Abstract: A method of cleaning an aluminum drum substrate that removes cutting chips, and degreases to remove high viscosity drawing oil used in a cold drawing process, without using a chlorine-containing organic solvent. A plurality of aluminum drum substrates are arranged in rows, with an axis of each drum substrate being vertical and parallel with the axis of the other drum substrates. A cleaning liquid is ejected at a predetermined ejection pressure from a high-pressure cleaning nozzle. The cleaning liquid is ejected in a fan shape having a predetermined spread angle and from above a top opening of one of the drum substrates towards the drum substrate. While ejecting the cleaning liquid, the nozzle is horizontally and sequentially traversed above openings of the other drum substrates in a direction of the row, while swinging the nozzle in the direction of the row.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production method for a hot rolled strip in a hot rolling line. An object of the present invention is to ensure stable running of a hot rolled strip on a hot runout table, and to prevent excessive displacement of the hot rolled strip above a pass line, and, for example, a head folding defect and a tail folding defect resulting from the displacement. In the method of the present invention, a fluid jet is squirted above a hot rolled strip conveyed by a hot runout table so as to pass over the hot rolled strip running without touching a surface of the hot rolled strip running on a pass line (a strip-conveying surface of the hot runout table). A strip portion displaced upward from the pass line beyond a predetermined level collides with the fluid jet, and the displacement of the strip portion is thereby corrected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the range of production of an installation for cold rolling of metallic strip, consisting of at least two rolling stands (L1, L2) operating in tandem. According to the invention, at least one (L1) of the rolling stands is equipped with means of converting the stand configuration, while keeping the same means (15, 16, 3, 3?) of applying the rolling force, in order to have at least two configurations available, each corresponding to one production range, and the configuration of said convertible stand L1 is selected to match the data of the product (M) to be rolled, thus allowing the production range to be increased.

Abstract: A single action press for forming a shell used to make a can end includes a first tool and an opposed second tool. The first tool includes a die center insert that performs a forming operation on disc cut from a sheet of end material. The first tool is configured and arranged wherein force is supplied to the die center insert during the downstroke and force is removed from the die center insert at the bottom of the downstroke and at the start of the upstroke, to thereby enable the die center insert to disengage from the shell. One specific embodiment uses a die center piston and compressed air to apply force to the die center insert. Another embodiment uses a cam and cam follower arrangement to remove axial forces at the bottom of the downstroke and either springs or gas pressure to apply force to the die center insert during the downstroke.

Abstract: A die cushion apparatus of a press machine which makes possible to manufacture a plurality of types of products of different sizes by one press machine and capable of minimizing a production facility, and which comprises a plurality of die cushion units, each having a cushion pad and a rise and fall drive unit for vertically driving the cushion pad, that are aligned in a direction perpendicular to a work conveying direction, and a control unit capable of individually and independently controlling the plurality of die cushion units.

Abstract: A method of making a so called pine-cone spiral decorative element of metal, which is formed from a plurality of bars, generally four or eight in number, having circular or polygonal cross-section, cut in desired length, comprises steps of bending each bar, whose end sections remain straight; welding the end sections of the bars at both their ends, which are placed side by side and angularly spaced so that the bars look like meridians of an unfinished product formed according to a rotation body; and mutual rotation of the one welded ends of the bars to the other ends thereof by a desired angle. Further, a machine for embodying the method of the invention is disclosed.

Abstract: Method for shaping sheet metal lid preferably for beverage can, which includes panel, openable area defined in panel by a score line, and mounting place for a tab for breaking in openable area. At least one projection in panel is shaped twice, such that a pre-form of projection is shaped out of panel of sheet metal lid, in which pre-form is located near attaching portion of tab, but at a distance from a mounting place, and at least front edge of pre-form of at least one projection is re-formed, so that no score line is provided in panel during shaping or re-forming. Further, to obtain better blocking of an outer edge portion of attaching portion, outer edge portion is associated with re-formed front edge. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making can lid shells in die presses, with the addition of a forming ring within the die set. The forming ring is placed between the draw pad and die center, and is used to apply a force on the material during the shell lid forming process. Use of this apparatus reduces the amount of force that must be applied on the draw pad to hold the material between the die core ring and the draw pad during the forming process. By lessening the force needed to hold the material during the forming process, the probability of wrinkling or cracking of the material during the forming process is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an apparatus in the straightening bench of the car body, which straightening bench includes a straightening table and a set of frame beams, attaching elements for attaching the car to the set of frame beams, at least a part of which attaching elements have been attached movably to the set of frame beams for attaching cars of various sizes to the straightening table. The apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a transfer beam to be attached movably to the frame beam of the straightening table, to which transfer beam a part of the attaching elements are attached, locking elements for attaching the transfer beam removably to the frame beam and a transfer device for transferring the transfer beam in regard to the frame beam.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor (22) to be calibrated and evaluated is affixed to one end surface (22) of a metal rod (1), and a plurality of projectiles (3) are made to impact the other end surface (2) of the metal rod at prescribed time intervals, generating an elastic wave pulse in the metal rod. Dynamic displacement, velocity or acceleration in a direction normal to the other end surface arising in a process of the generated elastic wave pulse reaching and being reflected by the one end surface where the acceleration sensor is affixed is measured, and an acceleration measured, processed and corrected by a strain gauge (25) attached to a side surface of the metal rod or by a laser interferometer (24) is obtained, and the corrected acceleration and the output of the acceleration sensor are compared to thereby carry out calibration and evaluation of the acceleration sensor.

Abstract: A staged electrode carrier of an O2 Sensor comprises a sensor; a detecting end carrier installed in the sensor; the detecting end carrier having a positive lead, a negative lead and a channel communicated to atmosphere; one end of the positive lead of the detecting end carrier having a positive interface exposing in the channel so as to contact the atmosphere and one end of the detecting end carrier having a negative interface exposing from an outer wall of the detecting end carrier to contact gas to be measured; and a transferring end carrier installed in the sensor having a positive lead and a negative lead. A detecting end carrier is made of zirconium oxide, and a transferring end carrier is made of Al2O3, CaO or MgO. The two carriers are being with positive leads and negative leads for detecting oxygen density of the gas to be measured.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle has been disclosed that can detect an excessive leakage rate of a tire. The system utilizes the starting pressure and starting temperature of a tire and the current pressure and current temperature of that tire with the time lapsed to determine the leakage rate of the tire. This leakage rate is compared to a leakage rate threshold. If the leakage rate is greater than the leakage rate threshold, an excessive leakage rate alert is generated.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring properties of a fluid in a vessel, includes a sensor mount adapted to mount within a wall of a vessel; a sensor body extending substantially vertically from the sensor mount; and a plurality of sensors spaced vertically along the sensor body, whereby at least one of level, density, temperature and pressure of fluid in the vessel can be measured.

Abstract: A system for making dynamic measurement of viscosity or density of a fluid using magnetostrictive particles. Magnetostrictive particles are placed in contact or proximity with a fluid where they can experience stress caused by the viscosity of the fluid when they expand, contract or otherwise move. A alternating or otherwise changing magnetic field is applied to the system causing the particles to expand and contract. A sense coil detects a total magnetic field that is a superposition of the applied field and a field generated in the magnetostrictive particles as they expand and contract. The amplitude of this sensor is related to the viscosity. The applied magnetic field can also be swept in frequency with the location of a resonance also indicating viscosity or density.

Abstract: A method and device for assessing rheological properties of a fluid, including lubricity and viscosity. The invention utilizes a tube into which the fluid is introduced, and relies on tracking the movement of particles intentionally introduced into the fluid to assess the rheological properties of the fluid. The method and device generally entail introducing at least one solid particle into the fluid to cause the particle to flow through the portion of the tube, and assessing a rheological property of the fluid within the tube by tracking the movement of the particle through the portion relative to the flow of the fluid through the portion.

Abstract: A device for measuring the inertia tensor of a rigid body at least consists of a rigid body (11), the inertia tensor of which is to be measured, at least one suspension means (20) with respect to at least one fixed point which sets at least one degree of fixation, excitation means (30) for causing the movement of the rigid body (11), as well as a movement detection group (40) and a data transmission group (50) to a numerical processor (60) for registering the data and executing a parameter identification procedure based upon a mathematical model of the rigid body suspended like a pendulum, suitable for obtaining the six components of the inertia tensor.

Abstract: An open-loop test procedure under high rotating speed is entered to compute a first TE crossing track number. The first TE crossing track number greater than a first threshold indicates an unbalanced disc and results in a low-speed reading procedure. On the other hand, the first TE crossing track number less than a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value indicates a normal disc and results in a high-speed reading procedure. When the first TE crossing track number lies between the first and second threshold values, another open-loop test procedure under low rotating speed is entered to compute a second TE crossing track number. A low-speed reading procedure is performed when the second TE crossing track number is greater than a third threshold value, and a high-speed reading procedure is performed when the second TE crossing track number is less than the third threshold value.

Abstract: A moisture detector of closed case type according to a heat capacity method is realized by a relatively simple constitution. The moisture detector includes a first temperature sensor for sensing temperature of a detection target; a second temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the detection target; a small heater for heating the second temperature sensor; and a processing unit for obtaining information relating to moisture percentage in the detection target on the basis of a signal outputted from the first temperature sensor and a signal outputted from the second temperature sensor heated by the small heater.

Abstract: A probe mechanism and a sample pick up mechanism of the invention are provided at an observing apparatus or an analyzing apparatus and characterized in including a tip member comprising a needle-like member brought into contact with a sample, including a driving electrostatic actuator and means for monitoring a change in an electrostatic capacitance between electrodes of the electrostatic actuator, and capable of sensing that the probe is brought into contact with a sample by the monitor

Abstract: Automated apparatus and methods for testing surface finishes. In at least one preferred embodiment, automated apparatus capable of reliably, automatically testing surface finishes in industrial environments. In at least one further preferred embodiment, an automated, robotic surface finish tester programmable to measure surface finishes of a plurality of spatially separate surfaces and simultaneously and/or thereafter displaying, transmitting, processing, and/or storing data related thereto.

Abstract: Dynamometric bench for headstocks with SOHC and DOHC type overhead camshaft for internal combustion engines has a testing workbench connected to a monitoring and control panel such that the testing workbench comprised of a mobile platform, protected by a cover, where the headstock is placed, with an overhead camshaft gear directed towards the front of the equipment, thus allowing a grooved belt to pass through the testing workbench and is coupled to a synchronizer, at the same time is coupled to an electrical motor by means of other belts, such that in the interior and opposite part of the testing workbench an oil reservoir is available, coupled to a pump, that pressurizes the oil inside the headstock, when the system is turned on; at the other end of the electrical motor a charging cell is coupled, which at the same time is connected to an energized conductor, which sends measurement signals to the monitoring and control panel, composed of a digital counter in front and a digital acceleration control, that s

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating the angle of attack of wheels, wheelsets, trucks and railway vehicles traveling over a track employing a wayside system having a plurality of sensors, adjacent to the rails of the track, for detecting the passing of each wheelset of each truck. Each sensor communicates its moment of activation and length of activation caused by a passing wheel to a sensor monitoring unit for use in determining the angle of attack of the passing wheel, wheelset, truck and railway vehicle. The estimated angle of attack of the wheelset at different locations along the track may be used to detect a hunting wheelset, truck or railway vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating an aircraft whereby actual acceleration of an aircraft is used as the direct measure of the capability of the aircraft to takeoff. Thus, a minimum takeoff acceleration is determined for an aircraft and then through appropriate sensing means for acceleration, actual acceleration of the aircraft is determined and compared with that predetermined minimum takeoff acceleration. If the actual aircraft acceleration exceeds the minimum takeoff acceleration then an indication such as a buzzer or signal is provided. The present method may also be used in cooperation with existing takeoff determining systems utilising engine thrust as the means of determining aircraft capability to takeoff. The authority of the various aircraft takeoff criteria can be adjusted as required. Furthermore, the present aircraft acceleration regime may be utilised with regard to adjusting existing engine thrust means for determining takeoff or cruise capability.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluid properties such as flow velocity, flow rate, and fluid composition comprises positioning a heat exchange element with a temperature sensor, such as an optical fiber temperature sensor, arranged centrally inside the element in thermal contact with a fluid of interest, heating or cooling the heat exchange element to cause a temperature difference and exchange of thermal energy between the element and the fluid, using the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the heat exchange element during the exchange of thermal energy, and determining properties of the fluid from the temperature measurement. A second temperature sensor can be provided offset from the first sensor to provide additional measurements to improve accuracy, and a plurality of heat exchange elements with temperature sensors can be used together to determine fluid properties over a large region.

Abstract: The invention provides an explosion-proof portable gas detector that is easy to be fabricated as a small-sized one handy to carry and high in convenience for use, and has explosion-proofness sufficient in a countermeasure against static electricity and high in reliability. The explosion-proof portable gas detector has at least gas sensors, a signal processing circuit, a display mechanism and a power source part within a housing in the form of a slim and flat box holdable by grasping with a hand. The whole or a part of the housing is formed of a static charge-controlling resin material having an insulating resistance value of at most 1 G? and a comparative tracking index of at least 90 V.

Abstract: A sensor carrier comprising a cover part for a flow meter, with a sensor comprising connecting strands and a plug part covering the sensor and the connecting strands and having connecting pins which can be brought into contact with the connecting strands is characterized in that, at least in the region of the connecting strands, the space between the plug part and the cover part is covered by an electrically insulating elastic substance to provide reliable sealing.

Abstract: A dynamic balance testing machine is provided with mechanical arrangements for canceling out a free moment of an asymmetrical crank shaft and capable of accurately measuring a rotating unbalance of the asymmetrical crank shaft. A compensation rotational shaft 10 having a compensation weights 11 for canceling out a free moment of a crank shaft 5 as a test piece is provided on a vibration cradle 1. The compensation rotational shaft 10 is rotated by a synchronous motor 9 other than a synchronous motor 8 for rotating the crank shaft 5. The synchronous motor 9 is rotated based on a reference signal detected by an optical sensor 18 (13, 14) in such a manner that the synchronous motor 9 is synchronously rotated with the rotation of the crank shaft.

Abstract: An indicating instrument includes an indicating needle provided in an instrument board, a stopper device to define a turning start position and a returning position of the indicating needle, a stepping motor for driving the indicating needle, and a control device to control the stepping motor; the control device outputs a zero reset signal for returning the indicating needle to the stopper device and a signal for moving the indicating needle away from the stopper device to the stepping motor when the stepping motor is turned on or turned off to carry out a missed step reset processing.

Abstract: A MEMS gyroscope with coupling springs and mass bodies symmetrical to one another and relatively movable in a vertical direction with respect to a substrate, where a coupling spring connects the mass bodies and moves the mass bodies in a vertical direction as another one of the mass bodies moves in the opposite vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a failure detecting system that enables the detection of a break in a rail and the like by a simple network configuration. Detecting units (20 and 50), relay units (30A, 30B, 60A through 60C) and terminal units (40 and 70) are arranged along rails (11, 11A and 11B). Using the rails (11, 11A and 11B) as transmission media, ultrasonic waves transmitted from the detecting units (20 and 50) are transmitted to the terminal units (40 and 70) by the relay units (30A, 30B, 60A through 60C), and when the terminal units (40 and 70) receive the ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic waves are returned from the terminal units (40 and 70), relayed by the relay units (30A, 30B, 60A through 60C), and transmitted to the detecting units (20 and 50). Thus, it is judged whether there is a break in the rails (11, 11A and 11B), based on the ultrasonic wave reception state in the detecting units (20 and 50).

Abstract: There is provided a non-destructive inspection device having an actuating portion and at least one inspecting portion. The inspecting portion(s) are magnetically coupled to the actuating portion so that the inspecting portion(s) may be moved into limited-access areas to inspect features of a structure. The inspecting portion(s) each include at least one inspection sensor that transmits and/or receives signals that, when processed, indicate defects in the features of the structure. The actuating portion may include a handle for manual movement of the inspection device, or alternatively may include a motorized drive wheel for motorized positioning of the inspection device. A positional encoder device, such as an encoder wheel or optical encoder, may also be included in the actuating portion or inspecting portion(s) to monitor the location of the inspection device for more accurate or informative inspection results.

Abstract: A resonant type pressure sensor has a diaphragm to which a measuring pressure is to be applied, and a vibrating beam which is embedded on the diaphragm, and orthogonal supporting portions which are provided at sides of both ends of the vibrating beam, wherein one end of each orthogonal supporting portion is substantially perpendicular to the vibrating beam, and another end of each orthogonal supporting portion is substantially perpendicular to a face of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and apparatus for indicating an apparent error in the operation of a fluid-powered attachment (A) mounted on a machine tool for controlled movement toward and away from a workpiece (W) upon which an operation (e.g., thread rolling, knurling, burnishing, etc.) is to be performed during a cycle.

Abstract: An improved pressure transducer is disclosed. The transducer includes a connector, an enclosure, a sensor portion, and an external heater disposed to heat the sensor portion. In some aspects, the sensor portion includes a sensor constructed from a brittle material and does not employ any fill fluid within the sensor. In another aspect, the invention includes a kit that adapts non-heated high purity vacuum transducers for heated use. The kit includes a connector portion and a heater portion that is coupled to the connector portion. The connector portion may also include one or more indicators.

Abstract: A force sensor assembly includes a force sensor, a first support member, a threaded portion, an opening made in the first support member, a nut, a restricting member and a spacer. The nut is screwed onto the threaded portion which is inserted through the opening. The restricting member is provided between the force sensor and the nut. The spacer, which is provided between the force sensor and the nut, is deformable in a direction of its thickness. The shape of the spacer is adapted to avoid interference with the restricting member. Before the nut is tightened onto the threaded portion, a summation of thickness for the first support member and the spacer is adapted to be not less than a height of the restricting member. The nut is tightened up with a predetermined fastening torque until the spacer deforms so that the nut strikes the restricting member.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing operational shock sensitivity of a MEMS device includes a closed-loop control circuit for controlling the MEMS device and a shock detector for detecting a shock experienced by the MEMS device. The closed-loop control circuit includes a movable MEMS structure, a detector for sensing a position of the MEMS structure and for providing a first feedback signal related to the sensed position, and a processor for receiving the first feedback signal and for providing a control signal used to control the MEMS device. The shock detector, which according to a preferred embodiment is the MEMS structure itself, is used for detecting the shock experienced by the MEMS device and for generating a second feedback signal, which is used to alter the control signal such that a response of the closed-loop control circuit to the shock is minimized.

Abstract: A micro-tensile testing system providing a stand-alone test platform for testing and reporting physical or engineering properties of test samples of materials having thicknesses of approximately between 0.002 inch and 0.030 inch, including, for example, LiGA engineered materials. The testing system is able to perform a variety of static, dynamic, and cyclic tests. The testing system includes a rigid frame and adjustable gripping supports to minimize measurement errors due to deflection or bending under load; serrated grips for securing the extremely small test sample; high-speed laser scan micrometers for obtaining accurate results; and test software for controlling the testing procedure and reporting results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a single phase fluid, particularly a gas, through a conduit. A pulse of tracer fluid is discharged or injected into a first fluid flowing through a conduit, the concentration of the tracer fluid is measured as a function of time at a pont downstream from where it is injected, and the flow rate of the first fluid is determined based on the concentration measurements. The concentration of tracer fluid is preferably sampled substantially continuously from when the tracer gas first passes the measuring point until substantially all of the tracer fluid has passed the measuring point and the sampled concentrations integrated. The concentration of tracer fluid is preferably determined by measuring the thermal conductivity of the mixture of the first fluid and tracer fluid which is dependent upon the concentration of the tracer fluid.

Abstract: A magnetoinductive flowmeter encompasses a ceramic measuring tube as a conduit for a medium whose flow rate is to be measured, and a measuring electrode featuring a cermet body. The measuring tube is mounted in the wall of the measuring tube with its side that faces the medium conductively or capacitively connecting to the medium while its side facing away from the medium connects to a measuring line. The cross-sectional surface area of the cermet body is larger at its end facing the medium than at its other end facing away from the medium. The result is a measuring electrode that fully meets the respective requirements at either end notwithstanding minimized material consumption in making the electrode. A method for producing a measuring tube for the flowmeter is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for obtaining flow rate measurements including a sensor assembly and a housing. The sensor assembly includes a body defining a first fluid flow passage having an inlet, an outlet, a flow restricting element in the first fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, an upstream fluid pressure sensor, a downstream fluid pressure sensor, an upstream signal contact connected to the upstream fluid pressure sensor, and a downstream signal contact connected to the downstream fluid pressure sensor. The housing has an upstream portion defining an upstream port, a downstream portion defining a downstream port, and a probe access port configured to provide access of a probe to at least one of the upstream signal contact and downstream signal contact. The housing can also define a second fluid flow passage in parallel with the first fluid flow passage. The device can be disposable.

Abstract: The Coriolis mass-flow/density meter includes at least one measuring tube (11), which is traversed in operation by the medium. A support means (12) of the Coriolis mass-flow/density meter is fixed at an inlet end and at an outlet end of the measuring tube 11 and thus clamps the measuring tube such that it can oscillate. In operation, the measuring tube (11) is caused by means of an exciter arrangement (13) to oscillate with mechanical oscillations, especially bending oscillations. Furthermore, the Coriolis mass-flow/density meter includes means (141, 142) for producing measurement signals (xs1, xs2) representing inlet-end and outlet-end oscillations of the measuring tube (11). An evaluation electronics (2) produces an intermediate value (X?m) derived from the measurement signals (xs1, xs2) and representing an uncorrected mass flow rate. The evaluation electronics also produces a correction value (XK) for the intermediate value (X?m).

Abstract: A flow meter assembly includes a flow meter including a tube through which a fluid flows. The flow meter is operable to measure the amount of fluid flowing through the tube. A liner is positioned within the tube and is removably coupled with the tube such that fluid flowing through the tube flows through the liner without contacting an inner surface of the tube.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for measuring forces acted upon a tire in which a radial force and a peripheral force acting to the tire, which are required for the high precision measurement of a friction coefficient on a road surface, are simply measured in a high precision by detecting a magnetic field formed by a magnet fixed to a tread portion of the tire by a magnetic sensor fixed to a rim and measuring the forces acting to the tire from a variant pattern of a magnetic flux density detected un the rotation of the tire and without influencing upon the balance of the tire, which contributes to the high precision measurement of the friction coefficient on the road surface.

Abstract: A coring device includes a base portion that receives an arrayed plurality of samples, the base portion including a plurality of vertically oriented slider rods. A coring portion including an arrayed plurality of samples is slidable along the vertically oriented slider rods between a retracted position and an actuated position where cores are taken from the samples. An extraction portion including arrayed plurality of extraction pins aligned with the arrayed plurality of coring tubes for insertion therein is also slidable along the vertically oriented slider rods between a retracted position and an actuated position where the extraction pins eject cores from the coring tubes. A coring drive mechanism is provided to mechanically move the coring portion between the retracted position and the actuated position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to instrument assemblies that can include a sample introduction port coupled to a chamber configured to receive the sample from the sample introduction port and provide analysis of the sample with a valve between the sample introduction port and the chamber. The instrument assemblies can include a septum housing assembly coupled to an analysis chamber interface with the interface including a valve and a cam rotatably mounted to the septum housing assembly and/or coupled to the valve. Analysis methods are also provided that can include introducing a sample to an instrument through both a sample introduction port and a valve coupled to the sample introduction port, and, after introducing the sample, closing the valve to seal the sample introduction port from a remainder of the instrument, with the remainder of the instrument being configured to analyze the sample after the introducing through the sample introduction port.

Abstract: A robotic ultrasonic inspection vehicle is provided with one or more transducers which are driven by a long, broad-band excitation pulse for insonifying a sample subject to inspection. Preferably the long, broadband excitation pulse is chirped. The robotic vehicle also includes a drive circuit for coupling the excitation pulse to the transducer. Data associated with the excitation pulse is used to gate off the drive circuitry at an appropriate time. The robotic vehicle may traverse a combustion prone region and therefore electrical parameters may be limited to intrinsically safe levels. However electrical parameters may safely be converted to higher levels so long as the conversion is inhibited to occur only after the vehicle has left a combustion prone region and entered a region of minimal risk of combustion.

Abstract: A sensor has a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based conductors operatively positioned on a substrate. The conductors are arranged side-by-side, such as in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. At least one pair of spaced-apart electrodes is coupled to opposing ends of the conductors. A portion of each of the conductors spanning between each pair of electrodes comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged end-to-end and substantially aligned along an axis. Because a direct correlation exists between resistance of a carbon nanotube and carbon nanotube strain, changes experienced by the portion of the structure to which the sensor is coupled induce a change in electrical properties of the conductors.

Abstract: A chassis for a residential utility meter reading unit includes individual chambers including a transmitter chamber containing a printed circuit board, an indexing unit chamber containing the mechanism for operating dials that rotated in response to use of the utility product to indicate the magnitude of consumption, and a battery chamber releasably connected to the chassis and adapted to complete an electrical connection between batteries and circuit board as the third chamber moves relative to the chassis. A transparent cover overlaps a slot formed in the chassis and a leg extending from the battery chamber moveable in the slot. Rails on the chassis block movement of sliders on the battery pack away from the chassis to prevent disengagement of the battery chamber from the chassis unless the cover and its attachment screws are first removed.

Abstract: A method for deploying a reconnaissance sonde, including the steps of: incorporating at least one environmental sensor and an associated communication device into a robust, aerodynamically efficient casing; deploying the sonde by imparting a spin and a directional velocity to the casing, sufficient to carry the sonde into a region of interest; and establishing communication with the communication device, thereby enabling data from the sensor(s) to be transmitted to a remote location. A sonde for remote data collection is also provided, including at least one environmental sensor, an energy source and communication means. The sonde is generally shaped as a discus or saucer, a clay pigeon or skeet, for deployment by applying a spin and directional velocity to the sonde.

Abstract: In a method for electronic tuning of the frequency of the read oscillation to the frequency of the stimulation oscillation in a Coriolis gyro, the resonator of the Coriolis gyro has a disturbance force applied to it such that the stimulation oscillation remains essentially uninfluenced. The read oscillation is changed so that a read signal that represents the read oscillation contains a corresponding disturbance component. The frequency of the read oscillation is controlled so that the magnitude of the disturbance component contained in the read signal is a minimum.