Abstract: A die cushion controller uses position control to position die cushion members for placement of a metal sheet. A pressing process starts and the upper die is lowered. When a position detector detects a position at which the upper die touches the sheet metal, the die cushion controller switches over from position control to pressure control and applies a preset pressure to the sheet metal. When the position detector detects that the upper die has risen to a preset position, the die cushion controller clears the positional deviation accumulated in position control to zero, then moves the die cushion members to preset positions and holds them there.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a die cushion mechanism including a servo-motor as a drive source and producing a force adapted to be applied outside. The control apparatus includes a force commanding section for commanding a force to be produced by the die cushion mechanism; a force detecting section for detecting a force produced by the die cushion mechanism; a force controlling section for executing a force control on the servo-motor, based on a force command value commanded by the force commanding section and a force detected value detected by the force detecting section; and an abnormality preventing section for preventing, in association with a control state of the servo-motor, the die cushion mechanism from producing an abnormal force.

Abstract: The invention relates to an upsetting method for working a metal slug having a determined slenderness, characterized by the fact that the slug is at least partly positioned in the direction of its length, in an upsetting pot in a cylindrical housing provided for this purpose, and pressure is exerted on the slug in the direction of its length by means of a punch, until the slug fills the whole section of the housing, so as to reduce its slenderness, and to obtain a cylindrical slug with a section equal to that of the housing, in preparation for a forging operation. By this method, it is possible to upset slugs with large slenderness.

Abstract: Wheels of model cars rotate upon axles. The axle straightening press has a female jaw and a male jaw each with a rectangular shape, a mating surface, and a transverse half channel. The dowels of the male jaw fit into holes in the female jaw upon a diagonal line on the mating surface. Alternatively, the press has two identical jaws, inverted, and closed upon each other. An alternate jaw has a generally rectangular shape with a mating surface, a dowel, a transverse half channel, and a hole. In both embodiments, a Cub Scout places an axle in the channel between the jaws and strikes the press with a hammer. Removing the axle from the press, the Cub Scout places a wheel on the axle, and installs the axle upon a model car.

Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zeroing techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, if not properly calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. By determining a magnitude of such erroneous measurements, calibration values may be determined, which may later be used to adjust a measurement that is output by the flowmeter and thereby improve an accuracy of the flowmeter. Such calibration values may be determined for a plurality of operational conditions associated with the flowmeter, such as densities of materials being measured, and/or configurations of flow elements associated with transporting material to the flowmeter. Then, the calibration values may be correlated with the relevant operational conditions, and stored for later use.

Abstract: Bubble detection apparatus and method for a liquid dispensing system includes temperature compensation for increasing accuracy of the bubble detection as temperature of the liquid varies. In one embodiment, temperature changes cause corresponding changes in the liquid viscosity. A reference value or pressure signal that is used in a comparator circuit is adjusted or compensated for temperature changes of the liquid. The comparator compares pressure signals to the reference to detect bubbles in the liquid being dispensed.

Abstract: A recovery phenomenon in which the concentration of a compound to be measured in soil increases again after reducing the concentration is utilized for changing the distribution state of the compound to be measured in soil, whereby the direction of the high-concentration region of the compound to be measured in soil can be detected.

Abstract: A smoke sensing device for internal combustion engines comprises an electrode assembly with a heated insulator, a high voltage spark system, a voltage attenuator and a signal conditioning system. The electrode assembly is installed in an engine exhaust pipe so that the spark gap between the electrodes is exposed to the exhaust gas. A series of sparks is produced across the spark gap and the spark voltage is sensed and attenuated to produce a voltage signal. At a selected time during the spark, the voltage signal is compared with a reference voltage. The smoke content of the exhaust gas is derived from the frequency of occurrence of sparks where the voltage signal value is less than the reference value at the selected time. The heated insulator burns off carbon deposits on the insulator surface. The repetitive sparks keep the electrode surfaces free of carbon deposit build-up.

Abstract: A fluid sensor device includes a number of components integrated onto a substrate, such as a semiconductor substrate. The integrated components include analyte-detection transducers, signal processing circuitry for manipulating the signals from the transducers, an elevated interconnect scheme, and thermal regulation capability. The substrate is compatible with the use of integrated circuit fabrication techniques. The interconnect scheme enables dense vias that extend generally perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. The transducers are formed on a planarized side of the interconnect scheme opposite to the substrate. Inkjet printing techniques may be used in locating the transducer materials. Alternatively, the transducers may be photosensitive polymers that polymerize when exposed to light.

Abstract: This invention provides a gas detecting sheet, which can detect a plurality of gases at the approximately same time, so as to be able to easily detect which of the gases is leaked, in an environment where the leaks of a plurality of kinds of gases are estimated, and discloses a gas detecting sheet which can measure the concentration of a detection target gas in a environment where an interference gas exists. A base plate and a plurality of gas detectors are formed. The kinds of the target gases to be detected by the various gas detectors are different. The base plate is designed so as to be attachable to and detachable from a gas detecting unit for measuring the gas concentration. Also, when one gas detector is used to detect the detection target gas and the other gas detector is used to detect the interference gas, the detector for the detection target gas determines the total concentration of the detection target gas and the interference gas.

Abstract: A knock sensor of the invention includes a base having a cylindrical part mounted on a vibration generating part and a flange part, an annular piezoelectric element fitted to the cylindrical part and for converting a knocking vibration of the vibration generating part into an electric signal to detect it, electrodes respectively provided to be in contact with both surfaces of the piezoelectric element, terminal plates disposed to be in contact with the respective electrodes and for extracting an output of the piezoelectric element to outside, and a hold unit for pressure holding the piezoelectric element, the electrodes and the terminal plates to the flange part, in which the electrodes are provided to be in partial contact with the piezoelectric element, and an electric insulating material having an almost equal thickness to the electrode is provided on a portion of the piezoelectric element which is not in contact with the electrode.

Abstract: A combustion chamber pressure sensor for an internal combustion engine includes an elongated pressure transmitting member having one end exposed to the interior of an engine cylinder and the opposite end contacting a pressure sensing element which generates a pressure measurement signal, the pressure transmitting member and pressure sensing element being contained within an elongated housing. A damping body formed of a viscoelastic material is disposed on an outer or inner circumferential surface of the housing, for reducing an amount of engine vibration that is transmitted to the pressure sensing element and thereby reducing noise in the pressure measurement signal.

Abstract: An Advanced Data Logging kit for testing a generator's liquid cooled stator bar system for leaks is disclosed. The kit is installed in between the generator's header and the HIT Skid and in the generator's cooling system. The kit includes pressure and vacuum transducers, sensor arrays with thermocouples, and data acquisition circuits. The sensor arrays are used to plumb the thermocouples into the generator's header and cooling pipes. The pressure and vacuum transducers and the thermocouples are used to collect pressure, vacuum and temperature data that is used to conduct a Pressure Decay Test and a Vacuum Decay Test to determine whether or not a leak in the liquid cooled stator bar system exists. A computer included in the kit has the ability to analyze the data readings, perform calculations, and predict leak rates in the stator bar system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor apparatus configured to detect the presence of a gas, such as a tracer gas and a leak detection apparatus configured to detect the present of a tracer gas and indicate the location of a leak. The sensor apparatus includes multiple sensors, each of which is a metal halide sensor. The leak detection apparatus may further be configured to quantify the leak rate at the leak location.

Abstract: A submersible turbine pump includes a power head enclosed in a casing. A vacuum source associated with the submersible turbine pump draws a vacuum in the interior space of the casing. A pressure sensor may be used to monitor the vacuum in the interior space to detect a leak in the power head or the casing. If a leak is detected, an alarm may be generated and the submersible turbine pump may be deactivated.

Abstract: A waggle weight point and a waggle weight are disclosed that are provided on a golf club. A process that may be computer implemented establishes the waggle weight point. A waggle weight scale with a fulcrum set to the waggle weight point may be utilized to determine the waggle weight. Disclosed is producing golf clubs with the waggle weight.

Abstract: A waggle weight point and a waggle weight are disclosed that are provided on a gol club. A process that may be computer implemented establishes the waggle weight point. A waggle weight scale with a fulcrum set to the waggle weight point may be utilized to determine the waggle weight. Disclosed is producing golf clubs with the waggle weight.

Abstract: A surface texture measuring probe (60) includes a probe head (65), a first supporting body (61), a second supporting body (62), a piezoelectric element (63) and a balancer (64). The first supporting body includes a first supporter (611) having an inner space, and a plurality of beams (613) respectively extending from equiangular arrangement positions of the first supporter toward the center and supporting the probe head (65) at the tip end thereof. The second supporting body (62) includes a second supporter (621) and a holder (622) supported by a plurality of beams (623) respectively extending from equiangular arrangement positions of the second supporter towards the center. The piezoelectric element (63) is disposed between the probe head and the holder, and formed to vibrate in an axial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing vehicle motor rotary accessory devices has a base and a housing assembly connected to the base. A mounting component is attached to the base. The apparatus includes a door cover which is rotatably attached to a side of the housing assembly and the mounting component. A switch assembly is mounted to the mounting component and positioned to contact a portion of the door cover when the door cover is rotated to a prescribed position.

Abstract: At least one aspect of the invention provides an improved fuel sensing system for a generator, in addition, one or more other aspects of the invention provide improved systems and methods for determining remaining run-time of a generator system.

Abstract: A suction pump introduces negative pressure into a reference-pressure-detecting portion. A driving voltage V of the suction pump is adjusted in such a manner that pressure Pr in the reference-pressure-detecting portion is within a target pressure range. When the pressure Pr is brought into the target pressure range, the driving voltage V of the suction pump is stored as a first driving voltage V1 and the pressure Pr is stored as a reference pressure Pr. When pressure detection and leak detection process are conducted, the suction pump is driven at the first driving voltage V1 to introduce the negative pressure. The computer compares the pressure Pr with a leak determination value to determine whether a leak exists.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an alternator for testing has a base, a turret having a socket defined therein, and a holding pin having two ends with a head at one end adapted to be inserted into the socket and retained therein. An elongated extension portion extends from the turret when the head is inserted in the socket, and engages with a portion of the alternator.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an alternator has a base, a motor mounted to the base and a pulley extending from the motor. A belt is connected to the motor pulley and the alternator. A mount mounts the alternator to the base, and a pivoting idler arm pivotally is mounted with respect to the base and has an idler pulley that engages the belt to apply tension to the belt.

Abstract: A system for sensing at least one characteristic parameter of a tyre fitted to a vehicle includes a movable unit and a fixed unit. The movable unit is combined with the tyre and includes a device for sensing the at least one characteristic parameter, a device for transmitting a signal out of the tyre that relates to the at least one characteristic parameter, and a device for generating electrical energy. The fixed unit is combined with the vehicle and includes a device for receiving signals from the movable unit. The electrical energy generating device is capable of supplying electrical energy to the sensing device and to the transmitting device. The electrical energy generating device includes a capacitor that charges itself with electrical energy in response to mechanical stresses applied to the tyre. The movable unit and a vehicle wheel are also disclosed.

Abstract: An uniformity inspection line 1 comprises a decision-only line 2 having first UF machines 2M exclusive for the measurement of the uniformity of a tire 12 sorted and distributed on an automatic sorting line 21 and a correction-only line 3 having second UF machines 3M for the correction and re-measurement of the uniformity characteristics of a tire having uniformity characteristics outside specific values measured on the above decision-only line 2. Since the measurement of uniformity and the correction and re-measurement of uniformity characteristics are performed in different systems, uniformity inspection can be carried out efficiently even when the number of tires whose uniformity characteristics are to be corrected is varied.

Abstract: A tire wear sensor for monitoring wear of a tire comprises a sensor mounted within a tread of a tire, the sensor for monitoring wear of a tire and for generating a signal indicative of a tire needing replacement and a controller for receiving the signal.

Abstract: A low-pressure and hyperpressure warning device for an automotive tire for automotive tire includes an air pressure detector, a radio emitter, and a radio signal receiving alarm annunciator, which are all set inside the tire. The air pressure detector includes a barrel with a hollow interior, two insulating covers covering both ends of the barrel, a mobile conductive piston inside the barrel, an elastomer which is set between and joins the piston and one of the covers, and too conductive poles which are set on the covers and stretch into the barrel. The interior of the barrel is divided by the piston into an airtight constant pressure air chamber and a second air chamber which communicates with the air in the tire. The conductive pole and the piston contact the radio emitter separately. This warning device is designed to trigger the alarm when the air pressure in the tire goes too high or too low.

Abstract: A magnifying device for tire pressure gage reading includes a holding element slidably and removably mounted on a main body of a tire pressure gage, a connecting arm connected at an end to and extending slantingly outward from the holding element, and a magnifying element connected to the other end of the connecting arm opposite to the holding element to align with a reading shown on the tire pressure gage. With the help of the magnifying device, a user may easily and clearly view a magnified image of the reading shown on the tire pressure gage. And, the tire pressure gage is provided with an attaching device, with which a user may conveniently carry the gage or attach the gage to a fixed point.

Abstract: As with orthotics that are all custom devices molded through a proprietary foam and plaster method and are designed to fit the plantar surface of the foot with full contact, it is necessary to provide a method of applying pressure to the orthotic in a manner that mimics the manner in which a foot applies pressure to it. This is done by applying pressure to a loose fitting diaphragm that is contained within a rigid frame so as to limit expansion of the diaphragm past the boundaries of the device. Further the device contains the diaphragm in such a manner that the diaphragm; 1) Exerts minimal force on the orthotic so as not to bias the deflection of the orthotic by the mechanical pressure of the diaphragm. 2) Uses minimal force to expand the diaphragm so as not to bias the pressure reading indicating how much force is being applied to the orthotic. 3) Closes in such a manner that pushes and holds the orthotic device up against the measuring rod, front window and bottom reference baseplate.

Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor for determining a fluid level within a container, includes a transducer for generating sonic or ultrasonic waves and a wave guide. The wave guide has a first end operatively coupled to the transducer and a second end for immersion into the fluid, the second end spaced a predetermined distance from the first end, wherein a gap is formed between the first end and the second end. The sensor can be used to measure a fluid level using both an impedance mismatch signal and a fluid conductance signal.

Abstract: A motion sensor may detect linear and/or angular acceleration and/or angular velocity of a body relative to one axis, two orthogonal axes or three orthogonal axes. Movement of the body or reference structure may be detected relative to one or more spinning rotors. The rotor(s) may be suspended for rotation and/or other movement relative to the reference structure without physical contacting the reference structure. In one embodiment, the rotor(s) may be electrostatically suspended in such a way that movement of the rotor(s) relative to the reference structure may be detected.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor is provided with an oscillator including a pair of drive arms, a base portion coupled to one end of each drive arm, and a flexible arm extending from the base portion in a direction opposite from the drive arms. This angular velocity sensor is also provided with driving member which oscillates the pair of drive arms in approaching or separating direction, and distortion detecting member which detects a distortion of the flexible arm in the oscillating direction of the drive arms.

Abstract: A pressure detection device includes a sensing part that outputs an electrical signal responsive to an applied pressure, a pressure receiving diaphragm that receives a pressure from a subject device, a cylindrical stem having a first end connected to the sensing part and a second end connected to the pressure receiving diaphragm, and a pressure transmission member located within the cylindrical member to transmit the pressure received by the pressure receiving diaphragm to the sensing part. In the pressure detection device, a side wall portion of the cylindrical stem has a spring portion which is provided to generate an elastic force in an axial direction of the cylindrical member. Accordingly, fluctuations in a spring characteristic acting on a pressure transmission mechanism of the pressure detection device can be effectively restricted by the spring portion.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for a fluid system having a tank and a source of pressurized fluid. The sensor has a sensor body enclosing a sensor element that is configured to sense a parameter of the pressurized fluid. The sensor also has a first passageway configured to fluidly communicate the sensor element with the pressurized fluid and a first sealing interface configured to seal the first passageway. The sensor further has a second passageway configured to allow fluid that has leaked past the first sealing interface to drain to the tank.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure in harsh environments such as the air pressure in a tire, by using a chamber partially defined by a flexible membrane (20), the chamber containing a fluid at a reference pressure, such that the flexible membrane (20) deflects due to pressure differentials between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure; and, associated circuitry for converting the deflection of the flexible membrane (20) into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure; wherein, the membrane (20) is non-planar (22, 24). It is possible to extend the linear range of the pressure-deflection response with a non-planar membrane (20). Corrugations, a series of raised annuli (22) or other surface features are an added complexity in the fabrication process but can extend the linear range of the sensor by 1 MPa.

Abstract: Two sides of a single metal plate are bent to form the structure of a spring terminal having two spring portions. In the spring terminal having such a structure, the two spring portions are different from each other in a natural frequency. For this reason, when external vibrations are applied to a pressure sensor, even if one of the two spring portions of the spring terminal resonates with the external vibrations, the other spring portion can keep the electric connection between a circuit in a substrate and a terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a measuring sensor on a pipeline. The mounting-housing is positionable on the pipeline, with the mounting-housing being embodied, and coordinated with the measuring sensor, in such a manner that a force, which acts on the mounting-housing in the direction of the pipeline, acts at least partly on the on the measuring sensor in the direction of the pipeline; and that at least one screw unit is provided, via which an adjustable force can be exerted on the mounting-housing in the direction of the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a starter motor for testing has a base, a first pad mounted to the base that provides a support rest to a first side of the starter motor, a ratcheting arm having a second pad for contacting a second, opposite side of the starter motor, and a pivotal ratchet assembly to grip the starter motor between the two pads.

Abstract: A flow measuring system, e.g., a water meter, includes a non-limiting flow compensating basket and/or a vane wheel of the invention. The basket has a hollow cylindrical member having an open end and an opposite end, sidewall of the cylindrical member having a plurality of spaced banks with solid sidewall portions between adjacent banks. Each of the banks has a plurality of holes arranged in rows and columns, wherein the distance between the banks, the number of rows in the banks, the number of columns in the banks, and/or the size of the holes in the banks is varied to control the fluid flow through the banks. The vane water wheel has a center of buoyancy higher than its center of gravity.

Abstract: A thermal transient anemometer provides mass flow rate or volume flow rate over smaller discrete regions of a larger flow field, i.e., the distribution of such rates over a predefined, larger area. The thermal transient anemometer comprises two components: a frame with a plurality of sensing cells each having a resistance wire grid and a control unit which includes an energy source which heats the resistance wire grid of each cell, measurement circuitry for determining the decay of resistance of the grid wires as they cool and computational circuitry which determines the mass or volume flow rate through each cell based upon such decay function.

Abstract: An industrial roll includes: a substantially cylindrical shell having an outer surface; a polymeric cover circumferentially overlying the shell outer surface; and a sensing system. The sensing system includes: a plurality of sensors embedded in the cover, each sensor configured to sense a data parameter; and a plurality of wireless transceivers, each transceiver connected to a respective sensor and embedded in the cover adjacent thereto. Each wireless transceiver is configured to transmit data signals from the respective sensor. Related methods and systems are also discussed.

Abstract: A torque applying tool includes a handle and a function end which includes two jaws. A first resistive strain gauge and a second resistive strain gauge are respectively connected to two respective insides of the two jaws. A third resistive strain gauge is connected to the handle and electronically connected to the first and second resistive strain gauges. A display unit is connected to the handle and electronically connected to the third resistive strain gauge. The display unit displays the value of torque that is a result of calculation of information from the resistive strain gauges.

Abstract: Method for dosing liquid volumes, wherein a sample pickup portion with a pickup volume, the boundary of which is perforated with a liquid passage guiding to the outside and a gas passage, is dipped into a liquid with the liquid passage, a negative pressure is suddenly applied to the gas passage, which is generated by a gas displacement system, a drive of the gas displacement system is readjusted such that a constant negative working pressure exists in the sample pickup portion, the taken sample volume is detected with the aid of the readjusted driving path of the drive, the detected taken volume is compared with a predetermined value of the volume that is to be taken, when the predetermined value is reached by the taken volume, the negative pressure applied on the sample pickup portion is suddenly abated, the sample pickup portion with the liquid passage is pulled out of the liquid the sample pickup portion with the liquid passage is directed towards a releasing location, one ore more flow parameters is/are d

Abstract: An apparatus automatically tests the effect of pendular motion on the integrity of cartons or other containers having handles, by grasping the handles with a simulated hand connected to a simulated arm, which swings the carton along an arcuate path according to a predefined test protocol. A first test protocol simulates removal of the carton from an elevated shelf. A second test protocol simulates the oscillating motion of a human carrying a carton by its handle. A third test protocol simulates a human swinging the carton upward to an elevated shelf. The simulated hand may be connected to the simulated arm by a simulated wrist that allows articulation of the hand during the test, thereby more closely approximating handling of the carton by a human user. The simulated arm may be caused to pivot or oscillated by the force of gravity and alternatively, by a mechanical or electromechanical drive system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating underground obstructions are disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongate probe with a first and second end and a first internal fluid passageway, a handle disposed on the elongate member, and a tip disposed on an end of the elongate member, wherein the tip comprises a second internal fluid passageway in fluid communication with the first internal passageway, and a flexible hose connection disposed on the elongate member, wherein the connection is disposed between the first end and the second end and the connection is in fluid communication with the first internal passageway.

Abstract: A gear for use in a positive displacement pump wherein the gear lobe outer ends are the outer ends of metallic ribs embedded in each lobe and having extended wear properties and good sealing properties.

Abstract: A device for driving an output mechanism has a rotationally driveable input shaft, whereby elements are located between the input shaft and the output mechanism for transmitting a drive torque of the input shaft to the output mechanism, whereby a non-positive functional connection can be created between a first element and the output mechanism, enabling an alternating movement of the first element to be converted into a movement of the output mechanism, whereby the elements are configured such that the alternating rotational movement of the first element is capable of being converted into a translational movement of the output mechanism, wherein at least one lever element is turnably mounted on the first element, via which the lever element the first elements are functionally interconnected with at least one gripper element.

Abstract: A rack and pinion type steering gear includes a pinion, a rack bar formed therein with a rack gear which is engaged with the pinion, a first tie rod and a second tie rod which are disposed in both right and left ends of the rack bar, and a first ball joint and a second ball joint that connect the rack bar with the two tie rods. The rack bar includes a sliding portion connected at one end to the first ball joint, a rack gear portion connected at one end to the second ball joint, a link disposed between the other end of the sliding portion and the other end of the rack gear portion, a third ball joint connecting the other end of the sliding portion with one end of the link, and a fourth ball joint connecting the other end of the rack gear portion with the other end of the link.

Abstract: Ball screw, having a spindle nut (1), on the inner circumference of which a helically wound ball groove (2) is formed, a return tube (4) being provided for balls (3), in which the balls are returned from an end to a beginning of the ball groove (2), lubricant channels (6, 9) provided with lubricant being formed on the inner circumference of the return tube (4), the injection moulded plastic return tube (4, 8) being longitudinally divided along a parting plane (E) into two half-tubes, the lubricant channels (6, 9) being arranged on both sides of the parting plane (E).