Abstract: A flow-rate detecting device for a heat-sensitive type flow sensor having high reliability. The device includes a planar substrate having first and second through-holes formed therein in juxtaposition with each other, an insulative supporting film formed over one major surface of the substrate so as to cover the through-holes, a fluid temperature measuring resistor formed by a heat-sensitive resistor film deposited at a location of the first through-hole on the supporting film oppositely to the substrate, a heat generating resistor formed of a heat-sensitive resistance film deposited at a location of the second through-hole on the supporting film oppositely to the substrate, an insulative protection film deposited so as to cover the fluid temperature measuring resistor and the heat generating resistor, and a reinforcing film provided for the fluid temperature measuring resistor. The reinforcing film is not provided for the heat generating resistor.

Abstract: An external liquid level gauge may be provided for determining the level of the interface between a mass of flowable material and the void volume above it within a container. The external liquid level gauge is adapted to be affixed vertically to the outside wall of the container, extending along substantially the entire height. It is in the form of an elongated strip and comprises a layer of base material and a layer of thermochromatic materials. The thermochromatic layer further comprises a light absorbing background and at least two regions of thermochromatic materials which are arranged upon the light absorbing background. The regions of at least two thermochromatic materials are disposed in arrays thereof and are arranged entirely along the length of the external liquid level gauge. Moreover, each of the thermochromatic materials is arranged in an individual area and each thermochromatic material responds chromatically within a different operating temperature range.

Abstract: A liquid level detection device (10), particularly for submersed pumps, characterized in that it comprises means (13, 14) for detecting variation of electric and/or magnetic field in relation to the variation of the level of the liquid; the means are associated with a controller (16) for switching on and off a submersed pump (12).

Abstract: Here disclosed is an angular velocity sensor with much accuracy, not allowing other vibration components to mix into the Coriolis force component. The angular velocity sensor contains a first through a fifth beams: the first, the second, and the third beams have a length of substantially the same and disposed in a substantially parallel arrangement on a substantially the same plane—with the first beam placed between the second and the third; the fourth connects each one end of the first through the third, while the fifth connects each other end of them. The first beam is supportively fixed at its mid-portion. The first beam serves as a detector; the second serves as a driver; and the third serves as a monitor.

Abstract: A double-ended tuning fork (DETF) sensor having one or more mass balance tabs for equalizing second-order, K2, non-linearity terms between two DETFs, and methods for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A rotating plug (4) is installed in a body (1) and can be in different positions in which two lateral drillings come in front of the orifices corresponding to the body (1) or a sampling orifice (18) in front of which a flask is placed. The fluid to be sampled is circulated so that it fills a chamber (12) delimited by the rotating plug (4), and the rotating plug is then turned until one of its drillings is facing the sampling orifice (18) and a piston (11) delimiting the chamber (12) is pushed in to extract the required quantity of the sample. This device is simple and has an excellent seal.

Abstract: A device for checking the quantity of gasolines, Diesel fuels, fuels or liquids in general during introduction in a tank, comprising at least one ultrasound emission source and at least one ultrasound receiver, the ultrasound emission source being arranged so as to send a train of sound waves toward the free surface of the liquid that is present in the tank and to receive the sound beam reflected by the free surface of the liquid, the ratio of the speed of the sound waves with respect to the time between the emission of the sound waves by the ultrasound source and the reception of the sound waves providing a distance that constitutes a datum for calculating the quantity of liquid introduced in the tank.

Abstract: To make available to the vehicle control systems more information on the forces and directions of the forces which act on the individual tires, in order to determine these forces, the displacements between the outer ring and inner ring in the wheel bearings are measured in a contactless fashion using ultrasound. Displacements are measured by one or more sets of an ultrasound transmitter and a receiver on the stationary ring and a reflection surface on the rotating ring for reflecting back the ultrasound energy. The measured time until the signal is received enables displacement to be determined. It is possible to use these displacements to calculate the forces acting from a knowledge of the spring characteristic of the wheel bearings.

Abstract: A system for online monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and/or blades of a combustion turbine, or other forms of component deterioration affecting the acoustic properties of the vanes and/or blades. The system begins with a signal generator for transmitting a signal to an acoustic transmitter, and then to an acoustic waveguide secured within the turbine, adjacent to a vane. Acoustic waves passing through the vane's coating will have a certain magnitude and velocity when passing through an intact coating, which will change as the coating deteriorates. Additional variation of the acoustic wave will occur due to pressure pulses from passing blades, with the magnitude of the pressure pulses increasing as the blade's coating deteriorates. The acoustic waves are then received by a second acoustic waveguide.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array (408) includes at least one transducer element (412) having a first (604) and second (606) portions separated by an acoustical discontinuity (520). The first portion (604) has the desired length to form a half-wave k31 resonance, while the second portion (606) has a resonant length for an undesired very low frequency out-of-band k31 resonance. The thickness of the transducer element (412) is designed for k33 half-resonance. Given the design, the transducer element (412) can operate and provide for both forward-looking (514) and side looking (512) elevation apertures. A method is also disclosed for using the disclosed ultrasound transducer (412) in ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: A resonant microbeam pressure sensor is disclosed, comprising a microbeam suspended in a diaphragm in at least one point by suspension elements. Pressure applied to the diaphragm will cause the resonance frequency of the beam to shift. This shift is detectable and proportional to the pressure, The device is manufactured by surface micromachining.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is mounted integrally in a hydraulic valve body. The sensor has a base which extends into a bore formed in the valve body. The valve body bore is in communication with a pressurized hydraulic fluid. A first circumferential groove formed in the sensor base carries an O-ring which forms a seal between the sensor and the wall of the valve body bore. A second circumferential groove formed in the sensor base carries a spring ring which extends into a corresponding groove formed in the wall of the valve body groove. The spring ring cooperates with the sensor base and valve body bore grooves to retain the sensor in the valve body bore.

Abstract: A sensor with built-in circuits can be improved in the stability of the operation or characteristics. A circuit region and a sensor region are covered by a passivation film. The sensor region is partially covered by the passivation film. The sensor region and circuit region are protected by the passivation film, and an effect of the passivation film on the mechanical displacement of a diaphragm portion can be alleviated so that the sensor with built-in circuits may be improved in the stability of the operation or characteristics.

Abstract: A pressure measuring system has a line through which a fluid (4) flows, the line (3) having a central line section (5) in which, on a flattened outer side (6) of the line (3), a diaphragm is provided. The movements of the diaphragm, which are characteristic of pressure changes, are transmitted to a pressure sensor. In this case, the diaphragm is nondetachably connected to a protrusion (10) which points away from the line (3) and has an extension (12) which is oriented substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal alignment of the line section (5) and, in a mechanical and simultaneously detachable way, acts on a force sensor as pressure sensor. A pressure measuring system is therefore provided which can be used for reconditioning in the autoclave sterilizer.

Abstract: Force sensing transducers which employ inline sensing and an integral crossarm support for a sensing component. These transducers have a metal frame with at least one ring; a beamlike crossarm which lies within, spans, and is integral with a ring of the transducer frame; and at least one strain sensor mounted, preferably under preload, in an aperture in the innermost (or single) ring.

Abstract: A materials characterization method models dynamic, non-linear, temperature-dependent stress, strain, hysteresis, creep, and loss of elasticity at high strain, both in test samples and in Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Incorporating universal properties of statistical mechanics and adapting domain models from ferromagnetics to the higher-dimensional realm of stress tensors, the model is applicable to polymers, rubbers, liquids, and metals in elastic and plastic deformation. The model quantifies the dynamics of both plastic and brittle failure. Apparatus and methods are shown for testing material samples and matching the computational model to sample characteristics, leading to a set of characterizing parameters and predictive simulations using those parameters. Though apparatus and testing protocols of the invention yield optimum characterizations, pre-existing data from conventional testing yield useful results.

Abstract: A Coriolis flowmeter sensor capable of handling large mass flow rates and having a reduced flag dimension. In order to have a reduced flag dimension, the flow tubes are formed to have a substantially semicircular arc between an inlet and an outlet. Brace bars connected to the flow tube proximate, the inlet and outlet, separate the frequencies of vibration in the flow tubes. Pick-off sensors are positioned upon the substantially semicircular arc of the flow tube at a position that allow the sensors to maximize detection of low amplitude, high frequency vibrations of the flow tubes required to have a reduced flag dimension.

Abstract: The magnetic circuit arrangement, which is preferably used in a fluid-measuring transducer, comprises at least one coil (13) which is traversed in operation by a current. It further comprises two armatures (11, 12) that are fixed to two flow tubes (211, 212) vibrating in phase opposition. The coil (13) is float-mounted by means of a holder (15) to a double flow tube configuration (21) formed by the flow tubes (211, 212). The armatures (11, 12) are shaped and aligned relative to each other in such a manner that magnetic fields produced by means of the magnetic circuit arrangement are essentially concentrated within the magnetic circuit arrangement, whereby the latter is also largely insensitive to extraneous magnetic fields. The magnetic circuit arrangement is marked by a long service life and, particularly if the transducer is used for fluids with high and/or varying temperatures, by constantly high accuracy in operation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a compact torque detector. The present invention solving the object has a conversion member 23 provided on the outer circumferences of an input shaft 20 and an output shaft 21 for convert the amount of relative rotation of the input and output shafts to a displacement in the axis direction; an annular-shaped ring member 26 secured on the outer circumference of the conversion member 23 and made up of a magnet; and a plurality of magnetically sensitive devices 27 arranged at intervals around the ring member 26 and facing the ring member. The magnetically sensitive device 27 detects the amount of travel of the ring member 26 in the axis direction and supplying the detected amount as a voltage signal to a controller C.

Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for conveying exhaust gas from exhaust gas source to analysis equipment. The particulate sampler includes a probe for receiving the exhaust gas and a transfer tube for conveying the exhaust gas from a tailpipe to a mixer. The mixer mixes the exhaust gas and a dilution gas from a dilution source. A dilution tunnel mixes and conveys the exhaust gas and dilution gas from the mixer to analysis equipment such as a filter or gas analyzers. A flow pulsation cancellation device includes an actuator in communication with at least one of the tailpipe, probe, transfer tube, mixer, and dilution tunnel for introducing a canceling pressure pulse to minimize the effects of pressures pulses present from the tailpipe within the sampler. The actuator may be a moveable membrane or a fluid flow control valve.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus applied in a semiconductor operating environment for collecting a volatile organic compound. The sampling apparatus includes an automatic sampling device, and a multi-sorbent trap connected to the automatic sampling device sample for adsorbing the volatile organic compound at room temperature, wherein the volatile organic compound includes a polar and a non-polar compounds.

Abstract: An improved method for simulating an oxidative aging of an asphalt sample comprises accumulating a number of samples from the asphalt load under test. The samples are initially heated by convection and microwave units to a common temperature. Subsequently, the samples are incrementally, as heated in a “ramp” control heating, from 27° C. to 147° C. over a 60-minute period. Subsequently, the samples are microwave heated for three successive 60-minute periods and one 30-minute period under a pressure of 440 psi. Upon pressure release, a subsequent short convection heating and subsequent degassing, a resulting aged residue is presented which is equivalent to residue provided by known conventional tests but at a reduced time period.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mask for evaluating selective epitaxial growth process. The disclosed mask comprises a mask pattern for resistance measurement to measure sheet resistance of grown single crystal silicon in a first area, a mask pattern for selectivity evaluation to evaluate selectivity of single crystal silicon growth in a second area diagonal to the first area, mask patterns for facet generation evaluation, having different shapes, to evaluate facet generation of grown single crystal silicon in a third area, mask patterns for loading effect evaluation, having different shapes, to evaluate growth of single crystal silicon by loading effect in the upper part of a fourth area and a mask pattern for uniformity evaluation to evaluate uniformity of grown single crystal silicon in the lower part of the pattern for loading effect evaluation in the fourth area.

Abstract: This invention discloses a solderability testing apparatus which comprises a sample parts holding means having a sample parts holding member for holding a sample; an external force detection means for supporting such sample parts holding means; a solder paste container for containing a solder paste which is internally added with a flux; and a heating means for heating the solder paste; wherein such apparatus has a flux wetting preventive layer at least on the surface of a sample holding portion of the sample parts holding member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an actuator assembly for uniformly actuating a testing device into a test socket assembly. The actuator assembly has a guide member for interlocking the actuator assembly with the test socket assembly. Once the actuator assembly is interlocked, a stem having a planar contact surface is able to uniformly engage a test device and actuate the test device into the test socket. The present invention further provides a mechanical stop for locking the actuated stem for multiple testing.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic component mounting method capable of effectively utilizing a self-alignment effect even if a mounting interval of electronic components is small. This method includes the steps of detecting a printing position of a solder paste on the circuit board and mounting an electronic component. This invention further provides apparatus, devices, and system using the method. When a solder paste on a circuit board having a land formed thereon is printed and an electronic component is mounted, the printing position of the solder paste of the circuit board is detected by a printing position detecting device included in an inspecting apparatus. Then, the electronic component is mounted by using the detected printing position of the solder paste as a reference by an electronic component mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A front end of a starter motor housing is sealed by a resilient seal member disposed between a bearing and a front end wall of the housing. A shaft carrying a pinion at its front end is rotatably and slidably supported by the bearing in an over hang fashion. The seal member is a cup-shaped ring having a circular outer wall, a bottom wall and a center hole. A sealing lip slidably contacting the rotating shaft is formed around the center hole. The circular outer wall of the seal member is tightly and hermetically held between an outer ring of the bearing and front end wall of the housing, so that the seal member is not displaced in the axial direction. The bottom wall is S-shaped forming a depressed portion facing the bearing to provide more space for retaining lubricant therein.

Abstract: In a rectilinear motion driving apparatus, a shaft (6) is fitted into a cylindrical body (4) in a coaxial state, and a plurality of cylindrical coil rollers (3a) is interposed between the cylindrical body and the shaft by press fit so as to roll at a predetermined inclined angle to the axial direction. Further, these cylindrical coil rollers (3a) are contacted with an outer peripheral surface of the shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body with a pressure contact force, and the cylindrical body or the shaft is rotated so that the shaft or the cylindrical body makes a rectilinear motion toward an axial direction. A pressure contact force of both inner and outer surfaces of the cylindrical coil roller (3a) to the cylindrical body (4) and the shaft (6) is set higher than an intermediate portion of the cylindrical body (4) in the vicinity of the end portion thereof, or is set lower than the intermediate portion of the cylindrical body (4) in the vicinity of the end portion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synchronous mesh-type automatic transmission control device for an automotive vehicle capable of stably shortening a transmission time, and simultaneously having a high durability.

Abstract: A shift device that prevents an operator from unintentionally operating the shift lever. The shift device has a plurality of shift ranges and sets a predetermined range from the plurality of shift ranges. The shift device includes a shift lever for setting the predetermined shift range, a control circuit, and a notification device. The control circuit determines whether an operator has unintentionally operated the shift lever. The notification device notifies the operator that the operator has unintentionally operated the shift lever in accordance with the determination of the control circuit.

Abstract: An automatic transmission shift lever device which includes a shift lever, a base bracket and a boot. The base bracket supports the shift lever and is provided with a hole with a hook protruding inward from an inner circumference of the hole. The boot made of an elastic material covers the bottom of the base bracket and is provided with a protrusion. The hook digs into the protrusion inserted into the hole so as to prevent the protrusion from coming off.

Abstract: A concave groove 3 formed in a male spline fitting portion 1a of an inner shaft 1 is filled with a synthetic resin via filling holes 4 formed in a female spline fitting portion 2a of an outer shaft 2. Resinous slide portions 5 are formed on the fitting portions 1a, 2a of these two shafts 1, 2. A resinous ring 6 is attached to an inner peripheral surface of a front side end of the female spline fitting portion 2a of the outer shaft 2, whereby even if the front side end of the outer shaft 2 comes off the male spline fitting portion 1a of the inner shaft 1, the front side end of the outer shaft 2, because of the resinous ring 6 sliding on an outer peripheral surface of a small-diameter portion 1b of the inner shaft 1, is capable of smoothly moving towards a front side of a vehicle.

Abstract: A pedal device (1) for an automobile includes a supporting frame (2); an accelerator pedal arm (3) made of a rigid metal and supported by the supporting frame (2) in such a manner as to be rotatable about an axis A in directions R; a spring means (4) for rotatively urging the accelerator pedal arm (3) toward an initial position of its rotation; a damper (5) for imparting a resistance force to the rotation in the directions R of the accelerator pedal arm (3); and a stopper for stopping the rotation of the accelerator pedal arm (3) at the initial position of its rotation.

Abstract: In a gas pedal not pivotably connected to the passenger compartment floor, there has been the problem until now that the pivoting motion of the gas pedal is not perceived as being as comfortable as when a gas pedal pivotably connected to the passenger compartment floor is actuated. In the drive pedal module (1) proposed here, it is attained that the pedal lever (10) together with the footrest surface (20) lends the same sensation to the driver's foot as if the pedal lever (10) were secured to the passenger compartment floor (26). The drive pedal module is intended for controlling the travel speed of a vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly is disclosed that comprises a stationary mounting plate, a sliding mounting plate that receives a brake pedal and a throttle pedal, and a drive mechanism for displacing the sliding mounting plate relative to the stationary mounting plate.

Abstract: A split grip control lever is suitable for operating heavy machinery and includes a fixed base portion that provides secure operator support during operation of the machine. A movable upper portion is pivotable relative to the fixed base portion by the user's thumb and index finger to control operation of machine components. The movable upper portion and the fixed base portion preferably define a substantially continuous profile. Additionally, a control device is placed inside the fixed base portion of the grip, allowing for a shorter control shaft that pivots at or near the center of the unit. This arrangement facilitates control of the equipment.

Abstract: A stem of a bicycle having an iron member, said stem being made of aluminum and adapted to be fixedly secured to a fork and to clamp a handlebar, comprises a block including a sleeve provided at one end thereof for insertion of the fork of a bicycle and a base provided at the other end thereof, said base defining a semicircular surface; a cover having a semicircular surface which, together with the semicircular surface of the base close around and clamp the handlebar when the cover is secured to the base; and at least one iron member having a semicircular configuration and an inner surfaces and an outer surface, the outer surface being disposed on at least one of the two semicircular surfaces so that the iron member rather than the two semicircular surfaces contacts the handlebar whereby scraping of the at least one of the two semicircular surfaces by the handlebar is prevented.

Abstract: A pipe or a solid rod (1) is coated on the outer surface, or cams (3) and/or other parts are coated on their inner surface with a suitable coating (2), for example a joint-stable conversion coating, in order to produce a cost-advantageous mass product with commercially available materials and semifinished materials by a longitudinal pressing on of cams and other parts onto the pipe or solid rod.

Abstract: A crankshaft damper includes a hub and a rim. The rim has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the hub. A plurality of spokes connects the rim to the hub. An axial inner surface is formed on the rim and projects forwardly of the spokes. A damper support includes a band and a collar. The band is retained to the axial inner surface of the rim and the collar projects radially outwardly beyond the outer diameter of the rim. An elastomeric member is mounted on the collar and faces the rim. A damper is mounted on the elastomeric member and faces the rim. The elastomeric member and damper are positioned radially beyond the rim to dampen torsional and axial vibrations.

Abstract: The electronic-hydraulic transmission control module has a hydraulic plate, an electronic control unit, and a sensor. The sensor is caulked into a wall of an opening in the hydraulic plate forming a plastic deformation.

Abstract: The features of a turning disc intermittent rotary mechanism comprise at least one top disc, a through hole disposed at the center of the bottom disc plane, and the lateral side of the peripheral disc plane of the through hole is formed into a plurality of continuous plum blossom-patterned sliding slots; a bottom seat with its central convex section lively connected in the through hole, wherein a round through hole is mounted on the side of the bottom seat; a main driving wheel lively inserted in the round through hole, wherein a small pulley is mounted on the side of the top plane of the main driving wheel and slides inside the sliding slots; the rotation of the main driving wheel enables the small pulley to move inside the sliding slots and further drive the intermittent rotation and dwelling of the top disc, thereby to develop the turning disc in rotation to be designed, according to the need, into a process station with multi braking and dwelling points for providing multi-processing movements for the par

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the extraction of metals from copper sulphide and/or copper iron sulphide ores with microbiological- and chemical-type leaching steps for dissolution of the metals, which comprises the following steps: 1) In a conversion step, prior to the leaching steps, the ores are converted to covellite, pyrites and admixed sulphides by the addition of sulphur, and 2) copper and other metals, noble metals and rare earths contained in the reaction product are extracted.

Abstract: A handle grip for a wrench includes a tubular body mounted to a shank of the wrench and a plurality of recesses are defined in the tubular body. The recesses extend toward a direction which is parallel with an axis of an object engaged by the wrench.

Abstract: A flexible drive shaft extension for hand tools comprises serially nested, socket-ended shaft components of polygonal cross-section which have freedom of universal movement from axial alignment limited to about five degrees of arc and which are forcibly retained in coupled connection within a sleeve by spring biasing.

Abstract: A self adjusting grasping pliers. Upper and lower grasping jaws are pivotally connected together. A first handle extends rearward from the upper grasping jaw, and a second handle pivotally connected to the lower grasping jaw extends rearward thereof. A toggle member connects to one end of the second handle extending upwards into the longitudinal slot of the first handle. A pressure adjustment control is connected to one end of the handle, and extends into the handle a distance which is adjustable. A grasping size control rod extends through the pressure adjustment control engaging one end of the toggle member. A spring is located between a stop fixed threaded to the control rod and the pressure adjustment control. The pressure control is adjusted to establish a nominal grasping force. During grasping of an object, the control rod can move against the force of the spring limiting the force exerted on an object between the jaws.

Abstract: The coupler tool of the present invention includes a ring having oppositely facing radial flat parallel sides and radial outer edges beveled toward one another. Extending axially outwardly from one of the sides is a handle portion. The handle portion includes a pair of laterally spaced apart arms extending axially outwardly from diametrically opposite areas of one side of the ring and a hand grip extending between the arms in axially spaced relation from such one side.

Abstract: A self-aligning arbor nut system is disclosed. The self-aligning arbor nut system, according to the present invention, includes a body formed with a duct substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the body. A substantially circular ring known as a swivel also is provided. The ring is engageable with either end of the duct. An o-ring is included. The o-ring is engageable with a groove in the wall of the ring, and with a slot formed on the inner surface of the duct at both ends of the duct to reverse engagement of the nut with an arbor. The swivel is engageable with at least one end of the body, and in fact is engageable with both ends of the body. When mounted on an arbor, the swivel aligns and helps prevent a bent or distorted arbor. A circumferential depression may be formed around the outside surface of the body. One or more bores is formed in the circumferential depression for manipulation with a key.

Abstract: A tensioner assembly includes a mounting bushing having an opening therethrough and a shaft having at least one threaded region along its axial length, the shaft extending through the opening. A mounting nut is threaded onto the shaft. A seating surface extends from the shaft at a position intermediate the mounting bushing and the mounting nut. A spring is disposed around the shaft between the mounting bushing and the seating surface. A first end of the spring is positioned against the seating surface so as to be fixed at the intermediate position along the shaft regardless of a distance between the mounting bushing and the mounting nut, a second end of the spring is positioned toward the mounting bushing.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and apparatus to prepare trim cap material for bending, the apparatus comprising at least one notcher and at least one dimpler employed: (1) to notch the trim cap material to facilitate bending, but ensuring that the notch is not so large or deep so as to result in cracking when the trim cap material is bent resulting in unsightly appearance and performance deficiencies when the trim cap is installed as part of a completed sign and (2) to dimple the trim cap material so that the dimple is visible from both sides of the trim cap material.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for shearing workpieces has a housing defining an interior to enclose a cutting head assembly during storage. During use, an actuator erects the cutting head into an operative position and the cover of the housing defines a planar work surface adjacent to the cutting head fixed thereto. The portable apparatus includes a portable power supply for remote operation.