Abstract: There are provided a conductivity sensor of a washing water, an installation construction of the conductivity sensor, and a method for controlling the washing machine, which are capable of controlling the washing machine by calculating a hardness of a washing water from a measured conductivity of the washing water.

Abstract: A washing machine capable of preventing a magnet, which detects a number of rotations of a washing shaft, from being removed from a predetermined position. The washing machine includes a drive motor to generate a rotating force. A washing shaft is rotated by the drive motor. A belt and a shaft pulley transmit the rotating force from the drive motor to the washing shaft. A magnet is mounted to the shaft pulley to rotate along with the shaft pulley. A magnetic sensor detects a number of rotations of the washing shaft, in response to a change in a magnetic field produced by the magnet. A locking unit is mounted at a first end thereof to the magnet, and at a second end thereof to the shaft pulley. Therefore, even when the vibrations caused by operations of the washing machine are transmitted to the magnet for a lengthy period of time, the magnet is connected to the shaft pulley by the locking unit without being removed from a predetermined position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine including an outer case, an outer tub disposed in the outer case to receive washing water, a rotational tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub, a pulsator rotating in the rotational tube to generate forced water current, a tub cover formed on an upper portion of the outer tub to guide the washing water to the rotational tub when the rotational tub and/or the pulsator rotate, a net formed on an inner circumference of the tub cover, and a motor for transmitting driving force to the rotational tub and/or the pulsator.

Abstract: A condensing apparatus of a washing and drying machine comprising a casing for forming an accommodating space therein; a tub installed in the casing; an air duct of which one end is connected to the tub thus for introducing air into the tub; a blower fan for blowing air along the air duct; and a heating means for heating air of the air duct before being introduced into the tub, wherein the condensing apparatus comprises: a condensing duct of which one end is connected to a lower region of the tub and another end is upwardly extending; a condensate water supplying duct connected to a lower region of the condensing duct for supplying condensate water into the condensing duct; and a condensate water dispersing portion provided with a plurality of dispersion holes formed along a circumferential direction of the condensing duct with a certain interval and arranged at an outlet side of the condensate water supplying duct along a flow direction of the condensate water, for dispersedly dropping condensate water suppl

Abstract: A drum type washing and drying apparatus comprising: a washing unit including a tub receiving a water for washing laundry and a first drum rotatably installed inside the tub; a drying unit including a second drum rotatably installed in the vicinity of the washing unit; a first airflow duct of which one end is connected to the inside of the tub and the other end is connected to the second drum; a blowing fan installed at the first airflow duct for introducing an air inside the tub into the second drum through the first airflow duct; a heating means for heating the air passing through the first airflow duct; and a second airflow duct of which one end is connected to the second drum and the other end is connected to the tub so that the air inside the second drum is introduced into the tub therethrough, thereby improving drying performance thereof and reducing fabrication costs and noise.

Abstract: A washing machine includes legs provided on a lower portion of a washing machine contacting with a support surface, thus supporting the washing machine and absorbing a vibration of the washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet, and legs which support the cabinet on a support surface. Each of the legs includes first and second vibration absorbing parts. The first vibration absorbing part contacts, on a bottom surface thereof, with the support surface, and has elasticity to have a higher contracting strain as a weight applied thereto increases. A bottom surface of the second vibration absorbing part is placed higher than the bottom surface of the first vibration absorbing part by a predetermined height, thus contacting with or being spaced apart from the support surface according to the contracting strain of the first vibration absorbing part.

Abstract: A screw assembly and a washing machine using the same are disclosed. The screw assembly includes a head, to be seated on an upper surface of the rotated member, a body, extending downwardly from the head, to be screwed into the rotating member and to thereby grip the rotated member between the head and the rotating member, and a pillar, formed on an upper surface of the head, having an outer perimeter for being gripped by a first tool, the pillar having a groove for receiving a second tool. The screw assembly may include an inner tub having a bottom surface, wherein the pulsator is to be gripped to the bottom surface of the inner tub.

Abstract: A scuba tank locking device includes a cable lock and a locking plate having a first aperture sized to receive the cable lock and a second aperture having an elongated slot extending therefrom. A key-operated tumbler lock is tangentially adjacent the second aperture and includes a coaxial bolt member operatively associated therewith positionable between locked and unlocked positions, with the bolt member extending into the second aperture in the locked position. An attachment cable formed from flexible steel cable is permanently attached to the steel plate with a distal end being sized for insertion through the second aperture and subsequent placement within the slot. The attachment cable includes a coaxially attached locking lug sized for insertion into the second aperture and having a width greater than the width of the slot. The bolt member prevents the withdrawal of the locking lug when in the locked position.

Abstract: To provide a key cylinder device equipped with a handle lock mechanism which can maintain a handle lock mechanism of a key cylinder unit with a shutter to provide an improved assembleability of the key cylinder device. The bolts for fixing a shutter housing are attached from the back surface of the top plate of an inverted angular U-shaped bracket. Thus, even when a gap is generated between the shutter housing and a vehicle body cover, the bolts are not exposed and hence cannot be easily loosened. In addition, by mounting the key cylinder device in the vehicle body cover and then mounting the vehicle body cover thereon, assembleability can be improved.

Abstract: A security locking system for trailers that features an interior locking bar that is controlled from the outside. The locking bar is traversed in a linear motion parallel to the door by means of a toggle mechanism. The bar is guided into the locking mechanism by two guides mounted to the inside of the trailer door. The toggle mechanism is turned using a common trailer latch that also locks by use of a key. Alternatively the latch could be modified to lock or unlock by means of a remote. Once the latch is turned all the way (90 degrees), it will raise the locking bar into the upper secure bracket. The lower part of the locking bar will be lowered into the lock housing which is hidden just under the trailer floor; it will then be in position in the locking mechanism for the key pin to be inserted and then locked. The locking mechanism can also be modified to be controlled by means of a remote.

Abstract: A lock (1) comprises an electronics module (6) which in response to receiving an authorisation signal from an electronic key (8) causes movement of handles (4a; 4b) to release a bolt (19) within aperture (3). Electronic module (6) is replaceable and is retained in place by a latch (16) that may be released by actuation of a mechanical lock (11).

Abstract: A self-powered electric lock includes a lock bolt and a first engagement element having disengaged and engageable positions. An electric actuator includes an output operative to move the first engagement element to its engageable position. A manually operated rotatable member is operatively coupled to the first engagement element when the first engagement element is in its engageable position. A lock bolt drive mechanism is coupled to the lock bolt and to the first engagement element when the first engagement element is in its engageable position. The movable output moves the first engagement element to its engageable position upon input of correct electronic data. An electricity generator is coupled to the manually operated rotatable member. The electricity powers the electric actuator and an electronic data input device. The manually operated rotatable member is also used to actuate the lock bolt drive mechanism and retract the lock bolt.

Abstract: A lock of the type in which a latch means is able to be actuated if elongated members are able to pass through associated slots (54) in latch elements. There are two sets of latch elements (50) in two keyways (48, 49) such that, when the slots (54) in opposed pairs of elements are aligned, the actuating members can pass through. One set of latch elements (54) are positioned by a setter or biscuit (56) and the other set are positioned by a key (58) that corresponds to the shape of the setter to align the slots (54) of corresponding elements in each set. This type of lock is improved by providing at least one latch element (50) in one set (ie in one keyway 48 or 49), with a wider slot (54) to enable master keying. The master key is set to correspond to the highest or lowest position in the wide slot.

Abstract: A security device for a member, such as a door 11, displaceable between a closed and an open position, the device—providing for the blocking of access to an operating means for the member, such as a handle or key entry, the device comprising: an anchorage member 20 mounting on the member as aforesaid with the member in an open position, at a working location in the vicinity of the operating means; a padlock 30 for attachment to the anchorage; and a housing 40 for attachment to the anchorage by way of the pad lock when the anchorage is attached to the door in the working location so that housing extends to cover the operating means; the housing including—a recess 42 to receive the padlock so that the padlock is shrouded by the housing; means (acting via 43) for securing the padlock to the housing when the padlock is located in the recess; means 44 for accessing an operating means, such as a key hole, for the padlock when shrouded by b the housing; to enable the padlock, when secured in the recess, to demountab

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of nitrogen-potassium fertilizers and can be used for the chemical industry and for agriculture. The inventive liquid nitrogen-potassium fertilizer comprises carbamide, potassium chloride, an ammoniated component and water. Ammonium nitrate is used as the ammoniated component with the following mixing ratio of ingredients in: 20-34 mass % carbamide, 5-25 mass % potassium chloride, 25-42 mass % ammonium nitrate, the rest being water. Said liquid nitrogen-potassium fertilizer also comprises 0.3-3 mass % magnesium sulphate or 1.5-3 mass % clay.

Abstract: An approach sensor 2 is provided to give a signal to a control device, that is, CPU 1, when the approach sensor 2 detects an operator approaching a region predetermined in consideration of a region where a ram 20 is driven. The CPU 1 is operated in response to the signal from the approach sensor 2 to turn a relay 6 off, thereby to intercept the power supply to a servo motor 8 from a power source, wherein the servo motor 8 is controlled to return the ram 20 to an operation point when an instruction is given from an operating device 4 to turn the relay 6 on to supply the power to the servo motor 8 from the power source.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for metal extrusion applications and presses wherein high purity inert and/or partially inert gases are introduced at or near the die exit. The environment at or near the exit is also preferably analyzed and/or monitored on a continual or nearly continual basis. The environment is also preferably controlled to which minimize or eliminate oxidation of metals and other extruded materials. The apparatus and method allow faster extrusion rates, improved surface quality of the extruded materials, and increased die life. In an embodiment, bi-phasic inerting media may also be used.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a required threaded hole is formed in a hydroformed part with a single tool while the part remains in a hydroforming die cavity. In forming the threaded hole, a hole is first pierced in the wall of the part and then an annular region of the part extending about the hole is extruded inwardly to form an integral tubular neck defining a hole of predetermined depth. The hole is then expanded in a sizing operation to a diameter determined by the required thread to be formed therein by material displacement and the required thread is then formed in the wall of the hole in a material displacing manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spin forming a portion of a workpiece includes at least two rollers rotatable about a spin axis. Each one of the rollers is axially and radially offset from the others. An axial drive mechanism reciprocates the rollers or workpiece to causes the first roller and then the second roller to sequentially engage the workpiece. A higher reduction ratio is achieved which enables improved efficiency. The present invention reduces floor space requirements as the forming operation may be completed on a single machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spin forming a portion of a workpiece where the formed portion has a formed axis that is non-coaxial with the non-processed axis of the workpiece includes at least two rollers rotatable about a spin axis. Each one of the rollers is axially and radially offset from the others. An axial drive mechanism reciprocates the rollers or workpiece to causes the first roller and then the second roller to sequentially engage the workpiece. A pivoting mechanism rotates the rollers or workpiece about a pivot point from a first angular position to a second angular position during a forming operation to create a formed portion that is oblique to the non-processed portion or is substantially curved. A higher reduction ratio is achieved which enables improved efficiency. The present invention reduces floor space requirements as the forming operation may be completed on a single machine.

Abstract: The method of preparing cold mill work rolls for forming a surface finish on a metal substrate includes the steps of placing a work roll on a grinder, truing the work roll, roughening the work roll, and performing at least one finishing pass on the work roll. The method may further include the step of sanding the work roll. The finished work roll may be inserted into a cold mill and the metal substrate cold rolled with the work rolls to achieve the desired surface finish. The metal substrate is aluminum or aluminum alloy strip which has the surface finish applied to one or both of its surfaces during cold rolling by the aforesaid finished work roll(s) to provide a surface finish on the aluminum strip that mimics a brush finish stainless steel.

Abstract: A cluster mill includes an axially displacing and holding device for displaceable intermediate and/or working mills (11), with the chocks (7) being guided in a sliding manner inside the cluster mill stand housing posts (1), the rolls (11) are be displaced in axially opposite directions by piston-cylinder units (5), and the piston rods (5a) are pivotally connected to a main traverse (4).

Abstract: A shear-extrusion method of severe plastic deformation for fabrication of metal shapes with ultra-fine structures is described. The improvements of the method include unidirectional shear of any required intensity during one step processing and under high hydrostatic pressures, fabrication of long products with different cross-sections, refinement of low ductile alloys, the increase of productivity and cost reduction. The method can be realized as forward extrusion, backward extrusion, semi continuous extrusion and extrusion of hollow shapes in portal dies with a welding chamber.

Abstract: An improved machine for performing a swaging operation includes a mandrel and an expandable collet that are mounted to an actuator such as a conventional pneumatic gun. The mandrel includes a plurality of ramped planar engagement surfaces that are slidably engageable with a plurality of planar reaction surfaces on deflectable segments of the collet. The planar nature of the engagement surfaces and the reaction surfaces avoids unwanted deflection of the segments that would otherwise turn the segments into cutting tools, such as would occur if the surfaces were of certain other shapes. The mandrel is rotatably mounted to the pneumatic gun whereby the engagement surfaces are self-aligning with the reaction surfaces during an initial stage of a swaging operation.

Abstract: A toolholder unit for sheet metal bending brakes, comprising a bar (1) to be associated with a fixed or movable part of the brake, and provided with at least one recess (9) forming with a jaw (12) associated therewith a groove (11) to receive the shank (7) of the tool (5), there being provided elastic means (20) to maintain said jaw spaced from said recess and from the shank contained therein, and locking means to clamp said jaw against said shank, said locking means comprising: at least one slider axially slidable within a seat facing that side of the bar (1) facing the jaw; at least one appendix (175) projecting from said slider beyond that side of the bar facing the jaw; at least one cavity (21) provided in the bar (1), or in a part (2) rigid with it, to receive said appendix (175); and means (18) of variable profile to cause said slider (17) to undergo controlled translations relative to said bar (1).

Abstract: A leak test arrangement having a leak calibration device is disclosed. The calibration device is connected into communication with the leak test arrangement and provides a controlled source (sink) of fluid at a predetermined amount. The calibration includes a substantially sealed volume of fluid in fluid communication with the test arrangement and a control arrangement for heating and/or cooling the volume to produce the source (sink) of the calibrator.

Abstract: A compression calibration tester comprises as its main parts, a plunger, a base, and a spring. The compression calibration tester provides a known force. This known force is used to calibrate, and ensure proper operation of a seal force testing device. The seal force testing device is used to seal containers. Typically, these containers are used to store parenteral pharmaceutical products. Testing of the residual seal force of the closure is an important step in the package development and production of parenteral pharmaceutical products. This invention is useful for ensuring that a seal force testing device is operating properly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the wear resistance of the surface of a sample object includes an abrasive grinding belt, run between the sample object and a counter-body, with the grinding belt being pressed against the sample object with a predetermined force by the counter-body. The position of the counter-body is determined at, at least, a first position and a second position, each occurring at two different points in time. The wear resistance of the surface of the sample object is determined from the difference in determined positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impactor, a frame part for an impactor, a part to be used in an impactor, and a method for processing elements belonging to the impactor. According to the invention, different elements belonging to different stages of the impactor are coupled to each other by means of a connecting element in such a way that they can be inserted in the frame part of the impactor, removed from it, or processed, as a single unit.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for measuring carbon monoxide on a person's breath, which apparatus (2) comprises measuring means (4) for measuring the carbon monoxide on the person's breath, and message giving means (6) for giving a message which is in a language and which is appropriate to the amount of the carbon monoxide measured on the person's breath.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the measurement of the amount of a component that is released from a gaseous atmosphere during the thermo-chemical treatment of metallic work pieces.

Abstract: A vapor sensor is disclosed, which includes a substrate containing a sensing element, wherein the substrate is located proximate to a sleeve portion which covers and protects the sensing element. The vapor sensor also includes a vapor filter or permeable membrane affixed to an end of the sleeve portion, wherein the end of the sleeve portion is located opposite the sensing element. A housing and a cover are also provided, such that the housing retains the substrate and the cover snaps onto the housing. The housing itself includes walls from which a hole is formed through which vapors may pass. The vapor sensor can be mounted to a gas water heater in such a manner as to reduce air flow to the sensing element and prevent tampering of the vapor sensor unit itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the density of insulation in a cavity of a structure includes a sensor that is held in a substantially fixed position relative to the insulation for sensing the force of the insulation against the sensor. The force is used to determine the density of the insulation, which, in turn, is used to determine the thermal resistance or R-value of the insulation. The apparatus may include a fixture for supporting the sensor and holding the sensor in the substantially fixed position. A method for determining the density of loose-fill, blown-in-place insulation comprises the step of providing a structure with a cavity having a known depth. The cavity is covered with netting and filled with insulation. A sensor is held in a substantially fixed position relative to the insulation to measure force exerted on the sensor by the insulation. The measured force is used to determine the density of the insulation.

Abstract: A vacuum leakage detecting device includes a process chamber for performing processes, a fluid valve, and a dry pump. The device further includes a helium gas sensor to detect helium gas in order to check vacuum leaks in potential external leak points.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple determination method with regard to the reusability of refrigerant using equipment or refrigerant lines toward the goal of reusing refrigerant using equipment or refrigerant lines. The method of determining the reusability of refrigerant using equipment or refrigerant lines includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, residual material remaining inside refrigerant using equipment or refrigerant lines is applied to a check sheet. In the second step, a determination with regard to the reusability of the refrigerant using equipment or the refrigerant lines is performed based upon the color of the check sheet on which the residual material was applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing characteristics of a semisolid material is provided. The method and apparatus are particularly well suited for the testing of semisolid cosmetic products in stick form such as lipsticks, lip salves, and deodorant sticks. The method includes testing the rate of deposition of the semisolid material onto a substrate when a test sample of the material is moved against the substrate under controlled conditions. The method also includes measuring the drag on a test sample of the material when the test sample is moved against the substrate under controlled conditions. The illustrated testing apparatus permits a researcher to perform these tests on a test sample. The testing results in qualitative, reproducible data which can be used to compare different batches of the semisolid materials for consistency, and which can be correlated with qualitative human test panel data about the semisolid material for research and development purposes.

Abstract: A system and method for the analysis of AFM data is provided. The system and method can be used in conjunction with an atomic force microscopy (AFM) system including a cantilever with a tip used to analyze a sample, the AFM outputting an AFM data file. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a computer readable medium storing computer readable program code for causing a computer to receive user input regarding an analysis to be performed and analysis parameters; parse the AFM data file based on the user input to obtain a deflection of the cantilever; determine an indentation depth of the tip into the sample based at least in part on the deflection; select a model of contact mechanics based on the user input; solve the selected model of contact mechanics based on the input analysis using the determined indentation depth; and determine a residual error.

Abstract: A method for determining properties of a sample surface using an atomic force microscope includes applying a first voltage between the sample and a probe, moving the probe towards the surface of the sample, and stopping movement of the probe towards the surface of the sample when current in the probe is initially detected. An oscillating magnetic field is applied to the probe such that the probe obtains stable contact with the surface of the sample.

Abstract: A force scanning probe microscope (FSPM) and associated method of making force measurements on a sample includes a piezoelectric scanner having a surface that supports the sample so as to move the sample in three orthogonal directions. The FSPM also includes a displacement sensor that measures movement of the sample in a direction orthogonal to the surface and generates a corresponding position signal so as to provide closed loop position feedback. In addition, a probe is fixed relative to the piezoelectric scanner, while a deflection detection apparatus is employed to sense a deflection of the probe. The FSPM also includes a controller that generates a scanner drive signal based on the position signal, and is adapted to operate according to a user-defined input that can change a force curve measurement parameter during data acquisition.

Abstract: a real-time control system having a fixed loop time is provided. The system includes an input having frequency ranging both above and below the fixed loop time; and a method for utilizing information provided by a pulse wheel and sensed by a sensor. The method includes the steps of: providing a rotating shaft; providing a pulse wheel rigidly affixed onto the rotating shaft; providing a sensor sensing an information out of the pulse wheel, the sensed information comprising a first information and a second information; and when the rotating rate of the rotating shaft is greater than a predetermined value, averaging at least two pulses wherein one of the at least two pulses being related to the first information and at least one pulse being related to the second information; thereby, the second information is used along with the first information for a more accurate representation of the information.

Abstract: In a fuel vapor purge system, a diagnosis section inclusive of a fuel tank is pressurized from the generation of fuel vapor in the fuel tank has been finished after an operation of an engine was stopped, and the diagnosis is performed based on a pressure in the diagnosis section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire distortion detecting method, a distortion detector, and a tire which can reduce the occurrence of a deterioration and can be used for a control system such as a stability control system. That is, series of conductors composed of a plurality of conductor pieces 101 and 102 are provided in two different layers. The conductor pieces 101 and 102 are embedded in lines at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of a tire 300. A pulsed electromagnetic wave is radiated to the surfaces of metal foils 101 and 102 in the layers from a monitoring device 200 provided in a tire house 400 of a vehicle. The monitoring device 200 receives a pulsed electromagnetic wave reflected from the metal foils 101 and 102 in the layers or a member other than the metal foils.

Abstract: Methodology for characterizing non-uniformity forces at a tire spindle, such as low and high speed radial force variations and high speed tangential force variations include the steps of measuring radial run out and radial or tangential force variations at high and/or low speeds. From such measurements, the contribution of a predetermined type of stiffness variation (e.g. radial, tangential, extensional, bending) to respective radial and/or tangential force variations can be determined. Signature analysis statistical methods may also be utilized to characterize such tire non-uniform forces for different steps and reference physical angles of a tire construction process. Based on the characterization of such tire non-uniform forces, additional process steps may further correspond to tire grading and/or sorting processes, physical tire modification processes and tire manufacturing processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting motion of a wheel comprising tyre. The apparatus comprises a pressure sensor for measuring the tyre pressure and generating a signal corresponding to the measured tyre pressure, and means for detecting a component of said signal that corresponds to, or is generated by, vibrations of the tyre. Upon detection of the signal component, the apparatus determines that the wheel is in motion. The detecting means may arranged to detect an audio signal component or signal components having a frequency in the range 200 Hz to 300 Hz.

Abstract: A tire air-pressure alarming device includes wheel speed sensors for detecting wheel speeds of wheels of a motor vehicle and also includes a microcomputer-base control device and an alarming unit. The control device is programmed to execute function steps of: deriving a decision value based on the wheel speeds detected by the wheel speed sensors; judging the occurrence of air-pressure drop of the tires constituting wheels, based on the decision value; and outputting a command when the occurrence of the air-pressure drop of the tires is judged. The alarming unit is responsive to the command from the control device thereby to raise an alarm indicating the occurrence of the air-pressure drop of the tire. The tires are monitored by the tire air-pressure alarming device, wherein the control device is also programmed to execute a function step of standardizing the speed dependency of a rolling radius of the tires thereby to standardize the performance in judging the air-pressure drop of the tires.

Abstract: A measurement technique determines the physical features of a tire such as a determination of the deformation a tire undergoes during use. The measurement technique utilizes a first belt, or first and second belts, in the tire reinforced with a plurality of metallic wires and involves the steps of providing a signal between a first and a second metallic wire associated with the first or first and second belts. The measurement technique determines a real part and an imaginary part of the impedance between the first and second metallic wires, which is proportional to the forces acting on the tire.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a tool for obtaining downhole measurements and methods of using such a tool. In one illustrative embodiment the tool comprises a body, at least one strain gauge cavity in the body, the strain gauge cavity having a strain gauge mounting surface that is located at a position such that a region of approximately zero strain due to at least one downhole operating condition exists on the mounting surface when the tool is subjected to downhole operating conditions, and a strain gauge operatively coupled to the mounting face above the region of approximately zero strain.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for evaluating the strength of cancellous bone includes the steps of performing at least two of the following tests on each cancellous bone of a population of cancellous bones: a manual compression test, an apparent density test, and an appearance test; determining a compressive strength for each cancellous bone based on the two tests performed; comparing the determined compressive strength of each cancellous bone against a predetermined compressive strength requirement; and, eliminating a subset of cancellous bone from the population of cancellous bone, which subset of cancellous bone fails to meet the predetermined compressive strength requirement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal flowmeter capable of sensing a flow rate in either direction, having a linear output characteristic, and producing a stable output without impairing the response characteristic. In the thermal flowmeter, a laminate is fitted in a channel space formed in a body, forming a main channel. The laminate includes a mesh sheet so that a mesh portion is provided between the main channel and a sensor channel. A measurement chip is provided with an upstream temperature sensing resistor, a downstream temperature sensing resistor, a heating resistor, and a fluid temperature sensing resistor. By an electric circuit, the heating resistor and the fluid temperature sensing resistor are controlled to provide a constant temperature difference. Accordingly, the flow rate of a fluid under measurement is measured based on a temperature difference between the upstream and downstream temperature sensing resistors.

Abstract: A flow sensor includes sensors connected to a flexible membrane. The sensors detect ambient temperature, pressure, and flow rate of a medium. A method of sensing flow rate includes providing the flexible membrane; coupling the plurality of sensors to the flexible membrane; and detecting ambient temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the medium by the sensors. A flow sensing system includes the flow sensor, an operational amplifier, and a closed loop controller. The sensors are connected in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. The operational amplifier is connected to the Wheatstone bridge and outputs a pressure signal representative of the pressure of the medium. The closed loop controller is connected to the operational amplifier and controls a current through a heating element for a resistor in the bridge such that a voltage across the operational amplifier is substantially zero. The output of the closed loop controller represents the flow rate.