Abstract: An accelerometer design is described. It operates by measuring a change in capacitance when one plate is fixed and one is mobile (free to accelerate). Unlike prior art designs where such changes are caused by variations in the plate separation distance, in the design of the present invention the plate separation distance is fixed, it being the effective plate area that changes with acceleration. A key feature is that the basic unit is a pair of capacitors. The fixed plates in each case are at the same relative height but the mobile plates are offset relative to the fixed plates, one mobile plate somewhat higher than its fixed plate with the other mobile plate being somewhat lower. Then, when the mobile plates move (in the same direction), one capacitor increases in value while the other decreases by the same amount. This differential design renders the device insensitive to sources of systematic error such as temperature changes. A process for manufacturing the design is described.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus and method for sensing a signal emanating from a machine and determining a periodic machine event based on the emanated signal. The apparatus includes analog to digital processing components for digitizing the sensed signal, producing a digitized signal. The apparatus also includes a transform algorithm, memory, an analysis algorithm, and a display. The transform algorithm transforms the digitized signal to generate power spectral density and autocorrelation data which is stored in the memory. The analysis algorithm includes criteria for analyzing the stored power spectral density and autocorrelation data to determine a period machine event based at least in part upon the autocorrelation data. The display displays the periodic machine event to a user. In the event of a suspected defect or fault, the device alerts the user. The user may then elect to proceed with repairs or undertake advanced analysis of the suspected fault as economy dictates.

Abstract: A non-invasive online system for continuous measurements of phase levels in a converter or pyrometallurgical furnace in smelting and conversion processes, consisting in a electrical signal generator, transducers that convert said electrical signals in mechanical waves placed on the outer end of air blowing tuyeres, coupling means between said system and the shell of the converter, transducers placed in the direction of the axis orthogonal to the phases plane for applying mechanical waves that travel in a transversal direction into the converter, a mechanical waves sensor placed around the external wall of the shell of the converter that receives the reflected signal, a crystal local oscillator, means for the preamplification of the signal, an analogous/digital interface, a means for data acquisition, a means for processing the signals so as to determine the power of the reflected signal and the propagation time of the signal between the moment it is emitted by the transducer and the moment in which the reflec

Abstract: In a pressure sensor in which a frame shaped protruding potion is formed on a surface side of a substrate by means of an etching process, and a blocking plate is connected to an upper part of the protruding portion, to form a standard pressure chamber, a recess is formed on at least one of the substrate and the blocking plate that constitute the standard pressure chamber, to increase the height of the standard pressure chamber, thereby preventing the lowering of pressure detection accuracy due to foreign substances within the standard pressure chamber.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes an elongate pressure sensor mounted to a sensor mounting block. A protective element covers the elongate pressure sensor to prevent the pressure sensor from contacting process fluid.

Abstract: A configuration for checking the clamping force to which the supporting and haulage cable is subjected by the coupling configuration for a transport assembly of a cableway system. The coupling configuration has a clamping lever which is subjected to the action of a spring-energy storage device and on which is mounted an actuating roller which rolls along a running surface of a guide rail. The running surface is formed with an elastically deformable region which is assigned a measuring configuration with which it is possible to measure the deformation of the running surface on account of the compressive force which is produced by the spring-energy storage device, acts on the guide surface via the actuating roller and corresponds to the clamping force. In this case, the measuring configuration is formed by at least two measuring units that function in different ways.

Abstract: A liquid measuring device is described for carrying out the assay using a gas or vapor permeable but liquid impermeable membrane barrier to control the volume of liquid to be measured or transferred. The membrane may be used in any instance where a fixed volume of liquid needs to be measured.

Abstract: An input unit for receiving a signal from an oscillator corresponds to an ultrasonic wave received by the oscillator has an input impedance significantly smaller than an impedance of an inter-electrode capacitance in the oscillator. This arrangement allows the delay of timing of the received wave to be influenced by a change in the input impedance of the input unit than by a change in the impedance of the oscillator. Since the influence of the change in the impedance of the oscillator against the delay of timing of the received wave is reduced, a flow meter can measure a propagation duration of the ultrasonic wave accurately. More specifically, the flow meter can measure the propagation duration accurately regardless of a change of the inter-electrode capacitance of the oscillator by temperature, thus measuring a flow rate of fluid correctly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for airflow testing, especially for air testing of gas turbine components on an airflow test bench. Various embodiments of the present invention include the use of a measurement section downstream of the component being tested. The measurement section, in one embodiment, includes apparatus for measurement of gas properties at a plurality of spaced-apart radial locations and/or a plurality of spaced-apart circumferential locations. In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for testing a component including a comparison of gas properties measured in both forward and reverse flow directions.

Abstract: A ring load cell configured to measure force, moment, and temperature components in an orthogonal three-axis coordinate system. The ring-load-cell structure consists of two annular flanges having a common central axis through which a shaft may be disposed. The annular flanges are interconnected by a plurality of filleted posts configured to enhance strain distribution and which are disposed parallel to the common central axis, equally spaced about the circumference of the annular flanges. A plurality of strain gauges is disposed either on the posts or on fillets, and a plurality of temperature sensors is disposed either on the posts or on the inner surfaces of the annular flanges. Signals from the strain gauges and temperature sensors are processed to provide thermally compensated strain measurements of the applied forces and moments on the ring-load-cell structure in the orthogonal three-axis coordinate system.

Abstract: A force-measuring element for a scale is provided which includes a first end region via which the force-measuring element is adapted to be supported, a second end region which is adapted to have a load to be measured applied thereto, and a central region provided between the first and second end regions to form a measuring point. A cross-sectional weakening is formed in the central region. The central region has a greater height than at least one of the first and second end regions. And a top side and an underside of the force-measuring element approach one another in both a first transition region and a second transition region which respectively begin at the central region and extend toward the first and second end regions, respectively.

Abstract: A torque sensor has a torsion bar coaxially in alignment with input and output shafts, a ring shaped magnet fixed to an axial end of the input shaft, a pair of magnetic yokes fixed to an axial end of the output shaft, and a magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic flux density generated between the pair of magnetic yokes. Each of the magnetic yokes is provided with claws, which are circumferentially spaced at constant intervals, and whose number is equal to that of each of N and S poles alternately arranged circumferentially in the magnet. Each center of the claws coincides with a boundary between immediately adjacent N and S poles of the magnet, when the torsion bar is not twisted. The magnetic sensor is inserted into an axial gap between the pair of magnetic yokes without contacting the magnetic yokes.

Abstract: A seat restraint buckle and tension sensing assembly for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a buckle assembly having a housing for receiving a portion of a latch plate of the seat restraint system. The buckle assembly senses latching of the latch plate. The seat restraint buckle and tension sensing assembly also includes a tension sensing assembly disposed in the housing and cooperating with belt webbing of the seat restraint system for sensing a tension level in the seat restraint system.

Abstract: A weighing cell is provided which includes a resilient bending bar, and a plurality of resistance measuring gauges that are arranged perpendicular to each other in respective blocks on the resilient bending bar, wherein the resistance measuring gauges are disposed symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the resilient bending bar.

Abstract: A pipette tip member having an elongated tubular receptacle having a sidewall with a bifurcated section that comprises first, second, and third sidewall portions. The first sidewall portion comprises a base wall and the second and third sidewall portions branch therefrom. The second sidewall portion comprises an outside branch wall, and the third sidewall portion comprises an inside branch wall spaced substantially parallel with and radially inward from the second sidewall portion. The inside branch wall is flexible in the radial direction and engages a pipette tip when it is inserted into the receptacle and to form a fluid-tight seal therewith. A method of forming a pipette tip member is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transporting a plurality of test tubes (11) in a measuring system, the test tubes being carried by a test tube carrier (21) which comprises a plurality of compartments (22), each of which is adapted for receiving and holding a test tube.

Abstract: A novel corer and grinder apparatus suitable for interplanetary travel and extraplanetary operation is disclosed. The corer grinder composes a claw element attached to a shaft coupled to a motor. A second motor compresses a spring forcing against a hammer unit that constitute the majority of the unit's mass. On release the energy stored in the compressed spring converts into momentum of the hammer unit that strikes against the claw element releasing the impact energy directly to the cutting end for cutting. The direction of the energy released is modified by an impact platform to produce a horizontal chipping action to aid cutting. The claw element further comprises a pair of semi-cylindrical claw elements that separate upon rotation of the shaft in a first direction, easing collection of core samples. The semi-cylindrical claw elements join upon rotation of the shaft in the opposite direction, thereby grasping the core sample during removal from the material being sampled.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A mass sensor (30) in which a connection plate (33) and a diaphragm (31) are joined together at their respective sides; a sensing plate (32) is joined to the connection plate (33) at their respective sides in the direction perpendicular to the direction where the diaphragm (31) is joined to the connection plate (33); a piezoelectric element (35) consisting of a piezoelectric film and an electrode is installed on at least either one of plate surfaces of the sensing plate (32); and a resonating portion consisting of the diaphragm (31), the sensing plate (32), the connection plate (33), and the piezoelectric element (35) is joined to a sensor substrate (34). Change in the mass of the diaphragm (31) is measured by measuring change in the resonant frequency of the resonating portion accompanying the change in the mass of the diaphragm (31).

Abstract: A method of testing a run-flat tire component is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes positioning a run-flat component upon a wheel, accelerating the wheel to a predetermined speed, decelerating the wheel to a stop, and determining any rotation of the run-flat component relative to the wheel.

Abstract: A standard medical or surgical tool's axis is located by attaching to the tool a plurality of a location indicating elements or markers having a known geometric relationship, and placing the tool in a tool calibrator that supports the tool in a manner that allows tools of different diameters to be rotated while maintaining the tool's axis in a fixed or stable orientation. As the tool is rotated, a marker locating system tracks the positions of the markers on the tool and then extrapolates or determines the axis of rotation with respect to the markers clamped to the tool. The tool calibrator has a second set of position indicating elements or markers with fixed geometric or spatial relationship with one another and with respect to a stop, against which the end or tip of the tool is placed.

Abstract: A sensor device, for diagnosing a processing system, generally includes a support platform and one or more sensors mounted on the support platform. The sensor senses a condition, such as direction or inclination or acceleration in one or two axes, of the sensor device and outputs a signal indicative thereof, which is then sent to a transmitter, also mounted to the support platform, for wireless transmission of the signal to a receiver mounted on or near the processing system. The support platform generally has physical characteristics, such as size, profile height, mass, flexibility and/or strength, substantially similar to those of the substrates that are to be processed in the processing system, so the sensor device can be transferred through the processing system in a manner similar to the manner in which production substrates are transferred through the processing system.

Abstract: The apparatus for orienting tablets on a measuring station of a tablet tester comprises:

Abstract: A slide positioner for moving a structural member from an inoperating position to a working or operating position has a square shaft for supporting the structural member. Two bearing assemblies are adapted for supporting the sliding shaft. The two bearing assemblies are spaced one from the other and are connected to a stationary base. One of the bearing assemblies is rigidly connected to a pneumatic cylinder whose piston rod is connected to the sliding shaft. The bearing assemblies are mountable to the base in various angular positions since the bearing assemblies may be pivoted around an axis which is parallel to the axis of the sliding shaft.

Abstract: A workpiece for a hollow rack shaft is a substantially rectangular plate. The opposite two sides of this workpiece are respectively provided with a complementary profile composed of the continuation of a convex portion and a concave portion and when the workpiece is cylindrically formed, the profiles are mutually engaged. As the width of a part the width of which is the largest in the convex portion is larger than that of a part the width of which is the smallest in the concave portion, the two sides are prevented from being detached after engagement. Further, the opposite convex portion and concave portion are mutually caulked and hereby, mutual gap is removed.

Abstract: A structure of a shift lever apparatus is disclosed in which, after a slider has been assembled at a case, a link is assembled to the case while an intrusion shaft is intruded at a hole. For assembly of the link to the case, an assembly pawl provided at the link is resiliently deformed and inserted at an assembly portion which is provided at the case. At this time, an engaging protrusion is engaged with a surrounding area of the assembly portion by resilient force of the assembly pawl.

Abstract: A vehicular steering apparatus includes a column bracket secured to a steering column; and a fixing bracket secured to a vehicle body. The column bracket includes a top plate and a pair of side plates. The fixing bracket supports the column bracket via a support shaft. A support-shaft through hole formed in each of the side plates of the column bracket includes a slot extended along a longitudinal direction of the steering column. A resilient member is interposed between the top plate of the column bracket and a confronting portion of the support shaft. The resilient member biases the support shaft along a predetermined biasing direction to restrict play of the support shaft in the slot.

Abstract: In a copper-based sintering sliding material, to reduce attacking power to the counter material by expressing an ability to scrape a local adhered object on the sliding surface, improve abrasion resistance of the material, and suppress the abrasive heat generation due to the hard phase, thereby improving the seizure limit, heat shock resistant ceramics comprising two or more selected from SiO2 and/or SiO2, Al2O3, LiO2, TiO2 and MgO are dispersed in an amount of 0.05 to 0.5% by weight or less, as nonmetallic particles comprising one or more kind(s) selected from finely grinded oxides, carbides and nitrides.

Abstract: Deoxidizing compositions and two-stage methods for deoxidizing molten steel produce purer steel products, at lower cost, than traditional aluminum and silicon-based deoxidation technologies. A first deoxidizing composition is free from elemental aluminum and reduces oxygen content primarily by the conversion of carbon to carbon monoxide, along with the conversion of silicon to silica. A subsequently-added second deoxidizing composition lowers the oxygen content to a highly desirable level, with the production of substantially less alumina impurities than the prior art technologies.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanocrystallite from a M-containing salt forms a nanocrystallite. The nanocrystallite can be a member of a population of nanocrystallites having a narrow size distribution and can include one or more semiconductor materials. Semiconducting nanocrystallites can photoluminesce and can have high emission quantum efficiencies.

Abstract: A method for recovering catalytic metals from fluids containing catalytic metal colloids. Fluid compositions such as rinse solutions or dragout baths containing catalytic metal colloids are passed through a filter that entraps catalytic metal colloids on the filter. The catalytic metal colloids have a high affinity for the filter in contrast to other components of the fluids. The other components of the fluids pass through the filter while the catalytic colloids concentrate on the filter. The filter containing the catalytic metal colloids is burned, and the catalytic metal is retrieved. The method is economically efficient and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: An improved chop saw may include a base assembly, a blade assembly including a blade having a center and a motor for driving the blade, an arm pivotally attached to the base assembly and carrying the blade assembly, the blade assembly being movable between a lower position for engaging and cutting a workpiece disposed on the base, and an upper position not engaging the workpiece. The chop saw further includes a vise for holding the workpiece in place, the vise including a vise screw, a latch support supporting the vise screw, and a vise jaw disposed at the end of the vise screw. Preferably, the maximum distance between the vise jaw and the latch support is about equal or shorter than the distance between the blade center and the latch support, when the blade assembly is at the lower position. Further the chop saw includes a substantially horizontal handle connected to the blade assembly.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench is provided which includes a handle having a head on the handle, a rotatable gear disposed in the head and having ratchet teeth, and a pivotable pawl engaged with the gear to allow ratcheting rotation of the gear in a first direction and prevent ratcheting rotation of the gear in a second direction. An obstruction is engageable with a cam surface at the base of the pawl in order to prevent the pawl from self-reversing.

Abstract: A pivoting jaw pipe wrench comprises a fixed jaw including a plurality of discrete teeth, each for a different one of a plurality of pipes having different diameters. A pivotal jaw member has first and second jaw faces at an obtuse angle to one another and displaceable toward and away from the fixed jaw, whereby a pipe of given diameter to be gripped by the wrench is cradled between the first and second jaw surfaces and engaged by the one of the discrete teeth provided on the arcuate jaw for the pipe of given diameter.

Abstract: A wrench includes a head and a handle extending from the head in a direction. The head includes two jaws extending from the head in an opposite direction and a throat formed between the jaws. Each of the jaws includes a contact surface for contact with a facet of a head of a bolt. The contact surface of at least one of the jaws includes a plurality of teeth. The throat defines a central recess for receiving a corner of the head of the bolt. The head may define a recess between the throat and each of the jaws. The throat may include two flat contact surfaces for contact with two adjacent facets of the head of the bolt. The central recess defined in the throat is positioned between the flat contact surfaces of the throat.

Abstract: A wrench includes a head and a handle. The head includes a first jaw formed thereon, a second jaw formed thereon and a throat formed between the first and second jaws. The first jaw includes a first number of teeth. The second jaw includes a second number of teeth. The first number is greater than the second number. The handle extends from the head. The teeth of the first jaw are smaller than that of the second jaw.

Abstract: A elastic magnetic socket wrench connector device which contains: first tube with first magnet fixed at first end and an inward stop around second end; and second tube sliding through the second end with one end inside said first tube, the inside end has a flange and with second magnet fixed at outside end; said inward stop preventing said flange from sliding off said first tube and the first magnet and said second magnet are of the same magnetic poles. The first magnet has stronger magnetic force than that of said second magnet. The device can attract a bolt preventing from it fall to the ground and the length of the device can be adjusted to fit different kinds of socket wrenches and sockets.

Abstract: A fastener system comprises a plurality of ranges of size of threaded fastener (10), each fastener having a head (12;32) provided with a recess (14) to receive a tool (20) to rotatingly drive the fastener.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for attenuating a chatter oscillation in a processing machine, for example a cutting machine, such as a lathe. The machine includes at least one feed system with a primary section and a secondary section driven by a linear motor which can be powered via a converter. The device has a magnetic field control to control an in-phase component (d-component) of the magnetic field which produces the attractive force between of the primary section and the secondary section. An actual signal that is proportional to the chatter oscillation is generated and compared with a predetermined setpoint for a chatter oscillation. The comparison produces a control variable which is applied as a current setpoint to a field control that controls the current of the linear motor. This sufficiently attenuates chatter oscillations so that a reduction of the cutting depth is no longer required.

Abstract: A line of tool heads are individually positioned along a track and locked in operative position from a transport position along the track in which each of the tool heads is releasably connected to the next adjacent tool head in the line and the tool head at one end of the line is similarly releasably connected to a drive engine. The engine moves the train of coupled tool heads to an initial position where the first tool head at the end of the train is locked in its operative position and then uncoupled from the train. The remaining tool heads are sequentially positioned, locked and released from the train. The next to last of the tool heads being locked in place and then uncoupled from the engine which runs on the same track, carries the last tool head and is also locked in its final operative position.

Abstract: A high-throughput, high-end-product-recovery, lineal log bucking device featuring continuous stem travel during the cutting process by using a simple and efficient machinery design for economy of equipment and monies. The apparatus includes: (1) a saw for cutting stem into logs; and (2) apparatus for accelerating the carrier up to the speed of the stem conveyor(s), maintaining the speed during the cut, decelerating the carrier, and then returning the carrier to its starting point.

Abstract: The protective tape applied to the front surface of a semiconductor wafer to protect the wafer during backgrinding must be trimmed so that excess tape, known as tape bur, does not extend beyond the perimeter of the wafer. Tape bur may interfere with backgrinding by causing improper grinding, which may lead to wafer breakage. The tape cutter that trims the protective tape to eliminate tape bur is provided with a sensor which detects whether tape bur has been trimmed from the wafer. If tape bur has not been removed from the wafer, corrective action is taken to prevent the wafer from being backgrinded.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for positioning a stock window covering in a sizing mechanism for sizing the window covering in a retail outlet includes obtaining a width specification for a finished window covering, which includes a bottom rail, a window covering material and a head rail, the method comprising. The stock window covering is disposed in a sizing mechanism adjacent a scale. The scale is calibrated from a cutting plane of the sizing mechanism, and has indicia that are twice the actual distance from the cutting plane. The center of the stock window covering is located on an indicia in the scale having a value equal to the width specification.

Abstract: A rotating cutting apparatus comprising a cutting blade holder with at least one hole on the outside diameter of the cutting blade holder into which cutting blades are inserted and bonded to the cutting blade holder. The cutting blade holder encloses a center hole, so that the rotating cutting apparatus can be mounted to a drive shaft of machinery or secured to a cup that can be mounted to the drive shaft of machinery and driven by the machinery. The cutting blade holder can be made of a less expensive material, with only the cutting blade being made of higher-grade materials that maintains its cutting edge well. Additionally, in some arrangements of the present invention, the cutting blade may be sharpened on two sides so that the rotating cutting apparatus can be used for longer periods of time.

Abstract: A scroll sawing machine includes a motor mounted under a table of a machine base, and a saw blade driven by a first output shaft of the motor to reciprocate in an upright direction. First and second sawdust collecting members respectively have first and second intake ports which are respectively disposed above and under the table in the vicinity of the blade so as to collect sawdust scattering around the blade and falling through a hole in the table. A blowing member includes a drive shaft coupled to and driven by a second output shaft of the motor for rotating an impeller for drawing the sawdust from the collecting members into the blowing member for discharge through a discharge port.

Abstract: A guide device for a working table, includes a seat, and a plate rotatably and adjustably secured to the seat for adjusting work pieces relative to the seat to different angular positions. A lock device is attached to the plate, for clamping the work piece to the plate, and a handle is selectively secured to either of the two sides of the seat, and to be located closer to users, for allowing the handle to be operated by either the right-handed or the left-handed users. A bracket may be selectively secured to either of the two sides of the plate, and located closer to users.

Abstract: Apparatus which can be employed for light, everyday hand-cutting of existing rolled material such as gift wrapping paper. The apparatus includes a frame whereon the roll of material can be positioned for rotary movement. The frame may be of fixed length to accommodate standard roll lengths or the frame may be made to be expandable if desired. A slot is provided to allow the material to be pulled therethrough. A cutter blade is disposed on the frame and is adapted to slide along a path parallel with the slot to perform a clean, even cut on the material.

Abstract: A die that may be rotated relative to a die holder to form an opening in different types of envelopes, cardboard boxes or other type of blanks or webs is provided. The window opening in an envelope blank is formed by using a sheet of material having a top surface and an outer periphery. A raised portion extends from the top surface of the sheet and includes a cutting edge adapted to cut the envelope blank to form the opening. A coupling means are included to selectively couple the die with the die holder in at least two orientations so that the position of said sheet may be changed relative to the die holder to alter the location in which said cutting portion forms the opening in the envelope blank.

Abstract: A vertical saw machine includes a column with upper and lower supports carrying a motor to drive a saw blade. A table is disposed between the upper and lower supports for supporting a workpiece. The saw blade intersects the table with an included angle. The column is turnable between normal and inclined positions to vary the included angle. A frame post is mounted under the table to be positioned on the ground surface. A key slot and a key member are disposed respectively in and on the frame post and the column, and confine an arcuate guiding route to retainingly guide the column to move between the two positions.

Abstract: A circular cut-off saw blade with a circular body having a peripheral edge, a plurality of curved slots spaced along the peripheral edge, each slot having an open outer end connecting with the peripheral edge, and defined by essentially parallel, continuously-curved sidewalls leading away from the peripheral edge, and cutting segments fixed to the peripheral edge between each pair of adjacent slots.