Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioning system including a duct having an intake passage through which outdoor air is induced and a discharge passage through which indoor air is discharged, suction and discharging fans respectively installed in the intake and discharge passages, a dehumidifier having a desiccant wheel rotatably mounted on an opening of the partition, a regenerating heater for heating air induced into the dehumidifier, a regenerating heat exchanger provided on the intake and discharge passages in the vicinity of an indoor side with reference to the dehumidifier to heat-exchange air flowing along the intake passage with air flowing along the discharge passage, and a heat pump provided on the duct to heat-exchange outdoor air that has passed through the regenerating heat exchanger and discharging the heat-exchanged air to an indoor space.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus provides for controlled delivery of fluids into a fluid system. The fluid delivery apparatus can allow a defined volume of fluid to be delivered to the fluid system cleanly, minimizing fluid waste and spillage.

Abstract: A method of continuous production of ice-solution suspension wherein the solution being continuously fed (7) to the processing zone (6) is overcooled; then, the turbulization (14) is performed in the overcooled solution; as a result, ice microcrystalls are formed in the solution; after that, the formed ice-solution suspension is removed (8) from the processing zone, in doing this, the said turbulization is chosen with such intensity that the formed ice microcrystalls mass transfer balance will be positive considering their adhesion on the internal surfaces in processing zone. An installation (1) for continuous production of ice-solution suspension is also described.

Abstract: A drink dispensing system having sets of faucet dispensers, ice storage bins adjacent to the sets of faucet dispensers, respectively, a common carbonator and circulation pumps associated with fluid circuits provide circulating flow through cold plates defining bottoms to the ice storage bins. Flow may be in parallel or in series to each of the separate stations. The circulating system is illustrated to be for the carbonated water supply while noncirculating supply systems provide noncarbonated water and syrup to the dispensing stations. Circulating systems for bar guns using a cold plate are also disclosed.

Abstract: Heat-exchanging devices for cooling or heating liquids in a bottle or can, which include in a first embodiment, an elongated cooling or heating tube having a tube bore filled with a refrigerant/heating fluid such as water and sealed at the top, with liquid flow openings provided in the tube, or in a tube connector attached to the tube above a tube seal. The tube or tube connector is fitted with a cap having internal threads for engaging the external threads of the bottle neck of the bottle into which the cooling tube is inserted. In second and third embodiments the insertable tube contains a pair of interconnected reservoirs containing liquids that will create an exothermic or endothermic reaction when mixed. A disc separating the liquids is ruptured by button action at the base of the tube to facilitate mixing of the liquids by gravity.

Abstract: To prevent heat transfer inhibition and an increase in pressure loss due to refrigerating machine oil discharged into a cycle, and to provide a compact and highly efficient refrigerating cycle apparatus using carbon dioxide gas (CO2).

Abstract: There are provided a compact and portable refrigerant recovery device which can easily recover a refrigerant present in a refrigeration circuit of a used-up household refrigerator or an extra-low temperature freezer which uses a low boiling point refrigerant at low costs, and a method for recovering a refrigerant by using the refrigerant recovery device. In the refrigerant recovery device comprising a refrigerant recovery tank which stores an activated carbon for adsorbing the refrigerant, the recovery tank is equipped with a detachable cap, and the activated carbon is wrapped in unwoven cloth finer than a grain diameter of the activated carbon, and stored in the recovery tank. The refrigerant recovery device is connected to the refrigeration circuit, a gas in the refrigerant recovery tank is vacuumed to be discharged before the refrigerant of the refrigeration circuit is recovered, and then the refrigerant is adsorbed on the activated carbon to be recovered.

Abstract: A structure for reducing a refrigerant flow loss in a compressor includes a refrigerant flow resistance reducing unit to reduce a refrigerant channel resistance at a lower surface of a rotor facing a compression mechanism unit. When the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compression mechanism unit flows to the discharge pipe through the refrigerant passage including the gap between the rotor and the stator of the electric mechanism unit, the flow resistance of the refrigerant gas is reduced. Therefore, since the refrigerant can flow smoothly, a flow loss of the refrigerant can be reduced and, as a noise generation is reduced, a reliability can be heightened.

Abstract: A vapor-compression refrigerant cycle system includes a first evaporator in which refrigerant is evaporated, a second evaporator in which refrigerant is evaporated at a pressure lower than that in the first evaporator, and a switching device for switching between a first circulation where the refrigerant is circulated to the first evaporator and a second circulation where the refrigerant is circulated to the second evaporator. When the switching device switches to the second circulation from the first circulation, a refrigerant circulation into the second evaporator is stopped until the refrigerant pressure in the second evaporator becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure. Therefore, the pressure in the second evaporator can be rapidly reduced. Further, when carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, the pressure in the second evaporator can be further rapidly reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for combining a navel ring and a logo portion are provided. In various embodiments, apparatus and methods are provided for combining a navel ring and a logo portion by altering the structure of a portion of a navel ring apparatus, such that it is suited to the engravement or attachment of a class or school logo portion. In other embodiments, apparatus and methods are provided for combining a navel ring and a logo portion by providing at least one intermediate attachment portion which enables a logo portion to be included with the navel ring.

Abstract: A microstructure for chemical processing and manufacture is disclosed. The microstructure includes a plurality of microchannel walls constructed of glass, ceramic, glass-ceramic or combinations of these materials, which define at least one microchannel for accommodating chemicals to be processed. At least one coating layer including a catalyst support and a catalyst is adhered to the plurality of microchannel walls. A method of manufacturing a microstructure for chemical processing and manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for masking glazing panels while leaving a peripheral region free of masking material. The method can include providing a masking material and applying the masking material to at least one major surface of the glazing panel. The glazing panel can be either a single glass pane or a multi-pane insulating glass unit. After application to at least one major surface, a laser can be used to describe a closed path on the major surface, thereby cutting or scoring the masking material through to the glass major surface. The path demarcates a central, masked region from a peripheral masked region of the glazing panel. In one method, the laser cuts a muntin bar pattern having several central regions. The laser power can be selected and/or adjusted such that the masking material is burned through, without damage to the underlying glass material and any coatings on the glass material.

Abstract: Methods for press molding a glass body, especially for optical applications, without additional grinding and polishing steps are described. One method is performed with a press mold having an upper mold part, a lower mold part and, if necessary or desired, a ring. In order to improve the quality of the products, especially glass bodies of larger diameters, a voltage is applied across the upper mold part and the lower mold part when the glass body is within the press mold and a pressing force is applied to the glass body when the temperature of the glass body matches the temperature of the press mold. Alternatively, in another method the press mold is cooled after it reaches a predetermined temperature and the pressing force is applied to the glass body in the mold after exceeding the sticking temperature (T0).

Abstract: An optical fiber drawing installation is equipped with an oscillating pulley that applies torsion to the fiber alternately in one rotation direction and then in the opposite direction. To control the torsion applied to the fiber, images are formed of the fiber and the pulley. The images are analyzed to determine the position of the fiber relative to the pulley. The torsion is calculated from the calculated position, on the assumption that the fiber rolls on the pulley.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making a cylindrical glass preform by outside vapor deposition. Initially, a glass soot stream is directed from a deposition burner to a tapered mandrel, as the mandrel rotates about its longitudinal axis and as the burner reciprocates longitudinally along the mandrel. Mounted at opposite ends of the mandrel are a tubular glass handle and a glass tube having a closed end. After deposition has been completed, the mandrel is removed, leaving a porous glass preform with a central aperture and with the glass handle and the glass tube located at its opposite ends. The porous preform then is dehydrated and sintered into a dense glass preform, which is placed in an elongation machine that heats the end of the preform carrying the closed glass tube, while a vacuum is drawn from the central aperture via the handle. This collapses the aperture and elongates the preform into a solid glass rod.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine comprising: a cabinet for forming an appearance; a tub fixed to an inner side of the cabinet and for storing washing water; a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for washing and dehydrating laundry; and a driving motor positioned at a rear side of the drum for generating a driving force by which the drum is rotated. The washing machine can increase washing capacity with maintaining an entire size thereof by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing a size of the cabinet.

Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed, in which a structure of transmitting power to a wobbler is improved. The outer tub is provided in a cabinet, an inner tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, and the wobbler is provided in the inner tub. A cylindrical dehydration shaft passes through the outer tub, and is connected to a bottom of the inner tub, and a wash shaft passes through inside of the dehydration shaft and the bottom of the inner tub. A motor rotates the wash shaft in a direction or in an opposite direction. A clutch assembly, operated according to a signal of a control unit, selectively transmits rotating force of the wash shaft to the dehydration shaft. A rotation guide having a flat section in spiral form is projected on the upper end of the wash shaft.

Abstract: A drum-type washing machine having a self-balancing outer tub assembly is provided by which balance of the outer tub assembly is maintained while the drum is rotated, without the use of a separately installed counterbalance for the front part of the tub assembly. The outer tub assembly includes a front outer tub having an open front and rear; and a rear outer tub having a closed end and an open end coupled to the front outer tub. The front outer tub is formed of a material having a specific gravity higher than that of the rear outer tub and/or has a thickness greater than that of the rear outer tub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drum-type washing machine provided with a plurality of vanes, each including two inclined side surfaces, which are concave, installed at an inner wall of a drum so that the laundry is easily caught on the inclined side surfaces while the caught laundry does not easily slip from the inclined side surfaces, lifted up a certain height by the rotation of the drum, and subsequently drops by its own weight, thereby increasing the agitation of the laundry and size of the contact surfaces of the inclined side surfaces with the laundry and the wash water and improving the washing and rinsing performance of the drum-type washing machine.

Abstract: A hopper for a laundry machine of the type having a rotating drum includes front, lower, and side walls which cooperatively define a structure having closed bottom and side surfaces, an open rear surface for being disposed in communication with the interior of the drum, and an upper hopper opening for receiving therethrough items for introduction into the drum. A splash shutter is disposed above the hopper opening. The shutter is movable between an open position wherein the hopper opening is exposed for receiving items therethrough, and a closed position wherein the hopper opening is covered for retaining the contents of the laundry machine.

Abstract: Locking systems for containers with closures. The locking systems have latches with a single actuator rod connected thereto. Locks are also provided. Opening the locks move the actuator rod. The latches can preferably be rotary latches, and the locks can be paddle handles connected to the latches or push button locks that move the actuator rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for composting organic material, in which method organic material is transported to a bioreactor (1) where it is mixed and where material for regulating the oxygen content and bacteria and/or enzymes for agitation of composting process are added to it, and where organic material may compost, after which the composted material is removed outside the bioreactor to be stabilized. The invention also relates to a device for composting organic material, which device includes a bioreactor (1) with at least one filling and emptying opening (12, 13, 17) in order to fill and empty the bioreactor, and a transporting device (2) mixing the material inside the bioreactor (1) in order to transport the organic material to be composted and to mix it inside the bioreactor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for angularly extruding a workpiece through a die to form blanks and articles having refined grain structure. The die is also used to form the workpiece to a desired shape, such as a cylinder. The angular extrusion method can be used in place of some heat treatments, thereby lowering the cost and time for manufacturing articles. The method is compatible with materials with high strength-to-weight ratios such as aluminum, titanium, and alloys thereof. The blanks can be used to form articles having favorable mechanical properties such as strength, toughness, formability, and resistance to fatigue, corrosion, and thermal stresses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically separating blanks from a copper strip (200) and coining heat spreader lids (400) from the blanks. A high speed blanking structure (208) severs single rectangular or square blanks (212) from the copper strip. The blanks are loaded into a cartridge (214), and placed in a blanks hopper (213). The blanks are transferred from the hopper to a rotatable turret (217). The turret rotates to move a blank to a coining die cavity of a coining press (305). The blank is coined to form a lid and returned to the turret to be delivered to an unload station where the lid is dropped onto a conveyor (310). The conveyor transports the lid to a deburr and clean station (610).

Abstract: A stripper-plate for a progressive die sets is provided including open-ended tubular guide bushings that project outwardly from at least one side. A first anti-friction bearing assembly is positioned within each of the guide bushings, and a second anti-friction bearing assembly is positioned on an outer surface of each of the guide bushings. A die set is also provided including an upper die shoe having a plurality of guide posts arranged in a pattern and projecting outwardly from a surface. A lower die shoe is arranged in confronting relation to the surface of the upper die shoe, and includes a first plurality of open ended tubular guide bushings positioned so as to each receive a corresponding one of the guide posts. A first anti-friction bearing assembly is positioned within each of the guide bushings. A stripper-plate is positioned between the upper die shoe and the lower die shoes, and includes a second plurality of open-ended tubular guide bushings each having an outer surface and an inner surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (2) for monitoring a thermodynamic parameter of a fluid in an industrial installation (1). The sensor (2) is connected to a measuring chain (4) or collecting and processing an electric signal emitted by the sensor (2). A perturbation of liquid origin is produced that acts on a sensitive element of the sensor (2), thereby altering the electric signal from the sensor (2). Said altered signal from the sensor (2) is collected and analysed using the measuring chain (4).

Abstract: Provided is an inspection method for a multilayer gas sensing device, capable of certainly and easily detecting a defective product originating from faults such as gaps or cracks. For the inspection of the gas sensing device including a sensor cell in which a measured gas side electrode is coated with a porous diffusion resistance layer in a stacked condition and the diffusion resistance layer is further coated with a dense protective layer in a stacked condition, in a state where the gas sensing device is immersed in a conductive inspection solution and a reference electrode of the sensor cell is placed into a non-contact with the solution, a voltage is applied between the solution and the reference electrode to measure a current flowing therebetween. On the basis of the measured current value, a decision is made as to whether or not the insulation is kept between the solution and the reference electrode.

Abstract: A compact, portable and NIST traceable pressure source dynamically generates very low pressures includes at least one adjustable valves in-line with a fluid, such as air, flowing through the valve. A differential pressure is created across a pressure control device downstream from the valve. The differential pressure varies depending on the volume of the gas flow and the amount of resistance to the gas flow. The pressure generating device utilizes a miniature pump to create a pressure, or, alternatively, a vacuum, that causes gas flow. The pressure generating device is compact and capable of providing a very low and stable differential pressure by using a dynamic flow that compensates for temperature changes and volume changes. The compact module may be configured as a plug-in module for existing handheld calibrators for operator ease of use.

Abstract: A device for determining the concentration of volatile constituents of motor oil is described.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided that determines fluid properties from vibration frequencies of a sample cavity. In one embodiment, the measurement device includes a sample flow tube, vibration source and detector mounted on the tube, and a measurement module. The sample flow tube receives a flow of sample fluid for characterization. The measurement module employs the vibration sources to generate vibrations in the tube. The measurement module combines the signals from the vibration detector on the tube to determine properties of the sample fluid, such as density, viscosity, compressibility, water fraction, and bubble size. The measurement module may further detect certain flow patterns such as slug flow, for example. To measure the sample fluid density, the measurement module determines the resonant frequency of the sample flow tube. The density can then be calculated according to a formula that compensates for the temperature and pressure of the system.

Abstract: In a gas permeability measurement method according to the present invention, an isotopic gas having a mass number different to that of a target gas for measurement is introduced into one of two spaces divided by a test piece, and the isotopic gas having permeated the test piece and transferred to another space is detected to thereby measure the permeability of the target gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection and alarm systems for predicting and detecting the location of spills, leaks, emissions, and/or pollution sources, i.e., unwanted fluid (liquid/gas) flow/escape, at refineries, e.g., oiland gas refineries, and plants, e.g., petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants, and avoiding said unwanted flow/escape. According to one embodiment, said system comprises at least one detector, at least one battery powered radio frequency transmitter, preferably, according to one embodiment, a 900 megahertz spread spectrum transmitter, and a central processing location which, according to one embodiment, is preferably capable of handling up to 3000 points in a single cell site.

Abstract: An improved and non-destructive test method and system utilizes ultrasound wave energy to automatically judge the sealing effectiveness of a sealed compartment such as the cabin of a motor vehicle or aircraft. An ultrasonic transmitter generates ultrasound energy of a specified frequency within the compartment, and one or more ultrasound sensors outside the volume detect the presence and amplitude of ultrasound energy at the specified frequency. Alternatively, the transmitter can be configured to generate ultrasound energy outside the compartment, and the sensors can be arranged to detect ultrasound energy within the compartment. The detected energy level is compared to a calibrated threshold, and a leak indication is generated if the threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for screening a library of material samples for a rheological property such as viscosity or elasticity. Accordingly, a library of material samples is can be provided in a substantially liquid form. The library is contacted with at least one probe for applying a stimulus to the material samples such as by moving the at least one probe within the samples. A response such as resistance to the motion of the probe is monitored and can be related to a rheological property of the samples.

Abstract: Scanning probe systems, which include scanning probe microscopes (SPMs), atomic force microscope (AFMs), or profilometers, are disclosed that use cantilevered spring (e.g., stressy metal) probes formed on transparent substrates. When released, a free end bends away from the substrate to form the cantilevered spring probe, which has an in-plane or out-of-plane tip at its free end. The spring probe is mounted in a scanning probe system and is used to scan or otherwise probe a substrate surface. The probes are used for topography, electrical, optical and thermal measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to sense the onset of combustion stability is presented. An electrode is positioned in a turbine combustion chamber such that the electrode is exposed to gases in the combustion chamber. A control module applies a voltage potential to the electrode and detects a combustion ionization signal and determines if there is an oscillation in the combustion ionization signal indicative of the occurrence of combustion stability or the onset of combustion instability. A second electrode held in a coplanar but spaced apart manner by an insulating member from the electrode provides a combustion ionization signal to the control module when the first electrode fails. The control module broadcasts a notice if the parameters indicate the combustion process is at the onset of combustion instability or broadcasts an alarm signal if the parameters indicate the combustion process is unstable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to sense the onset of combustion stability is presented. An electrode is positioned in a turbine combustion chamber such that the electrode is exposed to gases in the combustion chamber. The electrode may be integrated with an igniter. A control module applies a voltage potential to the electrode and detects a combustion ionization signal and determines if there is an oscillation in the combustion ionization signal indicative of the occurrence of combustion stability or the onset of combustion instability. The control module broadcasts a notice if the parameters indicate the combustion process is at the onset of combustion instability or broadcasts an alarm signal if the parameters indicate the combustion process is instable. Combustion parameters are adjusted to drive the combustion process towards stability.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system having a monitoring unit that receives the output of a transmitted pressure sensor through a receiving antenna, and compares the output with a predetermined value to determine whether the tire pressure is proper, and informs a result of the determination to an operator by an indicator or alarm section connected to an onboard battery through an ignition switch. In the system, an operating switch is installed in a vehicle compartment to be operable by the operator for supplying the operating power to the indicator by connecting it to the battery, while bypassing the ignition switch. Alternatively, a portable terminal device to be carried by the operator is connected to the monitoring unit in such a manner that the monitoring unit transmits the result of the determination to the portable terminal device to inform the result of the determination to the operator by a second indicator provided at the portable terminal device.

Abstract: A method of measuring resistivity values in relation to the azimuthal displacement of a measurement sensor displayed on a measurement-while-drilling device in a wellbore environment is disclosed. The present invention also provides an instantaneous reading of resistivity values. A resistivity sensor measures a volume having a circular cross-section, and whose center is the geometric center of the tool. Averaging removes measurement errors, such as those due to tool motion. Information on the formation resistivity is obtained as a function of the location of the center of the tool. A method of acoustic standoff determines offset of the drill tool and distances to walls. The operator gains knowledge of bedding layer formation and dip from azimuthal dependence of standoff and resistivity values.

Abstract: A method for correcting data signal errors in a meter has been developed. The method includes receiving ordered data signals from the meter. Next, the sequenced of ordered data signals is analyzed to determine whether a data signal is missing. Finally, if a data signal is missing, a predetermined value is added to a sequence counter to compensate for the missing signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mass flow controller for a control purge and a managing method of the same. When a user sets the mode to a control purge mode capable of controlling a maximum flowing amount for constantly maintaining a maximum flowing amount when performing a purge function after the user sets a purge function mode based on a purpose of use of a mass flow controller, a control circuit compares a set value of a flowing amount inputted based on a user's selection with a previously set threshold value and controls a valve for constantly maintaining a maximum flowing amount by switching to a gain resistor for a purge mode having a gain value capable of performing a purge function and controls a valve for thereby accurately controlling a small flowing amount by switching to a gain resistor for a common control mode having a gain value capable of performing a common control function.

Abstract: A microvalve having a cast-in-place and lithographically shaped mobile, polymer monolith for fluid flow control in microfluidic devices and method of manufacture. The microvalve contains a porous fluorinated polymer monolithic element whose pores are filled with an electrically insulating, high dielectric strength fluid, typically a perfluorinated liquid. This combination provides a microvalve that combines high dielectric strength with extremely low electrical conductivity. These microvalves have been shown to have resistivities of at least 100 G&OHgr; and are compatible with solvents such as water at a pH between 2.7 and 9.0, 1-1 propanol, acetonitrile, and acetone.

Abstract: A low-water cut-off system [A] determines if fluid [W] within a boiler or other enclosure drops below a predetermined level within the enclosure. A signal generator introduces a signal into the enclosure so that the signal is present for sensing at the predetermined level, where a probe is provided for sensing the signal if present as occurs if the water is at the predetermined level. A control, which includes a microcontroller, is responsive to the probe for providing a control function in response to whether the signal is so sensed by the probe, and so to determine if water has dropped below the predetermined level. The function may be causing alarm signalling or boiler heating cut-off. Self-test and time delay features are also included. Provision is made so that the control compensates for variation in electrical conductivity of the water through which the probe signal is sent, including circuitry to adjust for a wide range of possible purity levels.

Abstract: A rotational rate sensor having a substrate and a Coriolis element is proposed, the Coriolis element being situated over a surface of a substrate; a driving arrangement being provided, by which the Coriolis element is induced to vibrations parallel to a first axis; a detection arrangement being provided, by which an excursion of the Coriolis elements is detectable on the basis of a Coriolis force in a second axis that is provided to be essentially perpendicular to the first axis; the first and second axis being parallel to the surface of the substrate; sensor elements that are designated to be at least partially movable with respect to the substrate being provided; a force-conveying arrangement being provided; the force-conveying arrangement being provided to convey a static force effect between the substrate and at least one of the sensor elements.

Abstract: A micromachined angle measuring gyroscope using a dual mass architecture measures angular positions rather than angular rates. The invention decouples the effects of drive and sense through the use of a dual mass architecture, and is comprised of a single lumped drive mass, which is structurally coupled to a second lumped slave mass, where the drive mass is electrostatically driven at the first resonant frequency the system using parallel plate electrodes. The slave mass is driven to higher amplitudes than the drive mass. In the presence of rotation, the line of oscillation in both masses precesses, which is easily detectable in the slave mass due to the amplified motion, and is exactly equal to the angle of rotation. The two illustrated embodiments are z-axis realizations of this principle, where the first device uses an inner drive/outer sense architecture and the second uses an outer drive/inner sense architecture.

Abstract: A speed sensor for a marine vessel includes a correction circuit to correct any sensor non-linearities so that the sensor produces an output with a pulse stream having a constant pulse rate, and reduces the pulse-to-pulse variations of the pulse stream. The circuit can standardize the pulse stream to have a frequency corresponding to a standard rate.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor in which a regulation plate is fixed with adhesive onto a support frame of a sensor chip of the sensor to limit the movement of a mass portion of the sensor chip within a predetermined gap range. In the acceleration sensor, the adhesion area of the adhesive can be controlled to a predetermined value to prevent a variation of the sensitivity due to the variation of the adhesion area. The sensor chip comprises the mass portion, the frame surrounding the mass portion and having on an upper surface of the frame a plurality of the recesses to fill adhesive into, elastic support arms bridging the mass portion and the frame, and strain gauges formed on the elastic support arms. The regulation plate is fixed with paste onto the frame with the predetermined gap with an upper surface of the mass portion. The paste contains hard plastic balls, of a diameter larger than the predetermined gap, mixed with adhesive. The adhesive is preferably of silicon-rubber resin.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor is disclosed that has a structure in which elastic support arms are not broken even if subjected to an impact that may be caused during a usual handling. The acceleration sensor comprises a mass portion, a mass portion top plate fixed onto the mass portion, a rectangular thick support frame surrounding the mass portion, a frame top plate fixed onto the frame, and four elastic support arms hanging the mass portion in the center of the frame and bridging the mass portion top plate and the frame top plate. There are provided lateral grooves just below the support arms on side surfaces of the mass portion and on inner side surfaces of the frame. Due to the grooves, the mass portion top plate and the frame top plate have their portions bonded to the mass portion/the frame and their portions protruding toward the support arms. Cross sections on boundaries between the bonded portions and the protruding portions are larger than those connecting the protruding portions to the support arms.

Abstract: A nondestructive method of and apparatus for detecting degradation of reinforcing members embedded within a structure is disclosed. Degradation can arise from many sources, such as corrosion, fracture, cracking, fatigue, chemical reaction, etc. The device includes an inducing instrument(210) to induce a vibration of the reinforcing members (110)and a measuring device (220) to detect the vibration of the reinforcing members. The measurement is analyzed to detect the presence of reinforcing member degradation or reinforcing member-to-concrete bonding. The device may include a controller (230) to enhance the detection. The device may also include an amplifier (240) to further increase the energy in the waves imparted to the structure and the acoustic waves detected by the measuring instrument.