Abstract: A heat exchanger with a receiver-tank includes a heat exchanger main body, a receiver-tank and a block flange. The flange includes a main body, an embedding portion to be attached to one of headers in an embedded state, an inlet flow passage with an inlet side end portion disposed at an upper end of the embedding portion, the inlet flow passage communicating with a condensing portion of the heat exchanger main body, and an outlet flow passage with an outlet side end portion disposed at a side surface of the embedding portion, and the outlet flow passage communicating with a subcooling portion. A flange-like partition piece is formed at an upper end periphery of the embedding portion of the flange, and the peripheral edge of the partition piece is joined to the inner peripheral surface of one of the headers.

Abstract: A method and system for liquefaction monitoring of a gas in a gas piping system in which pressure and temperature information about the gas is gathered and the liquefaction status of the gas is determined and reported.

Abstract: In a process for separating air in a system comprising a gas turbine, including a compressor (1), a combustor (5) and an expander (17), said expander being coupled to the compressor, a natural gas conversion unit (23) and an air separation unit (20), air is compressed in the compressor, a first part (3) of the air is sent to the combustor and a second part (7) of the air is sent to the air separation unit, oxygen enriched gas (21) is sent from the air separation unit to the natural gas conversion unit, compressed nitrogen enriched gas (16) is sent upstream of the expander, a first stream (33) of natural gas is sent to the natural gas conversion unit, a second stream of natural gas (35) is sent to a natural gas liquefaction unit and work produced by the expander is used to operate a cycle compressor of a refrigeration cycle of the natural gas liquefaction unit.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. In recent years, the preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes supplying at least portions of the gas stream to a fractionation tower having at least one reboiler, and often one or more side reboilers, to supply heat to the column by withdrawing and heating some of the tower liquids to produce stripping vapors that separate the more volatile components from the desired components. The reboiler and side reboilers (if any) are typically integrated into the feed stream cooling scheme to provide at least a portion of the refrigeration needed to condense the desired components for subsequent fractionation in the distillation column.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diamond cutting method comprising the steps of: forming a square or rectangular table in a piece of gemstone; and forming a pavilion continuous to the table by cutting vertically from each side of the square or rectangular table to define the four lower-girdle facets and by cutting obliquely from each corner of the square or rectangular table to the culet of the pavilion to form four lower-main facets, whereby the upper opposite sides of each lower-main facet adjoining the adjacent lower-girdle facets whereas the lower opposite sides of each lower-main facet adjoining the confronting lower opposite sides of the adjacent lower-main facets. An enneahedral-cut diamond thus produced is a table-and-pavilion structure, permitting plural diamonds to be arranged side by side as a whole with their square or rectangular tables directed inward or outward.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of doping silica with fluorine. The method described comprises mixing a powder of silica granules with a solid fluorine compound, thermally decomposing the solid fluorine compound under an inert atmosphere, and densifying the granules to obtain dense grains of doped silica. It is preferable to use ammonium bifluoride. The invention is applicable to preparing high index silica glass, in particular for fabricating optical fiber preforms.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultraviolet lithography method/system. The lithography method and system include providing a below 200 nm radiation source, providing a photolytically improved transmitting fused silica glass lithography optical element, transmitting below 200 nm photons through said photolytically improved transmitting fused silica glass lithography optical element to form a lithography pattern which is reduced and projected onto a radiation sensitive lithography printing medium to form a printed lithography pattern. Providing the photolytically improved transmitting fused silica glass lithography optical element includes providing a photolytically improved transmitting fused silica glass lithography optical element preform body and forming the photolytically improved transmitting fused silica glass lithography optical element preform into said lithography optical element.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine is described which is intended to serve in particular the production of spacer fabrics. The circular knitting machine contains a needle cylinder (1) having cylinder needles (2), a cylinder cam (3), a dial (4) with needles (5) and a dial cam (6). The needle cylinder (1) and the dial (4) fix a vertical and a horizontal comb spacing (x, y) and a stitch spacing (z). According to the invention, the needle cylinder (1) and the dial (4) are set up to form a stitch spacing (z) of at least 6 mm, and the knitting needles (2, 5) of the needle cylinder (1) and/or the dial (4) are in the form of compound needles (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A composite needle of a knitting machine, comprises: a needle body having at a tip end a hook; a slider formed by superposing two blades, wherein the composite needle of the knitting machine is formed such that a blade groove provided in the needle body supports the blades of the slider when the needle body and the slider can separately slide in forward and backward directions; and a dust-collecting plate that is seperately formed from the needle body and that extends, when viewed from a side, from the blade groove of the needle body in an upward direction and to a hook side of the needle such that the dust-collecting plate is provided at a tip end of the slider proximate to the hook.

Abstract: The invention provides a wearable electrode apparatus and manufacture thereof. The wearable electrode apparatus includes a garment and 2M terminals. The garment includes 2M electrically conductive portions. Each of the terminals is disposed on one of the 2M electrically conductive portions, respectively, for purpose of connection with an external apparatus. In particular, a semi-garment is first formed and cut out from a fabric according to a pattern of the garment. The electrically conductive portions are formed together with or after the formation of the semi-garment. Then, the semi-garment with the electrically conductive portions is formed into the garment.

Abstract: By a new method for the fastening of pelts stretched on pelt-boards, the belt is secured in a stretched position on the pelt-board by means of a sleeve/bag which is drawn over and around the pelt, so that the pelt is pressed in and locked against the pelt-board by means of the sleeve/bag. The method gives rise to the need for the pelts to be stretched out longer on the pelt-board than has hitherto been possible without damaging the pelts, inasmuch as the pelts will have a tendency to shrink slightly more when they are not fastened to the pelt-board by means of the staples traditionally used.

Abstract: A security device is provided which may be installed on a roll-up door of a cargo container garage or storage facility. The security device includes a locking bar having a locking pin, which is shiftable into a locking pin receiving aperture in a side wall of the roll-up doorframe. The locking bar also includes a tab with an opening for receiving the locking rod of a puck shaped lock when the locking bar is in the locking position.

Abstract: Apparatus to lock a motor-vehicle steering shaft against rotation using a locking bolt axially reciprocable by a to-and-fro rotatable control element between a locked position and a release position, the bolt being fixable in its locked position by a displaceably supported, spring-loaded securing element driven by the spring load into a lateral recess of the locking bolt and which cooperates with the control element of the locking bolt in order to be moved out of the lateral recess against the action of the spring load. The control element is rotatable about an axis running parallel to the locking bolt's longitudinal axis. The securing element comprises an axially displaceable securing pin the longitudinal axis of which runs in a plane perpendicular to the locking bolt's longitudinal axis and which by its spring load rests against a control surface of the control element that extends around the axis of rotation of the control element.

Abstract: A hydrotapping power unit is disclosed that is operable to position and hold a hydrotapping tool in a home position adjacent a part while the part is being hydroformed in a die cavity, to then advance the tool to pierce a hole in the hydroformed part while the part remains in the die cavity and under pressure and then continue to advance the tool to inwardly extrude the part about the hole, to then further advance while also rotating the tool so that the tool is fed at a feed rate equal to the thread pitch of the tool to thereby form a thread in the pierced hole, and finally to retract while also rotating the tool but in the reverse direction and at the same feed rate to release the tool from the threaded hole.

Abstract: A worm is formed by rolling to reduce the number of processing steps while ensuring the worm accuracy satisfactorily. A work material is positioned between a first rolling die (100) and a second rolling die (101) by rotation of the rolling dies and a servomotor (76) for feeding the work material. When the lead angle of a worm is large and there is a large difference between the finished diameter and the blank diameter, the lead angle changes during the progress of rolling process, resulting in occurrence of through-feed. A slide plate (55) is freely slidable on a slide (53). Therefore, when through-feed occurs owing to the lead angles of the first and second rolling dies (100) and (101) and the workpiece, the slide plate (55) slides freely, and this is detected with a detecting sensor. The rotation of the first and second rolling dies (100) and (101) is stopped.

Abstract: A hinged saw table having a sliding carrier for mounting and sliding a portable table saw. The hinged saw table is mounted adjacent to a forming machine that forms stock that is cut with the portable table saw. Elongate stock exits from an exit aperture in the forming machine, and is directed over the table of the portable table saw mounted upon the movable carrier. The portable table saw may be positioned at the correct point for cutting the stock at a desired length. Square or mitered cuts may be made. For storage purposes, the sliding carrier and table saw may be rotated upward approximately 180 degrees over the top of the forming machine where the carrier and saw rest upside down on a stand. The forming machine may be, for example, a seamless gutter rollformer machine that forms sections of rain gutters for houses or other buildings.

Abstract: A procedure for obtaining partially corrugated sheet metal (11) comprises the following work phases: provision of a roll of sheet metal (11) to feed a respective means of unrolling and transferring said sheet metal (11); compression of said sheet (11) in such a way as to produce a series of transverse corrugations alternating with flat sections on the sheet (11); transfer of said sheet (11) towards a press brake (16) to fold the sheet, parallel to the axis of the corrugations, in correspondence of the central portion of each flat section, and in the opposite direction with respect to the fold of the previous flat section in such a way as to obtain a coil of sheet metal (11) with corrugations on adjacent sides; extraction of the corrugated sheet (11) from the press brake (16) and shearing of said sheet (11) into pre-established lengths. Through such procedure it is possible to manufacture an improved air-air plate-type heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a method of forming a protruded shaft on a metal base for an electronic memory device, the metal base is pressed down with a pressing tool from upper face side of the metal base placed on a die. The die is provided with a hole having a predetermined inner diameter and the wall material of the metal base is moved into the hole of the die to form a protruded shaft having a hollow part inside and the tip end closed.

Abstract: A system for shaping a single curvature parabolic membrane. The system includes a shaping rail and a bending rail. At least two rollers operably connect the shaping rail and the bending rail. The rollers are operable to alter a position of the shaping rail relative to the bending rail. A compression adjustment bar is operably connected to ends of the shaping rail to apply a load to the shaping rail. A bending adjustment bar is operably connected to ends of the bending rail to apply a moment to the shaping rail through the at least two rollers.

Abstract: An ozone sensor has an ozone-sensitive layer containing an ozone-sensitive material which is encapsulated in a polymer or in a polymer mixture or is coated by at least one polymer or polymer mixture. Advantages result from a longer service life of the ozone-sensitive materials which, because of their high hygroscopic properties, would not be stable without encapsulation or coating. Furthermore, a polymer matrix can be selectively used as a filter or in order to eliminate interfering influences.

Abstract: Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for determining a surface tension of a solution in a container using a bubble pressure process includes introducing a gas volume flow into the solution using a capillary. A time-dependent pressure profile of the gas volume flow is determined during bubble formation using a pressure sensor. The gas volume flow is interrupted toward the end of the determination process by closing the capillary over the entire cross section of the capillary over at least a part of the length of the capillary.

Abstract: An ECT-ECU includes a circuit that calculates an oil temperature threshold on the basis of a signal input from one of an engine coolant temperature sensor, an engine intake air temperature sensor, and an AT hydraulic fluid temperature sensor if a signal for starting an engine of a vehicle is input thereto from an ignition switch, a circuit that detects an oil temperature on the basis of a signal input from the AT hydraulic fluid temperature sensor at intervals of a predetermined sampling time while the vehicle is running, and a circuit that controls an automatic transmission to prohibit a gear shift from fourth speed to fifth speed if a detected oil temperature is lower than the oil temperature threshold.

Abstract: A device for determining a parameter of a medium flowing in a line, according to the related art, does not offer sufficient protection for a measuring element from liquid or solid particles which may dirty or damage the measuring element in an unwanted way. A device has an input region, whence, on the one hand, the flowing medium flows into the measuring channel, and on the other hand, through at least one separation opening, liquid and solid particles flow, and thus flow so as to bypass the measuring channel.

Abstract: For measuring the injection quantity (Vm) of injection systems (18), in particular in internal combustion engines, test fluid (22) is injected by the injection system (18) into a measurement chamber (12). To increase the precision and stability of the measurement, the volume of the measurement chamber (12) is kept constant during the injection. Moreover, a gas volume (Vg) is present in the measurement chamber (12). The injected volume (Vm) of test fluid (22) is ascertained from the pressure change (dP) in the measurement chamber (12) that occurs upon an injection of test fluid (22). The ascertainment of the injected volume (Vm) is done by means of the state equation for ideal gases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing tires in a repeatable manner. Testing steps are performed in a manner that minimizes impact on the tire characteristics being measured. In one aspect, tire rotation reversal is performed at a zero crossing of a first harmonic of radial load variation exerted on a load carriage by the tire. In another aspect, load carriage retraction is performed so that the tire is unloaded when the tire stops rotating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool holder serving to receive measurement means (9, 10, 13) for characterizing a multi-phase fluid coming from a deposit (17) through which at least one well (16) passes, and flowing inside said tool holder. According to the invention, the tool holder is provided with an axial cavity (3) and with a first radial opening (4) which opens out in the inside wall of said tool holder and intercepts said axial cavity, said cavity and said opening serving to receive said measurement means. The invention also relates to a device for characterizing a multi-phase fluid coming from a deposit (17) through which at least one well (16) passes, said device comprising: a source unit (9) for emitting gamma rays through said multi-phase fluid, and a detector unit (10) having a scintillator crystal (10a) receiving said gamma rays after they have passed through the fluid.

Abstract: A downhole sub for instrumentation, such as a fiber optic sensor. The sub is configured to be connected to a string of pipe, such as a string of tubing. The sub first comprises an essentially concentric tubular body. The tubular body has an inner diameter that generally conforms to the inner diameter of the tubing string. A recess is formed within the wall of the tubular body. Next, the sub comprises a gauge housing that is received within the recess of the tubular body. The gauge housing includes a plate portion that is exposed to fluids within the production tubing. The gauge housing further includes a side bore that receives a sensor. One or more gauge housing ports are pre-fabricated into the gauge housing to provide fluid communication between the inner bore of the production tubing and the side bore of the gauge housing. The entire sub is preferably self-contained without any elastomers or metal-to-metal seals.

Abstract: A static pressure sensing probe has an aerodynamically shaped cross section, and extends laterally from an aircraft surface sufficiently so that an outer end of the probe is a short distance outside the boundary layer on the aircraft surface on which the probe is mounted. The probe has surface corrugations or ridges along the probe, and the ridges include an upstream ridge adjacent the leading edge, and a downstream ridge spaced rearwardly from the upstream ridge. The ridges cause pressure disturbances along the probe surfaces. Static pressure sensing ports are positioned on the surfaces of the probe relative to the ridges in regions of pressure disturbances caused by the ridges. The probes can be mounted on opposite sides of the aircraft and pneumatically or electrically connected to average the pressures from selected sets of ports.

Abstract: In a gas-flow measuring instrument for measuring a gas flow in an intake gas passage for sucking gas, an abnormal output, deterioration per hour, stain, and breakage of a flow measuring element caused by fluid and foreign materials contained in intake gas are reduced. A gas-flow measuring instrument disposed in an intake gas passage for sucking gas for measuring a gas flow includes a bypass passage for bringing gas flowing along the intake gas passage, a bypass passage inlet opened to the upstream side of a main stream direction of gas in the intake gas passage, and a flow measuring element disposed in the bypass passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for gauging the level of a liquid, above which a gas having a dielectric constant within a predetermined dielectric constant range exists, comprises a transmitter for transmitting a microwave signal in a propagation mode in a tube through the gas towards the liquid surface; a receiver for receiving the microwave signal reflected against the liquid surface and propagating back through the tube; and a processing device for calculating from the propagation time of the transmitted and reflected microwave signal the level of the liquid. In order to essentially avoid the influence on the calculated level by the dielectric constant of the gas above the liquid, the transmitter is adapted to transmit the microwave signal in a frequency band, at which the group velocity of the microwave signal in the propagation mode in the tube is, within the predetermined dielectric constant range, essentially independent of the dielectric constant.

Abstract: A fuel gauge includes an arm moving with the level of fuel in a fuel tank, a detection body for movably supporting the arm and including a rotor moving together with the arm and a stator for movably supporting the rotor, and a magnetic-flux detecting element arranged in the stator and for detecting the displacement amount of the arm.

Abstract: In a fuel tank level sensor 1 for measuring a remaining amount of fuel in accordance with a resistance value which is varied by moving a rheostat 1a utilizing a float 1c that vertically moves according to increase and decrease of the fuel in a fuel tank 2, change in resistance value of the rheostat 1a includes a linear range in which the resistance value linearly varies with the increase and decrease of the fuel, and a non-linear range in which the resistance value discontinuously varies under full-tank conditions where the fuel tank is substantially filled up with the fuel. Even upon undesirable increase of the resistance value of the rheostat 1a as a result of deposition of sulfides, the sensor 1 can always detect accurately that the fuel tank 2 is filled up.

Abstract: In a tank for liquid fuel, particularly a tank for LPG in a system for supply of LPG to the internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the level-sensor device comprises a floating member guided so as to move in a substantially vertical direction within the tank according to the variations of level, and transducer means consisting of an aligned series of reed relays that are activated selectively by one or more permanent magnets carried by the floating member.

Abstract: X type MEMS gyroscope has a first mass vertically vibrating on a substrate and a second mass horizontally vibrating on the substrate. A driving electrode is disposed on the same surface with the first mass. The first mass can move in relation to the second mass in the vertical direction, and is fixed in relation to the second mass in the horizontal direction. The second mass is operative to be moved in a horizontal direction in relation to the substrate by a Coriolis force, which is generated by an angular velocity applied while the first mass is being vibrated. A sensing electrode measures displacement of the second mass in the horizontal direction. All moving electrodes and stationary electrodes are disposed on the same surface, and all elements are manufactured by using one mask. Therefore, adhesion between the moving and stationary electrodes is prevented and the manufacturing process is simplified.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an angular velocity sensor that uses Coriolis force with a flatly supported double tuning fork structure that uses an in-plane asymmetrical flexural secondary mode. A large support area is used to provide a high-precision angular velocity sensor with superior resistance to vibration and impact. A double tuning fork gyro-sensor is formed integrally from: two arms; a driver electrode formed on the arms; and a double tuning fork supporting the ends of the arms. Also included are: a detection module connected to the double tuning fork support section; a detection electrode formed on the detection module; and a support securing section for the detection module. When there is rotation, the Coriolis force acting on the arms is transferred to the detection module by way of the double tuning fork support section so that an in-plane asymmetrical flexural secondary vibration takes place.

Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when an impulse is applied. Preferably, the out-of-plane oscillation is measured at a large number of angular positions about the shaft axis, and the principal planar oscillation plane is identified by that pair of opposed angular positions in which the out-of-plane oscillation is smallest. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The straightness of the shaft can also be determined by deriving its spring constant from its oscillation frequency and then measuring the restoring force when the shaft is deflected by the same nominal amount at different angular positions; differences in restoring force can be attributed to differences in actual deflection distance resulting from lack of straightness.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing crossing/intersecting transducer arrays including first and second ultrasonic transducer arrays which intersect centrally of one another. Each transducer operates independently without any decrease in acoustic performance. The first and second arrays have their own independent signal electrodes, respectively disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the device. Because the arrays are built on a unique piezoelectric member, a portion of signal electrode of each array is adapted to be connected to ground in a manner permitting proper operation of the entire array. A method of forming matching layer sets incorporating electrical interconnections is also provided.

Abstract: A device for the testing and monitoring of the function of a shock wave or pressure wave source is provided. The testing and monitoring device is characterized in that a passive non-linear transmission element transforms very short shock wave pulses received by it, the shock wave pulses typically having pulse durations lasting a few microseconds, into a considerably lower frequency range, whose oscillations are then sensed and evaluated.

Abstract: A small-sized pressure sensor having smaller numbers of parts and assembling steps, a simple structure, a high assembly precision, and little dispersion in the operation characteristics, and a method for manufacturing the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor comprises: a base member; a stationary electrode molded so integrally as is exposed from the bottom face of a recess formed in the upper face of the base member; moving electrode receiving portions and molded so integrally in the bottom face of the recess of the base members as are arranged in the periphery of the stationary electrode and as are higher by a predetermined inter-electrode gap than the upper face of the stationary electrode; a moving electrode opposed to the upper face of the stationary electrode through a predetermined inter-electrode gap; and a diaphragm fixed of the open edge portion of the recess of the base member and adhered integrally at the central portion of its lower face to the upper face of the moving electrode.

Abstract: A method includes disposing a first accelerometer on a verification point of a first device, disposing a second accelerometer on a first flat, measuring components of the force of gravity of the first accelerometer and the second accelerometer in the directions of detecting axes of the first accelerometer and the second accelerometer respectively, and determining whether the assembly of the first device is successful according to the measurements of the two accelerometers.

Abstract: A simulation press is provided comprising a fixed main body; a carriage associated with the main body for movement relative to the main body; a first plate coupled to the fixed main body and being adapted to engage a workpiece; and a second plate coupled to the carriage for movement with the carriage. The second plate is also adapted to engage the workpiece. One or more motor apparatus are coupled to the fixed main body and the carriage for effecting movement of the carriage relative to the main body. A drive controller is coupled to the motor apparatus for controlling the operation of the motor apparatus in response to feedback from one or more feedback sensors so as to cause the second plate to move relative to the first plate such that the first and second plates engage at least one point site on the workpiece so as to simulate compression loading of a point site on a workpiece in a nip type process.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a composite sheet material, a method of producing this material, and the application of this material as a sensor for monitoring and measuring shear forces (or lateral translation). In one embodiment, the present invention includes a composite sheet material having an upper and a lower surface comprising an elastomeric matrix, which is essentially non-conductive, and discrete electrically conductive elements within the matrix wherein the electrically conductive elements in a region of the composite sheet material are arranged into columns, and the orientation of these columns are in an essentially organized, non-random pattern with a majority of these columns oriented at angles less than about 90° and greater than about 15° to the lower surface of the composite sheet material. In another embodiment, the present invention provides for a method of forming the sensors.

Abstract: Force detection devices may have high detection precision and may prevent current leakage through a strain gage 126 to the outside. For example, a force detection block 120 may include a semiconductor substrate 122, a first insulating layer 124 and a semiconductor layer 126 (strain gage). The strain gage 126 preferably includes a site where resistance changes in accordance with the stress acting thereon. The strain gage 126 preferably constitutes at least a portion of a ridge 130 projects from the surface of the force detection block 120. A force transmission block 138 may be attached to a top surface of the ridge 130. The width of the first insulating layer 124 is preferably greater than the width of the semiconductor layer 126.

Abstract: A method for determining a flow property of a fluid flowing through a conduit provided with a capacitance meter having an upstream and a downstream annular capacitance sensor, wherein each annular capacitance sensor having at least three sensor electrodes, which sensor electrodes are arranged around the circumference of the conduit, the method having selecting, for each annular capacitance sensor a set of measurement capacitors, wherein a measurement capacitor is formed by two measurement electrodes, and wherein a measurement electrode consists either of a single sensor electrode or of at least two interconnected sensor electrodes; measuring at several moments during a time interval a capacitance of each measurement capacitor of each annular capacitance sensor; determining cross correlations between capacitances measured during the time interval at the upstream annular capacitance sensor and capacitances measured during the time interval at the downstream annular capacitance sensor; and determining the flow p

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a flow meter of the present invention includes: transmission/reception means provided in a flow path for performing transmission/reception using a state change of fluid; repetition means for repeating the transmission/reception; time measurement means for measuring a time of propagation repeated by the repetition means; flow rate detection means for detecting a flow rate based on a value of the time measurement means; and number-of-times change means for changing to a predetermined number of repetition times. With such a structure, an influence caused by a variation of a flow can be suppressed by changing the number of repetition times so as to be suitable for a variation. As a result, reliable flow rate measurement with a high accuracy can be achieved.

Abstract: A flow sensor is disclosed that measures a flow of fluid passing through a conduit and a flow resistive element for use in such a flow sensor. The flow sensor includes a housing having a main channel defined therethrough. A flow resistive element is disposed in the housing across the main channel. The flow resistive element includes a rigid body member having a first surface and a second surface. A plurality of unobstructed, wedge-shaped, openings are defined in the body member and extend through the rigid body member. In addition, a plurality of spokes extend from a central portion of the body member to its perimeter so that each spoke separates adjacent wedge-shaped openings from one another.

Abstract: A flowmeter has an inlet body including a flow detector and an outlet body including a flow adjuster. The inlet body is fixed to the outlet body and forms a single piece assembly comprising an inlet tube and a measurement tube. The flow adjuster includes a disk turned by a knob. The disk has holes so at least one hole always faces the outlet tube, regardless of the position of the disk, to allow flow distribution without the risk of interrupting it even while flow is adjusted, and enable gradual flow adjustment.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the composition and flow rate of a fluid (1) comprising a mixture of e.g. oil and water in a pipe (2), wherein an integrated mechanical structure (3) serves as a microwave resonator sensor for providing permittivity measurements and where the mechanical structure also functions as a differential pressure element for providing flow rate measurements.

Abstract: A device for detecting force acting on a vehicle wheel, is mounted in a vehicle and includes a disc wheel, and a vehicle body having a hub as a retaining body that rotatably retains the vehicle wheel integrally with the disc wheel and in which the disc wheel is mounted on the same axis as the vehicle wheel. The device includes a detector mounted between the disc wheel and the retaining body to receive force that is transmitted between the disc wheel and the retaining body, and which detects force acting on the vehicle wheel. With this device, it is possible to detect force acting on the vehicle wheel without being restricted by either the disc wheel or the hub. Accordingly, this device facilitates highly accurate detection of force acting on the vehicle wheel by optimizing the arrangement, structure, and shape and the like of parts.