Abstract: Fuel gauges for fuel supplies for fuel cells are disclosed. Each fuel gauge has a property that is readable by an electrical circuit. These properties are related to the remaining fuel in the fuel supplies. These properties include, but are not limited to, electrical capacitance, magnetic, semi-conducting resistance, bi-metal resistance, and oscillating magnetic field. These fuel gauges are functional at any fuel supply orientation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the adhesive strength of overlays attached to the inside of plain bearing bushings. The method is characterized in specifying clearance between the plain bearing bushing tested and a rotating or oscillating pin extending through the bushing. Next, feeding a liquid medium into the gap between the bushing and the pin and oscillating the plain bearing bushing and pin relative to one another perpendicularly to the bushing axis for a given period and examining the bushing after the load test. The corresponding apparatus comprises a pin mounted rotatably in a pin receptacle and on which there is arranged a first drive mechanism. In addition, a bushing receptacle is provided, in which the plain bearing bushing is fitted, wherein the pin is mounted with predetermined clearance in the bushing. The apparatus additionally comprises a mechanism for bringing about oscillating relative movement of bushing receptacle and pin receptacle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downhole analysis of formation fluids by isolating the fluids from the formation and/or borehole in a pressure and volume control unit that is integrated with a flowline of a fluid analysis module and determining fluid characteristics of the isolated fluids. Parameters of interest may be derived for formation fluids in a static state and undesirable formation fluids may be drained and replaced with formation fluids that are suitable for downhole characterization or surface sample extraction. Isolated formation fluids may be circulated in a loop of the flowline for phase behavior characterization. Real-time analysis of the fluids may be performed at or near downhole conditions.

Abstract: A method and equipment for measuring vapour flux from a surface (10) e.g. the rate of water loss from human skin, which is useful in the evaluation of the efficiency of the skin/water barrier. It uses a closed cylinder (12), which is placed against the skin and by measuring the temperature and relative humidity within the cylinder by means of sensors (13, 14) positioned adjacent the wall of the cylinder, the water vapour flux can be determined.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a vibrator sensing an angular velocity, and a package on which the vibrator is mounted. The vibrator is arranged in a diagonal direction of the package. The angular velocity sensor includes a circuit board that supports the package. The vibrator is attached to the circuit board so that the vibrator is inclined to a vertical direction by a given angle.

Abstract: A non metallic flow through electrodeless conductivity sensor is provided with a conduit having primary and secondary process fluid flowpaths to form a fluid loop. At least one drive and one sense toroid surround the conduit on the fluid loop. Voltage supplied to the drive toroid induces a current in the sense toroid via the fluid loop to eliminate any need for metallic electrodes in contact with the process fluid. At least one additional drive and/or sense toroid is disposed on the fluid loop to enhance induction. Optionally one or more sense coils are disposed about the conduit outside of the fluid loop to cancel out stray electrical noise. An optional conductor disposed along the conduit detects any fluid leakage through changes in resistance thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which permit inspection of uniquely shaped structures such as fuselage frames and shear ties. Probes may be constructed from rapid prototyping. Inspection may be performed manually and may use a portable function support system for delivering fluid couplant, controlling transmit and receive functions of the inspection sensors, and delivering immediate visual analysis for an operator. Integrated ultrasonic inspection apparatus, systems, and methods facilitate fast and efficient custom inspection devices and inspecting otherwise difficult-to-inspect structures.

Abstract: An electrodynamic shaker apparatus is disclosed for providing shaking and/or vibrational motion. The shaker includes armature and stator assemblies as well as a distributed spring assembly. The shaker apparatus of the present invention is robust, supports increased off-center loads, and has a low profile such that it may be easily placed under an item of furniture in order to impart vibrational motion in response to electrical signals from a variety of sources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure measuring cell comprising a base body, a membrane that is connected to the base body, thus forming a measuring chamber. During operation, the membrane is subjected to a deflection which is dependent on a pressure that is to be measured. The cell also comprises a membrane bed, formed by a surface of the base body that faces the membrane, at least one electrode being mounted on said bed. Said electrode, together with a counter-electrode that is mounted on the membrane, forms a capacitor, whose capacitance represents a measurement for the deflection of the membrane. The measuring cell is characterized in that the electrode is electrically connected through the base body and that the measuring chamber has a smooth surface in the contact zone, said surface having a contact pin that is guided in a bore through the base body.

Abstract: A pressure detecting apparatus has a pressure detecting device that converts a strain caused by a stress exerted thereto to an electrical signal, and outputs the converted electrical signal. The apparatus has a housing base including a housing recess that houses the pressure detecting device therein, and a connecting material interposed between the pressure detecting device and the housing recess. The connecting material connects the pressure detecting device and the housing recess with a tensile elongation percentage of about 400% or higher. The pressure detecting apparatus facilitates preventing thermal stress from adversely affecting the detection performance thereof, and produces excellent thermal response.

Abstract: A method and method of estimating fatigue life of a structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include determining strain on the structure using a plurality of gauges positioned on the structure. The method may also include detecting a parameter of the structure with a plurality of sensors positioned on the structure. Further, the method includes converting the detected parameter and the determined strain to proportional loads acting on the structure and transforming the proportional loads to coordinate system data associated with the structure. Based on the coordinate system data, the fatigue life of the structure may be estimated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for constructing a load history database for a structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that may include detecting a measurable parameter on the structure utilizing a sensor positioned on the structure and determining a value of external loads acting upon the structure based on the detected parameter. Further, the method may include evaluating the value of the external loads against a pre-established factor. Based on the evaluation, the value of the external loads are selectively stored in the load history database.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for testing a material are described. The testing involves providing a material across a region of a support member which is arranged to define an opening and moving a force applying means relative to the material to apply a force to said material. The force applying means moves towards, passes into and/or passes through the opening prior to, during or after applying the force to the material.

Abstract: A force detection device of the present invention is for detecting an operation force of an operator applied in a uniaxial direction, and includes a force receiving part for receiving the operation force, a force detection part placed on a support for detecting the uniaxial force, a force propagation body disposed reciprocatably along the uniaxial direction on the support for propagating the operation force received by the force receiving part to the force detection part, a guide provided on the support for guiding reciprocation of the force propagation body, a preload receiving part pivoted to the force propagation body and capable of swinging within a plane along the uniaxial direction, and a pair of coil springs coupled to both sides of the preload receiving part with a pivot axis thereof held therebetween for giving a preload to the force detection part.

Abstract: A flow rate and volume sensor for determining the rate and volume of fluid flowing through an apparatus, such as an apparatus for filtering and/or conditioning and/or purifying fluid, such as water, and for indicating when a predetermined volume of fluid has flowed through the apparatus to, for example, signal when a cartridge filter housed in an apparatus for filtering and/or conditioning and/or purifying fluid should be replaced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gas control is provided. The apparatus may be used for controlling gases delivered to a chamber, controlling the chamber pressure, controlling the delivery of backside gas between a substrate and substrate support and the like. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling gas control includes at least a first flow sensor having a control valve, a first pressure sensor and at least a second pressure sensor. An inlet of the first flow sensor is adapted for coupling to a gas supply. A control valve is coupled to an outlet of the flow sensor. The first pressure sensor is adapted to sense a metric indicative of the pressure upstream of the first flow sensor. The second pressure sensor is adapted to sense a metric indicative of the pressure downstream of the control valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an initial flow rate in a conduit is disclosed. A known change is made to the flow to be measured, resulting changes (or values corresponding to these changes), or relative changes in the flow to be measured are monitored and the initial flow in the conduit is calculated from the value of the known change and monitored changes. Devices to practice the method include catheters having one or two sensors and one or two sites for introducing the volume change.

Abstract: Techniques are described for accurately measuring a density or other parameter of a fluid traveling through a vibratable conduit, using a flowmeter. The techniques involve obtaining measurements of a frequency of vibration of the conduit, as a function of a phase difference between two sensors measuring the vibration. Using the measurements, a corrected frequency corresponding to a zero phase difference can be estimated, and this corrected frequency can be used to perform density calculations. These techniques remove an undesirable dependency between the frequency/phase difference variables.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow measuring device which provides a flow measuring device characterized by a low electrical current consumption and low power uptake. At least one component of high power uptake with a control/evaluation unit is provided, with the control/evaluation unit being designed such that the component of high power uptake is operated intermittently in a measuring phase and in an idle phase, with the component being activated in the measuring phase, while, in the idle phase, the component exhibits a reduced power uptake or is completely turned off.

Abstract: An acoustic wave flow sensor is disclosed, which includes a sensor substrate and an acoustic wave diaphragm etched upon the sensor substrate, wherein mechanical stress or strain is concentrated in the acoustic wave diaphragm. One or more interdigital transducers can be configured upon the acoustic wave diaphragm, wherein the sensor substrate, the acoustic wave diaphragm and the interdigital transducer(s) form an acoustic wave flow sensor, such that when the interdigital transducer and the acoustic wave diaphragm are exposed to a fluid in flow, the fluid in flow causes the acoustic wave diaphragm to experience a change in the mechanical stress or strain resulting in a detectable frequency and/or phase change in order to provide an indication of fluid flow.

Abstract: Problems: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for measuring a flow rate which can determine a flow rate of a fluid, particularly a slowly flowing fluid, with an improved accuracy, without requiring a complicated flow rate-measuring system.

Abstract: A mass flowmeter of the Coriolis type with a tube through which a medium flows during operation and with excitation elements for causing the entire tube or part thereof to perform a rotational vibration about a primary axis of rotation during operation. The excitation elements are electromagnetic and do not make contact with the tube during operation and have no components that are fastened to the tube. More The tube is made of an electrically conducting material, and the excitation elements include first members for causing an electric current to flow through the tube during operation and second elements for generating a magnetic field at the area of a portion of the tube. The magnetic field is perpendicular to the direction of the current and in operation either the current or the magnetic field changes its sign periodically.

Abstract: A mass flowmeter of the Coriolis type with a tube that forms a mechanically closed loop through which a medium flows during operation, and with preferably electromagnetic, contactless excitation elements for causing the loop to rotate in an oscillatory mode about an axis of rotation during operation. The loop has a starting point and an end point. The starting and end points are situated close together and are connected to a flexible inlet tube and a flexible outlet tube, respectively, which extend preferably in parallel and close together. The loop is resiliently suspended from the frame of the flowmeter via the flexible inlet and outlet tubes, which preferably form one integral piece with the tube of the loop.

Abstract: In the rolling bearing device with a sensor in this invention, a band-shaped film 111 having insulation property is affixed to an outer circumferential surface of an outer ring 101 so as to extend in the circumferential direction. On the film 111 is affixed a foil 112 composed of identical four portions and having electrical conductivity which are placed at generally equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer ring 101. A resistance between a first place and a second place of the foil 112 is measured by a resistance measurement section of a microcomputer. A preload calculation section of the microcomputer, upon reception of an output from the resistance measurement section, calculates a preload of the outer ring 101 based on the measured resistance.

Abstract: A magnetic clutch has a rotatable input part with first magnets and a rotatable output part with second magnets, the output part being magnetically coupled to the input part. At least one sensor measures a magnetic field or its temporal differentiation and is positioned to measure the magnetic field or its temporal differentiation resulting from the interference of the magnetic field of the first magnets of the input part with the magnetic field of the second magnets of the output part. The output of the sensor is processed by an evaluation unit operative to determine at least one working parameter.

Abstract: A latching inertial reel temporarily holds an inertial reel in a locked position during a lateral acceleration and resetably holds the reel in a latched position as a result of a vertical acceleration. The reel is latched when a latching sensor experiences a vertical acceleration above a threshold. A latch holds the reel in the latched position after the acceleration reduces to prevent subsequent injury from secondary impacts of a vehicle occupant with objects or surfaces in the vehicle. The latch may later be reset to release the reel. A vehicle seat may further include a seat inertial reel to provide support to the seat during a crash. The seat inertial reel may be attached to a floor mounting point, or to an elevated mounting point.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently screening for dangerous threatening items are presented. The system includes an object unit designed to hold the object and a test unit including equipment for subjecting the object to a combination of two or more tests. There are sensors located in the object unit, wherein each of the sensors reads data resulting from testing the object and generates an output signal. A computation unit receives the output signal from each of the sensors and processes the output signals in parallel to determine a risk factor based on parameters resulting from the two or more tests. The parallel acquisition and processing of the output signals enhances accuracy. By testing a “batch” of objects at once, the system improves throughput.

Abstract: The motor according to the present invention consists of a piston (1), cylinder (2), connecting rod (3), connecting rod rotary bolt gear wheel (4), connecting rod rotary bolt (5), crank shaft (6), crank shaft bolt (7), double faced gear wheel (9) and other gear wheels (10, 11, 12). As the connecting rod (3) is moved by the connecting rod rotary bolt gear wheel (4) that moves together with the connecting rod rotary bolt (5), without being directly dependent on the movement of the crank shaft bolt (7) although the connecting rod (3) is connected to the crank shaft (6) and to the piston (1); the crank shaft (6) moves independently of the connecting rod (3). This povides the difference between the travel path of the piston (1) between the lower and upper dead points, and the rotational diameter of the crank shaft bolt (7). In this case, the connecting rod (3) makes an elliptical movement on the crank shaft bolt (7) instead of a circular movement.

Abstract: A door drive has a drive unit and a belt-like drive for moving at least one door leaf. At least one electrically conductive element extends in a longitudinal direction of the belt-like drive for transmission of electrical signals or energy to/from the at least one door leaf. A first contact device extends into a longitudinal groove formed in the belt-like drive enabling access to the at least one electrically conductive element. When the belt-like drive is moving past the first contact device, the first contact device produces a permanent contact with the at least one electrically conductive element.

Abstract: A rotary drive for a belt tensioner includes a housing, a pinion rotatably mounted therein, and at least one driving gear coupled to the pinion, the driving gear being mounted in the housing and being adapted to be driven by pressurized gas introduced into a pressure chamber. Formed in the driving gear is a cavity having a substantially radially extending wall which, in the installed state, is opposite to a protrusion which projects into the cavity and is rigidly connected to the housing, the wall of the cavity and the protrusion forming part of a wall of the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A linear actuator with quick release mechanism comprises: a power unit for outputting torque; a transmission device including a screw shaft, a screw nut and an inner tube, the screw shaft connected to the power unit for the purpose of power transmission, the screw nut screwed on the screw shaft for converting torque into linear motion, the inner tube being fixed on the screw nut and rotated together with the screw nut; a load connector for connecting a load and making the load move linearly; and a quick release mechanism is disposed between the transmission device and the load connector, and is coaxially connected to the inner tube and the load connector.

Abstract: A transmission for a tractor comprises a transmission case having an opening that opens to exterior of the transmission case and a speed change device that is housed in the transmission case. The transmission also includes a cover removably attached to the transmission case for closing the opening of the transmission, a main speed change shift fork supported by the cover and capable of engaging with and moving a main speed change shifter, and a sub speed change shift fork supported by the cover and capable of engaging with and moving a sub speed change shifter. The cover is capable of mounting a creep speed change device having a creep speed position.

Abstract: A ball screw device 10 capable of increasing a load capacity by increasing the size of ball diameter and the number of threads by preventing the cutout of a nut from being interfered with a thread groove adjacent to the cutout even in the thread groove of a small lead screw and a multiple thread screw, wherein a circulating block 18 forming, in association with the cutout 17, a ball 15 circulation passage 21 for communicating an area between both thread grooves 11 and 13 with a ball return passage 16 is fitted to the cutout 17 formed at the end of the nut 14 so that the large number of balls 15 can be endlessly circulated between both thread grooves 11 and 13, ball circulation passage 21, and ball return passage 16.

Abstract: A motor shaft puts through a motor casing and a gear casing which are detachably connected to each other. In the motor casing, a rotor is fixed to the motor shaft, while a stator is fixed on the inner circumferential surface of the motor casing. The motor shaft has a worm which engages with a worm wheel in the gear casing. A collar in which the motor shaft is pressingly fitted is provided in the middle of the motor shaft at the end of the gear casing. The motor shaft is supported at each end of the worm in the gear casing.

Abstract: A device for high precision generation and measurement of forces (both pressure and tension) and displacements along a single axis includes a shaft for transferring the forces along an axis X. At least two biased first leaf springs are attached to the shaft and clamped at each end. The device has great rigidity in an axis Y perpendicular to the axis X in which the forces and displacements are generated.

Abstract: A pointing device includes an operating body 200 in which one end operably protrudes from an opening 111a of a cover portion 111 of a case body 100 and which is movable depending on the operation toward a horizontal direction from an origin position ?; a first returning assisting plate 510 provided with the operating body 200 and having a reception hole 511 penetrating in the thickness direction; a first biasing means 530 which retains the operating body 200 at the origin position ? by biasing an outer circumference surface of the first returning assisting plate 510; a fitting block 540 accommodated movably in and out of the reception hole 511; and a second biasing means 550 which biases the fitting block 540 toward the cover portion 111. The fitting block 540 protrudes from the reception hole 511 to fit into the opening 111a of the cover portion 111 by being biased with the second biasing means 550 when the operating body 200 is located at the origin position ?.

Abstract: A shifter assembly including a base having top and bottom surfaces. The base has leg slots formed through the top surface. Additionally, at least one channel is formed on the top surface. A light box having top and bottom surfaces is disposed about the base. The light box includes downwardly extending legs that are received in the leg slots formed through the top surface of the base. The legs include ratchet teeth formed thereon. A plurality of springs are disposed about the legs and engage the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the light box for biasing the light box from the base. At least one pair of bezel locks are received in the at least one channel formed on the top surface of the base. The bezel locks are adapted to engage the ratchet teeth formed on the legs. The light box may be adjusted in a single direction from a starting position to a final position.

Abstract: A shifter assembly includes a base having top and bottom surfaces. A shift lever is coupled to the base. A light box includes top and bottom surfaces and is disposed about the base. The light box includes a lever slot formed through the top surface for receiving the shift lever. The light box also includes a travel guide. At least one spring is disposed between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the light box for biasing the light box from the base. A release member is disposed in the travel guide and is also releasably coupled to the base. The release member is adapted to contact the shift lever to initiate movement of the light box from a starting position to a final position.

Abstract: A shifter assembly includes a base. A light box is disposed about the base. The shifter assembly also includes a ratchet system for adjusting the light box relative to the base.

Abstract: To provide a steering device for tilt and telescopic adjustments in which the locked condition can be made stronger, and when unlocked, tilt and telescopic adjustment can be smoothly carried out. A steering device, comprising: a fixed bracket having fixed side parts on both sides in the width direction; a movable bracket arranged between the fixed side parts; a friction plate fixed and oppositely arranged with a suitable gap with respect to at least one of the two fixed side parts of the fixed bracket; and a friction washer that is inserted between the fixed side part and the friction plate. A lock bolt passes through for connecting the fixed bracket, the movable bracket, the friction plate, and the friction washer to be freely locked and unlocked.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a mechanism for providing motion having two degrees of freedom and centered on a single point within a sphere. Methods to design the mechanism consistent with specified parameters are also described.

Abstract: A power transmission system that permits efficient transmission of power to the legs of a legged robot is provided. Light and flexible push-pull cables in low-friction sleeves transmit power from a power generation source to the feet of the robot. The push-pull cables allow the legs to swing back and forth rapidly, with low inertia. Tuned axial compliance is inserted into the cable sheaths to optimize the end point displacement for maximum running speed. The design of the legs allows actuation via thrusting along the length of the leg. Soft flexures at the hips provide tuned, passive rotational stiffness and damping. The leg swing is passive and functions as a tuned oscillation system in combination with the thrusting cables. The new system preserves a fast, self-stabilizing behavior of the robots making it generally applicable to legged robots with two or more legs and of various sizes.

Abstract: A robot wrist with a plurality of rotatable parts arranged in series with each other arranged to be mounted on a robot arm or automation machine to enable rotary movement of a first wrist part about a first axis and a second wrist part journalled in the first wrist part. Each wrist part may be arranged with one or more gear members to drive a rotary movement and rotate any wrist part relative to another wrist part. At least one gear member of one engaging pair is a concave bevel gear arranged with negative bevel angle to the plane of rotation at the engaging face. In another embodiment the robot wrist has three wrist parts. The robot wrist may also include an inner protection hose.

Abstract: A telescopically adjustable vehicular steering column assembly (16) includes an upper steering shaft (18, 118) operatively coupled to a lower steering shaft (20, 120). The lower steering shaft (20, 120) is fitted with a guide head (32, 132) which is precision machined to slide within a receiving chamber (28, 128) in the upper steering shaft (18, 188). An axially extending keyway (40, 140) is formed in either the guide head (32) or in the receiving chamber (128) for sliding registry with a key (44, 144). The guide head (32, 132) is affixed to the end of the lower steering shaft (20, 120) through a sheer member (35) which is created by injecting a fluidic plastic material (35) through injection ports (34) so that the plastic forms in injection grooves (36). Once solidified, the plastic material (35) securely affixes the guide head (32, 132) in an operative position on the end of the lower steering shaft (20, 120).

Abstract: The invention provides a steering shaft assembly for a vehicle. The steering shaft assembly includes a first shaft extending along an axis of rotation for connection to one of a steering wheel and a steerable element of a vehicle. The steering shaft assembly also includes a second shaft extending along the axis of rotation for connection to the other of the steering wheel and the steerable element of the vehicle. The first shaft and the second shaft at least partially overlap one another along the axis of rotation for telescoping relative movement. The steering shaft assembly also includes a keyway formed in one of the first shaft and the second shaft and extending along and spaced from the axis of rotation. The steering shaft assembly also includes a key connected to the other of the first shaft and the second shaft and slidably positioned in the keyway.

Abstract: A brake activating mechanism for a vehicle is responsive to the required braking force to adjust the magnification of the manual input force, thereby providing greater assistance to the vehicle operator. The brake activating mechanism generally includes a pedal arm connected to a brake pedal for receiving the manual input force and connected to a pushrod for transmitting the output force. A clutch mechanism is employed that is responsive to the input force to modify the position of the pivot point. In this way, the magnification of the input force via the pedal arm is modified.

Abstract: The gas insulated switchgear includes a rotary shaft which penetrates a pressure vessel is connected with a moving parts which is housed in the pressure vessel by way of a lever, and is connected to the moving parts, and brackets which support the rotary shaft and are mounted on a mounting portion which is formed on the pressure vessel. The brackets are fixed to the mounting portion formed on the pressure vessel using a plurality of fixing bolts which are arranged in a spaced-apart manner on an eccentric circle having the center at a point x2 offset from the center of rotation x1 of a rotary shaft and hence, the brackets can be fixed to the mounting portion formed on the pressure vessel at a predetermined angular position which uses the point x2 offset from the center of rotation x1 of the rotary shaft as the center of rotation.

Abstract: A differential case is provided including at least one assembly window formed therein for providing access to a chamber interior of the differential case. The assembly window in the differential case is defined by a semi-elliptical segment having ends interconnected by a pair of elongated edge portions of the differential case. The pair of elongated edge portions are interconnected by an arcuate segment. The assembly window has a dimension slightly larger than an outside diameter of a side gear so as to allow angulated entry of the side gears into the chamber and subsequent alignment relative to a longitudinal axis. The assembly window is further shaped to allow entry of the pinion gears into the chamber and subsequent alignment relative to another longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Burn noble metal in high-pressure water using hydrogen and oxygen to produce noble metal micro-dispersion water in which super-fine noble metal particles are dispersed, and use the obtained noble metal micro-dispersion water to treat fiber products in order to provide high-function fiber products, typically clothes, which offer excellent health-promoting function and cleanliness-improving function.

Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum foam product wherein reactive gas producing particles are introduced into an aluminum alloy melt under controlled conditions and subjected to agitation to induce the production of foam-stabilizing by-products, and, under certain conditions, the production of gases used to produce the molten metal foam itself. Foam products produced through this method have intrinsically formed metal oxides and other solid particles dispersed therein and are devoid of the large extrinsically added stabilizing ceramic additions traditionally used in the production of aluminum foams. The invention claims a rapid, single step method for producing an inoculated, foamable melt using low cost precursor materials.