Abstract: A damping material for an ultrasonic transducer system includes a spreadable matrix and a plurality of particles is suspended in the spreadable matrix, forming a coating that dissipates ultrasonic energy to dampen noise and reduce crosstalk allowing ultrasonic measurement of gas using clamp-on transducers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing remote detection of physiological activity are described. One aspect of the invention involves obtaining information concerning respiration and heart function. In one embodiment, the invention includes a source containing an oscillator configured to illuminate the subject with electromagnetic signal beam and a receiver configured to observe changes in the amplitude of the electromagnetic signal reflected by the subject.

Abstract: A differential pressure indicator has a housing with at least two ports in the housing. One port receives a first pressure, and the second port receives a second pressure. A pressure resistive device is placed between the first port and the second port. The pressure resistive device changes its position when the first pressure exceeds the second pressure by a predetermined amount. A magnet is coupled to the pressure resistive device. A digital displacement sensor senses the position of the magnet. The digital displacement sensor is in communication with an electronic indicator. The electronic indicator activates when the first pressure exceeds the second pressure by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating adhesive failure of sealant joints. Useful for determination of the quality of sealant joints in structures, especially curtain wall buildings. A substantially constant pressure probe is utilized to displace roughly a middle third of a sealant bead that is located along a sealant joint having longitudinal axis and spanning a gap between adjacent substrates, using a predetermined force calibrated to provide a preselected elongation of a particular type of sealant. The testing apparatus has a frame, a first fluid cylinder having an first end wall, a first tubular cylinder wall, a first piston, and a first shaft. The first shaft is response to movement of the first piston. The first shaft has a probe affixed thereto.

Abstract: The invention consists in a capacitative electromagnetic flow meter in which excitation is performed at a frequency above the commercially available frequency and having a characteristic correction filter that corrects the gain frequency characteristic of the exciting current such that the exciting flux waveform has a flat section. In the detection unit, the value of the electrostatic capacitance between the face electrodes 4A, 4B and guard electrodes 5A, 5B is made smaller than the value of the electrostatic capacitance between the detecting face electrodes 4A, 4B and the fluid to be measured. The exciting coils are fixed to a cylindrical yoke, being electrostatically screened by coil fixing plates. Fixing by an earth ring is performed with this cylindrical yoke and the two ends of the measurement tube being symmetrical with respect to the tube axis and electrode axes. In addition, fixing is effected by filling the entire interior of the detection unit with epoxy resin.

Abstract: A method for measuring liquid flow, comprising the steps of delivering the liquid into a measuring cell having a measuring slot with at least one isolated electrode and at least two non-isolated electrodes, inducing fluctuations in the liquid flowing in the measuring slot, measuring electrical capacitance and electrical phase shifts correlated with the fluctuations, as well as a conductivity of the liquid, and obtaining flow parameters of the liquid from the electrical parameters. An apparatus for measuring the properties of a flowing liquid, comprising at least one measuring cell having at least one measuring slot, means for inducing flow fluctuations in the flowing liquid, and measuring means used to obtain liquid properties from the flow fluctuations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring flow. A flow sensor includes a sensor conduit and a bypass having at least one capillary tube. At least one of the length, inside diameter, and cross-sectional shape of the sensor conduit is substantially equal to the corresponding length, inside diameter, and cross-sectional shape of the at least one capillary tube.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor having a pair of ultrasound transducers adapted to be inserted in and being able to perform at a single site of introduction into a duct. The ultrasonic sensor measures a forward ultrasonic path transit time and a second reverse ultrasonic path transit time of ultrasound signals propagating in a fluid. The arrangement being such that a comparison of the signal associated with ultrasound travel in one direction with that of the signal associated with ultrasound travel in the opposite direction enables the flow rate of the fluid in the duct to be determined. The ultrasonic sensor may utilize a curved reflecting surface on the duct and a reflective surface of an ultrasonic sensor end cap to provide forward and reverse ultrasonic W-shaped paths.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor having a pair of ultrasound transducers adapted to be inserted in and being able to perform at a single site of introduction into a duct. The ultrasonic sensor measures a forward ultrasonic path transit time and a second reverse ultrasonic path transit time of ultrasound signals propagating in a fluid. The arrangement being such that a comparison of the signal associated with ultrasound travel in one direction with that of the signal associated with ultrasound travel in the opposite direction enables the flow rate of the fluid in the duct to be determined. The ultrasonic sensor may utilize a reflecting surface on the duct and a reflective surface of an ultrasonic sensor end cap to provide forward and reverse ultrasonic W-shaped paths. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor may also be used to measure the temperature, viscosity, and cavitation effects of a fluid.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for detecting a flow of particles, particularly paint particles, in a powder transportation line connected to a powder spray gun. The powder transportation line of the device includes a portion having an interior face provided with an electrostatically friction-charging material. The portion of the transportation line may be located upstream or downstream of the pump or within the pump itself. The transportation line portion is in electrical communication with a unit for sensing electrical signals. When the powder particles flow through the transportation line portion, an electrical charge is generated in the portion as a result of the friction between the particles and the friction-charging material. This electrical charge is detected by the sensing unit.

Abstract: A stress sensor enduring against long-term use is provided. Accordingly, a substrate (4), which is used as both a sensor part (1) and a supporting part (2), functions as a stress sensor, in which the sensor part (1) has means for deforming a part thereof in response to a given stress and strain gauges (5) having a function for varying electric properties in response to the deformation, and in which the deforming part has a stress dispersing means (10).

Abstract: To be able to detect a displacement amount of a moving object by a resolution of from micrometer to nanometer by a simple structure.

Abstract: A torque measuring device for a rotating body comprises: a rotary section composed of first and second flanges to be joined respectively to driving and driven shafts, and a hollow cylinder having the first and second flanges formed respectively on both edges thereof; torque detectors provided at an inner circumference of the cylinder; light emitting elements provided at an outer circumference of the rotary section and adapted to emit light according to an output from the torque detectors thereby generating an optical signal; a light receiving fiber disposed outside the rotary section and adapted to receive the optical signal from the light emitting elements; and a rotary transformer composed of a primary coil constituted by an annulus with two-part separable structure disposed outside the rotary section and a secondary coil provided at the outer circumference of the rotary section, and adapted to supply electrical power to the rotary section.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a gas sampling system of taking discreet samples from a continuous flow of gas or fluid. Said apparatus offers a frame (1) and mounting components in the form of a fixed chuck (4) and a spring-loaded chuck with a sampled container (5) mounted therebetween. The sampling container has self-sealing end cap valve assemblies (76) that automatically open when the sample container (5) communicates with the fixed chuck (4) and the spring loaded chuck (6) and the end cap valve assembly automatically closes when the sample container is removed. A value system allows the gas flow to be directed from one sample container to the other alternatively opening and closing a gas flow path. A sample extraction assembly (14) allows the efficient removal of samples from the sample containers. An extension rod pressurized (117) in conjunction with the end cap value assembly, such as first end cap valve assembly (76) allow the sample to be pressurized to facilitate easy sample removal.

Abstract: Laboratory pipette (1) composed particularly of a transparent tube (3) comprising one end (4) for sampling a liquid and one suction end (5) into which a piece (2) of fibrous material is inserted with a colour color corresponding to at least one characteristic of the pipette and particularly to its nominal volume, characterised characterized in that the piece of fibrous material (2) is in the form of a braid of interlaced threads of synthetic fibres fibers, the said braid being folded such that the fold (21) thus formed is located towards the inside of the pipette, and a method of identifying at least one characteristic of the pipette.

Abstract: An automatic fluid sampler includes a substantially watertight housing and a structure for drawing fluid from outside the housing, wherein the fluid drawing structure is powered by stored potential energy within the housing. A method of automatic fluid sampling employs such samplers, and a fluid sampling system includes a plurality of interconnected samplers.

Abstract: An accelerated weathering apparatus includes a test chamber (30), a specimen supporting means (34), a light source (60) powered by a power source controlled by a ballast, at least one chamber air temperature sensor (26), a black panel temperature sensor (36), and a multiple blower system and control means (52). A first blower (12) draws and circulates outside or fresh air and as second blower (46) optionally draws recirculated air into an air mixing duct. The speeds of the fresh air and recirculated air blowers are independently regulated and controlled by a blower controller based on the chamber air temperature and black panel temperature, respectively. In addition, a humidifier (18) and humidity controller (20) regulates humidity within the system as required.

Abstract: A seat complete measuring system (10) for measuring the efforts and range of travel of any movable component on a seat assembly (12) comprises a seat positioning station (24) for supporting and positioning the seat assembly (12). The seat positioning station (24) includes a planar support platform (26) for fixedly securing and supporting the seat assembly and an indexing mechanism supporting the support platform for rotating platform between one of a plurality of indexing positions. A multi-axis measuring station (46) is supported at a predetermined position adjacent the seat position station (24) for cooperating with the seat assembly (12).

Abstract: A measurement system including a stage having a first piece and a second piece that are movable with respect to one another. A digital scale is integrated in the first piece and a detector is integrated in the second piece at a position suitable to detect movement with respect to the digital scale. The detector creates a signal based upon relative movement between the digital scale and the detector. A display integrated in the second piece receives the signal from the detector and displays a reading of the relative movement thus measured.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing a known resistance load and measuring an internal gyration angle of a mold in a gyratory compactor. A device in one form has a cylindrical body with protrusions through which a known resistance force is applied by the gyratory compactor, and probes which extend from the body to measure an internal angle of gyration of a mold within a gyratory compactor. The device is placed into a cylindrical mold which is placed into a gyratory compactor. Mold end plates may or may not be required depending on the gyratory compactor configuration and construction of the device body. As the mold is tilted on its axis to an operative gyration angle, the protrusions on each end of the body apply a moment force to the mold which produces a known resistance force on the gyratory compactor frame. Measurement of an internal angle of gyration is made while the resistance force is applied to the compactor frame and while the gyratory compactor gyrates the mold.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device 8 includes a transmitting section 81, first friction plates 82, second friction plates 83, and a dish spring 84. The transmitting section 81 is engaged with the inner cylindrical portion of the second friction plates 83 and also engaged with an outer cylindrical surface of an internal gear 42. The first friction plates 82 are stationarily fixed to an end portion 102a of a central housing. The second friction plates 83 are brought into frictional engagement with the first friction plates 82 under a resilient force applied from the dish spring 84. The first friction plates 82 and the second friction plates 83 are alternately laminated.

Abstract: There is provided a pick and place apparatus including a cam apparatus which comprises an input shaft (5); a first output shaft (7); rotational motion converting cam mechanism (21); a slider member (9); a relative rotation regulating cam mechanism (31); a cam link mechanism (41); a second output shaft (11); and a motion converting cam mechanism (51) engaged with and between the second output shaft and the slider member; an arm member (66) fixed on the first output shaft which is telescopic in the radial direction of the first output shaft; and a telescopic driving means (69) that converts the relative rotation generated between the first output shaft and second output shaft into an expansion or contraction of the arm member.

Abstract: A device and method to convert ordinary rotary motion of input frequency &OHgr; into a composite motion with the same primary frequency &OHgr; plus an eccentric motion at a higher frequency &ohgr; enables a low speed rotary input to drive a higher-speed eccentric motion. A preferred embodiment enables an existing rotary motion machine to be easily adapted to provide compound rotary and eccentric motion. Optional attachments are used to collect waste products generated by rotary motion machine.

Abstract: A linear stage having a screw-nut assembly is actuated by the rotational motion of the screw. A mechanism, which is an integral part of the nut, quickly disconnects the screw and the nut, allowing rapid positioning of the linear stage in both the forward and reverse direction. The motion of said stage has a resolution given by the thread pitch of the screw and the nut; and a travel only limited by the length of the screw. The quick disconnect screw-nut assembly mechanism described in this invention is achieved by axial preloading said nut and allowing said nut to pivot perpendicular to the axis of said screw. Two or more linear stages having said screw-nut assembly are concatenated with one another to form a multi-axis positioning device.

Abstract: An actuating device for a transmission of a motor vehicle has a housing and two pistons moveably arranged in the housing. A coupling part is arranged between the two pistons and is acted on by the two pistons so as to be moved by the two pistons. The coupling part is connected to a shifting part of the transmission and is made, at least on a surface of the coupling part, of wear-resistant material. The two pistons are loosely seated on the coupling part so that these parts can align themselves properly relative to one another after mounting.

Abstract: A ball screw apparatus has: a screw shaft including a screw groove; a nut movably fitted with the screw shaft and including a screw groove; a large number of balls rollably disposed in a loaded raceway; and a side cap mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the nut and including a ball circulation passage for scooping up the balls rolling along the loaded raceway in a direction coincident with the lead angle of the two screw grooves and returning the balls to the loaded raceway, wherein, the two screw grooves are respectively formed as multiple thread screws and the side cap is disposed on each of the multiple threads.

Abstract: Between two mutually adjoining load balls 5, there is interposed a retaining piece 10 having two concave surfaces 11 which are respectively opposed to the two adjoining load balls 5. The retaining piece 10 has an outside diameter dimension equal to or more than 0.5 times the outside diameter dimension of the load ball 5. Further, the retaining piece 10 has an outside diameter dimension which, when the retaining piece 10 passes through a screw groove circulation passage and a tube circulation passage, prevents the retaining piece 10 from touching the inner walls of these screw groove circulation passage and tube circulation passage, or has an outside diameter dimension which is equal to or less than 0.9 times the outside diameter dimension of the load ball.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission apparatus (10) for a vehicle provided with a shift lever (20) manually changing a position of an automatic transmission (50), a torque detector (30) for detecting a changing operation force of the shift lever, and an assist force applying means (40) for applying a backup force to the manual operating force of the shift lever so as to transmit to the automatic transmission via a transmitting means (52-54), thereby changing to a desired position, a lever base (26) of the shift lever (20) is mounted to an input shaft (31a) of the rotation axis (31) of the torque detector (30), and an output gear (43) of the assist force applying means (40) is mounted to an output shaft (31b) of the rotation axis (31) of the torque detector (30), and the rotation axis of the shift lever (20), the rotation axis (31) of the torque detector (30) and the rotation axis of the assist force applying means (40) are arranged in a line.

Abstract: The present invention describes a parallel kinematic robot comprising at least two fixed-length legs (6, 7, 60, 600, 800) positioned according to an isosceles triangle with one extremity converging in a common vertex coupled to a tool (9) by means of at least one first rotative joint (8, 81, 82) and the other extremity of each leg coupled by means of a second rotative joint (4, 5, 40, 50) to a respective trolley (2, 3) which can be translated along a first linear guide (1) lying in the plane of said isosceles triangle under the control of movement means.

Abstract: A steering wheel tilt mechanism includes a first steering column section and a second steering column section pivotally coupled to one another. A lock assembly selectively restricts pivotal movement of the first steering column section relative to the second steering column section. The lock assembly includes a shaft and a cam roller selectively engagable with the shaft. When the cam roller is disengaged, the shaft is free to translate thereby allowing pivotal movement of the first steering column section relative to the second steering column section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a powder composition including an iron or iron based powder and a lubricating amount of an alkylalkoxy or polyetheralkoxy silane, wherein the alkyl or polyether group has between 8 and 30 carbon atoms and the alkoxi group includes 1-3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the preparation of high density green compacts comprising the steps of providing an iron-based powder essentially free from fine particles; optionally mixing said powder with graphite and other additives; uniaxially compacting the powder in a die at a compaction pressure of at least about 800 MPa and ejecting the green body. The invention also concerns the powder used in the method.

Abstract: A contact material which provides improved wear resistance as well as reduced adhesion utilizing the features of an intermetallic compound having an ordered phase, with the intention of (i) improving the seizure resistance and/or wear resistance of an implement bearing which slides under low-speed, high-surface-pressure conditions and is susceptible to lubricant starvation; (ii) preventing abnormal noises; and (iii) achieving prolonged greasing intervals. The contact material contains 10% by volume or more a metallic alloy phase having such a composition range that causes an order-disorder transition. The metallic alloy phase is a Fe base alloy phase containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Co and Ni.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanostructured metal powder and a method of fabricating the same. A twin-wire electric arc process is performed to melt the wire tips, and metal melt is formed. Simultaneously, the metal melt is broken up into melt droplets by an atomizing device. The operating temperature of the electric arc process is controlled between melting point and boiling point of the wire, to avoid vaporization of the melt droplets. Then, a fast cooling is performed to quench the melt droplets. Thus, melt droplets are solidified to &mgr;m-scaled, spherical and dense powders comprising nano-grains (d<100 nm).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of an elemental material, comprising the step of reacting a halide of the elemental material with a reducing agent in solid form in a fluidized bed reactor at a reaction temperature which is below the melting temperature of the reducing agent. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elemental material is titanium and the titanium is produced in powder form. The invention also relates to the production of alloys or intermetallics of the elemental materials.

Abstract: A ratchet wheel mounting structure comprises a ratchet wheel mounted in a box of a wrench body and meshed with a toothed stop block in said box, and a retainer ring mounted in between said box and said ratchet wheel to secure said ratchet wheel to said box, said ratchet wheel having teeth arranged around the periphery thereof, a locating block at one side of the ratchet wheel, and a locating groove being formed around the periphery of said locating block for positioning said retainer ring. Each tooth of said ratchet wheel is chamfered at one end thereof far away from the locating block; and a reinforcing bevel is provided in the valley between roots of another ends of each two adjacent teeth of said ratchet wheel adjacent to said locating block. Or each tooth is chamfered at two ends and thus no bevel slop is formed.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench, when the wrench is turned in a direction, the fastener is turned and when the wrench is turned in opposite direction, the fastener is kept still, comprises a handle having a fixed jaw, a movable jaw slidably provided on the handle, an adjusting worn for driving the movable jaw moving and an elastic supporting device. The fixed jaw has a holding surface facing the movable jaw, wherein the holding surface has a driving face and a base face with an end thereof connecting the rails and the other end thereof connecting the driving face, wherein the base face is to rest against a fixed side of the fastener and the driving face is to rest against a movable side of the fastener which is a side next to the fixed side.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle having a function end connected to one of two ends of the handle and a through hole is defined through the handle. The through hole is defined by two serrated insides.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving fasteners, in particular screws, nails, pop rivets, and staples, is disclosed. It has a motor-drivable feeder that moves the fasteners sequentially from a feed position into a driving position, and with an adjustor has a manually rotatable threader mounted stationary on the feeder. The thread engages interlockingly with the stop member.

Abstract: A screwdriver handle is disclosed that facilitates storage and organization of screwdriver bits by supplying individual compartments for bits of different sizes and functions within the screwdriver handle. An operator may easily access a particular bit by rotating a cap and aligning its opening with the compartment containing the desired bit. The cap need not be removed from the body of the handle to remove a desired bit. A ratchet mechanism allows for selective and precise rotation of the cap. After the bit is selected, the operator returns the cap to a closed position so that all of the bits are securely stored inside the handle.

Abstract: Cutting tool (1) with a cutting insert (3), on the front edge (14) of which there is a first major cutting edge (15) and an approximately U-shaped indentation (18) that interrupts said first major cutting edge (15), whereby each side leg (19, 20) of the indentation (18) forms a minor cutting edge, and the base (21) of the indentation (18) forms a second major cutting edge (22) which is recessed in the feed direction (V) behind the first major cutting edge (15), and whereby the cutting insert (3) is formed by at least two separate sections (4a, 4b), each of which carries a portion of the indentation (18).

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for manufacturing a shaft-hub connection. This connection includes a brake disk having a hub and a drive shaft having a bell, wherein the drive shaft comprises a catching portion having a polygonal outer contour. This portion extends into an aperture in the brake disk having a corresponding inner polygonal contour. The method comprises the procedural steps of green machining via turning of the brake disk and the drive shaft, hardening of the drive shaft, final finishing via turning of the brake disk and final finishing via turning of the drive shaft to obtain the final products with only one chucking action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming attachment pads on a panel for attachment of a clinch nut thereto. The panel is formed between a forming die and a fixed anvil, which occupies a predefined net reference position. A face plate simultaneously “finds” the panel and is mechanically locked into position using a novel force applying device. The face plate maintains the location of the surface metal around the forming die, thereby forming a raised pad at the predefined net reference position. The novel force applying device includes self-contained piston modules positioned in tandem. Each module includes a housing having a void and a piston mounted within the void. The piston includes a driven and drive surfaces, wherein fluid pressure acts against the driven surface to drive the piston in an advanced direction such that the drive surface of the piston abuts another piston for cumulative effect.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing user contact with a saw blade. The sensing system includes an electrode situated adjacent the saw blade that creates a capacitor in series with the capacitance of the blade to ground to form a first leg of a bridge circuit. A reference capacitor is connected to the first leg to form a second leg of the bridge circuit. A voltage source is coupled to the bridge to selectively energize the-bridge. Contact of the blade by a user is sensed when the bridge is unbalanced due to the increase in the capacitance of the blade to ground caused by the user's contact with the blade.

Abstract: Tipping papers are cut from a continuous strip of material advancing along a set feed path by a unit comprising a suction roller and a roller equipped with blades, which combine to separate the single papers from the strip at a prescribed frequency; the tension of the advancing strip is varied cyclically by diverter elements associated with the suction roller and capable of movement at intervals coinciding with the frequency of the cutting stroke between two limit positions, one located externally and the other internally of the outer surface presented by the suction roller.

Abstract: A fully automatic cutting metal-working machine is disclosed to include cutting metal-working main unit controlled to process a metal rod material into finished products, and a material feed unit adapted to feed a metal rod material to the cutting metal-working main unit for processing, the material feed unit having a feed pipe for feeding the provided metal rod material, a pipe carrier carrying the feed pipe, a power unit controlled to drive the pipe carrier to move the feed pipe forwards/backwards between an extended position and a received position, and a holding down mechanism installed in the distal end of the feed pipe and controlled to hold down the inserted metal rod material for cutting.

Abstract: A positioning carriage is coupled to a fence structure by a rigid sheet having one or more bends around an axis parallel to the direction of fence structure movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a punch assembly and methods of using same and, more particularly, to a punch assembly that is capable of accurately and repeatedly measuring an intersecting point at which a hold or indentation can be put in a sheet of material such as, but not by way of limitation, a sheet of metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming attachment pads in an inner body panel for the precise attachment of an outer body panel thereto. The apparatus positions a fixed anvil at a predefined net reference position while a face plate simultaneously “finds” the panel and is mechanically locked into position. Thereafter, the apparatus forms the inner body panel between a forming die and the fixed anvil. The face plate maintains the location of the surface metal around the die, resulting in the formation of a raised pad the outermost surface of which is at the predefined net reference position. A single such apparatus can form raised pads having different predefined net reference positions for different attachment locations. A reciprocating punch having a variable stroke length selectively provides either a hole or a slot in the raised pad.

Abstract: A machine is provided for cutting credit cards, debit cards or special value cards to an unconventional size or shape or alternatively to a smaller rectangular size. The machine includes a feed device, a first conveyor with a plurality of nests for receiving cards from the feed device and transporting them individually to a cutting station, a cutting device for cutting the cards and a delivery device for removing the cut cards from the cutting station.