Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for designing tubular round knitted products on a flat knitting machine operates with the fine automation degree and a plurality of representing, designing and correcting possibilities.

Abstract: A cleaning material or a sealing material is attached to a supporting body facing a moving body that contacts microscopic particles. The cleaning material or the sealing material has a ground fabric formed with a knit fabric. The knit fabric is obtained through warp knitting ground yarns. Pile yarns are raised on the ground fabric. The pile yarns slide on the moving body to scrape off the microscopic particles on the moving body, thereby cleaning the surface of the moving body. The pile yarns also blocks flow of microscopic particles through the space between the moving body and the supporting body and collect the particles.

Abstract: A removable lining apparatus and method usable in conjunction with a soft mechanical restraint cuff is disclosed. The inventive removable lining ensures sanitary conditions during the utilization of the restraint cuff and reduces the wear and tear thereto. Embodiments of the inventive removable lining include a friction coating on the side that contacts the restrained person's limb, a one- and two-part releasable attachment systems for releasably attaching the inventive lining to a restraint cuff, and a disposable absorbent removable lining.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a changeable combination lock disposed with a lock body; a lock bolt is disposed inside the said lock body; more than one digit wheels are sleeved on the said lock bolt; one end of the said lock body is disposed with a retaining ring; a notch is on the said retaining ring; a mark is disposed on the surface of the retaining ring for fitting in with the notch; an actuator and a retaining member are disposed on the said retaining ring; when in use, a set of combination is decided and the mark on the retaining ring is aligned with the said combination so that a lock bar inserts into a lock hole, therefore, the combination can be changed according to the need for preventing the intruder from easily unlocking the lock.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing a handle mounted actuator relative to a handle of a vehicle is provided, and includes a sheath having first and second ends. The sheath includes a handle encompassing portion extending between the first and second ends, with the handle encompassing portion being adapted to slide over at least a portion of the handle. The sheath further includes a control lever encompassing portion attached to the handle encompassing portion and extending generally between the first and second ends. The control lever encompassing portion and the handle encompassing portion generally encompass a majority of the vehicle handle and control lever, such as a brake or clutch. A lock is connected to the sheath and is adapted to secure the anti-theft device to the handle. The anti-theft device secures the control lever in the second position when the sheath is slid over the handle and the control lever.

Abstract: A lockset keyway cover-up mechanism is composed of a rotor, a retainer, a bushing, magnetic pins and springs adapted with a key, which is provided with an unlocking part containing multiples of magnets, characterized by that the keyway and multiples of pinholes to accommodate the springs and those magnetic pins are directly or with a rotor case cover provided on the front end of the rotor; multiples of insertion holes are provided in recess on the retainer so that the retainer holds against the end of the rotor by means of the bushing and those insertion holes of the retainer are held in position by the insertion of those magnetic pins protruding from the front face of the rotor for the through hole of the retainer to be at a location apart from the keyway, which in turn is covered up.

Abstract: Microbiologically accelerated humus is produced by introducing an alkane and, optionally, an oxygen-containing gas into organic matter such as compost material, plant material or cellulosic material. The microbiologically accelerated humus can be mixed with a geologic mineral fraction such as sand, silt, clay and gravel to produce an agricultural-grade or engineered topsoil. The alkane can be introduced continuously or intermittently, and can comprise a butane substrate. Systems for producing microbiologically accelerated humus and topsoil are also included.

Abstract: An overload protection control method for a pressing machine capable of performing overload protection with excellent responsiveness with a simple structure is provided. For this purpose, the overload protection control method includes the steps of driving a slide (4) to reciprocate via a mechanical power transmission mechanism (3) by a servo motor (21), and raising the slide (4) by the servo motor (21) when detecting overload on the slide (4) during pressurization.

Abstract: A pressing tool (13) includes a fluid pump (4), a cylinder element (5) arranged connecting with this and a piston which can be slid forward in the cylinder element (5) by pressure fluid of the fluid pump (4) and reset by a return spring (20a). A. piston rod (6) is passed out to the cylinder element (5) as an activation part. The pressing tool (13) is moreover outfitted with a position measuring device (12, 12a; 112, 212, 212a) which measures without contact which makes the piston position continuously detectable over a positioning range free of disturbance and with a presence sensor (52). The presence sensor (52) verifies the presence of a jointing clamp (51) and issues an indicator signal in the event that a jointing clamp (51) is missing or improperly fastened and shuts the pressing tool (13) off following a delay period to the extent that no orderly inserted jointing clamp (51) is yet available.

Abstract: A support medium is capable of being read by a numerical control system of a bending machine. The support medium stores program instructions for searching, in a memory region storing at least one group of data, each containing bending conditions, a bend angle and at least one penetration depth, whether input data including a desired bend angle and bending conditions are stored in the memory region, in a same group of data. The support medium sends a signal to the bending machine so that the bending machine executes a bending according to the penetration depth included in the same group of data.

Abstract: A thread-rolling machine includes a vertical rotating shaft journalled on a machine base, and a thread-rolling unit. The thread-rolling unit includes a plurality of angularly equidistant rotatable rolling plates fixed on the rotating shaft, and a plurality of angularly equidistant fixed rolling plates fixed on the machine base and disposed around the rotatable rolling plates. During rotation of the rotating shaft, nail-shaped blanks are fed simultaneously onto the thread-rolling unit. Each of the blanks is rolled between a respective one of the rotatable rolling plates and a respective one of the fixed rolling plates, thereby forming a bolt.

Abstract: A roll-type straightening and feed mechanism includes opposing sets of straightening rolls adapted to straighten coil stock as it travels therebetween, opposing feed rolls adapted to grip the coil stock therebetween to advance the straightened coil stock to a using station, and operators connected to simultaneously separate the straightening rolls and the feed rolls and release the coil stock therebetween, and to simultaneously reset the straightening rolls and the feed roll and re-grip the coil stock for advancing straightened stock.

Abstract: A clad billet 120 has a core material 122 of which outer surface is coated by a coating material 124. A circular front plate 126 is provided at the head of the clad billet 120. The front plate 126 is made of the same material as the coating material 124. As the clad billet 120 is extruded, the front plate 126 first flows out. Accordingly, instead of the core material 122, the front plate 126 forms dead metal. Moreover, since this front plate 126 is made of the same material as the coating material 124, a defective clad such as a three layer clad are not formed. Also, since a billet thrusting face 102a is tapered toward an axis A of a die at an angle of 55-85 degrees, the volume of dead metal itself is reduced, and therefore it is possible to flow out the defective clad, even if it is generated, at an early stage of extrusion.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a press formed article (22) may include half die cutting a substantially flat material (1, 10) by press forming, thereby forming a first processed material (10′) having a first intermediate press formed article (16) defined therein. The half die cutting step is preferably performed while simultaneously compressing the central portion of the material in order to induce outward plastic flow within the first intermediate press formed article. These methods optionally may include pressing the first intermediate press formed article back into the first processed material, thereby forming a second processed material (10″) having a second intermediate press formed article (20), and separating the second intermediate press formed article from the second processed material, thereby forming a final processed material (10′″) and an unfinished press formed article (22′).

Abstract: An equalizing fluid-operated apparatus for use with a pressing machine, the apparatus including a flat common manifold which has bottomed holes having respective bottoms, and a communication passage that communicates the bottomed holes with each other, and rod guides which are integrally and fixedly provided around respective openings of the bottomed holes of the manifold, such that each of the rod guides guides a movement of a piston rod of a corresponding one of fluid-operated cylinders, and prevents the piston rod from coming off the one fluid-operated cylinder, the bottomed holes and the communication passage of the manifold being filled with a working fluid, so that the bottomed holes function as respective pressure chambers of the fluid-operated cylinders.

Abstract: A system for the transport of workpieces in a forming press, particularly a multistation press, has at least one cross traverse for holding the workpieces, which on at least one of its ends is connected with a lifting and lowering device and can be oriented in a space by the lifting and lowering device. At least one overload protection device is arranged between the cross traverse and the at least one lifting and lowering device for cutting the connection between the cross traverse and the at least one lifting and lowering device.

Abstract: A slide drive apparatus and a slide drive method for a pressing machine capable of enhancing positioning precision at the time of adjustment of die height, and responding to pressing work at high stroke per minute. For this purpose, the drive apparatus includes a slide (4), a servo motor (21) for controlling slide motion, a mechanical power transmission mechanism (3, 5, 6) for converting rotational power of the servo motor for controlling slide motion into reciprocating motion of the slide, and a servo motor (31) for adjusting die height, which performs die height adjustment of the slide by a position control.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis straightening bench. The bench includes a platform on which a chassis can be secured and have various forces applied to locations on the chassis to assist in repairing collision damage or the like. The bench includes at least one pulling assembly comprising a head movably mounted in a guide. The head is movable by actuation of a double acting hydraulic cylinder. An attachment member is attached to a holder portion of the head and movable thereby. The attachment member can be selectively secured to a portion of a chassis for transmitting force from the hydraulic cylinder to the chassis.

Abstract: A lifting platform with a scissor type jack. The jack includes a plurality of inter-connected struts pivotally connected to a base forming a double X strut arrangement. A power actuator is connected to at least one strut in each X to effect extension and retraction of the jack. A safety latch is provided to prevent accidental retraction of the jack from an extended position should the power actuator fail to hold the jack in the elevated position.

Abstract: Device with a sensor arrangement for determining the ambient-air quality and an arrangement of ozone sensors upstream and downstream of a radiator which is coated with a catalyst material, and method for operating a device of this type

Abstract: A method for measuring anions by suppressor-system or non-suppressor-system ion chromatography includes measuring halogen oxide ions with a column for ion chromatography, which is packed with an alkali-resistant anion exchanger including porous polymer particles, in combination with one or more eluents, the porous polymer particles including an alkali-resistant polymer substrate having bonded thereto through a spacer a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group having a quaternary ammonium structure.

Abstract: A damping gyrometer comprised of at least two and preferably four rotating paddles of teflon™ or fiberglas attached to a common central elevated low-friction pivot point via rising radial arms. The pivot point is the single point of mechanical support for the rotating structure. A stand with a concave glass element provides a low-friction support as a pivot point seat for the pivot point. All elements of the apparatus are non-conductive. Once set into motion by a short air blast, the only force acting on the gyrometer are the pivot point friction and the damping effects of the medium in which it spins. A laser beam and photodetector (or alternatively a laser displacement sensor), along with customized software algorithms are used to measure the rotational rate and, hence, importantly, the deceleration rate of the apparatus. The declaration of the damping gyrometer can then be used to determine properties of the medium in which it spins, including changes in density, pressure, and temperature.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve testing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a test chamber, a slide plate slidingly and sealingly coupled to the test chamber, the slide plate having an opening formed therein that is adapted to receive a prosthetic heart valve to be tested in the test chamber, a storage member containing a plurality of prosthetic heart valves to be tested in the test chamber, and a load/unload means for transferring at least one of the heart valves in the storage member between the storage member and the slide plate. A method disclosed herein comprises positioning the storage member in a first position, moving a first heart valve from the storage member in the first position to the test chamber, performing at least one test on the first heart valve in the test chamber, and returning the first heart valve from the test chamber to the storage member.

Abstract: A permeameter provides normal and lateral permeability measurements on porous materials. The permeability measurements can be made on compressed or uncompressed samples and can be made at room temperature or at elevated temperatures. A wide variety of fluids, gas or liquid, can be used as the penetrating test fluid depending on the application and the porosity of porous sample. The penetrating test fluid is forced through the sample under pressure. The load, the fluid displacement, and the time are recorded and used in the calculations of permeability, porosity, pore size distribution, average pore size and the number of pores per unit area.

Abstract: A flood control device and system which controls conductive fluid(s) in a conductive fluid supply line and or path, using the conductivity of said fluid(s). The conductive fluid system comprises; a conductive fluid supply line, in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, in-line conductive fluid detector, conductive fluid sensor(s) (attached in or to conductive fluid dependent appliances), a D.C. powered central processing unit, and control panel. The conductive fluid flows through said conductive fluid line, said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, intern reaching said in-line conductive fluid detector which detects the flow of conductive fluid, thereby sending data to said central processing unit. When said central processing unit receives said data, said central processing unit delays for a predetermined amount of time (example 3 seconds) waiting to receive data from one or more of said conductive fluid sensor(s).

Abstract: A scanning rheometer is presented for the rheological property measurement of electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids using a non-linear viscoplastic model, based on the fluid height variation with respect to time. The rheometer basically includes a static (e.g., an overhead reservoir) or a dynamic source of fluid, a channel or slit whose sides form electrodes which are in contact with the flowing ER fluid, or a capillary tube exposed to a static/alternating magnetic field for flowing MR fluids, a transfer tube, either one or two riser tubes, and a column level detector for monitoring the column of fluid as it moves in one of the riser tubes. The column level detector is coupled to a processor which analyzes, among other things, column height vs. time data to determine both viscosity and yield stress. The rheometer overcomes one of the major drawbacks of the conventional rheometer: the inability to produce the yield stress of the ER, or MR, fluid in an absolute zero shear rate range.

Abstract: A scanning rheometer is presented for the rheological property measurement of electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids using a non-linear viscoplastic model, based on the fluid height variation with respect to time. The rheometer basically includes a static (e.g., an overhead reservoir) or a dynamic source of fluid, a channel or slit whose sides form electrodes which are in contact with the flowing ER fluid, or a capillary tube exposed to a static/alternating magnetic field for flowing MR fluids, a transfer tube, either one or two riser tubes, and a column level detector for monitoring the column of fluid as it moves in one of the riser tubes. The column level detector is coupled to a processor which analyzes, among other things, column height vs. time data to determine both viscosity and yield stress. The rheometer overcomes one of the major drawbacks of the conventional rheometer: the inability to produce the yield stress of the ER, or MR, fluid in an absolute zero shear rate range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring a tire pressure of a tire arranged on a rim (10), having a tire valve (14) arranged in a bore (12) in the rim (10), and a tire pressure sensor unit (16) arranged inside the tire and fastened on the tire valve (14), it being possible to fasten the tire pressure sensor unit (16) in various angular positions with reference to the tire valve (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the properties of rubber elastic tires, in particular motor vehicle tires, in dependence on simulated driving loads and/or running states with means for the rolling off of a tire to be measured at a tire contact patch and means for simulating driving loads and/or running states, in particular with respect to the rotational speed, to the weight load and to the slip angle of the tire, wherein a device for measuring the visco-elastic properties of the tire is provided at the apparatus and is designed for direct use at the tire disposed in the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for automated position location using RF signposting. The present invention comprises a plurality of transmitting units placed throughout a service area. Each transmitting unit repeatedly transmits a signal including position information related to a position associated with the transmitting unit. The position information may be an absolute position or an encoded position based on the structure of a building in which the transmitting unit is located. A receiving unit receives the signal transmitted from a transmitting unit and determines the position of the receiving unit, based on the received indication. The transmitting units are placed to provide uniform coverage of the service area, thus providing position location indoors and in urban areas where GPS does not function properly.

Abstract: A small volume flow measurement apparatus is described, together with a method for measuring a small volume flow. The small volume flow measurement apparatus is composed primarily of a holding tank, a metering reservoir and an electronics module. Flow is calculated based on the number of times the metering reservoir is filled or emptied.

Abstract: A small volume flow measurement apparatus is described, together with a method for measuring a small volume flow. The small volume flow measurement apparatus is composed primarily of a holding tank, a metering reservoir and an electronics module. Flow is calculated based on the number of times the metering reservoir is filled or emptied.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexural plate wave sensor includes the steps of depositing an etch-stop layer over a substrate, depositing a membrane layer over the etch stop layer, depositing a piezoelectric layer over the membrane layer, forming a first transducer on the piezoelectric layer and forming a second transducer on the piezoelectric layer, spaced from the first transducer. The method further includes the steps of etching a cavity through the substrate, the cavity having substantially parallel interior walls, removing the portion of the etch stop layer between the cavity and the membrane layer to expose a portion of the membrane layer, and depositing an absorptive coating on the exposed portion of the membrane layer.

Abstract: A pointer of a meter such as a speedometer for use in an automobile is so structured that it is observed as if its illuminated length extends upon turning on a key switch and as if its illuminated length is shortened upon turning off the key switch, thereby giving an ornamental effect to the meter. A pointer cover gradually covering or exposing the illuminated pointer may be provided at a vicinity of a zero-scale position. The pointer may be progressively illuminated by plural light sources disposed behind a scale plate by tuning on the light sources one by one. The light sources such as light-emitting diodes may be embedded in the transparent pointer needle. Plural light sources covered by a bimetal cover may be disposed at a foot portion of the pointer needle, and the bimetal cover may be heated to gradually uncover the light sources thereby to progressively illuminate the pointer needle.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor is provided that includes a frame, an oscillator and torsion bars that connect the oscillator to the frame. The frame, the oscillator and the torsion bar are formed integral with each other by etching a material substrate in the thickness direction of the substrate. The oscillator, configured in the form of an H, includes a support, two first arms and two second arms. These arms extend from the support in an arm-extending direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the substrate. The oscillator includes a mounting surface that is provided with a piezoelectric driver for generating in-plane oscillation of the oscillator, and with a piezoelectric detector for detecting out-of-plane oscillation of the oscillator.

Abstract: A tuning fork gyroscope typically including at least one proof mass with an upper sense plate disposed above the proof mass and a lower sense plate disposed below the proof mass and means for sensing changes in the nominal gaps between the sense plate and the proof mass and for outputting a signal indicative of the gyroscope angular rate.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the condition of a bearing mounted on a rotating shaft, particularly one present in an aircraft gas turbine engine, where the vibration sensor that monitors the bearing is remote therefrom but proximate to the rotating shaft. The vibration sensor obtains a broadband signal having frequencies that include the bearing defect peak of the monitored bearing. The broadband signal is analyzed to identify the presence of the bearing defect peak. If the bearing defect peak is present, the amplitude of this peak is quantified to determine whether degradation of the monitored bearing has at least reached a threshold criteria previously established.

Abstract: A vibration sensor device includes a hollow casing having a plurality of protrusions extending from an inner periphery of the casing. A ball is received in the casing and located in contact with at least three of the protrusions. The ball freely rolls when the casing senses vibration and the ball contacts different protrusions when it rolls so as to activate a cooperated warning device.

Abstract: A touch sensor 10 having a stylus 12 with a tip 12A making contact with a test piece W has an operational control structure including an oscillator 3 which oscillates the stylus 12 in the axial direction; a detecting circuit 4 which detects changes of oscillation of the stylus 12; an adjustor unit 5 which removes noise added to an output signal from the detecting circuit 4; a fine motion mechanism controller 6 which controls the operation of a fine motion mechanism 21 in such a manner that the change of the quantity of state of the detection signal is maintained constant; and a PZT driver 7 which operates the fine motion mechanism 21. The measuring force during surface configuration measurement can be adjusted by adjusting an alternating signal to be applied to the touch sensor or by reducing the noise added to the detection signal without making modifications to a shape or structure of the touch sensor.

Abstract: For the metal substrate of a strain sensor, a Mo-containing two-phase stainless steel SUS329 is used. When an insulating layer, electrodes and a resistor are formed on the metal substrate by baking their materials, the alpha phase in the stainless steel of the metal substrate changes to a sigma phase through the baking heat, and, as a result, the range of strain applicable to the sensor within the elastic region of the substrate is broadened and the residual strain of the substrate is reduced. The strain sensor has a broad strain-detectable range and is readily restored to its starting point.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising at least a transducer (1) in the form of a matrix wherein is embedded an optical fiber segment (7) provided with means designed to modify light transmission in accordance to a stress to be measured. One input end of said optical fiber (7) is designed to be connected to an optical transmitter (8) and one output end to an optical detector (9). The transducer (1) is elongated in shape, longitudinally run through by said optical fiber segment (7). A median section (2) is designed to be subjected to stresses to be measured, its two ends being respectively secured to two portions transmitting stresses (3, 4) to said median section (2), arranged to be attached to the structure to be measured Said matrix is made of a composite material reinforced with filaments to provide the transducer (1) with a modulus of elasticity close to that of the structure to be measured.

Abstract: A profile sensor and method for mapping the variability in soil compaction and soil characteristics with respect to depth. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a tine with a plurality of cutting elements supported by a plurality of independent load cells configured to measure the force exerted on the cutting elements as the tine is pulled through the soil of a field. Soil cutting forces through the soil profile are preferably measured to a depth of 63 cm in increments of 7.5 cm. The profile sensor showed that the cutting force is influenced by soil moisture content, depth of operation of the tine and vertical location of the cutting element.

Abstract: A scheme for attenuating reflected microwave radiation (11) reflected from distant objects (10) in a flow measuring device. A microwave transducer (3) is mounted on a feedpipe (5) or adjacent to a region in which matrial (2) is permitted to freely fall. The feedpipe (5) permits the introduction of electromagnetic radiation (6) into a larger mass transporting conduit (1). As particulate material (2) passes through the electromagnetic wavefront (7) the reflected signal (9) is sensed by the transducer (3) and the velocity of the material (2) can be calculated. A radar absorbent material (22) is used to line the conduit (1) or surround the region in which material is freely falling, thereby reducing the magnitude of any electromagnetic energy (6) that passes through the absorbent material (22).

Abstract: A multiphase flow meter distributed system is disclosed that is capable of measuring phase flow rates of a multiphase fluid. The distributed system includes at least one flow meter disposed along the pipe, an additional sensor disposed along the pipe spatially removed from the flow meter, and a multiphase flow model that receives flow related parameters from the flow meter and the additional sensor to calculate the phase flow rates. The flow meter provides parameters such as pressure, temperature, fluid sound speed and/or velocity of the fluid, and the additional sensor provides a parameter indicative of pressure and or temperature of the fluid. Depending on production needs and the reservoir dimensions, the distributed system may utilize a plurality of flow meters disposed at several locations along the pipe and may further include a plurality of additional sensors as well. The distributed system preferably uses fiber optic sensors with bragg gratings.

Abstract: A dynamic flow adapter to be used in measuring the rate at which air flows into the brake pipe of a locomotive. The flow adapter includes a housing, a dynamic flow valve and a differential transducer. The housing defines an input passage, an input chamber, a primary passage, a supplemental passage, an output chamber, a secondary passage and an output passage. The primary passage contains a primary orifice having a first diameter. The secondary passage contains a secondary orifice having a second diameter. The input passage communicates with the input chamber, and the input and output chambers communicate through the primary orifice. The output chamber communicates with the output passage through the secondary orifice. The supplemental passage is in parallel with the primary passage and when opened allows further communication between the input and output chambers. The dynamic flow valve is disposed within the supplemental passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high accuracy turbine flowmeter using a magnetic bearing. More specifically, the object of the invention is to provide a method for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of a turbine flowmeter by improving the friction and wear-out effects occurring from the bearing parts through a non-contact support of the rotor in terms of a magnetic bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a tensile load in a flexible element comprises a housing, a guide surface either operatively coupled to or a part of the housing, a deflector comprising a spring operatively coupled to the housing, and a sensor operatively coupled to the housing. The guide surface is adapted to support the flexible element at a first location so as to substantially prevent transverse displacement of the flexible element in a first direction relative to the housing. The deflector and the sensor are adapted to operatively engage the flexible element at a second location and a third location respectively, or vice versa, wherein the third location is between the first location and the second location. The operative engagement of the sensor with the flexible element acts to resist transverse displacement thereof in the first direction. The guide surface, the deflector and the sensor are arranged so that the third location is displaced by a relative displacement in the first direction.

Abstract: An attachment structure installs a load sensor between a seating portion of a vehicle seat and a vehicle body through an attachment structure unit. The attachment structure unit is comprised of a first attachment bracket for holding one end of the strain unit, and a second attachment bracket for holding the other end of the strain unit. At least a pair of attachment structure units are arranged at right and left portions of a front side, right and left portions of a back side, or right and left portions of the front and back sides of the seating portion relative to the vehicle seat and the first attachment brackets of the attachment structure units of the right and left are connected to each other through a connecting rod.

Abstract: A head apparatus for attachment, in use, to a robot head. The head apparatus comprises: a drive motor and a plunger assembly arranged to be driven, in use, by the drive motor such that, in use, the plunger assembly moves within a cylinder to generate a pressure differential therein with respect to the exterior of the cylinder. A clamp assembly for removably clamping, in use, a pipetting head to the cylinder, the clamp assembly and plunger assembly are arranged such that, in use, the plunger assembly can be driven by the drive motor to a position in which it engages with the clamping assembly to detach the pipetting head therefrom.

Abstract: An instrumented torso model that simulates anatomical features and measures the effects on a body caused by various types of impacts. Simulated bone having material properties similar to that of healthy human bone is surrounded by simulated tissue. At least one sensor array is attached to either or both of the simulated bone and the simulated tissue for measuring the effects of the impacts.