Abstract: With the exhaust gas measuring device and the exhaust gas measuring method, the workload of the internal combustion engine is calculated based on a discharged amount of a component related to a carbon compound such as CO, CO2 and THC in the exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine. As a result, the workload of the internal combustion engine can be calculated easily without using torque data of the ECU and the mass of each component in the exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine per unit workload can be calculated.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus to measure exhaust stream emissions of a catalytic abator for determining the efficiency of the removal of a treatment gas including the steps of providing a calibrated sensor to measure the selected range of the treatment gas concentration in the abator from an exhaust stream after the treatment gas has been treated to verify abator efficiency and output or control the abator based on the efficiency values generated.

Abstract: A method of gas chromatograph mass spectrometry with a negative chemical ionization (NCI) process includes analyzing a standard substance for the NCI by deriving with a derivatization reagent a fatty acid with a multiple number of carbon atoms, measuring the standard substance for the NCI by negative chemical ionization, and obtaining a retention time for each of the number of carbon atoms. The method includes measuring, under a same condition, a standard sample of each of from one to a plurality of measurement object components by negative chemical ionization, and obtaining a respective retention time for each of the measurement object components, and obtaining a retention index for the NCI of each measurement object component using the respective retention time of the measurement object component, and the retention time of the standard substance. The index facilitates both correcting the retention time of each measurement object component, and identifying substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out integrity tests on filter elements by means of test gases, comprising a device housing (3), with an electronic controller (4), arranged therein for regulation and control of the progress of a test programme for filter elements, a filter housing (6), for housing a filter element (2) under test, a pneumatic unit (5), connected to the controller (4) and the filter housing (6), in particular for the generation and measurement of gas pressures, an electronic memory unit (10), which may be connected to the filter element (2) under test and a communication unit (13?), connected to the controller (4), for the exchange of data between the controller (4) and the electronic memory element (10). The communication unit (13?) is preferably embodied as an antenna (14?) and the electronic memory element (10) as a transponder (11). In addition to the device a method for carrying out integrity tests and a computer programme product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a testing assembly for pressure testing a plumbing system in a building where the building has a shower station with a drain and a shower inlet. The testing assembly includes a drain adapter, a hose fitting on the shower inlet, and a hose removably connecting the shower inlet and the drain adapter. The drain adapter has a hose end fitting and a drain sealing element in fluid communication with the hose end fitting. The sealing element is adapted to be in fluid communication with the drain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting cylinder leaks in an internal combustion engine includes a hose having an end configured for communication with a spark plug hole connecting to a cylinder to be tested and an end for attachment to a source of pressurized gas. Flow of pressurized gas into the cylinder is limited to the maximum amount of allowable gas leakage from the cylinder. The hose end configured for communication with the spark plug hole includes a resilient stopper sized to seal the end of the hose with respect to the spark plug hole when manually pressed into and held in the spark plug hole. If gas pressure builds up in the cylinder against the stopper during limited gas flow into the cylinder, leakage from the cylinder is below the allowed maximum leakage. Lack of gas pressure build-up indicates excessive cylinder leakage.

Abstract: A soil standard for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical instrument, includes two substantially parallel substrates separated with two substantially equal thickness spacers, wherein a gap is formed between the two substrates with soil in the gap. The substrates and spacers can be formed as integral pieces and snapped together.

Abstract: A concentration measuring apparatus includes a vibration member; a shielding unit that limits a flowable area of a solution to be measured close to the vibration member; a vibration control unit that vibrates the vibration member at a frequency; a variation measuring unit that measures a physical variation of the vibration member vibrated; an eigenfrequency computing unit that computes an eigenfrequency of the vibration member in the solution from the frequency and the variation; and a concentration obtaining unit that obtains a concentration of the solution from the eigenfrequency and a correspondence between the eigenfrequency and the concentration of the solution.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing one or more properties of a vehicle fluid has a tuning fork resonator adapted to contact the fluid. The tuning fork resonator comprises two tines and is operable to oscillate so that the two tines move in opposite phase at a frequency of less than 1 MHz while contacting the fluid to generate a resonator response indicative of one or more properties of the fluid. In another aspect, a sensor includes a substrate and a flexural resonator on the substrate and adapted to contact the fluid. Circuitry for operation of the resonator is on the substrate. The resonator is adapted to receive an input signal and to oscillate while contacting the fluid to generate a resonator response indicative of one or more properties of the fluid. One suitable application for the invention is monitoring the condition of a vehicle engine oil.

Abstract: To provide a combustion pressure sensor capable of reducing noises generated by the force in a rocking direction by making uniform the stress exerted onto the piezoelectric element; and a glow plug having the same.

Abstract: A stroke determination unit for a 4-cycle engine uses intake pressure as a parameter to provide accurate stroke determination. A combined pressure combines the detected pressures of intake ports of the first to third cylinders, and stroke determination is carried out by recognizing, within a combined pressure waveform based on a detection value for the combined pressure, shapes of the combined pressure waveform for a specified phase period of a crankshaft. The pressure pattern recognition is carried out by storing variation patterns of pressure values measured within the specified crankshaft phase period, and collating patterns with a data map stored within an ECU. Alternatively, the pattern recognition is carried out by collating with condition equations representing “rising” or “upward peak”. With the latter, pressure variation due to contamination such as electrical noise to the pressure sensor is made negligible, and noise suppression of the stroke determination unit is improved.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing a wheel for a vehicle, including a wheel test spindle and a road simulation drum that is rotated by a motor is disclosed. The wheel test spindle may be supported on suspension components. The road simulation drum includes a chuck hole recess that may be provided in a replaceable module comprising a portion of the outer surface of the drum. The motor rotates the drum causing the tire and wheel to rotate on the test spindle to roll against the outer surface of the drum and through the chuck hole recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a longitudinal force of a tire is provided with at least one mark (3) provided in on one circumferential line (j) in a tire (2), a first sensor (5) disposed in a vehicle body side (4) and capable of detecting a passage of the mark (3), a second sensor (7) capable of detecting a rotation angle (?) of an axle (6), and a computing means (8) for computing a longitudinal force (Fr) of the tire (2) on the basis of an information of the first and second sensors (5, 7). The computing means (8) sequentially stores a rotation angle (?r) of the axle (6) when the mark (3) passes through the first sensor (5).

Abstract: A novel displacement instrument that can be used to measure the density or modulus of an aggregate pier upon which a multistory building or parking garage can be built. The aggregate piers are often 35 feet or deeper. These aggravate piers are constructed by adding lifts of approximately 12 to 18 inches of aggregate at a time and tamping it into the pier forming hole. Each lift of aggregate is being tamped or struck by a force of approximately 15,000 psi or greater. The displacement instrument allows aggregate piers to be constructed having a density or modulus that is consistent from the bottom of the hole to the top of the hole. The displacement instrument would be mounted on the side plate of a hydraulic breaker that is mounted on the end of a boom of a crane. The displacement instrument need not be permanently installed on the side of the hydraulic breaker and it is freely removed and installed on another crane.

Abstract: In a method for the capacitive fill level measurement of a fill substance in a container, electrical current is determined at two alternating voltage signals U1, U2 of differing frequencies f1, f2. On the basis of the two values for current, the capacitive reactance and therewith the fill height h of the fill substance can be easily determined. Influences of ohmic resistance on the measurement results are eliminated in this method.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel module apparatus arranged to provide an electrostatic discharge path from a conductive component to the ground plane. A conductive float arm is connected to a conductive support through an element in contact with the float arm and the conductive support.

Abstract: A grounding arrangement for an in-tank fuel system includes a fuel level sensor assembly of a fuel module comprising a conductive card body and a resister card supported on the conductive card body. The resister card includes a conductive trace in conductive contact with the conductive card body. The card body is conductively connected to a conductive fuel module component. The trace is adapted to be connected to the ground plane of a vehicle. Other traces on the resister card are in the electrical circuit of the fuel level sensor assembly. The fuel module further includes a conductive blade having a knife edge and in conductive contact with a conductive fuel module component. The knife edge cuts through the insulation of an insulated conductor to allow the knife edge to be in contact with the conductive element of the conductor.

Abstract: A method for balancing an article for rotation includes the initial steps of providing an article having a surface and providing a balance weight including a weight portion having an opening and a rivet portion. The weight portion of the balance weight is disposed against the surface of the article. The rivet portion of the balance weight is inserted within the opening of the weight portion of the balance weight such that a portion of the rivet portion engages the surface of the article. Lastly, the portion of the rivet portion is welded, such as by resistance welding techniques, to the surface of the article.

Abstract: A dual-axis sensor for measuring X and Y components of angular velocity in an X-Y sensor plane is provided. The dual-axis sensor includes a first subsensor for measuring the X component of angular velocity, and a second subsensor for measuring the Y component of angular velocity. The first subsensor and the second subsensor are contained within a single hermetic seal within the dual-axis sensor.

Abstract: A gyro vibration piece detecting an angular velocity includes: a supporting part; a driving part connected to the supporting part and performing vibration; a detection part connected through the driving part and the supporting part and detecting detection vibration generated by Coriolis force generated by the rotation of the driving part; and a connection part including a connection portion having a plurality of steps formed between a side of a width direction of the driving part or a side of a width direction of the detection part and a side of another portion connected to the driving part or the detection part, which are continuously connected.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a tuning fork resonator having multiple arms that extend from a base, a single lead frame that supports the base, and a package that supports the single lead frame. The package and lead frame defines a space therebetween.

Abstract: An optical accelerometer includes a beam and at least one optical fiber affixed to one side of the beam such that deflection of the beam changes a length of the optical fiber. Means for sensing the change in length of the optical fiber is functionally coupled to the at least one fiber. A seismic sensor system includes at least two accelerometers, oriented such that their sensitive axes are at least partially aligned along mutually orthogonal directions. Each accelerometer includes a beam, and at least one optical fiber affixed to one side of the beam such that deflection of the beam changes a length of the at least one optical fiber. Means for sensing the change in length of the optical fiber is functionally coupled to at least one fiber of each accelerometer.

Abstract: Prefabricated catalyzing adsorption sites are incorporated into small oscillators. In one embodiment, the sites are formed of precisely positioned gold anchors on surface micromachined oscillators. The micromachined oscillators may be formed of silicon, such as polysilicon, or silicon nitride in various embodiments. The sites allow special control of chemical surface functionality for the detection of analytes of interest. Thiolate molecules may be adsorbed from solution onto the gold anchors, creating a dense thiol monolayer with a tail end group pointing outwards from the surface of the gold anchor. This results in a thiolate self-assembled monolayer (SAM), creating a strong interaction between the functional group and the gold anchor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a depth of a crack from ultrasound scan data are provided. The method includes mapping multiple amplitude responses from the ultrasound scan data, each mapped amplitude response being representative of a signal from one of the sensors. The method further includes locating multiple linear responses among the mapped amplitude responses, each linear response being an indicator of a reflected signal from the crack. One or more sensor that corresponds to the linear responses from a given crack is identified. The depth of the crack is estimated using data from the identified sensors.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating properties of a material are provided. In a first method, the velocity of a stress or sound wave is calculated by measuring the time of flight of the stress/sound wave induced into the material. The resonance of the material is also measured after the wood product is contacted. A separate velocity of the sound wave within the material is calculated using the resonance measurements. A comparison of the individual velocities provides an indication of the homogeneity of properties of the material. The properties may be, for example, stiffness, strength, various gradients or the like. In a second method of the present invention, the velocity calculated using the time of flight method may be used as a guide in determining a fundamental frequency for the stress wave within a material and resultant velocity. The material may be, for example, wood, metal, plastic or the like.

Abstract: In the ultrasonic inspection method and equipment, a high-resolution and high-S/N-ratio inspection image can be speedily acquired with ease-of-operability. Inspection of the inside of the inspection target is performed by changing incident angle of the ultrasonic wave oscillated from the array-probe ultrasonic sensor. Then, while performing the inspection, the array-probe ultrasonic sensor is sequentially displaced from the position to the position via the position by using the displacement member. This displacement allows acquisition of inspection images on each position basis. Finally, the inspection images thus acquired are visualized as a processed image by adding or averaging the inspection images by shifting the images by displacement quantity of the array-probe ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-mode calibration target operable to calibrate multiple optical sensors. One embodiment has multiple planar surfaces, wherein the multiple planar surfaces are able to be distinguished by visual sensors based on their color, hue, shade, tint, or tone. Additionally, these planar surfaces may be raised or recessed from one another to provide depth contrast as well as visual contrast. Other embodiments may include narrow band emitters such as laser diodes located at predetermined locations within the multi-mode target. These targets may then be used to calibrate various sensors, such as optical sensors, within an inspection system such as a laser ultrasonic inspection system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for monitoring exposure to impulse noise includes a sound-sensing device, such as a microphone or other type of pressure transducer, operable to sense impulse noise, and a storage module operable to store the waveform of the impulse noise sensed by the sound-sensing device. The sound-sensing device desirably is operable to sense impulses that are greater than 146 dB, such as impulses created by construction machinery and firearms. The system also can include a processor operable to calculate one or more noise parameters of the impulse noise from the waveform, and a user interface program operable to display said one or more noise parameters selected by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a substrate and an array of vibration sensors formed on the substrate, the array comprising two or more vibration sensors, wherein each vibration sensor in the array has a different noise floor and a different operational frequency range than any of the other vibration sensors in the array. A process comprising forming an array of vibration sensors on a substrate, the array comprising two or more vibration sensors, wherein each of the two or more vibration sensors in the array has a different noise floor and a different operational frequency range than any of the other vibration sensors in the array. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided incorporating a first chamber having a first flexible membrane exposed to fluid pressure and configured to deflect in response to changes in the fluid pressure and temperature within the first chamber, a second chamber having a second flexible membrane sealed from the fluid pressure and configured to deflect in response to changes in temperature within the second chamber, and associated circuitry for comparing the deflection of the first and second membranes to sense the fluid pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for digitally controlling sensors. In one embodiment, a digital controller for a capacitance diaphragm gauge is embedded in a digital signal processor (DSP). The controller receives digitized input from a sensor AFE via a variable gain module, a zero offset module and an analog-to-digital converter. The controller automatically calibrates the received input by adjusting the variable gain and zero offset modules. The controller also monitors and adjusts a heater assembly to maintain an appropriate temperature at the sensor. The controller utilizes a kernel module that allocates processing resources to the various tasks of a gauge controller module. The kernel module repetitively executes iterations of a loop, wherein in each iteration, all of a set of high priority tasks are performed and one of a set of lower priority tasks are performed. The controller module thereby provides sensor measurement output at precisely periodic intervals, while performing ancillary functions as well.

Abstract: A pressure module is provided which comprises a capsule having a cavity formed therein, and a pressure transducer disposed within the cavity of the capsule. A feedthrough pin, fixedly coupled to the capsule, extends into the capsule and is electronically coupled to the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided having a chamber partially defined by a flexible membrane which is less than three microns thick, exposed to fluid pressure and is configured to deflect from a reference position due to changes in the fluid pressure, and associated circuitry for converting the deflection of the flexible membrane into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A pressure transducer apparatus including: first and second pluralities of piezoresistors each coupled in Wheatstone bridge configurations, wherein the bridges are coupled together to provide a first output being indicative of a differential pressure; and, a third plurality of piezoresistors coupled in a Wheatstone bridge configuration and being suitable for providing a second output being indicative of an absolute line pressure. A compensator may be employed for adjusting the first output for line pressure variation responsively to the second output.

Abstract: In order to realize a compact wireless pressure sensor system which transmits an accurate pressure value, the present invention provides a pressure sensor system constructed at least by a silicon chip on which a circuit operated by electromagnetic wave energy is mounted, and a film which supports an antenna, in which film a through-hole is provided in the vicinity of a diaphragm part.

Abstract: A system and method for a pressure gage assembly for an expandable gas or fluid distribution system is disclosed. The pressure gage assembly comprises a pressure gage with a male connector on one face, and a female connector on an opposite face. The pressure gage assembly has a passageway connecting the male connector with the female connector. The pressure gage is coupled to the passageway. The male connector on one face can be coupled to the female connector on another device, forming a line or chain of devices.

Abstract: An endurance testing apparatus, which is for performing an endurance test of a contacting/separating portion in which a first member and a second member repeats contacting with and separating from each other, has a contact load generator and a testing medium fluid supply means. The contact load generator reciprocates the second member relative to the first member to generate a contact load acting between the first member and the second member repeatedly. The testing medium fluid supply means supplies a testing medium fluid to the contacting/separating portion to expose the first member and the second member to the testing medium fluid.

Abstract: A weight part (12) is supported by a beam part (26) in a slim piece shape supported by a frame-shaped support part (10), and the beam part (26) is provided with a piezoresistance element (20) as a transducing element that transduces a mechanical variation to an electrical variation, so that a mechanical variation of the weight part (12) is transmitted to the piezoresistance element (20) via the beam part (26). Then, the beam part (26) is constructed by stacking the silicon nitride film (16) and a resin film (18) such as a polyimide film.

Abstract: Structural stress in a fatigue-prone region of a structure is determined and analyzed by using: i) the nodal forces and displacement values in the fatigue-prone region, or ii) equilibrium equivalent simple stress states consistent with elementary structural mechanics in the fatigue-prone region. Of course, it is contemplated that combinations, equivalents, or variations of the recited bases may alternatively be employed.

Abstract: Flow measurement systems and techniques may allow flow information to be wirelessly transmitted. The systems and techniques may include a meter index cover and a wireless meter transmitter adapter. The meter index cover may be configured and arranged to house a meter index and include a mounting member configured and arranged to couple to a variety of wireless meter transmitter adapters. The wireless meter transmitter adapter may be configured and arranged to couple to the mounting member and to couple to a wireless meter transmitter.

Abstract: A strain sensor includes a sensor body extending substantially in a plane. The sensor body is substantially symmetric in the plane about a first axis and a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The sensor body includes a plurality of sensor body portions symmetrically spaced apart about the first axis and the second axis with the plurality of sensor body portions interconnected by respective beams. The strain sensor further includes at least one strain sensing element mounted on one of the respective beams.

Abstract: A belt tension sensor includes an armature that is displaced in relation to belt tension and an optical sensing mechanism that detects armature displacement as a measure of belt tension. In a first mechanization, a lens element is mounted on the armature for movement therewith, and light emitted by a light source passes through the lens element before impinging on a light responsive element; the lens element variably diffuses the emitted light in relation to the belt tension, and the light impinging on the light responsive element provides a measure of the belt tension. In a second mechanization, the armature includes a protuberance that abuts and variably collapses a compressible optical waveguide to vary its optical transmissivity in relation to the armature displacement, and the optical transmissivity of the optical waveguide provides a measure of the belt tension.

Abstract: There is provided a mechanochemical sensor including a minute mechanical structure body having the functional membrane formed at least on one part of its surface, a supporting part for supporting the minute mechanical structure body; and a detection part for detecting the change of a mechanical property of the minute mechanical structure body. According to the invention, it is possible to provide improved adhesion between the functional membrane and the minute mechanical structure body since the functional membrane is integrally formed in advance on the minute mechanical structure body, which will contribute to the increase of detection signal, and improvement of measurement precision and sensitivity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting flow in a mass flow controller (MFC). The position of a gate in the MFC is sensed or otherwise determined to monitor flow through the MFC and to immediately or nearly immediately detect a flow failure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a novel MFC is provided. The MFC includes an orifice, a mass flow control gate, an actuator and a gate position sensor. The actuator moves the control gate to control flow through the orifice. The gate position sensor determines the gate position and/or gate movement to monitor flow and immediately or nearly immediately detect a flow failure. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gate position sensor includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal and a receiver for receiving the signal such that the receiver provides an indication of the position of the gate based on the signal received.

Abstract: A starter 1 with an intermediate gear is disclosed having a housing 12 formed with first and second bearing portions 17, 18 between which an intermediate shaft 5 is supported. The second bearing portion 18 has a mounting aperture 22 to which a retainer 13 is inserted. The retainer 13 includes a screw having a distal end, formed with a male threaded portion 13a, and an engagement portion 13c formed between a head portion 13b and the male threaded portion 13a. The intermediate shaft has one end formed with a cutout surface 5a. With the intermediate shaft 5 having both ends supported by the first and second bearing portions 17, 18, the engagement portion 13c of the retainer 13 is inserted to the mounting aperture 22 into abutting engagement with the cutout surface 5a to retain the intermediate shaft 5 in a fixed place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a twin clutch transmission of high efficiency which is compact in every dimension. This twin clutch transmission can be used particularly in vehicles having a longitudinally installed engine. For this purpose, the transmission input shaft and the transmission output shaft are arranged coaxially with respect to one another, whereas the two countershafts are arranged parallel to one another. Furthermore, the shift sleeves are arranged in a special way, thus making seven forward gears and a plurality of reverse gears possible.

Abstract: An automatic transmission that includes oil passages with a simple structure provided for twin clutches can allow the number of production steps to be reduced. In an automatic transmission includes a number of gear trains equal to the number of speeds between a primary shaft and a countershaft. The automatic transmission performs connection and disconnection of a rotational driving force between a crankshaft and a gearbox by means of twin hydraulic clutches including first and second clutches. The first and second clutches are disposed on the axis of the primary shaft back to back with a primary gear interposed therebetween. Oil passages can be formed into a more simple shape than those formed by a method in which twin clutches are accommodated in a single case and can be configured to have the same total length. The first and second clutches are made of the same components.

Abstract: A vehicular transmission has a structure which enables a reverse idle gear to absorb and reduce excessive back torque inputted from drive wheels. At the time of reverse traveling motion, a counter shaft and a reverse gear are connected to each other through the intermediation of a clutch mechanism, whereby the power of the counter shaft is transmitted from the reverse gear, a driven gear, a hollow shaft, and a drive gear to the drive shaft by way of a final gear. When a large back torque is inputted to the final gear from the drive shaft, the inputted back torque is transmitted to the drive gear, and is then further transmitted to the driven gear by way of the hollow shaft. Since the hollow shaft is thin-walled and has reduced rigidity, it undergoes circumferential twisting due to the back torque inputted, whereby the back torque is reduced.

Abstract: A hypoid gear device is provided with a backlash eliminating unit arranged between a driven wheel and a driving pinion to be meshed with the driven wheel. The backlash eliminating unit includes a driven pinion mounted on the same shaft as that of the driving pinion so as to be meshed with the driven wheel, and an elastic member urging the driven pinion on the same shaft of the driving pinion in the direction reverse thereto.

Abstract: A gear mechanism is provided with a change-direction gear set to change a rotation direction of a driving force at a right angle, the change-direction gear set comprising a first change-direction gear and a second change-direction gear; an input shaft rotating coaxially and integrally with the second change-direction gear; an output shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft; a power transmission device coupling the input shaft with the output shaft; a housing member housing the input shaft, the output shaft and the power transmission device; a pair of first bearings aligned in an axial direction, the first bearings rotatably supporting the input shaft with respect to the housing member; a pair of second bearings aligned in an axial direction, the second bearings rotatably supporting the output shaft with respect to the housing member; and a pair of third bearings rotatably supporting the first change-direction gear with respect to the housing member.