Abstract: A locking system for a cart having at least one drawer movable between an open position and a closed position. The locking system includes a cam that is movable between a locked position, wherein the drawer of the cart is prevented from moving between the closed and open positions, and an unlocked position, wherein the drawer is released for movement between the closed and open positions. A manually actuated lock mechanism is coupled to the cam and is operable to move the cam between the locked and unlocked positions. An electronically actuated lock mechanism cooperates with the manually actuated lock mechanism to permit automatic operation of the locking system.

Abstract: A child resistant closure cap for preventing the inadvertent consumption of pharmaceutical products, bleaches or other products by children or other minors. The child resistant closure cap can be easily removed by adults and elderly persons and uses intrinsic biometric (physical dimension) human attributes to differentiate between adults and children instead of relying on differences in ability. In use, the present invention senses electronically the size of the thumb, forefinger or middle finger, or hand crotch, prior to unlatching the closure cap. The sensors are provided using at least one piezoelectric transducer which performs both functions of detecting the biometric attributes of the user, and by doing so, also generates and stores electrical energy by virtue of the piezoelectric effect.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door locking arrangement and a motor vehicle lock for mounting on a motor vehicle door and an associated method of installation. The locking arrangement includes a motor vehicle door lock including an attachment arrangement, a door handle, and a linkage for a connecting the door handle to the motor vehicle door lock. The linkage transmits actuating forces, created by actuation of the door handle, to the motor vehicle door lock, and wherein the attachment means and the linkage connected relative to the movements caused by actuation of the door handle. The attachment arrangement has an opened position in which the linkage can be freely moved in at least one direction relative to the attachment arrangement, and a closed position in which the linkage is fixed relative to the attachment arrangement, with respect to the movements caused by actuation of the door handle.

Abstract: A latching device (1) particularly for installation such as swimming pool gates may have an automatic magnetic latch with a child resistant device to control access. The child resistant device may include an operating handle (10) at an elevated location to be out of the reach of the child and an alternative operating device (11) is provided at a lower location with child resistance provided typically by a push button arrangement (12) acting through a cam and cam follower to raise a latching arm (3) against the biasing to the latching position. A simple pronged key (16) for a pushing action can be provided, but another aspect consists in a mechanically actuatable key pad (20) which can readily be operated by an adult even in a wheelchair, but which is resistant to child actuation. For example, a selected two of eight buttons may be required to be depressed to permit the key to actuate the push button.

Abstract: One embodiment of an electric door lock according to the present invention is interchangeable between fail safe and fail secure modes and comprises a housing for receiving the internal components of the door lock. A latch bolt is mounted within the housing and is movable from partially extending from and retracted into the housing. A doorknob is mounted to the housing and is rotatable to retract the latch bolt. A solenoid assembly is also mounted within the housing and can be interchangeably arranged to cause the lock to operate a fail secure mode wherein the doorknob is prevented from retracting the latch bolt when the solenoid is not energized, or a fail safe mode wherein the doorknob is allowed to retract the latch bolt when the solenoid is not energized. The solenoid is nested in place within the housing in both modes.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a universal core assembly, which provides multiple engagement features to permit the core assembly to be mounted into various lock housings. A torque blade or a spindle assembly is received within a rear segment of the lock core to engage one of the engagement members depending upon the desire lock within which the core is to be mounted.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and an apparatus for treating municipal solid waste, and more particularly to a method and an apparatus for treating and recycling municipal solid waste not separately collected, and also for minimizing the amount of final waste to be buried.

Abstract: A hydrotapping power unit is disclosed that is operable to hold a hydrotapping tool in a home position adjacent a part while the latter 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 at a feed rate equal to the thread pitch of the tool to thereby form a thread in the pierced hole, and finally 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 roll forming machine wherein a single operator can quickly replace roll forming stations to change the desired lateral profile and wherein adjustments to the lateral positions of the roll forming stations can be quickly effected. This is accomplished by mounting the roll forming elements on short tooling rail sections which in turn are mounted on longer mounting rails which are used as platforms whereby all the adjustments are preset so that all setup work is performed prior to installing the tooling rails. Because the tooling rail sections are shorter, they may be inserted in, and removed from, the machine by a single operator without requiring the partial disassembly, and subsequent reassembly, of the entry and shear assemblies.

Abstract: A tooling assembly for hot stretch-forming of a sheet metal workpiece. A forming tool is attached to a plate and includes a shell having a forming surface, and support walls that extend away from the shell, that terminate in a rearward surface of the forming tool, and that define open cells between the support walls. Heating elements are embedded within the forming tool for integral and uniform heating thereof. To limit conductive thermal losses from the forming surface, through the forming tool, and to the plate and surrounding environment, the open cells are provided in the forming tool and insulative support posts are disposed between the forming tool and the plate within deep counterbores in the rearward surface of the forming tool. To limit radiative and convective thermal losses, thermal insulation is disposed within the cells and between the forming tool and plate.

Abstract: Sheet metal parts having significantly strained portions, such as aluminum alloy body panels, can be formed by a sequence of steps comprising preform shape stamping, preform annealing and final shape stamping. The shape of the desired part is analyzed to identify portions of the geometry that cannot be formed in a single stamping step without exceeding the straining limit of the metal. A preform shape is determined in which a substantial amount of strain is stamped without tearing and the preform is annealed to re-soften the strained areas and a final stamping step completes development of the final part shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for bending closed hollow sections. Said hollow sections are impinged upon by internal pressure. At the same time, the section being bent is supported on the inside by one or several mandels. According to a preferred configuration, said mandrels are also used to limit the area. Inside the section which is under pressure, and to ensure clean deformation.

Abstract: A metal sheet punch device for metal sheets which includes a longitudinally extended frame having forward and rearward ends and alignment devices for aligning the frame on a metal sheet. At least two metal punch devices are mounted on the frame, each including a metal punch support structure movably mounted on the frame and a metal punch having a pointed lower end, the metal punch mounted on the underside of the metal punch support arm structure. A support structure drive device such as a coiled spring is operatively connected to the metal punch support structure to rapidly move the metal punch support structure between a retracted position and an extended position and a trigger device is operatively connected to the metal punch devices to trigger each of them to drive the metal punch into the metal sheet to form at least two securement screw indentations therein.

Abstract: A multi-directional pull tool has a fist-like cylindrical end section from which a elongated boxed shaped second section extends. The tool is designed to attach to the square or rectangular opening at the end of a damaged frame rail. The tool is attached directly to the sidewalls of the frame rail, allowing for a more direct pull of the infrastructure of the frame rail in the opposite direction in which it was hit, thus allowing a cleaner pull and a setting of the control points of the frame rail back in line. The elongated second section comprises a plurality of openings along the length of the section, through which pull chains, via clamps are connected. In this manner, the damaged frame rail can be pulled in the multitude of directions necessary to return the rail to the proper position without the need to change or reposition the clamps and other pulling equipment.

Abstract: A powder leveling method and apparatus capable of leveling to a uniform thickness a thin layer of powder containing fiber so as to form friction material having a multi-layered structure. A cavity of predetermined shape having an opening in a flat surface is filled with powder containing fiber so that the powder overflows the opening of the cavity in the flat surface. A cylindrical leveling device is moved in a first direction across the cavity and then in a second direction intersecting to the first direction at a speed greater than the speed with which the leveling device moves in the first direction, so as to trim away the excess powder and make it flush with the flat surface.

Abstract: A pump for a gas sampling or analyzing system includes a pump body having walls impervious to the gas and an electrical coil within the body. The pump is coupled in series with a gas sensor and a gas volume containing the gas to be sampled or analyzed. By varying the amplitude of either the AC or DC current supplied to the coil, the temperature of the coil and, hence, the temperature of the gas within the pump can be varied, causing the pump to “inhale” upon lowering the temperature of the gas within the pump and “exhale” upon raising the temperature of the gas within the pump, thereby enabling the gas from the gas volume to be drawn periodically into and expelled from the sensor for sampling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for adapting auto injector devices to properly operate in conjunction with gas chromatographs that would previously have been incompatible. The invention consists of metal plates (10, 11, 12, 13) with circular apertures designed for placement over the injection port of the gas chromatograph. The plates are designed to align the chosen auto injector with the injection ports (30) and fix it in place. Also disclosed is the use of firmware to enable proper communication between the injector, the chromatograph, and the analysis and control software.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor assembly for measuring a gas concentration, in particular CO, H2, NOx and/or hydrocarbons. The aim of the invention is to permit an accurate measurement by relatively simple means, ii particular at low cost. To achieve this, the sensor assembly is provided with an insulation material that is applied to the substrate (2) and comprises one or more insulation layers (4, 6, 8, 10), at least one first electrode structure (12, 13) that is provided in or on the insulation material, at least one second electrode structure (14, 15) that is provided in or on the insulation material and is placed at a vertical distance from the first electrode structure, a gas-sensitive layer (16), which borders the first electrode structure (12, 13) and the second electrode structure (14, 15) and a heating conductor structure (7) that is located in the insulation material (4, 6, 8, 10).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for large leak testing are provided. The apparatus includes a test line to receive a sample containing a trace gas, a mass spectrometer to detect the trace gas and having an inlet for receiving the trace gas, a first vacuum pump characterized by a relatively high reverse flow rate for light gases and a relatively low reverse flow rate for heavy gases, the first vacuum pump having a pump inlet and a foreline, the pump inlet being coupled to the inlet of the mass spectrometer, and a second vacuum pump configured to back the first vacuum pump. The apparatus further includes a trace gas permeable member coupled between the test line and the pump inlet, the foreline, or, in the case where the first vacuum pump is a turbomolecular pump, a midstage line.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer having a magnetic thrust bearing. The thrust disk of the magnetic thrust bearing being situated between a pair of magnetic actuator assemblies and extending beyond the circumference of the actuator assemblies so as to encompass the magnetic flux lines generated by the actuator assemblies, thus minimizing likelihood of an undesirable preferential position or side load.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer having a an upper heating/cooling assembly and a lower heating/cooling assembly located opposite one another opposite a sample gap. The lower heating/cooling assembly may comprise a Peltier heater and the upper heating/cooling assembly preferably comprises a heating element that mates with a heat spreader for heating and cooling the area above the sample and providing more uniform heating and cooling across the sample gap while also minimizing any chimney effect within the rheometer and/or providing heating/cooling capability that is insensitive to changes in the gap between an upper geometry and the lower heating/cooling assembly. The upper heating/cooling assembly may further comprise a cooling channel for cooling the upper heating/cooling assembly.

Abstract: A device for determining soil compaction includes a control member fitted with one or more sensors that measure the response of the control member during co-action between the control member and a soil surface. In one embodiment, this response can be flexure as characterized by a measurable parameter such as strain. A measurement module in communication with the sensor or sensors determines a soil modulus for the soil based on the strain measurement from the sensor or sensors. In one arrangement, the control member includes one set of sensors that measure radial strain and another set of sensors that measures hoop strain. The device can also include a load sensor for measuring the load applied to the control member. In one embodiment the measurement module includes a processor that determines soil modulus based the strain measurements and the measured load.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope is capable of not only avoiding contact between a sample and a probe but also capable of shortening the time from detection of the sample during scanning by the probe to raising the probe to the top surface of the sample. A Z-axis controlling amount calculating mechanism controls a displacement amount of a cantilever or an oscillation amount in oscillating the cantilever so as to be constant, and a Z-axis driving mechanism drives in a Z direction the cantilever or a sample based on the controlling signal from the Z-axis controlling amount calculating mechanism. A driving range limiting device limits a driving range of the Z-axis driving mechanism, and a driving range setting device optionally sets the driving range so that the probe is lowered to a set position even in an area with no sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid cell for an atomic force microscope. The liquid cell includes a liquid cell housing with an internal cavity to contain a fluid, a plurality of conductive feedthroughs traversing the liquid cell housing between the internal cavity and a dry side of the liquid cell, a cantilevered probe coupled to the liquid cell housing, and a piezoelectric drive element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The cantilevered probe is actuated when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive element through at least one of the conductive feedthroughs. A method of imaging an object in a liquid medium and a method of sensing a target species with the liquid cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining the power of a test specimen, in particular of an internal combustion engine, includes a measuring device for registering the time profile of the rotational speed of an output shaft of the test specimen. To determine the power at a specific time, the time profile of the rotational speed is exclusively measured. The test specimen is tested, here, within a time period during which there is no necessity for forced cooling. In addition, the invention relates to a measuring device and to a power test bench for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an in-cylinder pressure of an engine is provided. The apparatus comprises an in-cylinder pressure sensor for outputting a signal indicating a change rate of an in-cylinder pressure and a control unit. The control unit is configured to correct the signal from the in-cylinder pressure sensor, integrate the corrected signal to determine the in-cylinder pressure, determine a change rate of a drift contained in the determined in-cylinder, and feedback the change rate of the drift so that the correction of the signal is made with the change rate of the drift. Since the output of the in-cylinder pressure sensor from which a drift has been removed is integrated, it is prevented that a drift appears in the in-cylinder pressure obtained by the integral. A resetting operation is not required so as to remove a drift.

Abstract: An engine ECU of a failure diagnosis system for an EGR device starts the EGR device by opening an EGR valve upon establishment of monitor conditions, detects an actual intake pipe pressure PMON based on a value of a vacuum sensor upon elapse of a predetermine time, calculates an estimated intake pipe pressure PMON using a physical model, cuts the EGR operation by changing the opened state to the closed state of the EGR valve, detects an actual PMOFF based on an input value of the vacuum sensor upon elapse of a predetermined time from cut of EGR, calculates an estimated PMOFF using the physical model, and determines the operation of the EGR device as being normal when a result of comparing a difference between the estimated PMON and estimated PMOFF with a difference between the actual PMON and actual PMOFF is smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Defective actuators in an internal combustion engine with at least one cylinder are detected. A mean value, in particular the arithmetic mean value, determines a measurement variable of all the actuators of a given type present on the cylinders. The measurement variable depends on at least one parameter. In a further step, a deviation is formed which is independent of the parameter. This ensures that the deviation across the entire parameter range remains constant. In a further step, the limit values, in particular the upper and lower limit values, are formed, the limit values being dependent on the deviation and on the mean value formed above. If an individual value of the measurement variable exceeds one of the two limit values, the method according to the invention detects this actuator as faulty and/or defective.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling boundary layer shear stress adjacent a surface over which a fluid stream has been established. The system comprises a boundary layer control device adapted for altering at least one flow characteristic within a boundary layer in a selected region of the surface. The system further comprises a shear stress measurement system comprising a hot film sensor arrangement having at least one hot film sensor element appliable to the surface in the selected region. The at least one hot film sensor element is connected to an anemometer circuit configured to provide a sensor signal corresponding to heat transfer from the associated hot film sensor to the fluid stream. The system also comprises a control module in communication with the anemometer arrangement and the boundary layer control device. The control module is adapted for receiving and processing sensor signals signal from the anemometer circuit and for providing input signals to the boundary layer control device.

Abstract: The outlet pressure of a pump that fluctuates rapidly, as is typical of high pressure multiplex pumps, is sensed in a pressure line leading from the main flow line to a damping mechanism. The damping mechanism comprises a pair of small spaced openings, which are preferably adjustable in size. The damping mechanism is ideally a pair of needle valves placed in series so the pressure downstream of the second needle valve fluctuates considerably less than upstream of the first needle valve. The damped pressure is sensed to provide an input to real time graphs showing various pertinent pressure measurements involving the application of pressure, e.g. to monitor downhole tools in hydrocarbon wells. The downhole tools may be fluid driven motors, whipstocks, packers, wiper plugs and the like. In the case of fluid driven or mud motors, a base line pressure taken when the motor is idling is compared to the pressure when the motor is drilling to detect the onset of motor stall.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed that is suitable for a game ball, such as a soccer ball, and a variety of other spherical or non-spherical objects. The testing apparatus includes a housing with the configuration of an air foil. A shaft extends through the housing, and a mount for securing the game ball to an end of the shaft. A motor is operatively connected to an opposite end of the shaft and is utilized to rotate the game ball in a wind tunnel. The testing apparatus also includes a sensor, such as a two-axis force balance, that detects various fluid forces upon the game ball, including a drag force and a side force, for example.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device includes two or more strips, wherein each of the two or more strips comprises a shape memory polymer adapted to undergo a change in a modulus of elasticity at a thermal transition temperature. A method comprises contacting two or more strips with an item, wherein each strip comprises a shape memory polymer adapted to undergo a change in a modulus of elasticity at a thermal transition temperature; equilibrating the two or more strips with the item; and determining a temperature range of the item by observing whether any of the two or more strips underwent a decrease in stiffness and/or increase in flexibility caused by the change in the modulus of elasticity of the shape memory polymer.

Abstract: A system and method of horizontal wave measurement is disclosed. The system for measuring the directional spectrum of waves in a fluid medium having a substantially planar surface may include a sonar system having a plurality of transducers for generating respective acoustic beams and receiving echoes from one or more range cells located substantially within the beams, at least one of the plurality of acoustic beams being angled non-orthogonally to at least one other of the plurality of acoustic beams. The method may calculate the directional spectrum associated with the waves from the received echoes.

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° 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: An imaging tomography apparatus, in particular an x-ray tomography apparatus or an ultrasound tomography apparatus, has a stationary unit with a sensor for measurement of an out-of-balance condition of an annular data acquisition device rotatable around a patient opening in the stationary device. Compensation weights for compensation of the out-of-balance condition are provided on the data acquisition device. To simplify the balancing procedure, the compensation weights are disposed in two parallel planes axially separated from one another, and in each plane at least three compensation weights are fashioned as chambers that can be filled with a fluid. At least two of the chambers are connected with one another via at least one conduit for fluid transfer therebetween exchange.

Abstract: An imaging tomography apparatus, in particular an x-ray tomography apparatus or an ultrasound tomography apparatus, has a stationary unit with a measurement unit for measurement of an out-of-balance condition, on which stationary unit is mounted an annular measurement device rotatable around a patient tunnel. Compensation weights for compensation of the out-of-balance condition are provided on the measurement device. To simplify the balancing procedure, the compensation weights are fashioned in the form of compensation rings surrounding the patient opening and with respectively defined out-of-balance conditions. The compensation rings are mounted on the measurement device such that they can be varied with regard to their relative positions in two parallel planes axially separated from one another.

Abstract: An imaging topography apparatus, in particular an x-ray topography apparatus or an ultrasonic topography apparatus, has a stationary unit with an arrangement for compensating an out-of-balance condition of an annular data acquisition device that is mounted in the stationary unit for rotation around a patient opening. Compensating weights for compensation of the out-of-balance condition are provided. For simplification of the out-of-balance condition the compensating weights are mounted at the outer circumferential area of the data acquisition device in two parallel planes that are axially separated from each other. The angle positions of the respective compensating weights are adjustable relative to each other.

Abstract: A four-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) nonresonant micromachined gyroscope utilizes a dynamical amplification both in the 2-DOF drive-direction oscillator and the 2-DOF sense-direction oscillator, which are structurally decoupled, to achieve large oscillation amplitudes without resonance. The overall 4-DOF dynamical system is comprised of three proof masses. The second and third masses form the 2-DOF sense-direction oscillator. The first mass and the combination of the second and third masses form the 2-DOF drive-direction oscillator. The frequency responses of the drive and sense-mode oscillators have two resonant peaks and a flat region between the peaks. The device is nominally operated in the flat regions of the response curves belonging to the drive and sense-mode oscillators, where the gain is less sensitive to frequency fluctuations. This is achieved by designing the drive and sense anti-resonance frequencies to match.

Abstract: Disclosed is an angular velocity sensor, which comprises a receiving member receiving therein a case containing a vibration element and an IC, and having a hole usable in soldering one end of a terminal strip to a case electrode, whereby, after the soldering operation, the condition of a soldered region in a mounting portion can be checked through the hole. This prevents deficiency in solder amount required for soldering between the case and the receiving member to ensure accuracy in an output signal of the angular velocity sensor.

Abstract: An oscillator is oscillatable in a predetermined direction. First and second driving electrodes are secured to the base and apply an electrostatic force to the oscillator to make drive oscillation of the oscillator in the predetermined direction. At the time of the drive oscillation of the oscillator, a predetermined electric charge is accumulated in the oscillator, and electric charges of opposite polarities are alternately and periodically accumulated in the first and second driving electrodes, respectively, to exert an attractive force between the oscillator and a corresponding one of the first and second driving electrodes and also to exert a repulsive force between the oscillator and the other one of the first and second driving electrodes, and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and medium for detecting an impact sound and an apparatus, method, and medium for discriminating the impact sound using the same. The impact sound detecting apparatus includes: an onset detector separating an input signal of a frame unit into a low frequency signal and a high frequency signal, measuring powers of the separated signals, and detecting onsets by detecting changes in the measured powers; an event buffer buffering the powers measured by the onset detector and spectral data of the input signal; and an impact sound verifier determining whether each of the detected onsets is an impulse onset, and if each of the detected onsets is the impulse onset, detecting events starting from the impulse onsets by checking the powers stored in the event buffer and determining each of the detected events to be an impulse event if each of the detected onsets satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: Acoustic emission apparatus methods for detecting termite infestation including a probe and signal processing circuitry. The probe includes an piezoelectric transducer and is adapted to be inserted into a bore-hole of the wood under test. The waveguide intersects the high frequency extensional and shear waves produced by feeding and movement of termite propagating along the grain of the wood. The transducer output signal is filtered through high (HF) and low (LF) bandbase filters. Selected HF/LF values produce a signal which substantially eliminates extraneous Out-Of-Plane acoustic noise. One embodiment includes a multiple channel multiplexing system for monitoring insect treatment processes in structures such as homes and other buildings. The real time data is used to determine the effectiveness of treatments as well as the time required to produce an effective treatment for termite eradication.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes a base having a bowl or recess for holding a processing fluid. A sonic energy source, such as a megasonic transducer, provides sonic energy into a processing fluid in the bowl. A process head holds a workpiece. A process head lifter lowers the head holding the workpiece into the processing fluid in the bowl. Sonic energy is provided to the workpiece through the processing fluid, optionally while the processing head spins the workpiece. The processing fluid may include de-ionized water and an etchant.

Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of the gas pressure in an evacuated thermal insulating board (9) having an insulating core (1) covered by a film (2). The inventive device comprises an assembly, which is integrated between the insulating core and the covering film of the thermal insulating board and which has a body that acts as a heat sink (3) (Al, Co, Fe, ceramic), and the body's thermal conductivity and thermal capacity relative to volume are greater than those of the insulating core. Said assembly also comprises a test layer (4) (0.3 mm nonwoven fabric made of plastic and glass fibers), which is arranged between the heat sink and the covering film and has a defined thermal conductivity that changes according to the gas pressure inside the evacuated thermal insulating board. From the exterior, a sensor device is applied to or pressed against the test device, which is placed inside the evacuated thermal insulating board and which is covered by the covering film.

Abstract: A gas pressure sensor 100 is disclosed as including a housing 10 to which a pressure is adapted to be introduced, a stem 20 communicating with the housing to admit the pressure thereto and having a diaphragm 22 deformable in response to the pressure, a sensor 24 associated with the diaphragm to produce an electric signal depending on a deformation of the diaphragm, and a substrate 30 that responds to the electric signal to generate an output signal that is outputted through a terminal 50. A chip capacitor 33 is connected between the terminal 50 and the substrate 30 and includes a first electrode 36, which admits a noise passing through the terminal 50 to be inputted to the substrate 30, and a second electrode 37 electrically connected to the housing 10, thereby enhancing improved resistance to noise.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate that defines a plane. The apparatus also includes a first conducting plate that is substantially normal to the substrate and a second conducting plate that is (i) substantially normal to the substrate and (ii) deformable in response to a pressure.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a case having a concave portion, a sensing portion disposed in the concave portion to output an electrical signal proportional to an applied pressure, a circuit portion disposed in the concave portion and connected to the sensing portion and a conductive diaphragm fixed to the case to cover the concave portion. A conductive member surrounds the sensing portion and the circuit portion to provide an electrical shield. The diaphragm is used as a part of the conductive member.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for sensing pressure that comprises a substrate and a sensor formed on the substrate. The sensor is adapted to sense pressure applied thereto and includes a support structure smaller than the substrate to result in a cavity above a portion of the substrate and a magnetoresistive sensor formed over the support structure.