Abstract: The invention relates to a bendable or vaulting support structure in a bending section or bending and tempering section for glass sheets or panels. The support structure comprises a plurality of support arms (10), which are attached by pivotal joints (7) to each other for a vaulting bridge. Each support arm (1()) includes a bracket member (6) protruding from between two pivotal joints (7). Between the bracket members (6) is provided a guide lever mechanism, which directs bending or vaulting of the support structure with a constant-radius curvature. The guide lever mechanism is established by levers (11, 12, 13) set in a Z-pattern and provided with five pivotal joints (1-5), three (1, 4, 5) of which engage with the bracket members (6), and two articulated axles (2, 3) present therebetween, which connect the lever arms (11, 12, 13) to each other, are capable of moving relative to the bracket members (6).

Abstract: A glass tempering furnace having a chamber, rollers extending laterally within a chamber to form a transport surface for the plate glass, radiant coils positioned along the bottom of the chamber underneath the rollers, a plurality of spaced nozzle assemblies arranged in lateral side-by-side fashion within the chamber above the rollers, and fans coupled to the nozzle assemblies to draw heated air from the chamber and force the heated air onto the top surface of the plate glass. Heating elements, preferably electrically heated rods, extend between each of the nozzle assemblies and are positioned within the return path of the heated air after it is flowed onto the plate glass surface. The air then rebounds from the glass plate prior to the air again being drawn up into the fan and blown back down onto the glass. Air is then again drawn from the furnace chamber and forced through ducting to a nozzle assembly.

Abstract: The deposition of glass particulate material on a glass rod having a core is performed using a multi-burner multi-layer deposition in the following manner. The distribution of target jacketing ratios (the ratios of diameter of a consolidated optical fiber preform to diameter of the glass rod) of an optical fiber preform, whereby optical fibers of desired characteristics can be produced, is determined in the longitudinal direction of the glass rod. Based on the target ratio distribution in the longitudinal direction of the glass rod, the amount of the glass particulate material supplied from each burner to each point is adjusted to make a porous preform. Thus, an optical fiber preform obtained by clarifying the porous preform has a small variation in divergence ratio in the longitudinal direction, the divergence ratio being defined as the ratio of target jacketing ratio to jacketing ratio of the resulting preform.

Abstract: A mesh (36) is placed around a bundle (32) of fused glass fibers. The bundle is then immersed in a leaching bath (44). The ends of the bundle are protected from the bath fluid by furrules (34). Some of the glass of the bundle is leached out, so as to provide a flexible fiber bundle.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide improved texture of right and left marginal parts formed to extend along an open part of knitwear knitted in a tubular form, such as a cardigan and a vest with open part. The invention provide a method for producing a tubular fabric wherein a vertically extending open part (2) is formed and right and left marginal parts (21, 22) extending along the open part (2) are arranged in two layers to overlap each other when wearing by using a flat knitting machine.

Abstract: A loop of a row of binding-off loops is formed with finer yarn than yarn used in a rib knitted fabric part. Also, a binding-off loop of the row of binding-off loops formed following a final loop of an odd wale of a knitted fabric at an end thereof and the binding-off loop of the row of binding-off loops formed following a final loop of an even wale of the knitted fabric are overlapped with the adjacent final loops on the underside thereof and also the binding-off loop formed following the final loop of the odd wale and the binding-off loop formed following the final loop of the even wale are intersected with each other. This can prevent the binding-off loops different in orientation from coming out in the bound off part, thus enabling the bound off part to be formed in a similar appearance to the set-up part.

Abstract: A tongue (67) is provided, at a front end thereof, with a drop-loop preventing step (79), and the hook (11) is provided, on an outer edge portion thereof extending from a sharp-pointed tip (27) of the hook to a top (29) of the hook, with a loop escape surface (31) to hide the drop-loop preventing step (79) when the hook (11) is closed by the tongue (67). In addition, the front end of the tongue is lowered so that a height between a bottom of the needle body and a top of the drop-loop preventing step (79) is lowered more when the slider is in a knock-over position than before the slider arrives at the knock-over position and also the top of the drop-loop preventing step (79) positioned at the knocked-over position can be positioned at a lower level than the top (29) of the hook. This can allow can allow a further smooth knock-over of the loop without negative effects on the yarn feed requirements for the capture of the yarn by the needle hook.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for machine knitting with at least one continuous thread, in which the thread is passed through an existing stitch in the form of a loop, by means of the hook of a knitting or working needle to form a new stitch, whereby the knitting or working needle comprises a slot below the needle hook, into which a downwards-pointing transfer hook, which may be moved in the vertical direction, may extend. The transfer hook extends into the slot by means of a simultaneous controlled transverse movement, or the transfer hook forms the end of a moving lever, the other end of which is in the form of a control foot, the bearing of which is in the form of a dog which engages the groove of the lever and presses the control foot outwards in the control track by means of a flat spring. The above permits in a simple and secure manner smaller knitting sizes on knitting than for all other conventionally applied techniques.

Abstract: A yarn carrier 1 is capable of being engaged with a pin 4 protruding from a carriage 3 at two engagement points 8, 9 separated by a delay amount &Dgr;L with respect to a center 1a, respectively. Assuming that the carriage 3 approaches from the right with the pin 4 protruding in order to select and haul the yarn carrier 1 stationary on a yarn guide rail 2, the tip of the pin 4 is guided on a guide portion 11b of an oscillating piece 11, and a tip portion 11c prevents engagement with the engagement point 9 by making oscillation displacement about a shaft 11a. The pin 4 is guided to the engagement point 8 by guide portions 13a, 12a of oscillating plates 13, 12, and abuts on a tip portion 10c of an oscillating piece 10, which is engaged with the front side of the pin 4. The oscillating plate 12 also departs from the pin 4, and a tip portion 12c ascends to be engaged with the rear side of the pin 4.

Abstract: An irrigation system (10) for conveying a fluid to a region (A) is provided. The irrigation system (10) comprises a main irrigation portion (16) having an end irrigator span (44). A corner irrigator span (42) extends radially from the end irrigator span (44). A control system (90) controls movement of the corner irrigator span (42). The control system (90) includes a linear movement control system (92) to control a corner drive unit (72) of the corner irrigator span (42) and a steering control system (94) controls a steering unit (74) of the corner irrigator span (42). The steering control system (94) includes a controller (100) that receives control signals from four electrical generators (102,104,106,108) to control the steering unit (74) such that the corner irrigator span (42) follows along an outer boundary (B) of the region (A).

Abstract: Usually disposed in the top region of a household laundry machine is a drawer that is intended for accommodating detergents or condensate and is connected to a three-dimensional grip plate at the front. During operation of the machine, the grip plate is inserted in a recess of an operating panel, which is disposed at least more or less flush with the surface of the front side of the machine. For childproof locking, a latching edge is provided on the frame of the recess, and a catch, which is retained in the latching position by a spring, is disposed in the rear cavity of the grip plate. By virtue of an arresting device, the catch can be retained outside the latching position if an arresting slide is located in an arresting position.

Abstract: A tamper resistant padlock including a lock housing having a surface defining a bore having an inner surface. A shackle has first and second legs and is moveable between a first position, in which the first and second legs are located within the lock housing with the second leg being disposed in the bore, and a second position, in which the second leg is separated from the bore of the lock housing. A shield is disposed around the second leg. Wherein when the shackle is in the first position, a portion of the shield is proximate to the surface of the lock housing to essentially cover at least a portion of any gap between the inner surface of the bore and the second leg of the shackle.

Abstract: In a lock of information reproducer for car, when a passenger or a driver stays in a car, in more detail, only when a car key is inserted into a car key holder (power of the car is ON), an information reproducer can be detached from a contact support unit, when the key is taken out of the key holder, the information reproducer can not be detached from the contact support unit, and accordingly theft of the information reproducer can be efficiently prevented in parking.

Abstract: A securing device, comprising: at least one fastening device for engaging a screw hole; a lock mechanism to be switched between an unlocked state and a locked state, and for enveloping the at least one fastening device to assume the locked state, such that the at least one fastening device cannot be detached from the screw hole; and a cable, having an end fixed to the lock mechanism and another end to be connected to a fixture. Based on such disclosures, further disclosed is a securing device adapted for securing a connector, where a covering member for covering the connector is provided to the fastening device, such that when the fastening device engages screw holes at an outer periphery of the connector housing, the covering member covers the connector such that the connector cannot be used.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless, slam installation.

Abstract: The combination of a wheeled vehicle with a power source and a security system for the wheeled vehicle. The security system has an elongate bar secured to a support and a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly has a secured state wherein the connecting assembly cannot be separated from the elongate bar and is releasably attached to the wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: A latch assembly (100) releases a closure structure (12) of a motor vehicle (10). The latch assembly includes a latch housing (37). A latch (28) for releasing the closure structure (12), allowing the closure structure to move toward an open position, is housed within the latch housing. A voltage regulator (46) is electrically connected to the latch (28) and provides power to the latch (28). Also, the latch assembly includes a microprocessor (44) that is electrically connected to the voltage regulator (46) to receive the power supplied by the voltage regulator, wherein the microprocessor (44) and the voltage regulator (46) are housed within the latch housing (37).

Abstract: A universal key cap for receiving the head of a key, where the key includes a key head portion with edged segments and an extending shank portion, including a pair of spaced-apart planar walls in close proximity to each other for developing a tight frictional fit against the key head portion, wherein the pair of spaced-apart planar walls includes an inner and an outer surface and an outer periphery which are joined together by a rind for providing a full cover over the key head, the rind having an inner and outer surface; wherein the cap forms a slot at the bottom of the cap between the walls into which the key head can be inserted, a hollow chamber formed between the pair of spaced-apart planar walls and the rind for providing sufficient internal volume to receive the head portion of the key in close confronting relationship therewith, and edged segments molded on the inner surface of the rind wherein the edged segments register with at least one of the edged segments of the key head portion.

Abstract: A bending sequence and bending die proposing apparatus for a sheet metal part, includes: means for storing a development drawing of the sheet metal part; means for detecting a plurality of bending sequence candidates capable of manufacturing the sheet metal part, and bending die candidates to be used in the respective bending steps in the respective bending sequence candidates, based on the development drawing; and means for displaying the plurality of bending sequence candidates. The display includes information representing the number of stages in the respective bending sequence candidates.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for spinning circumferential articles with constant length end surfaces. The article is first spun to define the circumferential surface, and a mandrel is then introduced, whereby the mandrel has a shoulder positionable adjacent to the end surfaces. The end surfaces, while supported by the mandrel, are further spun, and the material is flow formed into the shoulder, to define a constant and defined length to the article.

Abstract: A keyless tooling system for the production of continuous seam-welded tubes is disclosed wherein the tube forming rolls are selectively held in fixed position on supporting spindles by an expandable tapered bushing. The bushing may be caused to move to permit contraction in annular dimension facilitating the removal of the associated forming roll during a mill changeover.

Abstract: A seam closing apparatus for use in sealing a duct seam having an outwardly extending sealing portion and a lower fold includes a handle portion having a power actuation trigger and a first roller for engaging the outwardly extending sealing portion of the duct seam. A second roller is also provided for engaging the lower fold of the duct seam. Operation of the power actuation trigger causes the first roller to rotate in a first direction, thereby flattening the outwardly extending sealing portion of the duct seam.

Abstract: A crimping tool including a frame, a die fixedly and non-pivotally supported by the frame, a punch arm pivotally mounted on the frame, a mating die affixed to the punch arm, and an actuator interconnected to the punch arm for moving the mating die between a first position in which the mating die engages the die and a second position in which the mating die is spaced from the die. The mating die is a male die having a generally triangular cross section.

Abstract: A closed forging method for producing a forged product includes preparing as a forging material a cylindrical cast ingot that has a volume the same as the volume of a forged product and assumes a shape having an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface and containing no angular portion; and applying pressure to the side surface of the forging material. The shape has a ratio of the lateral length of a projection profile of the forging material as viewed in the direction perpendicular to the direction of pressure application to a length of the forging material as measured in the direction of pressure application is 1 or less. The forged product obtained is a preform of an upper arm or a lower arm with a plurality of branches that is a suspension part for a vehicle or a yoke with a plurality of branches that is a joint part employed in a vehicle suspension. The preform or yoke has metal flow lines along each branch and exhibits enhanced mechanical strength.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming corrugated contours in a sheet are provided. The apparatus includes at least three pairs of elongate dies that extend in a longitudinal direction. Each pair of dies is generally parallel and defines a nip therebetween so that the sheet can be moved successively through the nips. At least one actuator is configured to actuate each pair of dies in successively opposed directions generally perpendicular to a direction of motion of the sheet to thereby form the contours in the sheet. Further, each pair of dies is adjustable in a transverse direction generally parallel to the direction of motion of the sheet so that an offset distance between each successive pair of dies can be adjusted.

Abstract: A sensor with a protective barrier on a noble metal filter. The barrier protects the noble metal filter from catalytic poisons and any overdose of target particles. The barrier may be a polymer or non-polymer.

Abstract: A focusing device for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in the gaseous phase, comprising a support structure, a container for said organic compounds, a cooling element and a heating element for their transfer to the analysis system, characterized in that said cooling element and said heating element are positioned in two separate regions of said support structure and form a single block movable relative to said container.

Abstract: A gas detector having an intake to let in the gas to be detected and detecting the gas let in through the intake by a gas sensor, in which a porous film is horizontally arranged over the gas intake, in order to prevent the gas permeability of the porous film from being affected by water, oil and/or dust riding on the porous film, wherein a water-repellant and oil-repellant porous film is horizontally provided in a stretched state over the upper end of the intake, and the outside of the outer circumferential edge of the porous film is so structured as to allow liquid on the porous film to fall externally.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a lubricating oil circulation system provides estimates of the distance remaining before an oil change becomes imperative. An indirect estimate of the depletion of various additives and the deterioration of oil operating characteristics is based on engine operating variables including oil temperature, ignition timing and engine load. The limit of depletion of total base number is dynamic, since it is set against total acid number and the two figures are independently calculated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature rheometer, a parallel rheometer, and improved force sensor elements which may advantageously be used in combination with the miniature rheometer and the parallel rheometer. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. The miniature rheometer comprises an actuating element, a sensing element and a feedback circuit to provide rebalance of the shear force applied by the sample to the sensing element, which insures an exceptional stiffness in determining the shear strain so as to allow measurements of high accuracy. The parallel rheometer of the present invention allows simultaneous measurements of a plurality of samples so as to allow of a plurality of samples within a short time period. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: A mobile phase collection device for increasing the total collectible volume of a liquid fraction that is collected in supercritical fluid chromatography or liquid chromatography includes a collection vessel assembly that is suitable for increasing the total collectable volume of a liquid phase fraction while using a relatively smaller collection vessel. A vessel extender is attached to an attachment end of a relatively smaller collection vessel, resulting in the ability to increase the total volumetric size of a collection vessel. The extended vessel assembly can be used throughout an entire purification and dry down process.

Abstract: A particle diffusion coefficient measuring device is provided with a hollow-fiber including micropores on its surface. The hollow-fiber provides a passage for particle suspension to transport through. The device is also provided with a fluid passage formed outside the hollow-fiber to communicate with the hollow-fiber via the micropores. The fluid passage provides a passage for an electrolyte solution to transport through in such a manner that the electrolyte solution is delivered to flow in the same direction as that of the particle suspension and is discharged from the fluid passage. The device detects a concentration change of the particles in the electrolyte solution discharged out of the fluid passage over a time change and calculates a particle diffusion coefficient by using the concentration change of the particles over the time change.

Abstract: The problem of the present invention is to provide an SPM capable of improving stability of operation when measuring various physical quantities and improving measurement sensitivity, reproducibility of measurement values and quanttitativity by providing a system capable of optimally controlling a Q value in the vicinity of resonance of a cantilever under changing environmental conditions with a dynamically driven SPM. In order to achieve this object, a dynamically driven SPM of the present invention comprises extraction means for extracting speed from a vibration detection signal of a cantilever, a variable amplifier for adjusting gain of the signal, and an adder for superimposing an output signal of the variable amplifier with an output signal of an oscillator normally occurring in a dynamically driven method for forcing a cantilever to be oscillated by piezoelectric means etc.

Abstract: In a rotary sensor according to the present invention, when a casing expands or contracts by changes in the external environment, relative sliding operation is performed between a rotator and a first elastic member in an axial direction of a drive shaft, so that a gap between the rotator and an insulating substrate need not change during expansion or contraction of the casing due to the external environment and/or during the movement of the drive shaft in the axial direction. Hence, the position of a sliding contact contacting a resistor pattern does not change so as to have excellent performances while when the drive shaft rapidly rotates, the first elastic member cannot be twisted, preventing the rotator from delaying the rotational transmission so as to have the excellent followingness of the rotator to the drive shaft.

Abstract: Determining the in situ effective mobility of a formation layer comprises selecting a location in the formation layer; lowering in the borehole traversing the formation layer a tool that comprises a central conduit having an inlet and being provided with a pressure sensor, a fluid receptacle having an inlet opening into the central conduit. a fluid analyser, and means for discharging fluid; making an exclusive fluid communication between the formation and the inlet of the central conduit; allowing formation fluid to pass through the central conduit, analysing the fluid, allowing the formation fluid to enter into the fluid receptacle when the fluid is the substantially uncontaminated formation fluid, and measuring the pressure build-up: and determining the effective mobility from the pressure build-up.

Abstract: A liquid in pipeline and liquid level detection and warning system and some of its applications are provided. The liquid in pipeline and liquid level detection and warning system is incorporated into a liquid delivery unit. The liquid delivery unit includes a pipeline serially linking a liquid tank, a buffer tank and liquid outlet element. A drainage unit is also positioned under the outlet element for collecting redundant liquid. The warning and detection system includes a liquid in pipeline warning system and a liquid level warning system. The liquid in pipeline warning system has a first liquid in pipeline sensor installed on the pipeline between the buffer tank and the outlet element and a second liquid in pipeline sensor installed on the pipeline between the liquid tank and the buffer tank. The liquid level warning system has a first and a second liquid level sensor installed on the drainage unit such that the second liquid level sensor is positioned below the first liquid level sensor.

Abstract: The present invention includes a level detector having a collimator being operable to block first electromagnetic radiation having a first range of orientations with respect to the level detector from passing through. The collimator is further operable to allow second electromagnetic radiation having a second range of orientations with respect to the level detector to pass through. The level detector includes a sensor that is positioned, with respect to the collimator, such that the sensor is operable to detect magnitudes of the second electromagnetic radiation. The sensor may be further operable to convert incident photon flux associated with the second electromagnetic radiation to electrical signals. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the level detector includes an electronic unit that is operable to detect a radiation step in the second electromagnetic radiation, based upon changes in the magnitudes of the second electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented cylindrical tide staff system [11] for erection at remote areas for dynamic calibration of electronic tide meters and computer models of tides, said tide staff system consisting of plurality of cylindrical tubes [12], said cylindrical tube being coupled to a flange [13] at its end through a circular orthogonal hole [20] drilled on a flat surface of the flange, said flange being provided with plurality of equally spaced slots [15] drilled on the flat surface of the flange, an outwardly protruding tide indicating arm [14] being mounted on the flange wherein said tide indicating arm consists of two mutually orthogonal planes [22] and [23], wherein plane [22] is perpendicular to the axis of the tide staff and plane [23] is parallel to the axis of the tide staff, said perpendicular plane [22] being provided with a mounting terminal [21] and a circular

Abstract: A device for establishing and/or monitoring a predetermined fill level in a container is provided, which also operates stably in liquids with surface waves, which includes: a mechanical oscillatory structure placed at the height of the predetermined fill level, an electromechanical transducer (9), which in operation excites the oscillatory structure to resonance oscillations, and a receiver- and evaluation-unit (13), which serves for determining from the resonance oscillation whether the predetermined fill level has been reached, or not, in which a shape of the oscillatory structure is so constructed that the resonance frequency changes only slowly with immersion depth in the case of immersion in the region of the predetermined fill level.

Abstract: A level gauge (1) for measuring the amount of liquid in a tank, such as a ground tank (19) containing fuel (21, is disclosed. The level gauge (10 comprises a probe (2) having a pressure sensor based on registration of hydrostatic pressure differential between the liquid and the tank atmosphere. The probe (2) is submersed in the liquid and is located adjacent to the bottom of the tank. The probe (2) is in tank atmospheric communication with an air trap (4), which is located in the tank atmosphere above the surface of the body of liquid.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting the level of fluid in a container is provided. The level meter includes first, second and third generally parallel probes being positioned within the container. The first probe includes a first portion that is at least partially covered by an insulating material, and a second generally exposed end. The second probe is generally free of the insulating material and the third probe provides an electrical ground. An electronic unit is operable to measure electrical characteristics of the first and second probes to determine an amount of the second probe which is exposed to a fluid within the container.

Abstract: A probe is described, that complies to high standards of hygiene, comprising: a process connection (1, 51), a metal rod (3) comprising a first end of the rod (3) connected to the process connection (1, 51), a first gasket (13) provided between the process connection (1, 51) and the rod (3) forming a seal between the rod (3) and the process connection (1, 51), and a cylinder (35), which is located between the process connection (1, 51) and the rod (3), which is surrounded by the first gasket (13), and which defines a minimal distance between the process connection (1) and the rod (3), the minimal distance ensuring a defined compression force exerted on the first gasket (13).

Abstract: A method for estimating the longitudinal velocity of a vehicle generally comprises the steps of determining whether the vehicle has a lateral acceleration greater than a predetermined value, and then setting the estimate of longitudinal velocity based on the velocity of the wheel having the highest normal force when the vehicle does have a lateral acceleration greater than the predetermined value. The predetermined value is preferably set to reflect the vehicle being in a curve driving situation. The method may further comprise the step of determining whether the vehicle has had a lateral acceleration greater than the predetermined value within a predetermined amount of time. Preferably, when the vehicle is not currently but has had a lateral acceleration greater than the predetermined value within the predetermined amount of time, the estimate of longitudinal velocity is set based on an integration of the vehicle's longitudinal acceleration over time.

Abstract: A capacitance type acceleration sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a weight portion supported with the substrate through a spring portion, a movable electrode integrated with the weight portion, and a fixed electrode cantilevered with the substrate. The movable electrode is displaced along with a facing surface of the movable electrode in accordance with acceleration. The facing surface of the movable electrode faces a facing surface of the fixed electrode so as to provide a capacitor. The capacitance of the capacitor changes in accordance with a displacement of the movable electrode so that an outer circuit detects the acceleration as a capacitance change. Each facing surface of the movable and fixed electrodes has a concavity and convexity portion for increasing the capacitance change.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor element for recording the bonding of molecules to the micromechanical sensor element. The sensor element having a substrate and at least one electrical terminal. There is also an oscillatable element that is coupled to the electrical terminal in such a manner that an electrical variable that characterizes the oscillation behavior of the oscillatable element may be provided at the electrical terminal. Further, there is a molecule coupling layer, arranged in such a manner that molecules may bond to the molecule coupling layer. The molecule coupling layer is coupled to the oscillatable element in such a manner that bonding of molecules to the molecule coupling layer causes a change in the oscillation behavior of the oscillation element.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the speed of sound in a gas. The sensor has a helical coil, through which the gas flows before entering an inner chamber. Flow through the coil brings the gas into thermal equilibrium with the test chamber body. After the gas enters the chamber, a transducer produces an ultrasonic pulse, which is reflected from each of two faces of a target. The time difference between the two reflected signals is used to determine the speed of sound in the gas.

Abstract: There is described apparatus for inspecting a non axi-symmetric elongate body comprising: at least one exciter array having a plurality of wave exciters operable to couple to an exterior surface of said elongate body; a driver unit operable to generate driving signals to excite said plurality of wave exciters wherein each driving signal to a respective wave exciter of said array is weighted with respect to driving signals to other wave exciters in said array such that a guided acoustic wave mode is excited; a receiving unit having a plurality of wave exciters in said array such that a guided acoustic wave mode is excited; a receiving unit having a plurality of wave receivers capable of receiving reflected guided acoustic waves; an analysis unit operable to analyse received waves to assess a condition of said non axi-symmetric elongate body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a DFB fiber laser sensor (1). A measurement quantity makes it possible to induce a linear birefringence between mode pairs of the laser-amplifying fiber (2) and to measure an associated beat frequency (&Dgr;&ngr;1, &Dgr;&ngr;2, &Dgr;&ngr;3). According to the invention, the laser-amplifying fiber (2) has a nonrotationally symmetrical structure, so that it is possible to detect isotropic pressures p, acoustic waves or chemical substances that can be added radially to the laser-amplifying fiber (2). In a second aspect of the invention, an emission wavelength range and parameters (a, b, &Dgr;N) of the laser-amplifying fiber (2) and also a grating period L of the fiber Bragg grating resonator (3) are coordinated with one another such that at least two different spatial modes (LP01, LP11even, LP11odd, LP21even) are propagatable and it is possible to measure beat frequencies (&Dgr;&ngr;1, &Dgr;&ngr;2, &Dgr;&ngr;3) between oscillatory longitudinal laser modes assigned to them.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic pressure sensor has an axially sensitive canister responsive to pressure induced tension. The sensor may have axially or circumferentially sensitive sensing structure. The pressure of a sense medium may be indirectly coupled to the interior of the chamber through an isolating member or medium. A reference structure may be provided for comparison with the sensing structure.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprises a Bourdon tube, a magnetic component and a GMR sensor. The Bourdon tube comprises a base, a tube attached to the base and a mechanical linkage converting movement of the tube into rotational movement of a shaft. The magnetic component is mounted to the shaft. The magnetic component emits a magnetic field. The GMR sensor is mounted relative to the magnetic component and is arranged to detect rotational movement of the magnetic component. The GMR sensor is adapted to output an electrical signal representative of rotation of said magnetic component.