Abstract: A lock cylinder (1) with a suitable key (2) is described, the lock cylinder (1) comprising a cylinder core (13) rotatably mounted in the cylinder housing (1′) and having a key channel (12) for entry of the key (2), which key (2) has a height-profiled rib (15) topping its broad side, of which the tumbler wards (29) cooperate with the tips of tumbler pins (18a) arranged in a row and consisting of non-rotatable core pins and housing pins in such a way that the tumbler pins (18a) guided in the core/housing apertures crossing the rotary joint (F) between cylinder core (13) and cylinder housing (1′) are aligned in terms of height such that the parting line (T) between core and housing pins (19, 20) aligns with the rotary joint (F). The rib (15) comprises a plurality of control tracks extending side by side in the key insertion direction, which as a consequence of an adapted tumbler pin tip configuration are selectively scanned by individual tumbler pins (18a).

Abstract: A method of preparing and coating fertilizer pellets is described. Fertilizer, seed or other materials are added to a blender. Powdered micronutrients are added to the blend (at any time in the process) at rates up to but not exceeding 1% of the total blend. The resulting blend is mixed for a minimum of 20 seconds resulting in an even distribution (coating) of the total blend. The blend is then packaged into bags, spreaders or trucks and stored or applied to the field. Seed or fertilizer is augured or moved via conveyors or other means into seeding equipment or a blender. The finished product is then applied to the field or stored for later applications.

Abstract: In a method and a strip treatment installation, in particular a strip rolling mill train or a strip rolling stand, to avoid strip stickers, as the material is being wound up the distribution of the radial pressure exerted by the strip on the coiler drum or a winding reel is measured over the strip width, then the measured values are used to produce a reproduction of the actual local stress distribution in the strip, and this reproduction is used as a template for a set curve for controlling the strip tensile stress distribution, on the basis of which actuators of the strip treatment installation are adjusted with a view to achieving a uniform compressive stress distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production unit (1), in particular a bending press, and a method of operating the latter in order to shape workpieces of sheet metal between two press beams (15, 16) equipped with bending tools (36, 37) and displaceable relative to one another by means of a drive system (27), and having a control unit (47). The control unit (47) incorporates a detection system and has at least one detection means which is connected so as to communicate with the detection system in order to transmit data and/or signals.

Abstract: A device re-shapes formed wire after processes such as annealing where wire is wound on bobbins. The device includes a reservoir for containing lubricant having a first open end and a second open end. The first end of the reservoir is closed by a guide mechanism for guiding the wire into the reservoir. The second end of the reservoir is closed by a wire shaping for shaping the wire when the wire is pulled therethrough. The wire shaping mechanism reduces the cross-sectional area of the wire by no more than 24%.

Abstract: A control element (1) adapted to prevent an external-flange angle iron from being twisted during its bending is applied to a variable-radius bending machine, on which an angle iron (10) is worked by deformation by means of at least two couples of lower co-axial rollers (7, 8, 7′, 8′) and at least a third upper roller (9), the one flange (11) of the angle iron (10) being clamped by the lower rollers (7, 8, 7′, 8′), and the other flange (12) facing outward. The control element (1) comprises a frustoconical head (2) pivoted on a stem (3) designed to be received into a co-axial housing hole that is frontally performed on the support element (13) of a cylindrical control roller (14), having three degrees of freedom, of the bending machine.

Abstract: A universal rolling stand with control of the space between the rolls comprises a pair of horizontal rolls and one or more vertical rolls with respective chocks, positioning housings and a guide for the chocks with adjustment tie rods (6, 7, 6′, 7′, 18, 18′, 19, 19′) anchored on one side to the housings and acting on the chocks for the adjustment and positioning of the rolls. Adjustment is performed by means of hydraulic capsules (8, 8′, 9, 9′, 20, 20′, 21, 21′) with two hydraulic chambers with dual actuation effect and a double stem at the ends of each tie rod.

Abstract: A contraction tool includes a main body, and a pressing unit mounted on the main body. The pressing unit includes two press plates each having an upper section formed with a positioning recess and a lower section formed with a tapered face. The contraction tool further comprises a push rod moved relative to the main body and inserted into the positioning recesses of the two press plates of the pressing unit, and an urging member mounted on the push rod to move therewith synchronously and inserted between the tapered faces of the two press plates of the pressing unit. Thus, the contraction tool has an enhanced pressing force and is operated easily and conveniently.

Abstract: The method of distorting a workpiece (8) comprises selecting a desired configuration of the workpiece; determining distortions (14) to be applied to at least two regions of the workpiece to cause the workpiece to adopt the desired configuration; and using the determined distortions in accordance with predetermined information (12, 13) relating heat treatments of the workpiece to resultant distortions, to obtain or generate heat control data (15) defining heat treatments to be applied to corresponding regions of the workpiece, which will cause the determined distortions in the workpiece (8). The heat control data and the determined distortions are related by the equation AX=B, where B is a vector describing the determined distortions according to the heat treatments, X is a vector representing the heat control data and A is a matrix of elements representing the predetermined information.

Abstract: A single point compensating die holder for use with the bed of a press brake to provide vertical adjustment and compensating camber to the die holder. The vertical adjustment is provided by a single wedge member supported on the ends and transversely moved in the center by an adjustment means to effect positive or negative vertical crowning on the die holder having a coengaging inclined surface. Transverse movement of the wedge means is effected by the adjustment means engaging a connecting means connected to the wedge means and located in a recess below the wedge means.

Abstract: A vehicle straightening bench having a work platform with an inner track and an outer track. The platform has side edges and end edges with curved corners therebetween. A pulling tower assembly is movably mounted to the inner and outer tracks via a carriage having a generally triangular shaped wheel arrangement.

Abstract: For calibrating a moisture sensor (1), the latter is used to measure the relative moisture (U1, U2) at each of two known gas pressure values (P1, P2), likewise to be measured if necessary. At the same time, other ambient conditions are kept constant. A correction value for correction of the measured values of the moisture sensor to be subtracted from the latter is then obtained from the formula: k=((P1/P2)*U2−U1)/(P1/P2−1). The moisture sensor (1) is thus capable of calibration without measurement of the actual moisture value.

Abstract: A micro-gyroscope (10) having closed loop output operation by a control voltage (Vty), that is demodulated by a drive axis (x-axis) signal Vthx of the sense electrodes (S1, S2), providing Coriolis torque rebalance to prevent displacement of the micro-gyroscope (10) on the output axis (y-axis) Vthy˜0. Closed loop drive axis torque, Vtx maintains a constant drive axis amplitude signal, Vthx. The present invention provides independent alignment and tuning of the micro-gyroscope by using separate electrodes and electrostatic bias voltages to adjust alignment and tuning. A quadrature amplitude signal, or cross-axis transfer function peak amplitude is used to detect misalignment that is corrected to zero by an electrostatic bias voltage adjustment. The cross-axis transfer function is either Vthy/Vty or Vtnx/Vtx.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fluid flow within a high pressure liquid chromatography system. The apparatus includes a pump for supplying a system flow of eluent to the system, a chromatography column, a flow splitting device having a first restrictor fluidly connecting the pump and the chromatography column, a second restrictor fluidly connecting the pump to a waste line, a first fluid pressure sensor monitoring a system fluid pressure upstream of the first restrictor, and a second fluid pressure sensor monitoring a column fluid pressure downstream of the first restrictor. A method of using the apparatus for fluid flow control is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a circuit arrangement containing a microcontroller (10) and an EEP-ROM (11). A first memory area (39) having at least one data set memory (DA1, DA2, DA3) and at least one second memory area (30) also having at least one data set memory (DB1, DB2, DB3) are provided in the EEPROM (11). A pointer (P1, P2, P3) located in a third memory area (31) refers to the respectively valid memory area (29, 30). In one step (53), the microcontroller (10) stores a data set in the invalid memory area (29, 30) and, in a subsequent step (54), changes the pointer (P1, P2, P3) so that the invalid memory area (29, 30) becomes the valid memory area (30, 29). Both steps (53, 54) are cyclically repeated. In the event of a fault during a storage process, a correct data set is available at all times in the memory area (29, 30) indicated as being valid.

Abstract: A pressure sensor having a sensor diaphragm for measuring pressure in combustion chambers of internal combustion engines, the pressure sensor being located in a housing, and high pressure and temperature fluctuations occurring in the combustion chamber. A heat shield made of a good heat-conducting material and provided with orifices is placed upstream from the sensor diaphragm to dissipate the heat to the housing surrounding the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method and sensor or sensor subsystem permit improved evaporative leak detection in an automotive fuel system. The sensor or sensor subsystem computes temperature-compensated pressure values, thereby eliminating or reducing false positive or other adverse results triggered by temperature changes in the fuel tank. The temperature-compensated pressure measurement is then available for drawing an inference regarding the existence of a leak with reduced or eliminated false detection arising as a result of temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring the concentration of hydrogen gas being transferred through a nozzle from a source container to a destination container and for providing an alert and/or taking action where hydrogen gas leaks may create an unsafe condition. The invention can accurately and reproducibly respond to and measure the absolute hydrogen gas concentration within the nozzle housing using hydrogen gas sensors that are selective only to hydrogen, which do not require the presence of oxygen to operate and which do not saturate when hydrogen safety levels are reached. These sensors are positioned inside the nozzle housing to allow for the direct and immediate knowledge of the presence of hydrogen gas that cannot be safely determined by other means. An apparatus and process for detecting leaks of liquid hydrogen through a nozzle during transfer of liquid hydrogen from a source container to a destination container are also discussed.

Abstract: An inspection device for use on joint zones of piping (4) and the like where the joint zone (2) includes a joint interface (3a), the device including a housing (1) adapted for fitting over the joint interface so as to form a substantial seal bridging the joint interface. The housing is adapted to allow visual or other inspection of the joint interface.

Abstract: A bending vibration of a piezoelectric vibrating plate is amplified and transmitted to a vibration shaft and a liquid detecting element, so that the liquid detecting element is soundly vibrated in a circular direction in a measuring liquid.

Abstract: To provide a method of and an apparatus for continuously measuring elemental mercury and bivalent mercury both contained in a gaseous medium fractionally with a simplified structure, the concentration of a total mercury (Metallic Mercury+Bivalent Mercury) and the concentration of elemental mercury contained in gases are measured continuously and fractionally. In the practice of this mercury measuring method, a first column 1, filled with a first fixed catalyst, and a second column 11, filled with a second fixed catalyst, are fluid connected in parallel relation to each other. The gases G are introduced into those first and second columns 1 and 11. In the first column 1, the first fixed catalyst collects and removes the bivalent mercury, but passes only the elemental mercury in the gases through the first column.

Abstract: In a configuration where it is judged whether or not a misfire occurred, based on the comparison between diagnosis data indicating a variation of an engine rotation speed and a threshold based on engine operating conditions, the misfire judgment is canceled based on a result of the comparison between data indicating an average correlation between the diagnosis data and the threshold, and a threshold for cancellation judgment.

Abstract: A method for simulating at least one drive cycle of a vehicle using a non-engine based test system, the method comprising: providing a non-engine based test system comprising a combustor in fluid communication with a catalytic converter from the vehicle; supplying fuel and air to said combustor at an air to fuel ratio (AFR) and under conditions effective to produce a feedstream flowpath; substantially stoichiometrically combusting at least a portion of the fuel in the feedstream flowpath under conditions effective to simulate at least one drive cycle of the vehicle and to produce a simulated drive cycle exhaust product for the vehicle, the conditions being effective to prevent substantial damage to the combustor; and, collecting and analyzing the simulated drive cycle exhaust product.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for managing fuel vapor pressure in a fuel system that supplies fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace, and performs a diagnostic on the purge valve. The apparatus includes a housing, a pressure operable device, and a printed circuit board. The housing defines an interior chamber. The pressure operable device separates the interior chamber into first and second portions. And the pressure operable device includes a poppet that moves along an axis and a seal that is adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. The printed circuit board is supported by the housing in the interior chamber.

Abstract: A method for testing a current regulator of an electronically controllable valve in a hydraulic vehicle brake system, the current regulator is tested by way of actuation with a testing current which is sufficiently small such that essentially there is no valve movement of the electronically controllable valve, with the result that no substantial hydraulic effect is produced on the vehicle brake system.

Abstract: Ions are imparted to a tire by ion generating means to electrically charge the tire. Then, the electrically charged tire is electrically connected to an earth by earth means to discharge electric charges therefrom. Thereafter, an electrification voltage of the tire from which electric charges have been discharged is detected by electrification voltage detection means.

Abstract: An in-situ rock strength measurement tool features a sub that is integrated into a drill string, or other downhole tool string, and lowered into an uncased borehole. The sub includes a plurality of lateral pistons that are selectively extendable in a radial orientation to engage the wall of the borehole. The pistons exert a force against a defined area of the borehole wall and penetrate the borehole across the defined area. The force needed to penetrate the borehole may then be measured and used to calculate rock strength and to determine other formation properties.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multifunction probe for aircraft. The probe comprises means for measuring the total pressure and means for measuring the total temperature of an air flow surrounding the aircraft. The means for measuring the total pressure comprise a first tube the so-called Pitot tube oriented substantially along the axis of the air flow surrounding the aircraft and the means for measuring the total temperature comprise a second tube open to the air flow and oriented substantially in the axis of the air flow. The first tube is situated inside the second tube. The invention also concerns a process for shaping a heating wire forming means of deicing of the multifunction probe. The process includes: winding the heating wire helically around a first mandrel, inserting the first mandrel into a second hollow mandrel, continuing the winding of the heating wire around the second mandrel, and placing the heating wire, thus formed, inside the two tubes and being fixed therein.

Abstract: In a thermal type flowmeter 60, a heating/heat-sensitive coil 64 which is shaped as a coil is fit close into an approximately central portion of a duct pipe 63. A flow rate computing circuit 65 supplies electric power to the heating/heat-sensitive coil 64 in accordance with an instruction received from a control portion, the heating/heat-sensitive coil 64 develops heat, and the heat developing at the heating/heat-sensitive coil 64 heats up a hole transporting material 8 which flows through the duct pipe 63. Further, the flow rate computing circuit 65 which is electrically connected with the heating/heat-sensitive coil 64 detects a difference between an upstream-side temperature and a downstream-side temperature, and calculates the flow rate (mass flow rate) of the hole transporting material 8 based on this temperature difference, the amount of heating, physical properties data such as the specific heat and the heat capacity regarding the hole transporting material 8.

Abstract: In an air-velocity sensor and a method for operating an air-velocity sensor, the air-velocity sensor includes a temperature sensor arranged in an air flow and sequential electronics. The sequential electronics are used to cyclically impinge upon the temperature sensor with a define heat output and to determine the temperature rise time required by the temperature sensor to heat up to a given temperature difference after being impinged upon with the heat output. Temperature measurements are performed at a defined measuring frequency. The velocity of the air flow is determined on the basis of temperature rise time.

Abstract: A heating resistor flow rate measuring instrument includes a sub-passage (3) disposed in a main passage (4). A heating resistor (1) and a thermally sensitive resistor (2) are disposed in the sub-passage (3). The sub-passage (3) comprises a first sub-passage having an upstream-side opening face substantially perpendicular to the forward direction of a fluid flow and a downstream-side opening face substantially parallel to the direction opposite to the forward fluid flow, and a second sub-passage having an upstream-side opening face substantially parallel to the forward direction of the fluid flow and a downstream-side opening face substantially perpendicular to the direction opposite to the forward fluid flow. The heating resistor (1) is disposed in the first sub-passage, and the thermally sensitive resistor (2) is disposed in the second sub-passage. The heating resistor (1) is heated to a temperature about 100° C.-300° C. higher than a fluid temperature Ta.

Abstract: This invention is a flow measurement device that has high spatial (less than 1.0x1.0 mm2) and temporal resolution (greater than 10s to 100s kHz) to measure flow properties in unsteady and direction-reversing conditions. The present invention can have an oscillating substrate, hot wire prongs, a hot wire attached to the hot wire prong, sensor leads from the prongs to a constant temperature anemometry circuit (CTA), means for the oscillating substrate to oscillate the substrate at a frequency greater than a characteristic cycle frequency of the flow to be measured, at a frequency less than a CTA bandwidth frequency, and such that a frequency and amplitude (Aw) of oscillation are sufficiently large to be detected, and means to obtain two measurements during an oscillation cycle when the hot wire is at its maximum oscillation velocity. Alternatively, the prongs can be eliminated and a hot wire or hot film can be directly applied to the oscillating substrate.

Abstract: A humidity-sensitive porous layer (13) of a humidity-sensitive element section (3) of a humidity sensor (1) is formed of a crystalline phase oxide grains such as Al2O3—SnO2—TiO2 and of a glass phase such as silicate glass covering the crystalline phase. The glass phase contains an alkali metal oxide and/or alkaline earth metal oxide such as Li2O. The humidity sensitive porous layer (13) assumes a skeletal structure that is formed of crystalline phase oxide grains covered or coated with the glass phase. A heater (17) of the humidity sensor is controlled to heat the humidity-sensitive element section (3) at a temperature ranging from 500° C. to 800° C. so as to clean off the humidity-sensitive element section while an internal combustion engine is running and exhausting fouling substances.

Abstract: A drive location compensation system determines a deviation between an actual and nominal position of a drive location on a rotor relative to an attachment location on the rotor. The compensation system uses a balancing machine and a sensor that detects when one of the attachment locations passes a known position. Based on the output of the sensor and a known position of a drive spindle of the balancing machine that is coupled to the drive location on the rotor, a relationship between the drive spindle and the attachment location is determined. This relationship is compared to a nominal relationship that is based on a calibration standard. The deviation is compensated for during the balancing of the rotor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an accelerometer and/or displacement device that uses a mass coupled to a rhomboidal flexure to provide compression to an optical sensing element preferably having a fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The transducer includes a precompressed optical sensor disposed along a first axis between sides of the flexure. The top portion of the flexure connects to the mass which intersects the flexure along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. When the mass experiences a force due to acceleration or displacement, the flexure will expand or contract along the second axis, which respectively compresses or relieves the compression of the FBG in the optical sensing element along the first axis. Perturbing the force presented to the FBG changes its Bragg reflection wavelength, which is interrogated to quantify the dynamic or constant force.

Abstract: A Ferraris sensor for measuring an acceleration of a moving body along a direction. The sensor includes a flat eddy current body and a scanning head arranged on one side of the eddy current body. The scanning head includes N magnets that generate an external magnetic field that extends approximately perpendicular to a surface of the eddy current body, wherein N=1, 2, 3, . . . and M detector coils, wherein M=1, 2, 3, 4, . . . and each detector coil includes an axis and detects changes of an interior magnetic field within the N magnets that are caused by an acceleration of the eddy current body and a resulting change in eddy currents. The axis is approximately perpendicular with respect to the surface of the eddy current body, each detector coil lacks a ferromagnetic core and the N magnets and the M detector coils are arranged alternatingly next to each other in a direction that the acceleration is to be measured.

Abstract: A capacitive acceleration sensor includes a non-single-crystal-silicon-based substrate, a polysilicon beam structure having a movable section that includes a movable electrode, a polysilicon supporter positioned on the non-single-crystal-silicon-based substrate for fixing the beam structure and forming a distance between the beam structure and the non-single-crystal-silicon-based substrate, a stationary electrode positioned on the non-single-crystal-silicon-based substrate and opposite to the movable section of the beam structure, and a thin film transistor (TFT) control circuit positioned on the non-single-crystal-silicon-based substrate. The stationary electrode and the movable electrode constitute a plate capacitor, and the TFT control circuit is electrically connected to the plate capacitor.

Abstract: A sensor element includes a pair of differential capacitors having capacitances C1 and C2 causing a complementary capacitance change in response to an applied acceleration. An additional capacitor is connected to either capacitor to generate a capacitance difference between the capacitance C1 and the composite capacitance C2+C3. This enables to adjust an input LPFout of a correcting circuit correcting the offset level of the sensor output Gout in such a manner that a correction amount in the correcting circuit becomes large and accordingly deviates sufficiently from a reference level Vref. In case of failure in which the input of the correcting circuit is fixed to the reference level Vref, the sensor output Gout surely deviates from the reference level Vref by an amount equivalent to the correction in the correcting circuit.

Abstract: In a semiconductor acceleration sensor (S1), above one side of a first silicon substrate (10) made of a semiconductor and serving as a fixed electrode (11), a moving electrode (20) made of a semiconductor and displaceable in the thickness direction of the first silicon substrate (10) is disposed apart from and facing the first silicon substrate (10). An applied acceleration is detected on the basis of capacitance changes between the moving electrode (20) and the face of the first silicon substrate (10) accompanying displacement of the moving electrode (20). A space and an electrically insulative insulating layer (13) having a relative permittivity larger than that of air are interposed between the moving electrode (20) and the face of the first silicon substrate (10), side by side in the direction in which the moving electrode (20) and the first silicon substrate (10) are apart.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for ultrasonic weld seam testing of longitudinally welded pipes for longitudinal and transverse flaws, including two testing carriages which are swingably suspended and which can be moved on the surface of the pipe to the right and left of the weld seam for longitudinal flaw inspection, and one testing carriage which is swingably suspended, oriented in central manner with respect to the weld seam, and which can be moved on the surface of the pipe for transverse flaw inspection. Each testing carriage is provided with a transducer for accommodating at least one testing head which includes an oscillator, and at least one coupling medium connection having a channel which ends in the region of the oscillator and is configured as a nozzle in the outlet area. The respective nozzle element is connected to the transducer by means of screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the integrity of hollow fibre filtration units and of detecting leaks through a wholly or partially ruptured fibre. The inventive method is characterised in that it consists in: —emitting a noise or audible signal using an emitter located on one side of the membranes of the filtration units; —detecting the noise or audible signal emerging from a ruptured fibre on the other side of the membranes, regardless of whether or not a fluid is passing through said fibre; —amplifying the signal-noise thus obtained; —and comparing the resulting amplified signal to a threshold noise level in the same frequency range.

Abstract: An abdominal/back muscle member 19 tightly surrounds narrowed portions 172 and 182 of an upper and a lower body members 17 and 18 of a lumbar assembly of human lumbar model structure. Shoulders 173 and 183 are formed at the bounds of the narrowed portion 172 and 182 from the remaining upper and lower portions of the upper body member and the lower body member 17 and 18 with a radial height larger than the thickness of the abdominal/back muscle member 19 to form hood-like radial flanges protruding from the outer upper and lower edges of the muscle member. The hood-like radial flanges effectively prevent the upper and lower edges of the muscle 19 from going over the shoulders, even if the maximum vertical loading is applied to the structure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to almost completely prevent relative rotation between a pressure gauge and valve main bodies. A gear D is fixed to a pressure gauge guide connected to the pressure gauge. A gear A having the same axis as the gear D is fixed to the valve bodies. A support shaft is rotatably inserted into an insertion hole at a non-center position of a bottom portion of a pressure adjustment guide. Gears C, B fixed to both ends of the support shaft are engaged with the gears D, A. The pressure gauge does not rotate relative to the valve main bodies when a handle is rotated.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method for capacitive sensing. The device includes a fluid channel including an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a cavity region coupled to the fluid channel, and a polymer based membrane coupled between the fluid channel and the cavity region. Additionally, the device includes a first capacitor electrode coupled to the membrane, a second capacitor electrode coupled to the cavity region and physically separated from the first capacitor electrode by at least the cavity region, and an electrical power source coupled between the first capacitor electrode and the second capacitor electrode and causing an electric field at least within the cavity region. The polymer based membrane includes a polymer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical pressure sensor and a pressure sensor manufactured using this method. The pressure is measured in the pressure sensor composed of at least two components via a capacitance measurement of a capacitor, the pressure sensor having at least one first electrode and one first diaphragm. The movement of the diaphragm causes a change in the capacitance of the capacitor which may be used in the capacitance measurement as a measure for the pressure variable to be measured. It is important that, prior to assembly, the first and the second components of the pressure sensor be processed separately. The first component has at least one semiconductor material and the first electrode, whereas the second component is made of metal, at least in part, and contains at least the first diaphragm.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a membrane having a radially peripheral edge region fixedly arranged on a support. One side of the membrane can be acted on by a medium being measured and the membrane can be deflected in response to pressure of the medium. Measuring elements and an electric circuit interconnecting the measuring elements are arranged on the membrane, the measuring elements and the circuit being applied by the thick-film technique and sintered on in a thermal process. The membrane is made of an electrically conducting metal and bears an insulating layer, on which the measuring elements and the electric circuit are arranged. In this case, the insulating layer consists of a material having a coefficient of expansion that lies between the coefficient of expansion of the metal of the membrane and the coefficient of expansion of the material of the measuring elements and the electric circuit.

Abstract: A pressure gage adapted to provide a mechanical indication of a sensed pressure and to provide an electrical signal indicative of the sensed pressure. The pressure gage includes a housing having a first fluid pressure chamber, a second fluid pressure chamber, and flexible diaphragm separating the first fluid pressure chamber from the second fluid pressure chamber. A magnet is coupled to the diaphragm such that movement of the diaphragm causes a related movement of the magnet. A helix is located adjacent to the magnet and a pointer is attached to the helix for conjoint rotation with a helix about a rotational axis. A Hall effect sensor is also located adjacent the magnet. Movement of the magnet in response to movement of the diaphragm rotates the helix and the pointer to provide a mechanical indication of the pressure sensed by the diaphragm, and the movement of the magnet causes the Hall effect sensor to generate an electrical signal indicative of the pressure sensed by the diaphragm.

Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor comprises a non-single-crystal-silicon-based substrate, a movable insulating diaphragm, at least one piezoresistor positioned on the insulating diaphragm, an insulating supporter positioned on the non-single-crystal-silicon-based substrate for fixing two ends of the insulating diaphragm and forming a cavity between the insulating diaphragm and the non-single-crystal-silicon-based substrate, and a thin film transistor (TFT) control circuit positioned on the non-single-crystal-silicon-based substrate and electrically connected to the insulating diaphragm and the piezoresistor.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a plurality of forces acting on a conveyor chain of a conveyor line includes a pre-selected chain link coupled to the conveyor chain, and a sensor array having a plurality of strain gauges disposed on the pre-selected chain link, each of the plurality of strain gauges being distinctly oriented to measure the plurality of forces acting on the pre-selected link.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral delivery systems for functional ingredients, such as drugs, nutritional supplements, botanicals, and vitamins. The delivery systems comprise an ingestible matrix within which the functional ingredient(s) are substantially uniformly and completely dispersed and in which degradation of the functional ingredient(s) is minimised. The matrix comprises 1) one or more carbohydrate; 2) one or more sugar, sugar syrup and/or sugar alcohol; 3) one or more hydrocolloid; 4) one or more polyhydric alcohol; 5) one or more source of mono- or divalent cations, and 5) water. The combination of carbohydrate and hydrocolloid in the matrix ensures that the delivery system readily retains the solvent component and thereby prevents separation of the solvent from other components of the matrix. The invention also provides methods of preparing and using the delivery systems.