Abstract: Described is a method of measuring the permeability of a coating (3) on a plastic wall (1) to low-molecular gases, wherein the diffusion coefficient and/or solubility coefficient of the coating (3) with respect to the low-molecular gases is an order of magnitude lower than that of the plastic wall (1), wherein the space (4) on the coating side is subjected to the action of a first fluid (5) and is flushed through therewith until only said first fluid (5) is in the space. Also described is a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A leak detector pump, including a housing having a gas outlet and a plurality of gas inlet unions, components of a high vacuum pump located in the housing, a gas analyzer associated with the housing, a union for introducing test fluid into the housing, a plurality of valve members located in the housing for controlling gas flow, and a plurality of connection elements located in the housing for guiding the gas flow between different components of the leak detector pump.

Abstract: Testing process and apparatus for determining absorption properties of a porous specimen. The porous specimen is brought in a predetermined state of contact with the body of water held by a reservoir, for inducing water absorption in the porous specimen. A weight of the porous specimen is monitored for a predetermined time period once the contact is established to produce weight data over time. The predetermined state of contact is maintained substantially constant during the time period by permanent circulation of water in the reservoir. The absorption properties of the porous specimen are determined as a function of the weight data over time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning a media is described. More particularly, polarization detector and an atomic force microscope are coupled to a common platform indexed to a spindle. Optionally, an optical microscope may be coupled to the common platform. The polarization detector is used to detect a magnetic image, such as at least a portion of a servo pattern, of the media, and the atomic force microscope, which may be aligned using the magnetic image, is used with a magnetic microscopy module to scan the media. Accordingly, magnetic imagery may be achieved with indexing to a single spindle for positional consistency as between equipment. Moreover, the polarization detector may further be configured to detect scattered light for providing topographic imagery of the media.

Abstract: A method of leak detection in a closed vapor handling system of an automotive vehicle while an engine is running, implemented by a system, the method including providing a pressure sensing element that obtains at least one pressure signal, closing a control valve and a shut off valve to seal the system from the engine and an atmosphere, generating a vacuum by opening the control valve, analyzing the at least one pressure signal at threshold times, comparing the at least one pressure signal to at least one pressure control value, and determining a leak condition if the at least one pressure signal is not less than the at least one pressure control value. The system including a pressure sensing element, a control valve, a shut off valve, a processor operatively coupled to the pressure sensing element and the shut off valve and receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensing element and sending signals to the control valve and the shut off valve.

Abstract: A washer-type strain sensor, which generates an output representing a load acting thereon, is arranged between the vehicle body and the wheel. A dynamic load acting on the wheel is measured on the basis of the outputs of the strain sensor when the vehicle is traveling. A lateral force, a lateral-force coefficient, a slip angle, and steering characteristics of the wheel are obtained on the basis of the measured dynamic load, and thereby the cornering characteristics of the wheel are obtained.

Abstract: An on-board evaporative emission leak detection system and method that detects leakage from an evaporative emission space of a fuel system of an automotive vehicle. A test includes an initialization, or stabilization, phase during which a differential between pressure in the evaporative emission space and atmospheric pressure is created, and then varied, over time, within a range of differential pressures suitable for performing a leak detection test. This varying of pressure differential alternately increases the created pressure differential above a nominal pressure differential and decreases the created pressure differential below the nominal pressure differential. The leak detection test is then performed.

Abstract: A method is described for monitoring slide bearings (10, 6, 9), especially of a piston engine, with a forced feed lubrication (12) comprising a forced-oil line (16) and branch lines (17) branching off from the forced-oil line (16) for the supply with oil of at least one slide bearing (10, 6, 9), with an operating parameter which changes on the occurrence of bearing damage being repeatedly measured and evaluated. In order to provide advantageous process conditions it is proposed that the rates of oil flow and/or the oil pressures in the branch lines (17) are measured and temporal changes to said operating parameters are evaluated for monitoring the bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire sensor, especially tire sidewall torsion sensor (=SWT sensor), including at least two pick-ups for measuring data being mounted at a distance from the tire rotational axis on the chassis, the said pick-ups for measuring data interacting with at least one encoder mounted on or in the tire wall or with at least one conventional encoder mounted on or in the tire wall and exhibiting poles, wherein the output signals or output information of such pick-ups for measuring data sensors are/is transmitted to the motor vehicle control system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring pressure with a transponder (200, 604) capable of measuring temperature data (NT) and pressure data (NP) in an object (e.g., a tire, (104)) and transmitting a data stream (FIG. 3C) to an external reader/interrogator (106, 400). The transponder includes a memory (238) for storing measurements, calibration data (662), transponder ID number and the like. Since the transponder combines temperature and pressure information in the “pressure” data, the ratio NT/NP is a direct indicator of pressure-only, and is also relatively insensitive to transponder power variations. The calibration method employs a calibration chamber (602) containing reference pressure (614) and temperature (612) sensors. The transducer to be calibrated is placed in the chamber and exposed (652) to a number of predetermined temperatures and pressures (as measured by the reference sensors) at a number of calibration points.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel-gauging system has flowmeters at the inlet and outlet of a fuel tank. The output of the flowmeters is used to compute the height and volume either of a localised elevated region above the inlet, where fuel flows into the tank, or of a localised depressed region above the outlet where fuel flows out of the tank. Where the gauging probes are located away from the region of the inlet or outlet, the volume derived from the probes is corrected by adding the volume of the elevated region or by subtracting the volume of the depressed region. Where the gauging probes are located in the region of the inlet or outlet, the height output of the probe is corrected either by subtracting the height of the elevated region or by adding the height of the depressed region. The volume is computed from these corrected heights and further corrected by adding the volume of the elevated region or by subtracting the volume of the depressed region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for isolator pad assemblies used in formation testing equipment. The pad comprises a primarily metallic pad member and a retractable resilient sealing member. The resilient sealing member is maintained in a retracted, protected position until extended to seal against the wellbore. When extended the metallic pad pushes into the mudcake until a raised ring of material on the surface of the pad contacts the formation. Once the pad is in place, the resilient sealing member, which is molded to an extending metal sleeve, is extended and contacts the mudcake to form a primary seal. With the primary and secondary seals energized, a fluid sample can be collected from the formation without contamination from wellbore fluids.

Abstract: A gas mass flow sensor or probe (35, 37, 39) of an air flow sensing and control system (17, 19, 21) based upon hot-wire type devices where flow sensing is achieved by controlling the difference between two temperature sensing elements (51 and 53) suspended in the flow stream (41, 43, 45). The first element (53) is used to measure the ambient temperature of the fluid flow and the second element (51) is maintained at a programmed temperature (121) above ambient by a current-fed heater (49). The mass flow rate density is determined from heater current (117) required to maintain the temperature difference and the total flow in the duct is inferred. To measure the flow in which the elements (51, 53) are submerged, electronic circuitry monitors the two temperature elements (51, 53) and controls the amount of current through the heater (49) such that there will always be a predetermined difference between the ambient and heated temperatures. The sensor provides an output signal (101) for use by other devices (23).

Abstract: A measuring device for determining the level of material in a container including a process seal comprising: a substantially conical portion including a narrow end and a wide end, the conical portion terminating at the wide end in a substantially cylindrical outer surface; and a flange portion extending outwardly from the substantially cylindrical outer surface. The process seal minimizes reflection and attenuation of measuring device energy, seals the connection to the container, and meets sanitary standards.

Abstract: Fill-level indicating device includes an array of optical detectors attached to a mount, vertically spaced apart relative to one another and distributed within the tank over the height of the latter, with each detector including a light source and a receiver, and means for feeding electric power to the light sources of the various detectors, for processing the signals arriving at the various receivers and for transmitting these to a liquefied-gas fill-level display gauge. The mount and the detectors on it are encapsulated in a synthetic resin that is highly transparent to the light beam emitted by the light sources and the surface of the resin facing the detectors is such that the beam emitted by the corresponding light source is reflected toward the associated receiver.

Abstract: A liquid level sender assembly constructed to minimize contact distortion and dither. A housing supports a resistive track and a pivot arm is connected to the housing. The pivot arm has a force transmitting member attached which interacts with a boss on a contact carrier which is also pivotably attached to the case. A space is provided in the fit of boss within the force transmitting member which allows the boss to remain in one position when the pivot arm vibrates in small oscillations, but causes the boss to move in response to larger movements of the pivot arm. Contacts on the contact assembly electrically cooperate with the resistive track to provide a variable resistor. The contact carrier receives only force components directed circumferentially about the axis.

Abstract: A complemented absolute/relative full-tensor gravity gradiometer system utilizes an absolute gravity instrument and a relative gravity gradiometer to provide respective outputs corresponding to components of the gravity gradient tensor to verify the relative gravity gradiometer and effect correction/compensation thereof.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for measuring uniformity and dynamic balance of a tire, comprising: a spindle rotatably supported in a rigidly-supported spindle housing, said tire being fixedly mounted on said spindle, said spindle being rotated when measurement is performed; and at least one piezoelectric force sensor mounted on a surface of said spindle housing, said at least one piezoelectric force sensor detecting a force generated by rotation of the tire as said spindle is rotated.

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

Abstract: A transducer with at least one variable-area capacitor comprising a flexible electrode with a surface facing a surface of a cooperating rigid electrode and an electret affixed to a portion of one of said surfaces, wherein said surface of said rigid electrode has a contoured region selected to increase a region of substantially fixed capacitance spacing as said flexible electrode deflects in response to an applied stress.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanner for inspection of radiused regions having scanner supports which include pivoted fingers containing the transducers and hands supporting the fingers attached to vertical arms by pins. The angle of the hands are controlled by the vertical position of the arms.

Abstract: A pressure sensor element for mounting in a connecting element comprises an isolator body with a laterally projecting membrane. The laterally projecting membrane covering an opening of a passage through which the pressure present at the surface of the membrane is conveyed to a pressure transducer element by means of a hydraulic fluid. In order to mount the pressure sensor element, it is secured in a mounting aperture of the connecting element. The projecting perimeter of the membrane is secured to the surface surrounding the mounting aperture of the connecting element by means of a continuous seam. A membrane type ring in combination with a conventional membrane may be substituted for the projecting membrane, wherein the membrane type ring covers the gap between the pressure sensor element and the adapter element.

Abstract: A heat loss gauge for measuring gas pressure in an environment includes a resistive sensing element and a resistive compensating element. The resistive compensating element is in circuit with the sensing element and has temperature response and physical characteristics substantially matching those of the resistive sensing element and is exposed to a substantially matching environment. An electrical source is connected to the sensing element for applying current to heat the sensing element relative to the compensating element. Measuring circuitry is connected to the sensing element and the compensating element for determining gas pressure in the environment to which the sensing element and compensating element are exposed based on electrical response of the sensing element and the compensating element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for measuring a torque. The measuring method is characterized in that it consists in fixing on said part (1) at least two identical sensors (2) for measuring deformation, directly mounted between two separate anchoring points (A, B) and positioned on two curves (a) of the part (1) sloping at an angle a relative to the part (1) axis. Said sensors are designed to deliver electric signals based on modifications in distance between their respective anchoring points generated by said deformation.

Abstract: A bearing assembly which couples a road wheel to a suspension system component on an automotive vehicle includes a hub to which the wheel is attached and a housing which is attached to the suspension system component. The housing has two tapered raceways which surround raceways on cones that are fitted to the hub. Organized in two rows between the raceways of the housing and cones are tapered rollers which roll along the raceways when the wheel rotates. The rollers as they pass over the outer raceway impart minute flexures to the housing and these flexures are monitored by multiple strain sensors on the housing. The strains—and the signals produced by the sensors—reflect conditions at the region of contact between a tire on the road wheel and the road surface over which the tire rolls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for measuring volume flow rates of liquid phase components and gas and determination their volume concentrations in a multiphase mixture along a pipeline. Measurements are executed with an ultrasonic system which includes a set of local acoustic transducers arranged in the interior of the pipeline. Each pair of an emitter and a receiver of the transducer forms a sampling volume of a medium being under control. Volume concentrations of mixture components are determined by timing of passage of acoustic pulses through the sampling volume of the medium. Volume flow rates of the mixture components are calculated by measuring phase velocities and volume concentrations in two pipeline divisions with different cross-section areas located in series at a distance one from the other in flow direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus measures a parameter of a flowing fluid at a first location. A correction is applied to the parameter value that yields an adjusted value representative of the parameter of the fluid at a second location. A flowmeter output is calculated as a function of the adjusted value.

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 device for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A shapemeter for measuring the flatness of a tensioned metal strip has a plurality of coaxially aligned measuring rings, with each measuring ring being rotatably supported on the outer circumference by an associated force sensor.

Abstract: A bridge circuit includes four gage resistors. Each gage resistor is divided into two division gage resistors. A couple of division gage resistors. The junction points between division gage resistors outputting the same potential when no pressure is applied are used for diagnostic. Four gage resistors out of the eight gage resistors are arranged near the center of diaphragm 14, and the other four division resistors are arranged near the peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm 14 to make the stress distribution even.

Abstract: A starter for engines uses a leaf spring as a shift lever for advancing a pinion gear for engagement with a ring gear. The shift lever may be constructed with a plurality of layered leaf springs having respective front ends spaced apart one another to contact a one-way clutch at different positions. The shift lever may include a lever holder which has a low heat conductive member to minimize fatigue of the leaf spring. The leaf spring is initially loaded with a spring force.

Abstract: A shift control device for a transmission having a synchronizing device, a select actuator for actuating the speed change operation mechanism of the transmission in the selecting direction, a shift actuator for actuating the speed change operation mechanism in the shifting direction. A controller determines the driving force of the shift actuator correspondingly to the shift stroke position. Further, the difference in the synchronizing rotational speed is determined based on the input shaft rotational speed, the gear ratio of the speed change gear that is to be engaged and the output shaft rotational speed, and the driving force of the shift actuator in a synchronizing range during the gear-engaging operation is determined based on the above determined difference in the synchronizing rotational speed.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuation system for an automated transmission system including an active clutch includes; a hydraulic clutch actuator controlling engagement of the clutch, the hydraulic control actuator being preloaded towards a disengaged position of the clutch, whereby pressure above a first predetermined value is required in order to move the clutch to a predetermined position; first and second gear engagement actuators for controlling the selection and engagement of a selected gear ratio; a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure, a hydraulic fluid reservoir; a clutch control valve for selectively connecting the clutch actuator to the source of hydraulic fluid under pressure or to the reservoir; a gear engagement control valve for selectively connecting each gear engagement actuator to the source of hydraulic fluid under pressure or to the reservoir; and a changeover valve situated between the gear engagement control valve and the first and second gear engagement actuators, said changeover valve in a first

Abstract: A shift device that prevents an operator from unintentionally operating the shift lever. The shift device has a plurality of shift ranges and sets a predetermined range from the plurality of shift ranges. The shift device includes a shift lever for setting the predetermined shift range, a control circuit, and a notification device. The control circuit determines whether an operator has unintentionally operated the shift lever. The notification device notifies the operator that the operator has unintentionally operated the shift lever in accordance with the determination of the control circuit.

Abstract: A reverse shift device of a manual transmission is disclosed to reduce the total length of the transmission, improve shift feeling and decrease noise by excluding a reverse idler gear that rotates, while being meshed between input and output axles, the device comprising: an idle axle fixed at a shift case; and an idle synchronizer installed at the idle axle for switching a state of conveying the rotational force of an input axle to an output axle at the time of forward-reverse shifts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gear based transmission apparatus that are configured to reduce or eliminate the backlash effects. In one embodiment, a transmission apparatus comprises a follower gear, a first drive gear set coupled with the follower gear to drive the follower gear, and a second drive gear set coupled with the follower gear to drive the follower gear. The first drive gear set includes at least one gear, and the second drive gear set includes at least one gear. A controller is coupled with the first drive gear set and the second drive gear set.

Abstract: In the case of a vehicle transmission (2) with two counter shafts placed in a transmission housing (8) for the distribution of load, with one input shaft (4) and one main shaft (20) coaxially aligned with the input shaft (4), a gear (24) is placed in the area between the input shaft (4) and the main shaft (20). The gear (24) is secured by a bearing (26, 28) between the input shaft (4) and the main shaft (20) and secured radially by bearings between the two counter shafts. The bearing (26, 28) constitutes the exclusive axial bearing between the input shaft (4) and output shaft (20). The axial bearing comprises two axial effective roller bearings (26, 28) which lie on opposed sides of a projection (30) of the gear (24).

Abstract: Motorized reduction gear intended for functional equipment of motor vehicles, such as window lifters, sunroofs or seats, comprising a rotor provided with a rotor shaft bearing a commutator and passing through a rolling bearing housed in a support of a reduction gearbox in which the said shaft is placed, and a worm of the shaft engaging with a gearwheel housed in the reduction gearbox. A seal is inserted between the bearing and the bearing support, on the side of the bearing close to the inside of the reduction gearbox. An annular housing, the profile of which is adapted to receive the seal resting on a spherical surface of the bearing, is arranged in the wall of the bearing support. The presence of the seal prevents any leak of lubricant out of the gearbox thus ensuring a better longevity of the brushes of the commutator.

Abstract: In a link mechanism, a first link is disposed to be movable by a driving force from a driving source, and a second link is operatively linked with the first link to move a driven unit. One of the first and second links includes a cam groove having a bent portion which is bent by a radius of curvature smaller than a predetermined value, and the other one of the first and second links includes a pin slidable within the cam groove. In the link mechanism, a sliding speed of the pin sliding in the cam groove is reduced when the pin enters into the bent portion in the cam groove, as compared with the sliding speed before the pin enters into the bent portion.

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 shifting device (1) for a speed change gearbox with a transmission component that can be shifted in a longitudinal direction and/or about its longitudinal axis in a pivoting manner, which for transmitting the shifting movements is equipped with a damping component (8), which is constructed from at least one ramp-shaped profile (9a), and at least one roller component (12) which is pre-loaded against ramp-shaped profile (9a) by means of spring action.

Abstract: A transmission shift position sensor that is adapted to provide an indication of the position of a transmission shift lever. The transmission shift position sensor includes a rotary position sensor and a rooster comb formed as an assembly. The direct coupling of the sensor to the rooster comb provides a positive indication of the automatic transmission shift sensor without the need for compensating for tolerances in mechanical linkages.

Abstract: A shift manipulating apparatus for an automatic transmission is disclosed that transmits manipulating force from a shift lever to a manual valve to position the spool of a manual valve at identical places in ranges P and N. The apparatus comprises a shift lever to receive shift range selection manipulating force of a driver; a manual valve to control oil pressure of the automatic transmission; and a linkage unit for connecting the shift lever and the spool of the manual valve to enable the spool to identically form an interconnection state of ports according to pivot of the shift lever in ranges P and N.

Abstract: A controlled relative motion system having first and second support structures with a controlled output position joint connecting them, and with similar joints on these support structures. One joint is coupled to another controlled relative motion system having an output carrier rotatable in two perpendicular directions through the use of gears therein. This output carrier supports two articulated manipulating systems of which one has a single axis rotatable subbase supporting a rotatable gripping extension, and the other has a shackle connected to a base effector which shackle is supported on a fixed pedestal and another shackle connected to a base effector which shackle is supported on a moveable pedestal.

Abstract: A pedal mechanism 20 requires a friction mechanism for producing the force hysteresis in the pedal to ensure the correct, desirable pedal ‘feel’. A pedal arm 18 is pivoted in a housing 24. Friction is produced with a piston 28,128 which is urged by resetting springs 30,32,130,132 into frictional contact with a friction pad 36,136 which is fixed in the housing. Relative angular movement between the pedal 18 and the pad 36,136 when the pedal is depressed causes the point of contact between the pad and the piston 28 to move relative to the housing 24. This movement is resisted by friction between the pad and the piston, and by the springs which have to be compressed to allow the movement to take place. The same springs provided a restoring force to return the pedal to its initial position when it is released.

Abstract: An acceleration pedal device of an automobile, the device comprising: an acceleration pedal arm movably mounted by manipulating power of a driver; an acceleration cable connected to the acceleration pedal arm for being strained or relaxed according to movement of the acceleration pedal arm; and forcibly moving unit of acceleration pedal arm for utilizing a shock generated in the course of collision to reduce a protruding height of the acceleration pedal arm toward a driver when the shock is transmitted to the acceleration cable, such that the acceleration pedal arm of acceleration pedal device is accommodated into a housing by rotary movement of a pinion and retrograding movement of a rack bar when a shock generated in the course of collision of the automobile is transmitted to the acceleration pedal device via a dash panel, thereby reducing a protruding height of the acceleration pedal arm toward a driver whereby the driver is saved from injury on shin part resulting from collision with the acceleration peda

Abstract: An apparatus for throttling a vehicle equipped with an exterior throttle lever actuated near a handlebar, said throttling via actuation caused by rotation of said apparatus around the longitudinal axis of the handlebar rather than by direct personal actuation of the throttle lever, said rotational throttling apparatus including a finger-like projection extending from a rotatable sleeve near the throttle lever.

Abstract: A work bench includes a frame, a bench surface on the frame with the bench surface including at least two members, one of which is movable along the frame for clamping a workpiece between the members. A mechanism for moving the member includes two screws coupled with the members. The two screws are spaced with the member for moving the member upon rotation of the screws. A sprocket is coupled with each of the screws. A transmission belt or chain is coupled with the sprockets. At least one handle is coupled with one of the screws to rotate the screws. At least one clutch is coupled with the at least one screw to limit clamping pressure on the workpiece. The clutch enables rotation of one screw with respect to the other screw so that workpieces may be clamped between the members and clamping of the workpiece may be accomplished by rotation of the screws with one hand of the operator. Also, a guard may be present which covers the transmission belt or chain.

Abstract: A cutting tool comprising a metal plate having a central aperture, a forwardly extending blade and a rearwardly extending tang having a second aperture offset from the central aperture, wherein the plate is coated with an electroless nickel layer. Also included is a first elongated member comprising a first handle terminating at a distal end by a jaw and a second elongated member comprising a second handle. The first and second members are pivotally connected to the plate at the central and second apertures by couplers respectively, so that the blade and jaw pivotably move in response to pivotable movement of the first and second members about the coupler in the central aperture.

Abstract: A percussive rock drill bit includes a head portion with a forward surface surrounded by a peripheral surface. The peripheral surface supports a wreath of peripheral buttons. Front buttons are mounted to the forward surface inside the wreath of peripheral buttons. The button shave a diameter (D) and a height (H), wherein H/D<1.2. The buttons are welded to an essentially flat part of the forward surface whereby the buttons are metallurgically bound to the head portion.