Abstract: A cable lock coupling is part of a surfboard locking system. The coupling includes a housing, a pin, a ring and jaws. The pin is slidably fitted in the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. The ring is coupled to a first end of the pin, is sized/shaped to slidably fit only in a first portion of the housing, and is able to receive a cable lock's cable therethrough when it substantially protrudes from the housing when the pin is in the first position. The jaws, coupled to a second end of the pin, are free to open when the pin is in the second position, and are forced to close when the pin is in the first position. The cable portion of a cable lock is passed through the ring protruding from the housing when the pin is in the first position.

Abstract: A security device for locking a paddle or other item having a shaft to a vehicle includes a cuff that can be locked in a closed position using a cable and lock housing.

Abstract: A double lock T-handle is disclosed having a tray which includes an inwardly dished handle receiving area, a second recessed handle receiving region, and a recessed padlock receiving depression. The tray further includes a lock cylinder casing having a locking cylinder and a shaft cylinder casing having a shaft. The lock cylinder functions as a first lock and a padlock functions as a second lock for the double lock T-handle. The T-handle includes a locking shoulder and a fracturable throat section which deters forced breakage of the T-handle and undesirable opening of a locked door.

Abstract: A device includes a base secured in a car, a stopping block displaceable on the base, an actuating member for displacing the stopping block with, and a lock block secured around a steel rope of a control of a hood of the car, which control can be used to pull the steel rope for making the hood become openable; the stopping block has a big hole, and an horizontal slot communicating with the big hole and as high as center of the hole; the rope is passed through the stopping block with the lock block arranged behind the stopping block; the lock block can't pass through the slot; the stopping block is displaceable to such position as to exactly face the lock block at the slot, preventing the rope from being displaced; thus, thieves can't open the hood to cut off the power to the alarm for stopping sounding of the alarm.

Abstract: A key assembly includes a key, a cap and a fastener to selectively secure the cap to the key. The cap may include an opening for receiving a key ring, or other structure, therethrough. In one embodiment, the key includes a grip, and the cap and grip cooperate to enclose the key when the cap is secured in place.

Abstract: The invention provides a pick-resistant locking mechanism with wafer tumblers, sidebars and an interchangeable cylinder that allows re-keying of the lock. The sidebars have projections with beveled sides that engage with cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied to the lock in the absence of the correct key. A sidebar of the lock contacts two, nonadjacent wafer tumblers. The wafer tumblers have indentations that engage cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied during picking of the lock. Tolerance between sidebars and the lock shell is less than the tolerance between tumblers and the lock shell. The tumbler springs are not accessible from the keyway of the lock and are more powerful than the sidebar springs.

Abstract: A soil conditioner has been developed that includes a bacterial culture endogenous to plants that includes nitrogen present from 0.20 weight percent per volume, 30 to 250 milligrams per liter phosphorus and 400 to 20,000 milligrams per liter of potassium. The soil conditioner stimulates earthworm population growth and activity in a treated soil. The soil conditioner also has applications as a livestock nutrient supplement and as a degradant for oil spills. A process for preparing a soil conditioner involves composting a manure with at least one plant fermentation inoculant to yield a composted mixture. The composted mixture is then fermented in combination with a nitrogenous protein source and seaweed.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by a protective coating comprising at least one substantially homogeneous layer of a urethane-containing compound and a filler(s). An organic additive(s) may or may not be present.

Abstract: A press adapted for machining a workpiece, in particular for embossing and/or punching metal plates, includes a pressing tool that includes a first tool part mounted in a first tool mounting and a second tool part mounted in a second tool mounting. The first part and the second part are located so as to be on opposing sides of the workpiece during machining of the workpiece. The press further includes a pressing drive adapted to move the first part and the second part toward and away from each other in a stroke direction during machining of the workpiece and first and second reference elements, where the reference elements are moveable into a relative position that corresponds to a predetermined relative position of the first tool part and the second tool part as mounted in the mountings.

Abstract: A portable metal stud punching system has an alignment frame with an infeed alignment port in a first side and an outfeed alignment port in an opposite side. There is a punch and die positioned within the alignment frame. A length of metal stud is inserted through the infeed alignment port with one vertical side of the metal stud disposed between the punch and the die. A first hydraulic unit is attached to the punch and moves a first direction thereby inserting the punch into the die and punching a tab out of the vertical side of the metal stud. A second hydraulic unit moves the punch assembly in a direction perpendicular to the first direction of the first hydraulic unit. After the tab has been punched, the second hydraulic unit advances the metal stud by sliding the punch assembly a distance equal to the desired space between tabs. The punch is retracted by the first hydraulic unit and the punch assembly is returned to its original position by the second hydraulic unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic tool including a frame having a hydraulic conduit system; a ram movably connected to the frame; and a multi-speed ram advancement system for advancing the ram in at least two different rates of movement on the frame. The multi-speed ram advancement system includes a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic conduit system of the frame; and a conduit tube extending into a hydraulic chamber inside the ram and fixedly connected to the frame. The conduit tube is adapted to conduit hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic conduit system into the hydraulic chamber inside the ram. The conduit tube is axially rotatably connected to the frame and longitudinally stationarily fixed to the frame.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic microphone having a circular vibration surface, a substantially cylindrical cushion unit where the ultrasonic microphone is inserted, and a case unit which has a fitting portion provided with a cylindrical engagement hole therein. The cushion unit and the fitting portion are respectively provided with cushion-side guide portions and fitting-side guide portions which are to be engaged with each other, so that the cushion unit is axially guided to be inserted into the fitting portion and restricted from circumferentially rotating. The cushion unit has cushion-side engagement portions, which are engaged with case-side engagement portions of the fitting portion and capable of bending toward a diametrically inner side of the cushion unit in the insertion of the cushion unit into the fitting portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic system for plasma processing, wherein the diagnostic system comprises a multi-modal resonator, a power source, a detector, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the power source and the detector and it is configured to provide a man-machine interface for performing several monitoring and controlling functions associated with the diagnostic system including: a Gunn diode voltage monitor, a Gunn diode current monitor, a varactor diode voltage monitor, a detector voltage monitor, a varactor voltage control, a varactor voltage sweep control, a resonance lock-on control, a graphical user control, and an electron density monitor. The diagnostic system can further provide a remote controller coupled to the controller and configured to provide a remote man-machine interface. The remote man-machine interface. The remote man-machine interface can provide a graphical user interface in order to permit remote control of the diagnostic system by an operator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the physical properties of a material is disclosed. Preferably, the physical properties that may be tested include, but are not limited to, the COR of a material. Accordingly, the apparatus includes a projectile that may be capable of being propelled towards a material sample. The projectile is preferably aimed and fired through a tubular barrel towards the material sample. The tubular barrel preferably comprises a propulsion system that controls pneumatic energy via a pneumatic valve. At least two sensors are placed between the tubular barrel and the material sample in order to detect the passage of the projectile. It is desired that the sensors are placed at precise, discrete positions. As the projectile passes through the field of view of each sensor, the time is recorded to a memory, for example, a counter timer board. The projectile may then impact the material sample, which may preferably be held in place by a fixation device.

Abstract: A two-track piezoresistive cantilever detects explosives in ambient air by measuring resistance changes in the cantilever when one piezoresistive track is pulse heated to cause deflagration of explosive adhered to the surface of the cantilever. The resistance measurement is through the second piezoresistive track, which is located at the most resistance-sensitive area. The resistance change of this track is caused by the temperature change of the cantilever as well as the bending of the cantilever due to bi-material thermal expansion. The detecting method using this novel cantilever avoids the use of any optical components such as a laser and position sensing detector (PSD), which are necessary in traditional detecting systems using cantilevers. Therefore, it can extremely reduce the complexity of the detecting system and make a portable chemical detection system possible that is small, less expensive, and able to be mass produced and is particularly useful for the detection of explosives.

Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor apparatus is disclosed, which generally includes a piezoelectric substrate having a surface thereon. One or more interdigital transducers and a passivation layer can be formed upon the piezoelectric substrate. Additionally, an absorbent material can be formed upon the acoustic path (IDTs, electrodes, etc), such that the interdigital transducers respond to a plurality of acoustic waves propagating across the surface of the piezoelectric substrate, thereby providing data indicative of humidity in the vicinity of the piezoelectric substrate, along with the passivation layer and the interdigital transducers. Additionally, one or more heaters can be formed upon a side of the piezoelectric substrate opposite the side of the piezoelectric substrate upon which the interdigital transducers, the passivation and the absorbent material are located. The heater can be preferably configured from a material such as platinum.

Abstract: A combustion-pressure-data acquisition system of a multi-cylinder engine according to the present invention includes an in-cylinder pressure sensor CPS#n for directly detecting combustion pressure in each cylinder; an amplifier unit AP#n to which the in-cylinder pressure sensor CPS#n for each cylinder is connected; and a channel switching unit MUX to which the amplifier unit AP#n for each cylinder is connected. It selects a system to be measured from among a plurality of systems of signals from the amplifier units AP#n with a channel selection signal outputted from an engine-controlling electronic control unit and outputs combustion pressure data to the ECU. Further, it outputs to an amplifier unit AP#n with which measurement ends a reset signal for discharging the electric charge between the in-cylinder pressure sensor CPS#n and the amplifier circuit to efficiently acquire combustion pressure data of each cylinder with a simple structure without complicated processing.

Abstract: A device for measuring the permeability of fluids and/or vapors through elastomeric seal bodies comprising a container incorporating a recess for holding a test medium, the recess being covered and closed off by a lid by way of screws fastening the lid to said container, wherein the seal body is positionable between the end face of the container and the face of the lid, both surfaces being places so as to face each other, and lockable in position by way of screws using a predetermined load force, and the test medium is measurable as it passes to the exterior through the remaining material thickness of the seal body through a seal gap between the front faces.

Abstract: A method for the assessment of the product shelf life in a package, and a device for accelerating the permeation of a test gas into a package. To significantly reduce the test time and accelerate the permeation of a test gas, and in order to supply realistic results of the time-dependent permeations into the charged product in a simple manner, a closed package filled with charged product is placed in an overpressure chamber, and stored in the overpressure chamber over a specified time period under overpressure and at a specified temperature in a test gas atmosphere, wherein a defined amount of test gas permeates into the package. The package is stored over a certain time period under the influence of heat and/or light and then the charged product is subjected to analytical and/or sensory examination.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a method of detecting leaks in a brake system, a dyed brake fluid is introduced into the brake system; and portions of the brake system are illuminated with a light having a wavelength below about 500 nm, the light designed to cause the dye within the brake fluid to fluoresce when illuminated, thus indicating the leak.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the viscosity and temperature of a fluid, for example an engine oil, comprises a transducer, which is arranged to vibrate when provided with a drive signal to produce an ultrasonic shear wave; an impedance matching layer that is inserted into the fluid and which couples at least a portion of the ultrasonic waves produced by the transducer into the fluid and from which at least a portion of the wave is reflected back to the transducer; a detector which is adapted to detect a measurement signal produced by the transducer when the reflected wave is incident upon the transducer; a control circuit which varies the frequency of the drive signal applied to the transducer and hence the frequency of the ultrasound signal; a processing means which determines the optimum frequency of the drive signal at which the measurement signal output from the transducer has its minimum amplitude; and a temperature determining means which estimates the temperature of the fluid as a function of the optimum

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning multiple scanning probe microscopes in close proximity, to scan overlapping scan areas at the same time while avoiding collision employs a control system providing drive signals to a first Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and calculated drive signals to additional AFMs based on the first drive signals and the relative position of the additional AFMs to the first AFM for consistent spaced motion. Scanning and Failure Analysis (FA) probing of multiple feature of interest using multiple APMs allows for reduced time for locating FA features to set up measurements.

Abstract: In a diagnostic apparatus for an evaporative emission control system having a fuel tank is hermetically sealed under negative pressure on the basis of target inner pressure, and leak of the evaporative emission control system is judged when a diagnosis value based on a pressure variation amount after the hermetical sealing under at least negative pressure is larger than a judgment value, ECU estimates an evaporated fuel generated amount on the basis of a tank inner pressure value at the start time of a diagnosis. When the evaporated fuel generated amount thus estimated is large, target inner pressure Pteb is set to a high value, and when the evaporated fuel generated amount thus estimated is small, the target inner pressure Pteb is set to a low value.

Abstract: An air filter restriction sensor assembly for use on an engine, such as a small gas engine provides a simple on/off system with remote indicating to notify the operator of the air restriction. More specifically, the air restriction in the air intake line of the engine creates a vacuum which pulls on a plunger mechanism until the mechanism contacts a switch, such as a membrane switch, and activates the switch. The switch can be electrically connected to an indicator device, such as a light-emitting diode, which is readily visible to the operator to notify the operator of the air restriction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for remote tyre pressure monitoring that is secured onto a wheel surface. The apparatus as a unit comprises or includes a circuit including at least a sensor element to sense air pressure, signal processing circuitry, and data transmitting circuitry and an antenna. The apparatus also comprises or includes a housing at least partially contains the circuit. The housing retains the circuit and the housing and is itself engaged to the wheel surface by adhesive means.

Abstract: This locking device is adapted for a snap-in system in which a male portion of a first element coacts with a female portion of a second element, resilient members acting on the male and/or female portion of the snap-in system. The device includes: a transverse bar (2); two resilient curved arms (6) whose concavity (8) is directed toward the transverse bar (2) and which are disposed in a same plane as the transverse bar (2) such that the transverse bar (2) provides an abutment limiting the movement of the resilient arms (6) in the direction of the transverse bar (2); and engagement elements (10) disposed substantially at the free end of each resilient arm (6), complementary engagement elements being provided at one of the elements carrying the snap-in system.

Abstract: A formation fluid sample is exposed to a rigidly-supported semi-permeable membrane such as silicone rubber to permit diffusion of gases and vapors from the formation fluid into a vacuum chamber, while at the same time, blocking the passage of any liquids. The membrane-transmitted gas is analyzed in the vacuum chamber by a resonator that reacts with it. The resulting change in resonant frequency of the resonator indicates the presence of a gas that reacts with it. An ion pump or sorbent is associated with the evacuated chamber to maintain the vacuum. The ion pump or sorbent removes gases and vapors from the low-pressure chamber, which have diffused into it from the reservoir sample that is on the opposite (high-pressure) side of the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a torque detecting apparatus that includes a drive plate that is elastically deformable in response to an applied torque, strain gauges, and a torque detecting circuit, and the torque detecting apparatus can accurately detect torque transmitted from an engine output element of a vehicle having an automatic transmission to a torque converter input element.

Abstract: A tracking assembly and method for tracking the operation of a rotary gas meter that has a driven member includes a connecting member, a gear assembly and a mechanical counter. The connecting member is adapted to be coupled to the driven member. The gear assembly is adapted to be coupled between the connecting member and the mechanical counter. The mechanical counter is used to count a value that is directly proportional to the number of rotations of the driven member when the connecting member is coupled to the driven member. The value provided by the mechanical counter is multiplied by a conversion factor such that the associated volume of gas displaced by the gas meter can be determined.

Abstract: A tank level monitoring system is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operatively connected to the tank to periodically monitor a level of product stored in the tank. The monitor includes a user-defined reporting schedule programmed therein. The data center is in communication with the monitor via a data channel. The monitor transmits level measurement information to the data center over the communication channel based on the user-defined reporting schedule.

Abstract: A system for actuating an indicator in response to a depth change in a liquid that is confined to a container comprises a housing, a float constrained to vertical movement in response to changes in liquid depth in the container, a drive rod arranged to rotate in response to vertical movement of the float, and a coupler mechanism mounted between the drive rod and arranged to transfer movement of the actuator to an indicator.

Abstract: This invention suggests a micro-gyrometer, advantageously machined using conventional micro-electronic techniques, based on the detection of Coriolis forces generated by an angular movement ? perpendicular to the direction of vibration of the masses free to move along the plane of the gyrometer. Coriolis forces are detected through the movement that they apply to the natural mode of a resonator coupled to the moving device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-state rotational rate sensor device formed by a thin-film for generating an electrical voltage output proportional to the rate of rotational motion. The precision thin-film piezoelectric elements are configured and arranged on a semi-rigid structure to detect rotation (such as pitch, roll, and yaw) while rejecting spurious noise created by vibration, thermal gradients, and electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: A gimbal-type torsional z-axis micromachined gyroscope with a non-resonant actuation scheme measures angular rate of an object with respect to the axis normal to the substrate plane (the z-axis). A 2 degrees-of-freedom (2-DOF) drive-mode oscillator is comprised of a sensing plate suspended inside two gimbals. By utilizing dynamic amplification of torsional oscillations in the drive-mode instead of resonance, large oscillation amplitudes of the sensing element is achieved with small actuation amplitudes, providing improved linearity and stability despite parallel-plate actuation. The device operates at resonance in the sense direction for improved sensitivity, while the drive direction amplitude is inherently constant within the same frequency band.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical sensor includes a microstructure having a mass which is movable with respect to a rest position, according to a predetermined degree of freedom, and a displacement-detecting device for detecting a displacement of the mass according to the predetermined degree of freedom. The displacement-detecting device includes a force feedback loop of a purely analog type, which supplies electrostatic forces tending to restore the mass to the rest position in response to a displacement of the mass according to the predetermined degree of freedom.

Abstract: In a micro-electromechanical structure, a rotor has a centroidal axis and includes a suspended structure which carries mobile electrodes. A stator carries fixed electrodes facing the mobile electrodes. The suspended structure is connected to a rotor-anchoring region via elastic elements. The stator includes at least one stator element, which carries a plurality of fixed electrodes and is fixed to a stator-anchoring region. One of the rotor-anchoring regions and stator-anchoring regions extends along the centroidal axis and at least another of the rotor-anchoring regions and stator-anchoring regions extends in the proximity of the centroidal axis.

Abstract: The present invention aims to present an angular velocity sensor having a self diagnosis function. An angular velocity sensor of the present invention includes a driving part for stably vibrating a driving part of a sensor element having a driver part and a detector part for detecting an angular velocity and detection means for detecting the angular velocity of the sensor element and obtains a self diagnosis signal for a malfunction by detecting a mechanical coupling signal obtained at the detection means.

Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor to detect an analyte, the sensor comprising a piezoelectric material including a wide bandgap semiconductor material grown using plasma source molecular beam epitaxy.

Abstract: A distributed real time health monitoring system is described for monitoring of acoustic emission signals from different regions of a structure such as aircraft or spacecraft structures. The health monitoring system has its analysis and prognosis intelligence distributed out to the local regions being monitored and therefore does not require extensive cabling systems to carry the high bandwidth information characteristic of acoustic emission.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system 10 for measuring and remotely monitoring strain in an element 1 having a strain sensor 20, a telemetry circuit 40 for transmitting strain data to a remote location, and a reader module 60 for transmitting energy to the telemetry circuit and receiving said data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining accumulated body fatigue index (BFI), wherein one or more parameters from the measurement of one or more signals are obtained sequentially as input and these parameters are information on the intensity of physical activity. BFI has a predetermined initial value, and next BFI value is always a sum of BFI-value and a difference. The difference is combination of upslope and optional downslope components of BFI determined with the said parameters and the upslope component and the optional downslope component are each determined with a function, which is scaled by a preset physiological character.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow meter of a switching control system in which a DC voltage is applied to an exciting coil via switching elements, a direction of an exciting current flowing through the exciting coil is switched over at a predetermined excitation timing, and the switching elements are turned ON or OFF so as to hold the exciting current to be a predetermined value, has first and second detection resistors which are connected in series to ends of the exciting coil via the switching elements, respectively, wherein a midpoint of the first and second detection resistors is grounded to set a voltage of the midpoint as a circuit reference voltage.

Abstract: A modular utility meter, for example, a water meter, is provided which comprises a meter base and a meter head. The output signal from a transducer in the meter base is processed in the meter head to calculate the utility supply. The processing includes linearization of the signal calibration data stored in the meter base. Therefore, any meter head may be combined with a meter base containing any different type of transducer.

Abstract: A torque detector includes: a monolithic tubular housing for supporting a rotating shaft, including an opening at one end in a longitudinal direction; a sensor holding hole for holding a sensor part detecting a rotating torque exerted on the rotating shaft, which is provided inside the housing and communicates with the opening; a board chamber for accommodating a circuit board outputting a signal corresponding to the detected rotating torque, which is provided inside the housing and communicates with the opening; a partition wall between the sensor holding hole and the board chamber; and a lead hole passing through the partition wall, into which a lead connecting the sensor part to the circuit board is inserted and which communicates with the opening. The housing is formed by drawing a sheet material in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A device is described for determining the torque which is applied to a turbine shaft (10), the determination device having at least one system for contactless measurement of the integral torsion of the turbine shaft (10) and a unit for contactless measurement of the restoring constant of the turbine shaft (10). Furthermore, a method is described for determining the torque which is applied to the low-pressure turbine shaft (10) of a turbine engine, which is distinguished in that, to determine the torque, the integral torsion of the turbine shaft is measured by a contactless method and the restoring constant of the turbine shaft is measured.

Abstract: In a double clutch transmission, the number of components of the transmission may be reduced and the gear train optimally arranged with a plurality of gears for two clutches and six-stage gear ratios. Such an arrangement proves for smooth shifting of gears to the range R and compacting of the structure of the transmission to facilitate positioning and assembly of the transmission in the vehicle.

Abstract: A power branching transmission suitable for motor vehicles having an internal-combustion engine which drives an input shaft of the power branching transmission has several branches comprising at least one power shift transmission with a number of gears and has an output shaft. For the comprehensive optimization of the power branching transmission, at least one of the branches is equipped with a control device by means of which, during the starting operation of the motor vehicle, the rotating direction of the output shaft can be changed, and during the starting operation and with shifted gears of the power shift transmission connected with the input shaft, by way of the control device, the rotational speed of the output shaft can be continuously influenced.

Abstract: A bidirectional flexible coupling device with variable transmission characteristics including one or multiple first input/out end and one or multiple second input/out end, indicating the transmission of specific or controllable flexibility or torque value when the first input/output end drives the second input/output end for transmission; and according to operation requirements, the transmission may be of specific or controllable flexibility or torque value or of rigid without revolution difference when the second input/output end drives the first input/output end.

Abstract: A side cap 17 is formed by two ball circulating member-forming members 23 and 23 divided from each other along a division line PL extending in a direction of advancing of balls 15 passing through the interior of the side cap. The side cap 17 includes ball scoop-up portions 24 each for scooping-up the balls 15 from a ball track passageway 8 at one side thereof, and a ball circulating passageway 27 (formed integrally with the ball scoop-up portions) for returning the balls 15, scooped-up at the ball scoop-up portion 24, to the ball track passageway 8 at the other side thereof. The side cap has notch portions 25 formed respectively at scoop-up proximal end portions 24a thereof integrally connecting the ball scoop-up portions 24 respectively to the ball circulating passageway 27. The division line PL is formed in such a position that it beforehand cuts the notch portion 25 at the one side and the notch portion 25 at the other side.

Abstract: An electric vehicle safety control shaft having a specific assembly for reinforcing movement flexibility and an anti-collision device is capable of flexible movements. The assembly includes a handle formed with a shape as required; and a supporting housing joined below the handle, having a side thereof extended downward to form a connecting plate for fastening with a vehicle body, and a front end thereof disposed with a locating seat for joining with a connecting plate. The connecting plate also has an immobile gear for driving another slightly deviated immobile gear at the other end thereof using an interlocking belt to perform back-and-forth movements, provided with a locating spring and a locating block, thereby forming a complete structure with high stability. The invention is capable of bouncing back an original position thereof after springing in a backward direction without causing damages as colliding with hard objects.