Abstract: In a method for identifying the state of an NOx storage catalyst which is cyclically loaded with NOx in the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine and regenerated, two electrical defining quantities, independent of each other, of the electrically complex impedance of the NOx storage catalyst are detected, one of the two electrical quantities being a measure of the degree of loading of the NOx storage catalyst, and from the second electrical quantity the point in time being identifiable for the end of the regeneration process of the NOx storage catalyst.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus (40) for in-situ leak testing of the bell seal (30) of a steam turbine (10). The apparatus includes a pair of inflatable bladders (48,52) for defining a sealed volume having the bell seal (30) as its only leakage path. The mass flow rate of pressurized air (70) at various pressures through the bell seal (30) is compared to the known flow rates through a similarly designed bell seal having various degrees of degradation. A camera (60) rotated by motor (62) between the bladders (48,52) provides an indication of the proper positioning of the inspection apparatus (40) and facilitates a visual inspection of the bell seal (30) and retaining nut (42). The inspection apparatus (40) may be inserted into an inlet to the turbine through a disassembled flow control valve without the need for any disassembly of the turbine.

Abstract: The module comprises an air pressure sensor (3) with an air intake (4), a card (5) for supporting a printed circuit, the sensor (3) being mounted on said card, and an anti-contamination filter (6) for protecting the air inlet (4).

Abstract: A method for monitoring the performance of internal pumps in a plant in which a coolant is driven through plural internal pumps, said method comprising measuring the pump motor power input to the motor driving said pump; estimating the power input to said pump motor during a test performed outside said plant corresponding to the pump speed and the pump flow measured within said plant; computing a pump motor input power ratio based on said measured value and said estimated value; and detecting the variation in the performance of said internal pumps.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an apparatus for testing hydraulic components. The apparatus includes a test fixture for housing a hydraulic component to be tested, a first fluid reservoir containing fluid substantially free of contaminants, contaminant monitoring and pressure monitoring systems for monitoring the respective contaminants at, and the pressure drop across, the inlet and the outlet of the test fixture. The apparatus includes a plurality of second fluid reservoirs. Each second fluid reservoir can contain a slurry consisting of a known volume of fluid mixed with a charge of contaminants of known mass and can discharge this contaminant slurry into the inlet of the test fixture. Each second reservoir can be filled with fluid from the first fluid reservoir. One second reservoir can discharge its contaminant slurry into the inlet of the test fixture while one or more other second reservoirs receives fluid from the first reservoir.

Abstract: A device for allowing a golfer to determine the wind speed and direction above tree top level while playing golf. The device includes a projecting mechanism and a number of light weight wind detecting pellets. The projecting mechanism projects the light weight wind detecting pellets to a height above the tree tops so that the golfer can observe the reaction of the pellets to the wind conditions at that particular height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring at least one parameter of the intake air mass flow of an internal combustion engine. Fluid particles contained in the line act on a measuring element and influence a characteristic curve behavior of the measuring element used to determine parameters of the flowing medium. In order to reduce the action of fluid on the measuring element, the measuring element is disposed in a line or a tubular body, downstream of a protective screen, which deflects the medium flow and deflects the fluid particles. Downstream of the protective screen, longitudinal ribs, a suction opening, or a turbulence generator reduce the release of uncontrolled eddies.

Abstract: A sensor sheath for a thermal air flow rate sensor that is intended for disposition in a pipeline through which a fluid flows. In order to prevent the spread of ignition to the remainder of the fluid upon ignition of the fluid in the surroundings of the sensor, a wire grid is provided with meshes which are embodied such that a fluid flows substantially unimpeded through the wire grid, and which has an opening through which the sensor to be sheathed can be introduced into the wire grid.

Abstract: A volumetric liquid meter of the oscillating piston type having a chamber, includes a bottom portion, a fixed partition, a piston and a filter. At least one element forming the chamber is formed by at least two materials presenting different mechanical characteristics and is made by a multi-material injection method.

Abstract: Provision is made for a level measuring instrument for measuring a level of a filled material (1) in a container (3), in the case of which electromagnetic signals (S) generated by means of an electronic circuit (5) are guided into the container (3) via a waveguide (17) and signals (R) reflected at a filled material surface are guided out, in the case of which an impedance-matching device active in a frequency band of a bandwidth is connected upstream of the waveguide (17). For this purpose, the level measuring instrument comprises an injector (15, 15′),which transmits the signals (S) from the circuit (5) to the waveguide (17), and which has an inner conductor (19), which inner conductor (19) has, for the purpose of increasing the characteristic impedance, a conductor section (45, 45′) with a geometry deviating from a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A monitoring system such as a septic tank monitoring system for distinguishing between and identifying the location of a sedimentary layer, a scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in a septic tank with an elongate sensing probe for being disposed in the septic tank, a plurality of sensors disposed along the sensing probe, and a remote monitor operably associated with the plurality of sensors for providing a remote indication to a septic tank operator of the location of the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in the septic tank based on the signals from the plurality of sensors so that a septic tank operator can monitor the contents and condition of the septic tank without a need for excavating and physically inspecting the septic tank.

Abstract: A balance weight is secured to a driveshaft tube for rotatably balancing the driveshaft tube during use. The balance weight includes a first inner layer of material and a second outer layer of material that are secured together to form an integral unit. The first and second layers of material may be secured together in any desired manner, such as by adhesives, pressure bonding, tinning, and the like. The inner layer is preferably sufficiently flexible to bend with the driveshaft tube during use and is preferably formed from a material that does not react with either the material used to form the driveshaft tube, the material used to secure the inner layer to the driveshaft tube, or the environment in which the inner layer is used in such a manner as to reduce the ability of the balance weight to be retained on the driveshaft tube. The inner layer can be formed from a stainless steel alloy having a relatively small thickness that allows it to bend with the driveshaft tube during use.

Abstract: A wheel mounting member is adapted for use in a vehicle wheel balancer to secure a vehicle wheel in a centered position relative to a centering shaft of the wheel balancer during wheel-balancing rotation of the wheel. The mounting member includes a base constructed of a polymeric material, and defining a center hole for receiving the centering shaft of the wheel balancer. A plurality of elongated wheel-engaging centering studs depend from the base, and are adapted for engaging the vehicle wheel to mount the wheel on the balancer.

Abstract: Quadrature error occurs in Corolis based vibrating rate sensors because of manufacturing flaws that permit the sensing element to oscillate either linearly along or angularly about an axis that is not orthogonal to the output axis. This creates an oscillation along or about the output axis that is a component of the sensing element's vibration acceleration. This output axis oscillation is in phase with the driven acceleration of the sensing element and is called quadrature error since it is ninety degrees out of phase with the angular rate induced Coriolis acceleration. Rather than applying forces that reorient the axis of the driven vibration to be orthogonal to the output axis to eliminate the output axis oscillation, the present invention applies sinusoidal forces to the sensing element by means of a quadrature servo to cancel the output oscillation.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor has a tuning-fork-type vibrator securely and stably fixed to a support block. A base of a tuning-fork-type vibrator is embedded and fixed into a mounting recess formed in the support block with an adhesive.

Abstract: A micromachined shock sensor has a substrate with a surface on which are formed an array of acceleration sensing units. Each sensing unit has a mount fixed to the substrate, a cantilever beam extending from the mount, and a proof mass fixed to the cantilever beam and supported above the substrate to permit translation of the proof mass and bending of the cantilever beam in a plane parallel to the substrate surface. Sensing electrodes are formed on the substrate on opposite sides of the proof mass such that displacement of the proof mass in response to acceleration brings the proof mass into contact with one or the other of the electrodes at a sufficient acceleration level, effectively closing a switch and providing an electrical output signal that can be detected. The multiple acceleration sensing units are formed to make contact at different levels of acceleration, allowing the shock sensor to allow measurements over a range of accelerations.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a piezoelectric element and support frames for supporting the ends of the piezoelectric element in the longitudinal direction. The piezoelectric element is formed by stacking an even number of piezoelectric layers greater than or equal to six layers. Electrodes are provided in between the layers and on the front and back faces of the piezoelectric element. The interlayer electrodes including segmented electrodes and lead electrodes are alternately stacked with the piezoelectric layers therebetween. The interlayer electrode in the middle in the thickness direction is a lead electrode. The piezoelectric layers are polarized in the thickness direction so that charge having the same polarity is extracted from the electrodes when an acceleration is applied. Also, the center portion and both end portions of each piezoelectric layer are polarized in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for determining the degree of compaction during ground compaction with a roller or a vibrating plate compactor comprising a top section and a vibrating plate. The method involves determination of one or more amplitude values of the vibration at approximately the excitation frequency of the plate relative to the top section, one or more amplitude values of one or more vibrations of the plate relative to the top section at a maximum of 60% of the excitation frequency, and the quotient of the aforementioned amplitude values as a measure of the current degree of compaction of the ground. The device includes a sensor for non-contact detection of the relative movements between the top section and the vibrating plate or roller.

Abstract: A mechano/electrical sensor senses force or vibration and delivers at least one electrical signal that is a function of the sensed force or vibration. The sensor has at least one inner body supported by at least one piece of electric support structure that, in turn, is suspended in a surrounding framework. Signal leads are provided from opposite lead polarizable sides of the at least one support structure.

Abstract: A support system for ground vibration testing of a large flexible structure. The system includes a plurality of light weight lifting mechanisms that impart an upward force sufficient to lift the flexible structure off the ground. The system also includes a plurality of lift beams coupled to the lifting mechanisms in a pendulous manner. Each lift beam attaches to the flexible structure at one of a plurality of designated jack points, and lifts the flexible structure off the ground when the upward force is imparted by the lifting mechanisms. Thus, the flexible structure is thereby pendulously suspending above the ground such that rigid body mode test data is decoupled from first flexible mode test data.

Abstract: A pressure gauge device for a toy water gun having a pressure chamber, includes a housing, a light source mounted to the housing, a coloured transparency mounted movably to the housing, a pneumatic actuator communicating with the chamber and moving the transparency, and a display receiving light from the light source that has passed through the transparency.

Abstract: A three-piece pressure sensor assembly includes a one-piece pressure port formed of cold rolled steel, a stainless steel sensor element having an elongated annular side-wall, and an O-ring. The pressure port has a threaded slug at one end for attaching the sensor assembly to the wall of a pressure vessel and an annular cup at the other end. The annular cup has side-walls defining a cavity, and an annular axial recess formed in the center of the cavity receives the O-ring and a lower portion of the sensor element side-wall. A central post of the pressure port supports the inner periphery of the sensor element side-wall, and a portion of the pressure port material surrounding the recess is displaced radially inward against the sensor element side-wall, staking the sensor element in the cavity and compressing the O-ring between the sensor element and the bottom of the axial recess.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a first diaphragm having a first surface receiving pressure, a first thermal detection section located opposite a central section of the first diaphragm, and a second thermal detection section having little displacement by pressure, and located opposite the first diaphragm The pressure sensor amplifies and outputs a difference between the first thermal detection section for pressure measurement and the second thermal detection section for reference output. Since the diaphragm to which the second thermal detection section is opposed is equal in thickness to the diaphragm to which the first thermal detection section is opposed, pressure can be accurately measured relative to a sudden change in atmospheric temperature.

Abstract: A pressure sensor has a baseplate and a support plate with a membrane. Layers on the membrane and the support plate are connected to a circuit for capacitively measuring pressure to generate a first pressure signal. A thermal conductivity measuring element that generates a second pressure signal has a heating element connected to the baseplate adjacent the support plate at a location opposite from the membrane for protecting the membrane from thermal effects. The method uses the sensor apparatus to generate an output signal representing a measured result when the measured result is above a transition value, on the basis of the first pressure signal and, when the pressure falls below a threshold value, any offset of the first pressure signal is compensated in such a way that determination of the output signal on the basis of the first pressure signal leads to the same result as determination of the output signal on the basis of the second pressure signal.

Abstract: A pressure sensor (1) has a circuit board (5) having a circuit portion (11) for amplifying an electric signal detected by a pressure detecting element (2C) and attached with an IC die (16), and a terminal (12) for inputting and outputting the electric signal from the circuit portion (11). The circuit portion (11) and the terminal (12) have a frame (11A, 12D) formed by a metal plate, the metal plate being provided with resin molds (14, 15). The circuit portion (11) and the terminal (12) are continuously formed, so that steps for soldering etc. is not necessary.

Abstract: That portion of an n-type single-crystal Si layer 1 which corresponds to a pressure-sensitive region is etched to an SiO2 layer 2 by using the SiO2 layer 2 as an etching stopper layer. The SiO2 layer 2 exposed by this etching is removed. The pressure-sensitive region of the n-type single-crystal Si layer 3 is etched by a predetermined amount to form a diaphragm 4. Thus, the SiO2 layer 2 is removed from the diaphragm 4 and a diaphragm edge portion 6.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a measuring device for measuring small forces and displacements having in a body (1) of the device a detector means comprising a light source (4) and a position-sensitive detector (5), and a sensing means comprising a spring means (2) to be loaded by a force to be measured and a shading means (3) mounted to this spring means (2), which shading means moves under the influence of the force loading the spring means (2) in a light source (4) of the detector means, the beam being directed towards an active surface of the detector (5). It is characterizing for the invention that the detector means and the sensing means are arranged to a common clamp (8) arranged to the body (1) of the device.

Abstract: A force sensor having a substrate for measuring forces is provided, on which substrate a first path and a second path for travel of acoustic surface waves are arranged. The two paths are arranged essentially parallel to one another and their lengths are different. An effect of a force on the substrate is detectable by measuring a time needed for an acoustic surface wave to travel at least one of the first and second paths.

Abstract: Displacement measuring means are fixed onto the structural element. A hole is drilled in the measurement zone and a supply pressure is applied to a flat actuator introduced into the hole. The displacements measured are analyzed as a function of the supply pressure to determine the stress from a supply pressure which roughly compensates for the deformation of the element due to the drilling of the hole. The measuring means comprise two arms that are fixed to the element at two respective anchoring points aligned parallel to a measuring direction, and at least two displacement sensors mounted on the arms on each side of the anchoring points to measure the variations in separation between the anchoring points. The arms leave between them a gap through which the hole is drilled at a central position with respect to the anchoring points.

Abstract: In a system for inspection of wood-board thickness, displacement sensors (2(21U, 22U, 23U, 21L, 22L, 23L)) are disposed at three positions with respect to a width of a wood material (1) being conveyed thereto for measurement of the thickness thereof. A programmable controller (6) determines the pass/fail of the board thickness based on the extent of portion having a board thickness deviated from the range of allowance extending along a conveyance direction.

Abstract: A flow adapter for measuring the rate at which air flows into the brake pipe. The adapter includes a housing, a flow valve and a transducer. The primary passage of the housing contains a primary orifice and a secondary passage contains a secondary orifice. The flow valve is disposed within a supplemental passage. When the rate of air flowing from the input passage into the input chamber is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the flow valve closes the supplemental passage. When the flow rate into the input chamber is greater than the predetermined amount, the flow valve opens the passage to an extent determined by the magnitude of the flow rate. This allows air to flow through the supplemental passage, in addition to that flowing through the primary passage. The transducer generates a signal proportional to the difference in pressure between input and output chambers.

Abstract: A novel flow sensor that includes a valve responsive to a pressure differential or pressure drop across a selectively sized restriction orifice. The flow sensor may be incorporated into a high-pressure fuel injection system for sensing the opening and closing of high pressure fuel injector for injecting gaseous fuel.

Abstract: A separator partitions an upstream side air passage of a bypass passage into first and second sub passages. A thermal flow sensor is attached to the separator facing the first sub passage. A convex is formed on the inner wall of an outer pipe defining the second sub passage. The convex protrudes toward the separator. Minimum flow passage area S2 of the second sub passage is smaller than minimum flow passage area S1 of the first sub passage, so that flow passage loss of the second sub passage is larger than flow passage loss of the first sub passage. Thus, measured air-flow amount average when the air-flow pulsates is corrected to be larger.

Abstract: A pressure signal from a differential pressure transducer is dynamically compensated for error, such as zero point drift, due to time passage or temperature change. A processor associated with a pressure transducer employs an algorithm to continuously monitor the pressure signal to determine when signal characteristics indicate zero signal level. Then the algorithm determines a current correction factor or updates a previously determined correction factor, and records the current correction factor in a non-volatile memory as a function of ambient temperature. When the signal characteristics indicate other than a zero signal level, such as when differential pressure is non-zero, the algorithm recalls from memory and applies the most recently determined correction factor for a corresponding ambient temperature. Suitable time intervals for determining a current correction factor are found by monitoring the process signal and seeking those time periods when the signal is both calm and quiet, i.e.

Abstract: A circuit board, which includes one or more sensors, is integrated in a fluid control device, such as a valve manifold and a base plate. The fluid control device selectively directs a fluid used to control pneumatic or hydraulic equipment. The sensors are used to measure physical characteristics of the fluid, such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature.

Abstract: An method of, and an apparatus for, collecting a sample of a substance of interest, utilizes an apparatus having a device for collecting a vapor sample and a device for retaining a substrate. A substrate, having a working portion and a mounting portion, is mounted by the mounting portion of the substrate, whereby the working portion of the substrate is exposed for use. The apparatus so that the working portion of the substrate traverses surfaces of interest, to collect a particulate sample. A device for sampling vapor is operated to obtain a vapor sample. The vapor and particulate samples collected are analyzed.

Abstract: A processing unit for processing at least one semiconductor wafer includes a processing station for processing the wafer, a measuring station for measuring the at least one wafer, a robot for moving the wafer between the processing and measuring stations, a wafer handling system and a buffer station. The wafer handling system operates in conjunction with the measuring station and moves the wafer to and from a measuring location on the measuring unit. The buffer station is associated with the wafer handling system and receives measured and unmeasured wafers thereby to enable the robot to arrive at and leave the measuring station with at least one wafer thereon.

Abstract: A starter is comprised of a starter motor, a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism including a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears and an internal gear, a casing rotatably supporting the output shaft via a bearing and an outer cylindrical member coupled with the casing. The planetary gear speed reduction mechanism has an internal gear block having the internal gear, and the internal gear block is disposed in the cylindrical member and spline-fitted to the casing. Thus, a labyrinth is formed between the internal gear block and the casing.

Abstract: A traveling wave generator includes at least a base link and end link and an intermediate link; a pivot device pivotably interconnecting each pair of links; a drive mechanism interconnecting each pair of links including a drive shaft and a cam on the first link of the pair and on the second link of the pair a follower for engaging the cam for inducing a traveling wave motion in the links; a flexible power transmission device interconnects the shafts of each of the base and intermediate links; and a motive source rotates the shafts.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a motor, a rotation-to-linear motion conversion mechanism having a screw and a nut, a support block supporting an end of the screw, and an actuator-side support member with a swing support mechanism (e.g., a swing axis or bearing portion in case of a Trunnion mechanism, or a swing support bearing portion or support leg of the swing support bearing portion). The actuator-side support member is part of the support block or an extension member of the support block or connected therewith. The swing axis of the swing support mechanism is located in the plane including the screw axis, and the force flow line inside the linear actuator is limited on the output shaft, the nut, the screw and the support block.

Abstract: A lubricant supply device comprises application members, a casing and control members. The casing forms a lubricant storage member, which is divided into compartments arranged in the circumferential direction of the lubricant storage member. The number of the compartments is equal to or larger than the number of thread grooves of the screw shaft. The application members are placed in correspondence to the compartments. Each of the application members has the single tongue portion.

Abstract: A transmission (1) for a hand tool device with two laterally spaced shafts (2, 2′) having parallel axes (A, A′). which can be switched using switch sleeves (3, 3′) arranged movable in an axially limited manner on the shafts, whereby both switch sleeves (3, 3′) are switchably coupled to one another by a switch transmission unit (4) in a rotationally free axially form-fitting manner and engaging into the switch sleeves and which are resiliently spring-biased along the axes (A, A′) by a spring arrangement (6).

Abstract: A compact manual transmission, especially for use in FF drive vehicles, has a small overall length even though a synchronizer is provided exclusively for reverse gear. The transmission has an input shaft, first and second intermediate shafts disposed in parallel with the input shaft, and reverse gearing. The reverse gearing includes a low-speed driving gear disposed on the input shaft; a low-speed driven gear disposed on the first intermediate shaft for meshing with the low-speed driving gear; a reverse-only driving gear disposed on the first intermediate shaft; a synchronizer for reverse gear disposed on the reverse-only driving gear for causing the low-speed driven gear and the reverse-only driving gear to engage and disengage; and an intermediate-speed driven gear disposed on the second intermediate shaft for meshing with the reverse-only driving gear.

Abstract: A transmission comprising: an input shaft, to which a power is transmitted from a prime mover; an output shaft for outputting the power to drive wheels; and a plurality of transmission mechanisms of different gear ratios for transmitting the power between the input shaft and the output shaft. A two-way clutch capable of switching a torque transmitting direction into a forward direction and a backward direction is interposed between at least any of the transmission mechanisms and the input shaft or the output shaft, and a select mechanism is provided for selecting the torque transmitting direction of the two-way clutch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for controlling an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having an engine and an automatic transmission including a clutch with an actuator for changing gear position comprising a detecting means for detecting a completion of the gear change and a signal generating means for generating a control signal to the actuator for applying continued pressure to the clutch for a predetermined time after the detection means detects the completion of the gear change.

Abstract: A shift system for a transfer case including a spring-loaded range fork assembly operable for shifting a range sleeve between two speed range positions. The range fork assembly includes a bracket, a range fork, and a spring assembly. The spring assembly is compressed and inserted into chambers formed in both the bracket and range fork. The range fork assembly is slidably maintained on a shift rail and the range fork is coupled to the range sleeve. An actuator mechanism is provided for causing selective axial movement of the range fork assembly on the rail. The spring assembly allows the bracket to shift and apply a shift force on the range fork. This shift force causes the range fork to slide the range sleeve to the desired range position.

Abstract: An electrical control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles. The control device has a supporting body adapted for attachment to the handlebars of a bicycle; a brake lever is mounted on the supporting body so that it can oscillate. A pair of electrical switches, for controlling gear change, are carried by the supporting body on a supporting plate which is mounted on the supporting body. Preferable the switches are pre-assembled on supporting plate before it is mounted on the supporting body.

Abstract: A pedal-supporting apparatus includes a bracket support configured to pivotally support a brake pedal subassembly and an accelerator pedal subassembly. The brake pedal subassembly includes an upper section, a lower section, and an adjustment mechanism adjustably connecting the two sections. The adjustment mechanism includes a track defining a channel, and a follower having a flange-supported bearing shoe that slidably engages the channel. The bearing shoe includes partially-compressed resilient portions and crush ribs that provide a consistent and stable connection that takes up slack to prevent a sloppy connection, but also that facilitates manufacture and assembly of the arrangement.

Abstract: A skid resistant cover assembly includes a rigid top plate provided with skid resistant top surface. A support plate below the top plate is clamped to the pedal of a vehicle by a strap clamp that passes over the support plate and past both sides of the pedal. The strap clamp is drawn tightly together under the pedal by mechanisms well known in the art. The top plate is then secured to the support plate by screw fasteners.

Abstract: A geared transmission having multiple power paths in which each of the power paths are operatively connected to a fluid chamber. Input gears on each of the power paths are axially moveable on a jack shaft in response to loading on the power paths. A fluid chamber is operatively connected to each of the input gears such that movement of an input gear results in a change of pressure in the fluid chamber, and that change in pressure is communicated to all other power paths in the transmission to balance the loading between and among all of them.