Abstract: A water meter includes a metal housing which is connectable with a connecting housing through which the water passes and which is disposed in a water pipeline. A plastic measurement insert includes a channel ring upper part, a channel ring lower part and an unpeller mounted therebetween. The metal housing presses the plastic measurement insert onto an outlet opening of the connecting housing. Said plastic measurement insert is seated with its lower edge on a gasket on an opening surrounding the connecting housing to thereby form a seal.

Abstract: A rotation rate sensor having a substrate and a Coriolis element is proposed, the Coriolis element being situated above a surface of a substrate; the Coriolis element being able to be induced to vibrate in parallel to a first axis (X); an excursion of the Coriolis element being detectable, based on a Coriolis force in a second axis (Y), which is provided to be essentially perpendicular to the first axis (X); the first and second axes (X, Y) being provided parallel to the surface of the substrate, wherein force-conveying means are provided, the means being provided to convey a dynamic force effect between the substrate and the Coriolis element.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor for detecting an acceleration caused by an object oscillated in an oscillation direction, comprises a sensor casing having a center axis that is positioned in coaxial alignment with the oscillation direction to receive the acceleration, an oscillation plate and a piezoelectric element. The sensor casing has first and second circular inner surfaces opposing to and spaced apart along the center axis from each other at a first space distance, and a third cylindrical inner surface connected at one end with the first inner surface and at the other end with the second inner surface to define a cylindrical closed space. The oscillation plate is accommodated in the closed space of the sensor casing and has a central portion securely supported by the sensor casing and a peripheral portion integrally formed with the central portion and extending radially outwardly of the central portion.

Abstract: A device for measuring thickness and/or rate of thickness increase of a film comprises at least one piezoelectric element, and first and second electrodes in contact with the piezoelectric element. A method of measuring thickness and/or rate of thickness increase of a film comprises applying a voltage across a piezoelectric element from a first electrode to a second electrode, thereby causing the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and measuring the rate of vibration of the piezoelectric element. Heat may be applied to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element may be formed of quartz crystal, e.g., IT-cut.

Abstract: A head 20, controlled by control unit 10, ejects a droplet 22 through each nozzle in nozzle group 2. Measuring means 33 electronically measures a resonance frequency of crystal oscillator 31 and outputs the measured resonance frequency to control unit 10. Control unit 10 determines whether or not a nozzle is clogged on the basis of the measurement result of a resonance frequency of the crystal oscillator before and after the ejection of droplet 22.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining a part in a carrier during an ultrasonic scan. The part is positioned above a first opening in a lower chamber while air is drawn out of a second opening in the lower chamber to apply suction to the lower surface of the part. An ultrasonic transducer is housed in an upper chamber that dispenses coupling fluid to the top surface of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for non-destructive testing of materials, in which at least two differently guided waves (modes) are produced in the solid body, each at at least one specified angle, the measured reflection values are placed in relation to a reference echo in order to obtain a relative reflection value, and the relative reflection values of the individual modes are again placed in relation to one another, thereby enabling the size and type of the defects to be determined.

Abstract: A device for measuring thickness and/or rate of thickness increase of a film comprises at least one piezoelectric element, and first and second electrodes in contact with the piezoelectric element. A method of measuring thickness and/or rate of thickness increase of a film comprises applying a voltage across a piezoelectric element from a first electrode to a second electrode, thereby causing the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and measuring the rate of vibration of the piezoelectric element. Heat may be applied to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element may be formed of quartz crystal, e.g., IT-cut.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe comprising a piezoelectric element, a first electrode formed on a substantial portion of a first main face, a first side face and a part of a second main face of the piezoelectric element, and a second electrode formed on a substantial portion of a second main face, a second side face and a part of a first main face of the piezoelectric element, the two electrodes being isolated from each other by two grooves formed on the first and second main faces of the piezoelectric element, in a manner parallel to the side edges of the piezoelectric element, respectively, has good vibration and probing properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical devices for measuring pressure or force, comprising an clectromagnetic radiation source, and a pressure membrane or a spiral spring which has a surface that at least partially reflects the electromagnetic rays of the electromagnetic radiation source. The inventive devices are especially characterized in that they allow, inter alia, measurement of even the slightest pressure changes of fluids and other flowable materials in the stationary and/or flowing state or even the slightest mechanical deformations on spiral springs. In order to do this, the rays of an electromagnetic radiation source are incident on the at least partially reflective surface of the pressure membrane or spiral spring. At least one section of a stationarily located body or of a stationarily located body having a reflective layer is disposed in the path of the reflected rays, upstream of a photodetector for said rays, and projects into said rays.

Abstract: A capacitive vacuum sensor includes an elastic diaphragm electrode and a rigid fixed electrode opposite the elastic diaphragm electrode. An internal space is defined between the elastic diaphragm electrode and the rigid fixed electrode. The elastic diaphragm electrode deflects elastically in response to any change in the pressure of a gas applied on the elastic diaphragm electrode, and the capacitive vacuum sensor is responsive to any change in the capacitance between the elastic diaphragm electrode and the rigid fixed electrode that may occur in accordance with the deflection of the elastic diaphragm electrode so that it can measure the pressure of the gas. The vacuum sensor can include an anticorrosive diaphragm electrode that can resist the corrosive action of the reactive gas when it is exposed to such gas, and can be fabricated by the micromachining technology.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for an internal combustion engine cylinder. The sensor has a housing with a pair of ends and a bore that extends through the housing. A barrel is mounted in the bore toward one end. The barrel has a cavity. A piezoelectric body is mounted in the cavity. The piezoelectric body has a first and second electrode. The piezoelectric body generates an electrical signal that is indicative of the pressure in the cylinder. A plate is mounted adjacent the barrel. The plate retains the barrel in the housing. An electronic circuit is mounted in the bore toward the other end. The electronic circuit is electrically connected to the electrodes. The electronic circuit receives the electrical signal from the electrodes and provides a conditioned electrical signal as an output.

Abstract: A method for in situ measurement of strain and temperature of metal and composite tubular's located in the marine environment using optical fiber techniques including Optical Time Domain Reflectrometry (OTDR) or Bragg Diffraction Gratings. The method provides the capability to make axial, circumferential and off-axis strain measurements on the body of the riser and in the metal to composite joint region. Through engineering analysis of optical strain measurements, the method provides the capability to determine the bending strain and frequency of Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV) imposed by ocean currents. Optical fibers of either glass or polymeric composition are located on the outside of metal or composite risers following fabrication and bonded directly to the outer surface of the riser structural body and encapsulated in an outer protective cover. Strain measurements are transmitted to the surface either by a continuous optical fiber light path or by telemetry of a digitized signal.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided that facilitates the operation of a component that is subjected to stress from a stress-inducing component. The apparatus comprises an operation sensing unit that senses when the component should be operated; a stress reducing unit that provides a signal for reducing an amount of stress applied to the component from the stress-inducing component when the operating sensing unit senses that the component should be operated; and a control unit that provides a signal for operating the component a predetermined time after the stress reducing unit provides the signal.

Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement.

Abstract: A surface pressure distribution sensor includes a row-line portion and a column-line portion that face each other with a certain spacing therebetween by a spacer. The row-line portion includes a glass substrate, multiple row lines formed on the glass substrate so as to extend in parallel to each other in a first direction, and an insulating film that covers the row lines. The column-line portion includes a flexible film and multiple column lines formed on the flexible film so as to extend in parallel to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: A seat load measuring apparatus that includes a seat rail between a seat-load measuring apparatus and a vehicle floor. The apparatus includes a base frame and a base bracket that provide a load support mechanism to support a load heavier than a predetermined load imposed on the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A value editor and a corresponding method is described for a measuring apparatus, by which setting parameter values can be modified. Parameters can be set for at one of multiple functional units and modified by control elements. Multiple control elements can together constitute a control block and the active control block is highlighted by a focus. To modify parameter values in the highlighted focus, displayed alphanumerically in the control elements, a first or second edit mode can be selected.

Abstract: A thrust converter has a connection pipe 30 for outputting reciprocating motion of first rotation/reciprocation conversion means 115 and a joint nut 28. The joint nut 28 is interposed between the first rotation/reciprocation conversion means 115 and the connection pipe 30, connected to the first rotation/reciprocation conversion means 115, and coupled to the connection pipe 30 with a screw. The thrust converter is constructed such that connection pipe 30 is driven by a second servo motor 31, thereby setting an arbitrary position where the joint nut 28 and the connection pipe 30 are to be coupled together. As a result, there is obtained a thrust converter which can shorten the axial length of the thrust converter in comparison with a required stroke, which obviates a necessity for operating two motors synchronously when a workpiece is fed to a gripping position or the like, and which facilitates motor control.

Abstract: Electronic control device for window-winders and other motor-driven mechanisms, with a motor (2) fitted with magnetic field sensors near its magnetic ring (8), that uses magnetic field concentrators to take the magnetic field from the interior of the motor to the sensors.

Abstract: A spindle gear for a motor vehicle seat adjusting device having a housing, a spindle nut, a spindle and a worm wheel. The spindle nut may have an external bearing surface and a bearing shell may include an internal bearing surface cooperating with the external bearing surface. The spindle nut may have a slide lacquer coat. The spindle nut may have an external bearing surface and a stop disk may be attached to the external bearing surface so as to surround it. A projection may engage a corresponding spindle nut recess. The housing may comprise at least two housing parts made of zinc diecasting. The external teeth of the spindle nut may form a globoidal gear. The external spindle nut teeth may have an outer diameter that is smallest in an axial center thereof and increases toward the axial end regions.

Abstract: A device for leveling an object on uneven or sloping floors. The device is comprised of a housing with a substantially hollow portion having a worm gear, a driven gear, and an elevation shaft with threads on at least a portion of the shaft's external surface. The worm gear operably engages the driven gear, which in turn operably engages the elevation shaft. When the worm gear is rotated in opposite directions, concomitant rotations of the driven gear cause the elevation shaft to move axially up or down, thereby providing leveling motions to an object to which the device is attached. A pad may be attached to one end of the elevation to prevent scratching the surface on which the object rests. The hollow portion of the housing is configured to provide at least one load-bearing surface such that no separate bearings are required with the device.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism includes at least one member adapted to slide along at least one body wall. The body wall and the sliding member are adapted to mate in at least one designated location when the sliding member is pushed into frictional sliding contact with the body wall from an initial location. A motion detector is operatively coupled to the sliding member. A controller is operatively coupled to the motion detector and adapted to determine whether the sliding member has moved from the initial location to the designated location based on input from the motion detector.

Abstract: A gearbox having an oil pump driving arrangement therein is described, the arrangement comprising: oil pump means adapted for pumping oil by rotation of at least a part of said oil pump about an axis; said part being operably connected for rotation to reverse idler gear means whereby rotation of said idler gear means causes said oil pump means to pump oil.

Abstract: A nut member which is rotated by power transmission from a motor in a rack housing is supported by a thrust bearing fitted and fixed in a first housing having an integrally formed fixing section for fastening to a vehicle body so that the nut member cannot move in both directions along an axial direction. Thrust loads applied in both directions to the nut member with the conversion of rotation into movement of a steering shaft in an axial direction are carried by the first housing through the thrust bearing. The structure of the connection section of the first housing and second housing is simplified, and the housing is fixed in a stable manner to prevent deterioration in steering feeling.

Abstract: A mechanical fuse is used with ergonomic devices for seats such as automobile seats to allow the ergonomic devices to tolerate abusive loads without breaking a linkage, such as a traction cable, used to move the ergonomic supports. The traction cable is comprised of a sleeve with a wire disposed to slide axially through the sleeve. The mechanical fuse is installed with the sleeve divided into two sections, with an end of each section seated into a male component or a female component of the mechanical fuse. The male and female components of the mechanical fuse slide axially relative to one another but are restrained from sliding by insertion of a boss on one component into a detent on the other component. The boss and detent hold the male and female components together in a friction fit that resists axial movement. When an abusive force is applied to the fuse, the friction fit of the boss and detent is overcome so that the boss slides out of the detent in a radial direction.

Abstract: The flywheel assembly for transmitting torque from the crankshaft 191 of the engine has a second flywheel 103, a damper mechanism 104 and a support member 119. The damper mechanism 104 elastically connects the second flywheel 103 to the crankshaft 191 in the rotational direction. The support member 119 supports and positions the second flywheel 103 on the crankshaft 191 in the radial direction.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a windshield wiper has wipe angle determined by the pivotable range of the pivot 16 which is driven by a motor 11 through gearbox 13, crank 15, connecting link 17 and a lever 18. The connecting link 17 has more than one connection possibility as does the lever. The drivers 19 which connect the connecting link 17 to the crank 15 and lever 18 are eccentrically mounted so that changes in the wipe angle of the pivot 16 can be effected by changing the orientation of the drivers 19 and/or the attachment points between the connecting link 17 and the lever 18 and crank 15.

Abstract: Preparation, handling, and spray drying, in an economic and environmentally-friendly way, of slurries for the production of tungsten carbide based hard metal tools or components by the powder injection molding or extrusion route is disclosed. The slurry used is based on ethanol-water and contains metal carbide and metallic raw materials as well as stearic acid and a low concentration of polyethylenimine (PEI). The concentration of PEI is 0.01-1 wt % of the raw material weight. This combination results in low-viscous slurries, which require less use of ethanol, energy, manpower, and equipment time in their preparation, handling, and spray drying. The invention also relates to the powder obtained by using the method.

Abstract: Metal powders for surface coating are disclosed. The metal powders comprise molybdenum diffusion alloyed to the base powder particles. Metal powders comprising a prealloyed powder and a molybdenum source are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cesium mixtures are produced based on the use of a mixture of at least one reducing agent and at least one cesium compound selected among molybdate, tungstate, niobate, tantalate, silicate and zirconate. The cesium mixtures are useful in the production of OLED-type screens.

Abstract: Methods for detecting gold and quantitating gold in ore samples utilizing a gold-specific protein are provided, including methods for multiple sample handling. Also provided are methods for extracting gold from mineral suspensions utilizing a magnetic mineral binding reagent and gold-specific protein, or hydrophobic reagent and gold-specific protein in conjunction with a flotation reagent.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ lixiviants that include at most only small amounts of copper and/or ammonia and operate at a relatively low pH, reduction of polythionates, inert atmospheres to control polythionate production, and electrolytic solutions which provide relatively high rates of precious metal recovery.

Abstract: A process for bacterial oxidation of sulphide ores and concentrates in which the ore or concentrate is leached with a bacterial culture containing one or more strains of both Sulfobacillus and Thermoplasma.

Abstract: A hand-held framing tool includes a handle, a cover shell, and a guide member. The handle includes a coupling portion at an end thereof and a bar member protruded outwards from the coupling portion and fitted with a spring. The cover shell includes a chamber inside at a front end thereof and a guide hole positioned at a bottom side of the chamber. The guide member includes a stopping portion at an end thereof and a plurality of guide ditches extended longitudinally along an inner periphery of a hollow space thereof. The guide member is fitted in the guide hole of the cover shell. The bar member of the handle runs through the hollow space of the guide member. The spring contacts against the stopping portion of the guide member at an end thereof and contacts against the coupling portion of the handle at the other end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination tool system that can be used to change a variety of multi-tube, compact fluorescent light bulbs installed in light sockets that are located in relatively inaccessible areas. This tool system is comprised of a tool end, handle end and non-conductive coupling means. The tool end is square-shaped to fit around the glass tubes of common fluorescent light bulbs. The tool system also includes a series of removable inserts placed into the square-shaped tool end that is designed to adapt the tool to other non-square glass tube arrangements or tubes of smaller cross sectional diameter. An additional insert is also provided with a plurality of prongs projecting upwardly that is pushed into the base of the broken light bulb to grip the socket base while the user turns the handle.

Abstract: A ratchet socket wrench has a main body, a shaft disposed on the main body, a drive device engaging with the shaft, and a sleeve engaging with the drive device. The drive device has a center hole, and a ratchet portion having a plurality of ratchets and an outer periphery groove. An elastic ring encloses the outer periphery groove of the drive device. A collar encloses the drive device. The sleeve has a corrugation hole, and a pawl portion having a plurality of pawls and an outer periphery recess. The pawls engage with the ratchets. The shaft is inserted in the center hole of the drive device. The collar has an inner annular flange. The drive device further has an annular recess to receive the inner annular flange of the collar.

Abstract: A ratchet tool comprises a head having a hole and a ratchet mechanism received in an inner periphery of the hole, an engaging member rotatably engaged with the hole and the ratchet mechanism, and a first ring connected to a side of the engaging member and located above a surface of the head; a periphery of the first ring exceeding a periphery of the head; the first ring including a flange extending inwards from an inner periphery of the first ring; a textured surface is formed on an outer surface of the first ring; and a second ring connected to another side of the engaging member. The ring and the engaging member are formed as a one-piece member.

Abstract: A wrench having a holding structure includes a handle having a mediate section formed with a distorted portion, and an anti-skid rubber jacket coated on the distorted portion of the handle to enhance the holding force on the wrench. Thus, the anti-skid rubber jacket coated on the distorted portion of the handle can enhance the holding force of the user's thumb, thereby preventing the user's thumb from slipping due to the grease attached on the surface of the wrench.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench is provided which possesses ratchet and locking features for turning a hexagonal workpiece indefinitely, by a series of clockwise and counterclockwise arcs, without disengaging the tool from the workpiece, comprised of an elongated body (2) having a first end (8) and a second end (9) and a longitudinal surface (4) for facing the workpiece, a fixed jaw (6) at a first end (8) of the body (2) having a substantially flat face (10) for contacting the workpiece wherein said fixed jaw (6) terminates with a driving lobe (12) for contacting the workpiece, a jaw movable (14) along an axis substantially parallel (16) to the longitudinal surface (4) of the body (2), said movable jaw (14) having a face (18) for contacting and pushing the workpiece against the face (10) of the fixed jaw (6) and the driving lobe (12); and a means for adjusting (20) a position of the movable jaw (14) along the axis substantially parallel (16) to the longitudinal surface (4) of the body (2).

Abstract: An improved screwdriver including a shank with a hole at the bottom end. A shaft can be introduced in this hole during operation, so that the user can use this shaft to apply addition torque through the screwdriver.

Abstract: A pair of pliers has a handle (11), a head (13), a rivet (15), at least one colored layer (17) and optionally, plastic sleeves on the handle (11). The at least one colored layer (17) is at least one color especially designed with unique features to make identification of the pliers easy and make the pliers have an attractive appearance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exchange device (30) for grip heads (20) comprising a plurality of clamping jaws (21), consisting of a carrier plate (31) having a borehole (32). Pivoting arms (33) are axially staggered in relation to the carrier plate (31) and are concentrically arranged in relation to the borehole (32). Said pivoting arms are articulated by means of a joint (34) in such a way that they can be pivoted in a plane containing the axis (37) of the borehole. The pivoting movement is thus carried out radially in relation to the axis of the borehole. Coupling elements (35) are arranged on the pivoting arms (33), by which means the exchange device (30) can be coupled to the clamping jaws (21) of the grip head (20) and detached from the same.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a beveling tool, and more specifically to an attachment that can be mounted to a driver to bevel the outer edges of plastic pipes.

Abstract: A method for cutting belt material to accurate dimensions and for forming the mating edges of a puzzle cut joint for joining the ends of the belt material to form a continuous belt for use in a document processing application. The belt material is maintained in accurate registration a punch press by optical sensors at each station. A vacuum pickup is constructed to move the belt material from a precision cutter to a punch press and maintains the material in tensioned condition to facilitate accurate operation of the punch press.

Abstract: A table saw having a horizontal worktable, an open bottom base below the worktable enclosing a rotating blade that cuts wood objects on the worktable surface, means for driving the saw blade, a saw blade elevating and tilting mechanism, with means for supporting the base from the floor has a sawdust collector for removable attachment to the underside of a table saw having a flexible catch bag with an opening at its top to receive the sawdust, a connection at the bottom for attachment to a vacuum device, and a zipper at the bottom for batch-wise collection and continuous discharge of sawdust. The outer peripheral edge of the top opening has a fastening structure, such as VELCRO, that permits the sawdust collector to be removably attached to a corresponding fastening structure under the table saw.

Abstract: A device for cutting pieces of wood to size, in particular meter-long logs, to form log pieces or firewood, has a frame for accommodating meter-long items. The frame comprises spaced-apart holding elements that are designed in a U shape and between which free regions for saw cuts are provided. It is possible for the frame to be shifted from a sawing position about a pivot axis into an unloading position.

Abstract: Provided with a film cutter that has a guiding mechanism in accordance with the present invention includes a housing providing a pair of guiding rails thereon. The housing is adapted to be mounted on a box containing a film roll. The housing includes at least a receiving slot arranged adjacent to the guiding mils. At least a film positioning element is arranged in the receiving slot for providing a robust positioning of the film spans thereover and a cutter assembly moveably supported by the guiding rails for separating the film spans over the rails. When the film from the film roll is tightly stretched by the film-positioning elements thereby providing a clean cut when the cutter assembly slides over the stretched film.

Abstract: Adjustable length punch assemblies are disclosed. An adjustable length punch assembly in accordance with present invention may be used with a punch press including a tool holder adapted to receive punch assembly and a ram adapted to move longitudinally along a ram axis. An adjustable length punch assembly in accordance with present invention preferably includes a punch body assembly disposed in threading engagement with a drive body assembly having a surface adapted to be struck by ram of punch press. The length of punch assembly may be adjusted by rotating of one body relative to other body. The adjustable length punch assembly preferably includes a lock mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the punch body assembly relative to the drive body assembly. The lock mechanism preferably comprises a lock shaft coupled to one of bodies and a lock key slidingly coupled to other of bodies such that lock key slides along a lock key path.

Abstract: A container is provided with an external surface which has exterior ridges shaped such that sound is produced when a member slides across the ridges. The member is a scraper with one or more prongs. The container may also have a hollow cavity containing sound-producing pellets. The member is a scraper with one or more prongs. One arrangement for producing sound includes the container and the scraper. Another arrangement for producing sound includes the container, the scraper, and the sound-producing pellets in a hollow cavity in the container.