Abstract: The invention includes an air manifold comprising at least one port adapted for receiving high pressure air from a compressor, at least one port adapted for receiving low pressure air from a compressor, at least one port adapted for bleeding high pressure air from a container, at least one port adapted for reusing high pressure bleed air. The port for reusing high pressure air receiving high pressure air from the port adapted for bleeding high pressure air. The air manifold also includes at least one port adapted for bleeding low pressure air from a container and at least one port adapted for reusing low pressure bleed air. The port for reusing low pressure air receiving low pressure air from the port adapted for bleeding low pressure air. The present invention also includes an air distribution system and a necking machine which include the manifold as well as a method of necking a can.

Abstract: A tangential rolling head with a basic body including means for loading it in a machine tool, two two-armed levers pivotally supported about a common axis of the basic body one lever arm of which is traversed by a formed-type roll and the other lever arm of which is traversed by a spindle which has a circumferential annular groove, a sheet metal element which has a forked portion and a fastening portion wherein the forked portion engages the annular groove and the fastening portion is adapted to be fastened in a recess of the basic body by means of a pin, characterized in that the sheet metal element is rigidly formed and is supported in the recess on the two sides by means of disc springs slid onto the pin.

Abstract: A sheet bending brake for forming a workpiece comprises a base and an anvil having a bottom-clamping surface. The anvil is positioned in a fixed spaced relationship above the base and in combination with the base defines an unobstructed passage therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the workpiece. A movable plate is disposed between the base and the top plate wherein the movable plate is vertically translatable therein for clamping the workpiece between a top surface of the movable plate and the bottom clamping surface. A bending member is pivotally attached to the movable plate and extends longitudinally therealong for bending the clamped workpiece.

Abstract: An internally cooled punch disposed on the end of a ram in a can forming machine. Internal fluid cooling means in the ram avoids the need for externally applied cooling fluids. A plurality of parallel fluid transfer tubes is arranged annularly within the ram. Cooling medium flows through inlet tubes to radial inlet ports which supply the cooling medium to the inner surface of the punch where the medium flows rearwardly through a channel at the inner surface of the punch to radial outlet ports leading to outlet tubes through the ram. Discharged cooling media flows back along the ram and out through a manifold. The transfer tubes are arranged symmetrically in an alternating array circumferentially around the ram to reduce radial temperature gradients within the ram. A central port allows air flow through the ram to aid in stripping the formed container from the punch.

Abstract: A can forming tool pack includes internally cooled die modules. Each die module includes at least one die nib held in a case. Fluid cooling medium is supplied to multiple inlets provided circumferentially in each case, spaced symmetrically around the case. The cooling fluid is channeled from the inlets through clearances between an outer surface of the die nib and the case to cool the die nib. Outlets are spaced circumferentially around the case to return the cooling fluid to the medium supply.

Abstract: A work transfer apparatus for a transfer press or a press, with which an optimal die can be designed for each process, is provided. For this purpose, the work transfer apparatus for a transfer press includes at least a pair of lift beams (13), carriers (15) movable along a longitudinal direction of the lift beam, paired sub-carriers (50) movable in a carrier moving direction, power transmission means (51, 54) for transmitting carrier driving force to the sub-carriers, and a cross bar (17) which is laterally spanned between the sub-carriers and provided with work holding means (18) capable of holding a work.

Abstract: A bending method for bending both sides of a major dimension portion of a workpiece to form flanges. The method comprises measuring a dimension of one bent flange and setting an object L value in an other flange processing to be below a flange dimension by a predetermined value, if the measured value is over an object value. If the measured value is below the object value, setting the object L value in the other flange processing to be over the flange dimension by a predetermined value. Bending is performed with the set object L value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a sensor for determination of the concentration of a sterilant, e. g., hydrogen peroxide vapor, in a sterilization system.

Abstract: A system for testing inertial measurement devices on a multi-axis rate table without having to utilize slip rings to transfer signals between the inertial measurement devices and remote processors by incorporating a processor internal to the inertial measurement devices and transferring the signals directly to the processors for determining and storing the calibration coefficients of the inertial measurement devices internally so that they are self calibrating.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a plurality of pedal position sensors in a motor vehicle. A series of voltages are accumulated from each of a plurality of pedal position sensors. Representative voltages are determined from the series of voltages. The representative voltages are assigned to linear relationships from which an offset is determined.

Abstract: A sensor having a conductive protective sheath, an internal sensor element and a conductive end cap. The conductive end cap is connected to the distal end of the conductive protective sheath and is in contact with the internal sensor element. The conductive protective sheath has a plurality of apertures symmetrically arranged to prevent fluid flow in a straight direction of a sample fluid through the conductive protective sheath. A sensor having a conductive protective sheath, an internal sensor element and a conductive end cap. The conductive end cap is connected to the distal end of the conductive protective sheath. The conductive end cap one or more contact areas from the group including a side contact area, an upper contact area and an internal indentation contact area. The internal sensor is in contact with at least one of the contact areas of the conductive end cap.

Abstract: The density of at least one fluid in a pipe 12 is determined using a pair of effective sound speeds a1eff and a2eff of the fluid/pipe system. The pair of effective system sound speed measurements are taken at two sensing regions X1, X2 along the pipe wherein each of the sensing regions comprises a different system cross sectional compliance. The pair of effective system sound speeds a1eff and a2eff are provided to signal processing logic 60, which determines the density of the fluid 13 flowing in the pipe 12. The effective system sound speeds a1eff and a2eff may be provided by a pair of sound speed meters positioned at sensing regions X1, X2 wherein the sound speed meters utilize a spatial array of acoustic pressure sensors placed at predetermined axial locations along the pipe 12. The acoustic pressure sensors provide acoustic pressure signals which are utilized to determine the effective system speed of sound a1eff and a2eff of the fluid (or mixture)/pipe system.

Abstract: A rotary viscometer is described where there is no mechanical linkage between a rotor that is rotated in a test fluid to measure viscosity and the rotor drive source. A rotor is disposed in a test fluid within a test chamber. The rotor is mounted on low friction bearings. Electromagnets disposed around the test chamber impose a constant torque on the rotor. Rotor rotation rate corresponding to fluid viscosity is measured. The viscometer may have a sealed test chamber for measuring viscosity of hazardous or corrosive test fluids without exposing the operator to the fluid.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 10 for determining or identifying the torsional modes of a portion of a vehicle 12, such as a drivetrain assembly including a crankshaft 14, a driveshaft 16, a transmission assembly 18, and axles 24, 26. The torsional modes are discerned by use of the torque generator 14 such as an internal combustion engine, which is normally and operatively disposed within the vehicle 12, thereby obviating the need to replace the internal combustion engine 14 with a dynamometer and/or other type of signal generator assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for easily measuring a brake mean effective pressure of a running vehicle. An air flow sensor, a &lgr; sensor and a data collecting apparatus are mounted to the vehicle. A running speed and engine speed from the vehicle while actually running on a road surface, and output of the air flow sensor an the &lgr; sensor are inputted to the data collecting apparatus. Specific fuel consumption is obtained from an intake air amount and ratio of excessive air in exhaust gas. Output of an engine is obtained from a relation between the specific fuel consumption and the engine speed.

Abstract: Pressure leakage in an evaporated fuel control system having a canister for absorbing evaporated fuel in a fuel tank is detected after an engine is stopped and a temperature in the system is stabilized. In the leakage detecting process, communication between the system and an atmospheric pressure is shut-off by closing an electromagnetic valve connected to the canister. The electromagnetic valve is closed by once supplying a full voltage thereto, and the closed-state is maintained by intermittently supplying a voltage in a duty-ratio-controlled manner or by supplying a lower voltage. Thus, power consumption for maintaining the closed-state is reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting dynamometric testing of an internal combustion engine at a test site under a simulated atmospheric pressure that differs substantially from an actual ambient atmospheric pressure existing at the test site. The internal combustion engine has an air inlet for supplying an intake airflow for combustion within the internal combustion engine and an exhaust outlet for exhausting an exhaust flow exiting from the internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of subjecting the air inlet to the simulated atmospheric pressure, subjecting the exhaust outlet to the simulated atmospheric pressure and operating the internal combustion engine while both of the air inlet and the exhaust outlet are subjected to the simulated atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of selecting at least one optimal combination of engine or fuel injector characteristics that minimize injector tip deposit formation of one or more selected internal combustion engine and fuel injector. The combination can be different engines with different injectors or the same engine or the same injector but with different characteristics for the engine and injector. For each combination selected, the method involves generating at least two maps different maps that are analyzed to determine whether a particular engine with the particular fuel injector has a tendency to promote injector tip deposits formation. The first map is a map of the range of injector tip temperatures of a particular engine and injector combination. The first map is a rough indicator of a tendency towards combustion deposits. The second map is an engine characterization map that correlates testing conditions to actual combustion deposits formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for monitoring the wear of brake linings in a disc brake assembly having a caliper mounted in a floating manner on a mounting bracket, by determining a relative distance between the caliper and bracket. Determining the relative distance may be accomplished by attaching a first housing to the mounting bracket, and attaching a second housing to the caliper, with the first and second housings each including a bore facing one another, and aligning the bores with respect to one another along a common translational axis. A plunger inserted in the bores moves along the translational axis within the bores in proportion to lining wear, and the remaining lining thickness is monitored by determining a position of the plunger along the translational axis within the bores. The position of the plunger in the bores may be used for initiating a change in electrical state of an electrical circuit indicative of the relative axial distance of the caliper from the bracket.

Abstract: A method of monitoring pore pressure, comprises the steps of:

Abstract: For collecting data from a water well, down-hole sensors are housed in modules. The modules are arranged to be screwed together in-line to form a vertical string. Mechanically, the modules are secured to each other only by the screw connection. Data is transmitted to the surface on a 2-wire cable, there being no other electrical connection between the modules and the surface. The modules are connected In multi-drop configuration to the 2-wire cable. Data is transmitted using time-division multiplexing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a system for monitoring the evolution of the characteristics of a fluid circulating in a well (1) for example, wherein complex dynamic viscosity measurements are performed with a suitable detector (6) arranged on a line (5) through which said fluid circulates, so as to obtain a law of variation of the complex dynamic viscosity &eegr;* as a function of 2&pgr;f; a rheogram of the fluid, i.e. a law of variation of the viscosity &eegr; as a function of the shear ({dot over (&ggr;)}), is deduced therefrom; Va, Vp and YV are calculated from the rheogram; these stages are repeated after a predetermined time interval; the evolution of the characteristics of the fluid is deduced from these measurements.

Abstract: The output characteristics of the sensing device or the control quantity of the sensing element can be adjusted by extracting an adjusting terminal in addition to a power source terminal, a ground terminal, an output terminal and the like outside a housing containing and protecting an electronic circuit. Further, by arranging the adjusting terminal inside a connector housing containing terminals such as the power source terminal, the ground terminal, the output terminal and the like, it is possible to prevent contact of foreign objects to the adjusting terminal and to water-proof the terminals for preventing corrosion since an associated connector is attached to the connector when the sensing device is actually used.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining a position of a piston contained within a hydraulic actuator as a function of a hydraulic fluid flow. The measuring device includes a bi-directional flow sensor positioned inline with the hydraulic fluid flow and a piston position module. The flow sensor is configured to produce a flow rate signal that is indicative flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flow into and out of a first cavity. The piston position module is configured to receive the flow rate signal from the flow sensor and produce a piston position signal that is indicative of the position of the piston within the hydraulic actuator as a function of the flow rate signal.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge assembly including a dial assembly having a shaped magnet and a removable magnetic detector with a magnetic sensor, preferably a Hall sensor. The dial assembly can provide both visual and electrical signal outputs of the liquid level measured by the gauge assembly. The shaped magnet has a variable thickness which, in cooperation with the Hall sensor, provides a linear output signal from the detector over more than 270 degrees.

Abstract: A boat mounted speedometer for providing a speed signal to a boat operator. The system includes a probe that reaches a laminar flow of water below the back edge of the boat. An opening in the probe allows for water pressure, proportional to boat speed to build up in the system. Any air trapped in the water in the system is bled out through a bleed valve. A pressure transducer reads out a signal and a processor generates a digital signal proportional to pressure and speed of the boat. The signal is read out for the operator on a back lit digital speedometer display.

Abstract: The present invention is for a vibration-type micro-gyroscope. The micro-gyroscope according to the present invention has an inner driving gimble and an outer detecting gimble. The inner gimble is driven by electrostatic force and the outer gimble detects variance of capacitance induced by angular velocity. The outer gimble is connected to a fixing axis through a first plate-spring and the inner gimble is connected to the outer gimble through a second plate-spring.

Abstract: A vibrator for a vibratory gyroscope including a base part and at least one bending-vibration piece extending from the base part in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the base part and a fixing part for fixing one end of the base part. The base part and bending-vibration piece are formed to extend substantially in a specified plane. At the opposite side to one end of the base part, a projection projecting from the bending-vibration piece is provided, or at least a pair of resonant arms resonating with vibration of the base part, wherein the resonant arms project from the fixing part. With this arrangement, it is possible to detect a turning angular rate with high accuracy.

Abstract: An installed or temporarily inserted air flow instrument 48 measures air flow in a pneumatic subsystem of a cleaning station in a copier or printer. The air flow instrument has a pitot tube 52 and a static pressure tube 54. The pitot tube is substantially parallel to the length of in-line adapter 50, is centered within in-line adapter 50, and terminates in impact end 74. Static pressure tube 54 is substantially transverse to the length of in-line adapter 50. Static pressure tube 54 penetrates adapter wall 64 of in-line adapter 50 and is flush with adapter inner surface 66 of in-line adapter 50. The pressure difference at the ends of the pitot and static pressure tube represents a measurement of the air flow in the body of the air flow instrument.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring the thickness of a coating material using ultrasonic signals. A broad band of frequencies is transmitted by a transducer towards a layer of coating layer on a substrate and a trailing signal is received from the coating layer/substrate interface while a leading backscattered signal from a fluid/coating layer is gated out. The trailing signal is deconvolved into a set of frequencies. The resonant frequency of the coating layer is determined as the frequency with the greatest amplitude. The thickness of the material is calculated as a function of the resonant frequency of the coating layer.

Abstract: A method of detecting a convexity present on a surface of a belt-shaped member (belt) or a roll-shaped member (roller), includes frictionizing (abrading) a surface of the member with a plate, and detecting at least one of (1) a vibration generated on the plate or (2) a change of pressure applied to the plate, to detect the convexity on the surface of the member.

Abstract: A vibrator has a construction that allows its electrodes to be easily formed and requires a smaller number of the assembly man-hours. The vibrator includes a drive electrode and two detection electrodes that are disposed along a length direction thereof, on a planar portion provided on the surface of a vibrating member defined by piezoelectric body. These electrodes constitute interdigital electrode portions defined by mutually opposed comb electrodes which are arranged such that the direction in which the teeth thereof extend is substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the vibrating member.

Abstract: A modular electrolytic sensor having the capability to be utilized with a variety of probe portions. A modular electrolytic sensor having a head assembly, a probe portion and a mounting member for removably attaching the probe portion to the head assembly.

Abstract: A free-state diameter, upon cutting each metal ring, is set so that when the ratio of a continuously variable transmission is a value in a TOP state and a metal ring receives a severe load, a corrected amplitude of a stress on an outer peripheral surface of the metal ring calculated from an amplitude and a middle value of the stress on the outer peripheral surface of the metal ring is equal to a corrected amplitude of a stress on an inner peripheral surface of the metal ring calculated from an amplitude and a middle value of the stress on the inner peripheral surface of the metal ring. Therefore, an appropriate free-state diameter is set in consideration of a stress based on a tensile load of the metal ring and a stress based on the bending load of the metal ring.

Abstract: An adjusting unit in a feedback loop for controlling a hydraulically operated-type load mechanism consists of two portions both adapted to effect proportional action and derivative action. Weights are applied to these two portions independently. Hence, an output y can be made to follow sudden changes in a target value r with fast response without the occurrence of overshoots, and the effect of a disturbance input w is alleviated to a maximum. In addition, since integral action is not effected in the adjusting portions, the term of 1/s2 is not included in transfer functions of inputs and outputs, thereby realizing stability of control.

Abstract: A load detection structure in a vehicle seat having a slide rail device provided therewith, which basically comprises a generally oblong block member having a rigid yet resiliently deformable property and a strain gauge attached tight thereon. The block member extends along a part of the slide rail device, such that the deflectable portion thereof is operatively connected with the vehicle seat, while the base portion thereof is fixedly connected with that part of the slide rail device. Hence, a load applied to the seat causes deflection of the deflectable portion of block member, in response to which, the strain gauge detects an amount of such deflection and determines a weight of occupant on the seat.

Abstract: A body for a flow meter for measuring the flow velocity and/or the volumetric through-flow of fluids. The flow meter body has a tubular center piece with connecting flanges for connection to a pipeline for fluids. On its exterior, the center piece has at least two substantially flat mounting surfaces (18, 20, 22, 24), each of which has at least one receptacle (32, 34; 38, 40, 42, 44) for mounting a probe (35). To enable the use of linearly emitting ultrasound probes in such flow meters, and to use the flow meter as a substitute for prior art flow meters without significant effort and cost, it is proposed to arrange the mounting surfaces (18 and 20; 22 and 24) diametrically opposite each other as a mounting surface pair (18-20; 22-24) so that the probes (35) in the opposing mounting surfaces (18 and 20; 22 and 24) define a measuring path (36, 46, 48). The mounting surfaces (18 and 20; 22 and 24) are parallel to each other and at an angle to a longitudinal axis (26) of center piece (12).

Abstract: An optical torque sensor comprises a radiation source emitting radiation of at least one wavelength. At least one sensor senses the emitted radiation and generates at least one intensity signal indicative of the intensity of the emitted radiation. At least one signal conditioner is receptive of the emitted radiation and is positioned on a shaft between the radiation source and the at least one sensor thereby conditioning the emitted radiation. A circuit is receptive of the at least one intensity signal and determines the torque acting upon the shaft and compensates for the attenuation of the emitted radiation. A method of compensating for signal attenuation in the sensor comprises generating radiation of at least one wavelength, conditioning the radiation and sensing the radiation. Responsive to the sensed radiation, at least one intensity signal indicative of the intensity of the radiation is generated.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for measuring the size, concentration and size distribution of particles in a fluid by determining the characteristics of an acoustic speckle signal of the particles and relating these characteristics to the size and concentration characteristics of the particles. The method and the apparatus are especially useful for the measurement of the size distribution of small particles in optically opaque liquids.

Abstract: A hand-held multi-task device comprising a handle, a pendulum pivotally attached to the handle, an adjustable-length rod attached to the handle, and at least one prodder attached to the handle.

Abstract: A ball screw actuator for a control surface of an aircraft includes a rotatable input shaft which is driven, in use, by a drive shaft and which is coupled to a non-rotatably mounted output shaft. The input shaft has a screw thread formation including a groove within which a plurality of spherical members are received to provide a ball screw coupling between the input shaft and the output shaft. The drive shaft is arranged to impart a drive load to the input shaft through an intermediate drive arrangement including a carrier member and a shear pin which is coupled to the carrier member and arranged to shear across a shear gap in the event that the drive load applied by the drive shaft exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby to break the coupling between the drive shaft and the input shaft. The shear pin is coupled to the carrier member such that the shear gap remains substantially constant throughout the actuator service life.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide a system for high speed intermittent motion. The system consists of one or more intermittent motion generators. Each motion generator may function independently of the others and may be controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC). Each motion generator consists of a first and a second drive system with each drive system having its own control software and control input information received from the PLC. Each motion generator employs dual cams with fixed angular rotation. The dual cam combination consists of a first cam nested within a second cam. The dual cams permit independent and individual motion generation for each motion generator. The use of dual cams enables the system to generate different linear strokes for each generator. The angular rotation of the second cam relative to the angular rotation of the first cam causes a linear displacement which generates intermittent linear motion for each individual motion generator.

Abstract: There is provided a power transmission system which is capable of positively preventing a driver from having a feeling of inertia travel due to torque transmission interruption during an up-shifting operation, simply by using synchromeshes alone and without increasing the axial length of a transmission. This power transmission system includes first to third gear pairs each having an input gear arranged on an input shaft and an output gear arranged on an output shaft, and first to third synchromeshes each capable of performing disconnecting operation for disconnecting a corresponding one of the first to third gear pairs from the input shaft or the output shaft, baulking operation for power transmission until rotations of the corresponding one of the gear pairs and the input shaft or the output shaft are synchronized, and connecting operation for connecting between the corresponding one of the gear pairs and the input shaft or the output shaft by meshed engagement.

Abstract: For locking individual gears, a “rod-type” locking element is provided which extends in the axial direction over several operating elements and which, in the individual possible transmission shifting positions, in each case, engages with some of the existing operating elements. When one of the operating elements is shifted out of its neutral position into a shifting position, the locking rod is brought into a locking engagement with at least some of the existing operating elements.

Abstract: An actuator for a vent window of a motor vehicle wherein the drive mechanism interconnecting the output shaft of the motor and the pivot arm controlling the vent window comprises a first worm driven by the motor output shaft, a first worm wheel driven by the first worm, a second worm driven by the first worm wheel, and a second worm wheel driven by the second worm in driving the pivot arm. The first worm wheel is formed of a plastic material and the actuator further includes a coil spring mounted on the housing proximate the second worm wheel and operative to assist the second worm wheel in generating a sealing force sufficient to positively seal the vent window against a window seal of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A shifting device for the electronic selection and/or control of the gears of a vehicle transmission is provided with a shift knob and at least one shifting mechanism. The shifting mechanism has a gear selection device. The shifting mechanism is mounted pivotably around at least one axis. A converting device converts the mechanical shifting movements into optical and/or electric and/or hydraulic signals (shift commands). A transmitting device transmits the signals. A bracket (8) is provided for the stationary positioning of the shift knob (1) in the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A positive lock-out adapter device which is interposed between the shifter of a vehicle and the transmission housing. The device positively prevents shifting into 5th gear and reverse.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly for a vehicle has a mounting bracket, a handle assembly and a clutching mechanism. The mounting bracket has a stop. The handle assembly is pivotally mounted on the mounting bracket for rotation about a first axis. The handle is moveable between a brake applied position and a brake release position. The handle has an actuator. A cam is pivotally mounted on the handle about a second axis offset from the first axis. The cam has a cam surface which varies radially from the second axis. The cam is biased to engage the stop. A clutch spring frictionally engages the cam and is operably connected to the actuator. Movement of the actuator in response to manual manipulation responsively moves the clutch spring to decrease the frictional engagement, thereby enabling the cam to engage with the stop.

Abstract: An adjustable toe pan assembly including an adjustable pedal assembly and a toe pan assembly. The adjustable pedal assembly includes a support structure that connects to a vehicle and a pedal assembly including a pedal disposed adjacent to the support structure and connected to the support structure. An actuator is connected with the pedal assembly to move the pedal to a desired position. The toe pan assembly is connected to an actuator which moves the toe pan assembly in relation to the pedal assembly such that a specified distance is maintained between the pedal and toe pan assembly.

Abstract: A pedal release structure for a parking brake is disclosed. The structure preferably includes a locking lever rotatably mounted on an assembly bracket, a resilient unit for resiliently supporting the locking lever in order to rotate the locking lever in an opposite direction from the return direction of the parking brake pedal, a rotation scope limiting unit for limiting the rotation scope of the locking lever, a locking unit for allowing a release lever to lock the locking lever according as the release cable is pulled, and a releasing unit for allowing the release lever locked by the locking lever to be released. With this structure the release lever is enabled to continue acting on a torsion spring until the parking brake pedal is completely released even when the return speed of the parking brake pedal is slowed due to cold temperature.