Abstract: The present application advantageously provides at least one keyway in a lock core that poses tremendous difficulty for a lock breaker by not allowing the lock breaker to see all of the pin tumblers in the keyway. The keyway according to a preferred embodiment of the present application comprises two helical keyways oppositely extending along a longitudinal axis of the lock core and formed of rectangular cross section. The present application further comprises an accompanying helical key having at least one helical key blade for fitting into the keyway having a corresponding helical shape to turn the core and open the lock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for tension levelling a cold-rolled strip, whereby the strip passes through a series of break rolls and a series of traction rolls and in the course of its extension is subjected to traction between the two series of rolls. The strip is bent under traction in a series of high-traction rolls, located between the brake roll and the traction roll series, in order to increase the degree of levelling. To achieve this, the series of high-traction rolls between the brake and the traction rolls has at least two traction rolls for generating the strip traction and bending operation.

Abstract: A sheet metal bending tool for bending materials, such as flat metal sheets is disclosed. The tool has a restraining base for receiving and cooperatively holding a sheet metal workpiece and the tool has a bending component that is rotatably mounted to the restraining base, the workpiece is held, cooperating with the restraining base component, and the clamp bar for stabilizing the workpiece while the workpiece is held and bent by the rotating action of the bending component. In the preferred embodiment, the workpiece is restrained by a template comprising a pattern of holes drilled, a hole receiving a peg or means of stop, the stops (pegs) constraining the workpiece from movement while being bent act like a jig for measuring and predetermined incumbents. Holes are also drilled in restraining base and in the bending component at spaced intervals along lines that are run parallel to the line defined by the intersection of the bending component and the restraining base.

Abstract: A hand actuatable apparatus and method for crimping a stent or processing other articles by segmental radial compression. The apparatus includes a stationary base housing; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the base housing; a crimping head communicatively coupled to the base housing and to the drive hub; and an actuator handle connected to the base housing and to the drive hub. The crimping head includes a plurality of segments oriented about a center aperture which receives a stent or article to be compressed. The segments each have a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length and defining the center aperture. Actuation of the handle rotates the drive hub, which causes the segments to move and pivot, resulting in closure of the center aperture and compression of the stent or other article.

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: A stapler anvil and method for clinching a staple is disclosed. The anvil includes a body having a well. The well has an axis extending between the legs of a staple and is defined by a first surface having a first portion along which the first leg of the staple is directed as the staple is being clinched, and a second portion extending substantially at an angle relative to the first portion to direct the second leg of the staple at least partially away from the axis as the staple is clinched. The well is further defined by a second surface spaced from the first surface. The second surface is configured to redirect the second leg of the staple at least partially back toward the axis after the second leg has been directed at least partially away from the axis by the second portion of the first surface.

Abstract: A present invention is for a device and method for measuring and calibrating the rotary motion of a rotatable machine member, such as a pivotable swivel member (2b) of a spindle (2) of a five-axis machine tool (1). The device includes an arm (110) mounted to the spindle, a housing (120) mounted to the arm, an optical encoder mounted internal to the arm and positioned therein to measure rotation about an axis extending lengthwise along the housing, which such axis is parallel to the axis about which the swivel member rotates. The device also includes a rotary table (170) mounted to the housing opposite the arm, the rotary table comprising a stator (171) fixedly mounted to the housing and a rotor (172) clampedly affixed to a shaft passing through the housing. The shaft is coupled to an input shaft of the encoder such that rotary movement of the rotor can be measured by the encoder. An electronic level (190) fixedly secured to the rotor, such as by a bracket (180).

Abstract: A system for detecting and displaying force data relating to impacts received on an item of athletic equipment includes two or more items of athletic equipment each having a force sensor, logic and a wireless transmitter therein, a receiver adapted to receiver signals from each of the transmitters, and a processor for formatting the data for display. The force sensor may be a capacitive force sensor. The logic may have an operating mode and a sleep mode, with an inertial sensor providing a signal to cause the logic to switch from sleep mode to operating mode. The logic identifies and stores signals exceeding a threshold for transmission. Transmissions are repeated, and the receiver is adapted to distinguish and discard corrupted and repeated transmissions. The display provides an indication of force and number of recorded hits in association with the names of the competitors.

Abstract: A gas monitoring device for monitoring gas levels within a chamber is provided. The gas monitoring device includes a housing having a probe with a sensor disposed on the probe. The probe extends through the housing and into a chamber such that the sensor is within the chamber. The housing includes a first passageway disposed about the probe and second passageway disposed about the first passageway. During operation of the gas monitoring device, a temperature adjusting medium enters the second passageway through an inlet of the housing and then enters into the first passageway via the second passageway. As the temperature adjusting medium travels through the first passageway, the temperature adjusting medium adjusts the temperature of the probe. The temperature adjusting medium adjusts the temperature of the probe through thermal conduction. As the temperature of the probe adjusts, the temperature of the sensor also adjusts through thermal conduction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring air quality is provided.

Abstract: A method of verifying and inspecting the bearing gap between a shaft and a shaft seat of a hydrodynamic bearing includes positioning the shaft in its functional position in the shaft seat of the test bearing. A measuring fluid is then caused to flow through the bearing gap. One or more parameters characterizing the fluid flow through the bearing gap can then be measured. Because these parameters of the fluid flow are affected by the dimensions of the bearing gap, the bearing gap can thus be reliably verified. A corresponding device for verifying and inspecting the bearing gap is also provided.

Abstract: A leak detection system for a vehicle includes a fuel system and a controller. The controller communicates with the fuel system to detect a fuel filling event. The controller initiates a vapor leak test of the fuel system and terminates the vapor leak test if a fuel filling event is detected.

Abstract: A non-contact method for measuring viscosity and surface tension information of a liquid in a first liquid containment structure. The steps of the method include oscillating a free surface of the liquid in the liquid containment structure; detecting wave characteristics of the oscillating free surface; and analyzing the wave characteristics. The oscillating step may be performed by propagating an acoustic wave from an acoustic wave emitter, through said liquid containment structure, towards the free surface. The detecting step may be performed by delivering a series of acoustic pulses at the free surface and detecting acoustic reflections from the free surface as the oscillating free surface relaxes. The analyzing step can be performed by comparing the wave characteristics with a candidate liquid wave characteristics. Prior knowledge and behavior of the selected candidate liquid can thus be imputed to the source or sample liquid. The sample liquid can be one of photoresist, solder or a biological compound.

Abstract: A method of determining an average length of reinforcing fiber in a sample of reinforcing fibers is disclosed. A sample of reinforcing fibers is weighed to obtain a total sample weight. The sample of reinforcing fibers is placed in a fiber separating mechanism and suspended in water. The water is stirred after which the water is allowed to settle such that the sample of reinforcing fiber divides into a plurality of fractions in separate sections of the fiber separating mechanism. Each fraction has reinforcing fibers of substantially similar lengths and is separately weighed. An average fiber length is calculated from the relative weights of each of the plurality of fractions and the total sample weight. In addition, a method of determining an average length of a reinforcing fiber in a composite material having a resin and a plurality of reinforcing fibers is disclosed.

Abstract: A drop test apparatus for determining the resiliency of playing surface comprising a missile for impacting the surface including a guide for providing substantially unrestricted free flight of the missile, a pair accelerometers carried by the missile for producing signals in response to impact with the surface, a converter adapted to receive the accelerometer signals, convert them into computer readable signals and a computer receiving the signals from the converter and producing a graph of the surface hardness.

Abstract: A device for detecting a running surface for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of sensors (c1 to c8) designed to be oriented towards the running surface to detect modifications thereof, data processing means for processing data derived from the sensors, wherein the sensors are relatively arranged so as to associate at least part of the points of aim on the ground (v1 to v8) in pairs (p1 to p4), the two points of aim on ground the ground being spaced apart by a first specific distance, and the transverse distances separating two adjacent pairs (p1 to p4) of points of aim on the ground increase towards a longitudinal axis along a direction substantially perpendicular to said axis.

Abstract: The height profile of a sample that includes at least one film on a substrate is leveled based on the measured thickness of the overlying film. An apparatus that levels the height profile includes a metrology tool that generates the height profile of a sample and a metrology tool that measures the thickness of one or more layers of a film stack on top of a substrate at two or more locations. The measured thickness is then used to level the height profile to reduce any tilt error before a step height calculation is made. For example, the slope of the thickness between two or more measurement points may be used to adjust the height profile. Once the height profile is leveled, step heights may be calculated with reduced tilting error.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a method, system and storage medium for fuel driveability index detection. The system includes an engine and an oxygen sensor disposed within the exhaust gas passage of the engine. An engine control module is operatively connected to the engine. The engine control module has a processor for obtaining a first input signal indicating a first oxygen sensor voltage, obtaining a second input signal indicating a second oxygen sensor voltage at a period subsequent to the first input signal, determining a first voltage trend based on the first input signal and the second input signal and determining whether the first voltage trend is decreasing at a rate greater than a first voltage threshold rate.

Abstract: An engine oxygen concentration sensor mounting structure in which an oxygen concentration sensor is mounted in a collector exhaust pipe connected to an outlet of an exhaust manifold having a plurality of exhaust single pipes. When a straight line is drawn from a detection part of the oxygen concentration sensor positioned within the collector exhaust pipe so as to be parallel to a section of a centerline of the exhaust pipe closest to the detection part, the straight line passes outside the outlet of the exhaust manifold. This allows the exhaust gases discharged from the exhaust manifold to be sufficiently mixed within the curved exhaust pipe and differences in length of the plurality of the exhaust single pipes to be compensated for. Thus, accurate detection by the oxygen concentration sensor can be secured, even if the lengths of a plurality of exhaust single pipes of the exhaust manifold are nonuniform.

Abstract: When a delay period (torque phase period) from a shift start point to a shift begin point of an automatic transmission becomes excessively long, an initial value of hydraulic pressure is forcibly learned such that the torque phase period remains at an appropriate level in accordance with a running state of a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for operating an internal combustion engine including an actuating member in an air supply for adjusting an air mass to be supplied to the engine. In the method, a position of the actuating member is adapted to an instantaneous operating state by a short-time adaptation and a position of the actuating member is adapted by a long-time adaptation to compensate for longer term influences on the position of the actuating member. For a long-time adaptation, a long-time adaptation value is formed for the position of the actuating member in dependence upon a minimum short-time adaptation value for the position of the actuating member which was formed during the short-time adaptation. A leakage in the air supply is diagnosed in dependence upon the long-time adaptation value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tire information providing method for providing information on at least one kind of tire to customer comprising the steps of: setting at least one kind of tire of which information is to be provided; setting at least one kind of road surface condition on which said tire is made to run; setting at least one kind of mounting condition for mounting said tire; setting at least one kind of evaluation parameter of said tire that is being wanted by said customer; performing tire rolling simulation based on said tire, said road surface condition and said mounting condition getting said evaluation parameter from said tire rolling simulation; and providing information comprising said evaluation parameter to said customer.

Abstract: A flow rate sensor has a problem that a resistance value of a heat generating resistor itself varies and sensor characteristics are changed during use of the sensor for a long term. Also the temperature of the heat generating resistor must be adjusted on a circuit substrate with a resistance constituting one side of a fixed temperature difference control circuit, and this has been one of factors pushing up the production cost. All resistances used for fixed temperature difference control are formed on the same substrate as temperature sensitive resistors of the same material. This enables all the resistances for the fixed temperature difference control to be exposed to the same environmental conditions. Hence, even when the resistances change over time, the changes over time occur substantially at the same tendency. Since the resistances for the fixed temperature difference control change over time essentially at the same rate, a resulting output error is very small.

Abstract: A fluid meter, in particular a water meter, comprises a tank having a bottom and into which is inserted through an opening opposite the bottom in an insertion direction parallel to its axis of symmetry a measurement chamber having at least one lateral orifice connected in a sealed manner to a pipe of the tank via a seal that is compressed between an external surface of the chamber, called the first surface, and an internal surface of the tank, called the second surface. The first and second surfaces are inclined to the axis of symmetry of the tank and the minimum distance between the first and second surfaces and the axis of symmetry is near the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: Acoustic volume indicators comprise a resonator, a frequency detector, and an indicator. The resonator can be an impactor or a vibration generator. The detector responds to vibration signals provided from the tank wall, which signals will show a significant increase in amplitude at the resonant frequency of the tank and its contents. The detector can be an accelerometer designed to record the received signal. The recorded signal is converted/analyzed by the frequency detector, and is compared to a known preprogrammed specific frequency vs. volume characteristic of the tank. Various audible and/or visual output or indicator devices can be used to indicate whether the liquid volume measurements within or outside of a predetermined volume range based on the known tank characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel-tank system with an ultrasonic fuel-gauging system for an aircraft. The fuel-tank system includes a fuel tank, a transducer carrier tape covered with a separation barrier, and coupled to a surface of the fuel tank, and at least one ultrasonic transducer attached to the transducer carrier tape. An ultrasonic signal from at least one ultrasonic transducer is reflected from a fuel-air surface and a reflected signal is received by at least one ultrasonic transducer to determine a fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A fluid level monitoring system 20 includes an ultrasonic interrogation device 30 acoustically coupled to a sidewall 25 of container 22 and produces ultrasound that travels through the liquid 24 along a transverse path 32 and an inclined path 34. The liquid level is determined by calculating the times-of-flight for the received return signals, where the return signal along the inclined path 34 reflects from the intersection 27 of the liquid level 28 and a sidewall 23. The device 30 can be a multi-element transducer having a plurality of transducer elements at different angular orientations in a common housing.

Abstract: A level detector comprises an array of light emitting devices mounted in a line parallel to an array of light receiving devices, the arrays being mounted within a housing capable of internally reflecting light from the emitting devices to respective receiving devices unless the respective parts of the level sensor are immersed in liquid. The outer internally-reflecting surface of the housing is preferable a continuous straight-line surface along the direction parallel to the arrays.

Abstract: The present invention deals with determining the level of fluid in a container. Typically, a beverage container containing a liquid will absorb heat energy from the surrounding environment at a greater rate than a gaseous component in the headspace of the beverage container. Thus, as the liquid is drawn from a beverage container a greater headspace results. If a thermometric measuring device is employed along the height of the beverage container the volume may be determined by observing the difference in the temperature along the height of the beverage container. In practice, a beer keg may exhibit a difference of as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit on the exterior surface of the beer keg when measured at the headspace as opposed to the area where the liquid is present in the beverage container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring the level of a liquid cryogen. The invention provides for use of a current source (52), a length, or multiple lengths, of superconducting filament (40) situated within a cryostat (1) containing a cryogenic fluid (2) and a voltmeter (51) for measuring the voltage drop across the filament (40). The invention further provides a method for using said apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the relative difficulty in donning of a glove. The apparatus contains a glove mount for holding a glove to be tested in an open donnable position and a device for measuring the effort associated with donning the glove. The invention also relates to a method for measuring the effort associated with donning a glove by providing a testing apparatus having a glove mount and a device for measuring effort associated with donning of a glove, mounting a glove for testing on the glove mount so the glove is open and donnable, initializing the testing apparatus, and acquiring data from the device relating to the effort associated with donning of the glove.

Abstract: A micro machined accelerometer package includes a chip having a top surface and a bottom surface. A micro machined accelerometer is formed in the chip, the accelerometer including a mass cantilevered from the remainder of the chip to be movable out of the plane of the chip, one or more motion detectors for detecting motion of the mass, processing circuitry and one or more bond pads for communicating detected accelerations. A first hollow molded cap is bonded to the top surface over at least part of the accelerometer to define a first cavity into which the cantilevered mass may move. The first molded cap is bonded to the chip such that the cap covers the mass, the motion detectors and the processing circuitry but leaves the bond pads uncovered.

Abstract: An inertial sensor includes a single sense element disposed upon a silicon wafer. The sense element is electrically connected to a plurality of signal conditioning circuits that generate output signals in different ranges. Each signal conditioning circuit has an output that is electrically connected to an associated control device.

Abstract: A micromachined device has a body suspended over a substrate and movable in a plane relative to the substrate. The body has a perimeter portion, a first cross-piece portion extending from one part of the perimeter portion to another part of the perimeter portion to define at least first and second apertures, a first plurality of fingers extending along parallel axes from the perimeter portion into the first aperture, and a second plurality of fingers extending along parallel axes from the perimeter portion into the second aperture.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor comprises a fixed case member and a cover assembly collectively defining a closed space in which the oscillation plate and the piezoelectric element received therein. The oscillation plate and the piezoelectric element are oscillatably supported by a supporting portion formed on the central bottom portion of the fixed case member.

Abstract: A tool and method to identify a defect in a vehicle through a vibration frequency is provided. To identify the defect in a vehicle, a sensor senses a vibration frequency and generates a signal in response to the vibration frequency. In addition, a signal spectrum analyzer communicates with the sensor and identifies the defect in response to the signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of measuring acoustic properties of a drumhead of a drum are disclosed. The acoustic properties are measured by exciting the drumhead with a source of energy and detecting the acoustic energy emitted by the drumhead. The acoustic energy emitted by the drumhead may be measured using a microphone or other acoustic sensor. The use of multiple energy sources provides isolation of acoustic energy and allows measurement of local resonance of the drumhead.

Abstract: A method of analysis long range guided wave data reflected from defects and geometric features such as welds in a structure. The method involves acquiring two sets of data, and time shifting one set of data relative to the other. Data points that match in time after the shifting are considered to represent defects or geometric features in the structure. The result of the method is exclusion of false signal data and automation of data analysis.

Abstract: Spot and seam weldments in sheet metal components are inspected by a method in which a focused ultrasonic beam is directed into the weldment from the outside surface together with measuring the motion of the ultrasonic beam over the weldment. Reflected ultrasonic waves are received and signals indicative thereof are produced and processed or displayed as image forms that are easily recognized by an operator. This data is displayed as an A-Scan where a predetermined time window is established on the display, based on the time-of-flight difference between the outer surface, the weld interface or interfaces and the inner or opposite surface of the component. Certain ultrasonic signals are indicative of the degree of complete fusion in the weld zone and provide data relative to the total fused thickness and to defects either in the sheet metal or in the weld.

Abstract: A probe includes a first tube having a first end positioned at a measurement location, and a second end; a second tube having a first end, and a second end; a connector having a transducer for connecting the second end of the first tube to the second end of the second tube; and a terminating element attached to the first end of the second tube, wherein the second tube is of a length sufficient to substantially eliminate the incidence of resonance.

Abstract: In a differential pressure sensor, the measurement value is corrected with the help of the nominal pressure NP. In this way, influences on the measurement value because of deformations of the body of the differential pressure sensor and change in the material stiffness of the membrane are decreased.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor element, and a resin package member that holds the sensor element. The sensor element is constructed by a semiconductor, and is capable of externally outputting an electric signal in accordance with strain generated when force is applied thereto. The sensor element is directly adhered to the package member via an adhesive layer that has Young's modulus in a range between 2.45×103 Pa and 2.06×104 Pa. Further the adhesive layer has a thickness equal to or more than 110 ?m. Accordingly, the pressure sensor effectively restricts a variation in a sensor characteristic due to a thermal change.

Abstract: A vacuum flow measurement device measures the quantity of air flowing into a high-volume evacuator (HVE) vacuum tip commonly found in dental treatment rooms. The device includes a tubular member constructed to mimic internal structural characteristics of a HVE tip. The tubular member includes a valve end coupleable with a HVE valve and an open end. A pressure gauge is connected to the tubular member via a port spaced from the open end of the tubular member. When the vacuum flow measurement device is coupled with the HVE valve, an air flow rate is determined as a function of pressure measured via the pressure gauge.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring pressure includes a cylindrical tube having an open end and a closed end; a piston disposed in the cylindrical tube at the open end; an accelerometer attached to a side of the piston that faces the closed end of the tube, the accelerometer for measuring the acceleration of the piston after a blast event; and a pressure sensor located inside the tube for measuring pressure in the tube between the piston and the closed end of the tube. The apparatus also includes a data processor and computer connected by wires to the accelerometer and pressure sensor for receiving signals generated by the accelerometer and pressure sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring stress corrosion cracking and methods of using the sensor. The sensor is a MEMS device and has a cantilevered beam made from a material of interest. The sensor has on-chip electrical connections for measuring electrical characteristics that indicate cracking of the beam. The sensor may further have on-chip actuators for applying stress to the beam.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing a known resistance load and measuring an internal gyration angle of a mold in a gyratory compactor. A device in one form has a cylindrical body with protrusions through which a known resistance force is applied by the gyratory compactor, and probes which extend from the body to measure an internal angle of gyration of a mold within a gyratory compactor. The device is placed into a cylindrical mold which is placed into a gyratory compactor. Mold end plates may or may not be required depending on the gyratory compactor configuration and construction of the device body. As the mold is tilted on its axis to an operative gyration angle, the protrusions on each end of the body apply a moment force to the mold which produces a known resistance force on the gyratory compactor frame. Measurement of an internal angle of gyration is made while the resistance force is applied to the compactor frame and while the gyratory compactor gyrates the mold.

Abstract: Anchor chain load measurement arrangement for measuring the reactive load in structures which support an anchor chain. In one arrangement, standard resistance compression load cells are mounted directly in the load path between a chain retainer and a trunnion block. In another arrangement a non-contact sensor is positioned to measure the deflection of an inner portion of the trunnion block with respect to a supported outer portion of the trunnion block. The non-contact sensor can be based on capacitive, eddy current or optical measurement principles.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter arranged to perform measurement with high accuracy has first and second ultrasonic transducers 1, 2 which transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, and which are placed so as to form a path for propagation of the ultrasonic waves in a flow passage 14 for a fluid, a transmitting section 3 which drives one of said first and second ultrasonic transducers 1, 2, a first matching section 5 which is connected to the transmitting section, and which adjusts the output impedance of the transmitting section, and a receiving section 6 which has an input impedance approximately equal to or lower than the adjusted output impedance, and which receives the ultrasonic wave reaching the other of the first and second ultrasonic transducers. The flow volume of the fluid is measured by detecting a bidirectional-propagation time difference between the ultrasonic waves propagating in the propagation path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a hydraulic power unit including a housing, an internal hydraulic power means, an external hydraulic power means, and a mechanical power shaft associated with the hydraulic power means. In addition, the hydraulic power unit comprises a transducer adapted for measuring torque mounted in the housing in a non-contact relation to the mechanical power shaft adjacent a portion of the shaft imposed with a magnetic field. The hydraulic power unit further comprises a controller associated with the transducer to monitor the measured torque and adjust the operation of the hydraulic power unit accordingly.

Abstract: A rotation sensor includes a first rotor constituted by a magnetic material and having an outer face that has first conductive layers disposed in two levels as viewed in the direction of a rotation axis and second conductive layers disposed outwardly of and between the first conductive layers, a second rotor having metal members corresponding to the first conductive layers of the first rotor, and a stationary core having a stationary core body that accommodates therein two exciting coils that are spaced from each other in the direction of the rotation axis. The second rotor is disposed between the first rotor mounted to a first shaft and the stationary core fixed to a stationary member, and is mounted to a second shaft which is rotatable relative to the first shaft.