, coupled to the post part. In a preferred embodiment, the cap has a counter sink for receiving an end of the post. The cap for the body jewelry may be formed by shaping a stock material into a generally enlarged ornamental piece. A stub is integrally formed on the generally enlarged shape and threads formed on the stub. A counter sink may be formed around the stub for receiving an end of the post. The stub threads are constructed to threadably mate with an opposing and complementary bore on a post.

Abstract: A setting for retaining at least one grooveless precious stone and a method for providing such setting. A first portion of the setting includes a first surface, with the first surface contacting a facet portion of the grooveless precious stone at a first contacting location of the at least one grooveless precious stone. A second portion of the setting cooperates with the first portion and includes a second surface. The second surface contacts a pavilion portion of the grooveless precious stone at a second contacting location of the grooveless precious stone. The pavilion portion is situated below the facet portion. The grooveless precious stone is situated between the first portion and the second portion, with the second portion being wax-molded with the grooveless precious stone to provide a first pressure on the at least one pavilion portion at the second contacting position. The first portion provides a second pressure on the facet portion at the first contacting position in response to the first pressure.

Abstract: A pair of restraints, preferably in the form of handcuffs, are separately connected to a housing assembly by way of elongated cables. The cables are attached at their other ends to a rotatable spool sturdily housed within a box ratchet assembly. Each restraint is first separately applied to a resisting arrestee's wrists. The cables are then reeled into the spool member with a ratcheting motion, enabling a law enforcement official to maintain a controlled joinder of the handcuffs and the arrestee's wrists.

Abstract: A security device, for a backpack 51, comprises a cover in the form of a wire netting 50 that is held snugly to the backpack by a draw line 53. The draw line is taughtened and locked tight with a locking mechanism 54. The cover prevents tampering with or removing the backpack from the wearer, and especially the slicing open of backpack to remove its contents.

Abstract: A long shackle padlock includes a cylindrical housing, a lock housing fitted in the cylindrical housing, a locking means protected in the lock housing, and a shackle. The locking means can move a first bead and a second bead with a coil spring interposed between, for locking and unlocking, with the second bead fitting in a bead hole of the foot of the shackle in locking, and with the first bead pushed and moved inward by the locking means to let the second bead move inward to disengage from the bead hole of the foot of the shackle in unlocking. The locking means and the lock housing can be applied to other kinds of locks such as common padlocks, U-shaped locks, wire locks, etc.

Abstract: A steel wire rope lock includes a lock housing, a steel wire rope having a first end and a second end, a first end connector for fixing tightly the first end of the steel wire rope, a second end connector for fixing tightly the second end of the steel wire rope and a lock fitted in the lock housing. The first end connector is inserted into the mouth of the lock housing. The lock is inserted in the other end of the lock housing. Then, the second end connector is inserted into the lateral hole of the lock housing, and the steel bead provided half in the round hole of the second end connector is compressed by the inner wall of the lateral hole to withdraw wholly in the round hole. When the second end connector being inserted more downwardly, the steel bead will be pushed outward by the spring in the round hole to be caught in the arc groove. Thus, the second end connector is firmly fixed in the lock housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides new door lock combination chambers for use with door locks, particularly pushbutton door locks. The combination chamber includes rotary keys which are actuated by pressing pushbuttons when entering an unlocking code into the combination chamber. The rotary keys rotate and engage idler gears which are engaged with a timing gear and code gears. The code gears have pockets which become aligned with an unlocking slide when the proper unlocking combination is entered into the combination chamber. The unlocking slide can be slide into the pockets on the code gears, and thus allow a corresponding locking mechanism retract a latch bolt in a door.

Abstract: A flow-turning process for manufacturing internally geared parts, including a press mandrel (10) comprising a mandrel (1) on which is fitted a forming tool (2) and one or more pressure rollers (3). A workpiece (4) is held between the forming tool (2) or press mandrel (10) and press rollers (3) and undergoes plastic deformation under the force exerted by the press rollers (3). The forming tool comprises chromium- and molybdenum-containing materials and is tempered and surface-hardened, and the distance between the forming tool (2) and the mounting of the press mandrel (10) in the machine is sufficient to permit a degree of deviation (.alpha.) by the forming tool (2) relative to the machine axis (5).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one end flange-less wheel rim includes the steps of: providing a sheet of rim material having a width substantially corresponding to the developed width of a one end flange-less wheel rim to be made, curving the sheet to form a cylinder, flaring one end of the cylinder, roll-forming the flared cylinder to the desired rim configuration using roll-forming machines each including an upper roll, a lower roll and a ring, with the flange-less side end of the rim material being axially abutted against the ring, and removing a margin for machining from the flange-less side end of the rim material. In the apparatus, the ring is coupled to one of the upper roll and the lower roll.

Abstract: A cylindrical sleeve and a reaction force receiver are fixed on a ceiling plate so as to form a passage along which a rod-like member is placeable and bent by a bending pin rotating about an output shaft driven by an electric motor through a speed-reduction gear train. A wall is formed in parallel with a front end surface of the reaction force receiver in an opposed relationship with each other. A plurality of surfaces, formed on the front end of the reaction force receiver, are inclined with each other. The rod-like member is supported along one of the plurality of surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the production of both discrete metal plate and coiled metal plate products. In a mill having at least two in-line reversing plate mill stands, a reheated slab can be rolled on a first reversing plate mill in several reversing flat passes. The rolled product can then be sent to a second in-line reversing plate mill for additional rolling followed by winding in a downstream coiler. In the present invention, while the rolled product is sent to the second reversing plate mill, a virgin reheated slab can be introduced and rolled on the first reversing plate mill in several reversing flat passes. This product, subsequent to a slab which is rolled and sent to the second reversing plate mill, can be sent upstream along runout tables for further processing in finishing equipment. When the first reversing plate mill is again clear of rolled product, another virgin reheated slab can be introduced to the first mill and the above process can be repeated.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in forming can bodies comprises a punch including a hollow punch sleeve with a supply of compressed air connected to the interior thereof. A concave dome void recess in the nose of the punch is adapted to receive a correspondingly shaped doming tool for forming a domed base profile in the can body and an air passage provides fluid communication between the interior of the punch sleeve and the concave recess. A valve located in the air passage is biased into the open position by a spring but is normally held closed by the pressure of air in the interior of the sleeve. Entry of the doming tool into the dome void recess when the valve is closed causes a substantial rise in pressure in the air passage which enables the valve to open and deliver compressed air to the interior of the can body to assist in stripping it from the punch.

Abstract: Pliers (1) for crimping workpieces include a pliers head (2) including at least two cover plates (6, 7) and a recess (3), the cover plates (6, 7) having rectilinear channels arranged therein. A stationary crimping (4) die is arranged inside the recess (3) of the pliers head (2). A movable crimping die (5) is arranged inside the recess (3) of the pliers head (2). A guiding element (22) includes two spaced apart guiding projections (27, 28) and it defines a line of movement (33), the guiding element (22) including an opening (39) for its stroke (34), being connected to the movable crimping die (5) and linearly guiding the movable crimping die (5) in the rectilinear channels being arranged in the cover plates (6, 7). A bearing (37) is arranged at the cover plates (6, 7) and in the line of movement (33) between the two guiding projections (27, 28) of the guiding element (22) to enlarge the distance (24) between the two guiding projections (27, 28).

Abstract: The inventive pressure die holder is comprised of an elongate hollow steel cylinder which receives a series of dies in an interior cavity. The dies are maintained within the cavity by means of a cap which is attached to one end of the pressure die holder. The inventive pressure die holder is provided with two sets of vents which relieve lubricant pressure within the pressure die holder. The first set of vents are located in mid portion of the body of the pressure die holder in alignment with the dies. The first set of vents reduce pressure between the die pair, allowing the lubricant to flow through the die at a cooler temperature. The second set of vents are located in the body of the pressure die holder adjacent the cap, and allow the cap to be removed from the pressure die holder at the end of the drawing operation.

Abstract: An electronic device for sensing gas present in the environment, comprising a presence sensor for the gas concentration, a digital electronic circuit for processing data, a permanent random access memory, a bidirectional serial logic gate, at least one optical and/or acoustic warning device, and an electrical actuator or relay. During its production the electronic device receives from an external processor, via a serial line, data (gas concentration, temperature, humidity) relating to the environment in which the sensor is located, the data being analyzed by the digital electronic circuit together with the values present at the output of the sensor, for the purpose of calibrating the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the concentration of alcohol present in a gaseous mixture wherein an electronic device employing a fuel cell determines the concentration of alcohol present in the gaseous mixture is disclosed. In particular, the device may be used to determine a person's sobriety by determining the alcohol concentration in a breath sample. To determine the alcohol concentration, the device must be able to accurately determine the volume of breath in the breath sample. The device controls the volume of the breath sample by measuring the pressure of the breath flow through the device and, in response to the pressure, electronically controlling a valve diverting a portion of the breath flow into the fuel cell thereby indicating and ensuring that a predefined requisite amount of breath flow has passed thru the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method for testing threaded joints and threaded members comprising the steps of lubricating one or both threaded members, making up a joint, subjecting the joint to a pressure differential, and attempting to detect flow through said joint, characterized in that said method includes the step of subjecting said joint to heat during the test.

Abstract: A glide head with mounted PZT sensor is used to obtain a glide avalanche curve. The glide head is subsequently gradually decreased until the signal is extremely high. First, at least one resonance frequency of the glide head is determined. The frequency component of the PZT glide signal to each specific irregular peak is analyzed by using the speed of the glide head divided by the bump spacing, multiplied by a factor, m, where m is an integer number. The next step of the present invention is to determine a glide avalanche break point of the recording medium. Then, the glide avalanche point is determined in the region which is between the irregular peaks and the extremely high signal.

Abstract: A force, weight or position sensor unit and sensor element incorporated into an apparatus for microindentation hardness testing and surface imaging which allows immediate imaging of the surface subsequent to hardness testing. The sensor uses a multi-capacitor system having drive and pick-up plates mounted on an appropriate suspension system to provide the desired relative motion when a force is applied to the pick-up plate. The output signal is run through a buffer amplifier and synchronously demodulated to produce a signal proportional to force or displacement. The sensor element is mounted on a scanning tunneling microscope base and a sample mounted on the sensor. The force sensor is used for both measuring the applied force during microindentation or micro hardness testing and for imaging before and after the testing to achieve an atomic force microscope type image of the surface topography before and after indentation testing.

Abstract: A surface finish, displacement and contour scanner comprising an arm with a stylus pivotally attached to a housing, and a transducer with a blade attached to the arm and an E-shaped ferrite core mounted to the housing. The arm is biased with the stylus out of the housing. The high permeability blade moves outside of the core, relative to the open faces of the three legs of the core. The blade is a flux carrier changing the coupling between the primary winding and the secondary windings, controlling the secondary windings output signals. The blade has a section adjacent to and completely covering the primary leg face, and two sections adjacent to the secondary leg faces. In the null position, both leg faces are half covered so that the secondary windings outputs are the same. As the stylus moves, the area of one secondary leg face covered by the blade increases as the other decreases, changing the secondary winding output signal in opposite directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inferring the engine coolant temperature in cylinder head temperature sensor equipped vehicles including the steps of measuring the cylinder head temperature, calculating the engine coolant temperature from the measured cylinder head temperature as a function of at least one vehicle operational state, generating a signal for the calculated engine coolant temperature, and sending the generated signal to a display.

Abstract: A testing system provides a quantitative way of measuring the adhesive strength of adhesives, paints, coatings, adhesive tapes, and other test substances to underlying adherends and substrates, such as metals. The test system of the invention consistently produces uniform results. First and second adherends are bonded together over a relatively small area near the centers and are then pulled apart by a force applied at one end of one of the adherends. The force is increased until the second adherend member is debonded from the first throughout the test bonding zone, thus determining the total energy expended in debonding the first and second adherend members plus strain energy expended in displacing the second member from the first. The force is then decreased until there is no longer any displacement of the second member from the first while concurrently measuring the decreasing force and displacement of the second adherend member from the first adherend member as a function of the decreasing force.

Abstract: The apparatus for determining the stiffness of sheet material is provided with mechanical means which periodically touch the sheet material, causing it to vibrate. The sounds produced by the vibration are detected by a detector. From the detected sounds an evaluating device determines the stiffness of the sheet material. The sheet material is held or guided in a transport device such that it can yield to the mechanical action within certain limits in the area of contact without being irreversibly deformed.

Abstract: In an automated welding machine, where a flow of liquid coolant is supplied to welding components on the machine from a source of coolant and then returned to the source of coolant, a safety system is provided that shuts down the flow of coolant in the event of a fault. Faults are detected by a supply sensor and a return sensor for measuring the flow rates of coolant in the supply and return lines. A microprocessor is adapted to compare the supply flow rate and return flow rate and detect differences between the two rates. The difference between the detected rates as compared to a leak threshold value, and the microprocessor is adapted to generate a valve shutoff signal in the event the detected difference in flow rates exceeds the leak threshold value. A value in the supply coolant line is responsive to the valve shutoff signal to shutoff flow of coolant in response thereto.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring system using a strain-gauge load cell is disclosed. The system includs a buoyancy weight standing upright in a liquid held in an object to be measured in a long bar shape, and having an average density substantially the same as that of the liquid; the strain-gauge load cell producing a change in the buoyancy weight varied with the liquid level as a change of an electrical signal; an amplifier amplifying a voltage signal detected from the strain-gauge load cell; an analog/digital converter converting an amplified voltage signal into a digital signal; a central processing unit applying a driving pulse to the strain-gauge load cell and average-operating a plurality of digital signals to find an average value of the liquid level; and a display displaying the average value of the liquid level as a number.

Abstract: An active hand gripper for use in a blood drawing apparatus provides a tactile signal to a blood donor reminding the donor to periodically squeeze the hand gripper, thereby increasing donor venous pressure and the related blood flow rate from the donor into the blood drawing apparatus. The tactile signal may be generated, for example, in response to a measured decrease in line pressure; or in response to a projected decrease in line pressure based on analysis of current and past flow parameters; or at pre-set intervals based on a target gripping frequency; or based on the donor's pattern of actual gripping. The gripper can be configured for autonomous operation such that the gripper itself contains circuitry for determining when the tactile signal should be issued, or the gripper can receive a trigger signal from a controller within the blood drawing apparatus.

Abstract: The adjustable measuring device has a cylindrical base and a slightly larger cylindrical sleeve which slides upwardly and downwardly on the cylindrical base to form a cup of variable volume. Both cylinders are oblate and preferably are elliptical or oval in cross-section. This allows the height of the device to be reduced, without loss of measuring capacity, and without loss of gripability. Also, the oblate shape forms a natural pour spout. A sealing member having a relatively thin, flexible wiper or flange element forms a seal at the junction between the interior surface of the sleeve and the top of the base member and minimizes leakage of liquid from the cup. A lip on each narrow end of the upper edge of the sleeve minimizes dripping and running of excess liquid down the outside of the sleeve after pouring. In one embodiment, detent mechanisms are provided to accurately locate different measurement positions of the sleeve.

Abstract: An article inspection apparatus is capable of inspecting an article which cannot be sorted out by image processing or a diagnostic process that employs energy to be transmitted through the article. A hitting sound is generated by a hitting sound generating device when an article is hit, and is detected by a sound detecting device and analyzed by a detected-sound analyzer. The analyzed result is converted into a pattern by a detected-sound pattern generator, and the pattern is matched with registered reference patterns from a reference pattern registering device by a pattern matching device. Based on the result of matching, the article is sorted out by an article sorting device. It is possible to detect the material of a container, such as cans of aluminum and iron which are identical in shape and size to each other. It is also possible to check the amount of a substance in a container that cannot directly be seen, or inspect baked articles for pores contained therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing and stress relieving metal components comprising a vibration means (28), attachment means (30), control means (2) and measuring means (13,31), the attachment means (28) being configured and arranged to, in use, directly vibration couple the vibration means (28) to a metal component (40), the control means (2) controlling actuation of the vibration means (28), and the measuring means (13,31), in use, measuring the amplitude of vibration in the said metal component (29).

Abstract: There is provided a monitor and method for monitoring the condition of a photoresist film on a wafer during baking in which the phase of high frequency ultrasonic pulses reflected from the wafer/photoresist interface provides an indication of the condition of the photoresist film.

Abstract: A system for estimating a velocity of a stress wave induced in a log or tree stem is used to maximize the value of wood products produced. An accelerometer is placed against the log while the log is struck with a pneumatic hammer. By monitoring the signals received at the accelerometer, the velocity of stress wave can be determined. Based on the velocity, an estimate of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) for the wood in the log is made. A price table is selected that relates different sizes of lumber having the determined modulus of elasticity to a current market value. The log is then cut such that the value of the lumber produced is maximized.

Abstract: A vibration sensor includes a substrate (7), a plate-like diaphragm (3) forming a capacitor, and holding assembly (2), (4), (6) for holding the diaphragm so as to be movable in parallel to the substrate. The diaphragm includes a plurality of flexible displacement portions (3c), (3d) for enabling the supporting portion of the diaphragm to be movable in parallel to the substrate. When vibrations are applied to the vibration sensor, the diaphragm portion of the diaphragm is vibrated and electrostatic capacity formed between the substrate and the diaphragm is changed based on the vibrations. Vibrations are detected on the basis of the change of electrostatic capacity. Since the vibration sensor includes the flexible displacement portions, the diaphragm becomes difficult to be vibrated due to a sound pressure and a vibration detected output can be prevented from being disturbed by the sound pressure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining the fatigue status of a metallic specimen are provided. The methods utilize the devices, which are an array of a number of cells or modules. Each cell in the array has an electrode, and an electrolyte in contact with a surface of the specimen. The cells of the array can determine a relative fatigue status of a large surface area of the specimen of interest.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a gyratory compaction apparatus for creating compression and shear forces in a sample material, the apparatus using a single roller to accomplish the gyration comprising a hollow cylinder mold including first and second end plates in slidable engagement with the mold at respective first and second open ends, with a chamber inside the mold for receiving the sample material, a support frame having an interior suitable for receiving the mold therein, a compression mechanism for compressing the sample material, and a gyratory assembly comprising a rotational drive motor having a drive shaft aligned along the longitudinal axis of the support frame interior, a cam mounted at the end of the drive shaft, a gyratory plate having an inner housing for encompassing and operably engaging the cam including a spring biased plunger operably engaging the cam and a first outer angular contact bearing for operably engaging the mold inner surface and a driven plate operably mounted to the suppo