Abstract: A chiller system comprises a chiller, a burner, a first variable frequency driver and pump, a second frequency drive and pump, and a feedback system. The chiller has a chilled water input and a cooling water input and the burner is coupled to the chiller. The first variable frequency drive and pump is coupled to the chilled water input. The second variable frequency drive and pump is coupled to the cooling water input. The feedback system is coupled to the burner, the first variable frequency drive, and the second variable frequency drive. The feedback system capable of measuring a characteristic of the burner that is proportional to the cooling load of the chiller system and transmitting a signal corresponding determined characteristic to the first and second variable frequency drives.

Abstract: A thermal zone demand controlled air conditioning fan coil unit using dual cascade arranged heat pumps, chilled water, or a combination of chilled water and hot water, with or without back up electric resistance heat strips, and having an air circulation system for circulating air to and from a plurality of thermal zones and including a conditioned air chamber having first and second heat exchange refrigerant coils or direct or reversed cycle water coils being connected in refrigerant circulating relation respectively with the heat pumps, chilled water coil. A plurality of thermal zone blowers conduct conditioned air from the conditioned air chamber to respective thermal zones of a building space. Electronic controller circuitry of the system is coupled for thermal demand control of the heat pumps and the thermal zone blowers for operation of the first heat pump during average thermal load and for operation of both heat pumps during greater thermal load.

Abstract: A control system for a HVAC unit for controlling the humidity and temperature of interior building space at desired levels regardless of the outside temperature and humidity conditions. This system is more efficiently so that it operates with less energy consumption than current HVAC systems. The control system employs a combination of modulated return air bypass, modulated capacity compressor, and modulating hot gas reheat to maintain proper interior space humidity, and temperature while maintaining adequate ventilation within the interior building space. The system employs feed forward control to prevent overheating the interior building space with reheat and also, once humidity requirements are met, resets low pressure limit settings at the exit of the evaporator to minimize use of reheat in the operation of the unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides low temperature zone forming equipment having a storage function capable of controlling temperature and humidity and a method and equipment for maintaining the quality of hauled fishes in an auction market of marine products such as fishes shellfishes, which constitute a low temperature distribution system closely linked with a purchase and sale system in consideration of the characteristics of the market. The low temperature zone forming equipment used in the low temperature distribution system is composed of a chilled air generator 1 and an enclosure wall 3 of flexible hollow structure, said enclosure wall having openings for entrance and exit of water at an end part thereof and openings for supplying chilled air produced in said chilled air generator and having exhaust openings formed of knitted cloth along the inside of the enclosure wall.

Abstract: This cleaning system includes a compressor driven by a motor, a condenser; a cooling fan for directing an air stream at the condenser during normal operation, a motor drive system for driving the fan, and a timing device for reversing the rotational direction of the fan motor to direct the stream of cooling air away from the condenser to remove debris collected on the condenser and clean the condenser during a cleaning cycle. The fan is driven by drive system having a solid state commutated motor or a drive system having a reversible permanent split capacitor motor. The timing device includes a timer for controlling the time periods during the normal operation (cooling) cycle and during the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: An ice maker having an ice making conveyor includes a pair of pulleys spaced apart from each other by a desired distance, a drive unit rotating the pulleys, a plurality of tray cells provided with ice making recesses capable of containing water, and an ice making conveyor formed by the tray cells coupled to one another, the ice making conveyor being wound around the pulleys. The ice making recesses are formed by a rigid body made of a metal material. A heater is arranged to apply heat to the tray cells, thereby separating ice from the tray cells. Accordingly, the ice maker exhibits a reduced occurrence of damage during ice making and separating processes while having an effect of achieving easy ice making and separating processes.

Abstract: A cycle-side system (20) is formed by duct connecting a compressor (21), a heat exchanger (30), a demoisturizer (22), and an expansion device (23) in that order. The compressor (21) draws in room air and supply air for ventilation and compresses the same. The compressed air exchanges heat with exhaust air for ventilation in the heat exchanger (30), thereby being cooled. Water vapor in the cooled, compressed air is removed in the demoisturizer (22). The demoisturizer (22) is provided with a separation membrane and separates water vapor in the compressed air without the occurrence of condensation. Thereafter, the compressed air is expanded in the expansion device (23) to change into low-temperature air. The low-temperature air is supplied into a room. On the other hand, the heat exchanger (30) is fed exhaust air cooled in a humidifying cooler (41).

Abstract: A forced air cooler (10) includes a cabinet (20) defining a lower chamber (30) wherein product is stored and an upper chamber (40) housing a pair of fans (62) and (64) positioned intermediate spaced evaporators (52) and (54). A wire rack (90) disposed on the floor of the cabinet (20) supports the product off the floor and includes integral side fences (94) and (96) which serve to space the product away from the side walls (26) and (28) of the cabinet. The fans (62) and (64) draw air through the evaporators (52) and (54), respectively, and direct the cooing air through the openings provided by the slots (68) in the diffuser plate (66) to provide a uniformly distributed flow of cooling air, at its coolest condition, downwardly into the lower chamber (30) to pass over the product stored therein.

Abstract: A collector for the liquid phase of the working medium of an air conditioning system has first and second connecting pipes provided for connection into the circuit of an air conditioning system. One of the connecting pipes continues in a guide tube which is guided through the interior of the container of the collector. Part of the guide tube runs through the bottom region of the container, which is provided for vertical arrangement, and has at least one opening for recycling collected oil and the liquid phase of the working medium into the working medium circulating through the air conditioning system. In order to separate the liquid phase of the working medium of the air conditioning system, a cyclone-like separating device is provided. The separating device has a cyclone chamber and a central outflow connecting pipe forming an overflow. One of the connecting pipes leads tangentially into the cyclone chamber and the open end of the guide tube ends at a short distance before the outflow connecting pipe.

Abstract: A method of treating gaseous waste from an optical fiber preform fabrication unit containing halogenated compounds includes a step of forming a liquid effluent from the gaseous waste by condensing the gaseous waste. The gaseous waste is preferably condensed by cooling it. Plant for implementing the method includes a condenser and a container for collecting condensate. The condenser is preferably a refrigerating device. The plant can further include a soot box.

Abstract: A latch needle (1) has a latch spring (19), which assumes the width of the latch slit (5) in the vicinity of the latch seating (18). However, the latch spring (19) is embodied to be narrower on both sides of this section (25). By means of this, premature wear of the latch or spring in the area of the latch seating device (18) is counteracted on the one hand as is, on the other, the obstruction of the latch slit (5) by dust or dirt. The narrower sections (26, 27) of the latch spring (19) define a passage together with the inner face (8, 9) of the slit walls (6, 7), through which foreign bodies, such as fiber remnants, dust or the like can be conveyed from the upper needle side (11) in the direction toward the needle back (12). In contrast to conventional latch needles, needles (1) of this type of construction show reduced wear, a reduced susceptibility to becoming soiled, and therefore increased dependability.

Abstract: A high efficiency water valve member for a washing appliance includes a hot water valve, a cold water valve, and a low cold water valve. Associated with the hot water valve, the cold water valve, and the low cold water valve are a hot prime mover, a cold prime mover, and a low cold prime mover. These prime movers move their respective valves between their open and closed positions. When filling for a hot wash the hot prime mover and the low cold prime mover are energized to open the hot water valve and the low cold water valve. The cold water valve remains closed. For warm washes all three solenoids are activated to open all three valves. For cold washes the cold prime mover and the low cold prime mover are energized either together or alone to open either or both of the cold water valve and the low cold water valve.

Abstract: A commercial laundry machine having a loading hopper effective for substantially reducing loading time. The hopper has a relatively large effective passage area for communication with a front opening rotary drum of the laundry machine, and a splash door is pivotally mounted adjacent a front face of the machine housing for movement between a lowered closed position and an upwardly extending open position which neither reduces the effective passage of the hopper chute nor impedes the passage of launderable items directed through the chute. The laundry machine further includes an improved toggle actuated locking and sealing device for securing the hopper in sealed relation with the machine housing, and trunnion mounted hydraulic cylinders which are effective for more reliably and effectively pivoting the hopper unit through an arc greater than 90 degrees to its removed position.

Abstract: A combination lock comprises a tumbler wheel assembly, a backup locking assembly comprising a keyhole, a shaft, and an inner projection having a half circular section, a pivot assembly having a dog and an engagement member, a push button secured to the pivot assembly, a U-shaped shackle pivotably fastened at the lock housing, and an L-shaped resilient member. A correct combination of tumblers and a subsequent pressing of the push button will disengage the dog from a slot at one leg of the shackle and thus exert an elastic force of the resilient member on the leg for pushing the leg out of engagement with the lock. Should either the combination be forgotten or the combination be changed by another person, a turning of the shaft about 90 degrees by inserting a key into the keyhole will turn the projection and the engaged engagement member for releasing the dog.

Abstract: A locking device includes a housing, a base, an electromagnetic sensor, a locking hook, a locking mechanism having a locking bolt and a linking member, and a key having a first end formed with a mechanical unlocking portion and a second end formed with an electromagnetic unlocking portion. Thus, the locking device can be opened by the mechanical unlocking portion of the key and the electromagnetic unlocking portion of the key, thereby enhancing the versatility of the locking device.

Abstract: A portable universal anti-theft device for immobilizing a brake pedal of a motor vehicle having first, second and third shafts assembled in telescopic relation with an end of the first shaft providing a stand-off for engaging a vehicle body and the second and third shafts having, respectively, upper and lower clamping jaws extending transversely therefrom. One clamping jaw comprises a hook and another clamping jaw comprising a wedge so that relative axial movement of the second and third shafts together brings the jaws together about a brake pedal therebetween with the wedge member urging the brake pedal into the hook. The first and second shafts are locked together to maintain a selected separation of the wedge member from the lower end of the first shaft and the vehicle body preventing depression of the brake pedal. The wedge is pivotable into and out from alignment with the hook.

Abstract: An arrangement for inclined rolling of tube-shaped or bar-shaped rolling products comprises at least two rollers adapted to receive therebetween a rolling product so as to determine a longitudinal axis of the rolling product, the rollers are driveable and are rotatable about said longitudinal axis. The rollers have roller axes inclined at an inclination angle relative to the longitudinal axis, the roller axes being inclined in such a plane which, when considered in or against the longitudinal axis, extends parallel to the longitudinal axis at a radial distance from it, and a driving unit for driving the rollers. The driving unit includes a sun gear and drive gears provided with an axis-offset bevel gear toothing and surrounding a respective one of the roller axes, the drive gears engaging with the sun gear so that the rollers are driven by the sun gear through the drive gears.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method using steps of placing a tube in an opening matrix having an impression corresponding to the desired final external shape; inserting the end of the tube into a cavity of a shaping component, the cavity having a base, a side wall with adapted shape, and an opening opposite the base; pressing the end of the tube against the base of the cavity, leaving a clearance between the opening of the cavity and the matrix; applying an essentially axial force on the end of the tube, the zone application of the force rotating about a longitudinal axis of the tube thereby causing gradual deformation of the tube; withdrawing the end of the deformed tube outside the cavity of the shaping component and outside the matrix.

Abstract: A quick change cassette system for a multi-roll leveler, such as may be used to flatten strips of material. The quick change system is designed for use with a leveler having an upper and lower cassette assembly containing upper and lower work rolls, respectively. The quick change system is also particularly suited for use with a lower work roll cassette that is mounted to the leveler in a hanging arrangement. A cart is mounted to the bottom side of the lower work roll cassette. Wheels are attached to a bottom portion of the cart to guide the cart into and out of the work envelope of the leveler along a set of guide rails. The cart can be moved manually or by means of a motor, cylinder, or other actuator. The cart remains attached to the lower work roll cassette during operation of the leveler. An upper work roll cassette may also be removed or installed to the leveler along with the lower work roll cassette.

Abstract: The ribbon cable being folded is fixed with a first end, called the fixed end, on a folding table and guided with another end, called the manipulated end, by a handling device. The handling device brings the manipulated end into the position that it is supposed to have after folding, and the loop formed in this position of the ribbon cable is smoothed out by a folding device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bending die in which the fixed die 1 and the rotary die 2 are surface contacted to each other, the rotary die 2 is rotated rearward after press forming to cause the workpiece 3 to be moved away from the die, wherein the contact surface 9 between the fixed die 1 and the rotary die 2 is formed in a flat surface. In addition, the present invention is set such that the rotary center point P of the rotary die 2 is set outside the line 10 drawn from one end C1 of the linear line indicating the contact surface 9 of the rotary die 2 in a direction of right angle in respect to the linear line when the contact surface 9 is seen in a section of a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotary die 2. With such an arrangement as above, a machining of the contact surface 9 can be facilitated more and under a lower cost than those as compared with those forming the arcuate surface as found in the prior art.

Abstract: A fabrication method of a metal shell to be installed on a park plug is provided which is made up of a small-diameter portion, a large-diameter portion, and a wrapping portion. The wrapping portion is to be wrapped by staking about the spark plug to achieve installation of the metal shell on the spark plug. The method comprises pressing a workpiece with a punch to shape the wrapping portion of the metal shell in a first cold forging process and processing the workpiece to shape the small-diameter portion of the metal shell in a second cold forging process different from the first cold forging process. This produces the metal shell which is less susceptible to cracks when installed on the spark plug and has an increased service life.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer assembly (12, 112) moves workpieces through a press (10) and includes a pair of spaced pulleys (42) and an endless belt (43) entrained about the pulleys (42) and a clamp (46) connecting the belt (43) to a trolley (34, 134) for horizontally moving a pair of trolleys (34, 134) and the arms (24, 124) supported thereby. The clamp (46) is clamped to one reach of the endless belt (43) for moving back and forth along the between the pulleys (42). A biasing device (56) urges a male cam member (52) into driving engagement with a female cam member (54) to connect the belt (43) and the arms (24, 124) and allows the cam members (52 and 54) to react with one another in a camming fashion to move out of the driving engagement to allow the belt (43) to move without moving the arms (24, 124) in response to the predetermined force resisting movement of the arms (24, 124).

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-accuracy pressure device for working that has a large pressing force and requires small driving energy. The pressure device comprises: a base plate, a support plate spaced at a prescribed distance from the base plate, a first slider and a second slider; the first slider and the second slider being formed so that the two can move between the base plate and the support plate in a direction orthogonal to the base plate and support plate and are capable of relative movement with each other in that direction, a position sensor for detecting the moving position of the second slider; a first drive means for driving the first slider; a second drive means for driving the second slider; and a central processing unit which controls the first drive means and second drive means and receives and processes position signals from the position sensor.

Abstract: A hydraulic tool including a frame having a working head section; a hydraulic drive system connected to the frame; a cutting die system; and a connector crimping die system. The drive system has a ram proximate the working head section of the frame. The cutting die system includes a first cutting die removably connectable to the working head section of the frame and a second cutting die removably connectable to the ram at the working head section. The cutting dies are always in a slidable interlocking connection with each other when connecting to the working head section. The connector crimping die system includes a first crimping die removably connectable to the working head section of the frame, and a second crimping die removably connected to the ram and coupling the second crimping die to the ram.

Abstract: An arrangement for removing dents from sheet metal contains a lever, which at a support point can be supported on the metal sheet. A handle is fitted to the lever end. To the lever can be connected a tension element, which can be connected to an adapter connected to the metal sheet.

Abstract: A check chip of the present invention employed at a usage of a sensor measuring device is provided with a structural characterizing portion of a convex shape, concave shape or a penetration hole at a location, by which a user is considered to pick up, and the state of the structural characterizing portion is made to be different from that of a structural characterizing portion provided on a correction chip which is similar to the check chip, in a size, the number of the structural characterizing portions, or placement location. According to the check chip constructed as above, the difference from the correction chip can be easily identified even by a visually handicapped person or a weak-sighted person, according to the difference in the structural characterizing portion, from the touch, thereby preventing the person from using the check chip and the correction chip with confused.

Abstract: A balanced resonant micro electromechanical system angular rate sensor includes a feedback control loop that generates a null signal to rebalance the sense element to cancel any a Coriolis force induced displacement of the proof mass. The null signal is proportional to the Coriolis force and is used as the sensor output signal. A test signal is injected into the null signal feedback control loop. The resulting sensor output signal is a function of the test signal. If there is no change in the output signal following the injection of the test signal or if the output signal resulting from the test signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the sensor is defective. Because the test signal is used to cancel the proof mass displacement, the test verifies operation of the sensor element.

Abstract: A breath measurement instrument using a combination of breath pressure, temperature, and humidity measurements to determine whether or not breath samples are human and properly delivered. Valid samples require maintenance of a threshold dynamic pressure of a sample being introduced for a predetermined time, a valid temperature of the sample and a valid humidity of the sample, wherein the range of valid sample temperatures is adjusted according to a measured sample humidity. Also disclosed is a breath alcohol instrument having an alcohol-specific fuel cell and a fuel cell circuit for generating a breath alcohol signal. Further disclosed is an interlock system for inhibiting operation of machinery such as a vehicle, and a method for screening breath samples and determining an alcohol content thereof.

Abstract: A leak detector having a multi-stage concentrator, consisting of an array of heater elements which desorb analytes in a phased manner, in synch with the sample stream, to maximize sensitivity. The heater elements of the concentrator are coated with adsorber material on both sides of the heater elements, i.e., top and bottom sides, and have small anchor points to minimize power dissipation. The concentrated gas mixture output of the concentrator is electronically injected into a separator, which for separates the constituents of the detected analyte-fluid and recognizing the nature or source of the analyte.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting contaminants in or on objects, having a movably mounted container for holding objects and having a plurality of perforations and an entrance opening through which objects may be placed into the container. A housing encloses the container and forms a barrier to ambient air. There is a sealable opening for inserting and removing objects from the container. A drive assembly moves the container within the housing to move objects therein for emitting particles which are in or on such object. There is an air stream for moving air through the housing and container to entrain any emitted particles into the air stream and a sensor for sensing contaminants in the air stream and providing a signal when a contaminant is sensed. The container can be a rotatable cage or a vibrating box. In the method, there is a chamber provided which may be sealed with respect to ambient air to create an enclosed atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for predicting scale deposition in a general environment has been discovered which involves providing a localized environment where scale would preferentially form, where the localized environment is adjacent the general environment. Monitoring the deposition of scale in the localized environment is performed for the purpose of taking preemptive action to prevent scale deposition in the general environment once scale begins to form, or a certain threshold is reached. Scale is removed from the localized environment so that monitoring can be performed by the probe again. Preemptive action will often be the introduction of a scale inhibiting agent into the general environment. An apparatus for practicing the method of predicting and preventing scale deposition in a general environment is also described.

Abstract: A system for detecting malfunction of an equipment such as an alternator or a hydraulic switch that is connected to an internal combustion engine and generates an output. In the system, it is discriminated periodically for a predetermined period of time whether the output of the equipment is within a predetermined range, a number of times that the output of the equipment is discriminated to be out of the predetermined range is counted; and the equipment is determined to have malfunctioned when the count is equal to or greater than the reference value. With this, it becomes possible to detect the malfunction of the equipment accurately.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an acoustic resonator device capable of nucleating bubbles in a formation fluid under borehole-like conditions wherein the static pressure is higher than the bubble point pressure. The device is comprised of one or more coaxial layers forming a central conduit, wherein at least one of the coaxial layers is comprised of an electro-acoustic transducer material such as including piezoelectric or magnetorestrictive materials. This device is preferably designed to be in fluid communication with a host tool to allow in-situ sampling and bubble point determination. Also disclosed is an in-situ method of fluid analysis in a borehole for determining phase characteristics of a formation fluid using the device. Cavitation may be induced using the device in either a captured volume sample or a flow-line sample.

Abstract: A flow meter and electrically operable valve assembly having integral flow meters provide detection of very low water flows, along with ease of installation and compact packaging for a water supply control system. The flow detection is particularly useful for systems that control household water supplies to prevent flooding, but is also useful in other applications such as agricultural and industrial systems where low water flow rates must be determined. All of the controls and features are integrable within a compact package that occupies essentially the same volume and piping space as a conventional electrically operable valve.

Abstract: A liquid level detecting device to be disposed in a liquid tank includes a body, a float arm having a float to be disposed in liquid, a resinous arm holder fixed to the body to hold the float arm so that the float arm moves as a level of the liquid changes, a circuit board fixed to the body, an elastic metal plate member having a sliding contact which slides on a sliding surface of the circuit board under a biasing force and a fixing member for fixing the elastic metal plate member to the arm holder. The resinous arm holder has an engagement hole portion and the fixing member has at least a pair of claws which extends along a slit between them and inserted into the engagement hole portion so that the pair of claws elastically deforms in a direction to narrow the slit.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively testing muscle strength and range of motion of a body part of a patient includes a housing having at least one contact area, and preferably two spaced apart contact areas, for contacting and aligning the apparatus with a body part to be tested for range of motion and an inclinometer to measure the angle of the apparatus and produce an angle signal indicative of the measured angle. The difference between the angle measured at one extreme of movement of the body part and at the other extreme of movement provides a measure of the range of motion. A force applicator coupler couples a force applicator to a force transducer to measure muscle strength. The force transducer produces a force signal indicative of the force applied by the force applicator to the force transducer.

Abstract: By injecting noise into drive electronics, the start time of the MEMS gyroscope may be improved. A noise source is used to provide bandwidth limited white noise with a bandwidth centered substantially at the tuning fork frequency of at least one proof mass.

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: An accelerometer. A silicon wafer is etched to form a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a resilient coupling between, the fixed and movable portions generally arranged in the plane of the wafer, the mass of the movable portion being concentrated on one side of the resilient coupling. One of the fixed and moveable portions of the silicon structure includes a first electrode. The other of the fixed and moveable portions includes a second electrode oriented parallel to the axis of acceleration, and an electrically-conductive layer electrically connected as a third electrode coplanar and mechanically coupled with the second electrode. The second and third electrodes are arranged in capacitive opposition to the first electrode, the capacitance between the first electrode and third electrode increasing as the movable portion moves in a direction along the axis of acceleration relative to the fixed portion and decreasing as the movable portion moves in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A capacitive acceleration sensor includes a supporting substrate, a movable member, and two fixed members. The movable member moves in response to a force that acts on the movable member. Each fixed member is stationary under the force. Two capacitances are formed between the movable member and the fixed members. One of the capacitances increases while the other decreases when the movable member moves in response to the force. The force includes a substantially constant force and a variable force when an acceleration is measured using the sensor. The variable force is proportional to the acceleration. The acceleration is measured on the basis of the difference between the capacitances. The capacitances are different from each other when the force that acts on the movable member is zero to reduce the difference between the capacitances that corresponds to the substantially constant force.

Abstract: Providing a small-sized acceleration sensor including a vibrator formed of a piezoelectric single crystal, and a weight section connected to the vibrator and supported at a position different from the position of the center of gravity of an assembly of the vibrator and weight section. Two divided electrodes used for detecting an electrical signal are formed on the vibrator and connected to two wiring patterns of the weight section which also functions as a signal detecting substrate, with an anisotropic conductive adhesive. When an acceleration in one direction is applied, an angular moment exerted in the weight section is detected as sliding vibration by the vibrator, and an electrical signal corresponding to the acceleration is output from the electrodes through the wiring patterns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting seals on a film from which bags are formed includes a force transmitter and a force sensor. The force transmitter transmits a force from the film to the sensor. The force sensor receives the transmitted force and provides a force signal. A controller receives the force signal and provides a seal signal. The the force sensor may be an mechanical sensor, an acoustic sensor, a mechanical sensor, a vibration sensor or a piezoelectric sensor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method includes exciting a first set of transducers in an array to introduce ultrasonic energy into a component, generating a number of echo signals using a second set of transducers in the array as receive elements, and processing the echo signals. The first and second sets of transducers are exclusive of one another, and the first and second sets of transducers are interleaved.

Abstract: A self-aligning turbine disc inspection apparatus (30) for positioning a non-destructive examination sensor (38) proximate the disc web surface (20) of a turbine rotor assembly (10). The apparatus supports the sensor at a proper height above a support surface (34) while simultaneously providing passive freedom of movement in X, Y and theta directions so that the sensor is free to follow the slight movements of the web surface as the rotor assembly is rotated on a test stand. The freedoms of movement are provided by a first sled (52) rolling on a base (42), by a theta alignment assembly (62) rotating on the first sled, and a second sled (54) sliding on the theta alignment assembly. A vertical drive assembly (48) attached to the second sled provides a selectable height. The sensor may be moved across the disc web surface by a motorized slide (82) attached to a head assembly (46) attached to the vertical drive assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ultrasonic sensor with a pot-shaped diaphragm having an oscillatory diaphragm bottom and a diaphragm wall which surrounds at least sections of the diaphragm bottom. The invention is characterized in that at least sections of the diaphragm wall have a foam-like structure.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for measurement of vibration of an object utilizing a non-contact imaging sensor such as a video camera. An object which does not already have a pair of spaced-apart marks is marked with two parallel lines spaced apart from one another a known, nominal distance. The two lines are perpendicular to an imaging axis of the camera. As such, when the object with the parallel lines is moved toward or away from the video camera, the lines on the object appear to move as two parallel lines in the image plane of the camera. As the object moves or vibrates along the imaging axis, the nominal image plane distance between the two lines changes. This apparent change in the distance between the parallel lines in the image plane is calibrated to the physical movement of the object in space due to deformation or rigid body motions.

Abstract: Method for layered structure breaking strength estimation in which an edge of a cutting blade is inserted into an upper layer of the structure and the cutting blade is moved substantially in parallel with an interface between the upper layer and a lower layer of the structure while automatically controlling a depth of the cutting blade to a depth slightly higher than the interface. A force exerted on the cutting blade substantially in parallel with the interface is measured. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Resistance welding is a process used to join metallic parts with electric current. A weld nugget is formed as the pieces are melted together. This weld nugget is normally circular in shape. Most welds are expected to be of a specific size based on a specific material thickness. The thinner the material, the smaller the weld nugget required. This reference tool allows the inspector to validate that the welds exceed the minimum requirement without the need to take measurements or the need to check specification sheets or use math skills. This tool also provides a visual and physical check of the weld nugget to verify compliance with the specification for the weld based on the material thickness.

Abstract: A flowmeter is provided for measuring the flow rate of liquids, particularly liquids with solids suspended therein, or corrosive liquids, by measuring a flow without any contact between the sensing elements of the flowmeter and the liquid. The flowmeter is connected to upstream piping and downstream piping. Interconnected with the upstream piping is a first expansion joint, a tapered nozzle and a second expansion joint of smaller diameter. Extending from the second expansion joint is a reversed tapered nozzle connected to the downstream piping. One or more strain gauges, or a strain gauge assembly, is interconnected with the second expansion joint. The force of flow on the tapered nozzle creates a higher velocity flow within the tapered nozzle and then an expansion thereafter. This tends to urge the expansion nozzle, and the second expansion joint connected thereto, towards the upstream piping. Such movement is measured by th7e strain gauges.