Abstract: In a water-bearing household appliance with a liquid container filled through a valve in a liquid feed line, and in which a liquid filling level is detected for monitoring at least one safety level of a safety device, the safety device includes an optical light guidance system for reflecting a light beam by which the filling level is detected with the aid of a change in the reflection response on at least one reflecting site and is used to monitor the safety level. As an optical light guidance system, the safety device offers the advantage of dispensing with moving mechanical components—for example, a float, a level switch, an operating lever, an operating rod, etc.—to reduce the risk of mechanical defects that are associated with a substantial outlay on repair time and costs to a minimum or to completely eliminate the risk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration detector (1) for determining and/or monitoring the level of a medium in a container or for ascertaining the density of a medium in the container.

Abstract: A small fuel cell (10) powers a portable electronic device (12) and contains a fuel reservoir (14) and a device (16) that measures the amount of liquid fuel (18) that is in the reservoir. The fuel cell operates on hydrogen that is obtained from a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, such as alcohol or other hydrocarbons. The liquid fuel is typically converted into hydrogen by a reforming process. The reservoir that is connected to the fuel cell has an indicia (19) that is readable by a human user of the portable electronic device, for measuring the amount of liquid hydrocarbon fuel that is present in the reservoir. Typically, the indicia consist of a sight glass, a capacitive element, a resistive element, a transparent portion of the reservoir, a float, or an acoustic transmitter coupled with an acoustic receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for contactless measurement of the fill-level of a liquid in a container by transmitting a signal from above onto the liquid surface and by receiving the reflected signal, the reflected and received signal being compared by correlation with the transmitted signal in order to accurately determine the instant of reception and hence the path of travel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a water level sensor. The water level sensor includes a reference electrode comprised of a plurality of electrode plates to detect electric conductivity of water filling a space between the electrode plates of the reference electrode. A measuring electrode is comprised of a plurality of electrode plates, which are extended along a length of a water tub to be longer than the electrode plates of the reference electrode and spaced apart from the electrode plates of the reference electrode to detect electric conductivity of water filling a space between the electrode plates of the measuring electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring in continuous manner, i.e.

Abstract: A humidity sensor has two detection electrodes located on a semiconductor substrate and a humidity sensitive film. The capacitance of the film changes in response to humidity. The sensor includes a reference capacitor and a feedback capacitor. An electrode of each capacitor is located beneath one of the detection electrodes to limit the size of the device.

Abstract: A gyroscopic sensor comprising: a sensing element (1) associated with detection and excitation electrodes (8); conductive rods (6) connected in particular to said electrodes (8); a protective housing (3, 4) enclosing the sensing element (1) and the electrode (8) and having insulating feed-throughs (7) for the conductive rods (6); and support means interposed between the housing (3, 4) and the sensing element (1) with the electrodes (8); the sensor being characterized in that said support means are constituted by the conductive rods (6) themselves, which are made so as to be elastically deformable.

Abstract: An oscillatory angular rate sensor unit includes a mount base and a sensor element installed on the mount base. The sensor element includes an oscillator which produces angular velocity-caused oscillations in a first direction when the sensor element experiences angular motion during self-excited oscillation of the oscillator in a second direction opposite the first direction. A resonant frequency of the sensor unit in the first direction is set to a value less than or equal to a reciprocal of square root of two times a difference between resonant frequencies of the oscillator in the first and second directions, thereby eliminating an error output caused by undesirable acceleration acting on the sensor unit.

Abstract: A method for designing double-ended tuning fork (DETF) sensors such that the second-order non-linearity of a first DETF and of a second DETF substantially cancel.

Abstract: The accelerometer is linear having a substantially planar plate-like proof mass (9) mounted by four or more flexible mounting legs (8) each co-planar with the proof mass (9) to a substantially planar plate-like support (10) fixedly mounted relative to the proof mass (9) and co-planar therewith. In this way the proof mass (9) is mounted for linear movement in a sensing direction in the plane containing the proof mass (9), mounting legs (8) and support (10) to sense acceleration change applied to the accelerometer. At least two spaced apart substantially planar capacitor plates (11) each co-planar with the proof mass, mounting legs and support, are provided for sensing linear movement of the proof mass (9) in the sensing direction C. The proof mass (9), mounting legs (8), support (10) and capacitor blades (11) are formed from a single sheet of silicon and the mounting legs (8) extend substantially perpendicularly to the sensing direction C.

Abstract: Material analysis apparatus and method, particularly of use in detecting barely visible impact damage but also of use to detect other material characteristics. The apparatus includes a function generator (15) which provides a sinusoidal signal to an ultrasonic amplifier (14) as well as to a PC (16). The PC is connected to an infrared camera (17). The sinusoidal signal is fed into the amplifier and causes two probes (12, 13) attached to the sample of material to emit ultrasonic energy at the modulated frequency. Ultrasonic energy from the two probes then enters the sample (11) by means of a mechanical coupling and an image of the resulting thermal radiation is captured by the infrared camera and transferred to the PC for further processing and analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a deposited layer on the inner surface of a fluid container wall having inner and outer surfaces are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises (a) transmitting an acoustic signal from a transmitter at a first distance from the outer surface of the wall; (b) receiving a first received signal A, comprising a reflection from the wall outer surface; (c) receiving a second received signal B, comprising a reflection from the wall inner surface; (d) receiving a third received signal C from the wall inner surface; (e) calculating a coefficient Rwp from A, B and C, and (f) calculating a coefficient Rpd from A, B and Rwp and calculating the acoustic impedance of the deposited layer Zd from Rwp, Rpd, and Zw, where Zw is the acoustic impedance of the material between the transmitter and the wall outer surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-intrusive method of characterizing flow disturbances of a fluid inside a cylindrical pipe (2).

Abstract: A performance measuring system for a rotating shaft comprises a first annular support assembly to be coupled adjacent to a first end of a rotating shaft inwardly of associated shaft bearings. A second annular support assembly is to be coupled adjacent to a second end of a rotating shaft inwardly of associated shaft bearings. A third annular support assembly is to be coupled to the rotating shaft between the first and second support assemblies. A laser source is mounted on the first annular support assembly. A laser detector is mounted on the second annular support assembly. First and second magnetic sensors for detecting the Earth's magnetic field are mounted respectively on the first and second annular support assemblies. An accelerometer is mounted on the third annular support assembly for generating a fourth detection signal.

Abstract: A method and system for processing laser vibrometry data are embodied in a processor configured to employ a statistical signal processing technique (e.g., a Bayesian processing technique) to process one or more mathematical models, laser vibrometry data for a system under observation, and prior information to generate estimates of parameters for the one or more mathematical models.

Abstract: Transducer apparatus and method combining both an absolute pressure sensor for sensing absolute pressure in the load lock chamber and a differential pressure sensor for sensing a pressure difference between ambient atmospheric pressure and pressure in a load lock chamber and provides control signals for opening an interior door from the load lock chamber into a vacuum processing chamber and for opening an exterior door between ambient atmosphere and the load lock chamber. The transducer can also produce signals to control transition from slow to fast vacuum pump-down of load lock chamber pressure at a predetermined pressure set point.

Abstract: An electric pressure probe for an aircraft comprises: a pitot tube assembly for collecting pneumatically air pressure in the vicinity of the assembly; a strut including one end mountable to a surface of the aircraft, the pitot tube assembly being coupled to another end of the strut for being supported away from the aircraft surface; a pressure sensor integral to the strut and pneumatically coupled to the pitot tube assembly for converting the pneumatic pressure collected thereby to an electrical pressure signal; and circuitry integral to the strut and coupled to the pressure sensor for signal conditioning the electrical pressure signal, the circuitry including at least one output lead for conducting the conditioned electrical signal from the probe.

Abstract: A sensor has an electrical interconnect grown in a cavity between first and second layers that are bonded together. Electrically conductive grain growth material is selectively deposited on at least one of two electrically conductive film interconnect regions that face one another across the cavity. The grain growth material is then grown upon predetermined conditions to form the electrical interconnect between the two interconnect regions. A sensor element deposited in the cavity is electrically coupled between the layers by the interconnect. The grain growth material can be tantalum that is heated after the layers are bonded to grow grains that interconnect the electrically conductive films.

Abstract: A method to measure the brake force for railroad vehicles without replacing any part of the braking system, comprising the steps of opening a clearance between the braking elements, inserting a special sensor between the braking elements and applying the brake followed by the processing of the signal generated by the sensor and displaying the result in force units. A device to measure the brake force for railroad vehicles, which uses a sensor, the main part of which is a prismatic steel plate (3) with strain gauges (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b,) on both sides. To measure the brake force, the sensor is positioned, depending on the braking system, between the brake shoe (1) and the wheel tread (2) or between the brake pad and the brake disc.

Abstract: A single fabric testing apparatus is capable of measuring mechanical and thermal characteristic of a specimen previously carried out in separate testing apparatus. The single apparatus is provided with a plurality of mechanical and temperature sensors and a heatable top plate 10. In use, a ram 9 moves the top plate 10 vertical downwards to press a fabric specimen against a bottom plate 14. The plate 14 is surrounded by a fixed upstanding peripheral skirt 15 against which an outer periphery of the specimen is bent to enable shearing and bending characteristics to be measured. The bottom plate 14 is biassed upwards by a spring 16 which is compressed until the top plate is arrested by a fixed frame member 18. Further downward movement of the ram enables compressibility of the specimen to be determined. A rotatable section 11 of the top plate 10 can be turned by a stepping motor 13 to determine the surface friction characteristics of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring the shear strength of rubber bonded to a metal insert in a valve seal, said apparatus comprises an upper fixture and a lower fixture. A mounting device is disposed in the lower fixture of the apparatus for retaining the valve seal. A shearing means is disposed in the upper fixture of the apparatus for shearing the rubber bonded to the metal insert. The shearing means has an arcuate edge for contacting the valve seal. There is a first means engageable with the shearing means for controlling its movement in one of a downward motion for shearing the valve seal and an upward motion for returning the shearing means to its starting position. Further there is a second means for recording the movement of the shearing means and the force that is applied by such first means until a bond between the rubber and the metal insert of the valve seal is broken.

Abstract: A compensated flow measuring system for measuring a multi-phase fluid flow in a well. An impeller intercepts a downhole multi-phase flow. Capacitance and conductivity sensors are mounted in close proximity to the impeller and provide a measure of electrical admittance of the fluid. In one embodiment, the capacitance and conductivity sensors are mounted in at least one single probe mounted near the impeller. An electronics system contains a phase detector for separating the capacitive and conductive signals and providing a signal related to a compensated multiphase flow rate.

Abstract: Such an excitation circuit is intended for use in a Coriolis mass flowmeter which is connected to, is powered exclusively from, and outputs a measurement signal exclusively via, a two-wire process control loop. The Coriolis mass flowmeter has a vibrating flow tube and an excitation assembly for vibrating the flow tube at a frequency equal or adjacent to the instantaneous mechanical resonance frequency of the flow tube. It further comprises transducer assemblies which are positioned at a given distance from each other along the flow tube and provide respective transducer signals.

Abstract: A system for measuring torque comprises a pair of drive shafts connected by a torsion bar, a wheel affixed to each of the drive shafts and having at least one slot cut through it, a light source positioned on the side of one of the wheels opposite the other, and a light detection device on the opposite side of the other wheel positioned to detect light from the light source which passes through the slots in both wheels. The slots are positioned in the wheels such that the light that can pass from the light source, through both wheels, and to the detector changes as the angular position of the wheels changes relative. The light detection device observes the changes in this pattern of light to produce a signal indicative of the torque on the drive shaft that is producing the observed angular displacement of the wheels.

Abstract: A vertical movement capacitive torque sensor for a rotating shaft such as the steering column of an automobile includes dielectric vanes interposed between capacitor plates which are moveable proportional to the angular displacement of two shaft portions which are linked by a torsion bar or concentric inner and outer shaft portions, the vanes move in a radial direction perpendicular to the shaft axis. Concentric capacitor rings are provided so that a bridge circuit can easily indicate differential capacitance which is proportional to clockwise or counter-clockwise torque.

Abstract: This invention provides a foil strain gauge having a plurality of sensing portions and a plurality of turnup tabs that are connected to each other through respective turnup portions, each turnup portion having an inner side defining a curve with a curvature that changes continuously and gradually.

Abstract: A common liquid measuring device for a plurality of similar fluids, soluble within each other, which, depending on the required fluid, are connected by means of an arrangement of valves to the corresponding supply line between supply tank and fuel dispenser. A screw spindle arrangement is selected as liquid measuring device.

Abstract: A method of construction of a moving machine acting non-stop is presented, consisting of how to use the Reaction Force Energy to produce motive kinetic activity without offering any conservative or potientially contrary condition to its original restitution. The simultaneous use of these forces to actuate simple machines, which are integrated in an articulate way and under the influence of potential or kinetic mechanical physical agents, will allow to generate mechanical energy in an economic, abundant, environmentally-friendly and universely adaptable way.

Abstract: A linear actuator for gates, doors or similar has an actuator arm (1) which is articulated to a support (3) around a vertical axis (15) and be raisable angularly around a horizontal inclination axis (16). The actuator arm (1) has a screw (7) which is operated by an electric motor (11) and a running nutscrew (8) articulated to the gate wing (5) by means of a leadnut holder (18) in which the nutscrew (8) is housed in a manner turning around an axis horizontal and transversal to the actuator arm (1). The leadnut holder (18) has a vertical lower articulation pivot (20) which engages from above in a turning manner in a bush (22) fastened to the wing (5). In an emergency the actuator is disengaged from the gate wing (5) by raising the actuator arm (1) angularly around its inclination axis (16) and extracting upward the articulation pivot (20) of the leadnut holder (18) from the bush (22).

Abstract: There is provided an NC machine tool with tiltable spindle unit capable of being used both as vertical and inclined spindle type machine tools without restrictions on stroke and capable of easily carrying out tool measurement, alignment of a work piece with a tool, and truing. The NC machine tool includes: a spindle unit having a spindle serving both as a vertical spindle and an inclined spindle; and a tilting mechanism having a turning shaft for pivotably supporting the spindle unit on a vertical plane. The turning shaft has a center line of rotation which is arranged in the vicinity of a top end of a tool on a center line of the tool.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shift arrangement for a transmission (2) with gear wheels (4, 6) arranged on a gear shift (12) rotatable about an axis (20) which can be non-rotatably connected with the gear shaft (12) to form a ratio step via an axial movement of a shift dog (18) along the axis (20). An electromagnetic device (24, 26, 40) is provided which is adequate for axial movement of the shift dog (18) along the axis (20). The electromagnetic device (24, 26, 40) is disposed in the area of the shift dog (18) and acts upon the shift dog (18) directly without shift fork.

Abstract: A shifting system for a motor vehicle transmission shifts the transmission into the neutral and returns a steering column shift lever to the neutral position from the reverse position, when the vehicle speed is above a pre-determined positive value and the shift lever is shifted into the reverse position. The system may further shift the transmission into the neutral and returns the steering column shift lever to the neutral position from the forward drive position, when vehicle speed is below a pre-determined negative value and the shift lever is shifted into the forward drive position.

Abstract: A lead screw for a linear actuator, which has a metal pipe having a helical projection resin-molded on its outer surface, and a ball for a pivot bearing welded to a distal end of the metal pipe, is disclosed together with a method of manufacturing the same. With the lead screw according to this invention, a slight positional deviation from the origin, which is caused at a high ambient temperature by thermal expansion of a resin material filled up in the metal pipe, can be prevented reliably. Linear movement upon rotation of a stepping motor can take place with high precision.

Abstract: A control has a pivotal part with an operating surface that can be depressed by a person's foot or hand, with pivoting being sensed by a pivot sensor. A spring-operated mechanism urges the pivotal part toward an initial position while allowing it to pivot in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions from the initial position, the sensor indicating the amount of pivoting in either direction from the initial position. A damping unit for limiting the speed of depression includes a cylinder that contains fluid and a plunger that is depressed by the pivotal part into the cylinder to displace the fluid.

Abstract: An offset rotary joint unit equipped with a rotation correction mechanism, in which a bending motion can be executed in a two-dimensional plane only by virtue of a rotary mechanism and which can support a high-load weight and is applicable for two-arm mechanisms such as nursing assistant robots. One offset rotary joint unit 4 is composed of a first arm 1, a rotation correction arm 2 rotationally driven around the axial line of the first arm, and a second arm 3 rotationally driven around an axial line obliquely intersecting with the rotation correction arm.

Abstract: A parking brake operating device for vehicle, wherein a vehicle is held by a specified braking force by manually rotating a brake lever (2), a held state is released by rotatingly operating the brake lever (2) upward by a specified amount from the held state, and the braking force can be changed to an increasing side and held by further raising the brake lever upward from the held state beyond the specified amount, whereby a release operation can be performed without using a push button or a push rod.

Abstract: Flexural vibrations are reduced in rotating components, such as rotating cylinders of a rotary printing press. One or more actuators are placed in a groove or recess in the cylinder. These actuators act in the axial direction of the rotating component. The amount of force exerted by said actuator will vary with the rotational position of the cylinder.

Abstract: A transmission including an input, an output, a housing in which the input and output are operatively coupled and containing a quantity of fluid, and an outwardly flowing check valve in fluid communication with the interior of the housing. The check valve is biased into a closed position, and the transmission is substantially sealed when the check valve is in its closed position, whereby leakage of fluid from the transmission is prevented regardless of transmission orientation. The check valve has an open position when the fluid in the housing is pressurized to a predetermined level, whereby the pressurized fluid may be vented from the transmission.

Abstract: A cruise control system for a utility vehicle, which is speed-controlled by a hydrostatic transmission, includes a controller having an input for receiving a selectable set speed signal, and an output for sending a speed control signal to at least one proportional valve of a hydrostatic transmission servo control system. The vehicle ground speed is continuously monitored by a speed sensor operatively associated with a rotating gear in the vehicle drive train that rotates in proportion to vehicle ground speed, to create a ground speed signal. The selectable set speed signal can be input to controller memory by driving the vehicle at a desired ground speed and then activating a speed set switch. The speed control algorithm of the controller thereafter compares the set speed to the ground speed signal from the speed sensor and corrects the control signal to the proportional valve to correct hydrostatic transmission speed output.

Abstract: A ferrous sintered valve seat material is made of mixed powders comprising a sinter-hardenable phase and a finely dispersed carbide phase. The powder mixture comprises a sinter-hardening prealloyed powder forming 75 to 90 wt. % of the mixture and a tool steel powder with finely dispersed carbides forming 5 to 25% of the mixture. Machinability additives of MnS, CaF2 or MoS2types are added in an amount of 1 to 5 wt. %. Improved thermal conductivity is obtained by infiltrating the compact with Cu up to 25 wt. %.

Abstract: A biaxially textured alloy article having a magnetism less than pure Ni includes a rolled and annealed compacted and sintered powder-metallurgy preform article, the preform article having been formed from a powder mixture selected from the group of mixtures consisting of: at least 60 at % Ni powder and at least one of Cr powder, W powder, V powder, Mo powder, Cu powder, Al powder, Ce powder, YSZ powder, Y powder, Mg powder, and RE powder; the article having a fine and homogeneous grain structure; and having a dominant cube oriented {100}<100>orientation texture; and further having a Curie temperature less than that of pure Ni.

Abstract: A method for blowing oxygen in a converter uses a top-blown lance having a Laval nozzle installed on its tip. The Laval nozzle has a back pressure of the nozzle Po(kPa) satisfying a formula, Po=FhS/(0.00465·Dt2), with respect to a oxygen-flow-rate FhS(Nm3/hr) per hole of the Laval nozzle determined from the oxygen-flow-rate FS(Nm3/hr) in a high carbon region in a peak of decarburization and a throat diameter Dt(mm). An exit diameter De of the Laval nozzle satisfies the following formula with respect to the back pressure of the nozzle Po(kPa), an ambient pressure Pe(kPa), and the throat diameter Dt(mm).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for upgrading steel plant dust to recuperate industrially reusable compounds. Said method comprises an attrition and dilution step, a solid/liquid separating and solid washing step, an acid leaching step, and acid purification step comprising a carburizing reaction or a carburizing and decalcification reaction. Said method is characterised in that it comprises an oxidation/neutralisation step which includes a step oxidizing iron into iron oxyhydroxides and/or iron oxides and a neutralizing reaction of the reaction medium.

Abstract: The present invention has several aspects to it, one of which is the provision of a chisel point which is straight and tapered from its thinnest part at the extreme front to a thicker part at the rear thereof for causing a sweep to wear longer than prior art sweeps. This sweep also improves soil penetration and is self-sharpening. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an earth working sweep having a front end, a right side, a left side, and a central upper portion for connecting the sweep to an implement. It also has a right rear wing portion and a left rear wing portion with an intermediate portion connecting the front end to the central upper rear portion and the left and right rear wing portions. A right edge and a left edge have concave edges on the front and convex edges on the back so as to form a somewhat S-shaped configuration which reduces scrap when being made and adds to the longevity and performance of the sweep.

Abstract: An angle type power screwdriver having a housing comprising a main housing is disclosed, within which a drive, a reduction gear coupled therewith and a spindle driven thereby are received. An angle head comprising a tool spindle arranged at an angle to the spindle and driven thereby for driving a tool comprises an angle head housing that is connected to the main housing via an adjusting device angularly adjustable. The reduction gear comprises a reaction part receiving a reaction moment with respect to the spindle, the angle head housing being connected with the reaction part for common rotation therewith and being coupled to the drive via the adjusting device.

Abstract: A reversible ratchet-type wrench includes a handle and a head. A web is defined between the handle and the head and has a cavity and a compartment. A pawl is mounted in the cavity and includes teeth for releasably engaging with teeth of a drive member rotatably mounted in a hole of the head. A switch member includes an actuating member rotatably received in the compartment of the head. A pressing member and an elastic element are mounted between the pawl and the actuating member for biasing the teeth of the pawl to engage with the teeth of the drive member. The actuating member is substantially cylindrical and includes a receptacle extending along a diametrical direction. The actuating member further includes two chambered faces on both sides of the receptacle. The chamfered faces prevent operational interference between the pawl and the actuating member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wrench that grips the internal surface of a pipe to be turned. When torque is applied to the wrench, one or more gripping surfaces are forced apart by a cam mechanism. The gripping surfaces tightly engage the internal surface of the pipe in response to movement of an internal cam. Torque applied to the wrench causes the pipe to turn. Because the wrench grips the internal diameter of a pipe, it can be used without damaging the external surface of the pipe, and used in very confined spaces. The gripping surfaces distribute the gripping load evenly across the pipe, which minimizes any deformation of the pipe.

Abstract: A device for use in combination with a wheel brace for loosening or tightening the wheel nuts of vehicles which provides a significant mechanical advantage without deformation of the brace arm. The device comprises a ground engaging support (10) and a developed lever (11). The ground engaging support has projections (9) for supporting a socket extension (12) horizontally. The developed lever (11) has collars (17, 18) which capture a sliding bar (13) of the socket extension and enable maximum torque to be applied through point “p” when the developed lever is rotated in the direction “x”.

Abstract: A wrench comprises a rod comprising a driving portion for engaging with a fastener, a retainer having an end securely engaged with the rod to move therewith, and a casing comprising a compartment for accommodating the retainer. The casing comprises a retaining section defining a retaining space for retaining the other end of the retainer in place. When a rotational force applied to the casing is smaller than an engaging force between the retaining section of the casing and a retaining device that is attached between the retaining section and the retainer, the retainer and the rod are turned to thereby turn the fastener. When a rotational force applied to the casing is greater than the engaging force, the casing slides while the retainer and the rod are not turned.