Abstract: A sensor device has a sensing layer and an auxiliary layer for supporting the sensing layer, the two layers being superposed on each other in a laminar form. The sensing layer has a vibratory body displaceable in a direction parallel to a junction surface between the two layers. The auxiliary layer is affixed to the sensing layer and a recess or through-hole of a larger area than that of the vibratory body is formed in the auxiliary layer at a part thereof confronting the vibratory body.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes a vibrator having a driving electrode and a sensor electrode, a driving circuit for applying a driving voltage to the driving electrode, a detection circuit which receives, from the sensor electrode, a signal corresponding to a bending displacement of the vibrator, a signal processing circuit for processing a signal input from the detection circuit to detect an angular velocity, a power supply circuit, and a diagnostic circuit for examining whether or not the detection circuit, the driving circuit, the signal processing circuit, and the power supply circuit are all functioning normally.

Abstract: A small shape recognizing capacitive sensor device includes detection elements, sensor circuits, and a correction circuit. The detection elements are arranged adjacent to each other. The sensor circuits are connected to the detection elements, respectively. The correction circuit corrects the output signal level of the sensor circuit. The output signal level correction circuit includes a calibration circuit, calibration reference signal generation circuit, and comparison circuit. The calibration circuit is connected to the output side of the sensor circuit. The calibration reference signal generation circuit generates a calibration reference signal. The comparison circuit compares the output from the sensor circuit with the calibration reference signal and supplies the difference output to the calibration circuit as a control signal.

Abstract: A sensor chip has a support frame part, and sensor structure including at least one displaceable weight part, and a beam part for connecting the weight part to the support frame part, the sensor structure is formed on a silicon substrate through an insulating layer, the insulating layer between the sensor structure and the silicon substrate is removed, the beam part is formed of two parallel beams, the weight part is connected to the support frame part by two parallel beams, and at least two semiconductor strain gauges are formed on the surface of the two respective parallel beams.

Abstract: A sensor chip has a support frame part, and sensor structure including at least one displaceable weight part, and a beam part for connecting the weight part to the support frame part, the sensor structure is formed on a silicon substrate through an insulating layer, the insulating layer between the sensor structure and the silicon substrate is removed, the beam part is formed of two parallel beams, the weight part is connected to the support frame part by two parallel beams, and at least two semiconductor strain gauges are formed on the surface of the two respective parallel beams.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring the wear condition of a tool (2) during machining of a metal workpiece (4) by means of a machine tool (1) by detecting measuring signals generated during the machining process with the aid of at least one sensor (6) and by transforming said measuring signals detected by said sensor (6) into wavelet coefficients by means of a wavelet function, wherein the resultant wavelet coefficients are used for calculating wear condition parameters for the tool (2), it is provided that the vibrations, which are generated during the machining process, of a vibration system comprising at least the tool (2) and the metal workpiece (4) are detected by at least one vibration sensor (6).

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanner for inspection of radiused regions having scanner supports which include pivoted fingers containing the transducers and hands supporting the fingers attached to vertical arms by pins. The angle of the hands are controlled by the vertical position of the arms.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detection method and apparatus are suited for real-time collection of three-dimensional ultrasonic data.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibrator unit comprises: at least one piezoelectric vibrator including: common internal electrode layers and segment internal electrode layers arranged alternately; piezoelectric layers, each interposed between adjacent pair of the common and segment internal electrode layers; and external electrodes formed on an exterior of the piezoelectric vibrator and electrically connected respectively to the common internal electrode layers and the segment internal electrode layers; and a fixing member to which a surface of the piezoelectric vibrator is fixed. The piezoelectric vibrator is displaceable in a direction perpendicular to a lamination direction in which the internal electrode layers and piezoelectric layers are laminated. The magnitude of electric fields applied to the piezoelectric layers is non-uniform.

Abstract: A description is given of a differential pressure pickup with a small hysteresis volume which has a sensor element (1), two pressure measuring chambers (2, 3) adjacent thereto, two pressure receiving chambers (22, 32) closed off by separating diaphragms (21, 31) and two overload chambers (23, 33) separated from each other by an overload diaphragm (6), in which pickup the overload diaphragm (6) has a closed outer edge and a closed inner edge and is firmly restrained along its outer edge and its inner edge.

Abstract: A device (10) for fatigue testing of materials comprises a frame (14), first and second clamping means (16,18) for holding a specimen (12) to be tested. First and second mounting means (20,22) mount the clamping means (16,18) on the frame (14). The mounting means (20,22) vibrationally isolate the clamping means (16,18) from the frame (14). Actuator means (24) moves the first clamping means (16) relative to the second clamping means (18) to apply a low cycle load on the specimen (12). Electrical insulating means (30) electrically insulate the frame (14) from the specimen (12). A shaker (26) is coupled to the second clamping means (18) to apply a high cycle load on the specimen (12). A detector (32) detects the vibration of the specimen (12) and sends an electrical signal to a control unit (42) which determines the resonant frequency of the specimen (12). The control unit (42) sends a signal to the shaker (26) to maintain the high cycle load at the resonant frequency of the specimen (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating dynamic shear within metallic and non-metallic test sample materials under controlled conditions related to high velocity ballistic impact; metallurgical analysis techniques for studying the resultant sheared regions, analytic models for interpretation and characterization of the shear phenomena, and resulting constitutive relations are described. The test sample and receptor or target shapes together with the physical arrangement and conditions of impact are varied to provide a unique shear localization within the samples such that the shear process occurs along controlled and specific directions. The shear is observed and characterized through use of newly developed preparation techniques so that the samples and the localized shear can be examined with standard metallurgical instruments such as metallography and electron microscopy.

Abstract: A material testing system includes a base and first and second specimen holders. A first displacement sensor measures displacement of the first specimen holder relative to the base. In addition, a second displacement sensor measures displacement of the second specimen holder relative to the base.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for measuring the adhesiveness of slow-release tablets or the like are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a weight measurement in centrifuges for separating suspensions into their solid and liquid components comprises a machine housing, a drum rotatingly mounted in the machine housing and receiving the suspension, and a filler pipe leading into the drum for feeding the suspension into the drum. The machine housing is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis of rotation, and a force measuring element senses weight-dependent deflections of the machine housing occurring about the axis of rotation and originating from a different degree of filling of the drum with suspension or from a different dewatering of the solid suspension components, and the machine housing deflections are indicated on a measurement value indicator. A pipeline is provided for generating a positive pressure or a negative pressure in the drum.

Abstract: An improved method for measuring the chromatographic properties, such as excluded volume, of hydrophobic polymer substrates is disclosed. Use of 0.05-1 micron sized crosslinked ionically-charged polymer particles, especially emulsion-form or ground polymer particles, as a large-molecule probe, allows environmentally friendly aqueous-based solvent systems to be used as mobile phases to characterize hydrophobic polymer supports for use in analytical or preparative scale chromatographic applications. This method eliminates the use of non-polar organic solvents that is required when conventional non-polar large-molecule probes (such as polystyrene) are used to characterize chromatographic media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an infinitely variable transmission system that includes a gyroscope and a rotatable gear assembly to translate torque from an input power shaft to an output power shaft.

Abstract: An increase in an oil pressure PCL in a hydraulic engaging element at the time of gearing in is appropriately controlled to buffer in-gear shocks in any driving conditions of a motor vehicle. A pressure-regulating solenoid valve to control an oil pressure PCL of the hydraulic engaging element is provided, and an accumulator is connected to an oil passage communicated with the hydraulic engaging element. As a parameter to show the degree of slipping of the hydraulic engaging element, an input/output speed ratio r (output side rotational speed/input side rotational speed) of the hydraulic engaging element is searched.

Abstract: A tractor includes a frame, an engine, a transmission for selecting a number of vehicle speeds, and a device for transmitting power from the engine to a PTO mechanism. The tractor has a mechanism forming part of the device by which the tractor speed can be selected to be higher than any speed selectable by means of the transmission.

Abstract: A gear 1 made of a resin includes webs 5 (5a and 5b) formed so that the rigidity of the web is increased by a first circumferential rib 8, a second circumferential rib 10, first diametrical ribs 11 and second diametrical ribs 12, and the circumferential sectional shape of the outermost web 5c is a corrugated shape, whereby the rigidity of the outermost web 5c is increased. As a result, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the outermost web 5c without increasing of the thickness of the outermost web 5c; to form a toothed portion 6 with a high accuracy; to reduce the deformation (for example, the amount of displacement of the toothed portion 6 and a shaft-supporting portion 4 in a rotating direction) due to an external force; and to enhance the rotation-transmitting accuracy. In this gear 1, a vibration and a noise due to the vibration can be reduced by increasing the rigidity of the web.

Abstract: A screw drive with rolling elements, optionally a ball screw drive, includes a screw spindle with a spindle axis and a double nut running on the screw spindle, with two separately formed single nuts which are substantially rigidly joined in the direction of the axis of the spindle. In order to set a desired play or bias relative to the screw spindle, the two single nuts can be turned continuously about the axis of the spindle relative to each other and fixed in any relative rotary position corresponding to the desired play or bias. According to the invention, a first of the two single nuts or an intermediate element joined thereto and arranged between the two single nuts has at least one peripheral section pressed into an associated aperture in one of the single nuts. In one embodiment, the intermediate element is an annular disk that is arranged orthogonally to the spindle axis.

Abstract: A ball spline joint interconnecting an inner shaft and an outer shaft in mutually loose-fitted relation as allowing the shafts to integrally rotate and relatively move from each other in an axial direction. Raceway grooves are respectively formed in the inner shaft and the outer shaft in face-to-face relation and are extended in the axial direction. A plurality of balls are interposed between the corresponding raceway grooves of the inner shaft and the outer shaft, forming an array along the axial direction. A resilient member biases an array-end ball in an angled direction relative to the axial direction.

Abstract: In a steering wheel (10) for motor vehicles, of the kind coated by materials, such as hide, leather and the like, the spokes (20, 22) thereof are coated by means of hide flaps (40) whose ends (42, 44) are forcedly inserted into cuts (50) made along radial axes of the spokes (20, 22) themselves, or symmetrically arranged with respect to the radial axes and thereon incident.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel comprising a steering wheel rim, a hub and at least one spoke connecting the steering wheel rim and the hub. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke comprises a skeleton, a sheathing surrounding the skeleton as well as a shell arranged around the sheathing, and at least one decorative element. At least one latching element is provided by means of which the decorative element is directly attached to the shell.

Abstract: A variable drive mechanism for bicycle comprising a pair of input torque crank arms supported for independent rotation about a first axis and operatively connected to an output torque member rotating about a second axis. The rotary angular location of the two axes is adjustable and lockable in order to provide smoother pedaling motion or to eliminate the top dead center as is preferred with mountain bikes. With this drive mechanism, a constant speed of the output member will provide the input crank arm with a single variation of speed per revolution.

Abstract: The level of quietness for an automatic transmission case is ensured by preventing vibration by improving the rigidity while suppressing the increase in the mass of a transmission case. In an automatic transmission case in which a valve body is attached to a case wall that covers the transmission mechanism, the rigidity of the automatic transmission case is increased by providing, in the case, an enclosing wall that projects out from the case wall and encloses the periphery of the valve body.

Abstract: A wave gear drive unit 1 has an annular housing 2 and a wave reduction gear mechanism 3 placed inside the housing 2. The wave reduction gear mechanism 3 has a cup-shaped flexible external gear 6 which serves as an output element of the unit and is rotatably supported on the housing 2 via a cross roller bearing 4. An outer race 11 of the bearing 4 is screwed to the housing 2. Whereby, it is possible to suppress deformation of the outer ring and uneven axial-force distribution thereof which may occur when a number of fastening bolts are used to fasten the outer race to the housing. Assembling and processing operations can also be simplified, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost. The unit can also be made small and compact since the space for mounting the fastening bolts is eliminated.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism comprises a disc 2 rotatable about a central axis, suitable for holding objects such as lenses. Detents 8 are provided on the disc which interact with a pawl 14 on a fixed surface adjacent the disc 2. When the disc rotates in a first direction the pawl 14 is deflected by each passing detent 8, returning to its rest position when the detent 8 is passed. When the disc is rotated in an opposite direction, the pawl 14 abuts a detent 8 to define an index position. The disc is driven or biased in this direction to retain this position. A stop 10 may be provided on the disc 2 adjacent each detent 8 which defines the position of the pawl 14 relative to the disc 2. The disc 2 may be driven by a motor 12 and drive means. An alternative system may be used in which lever 40 interacts with a plurality of protrusions 46 on the disc to rotate the disc in a first direction or bias the disc in a second direction so that the pawl 14 abuts a detent 8.

Abstract: A process for recycling composite materials that comprise fibers and a matrix includes exposing the composite material to electromagnetic waves in the form of microwaves. The electromagnetic waves induce an introduction of energy into the composite material, leading to a separation of fibers and matrix. The separation operation can be assisted by a suitable solvent.

Abstract: A method of producing a high-density article is presented comprising selecting one or more primary tungsten-containing constituents with densities greater than 10.0 g/cc and one or more secondary constituents with densities less than 10.0 g/cc, co-milling the mixture of constituents in a high-energy mill to obtain mechanical alloying effects, then processing the resulting powder product by conventional powder metallurgy to produce an article with bulk density greater than 9.0 g/cc.

Abstract: A chromium-free corrosion inhibiting coating composition, which does not utilize harmful chromium compounds and can be used for corrosion inhibition of a metal surface, comprising a slurry mixture in which coated aluminum fine powder treated with a hydrophilic coupling agent is suspended in an acidic phosphate bonding solution and which can be stored in a refrigerator, is disclosed. A titanium-coupling agent is preferable to use as the coupling agent, which treats a surface of the aluminum fine powder. In this aqueous chromium-free corrosion inhibiting coating composition, 25 to 40% by weight of the aluminum fine powder a surface of which is treated with the coupling agent is suspended in the acidic phosphate bonding solution.

Abstract: An alloy feedstock for semi-solid metal injection molding. The alloy feedstock is an alloy material in particulate form and has a heterogeneous structure, a temperature range at 20% of the height of the peak of the main melting reaction greater than 40° C., and having a ratio of the height of the peak of the eutectic reaction to the height of the main melting reaction of less than 0.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing supply stock for saw blades or saw belts with a carrier part and a cutting part made from different materials being metallically bonded to one another by means of welding, whereupon the thickness of the bi-metal or tri-metal bond is adjusted or set and supply stock is formed.

Abstract: A device to center and align to the wormscrew of a corkscrew the neck of a bottle of any diameter whatsoever from which the cork is to be extracted, wherein a receptacle cone is located at the base of a collection tube and is retractable with respect to the latter in order to allow the neck of a bottle to abut always centered against the base of the tube in order to have a constant and determinate abutment position to correctly remove the cork and to be able to determine precisely and in advance how much the wormscrew has to penetrate into the cork itself.

Abstract: A low-profile wrench. An elongate, axially asymmetric housing encloses two turning members have axes of rotation that are angled with respect to one another. One of the turning members, whose axis is oriented in the elongate dimension of the housing, receives a turning force and transmits the turning force to the other turning member. The second turning member is adapted to be coupled to a fastener, for turning the fastener.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a handle and a head with a compartment. A drive member includes a first end, a second end, and a gear wheel formed between the first end and the second end. The gear wheel is rotatably mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed outer periphery. A pawl is mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed side facing the gear wheel teeth. A reversing plate is mounted to the first end of the drive member and pivotable about the rotational axis of the gear wheel between a first position and a second position. The reversing plate comprises a retainer block operably connected to a recess in an upper end of the pawl for moving the pawl between a first ratcheting position and a second ratcheting position.

Abstract: A high-torque fastener having a threaded shaft and a star-shaped head is disclosed. The high-torque fastener is made of a resorbable or other non-magnetic material. A mating driver snugly fits around the star-shaped head of the fastener, to thereby apply torque to the perimeter of the star-shaped head. The driver can be made disposable, and the driver and fastener packaged together in a single, disposable assembly. Additionally, the driver can be color coded to indicate the size of the fastener which is pre-attached to the driver in the packaging.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an oil filter wrench comprising a wrench body having an axial hollow space at the center of a surface along one end of its axis, and each of the both surfaces of the axial hollow space has a sliding groove parallel to each other, and a driving device being disposed at the center of the surface along the other end of the axis for the mounting of a cylindrical driver; a pair of clipping members being pivotally coupled to two sliding grooves of the wrench body by means of sliding displacement, and its thickness corresponds with the parallel position and has serrations on them.

Abstract: A tool includes a shank, a handle slidably mounted on the shank and encompassing an outer periphery of the shank, thereby forming a closed state, and a positioning structure mounted between the shank and the handle for positioning the handle on the shank. The positioning structure includes at least one positioning portion formed on the shank, and at least one positioning body formed on the body. The positioning body may be locked and positioned on the positioning portion when the handle is compressed, thereby positioning the handle on the shank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing or eliminating sliver formation during aluminum sheet trimming operations. By controlling parameters such as trimming angle and cutting blade clearance, aluminum sheet can be trimmed while substantially eliminating the formation of slivers which damage the surface finish of the part. Cutting angle and clearance are preferably selected such that a wide range of cutting blade sharpnesses produce satisfactory cuts. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for trimming aluminum autobody sheet.

Abstract: A monitoring device for the spacing between the knives is provided in a rotation cutting apparatus having a rotation cutting knife and a counter-knife which partly overlap in the cutting region and form a cutting gap.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools movable into a cutting zone for cutting workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to stop motion of the cutting tool into the cutting zone upon detection of the dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine is disclosed. The machine includes a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place relative to the working portion upon detection of the dangerous condition. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving. The motion detection system may include a sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, an optical sensor, or an electrical sensor. The woodworking machine may take the form of a saw, the working portion may be a blade adapted to cut when spinning, and the dangerous condition may be a person contacting the blade.

Abstract: A miter saw is disclosed having a base, a blade supported by the base, a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and the blade, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The blade is rotatable, and moves into a cutting zone to cut a workpiece. The predetermined action may be to stop the blade from rotating, to create an impulse against movement of the blade into the cutting zone, or to cause the blade to move away from the cutting zone.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a brake mechanism having one or more braking components adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool in response to the detection of a dangerous condition.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having movable cutting tools for cutting workpieces in a cutting region. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tools, and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system is configured to retract the cutting tool at least partially away from the cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: A saw is disclosed having a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a saw blade, and a brake adapted to stop the saw blade in response to detection of the dangerous condition. The saw further includes a brake positioning system that allows the brake to be positioned in at least two different operable positions to accommodate at least two different blade diameters. The saw may include a system to detect brake-to-blade spacing.

Abstract: A safer woodworking machine is disclosed. The machine includes a cutting tool and a motor adapted to drive the cutting tool. The machine further includes a detection system to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, such as a person coming into contact with the cutting tool. A reaction system is provided to disable the cutting tool, such as by covering, blocking, destroying, wrapping, etc., upon detection by the detection system of the dangerous condition.