Abstract: A knitted cover and a method of forming a two-dimensional knitting pattern for the cover. The pattern is taken from two-dimensional development of the cover and has pairs of edges-to-be-joined in the conversion from two-dimensional development to three-dimensional cover. These edges are broken down into courses or rows of progressively changing lengths, and the courses or rows are rearranged to form new edges in which a particular course or row is not necessarily adjacent its original neighbour before rearrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous dyeing of cellulose fibre yarns with reactive dyes and to an apparatus for carrying out this process.The process essentially comprises steps of impregnating yarn which has been continuously unwound at high speed from one or several supports (1) and rewound onto one or several supports (3) with at least one fibre-reactive dye in aqueous solution and at least one alkaline reagent in aqueous solution, andfixing the dye.The invention can be applied especially in the technical field of dyeing cellulose fibres.

Abstract: A washing machine having a water supply valve 10 to supply water into a washing spin tank 2. The washing spin tank 2 is rotatably provided inside outer tank 1. The washing machine also has a motor 5, etc., and a controller to control the washing machine as a whole. The controller is provided with a first process of rotating the washing spin tank 2 while supplying water and a second process of sprinkling water into the washing spin tank 2 after raising the washing water in between the outer tank 1 and the washing spin tank 2 by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the washing spin tank 2. The result being reduced damage and tangling of the wash while efficiently utilizing washing time, securing cleansing force, and reducing non-uniformity of washing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the rotational speed of a washing machine tub to minimize washing machine vibration. The washing machine uses an accelerometer to sense machine vibration. A computer software program monitors, records, and compares machine vibrations over a range of rotational speeds to determine a rotational speed which minimizes machine vibration.

Abstract: A covering lock for an automobile steering wheel includes a cover and an anti-theft rod. The cover has a circumferential U-shaped hook to hook around the steering wheel of a car and the anti-theft rod able to be locked with the cover and extending rearward to prevent the steering wheel from rotated. Then the covering lock not only locks the steering wheel but also prevents a safety air bag fixed on the steering wheel from stolen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding locks having a guide member, an alignment member, a reader, and a recording medium, which a guide member is inserted into a lock to open the lock to receive an alignment member which aligns the tumbler members of a lock, thereby permitting a reader to be inserted into the lock, and withdrawn therefrom to cause a displacement of a pivotally connected reader arm which records an image of the lock profile on a recording medium.

Abstract: A cylinder lock and key combination, wherein the lock comprises a side profile ridge (60) disposed in the key slot (53) and having a relatively shallow recess (61), in which a projection (55) on a side tumbler (54) is vertically movable, and a continuously extending edge portion (62). The key has a relatively shallow coded groove (17), which cooperates with the side tumbler projections (55) of the lock, and a rectilinear, deeper profile groove (16), into which the edge portion (62) of the side profile ridge fits. This unitary edge portion secures a good guidance of the key when the latter is inserted into the lock.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for applying a liquid lubricant to first and second components enclosed in a housing, with the lubricant applied to the second components being exposed to contamination by a liquid coolant applied to the exterior of the housing, and with the lubricant applied to the first components being substantially isolated from the liquid coolant. The system includes a partition internally subdividing the housing into a first chamber containing the first components and a second chamber containing the second components. Lubricant is delivered from a storage tank to the housing for application to the first and second components. A first conduit network communicates with the first chamber for returning the lubricant applied to the first components to the storage tank, and a second conduit network communicates with the second chamber for returning lubricant applied to the second components to the storage tank.

Abstract: A mold is provided having a mold cavity in the final shape of an article and a hollow article is placed in the mold adjacent the mold cavity. The hollow article is preformed into an intermediate shape by closing the mold around the hollow article, and then formed into the final shape by introducing fluid pressure into the preformed hollow article to conform the preformed hollow article into the shape of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A machine for bending or cambering a profile has two bending rollers mounted on a tool holder carriage, a block for supporting the tool holder carriage with respect to which the latter is pivotably mounted about a rotational axis coaxial with the axis of one of the bending rollers, the supporting block being pivotably mounted with respect to the frame of the machine about a rotational axis coaxial with the axis of the other bending roller; with the ability to rotationally lock either the tool carriage holder to the supporting block or the supporting block to the frame, and the ability to pivot in reverse directions the tool holder carriage/supporting block assembly or the tool holder carriage.

Abstract: A plurality of finishing mills for finish rolling a rolled material are located in a row to configure a finishing mill group. First to third surface coolers for cooling surfaces of the rolled material are located on an entry side of each of first, second and third finishing mills of the finishing mill group, and the amount of cooling water jetted at the rolled material by each surface cooler under a command of a controller is set at 4,000 liters/min.multidot.m.sup.2, whereby the thickness of scale is restricted to 5 .mu.m or less.

Abstract: To ensure optimum temperature conditions for a strip (9, 9') in reverse rolling, two or several strips (9, 9') are rolled alternately, wherein during the rolling of one of the strips (9) in at least one rolling pass the other strip (9') or the other strips remain in a waiting position wound into a coil (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining and setting the center of a roll stand and adjusting positions of a roll stand, wherein the bearing chocks of the horizontal rolls have processed planar support surfaces located opposite each other and preferably parallelepiped-shaped spacer pieces with defined dimensions are placed on these support surfaces. Defined pressures are applied to the spacer pieces by adjusting the rolls, wherein the resulting adjustment positions are determined and used as actual values for the position determining system which controls the roll stand during the rolling operation.

Abstract: A production method and its corresponding mold for manufacturing aluminum alloy heat sinks with extra high profile ratios. The mold comprises a feed section and a form section. The form section is made from a high strength mold steel and contains a plurality of fin forms. The form section includes one or more crossbeams supporting the fin forms. The feed section is generally coaxial with the form section. The mold allows the extrusion of aluminum alloy heat sinks with extra high profile ratios which are difficult to produce by other methods.

Abstract: A golf club 20 includes a shaft 22 having a club head 32 secured to a tip end section 24 thereof and a grip 34 secured to a butt end section 26 thereof. A central section 28 of the shaft 22 is formed with a plurality of segments 44 which are of successively smaller diameters between the butt end section 26 and the tip end section 24. The wall of the tip end section 24 has portions which are of a prescribed thickness. The wall of the butt end section 26 has portions which are of a thickness less than the prescribed thickness. The wall of the central section 28 has portions which are of a thickness less than the thickness of the portion of the wall of the butt end section 26.

Abstract: Forming tools includes an upper holder; a lower holder; a punch having a punch body which can be attached to/detached from the upper holder and the lower holder; an ejector being disposed movably in a vertical direction around a convex portion provided on a face of the punch body; a resilient unit for urging the ejector, the resilient unit being provided on a back face of the punch body; a die having a die body which can be attached to/detached from the upper holder and the lower holder, the die body being provided with a concave portion for performing forming work on a workpiece in cooperation with the convex portion; another ejector for pushing out a forming-worked portion of the workpiece from the concave portion, the another ejector being provided movably in a vertical direction within the die body; and another resilient unit for urging the another ejector, the another resilient unit being provided on the die body.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer assembly (10) for a press includes a reciprocating member and a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of the workpiece (W) forming process. The assembly (10) includes a shaft (14) having a distal end (34) for supporting the transfer bar (12). The distal end (34) of the shaft (14) has a bore (35) for receiving a pin (36) which also extends through the transfer bar (12) for securing the transfer bar (12) to the shaft (14) in a locking position. A spring (52) interconnects the end of the shaft (14) and the pin for retaining.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucking bar that upsets a shank of a rivet. The bucking bar includes an L-shaped bucking die having a wide section and a thin angular section capable of sliding between an obstacle and the shank. The L-shaped bucking bar consists of Tungsten Carbide. The bucking bar also includes a bucking bar arm coupled to the wide section of the L-shaped bucking die for positioning the thin angular section of the bucking die between the obstacle and the shank of the rivet.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing sensors in a media includes a chamber portion (240) for holding the sensors, tanks (320, 340) for supplying the media to the chamber portion (240) and coupled in parallel to the chamber portion (240), a pressure generator (310) coupled to the tanks (320, 340), and a heat exchanger (323, 324) adjacent to the tanks (320, 340). The media is simultaneously heated to different temperatures and pressurized to different pressures in the tanks (320, 340). Then, the media is delivered from the tanks (320, 340) to the chamber portion (240), and the sensors detect the media at the different temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for specific pollutants contained in diluted exhaust gases from thermal combustion engines, comprising a first module (1) which samples aldehyde and ketone emissions and a second module (2) which samples hydrocarbon emissions. The system according to the invention further comprises a control which coordinates the sampling(s) with predetermined working phases of the thermal engine. The first module (1) comprises a circuit (3) for trapping the aldehydes and the ketones contained in the diluted exhaust gases and a dilution air sampling circuit (4).

Abstract: An electron capture detector has a detection cell containing an electrode and a radioactive isotope for ionizing a carrier gas and causing electrons to be emitted. Before the detection cell begins to be contaminated, a pulse voltage is applied to the electrode and the frequency of this pulse voltage is controlled by a loop control routine to find an initial pulse frequency value such that a current through the electrode due to the emitted electrons comes to have a specified current value as a carrier gas is introduced into the detection cell. When a sample is analyzed after the detection cell becomes contaminated, the same process is carried out before the sample is injected and a pre-measurement pulse frequency value is obtained. After the sample is injected, the same process is repeated to obtain a measured pulse frequency value.

Abstract: A system and method for preconcentrating, identifying, and quantifying chemical and biological substances is disclosed. An input valve directs a first volume of a sample gas to a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. The SAW device preconcentrates and detects a mass of a substance within the sample gas. An output valve receives a second volume of the sample gas containing the preconcentrated substance from the SAW device and directs the second volume to a gas chromatograph (GC). The GC identifies the preconcentrated substance within the sample gas. A shunt valve exhausts a volume of the sample gas equal to the first volume minus the second volume away from the SAW device and the GC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying samples to be analyzed by gas chromatography using a sampling tube, which has a section which contains the adsorbing agent and narrows essentially conically towards a bore which is free of adsorbing agent and has a reduced diameter, in such a manner that the flow rate of a gas which is guided through towards the narrowed section on the outlet side is at least approximately equal to the inlet-side flow rate, liquid or gaseous starting sample material being guided through the sampling tube towards the narrowed section, so that substances to be analyzed are adsorbed on the adsorbing agent, the sampling tube being flushed with drying gas, which is guided through the sampling tube in the same direction as the starting sample material, until the liquid phase, which is contained in the sampling tube, or the starting sample material is essentially removed, and the adsorbed sample being desorbed by means of a carrier gas which is introduced through the sampling tube from

Abstract: A tin oxide sol is deposited on platinum electrodes (12) of a sensor (10). The sol is calcined at a temperature of 500 to 800.degree. C. to produce a thin film of tin oxide with a thickness of about 150 nm to 2 .mu. and having a nano-crystalline structure with good stability. The sensor rapidly detects reducing gases, such as carbon monoxide, or hydrocarbons and organic vapors. Sensors using films calcined at around 700.degree. C. have high carbon monoxide selectivity with a response time of around 4 minutes and a recovery time of 1 minute, and therefore provide good detection systems for detection of trace amounts of pollutants such as toxic and flammable gases in homes, industrial settings, and hospitals.

Abstract: A load sensor for measuring engine cylinder pressure and vehicle seat occupant weight in a nonintrusive manner that is easily adaptable to existing vehicle components and occupancy support structures. The sensor of the invention provides a toroidal-shaped ferromagnetic steel core that defines a hollow space within which an excitation coil and a detection coil are wound. For engine cylinder pressure sensing, this toroidal sensor is placed on a spark plug, much in the nature of a washer, and is clamped between the spark plug and the spark plug seat in the chamber. For seat occupant weight sensing, the sensor is placed under a seat leg around a fastening bolt, again much in the nature of a washer, and is clamped between the bolt and the floor of the vehicle. Changes in the load or force produced by the cylinder pressure or the occupant weight, alters the stress in the steel core of the sensor. These stress changes in turn induce changes in the magnetic properties of the steel core.

Abstract: A ventilation-characteristic measuring apparatus includes a ventilation vessel include of first, second and third cylindrical containers which are airtightly and detachably fitted to one another, and a hoisting and lowering apparatus for hoisting and lowering the third cylindrical container relative to the first and second cylindrical containers. The first, second and third cylindrical containers cooperate with test-piece holding members of test-piece supporting devices to define three airtight chambers. Ventilation characteristics of a cigarette is measured based on a flow rate of air entering into a filter portion of the cigarette disposed in a second airtight chamber and that of air entering into the shredded tobacco of the cigarette disposed in a third airtight chamber as a first airtight chamber on the filter side is evacuated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line detection of leaky emergency shutdown or other valves in a fluid transport system having an upstream pipe, a downstream pipe and the valve connected between the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe for controlling fluid flow through the system. The valve has at least one upstream seal and at least one downstream seal and an inner cavity effectively isolated by the seals from the fluid flow stream through the system. The apparatus comprises a first transducer in fluid communication with the fluid flow stream at at least one of: a predetermined distance upstream of the upstream seal; and a predetermined distance downstream of the downstream seal. The first transducer is for sensing pressure pulsations resulting from at least one of: dynamic energy due to fluid flow through the transport system; and transient energy within the fluid in the transport system after the valve is closed and for generating representative electrical signals as a function of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including programmed computers are provided for determining the viscosity of a first stream in a laminar flow and a second stream in a laminar flow, the flow rates, the centerline of the flow channel, and the position of the interface between the streams with respect to the centerline, and for calculating viscosity ratio of the first stream to the second.

Abstract: At least the water content of an oil stream from a production oil well is determined by measuring the mass flow of the oil stream while the stream is under backpressure, diverting a known sample portion of the stream to a separator vessel, separating the sample into oil, gas and water fractions and measuring the relative flows of the fractions. The measured amounts are then used to calculate the oil, gas and water content of the main oil stream.

Abstract: On-line measurements of an amount of dissolved solids in a liquid sample are determined by using both conductivity and UV measurements. More particularly, an amount of dissolved solids in a pulp and paper mill process water or effluent is determined by irradiating at least a portion of a liquid sample with ultraviolet light and subsequently measuring an absorption of the light by the liquid sample. Furthermore the conductivity of the liquid sample is measured and subsequently a computation is from a first relationship between the measured absorption of the first wavelength by the liquid sample and the measured conductivity of the liquid sample using a suitably programmed processor.

Abstract: A process for controlling the water content in products stored in an enclosure wherein the process includes measuring at at least one point within the product a value which represents a partial pressure of water vapor at the point within the product when the product is in a state of equilibrium and comparing the measured value with a range of reference values and thereafter modifying the atmosphere within the enclosure if the measured value falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: An indentation measurement apparatus is retrofittable onto any of a variety of load-applying frames and includes a mount for mounting an indenter of any geometry (for example blunt or sharp). The arrangement is very stiff and mechanical values including Young's modulus, strain hardening exponent, yield strength, and hardness can be obtained from a single load/unload versus displacement test. A wide variety of materials can be tested using the apparatus. An optical probe can measure displacement of the indenter head relative to a sample. A new method of calculating strain hardening directly from load/displacement measurement is presented as is a new method of calculating strain hardening exponent.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope for generating a signal corresponding to the surface characteristics of a scanned sample is provided and includes a force sensing probe tip disposed on a first side of a free end of a flexible cantilever which is adapted to be brought into close proximity to a sample surface; a magnetized material disposed on a second side opposite the first side of the flexible cantilever; an XY scanner for generating relative scanning movement between the force sensing probe tip and the sample surface; a Z control for adjusting the distance between the force sensing probe tip and the sample surface; and a deflection detector for generating a deflection signal indicative of deflection of the flexible cantilever. The scanning probe microscope also includes an ac signal source and a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field, with the magnetic field generator being coupled to the ac signal source so as to modulate the magnetic field with the ac signal.

Abstract: The monitor for uncommanded braking controls uncommanded brake application on one or more wheels during takeoff of an aircraft. Brake pedal application is determined, brake pressure is measured, and brake pressure is compared with a selected threshold brake pressure. A brake pressure applied signal is generated when the brake pressure exceeds the threshold brake pressure. The pedal application signal and brake pressure applied signal are received by a fault latch logic circuit that generates a fault latch output signal when uncommanded braking has occurred. A test inhibit signal is also generated when weight is not applied on the wheel. The test inhibit signal is also input to the fault latch logic circuit so that uncommanded braking can occur when the aircraft is in the air and weight is off the wheel. The monitor disables or latches off the shutoff valve when pressure is detected without pedal application.

Abstract: A method for developing a tire model for use with an effective road profile in testing an automotive vehicle on a spindle-coupled road simulator defines a flat surface road plane in a multiple coordinate reference system to represent the effective road profile. The coordinates comprise at least four of a plane vertical deflection, a plane radial contact angle, a plane lateral contact angle, a steer contact angle, a lateral displacement and a longitudinal displacement. A tire is excited over a predetermined range while on a tire test apparatus for developing the tire model. The tire test apparatus includes an articulated running flat belt platform moveable so as to contact the tire, the flat tire contact plane defining a coordinate reference system to represent the effective road profile in multiple degrees-of-freedom.

Abstract: The airspeed transducer includes a pair of electrically heated cylindrical sensing elements in a parallel arrangement that is exposed broadside to the incident airstream, simultaneously measuring both instantaneous airspeed and a cross-component of airspeed. The tangent cylindrical elements are joined together with a filler in order to present a flat front face to the airstream, and they are oriented so that the plane defined by their parallel axes is perpendicular to airstream flow. The transducer is electrical with no moving parts and electronic circuitry provides for transducer excitation, operation, and signal readout. A single transducer can be used for measurement of instantaneous airspeed, angle-of-attack, turbulence cross-component, and total turbulence that can also be used in the measurement and computation of T.K.E. or turbulent kinetic energy.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting flow bifurcation during sonic flow conditions to identify shock location. The method includes setting the initial test conditions, either by setting up an altitude and airspeed in a test aircraft or by setting up an initial flow condition in a wind tunnel. The method for detecting flow bifurcation during sonic flow conditions to identify shock location requires an array of hot films be attached to an aerodynamic surface where shock is expected to impinge. These hot-films are connected to a bank of Constant Voltage Anemometers (CVA), one CVA for each hot film. After reaching the altitude where the testing is to be done, (or attaining the reference condition in a wind tunnel), a pilot initiates an auto-initializing sequence before the onset of a shock, typically at a low speed condition. This sets the current in each sensor to identical values and sets the sensor temperature above ambient temperature of the reference conditions.

Abstract: A thermal-type flow sensor capable of generating a monotonously increasing output over a time period of transition from a reverse flow to a forward flow with a simplified structure while exhibiting high sensitivity in the measurement of flow rate in the forward direction. The flow sensor includes a plurality of heat generating portions implemented by upstream heat-sensitive resistor (4) and downstream heat-sensitive resistor (5) within a passage (19) as viewed in a direction in which fluid flows through the passage (19), for thereby measuring a flow rate or a flowing speed of the fluid on the basis of heat transfer phenomenon taking place between the heat generating portions and the fluid.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes coupling beams supported afloat by highly flexible support beams so as to be movable relative to a substrate, with the support beams being flexible in the x-axis and a y-axis directions and being symmetrical with respect to the center of the sensor. A first vibrator and a second vibrator are supported by respective coupling beams through spring beams that are highly flexible in the x-direction, with the spring beams being symmetrical with respect to the x-axis passing through the center symmetrical to each other with respect to the y-axis passing through the center. Drive electrodes drive at least one of the first vibrator and the second vibrator to vibrate in the x-direction. First displacement detection electrodes detect a y-directional vibration of the first vibrator and second displacement detection electrodes detect a y-directional vibration of the second vibrator.

Abstract: To suppress dispersion of detection sensitivity due to a change in ambient temperature in a vibration type angular velocity detecting apparatus.

Abstract: A tuning-fork type piezoelectric vibratory gyroscope includes a tuning fork having two arms and a base portion integrally formed with the two arms and having electrodes, and a supporting base supporting the base portion of the tuning fork. An adhesive layer joins the base portion and the supporting base together so that the tuning fork and the supporting plate are elastically integrated within a temperature range in which the gyroscope is used.

Abstract: A mechanical resonator has an electronically adjustable resonance frequency and is especially adapted to be used as a tunable vibration absorber. The mechanical resonator includes an inertial mass mounted on a free end of a spring, which is secured at its other end to the structure that is to be vibrationally damped. In order to vary the resonant frequency of the resonator, an electromechanical converter such as a piezoelectric element is connected to the spring and/or the inertial mass, and a displacement and/or acceleration sensor provides a sensor signal that is dependent on the respective displacement and/or acceleration of the spring and/or the inertial mass. An electronic control circuit generates an actuating signal based on the sensor signal. The actuating signal is applied to the electro-mechanical converter, which responsively exerts an adjusting force onto the spring and/or the inertial mass.

Abstract: A device (1) for measuring the strike velocity of a game ball struck by a striking element, particularly a tennis racket (2), said device being provided directly on the racket. The device comprises at least one measuring sensor mounted on the strings (4) of the racket (2) and arranged to output signals for the strength of the vibrations generated by the ball, means for processing said signals using microprocessors that analyse the signals and determine a measured value of the ball velocity, and means (6) for displaying said value. The processing means comprise a calibrating unit for automatically correcting the measured value depending on at least the features of the racket and the ball in order to provide a highly accurate and reliable result. Said measuring device is miniaturised and inexpensive and fits in a small housing (3) mounted on the racket (2) to enable the player to read the velocity value directly.

Abstract: A device which employs an acoustic signal having one or more frequencies for penetrating into ground, water, or sediments and vibrating a compliant buried object is provided. When these acoustic signals encounter an acoustically compliant object such as a mine, the acoustic signals vibrate the compliant object, leading to a vibration of the compliant object against the boundaries of the surrounding medium such as ground sediment, creating a nonlinear distortion of the probing signal including the generation of harmonics and acoustic waves with combination frequencies (nonlinear signals). These nonlinear vibrating signals are received from the surface by a sensor. The amplitude of the measured nonlinear signals indicates the presence of an acoustically compliant object such as a mine.

Abstract: The bonding of an elastomeric cover to a metal roll is tested by transmitting audible frequency waves through the compliant roll cover and receiving the waves at a transducer mounted to the underlying steel roll. The resulting signal may be analyzed by a technician listing to the audio frequencies transmitted. The audio range of frequencies employed may be about 5000 Hz. The elastomeric material such as rubber does not transmit sound without considerable loss of amplitude, whereas sound travels at high speed through steel with little attenuation. A sound transmitter is spirally scanned along the rubber-covered surface of the roll, transmitting into the steel roll directly beneath the sound transmitter and throughout the roll. Sound is detected at a transducer mounted at the roll ends. Any failure or significant variation in the roll/cover bond is detected by the effect on the quality of sound transmitted through the rubber steel interface.

Abstract: A portable acoustic impedance data acquisition and processing system is provided for use with a test object. The system includes a dynamic signal analyzer, a test head, a removable microphone holder, a cylindrical endcap fitting, an amplifier, and one or more power supply sources. The test head includes a compression driver and a cylindrical waveguide tube. The waveguide tube has a first end connected to the compression driver and a second end that is open. The removable microphone holder is attachable to the waveguide tube near its second end and a number of microphones are insertable into the microphone holder. During use, the dynamic signal analyzer provides audio output test signals that are amplified by the amplifier and fed to the compression driver for use as the acoustic test signal. The microphones provide measured signals to the dynamic signal analyzer which analyzes them and makes the results available to the operator.

Abstract: An automatically compensatable device for measuring a pressure difference includes a housing (4) with pressure feed passages (20; 23), a sensor element (6) with electrical connections (13) which is arranged in the housing (4), a valve (7) which is integrated in the housing (4) and which has a closure portion (32) by which a pressure difference across the sensor element (6) can be short-circuited and actuator means (34, 31) arranged in the housing (4) for triggering a movement of the closure portion (32). The automatically compensatable device permits quiet operation.

Abstract: A contact pressure detecting sensor having a simplified structure. The sensor includes a pair of air-impermeable sheets and at least one foamed plastic member interposedly arranged between the air-impermeable sheets while being kept from being uncompressed. The foamed plastic member is capable of resuming its original configuration after compression. The sensor also includes at least one tube arranged so as to extend from the vicinity of the foamed plastic member to outside the air-impermeable sheets. The air-impermeable sheets are joined to each other at portions thereof positioned around the foamed plastic member and tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel electronic technique that detects stress/strain in any conductive or semiconductive material. The technique is based on passing a current through the material of interest and analyzing the low frequency voltage fluctuation. The voltage fluctuation is very sensitive to the amount of stress present in the sample. The voltage fluctuation is a result of interactions between the imposed current and material itself. The technique is many orders of magnitude more sensitive than any present method. The technique is suitable for sensitive measurements without a strain gauge. The technique is not limited by sample size, and provides a simple, fast, nondestructive and on-site evaluation of stress/strain in a material.

Abstract: A method for applying a chromium surface treatment to nickel-based air data sensors to improve the corrosion resistance properties of the components while retaining thermal conductivity in order to efficiently transfer internally generated heat to the exterior of the component during anti-icing or deicing procedures is provided. The method for applying a chromium surface treatment to nickel-based air data sensors includes the steps of: (a) ion plating a nickel-based substrate with chromium atoms using a physical vapor deposition process; (b) interdiffusing the chromium and the nickel atoms at the surface region by means of a first thermal treatment carried out in an inert environment; and (c) oxidizing the chromium atoms at the surface region to create a chromium oxide layer during a second thermal treatment performed in an oxygen-containing environment.