Abstract: A micromechanical pressure sensor device, particularly for measuring low absolute pressures and/or small differential pressures. The device includes a frame that is formed at least partially by a semiconductor material, a membrane retained by the frame, at least one measuring resistor that is disposed at a first location in or on the membrane and whose resistance value is a function of pressure-induced mechanical stresses in the membrane, and at least one compensating resistor that is disposed at a second location in or on the membrane and whose resistance value is a function of pressure-induced mechanical stresses in the membrane. The resistance value changes at the first location with a first linear component and a first quadratic component as a function of the pressure, and the resistance value changes at the second location approximately without a linear component and with a second quadratic component, which is proportional to the first quadratic component, as a function of the pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a pressure transducer comprising: a closed container (5) having a pair of opposed interior walls (6 and 7) between which is disposed a magnetostrictive element (1); means (9 and 10) to create a magnetic field within the element so as to energise it; and means (11) to detect the resonant frequency of the element, thereby to produce an output indicative of the pressure exerted on the transducer.

Abstract: A small-sized pressure sensor having smaller numbers of parts and assembling steps, a simple structure, a high assembly precision, and little dispersion in the operating characteristics, and a method for manufacturing the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A strain sensor comprising a metal substrate, a first electrode provided on the metal substrate, a glass layer formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode and a strain detecting resistor provided on the glass layer. In the strain sensor, the insulation resistance between the metal substrate and the second electrode has been raised, and the reliability is high. It can be implemented at low cost.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pressure sensor (1), able to operate at high temperature and measure the pressure of a hostile medium, comprising:

Abstract: A method for calculating a fatigue usage factor of a component in a nuclear reactor includes determining a flow scaling factor for each stress component of a stress cycle, applying the flow scaling factor to rapid cycling stress conditions, and performing a fatigue evaluation by calculating a fatigue usage factor using the flow scaling factor. The flow scaling factor is a ratio of a temperature fluctuation ratio at a first reactor operating condition divided by a temperature fluctuation ratio at a second reactor operating condition. The temperature fluctuation ratio is defined as a ratio of the metal temperature range over the fluid temperature range.

Abstract: A fatigue safety factor testing apparatus includes a FEM calculating section, a normalized stress calculating section and a fatigue safety factor calculating section. The FEM calculating section carries out a FEM calculation to meshes of a part to calculate a stress of each of the meshes of the part. The normalized stress calculating section calculates a normalized stress of a stress applied to each of the meshes with respect to a fatigue limit as a function of a temperature and material of each of the meshes. The fatigue safety factor calculating section calculates a fatigue safety factor of each of the meshes based on a normalized fatigue limit obtained by normalizing the fatigue limit and the normalized stress.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to interact with a cylindrical mold for a gyratory compactor so as to determine a gyration angle of the mold is provided, wherein the mold is adapted to contain a sample therein. Such an apparatus comprises a rigid disk-shaped plate defining an axis and a periphery, with the plate being adapted to be disposed within a wall of the mold. At least one inductive sensing device is operably engaged with the plate, wherein the at least one inductive sensing device is configured to measure a proximity of the at least one inductive sensing device with respect to the wall of the mold and to produce a corresponding signal indicative of the gyration angle of the mold. The gyration angle of the mold may be determined either statically or dynamically. Associated apparatuses, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing the strength of ceramic honeycomb structures are disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber that utilizes a flexible, generally cylindrical member including integral flanges to apply compressive force to the periphery of the honeycomb structure. According to some embodiments, a portable apparatus with an open chamber is provided to allow for rapid testing of multiple honeycomb structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for direct shear stress testing of a sample includes a base plate, a supporting member, a fixing member, and a sliding member. The supporting member includes a supporting plate. The fixing member includes a stationary shear plate having a first receiving hole. The sliding member includes a movable shear plate interposed between and in sliding contact with the supporting plate and the stationary shear plate. The movable shear plate has a second receiving hole. The movable shear plate is slidable relative to the stationary shear plate to align the first and second receiving holes so as to receive the sample therein, and to misalign the first and second receiving holes so as to cause the sample to yield. The direct shear stress of the sample can thus be tested accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for injecting desired amounts of fluids into plants, in particular embodiments, woody plants, e.g., trees and woody vines. A metering device is provided which dynamically measures an amount of fluid that is injected into the plant. A system and method are also provided for creating a pressurized reservoir of injectable fluid in the plant to assist in the injection of the fluid. A pressure release valve is also provided to prevent overpressurization of the pressurized reservoir of injectable fluid. In one embodiment, fluid is returned to a metering device of an injection system when the pressure within the pressurized reservoir exceeds a predetermined amount of pressure. A pressure gauge is also provided that measures pressure within the plant. A falling pressure indicates that fluid is being injected into the plant. Manual and battery-powered plant injection devices are also provided.

Abstract: A milk flow device which includes a conduit for transporting a substantially continuous milk flow varying in height up to a maximum height wherein the maximum height is less than a fluid height which would occlude the conduit and interrupt the vacuum level is shown. A first sensor determines the height of a selected section of the substantially continuous milk flow. The first sensor has a predetermined cross-sectional area and defines an opening for passing a milk flow therethrough. The first sensor is located at a predetermined location in the conduit. A second sensor having a cross-sectional area substantially equal to the cross sectional area of the first sensor is spaced within the conduit in a selected direction and a known distance from the first sensor. The second sensor determines that the selected section of the continuous milk flow has traversed the known distance. A conductivity sensor measures the conductivity of the milk.

Abstract: A milk flow device which includes a conduit for transporting a substantially continuous milk flow varying in height up to a maximum height wherein the maximum height is less than a fluid height which would occlude the conduit and interrupt the vacuum level is shown. A first sensor determines the height of a selected section of the substantially continuous milk flow. The first sensor has a predetermined cross-sectional area and defines an opening for passing a milk flow therethrough. The first sensor is located at a predetermined location in the conduit. A second sensor having a cross-sectional area substantially equal to the cross sectional area of the first sensor is spaced within the conduit in a selected direction and a known distance from the first sensor. The second sensor determines that the selected section of the continuous milk flow has traversed the known distance. A conductivity sensor measures the conductivity of the milk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proximity sensor system comprising a sensor generating two types of pulse signals having opposite polarities in order to detect two different, small, metallic objects and to distinguish the objects. The proximity sensor system can involve at least two metallic objects to be detected having different magnetic properties; a sensor comprising a magnetic core having a plurality of legs and a toroidal coil winding fitted and supported onto at least one of the legs of the magnetic core; and an electronic circuit processing output signals from the sensor. The sensor generates predetermined signals having opposite polarities when metallic objects pass in proximity to the sensor. Suitable metallic objects include those made of ferromagnetic metal and diamagnetic or paramagnetic metal.

Abstract: A torque ripple sensor and method for torque ripple sensing and/or mitigation. A piezoelectric sensor is positioned relative to a motor so that torque fluctuations due to torque ripple of the motor are transmitted to the sensor, resulting in strain of a piezoelectric element. A resulting signal can be amplified and conditioned for determining a magnitude of the torque ripple and/or fed into a feedback loop for applying current control or a counter-torque to the motor for torque ripple mitigation.

Abstract: The torque detection device for a wave gearing comprises a strain gauge unit having a strain gauge pattern. The strain gauge pattern includes circular-arc shaped detection segments A and B, and three terminal portions for external wiring with one being formed between the detection segments and the others at opposite ends thereof. The strain gauge unit having the strain gauge pattern can be mounted on the diaphragm of a flexible external gear by a simple operation of positioning the strain gauge unit on the diaphragm and connecting the three terminal portions to the external wirings. Compared to the case where a large number of perpendicular biaxial strain gauges are positioned and wired to form a bridge circuit, the wiring operation can be simplified, the mounting space can be reduced, and errors in detected signals due to the positioning errors of the strain gauges can also be reduced.

Abstract: A force measuring device for seat weight determination in a motor vehicle, comprising a taking up element which has at least two bearing points spaced from one another and arranged so that one of the bearing points is loadable with a force to be measured perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the taking up element, means forming a first recess in the taking up element in a region between at least two bearing points, a rod-shaped element which extends in the longitudinal axis of the taking up element and is not loaded by bending forces, the rod-shaped element having a free end which deviates from the longitudinal axis of the taking up element when a force to be measured acts on the taking up element, and a measuring unit for detecting the deviation of the free end of the rod-shaped element, the measuring unit having a magnet and a magnetic field-sensitive sensor, the magnet and the magnetic field-sensitive sensor being arranged immovably relative to one another and the magnet is arranged close at a

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt is provided with multiple seat belt tension sensors providing output signals that are received and averaged. Signals having values outside a band around the average are dynamically tested against a signal from an occupant weight sensor, vertical seat accelerometer or other sensor indicating expected vertical acceleration of an occupant restrained by the seat belt. This test provides variance values and time-averaged values of each signal, derives a reference value for each signal and compares the variance value for each signal to its reference value. If the comparisons indicate that the dynamic variance of the signals is significantly different, the signal is declared invalid and the average value is recalculated without the invalid signal. The final average signal after removal of all invalid signals determines the belt tension value, which may be used to compensate a weight sensor signal in an occupant characterization system to help control deployment of a vehicle airbag.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotational angle measuring arrangement for measuring angle dependent units of an encoding shaft which is journaled in a transducer housing. A stator coupling non-rotationally connects the transducer housing to the housing of a drive system that is to be measured, and the encoding shaft and a drive shaft of the drive system are non-rotatably secured to each other. To provide an improved angle measuring system when the stator coupling is positioned between the transducer housing and the drive housing, to prevent angle measurement errors and to facilitate the mounting of the transducer, at least one locking mechanism is provided. When the transducer, including the stator coupling, is detached from the drive housing, the locking mechanism causes the stator coupling to non-rotatably lock the encoding shaft to the transducer housing, and when the stator coupling is secured to the drive system, the locking mechanism permits the encoder shaft to freely rotate.

Abstract: The new gyroscopic device (gyro-dipole) has two gyroscopes with equal angular momentum (gyro-twins) set in a common case with precession axis's disposed parallel and engaged via gears allowing gyro-twins to precess synchronical but contrary.

Abstract: A starter assembly for an internal combustion is described. The starter assembly has a starter motor with a rotatable output shaft. An intermediate shaft transmits rotational motion between the output shaft and the crankshaft. A first gear is connected operatively between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft to transmit rotational motion therebetween. A friction-plate clutch is associated with the first gear and is constructed and arranged to operatively decouple the first gear from the intermediate shaft in response to torque shocks from the engine that exceed a predetermined threshold. A second gear is connected operatively between the intermediate shaft and at least a third gear that is operatively connected to the crankshaft. The second gear transmits rotational motion between the intermediate shaft and the third gear. A clutch is associated with the second gear permitting selective decoupling of the second gear from the third gear.

Abstract: A rotational transfer connection mechanism to convert the rotational motion of one shaft to a corresponding, but different defined rotational motion in another shaft. The actuating part of the mechanism attaches to the first shaft and includes an offset tab or pin that fits into an aperture in the second part, which is attached to a second shaft, thus allowing the tab to travel through a portion of its rotation before engaging the second part. The dimensions of the aperature and tab or pin allow the shaft connected to the second part to move only a defined portion of the rotation of the first part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining gear selection in an automatic transmission, by means of a selector lever. Said system comprises two devices (10, 12) for registering the selector lever position (14, 16, 18, 20, 22), each device (10, 12) generating a signal that corresponds to the registered selector lever position (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) and elements for evaluating the signals, whereby the gear selection can be determined using the signals, by taking plausibility rules into consideration. The invention also relates to a method for determining gear selection in an automatic transmission, by means of a selector lever.

Abstract: An improvement of a reversing device for a remote-controlled vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: A pitch transfer gear transmission which enables drive to be transmitted from a gear of having one modulus (42) to a gear having another modulus (46) includes at least two gears (12,16) which have a different number of teeth and which are able to rotate relative to one another, so that the teeth of the two gears (12,16) can form a gear modulus of a first value at one part of the periphery of the gear, and a gear modulus of another value at another part of the periphery of the gear. Continuously variable transmissions are formed by providing an input or output gear (42,46) which has a modulus which varies along the length of the gear. Pitch transfer gear assembly (30) engages with the input or output gear (42,46), and is moveable by a mechanism (59) along the length of the gear changing modulus, so as to set the drive ratio of the transmission.

Abstract: A sports bicycle, especially a training bicycle, with handlebars, especially triathlon handlebars, which can be slipped onto the front supporting tube of the frame, with a carrying tube, the height of which can be adjusted and fixed at different levels, and with handle legs which are directed towards the front and connected by a U-shaped bracket, with a reversing module with an intermediate carrying tube, which can be inserted into the supporting tube and to which a clamp mounting for the carrying tube of the handlebars is disposed transversely for achieving a steeply upwardly directed position of the handle legs, the clamp mounting preferably being constructed as a mounting sleeve.

Abstract: A detachable coupling device for connecting a pull cable connected to a shift actuator to a shifting cable connected to an internal gear hub for transmitting a shifting movement of the shift actuator to the internal gear hub. The detachable coupling includes an internal gear hub casing having a cable guide extending therefrom and a connecting sleeve having a contoured slot configured to be removably attachable to the cable guide. An end of the shifting cable is configured to be removably coupled to an end of the pull cable for transmitting the shifting movement along a cable transmission path.

Abstract: A device for a two wheeled vehicle with two independent cable operated brake systems consisting of two pivoting levers connecting the two cables operating the brake calipers via cables enclosed in casings from the hand lever to the calipers, one operating the front brake and one operating the rear brake. That will regardless of which or both hand levers are applied first, the rear brake will be actuated before and with more force that to the front brake through the offset pivot point of the two levers, the fulcrum action will alter the length of the casing relative to the cable length of one brake and by tension transfer the differences of casing length to cable length on the opposite side and apply the brakes rear first with more force than front brake.

Abstract: A hollow camshaft (19) lubrication system for aircraft engines that supplies lubricant (14) to cam lobe surfaces (25) from the interior surface (22) of the hollow camshaft (19) even during periods when aircraft operation moves the rotation axis of the hollow camshaft (19) from horizontal.

Abstract: A sintered copper alloy material product is provided on which a skin (particularly, a skin of a solid lubricant with low adhesion, such as PTFE or molybdenum disulfide) is securely formed on the surface thereof and has good sliding properties and good seizure resistance under unlubricating environments or under corrosive environments. A sintered copper alloy material is processed using a selective chemical etching solution containing a compound of one kind or more selected from the group of consisting of peroxide, peroxocompound, chromic acid and permanganic acid and a compound of one kind or more selected from the group of consisting of phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, zirconic hydrofluoric acid, titanic hydrofluoric acid, titanic acid, molybdic acid, tungstic acid, vanadic acid, niobic acid, and organic chelating agent. Thereafter, a lubricating skin is on the surface of the processed material.

Abstract: 1. A niobium powder for capacitors, wherein the chromium content is 50 ppm by mass or less, granulated product and sintered body thereof, and producing method of those; 2. a capacitor constructed by one part electrode formed of the niobium sintered body, another part electrode and a dielectric material interposed between two electrodes, and its producing method; and 3. an electronic circuit and electronic device using the capacitor. A capacitor having good voltage resistance properties can be manufactured by using the niobium sintered body for capacitors of the present invention, wherein the chromium content is 50 ppm by mass or less.

Abstract: A die (20) comprises metal-rich sections (40a, 40b) which form an inner wall and an outer wall of the die (20), respectively. Gradient sections (42a, 42b) are disposed adjacent to the metal-rich sections (40a, 40b), respectively. Further, a ceramics-rich section (44) is disposed between the gradient sections (42a, 42b). A punch (30) comprises an inner ceramics-rich section (46), a gradient section (50), and an outer metal-rich section (48). In the die (20), the composition ratio of metal gradually decreases from the metal-rich sections (40a, 40b) to the ceramics-rich section (44). Similarly, in the punch (30), the composition ratio of the metal gradually decreases from the metal-rich section (48) to the ceramics-rich section (46).

Abstract: There is disclosed a hard alloy which comprises 5 to 50% by volume of a metallic binder phase comprising at least one element selected from cobalt, nickel and iron as a main component, 0 to 40% by volume of a cubic crystal compound comprising at least one compound selected from a carbide, nitride and mutual solid solution of a metal of Group IVB, VB or VIB of the Periodic Table, and the reminder being hexagonal tungsten carbide and inevitable impurities,

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved metallurgical powder compositions that incorporate solid lubricants, methods for preparing and using the same, and methods of making compacted parts. Ejection properties, such as stripping pressure and sliding pressure, of compacted parts can be improved by using the solid lubricants. The solid lubricants contain functionalized polyalkylene glycol lubricants that contain a phosphate group, phosphite group, hypophosphate group, hypophosphite group, polyphosphate group, thiophosphate group, dithiophosphate group, thiocarbamate group, dithiocarbamate group, borate group, thiosulfate group, sulfate group, a sulfonate group or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are provides conductive metal particles and conductive composite metal particles by which conductive materials having stable conductivity can be provided, and applied product thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are metal alloy particles containing substantially no lead, each exhibiting a plurality of different melting points including an original lowest melting point (a) and a highest melting point, wherein each of the metal alloy particles exhibits the original lowest melting point (a) at least at a surface portion thereof, and wherein, when each metal alloy particle is heated at a temperature equal to or higher than the original lowest melting point (a) to melt at least a surface portion of each metal alloy particle, followed by cooling to room temperature to thereby solidify the melted portion of each metal alloy particle, the resultant solid metal alloy particle having experienced the melting and solidification exhibits an elevated lowest melting point (a′) higher than the original lowest melting point (a).

Abstract: Continous, conducting metal patterns can be formed from metal nanoparticle containing fils by exposure to radiation.

Abstract: A method of controlling the size and morphology of powder made by the subsurface injection of a halide vapor into a liquid metal is disclosed. A reaction zone is established and the temperature thereof or the time the powder remains therein is controlled to change powder characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making alloys or ceramics by the subsurface injection of an equilibrium vapor of a boiling liquid of the ceramic or alloys constituents is disclosed. Various powders and products are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making porous aluminum product and products therefrom and, in particular, a method of rapidly solidifying a liquid metal foam produced by the incorporation of gas forming agents into an aluminum melt. The aluminum melt may be stabilized to support the creation of liquid metal foam by the addition of metal and/or ceramic additives. The decomposition of the gas forming agents and subsequent expansion of the gaseous products is controlled through the use of a reactor, wherein temperature, pressure and transit time can be adjusted to match the decomposition kinetics of the gas forming agent. The invention allows for the economical production of liquid metal foam of uniform cell size that can be continuously cast into sheet, plate and profile sections. Such metal foam products may be used in structural, thermal and acoustic applications.

Abstract: A method for making killed steel that permits use of high-carbon manganese without increasing the carbon content of the steel to an unacceptable level. During tapping from the furnace into the ladle, a carbon-containing manganese, and advantageously a high-carbon manganese, is first added to the molten steel, followed thereafter by addition of a strong deoxidizer. The carbon-containing manganese addition reduces the free oxygen content in the molten steel such that less of a strong deoxidizer is subsequently needed to achieve the remainder of the desired oxygen reduction.

Abstract: A chromatographic separation method separates ruthenium from other platinum group metals in a feed solution, by converting the Ru to a nitrosyl complex, retaining the nitrosyl complex temporarily on the chromatography column and subsequently eluting Ru, for example using an oxidising or reducing eluent. FIG. 1 shows the elution profile obtained from a mixture of Rh chloro-complexes (Peak 1) and Ru nitrosyl species (Peak 2).

Abstract: A handheld stripper includes a handheld housing having a chamber configured to hold a volume of pressurized combustible gas. Combustion of the gas occurs at an output nozzle. A filter is disposed between the output nozzle and fiber and is configured to radiate heat in the direction of the fiber, while preventing a combustion flame from contacting the fiber.

Abstract: A tool for removing threaded members, such as fasteners, damaged by corrosion or mechanical stress. The tool includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A generally annular body extends between the first and second ends and includes an inner wall. A drive engaging portion is positioned intermediate the first and second ends and is adapted for cooperating with a drive mechanism. A series of spiral flutes is formed along the inner wall of the annular body so as to provide a corresponding series of spiral crests extending along the inner wall. Proceeding from an end of the tool in a direction toward the drive engaging portion, the flutes and crests taper inward toward a central longitudinal axis extending through the annular body. When the tool is placed onto a fastener, the crests bite into an outer surface of the fastener to engage the fastener, thereby facilitating application of torque to the fastener to facilitate its removal.

Abstract: A hand tool for tightening or loosening a threaded cylindrical member relative to a corresponding threaded socket, including a generally rectangular wrench body which contains a generally circular opening for coaxially receiving the cylindrical member, a generally disk-shaped locking cam that is moveably connected with the wrench body for displacement between extended and retracted positions extending within and withdrawn from the circular opening, respectively, thereby clamping the threaded cylindrical member when the locking cam is extended into the circular opening, and a handle member operable when the cam is in the extended position to rotate the wrench body with the cylindrical member clamped thereto relative to the threaded socket.

Abstract: A security device and fastener is used in a security system and method. The device has a body portion with a base, an outer surface, a cylindrical cavity and an inner radial flange defining a bolt hole that is coaxial with the cavity. The sidewall of the cavity is sized to have reduced radial clearance between a standard bolt head and a standard wrench socket to prohibit removal of the bolt except with a specially configured socket. The fastener includes this device and a nut and bolt combination. The system includes the fastener and the specialty wrench tool. The security device can be formed as part of a fixture that is adapted to secure a sign to a support, such as a post. The method includes the steps of providing a security device as disclosed, providing a specialty socket and securing a plurality of items together therewith.

Abstract: A spanner comprises a box end that has an inner periphery consisting of a number of wall faces to define a first polygonal receiving space. Each wall face includes a groove defined therein. The grooves of the wall faces together define a second polygonal receiving space. At least one of the grooves includes a closed first end and an open second end.

Abstract: A screwdriver for driving collated screws including a slide body coupled to a housing for reciprocal displacement in a cycle including a retraction stroke and an extension stroke. A lever pivotably mounted to the slide body carries at one end a cam pin received in a cam slot in the housing with the other end of the lever advancing successive screws in the screwstrip, the cam slot having first and second camming surfaces for selective engagement by the cam pin to vary the relative positionning of the lever to be different for the same position if the slide body in the housing in the retraction strokes than in the extension stroke.

Abstract: There is provided a machine tool apparatus provided with coolant supply passages for supplying a coolant in tools or tool mounts for mounting the tools. An oil coated water droplet generator/mixer is connected to the beginning end of the coolant supply passages, and a spray port having a smaller inner diameter than that of the coolant supply passages is connected to the termination end of the coolant supply passages such that the oil coated water droplets generated in an atomized state by the oil coated droplet generator/mixer flow in a liquid state through a coolant supply passages while having a droplet shape on a surface of which in the greater part of oil coated water droplets an oil film is formed and are sprayed again in an atmized state from the spray port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cutting system including a protective sheet for protecting a cutting blade. The ultrasonic cutting system includes an ultrasonic cutting device, a base plate, and a protective device. The ultrasonic cutting device is configured to cut a material and includes a cutting blade. The base plate is configured to support the material during interaction with the cutting blade. The protective device includes a protective sheet routed over the base plate. During use of the ultrasonic cutting system, the material is routed over the protective sheet prior to interaction with the cutting blade, and the protective sheet is configured to decrease contact between the cutting blade and the base plate.