Abstract: The present invention provides a padlock comprising a padlock body having formed therein a slot arranged to receive an object to be secured, a hasp mounted in the body and arranged to be moved between a first, inoperative position in which the slot can receive an object to be secured and a second, operative position in which it is disposed across the slot, said hasp being retained in said body in all phases of its operation and, when in the operative position, extending across the slot within the confines of the body so that the portion of the hasp securing the object is shrouded.

Abstract: By providing an automatically activated positive indicator or signal which is responsive to only the use of a master key, a padlock construction is achieved which is highly effective for providing notice to the user whenever the padlock has been opened by said master key. In accordance with the present invention, the positive indicator or signal is constructed for being automatically activated whenever the master key is employed, with said indicator or signal being locked in its activated position, and capable of being re-set by only the user.

Abstract: A mechanical key for accommodation in a portable device for use in an electronic key system. The mechanical key is provided with a grip including a socket and a key plate fixed to the grip. The key plate includes a blade and a shank, which is inserted into the socket. The shank includes a first edge for abutting against the socket when the shank is inserted into the socket and a shoulder extending from the blade. The socket includes a guide for abutting against and guiding the first edge of the shank when the shank is inserted into the socket. The guide is mated with the first edge under pressure. The socket further includes a second edge for abutting against the shoulder when the shank is inserted into the socket. The second edge is mated with the shoulder under pressure.

Abstract: A lock cylinder is provided and includes an outer cylinder having a bore, an inner cylinder rotatably disposed within the bore, and a pin assembly disposed within the inner and outer cylinders. The pin assembly is operable to selectively lock the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder. The pin assembly includes an upper shear cylinder positionable relative to the outer cylinder and a lower shear cylinder positionable relative to the inner cylinder. The upper and lower shear cylinders are movable to define a first shear line therebetween. In addition, the pin assembly includes an upper pin slidable within the upper shear cylinder and a lower pin slidable within the lower shear cylinder, whereby the upper and lower pins define a second shear line therebetween. The lock cylinder is positionable from a locked position to an unlocked position when the first shear line is aligned with the second shear line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a slow and controlled-release polymeric fertilizer with multiple nutrients having the following general formula: wherein n, m and M are defined in the description. The polymeric fertilizer of this invention is an environment-friendly slow and controlled-release fertilizer. Its slow and controlled release action lies in self-degradation and hydrolysis. This invention also relates to the preparing process for the fertilizer and the use method of the fertilizer in agriculture.

Abstract: A superplastic forming tool for forming a workpiece to make a part. The forming tool includes a forming die having first and second die members. At least one of the die members having a cavity including a forming surface and a plenum. A plurality of passageways extend between the plenum and the cavity. The passageways allow passage of fluid between the cavity and the plenum.

Abstract: A hydroforming machine is disclosed which includes a plurality of dies with each die having an upper die plate hingedly connectable to and lockable with a lower die plate. Each upper die plate and lower die plate include an opening therethrough which are substantially alignable with each other. The hydroforming machine also includes a spacing device. The spacing device is disposed in mechanical cooperation with each of the dies and maintains a desired distance between each of the dies. The spacing device includes a plurality of hinges which hingedly connect each die with an adjacent die.

Abstract: A method of rolling with a flattened-shaped caliber in a 1st pass and subsequently roiling with a square-shaped caliber in a 2nd pass In a caliber rolling of two or more continuous passes. The rolling is performed with a caliber which sets the ratio of the minor axis (2A01) of a 1st pass flattened to a material opposite side dimension (2A0) to A01/A0?0.75 and the ratio of a 2nd pass vertical diagonal dimension 2As1 to the major axis 2B1 of a material after the 1st pass to As1/B1?0.75 to introduce the large strain into the material. Thus, the effect of the distribution of strain introduced into the material in the 1st pass on the distribution of strain and the shape of the next pass is made clear so that the large strain can be introduced into the entire cross sectional are of the material, particularly at the center of the material.

Abstract: A tubular metal body 1 comprises a tube 2 extruded through a porthole die and composed of a plurality of components 2b joined to one another with a plurality of joint portions 2a extending over the entire length of the tube. The base material metal of the extruded tube 2 in each of the joint portions 2a is subjected to a modifying treatment to produce finely divided crystal grains. The modifying treatment for the extruded tube 2 is conducted preferably by frictionally agitating each joint portion using a probe 8 of a friction agitation joining tool 6. The tubular metal body 1 is available with an increased length in a larger size and has high pressure resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an automated bending device for bending a strip of material into a desired shape. Particularly towards an automated bending device for bending a strip of metal into at least one side panel used to form three-dimensional letters in signs.

Abstract: A method of working metal in which the microstructure of metal body is rendered fine to thereby enhance the strength, ductility or homogeneity thereof; a metal body obtained by the metal working method; and a metal-containing ceramic body obtained by the metal working method. In this metal working method, the deformation resistance of metal body or metal-containing ceramic body (hereinafter referred to simply as “metal body”) is lowered locally to thereby form low deformation resistance regions in the metal body, and shear deformation of the low deformation resistance regions is effected so as to fine the microstructure of metal body. In particular, the metal body is formed in unidirectionally drawn configuration so as to produce low deformation resistance regions crossing the metal body.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a sheet of metal to be shaped in a press, comprising at least one fluid-operated actuator for translational motion of a first sheet presser, adapted to support, in an initial operation step a sheet of metal to be shaped, arranged above a first lower die part, coupled to the base of the press. The first presser cooperates with a second presser, coupled to the second die part associated with the upper ram of the press, in locking a perimetric portion of the sheet of metal during shaping. The actuators are part of a circuit for regenerating and supplying the working fluid, provided with devices for the delayed return of the actuators, upon opening the press, for shaped sheet protection.

Abstract: An upsetting method capable of executing diameter expansion of a diameter expansion scheduled portion of a raw material unevenly in a peripheral direction is provided. A guide 20 having an insertion hole 21 for receiving and holding the diameter expansion scheduled portion 2 of the raw material 1 in a buckling preventing state is prepared. A diameter expansion preventing protruded portion 22 protruded in an axial direction of the guide 20 is integrally formed at a part of a tip end portion 20a of the guide 20. The diameter expansion scheduled portion 2 of the raw material 1 secured to the fixed die 10 is inserted and held in an insertion hole 21 of the guide 20.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus, in particular a 3-way transfer means, for transfer presses, in the case of which, for horizontal movement, linear drives are attached and actuated such that, along with a compact construction, the linear drives allow the gripper rails to be changed straightforwardly during tool-changing operations.

Abstract: A method for reducing bias error in a Vibrating Structure Gyroscope having a vibrating structure (1), primary drive means (2), for putting the vibrating structure (1) into carrier mode resonance, primary pick-off means (3) for sensing carrier mode motion, secondary pick-off means (10) for sensing response mode vibration of the vibrating structure (1) in response to applied rotation rate, secondary drive means (16) for applying a force to control the response mode motion closed loop primary control loops for maintaining a fixed amplitude of motion at the primary pick-off means (3) for maintaining the drive frequency at the resonance maximum, and secondary control loops for maintaining a null at the secondary pick-off means (10).

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow rate into a chromatographic column is disclosed generally comprising communicating a fluid to the column through a transfer line, measuring the transfer line inlet pressure, determining the transfer line outlet pressure, and adjusting the applied pressure until the inlet and outlet pressures produce a desired flow rate for the transfer line outlet. In certain embodiments, the applied pressure is adjusted by controlling a proportional valve. In some embodiments, the outlet pressure is determined by measuring the pressure difference across the transfer line and calculating the transfer line outlet pressure from the measured inlet pressure and the pressure difference.

Abstract: An apparatus 10,70 and method is provided that includes a spatial array of unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1-xN disposed axially along a pipe 14 for measuring at least one parameter of a saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12, such as steam, flowing in the pipe 14. The pressure sensors 15-18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t)-PN(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound amix propagating through of the saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12 in the pipe 14 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques. The primary parameters to be measured include vapor/liquid concentration (i.e., steam wetness or steam quality), vapor/liquid mixture volumetric flow, mass flow, enthalpy, density and liquid droplet size. Frequency based sound speed is determined utilizing a dispersion model to determine the parameters of interest.

Abstract: A humidity sensor and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) therefor, for measuring low humidity levels, and a method for preparing same. The metallic surface of the QCM is electroplated with a hygroscopic layer. The hygroscopic layer preferably includes Manganese. A salt is formed on the hygroscopic layer. The salt is preferably salt of Manganese, and most preferably Manganese Chloride (MnCl2).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexural plate wave sensor includes the steps of depositing an etch-stop layer over a substrate, depositing a membrane layer over the etch stop layer, depositing a piezoelectric layer over the membrane layer, forming a transducer on the piezoelectric layer, etching a cavity through the substrate, the cavity having substantially parallel interior walls, and removing the portion of the etch stop layer between the cavity and the membrane layer to expose a portion of the membrane layer.

Abstract: An end-of-zone or line sensor placed at the end of a secondarily contained fuel piping(s) or network(s). The interstitial space of the piping network is coupled to a vacuum-generating source that draws a vacuum level in the interstitial space to monitor for leaks or breaches in the piping network. The end-of-zone sensors are coupled to the interstitial space at the far end of the piping network and vacuum-generating source. The end-of-zone sensors actuate when a sufficient vacuum level is detected. A control system monitors the status of the end-of-zone switches. If the vacuum-generating source is activated to draw a vacuum level, and the end-of-zone sensors react to indicate the vacuum level has reached the sensor, the control system knows that there is no blockage over the entire span of the piping network, and thus entire piping network can be properly monitored for leaks.

Abstract: A measurement instrument probe has an outwardly extending sensing lever having at least two sections, one section that, at least during operation, has a different effective spring constant than an effective spring constant of another section of the lever. The sensing lever preferably includes a cantilever that is fixed at or adjacent one end of the cantilever, and includes a probing lever stage is preferably disposed at or adjacent to a free end of the cantilever and the cantilever can be driven or excited in a manner that causes the probing lever stage to have an effective spring constant, k1, that is greater than an effective spring constant, k2, of at least one other lever stage disposed between the probing lever stage and where the cantilever is fixed. Alternatively, the sensing lever is fabricated to include a probing lever stage that is more stiff than at least one other lever stage substantially contiguous therewith.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting whether a tire rotation event or tire inflation even has occurred on a vehicle. The method comprises determining a first front average temperature (FAT) of a first front tire and a second front tire, determining a first rear average temperature (RAT) of a first rear tire and a second rear tire, and calculating a first ratio of the first FAT to the first RAT. The method further comprise determining a second FAT of the first front tire and the second front tire after determining the first FAT, determining a second RAT of the first rear tire and the second rear tire after determining the first RAT, calculating a second ratio of the second FAT to the second RAT, and identifying the tire rotation event based at least in part upon a comparison of the first ratio and the second ratio.

Abstract: A tire monitor includes a first device (300) having at least one piezoelectric matrix element (404), and a first sensing layer (410) that includes at least one rectifier (106) and a processor element (110). The first device (300) is capable of sensing a deflection (u) in a layer of material, and is capable of processing the sensed deflection. The first device (300) is capable of wirelessly transmitting an indication (116) on a condition of the material.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit that is lowered into vertically supported pipe filled with seawater. The apparatus includes a pipe weld location detector module carried by the inspection unit. The apparatus also includes a rotating time of flight diffusion (TOFD) module and a non-rotating wall thickness module carried by the inspection unit. The module includes a pair of rotatably mounted weld volume inspection transducers rotatable by an operator and adapted to inspect for and obtain data on weld volume defects. The TOFD module has a fluid carrier positioned within the TOFD module and contains an acoustic fluid. The non-rotating wall thickness module also contains an acoustic liquid and includes a plurality of fixedly mounted wall inspection transducers adapted to obtain data on wall thickness of a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: Dynamic monitoring of the amount of fuel remaining in an aircraft fuel tank is effected by delivering a constant volume flow of an inert gas into the fuel through the respective open distal ends of a sensor conduit tube and a reference conduit tube, each of which extends from a proximal end exterior of the tank to its respective distal open end located within the fuel tank. The sensor conduit tube distal end is fixed closely proximate the bottom of the tank, and the reference conduit tube distal end is fixed proximate but at a vertical spacing h from the sensor conduit tube distal end. The pressure at which the gas is delivered into the fuel at the constant volumetric rate through each of the sensor and reference conduit tubes is monitored. The pressure difference between the monitored pressure in the sensor conduit tube and the pressure in the free space in the fuel tank above the surface of the remaining fuel is directly proportional to the weight of the fuel lying above the sensor conduit tube distal end.

Abstract: A liquid measuring device to detect an amount of liquid contained in a container, having a weight detecting system to detect weight of the container including the liquid contained in the container, and an amount determining system configured to determine the amount of the liquid contained in the container based on the weight detected by the weight detecting system, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring the humidity of materials, in particular the humidity of textiles. The measuring device according to the invention comprises an evaluation circuit EC having electrical terminals (8, 9), an oscillatory circuit (5) and a primary electrical circuit (1) contactlessly coupled to a secondary electrical circuit (2). Each of said primary and secondary circuit (1, 2) comprises a ferromagnetic element (3, 6) and a coil (4, 7) wrapped around it. Switching means (10) are provided for short-circuiting the coil in the secondary circuit (2) in response to the electrical resistance of an electric load connected the electrical terminals (8, 9) and output means (11) for outputting signals in response to the short-circuiting of the switching means (10) are also provided. A laundry drying machine comprising a measuring device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A force measurement system includes an effector device with a hollow interior, an inner support secured within the hollow interior of the effector device, and at least one sensor secured at a selected location to the inner support and configured to measure a force applied to the inner support. At least one outer surface portion of the inner support is coupled with at least one interior surface portion of the effector device such that forces applied to the effector device are at least partially transferred to the inner support for measurement by the sensor.

Abstract: A device that provides an output at the instant that peak velocity is reached. It is comprised of two main components, namely an acceleration detection switch connected in series with another acceleration detection switch.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable terminal that measures a reference tilt and a method of measuring the reference tilt using the same. The portable terminal includes a movement sensor for measuring a tilt of the portable terminal using a gravitational acceleration value, and a controller for dividing a preset time into separate time sections and measuring an acceleration value in each separate time section by using the movement sensor, calculating a standard deviation of the accelerations in each separate time section and determining one time section in which movement is minimal, and calculating a tilt of the portable terminal from an average of the accelerations in the determined one time section or a sum of weight values therein and setting the calculated tilt as the reference tilt of the portable terminal.

Abstract: A metal rod guide (30) supports a metal rod (1) that can be inclined at an arbitrary angle, the support is instantaneously released to produce a free fall state, and during the release period, a first end surface (2) of the metal rod is impacted by a projectile (3) at the same angle as the metal rod, generating an elastic wave pulse in the metal rod. A direct current acceleration sensor (23) detects an acceleration arising when the elastic wave pulse reflects at the other end surface (22) of the metal rod. A strain gauge (25) provided on a side surface of the metal rod and/or a laser interferometer (24) measure strain and end surface motion and the measured values are processed to obtain a frequency response of the direct current acceleration sensor and measure frequency characteristics of the direct current acceleration sensor.

Abstract: The acceleration measurement system comprises a first thermal cell optimized in sensitivity and a second thermal cell optimized in passband, which cells are connected to inputs of a servo-control loop including an amplifier presenting gain that varies as a function of input signal frequency.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a micromachined transducer and a charge pump. More particularly, on one silicon substrate, a control circuit delivers high voltage from the charge pump to operate the transducer. An electronic apparatus, such as a cell phone or automatic test equipment may include such an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A monolithic integrated 3-axis accelerometer chip includes a single crystal substrate, the substrate including at least one single crystal membrane layer portion. A single sensor microstructure made from the single crystal membrane senses acceleration in each of the three orthogonal directions. At least one electronic circuit can also be disposed on the chip, such as a circuit for driving, detecting, controlling and signal processing.

Abstract: Sensors and systems for monitoring structural health conditions. The present invention provides a device for monitoring structural health conditions including a dielectric substrate, a piezoelectric device for actuating and/or sensing Lamb waves, a molding layer deposited over the piezoelectric device, a cover layer deposited over the molding layer and a hoop layer surrounding the piezoelectric device and being attached to the substrate. The device further includes an optical fiber coil sensor attached to the dielectric substrate, where the coil sensor has a rolled optical fiber cable and a coating layer applied to the rolled optical fiber cable. The present invention also provides a diagnostic patch network that includes a plurality of patch sensors attached to a host structure and a bridge box connected to the patch sensors. The bridge box sends information of structural health conditions to and receive power from a ground control system using a wireless communication technique.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for evaluating, during a welding process, a welded joint as it is forming between at least two parts of a joint using at least one ultrasonic transmitter sound penetrating the region of the forming welded joint with ultrasonic waves and at least one ultrasonic receiver, which registers the changes in sound transmittance of the ultrasonic waves penetrating the region of the forming welded joint in order to evaluate the welded joint. The invention is distinguished by sound being transmitted with longitudinal (l) and transverse(t) ultrasonic waves into the region of the welded joint, the time-dependent changes in sound transmittance Dl(t), Dt(t) of the longitudinal ultrasonic waves (l) and the transverse ultrasonic waves (t) being registered separately, and using the ratio of Dl(t) to Dt(t), the time point ts at which a molten mass forms in the region of the welded joint being determined and serving as a basis for evaluating the welded joint.

Abstract: A lubricity sensor includes a flexural plate wave device and a face shear mode bulk acoustic wave device, which is associated with and located proximate to the flexural plate wave device. The face shear mode bulk acoustic wave device and the flexural plate wave device form a lubricity sensor wherein acoustic wave data produced by the flexural plate device together with the face shear mode bulk acoustic wave device when the lubricity sensor is exposed to a liquid relates directly to a lubricity of the liquid thereby providing lubricity measurement data associated with the liquid. The acoustic wave data can comprises the oscillation gain compensation, the frequency, amplitude and/or phase velocity associated with the flexural plate device and the shear mode bulk acoustic wave device such that the oscillation gain compensation, the frequency, amplitude and/or phase velocity provide an indication of the lubricity of the liquid.

Abstract: Ultrasound for use in chemical reactions is generated by an electromagnet formed from an ultrasound transducer whose central feature is a loop of magnetostrictive material wound with coils oriented to produce an oscillating magnetostrictive force when an oscillating voltage is applied. The oscillations in the transducer loop are transmitted to an ultrasonic horn that is immersed in a reaction medium where the ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted directly to the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A device for detecting labels on a carrier material conveyed through a detection plane includes an optical sensor and an ultrasonic sensor. Each sensor is arranged to detect labels. Switching elements selectively activate one of the sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which employs phase or amplitude modulated electromagnetic probing waves (in optical or microwave frequency ranges or both) emitted toward a vibrating object. The optical and/or microwave probing signals remotely irradiate an object of interest. The object reflects and/or scatters the probing wave toward to a receiver. The reflected/scattered modulated signal is received with a remote sensor (receiver). Vibration causes additional phase modulation to the probing wave. At the receiving end, the signal is demodulated to extract and analyze the vibration waveform. The present invention can be utilized for nondestructive testing, monitoring of technological processes, structural integrity, noise and vibration control, mine detection, etc.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an integrated differential pressure sensor includes forming, in a monolithic body of semiconductor material having a first face and a second face, a cavity extending at a distance from the first face and delimiting therewith a flexible membrane, forming an access passage in fluid communication with the cavity, and forming, in the flexible membrane, at least one transduction element configured so as to convert a deformation of the flexible membrane into electrical signals. The cavity is formed in a position set at a distance from the second face and delimits, together with the second face, a portion of the monolithic body. In order to form the access passage, the monolithic body is etched so as to form an access trench extending through it.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises a thin disk-shaped diaphragm, a laser displacement meter for detecting an amount of deformation of the diaphragm, and an operation part connected to the laser displacement meter. In the pressure sensor, an amount of deformation of the diaphragm due to pressure of fluid flowing into the pressure sensor is detected by the laser displacement meter, and pressure of the fluid is obtained on the basis of the amount of deformation and conversion information stored in the operation part in advance. The base part of the diaphragm of the pressure sensor is made of graphite (or silicon substrate), and a thin film of silicon carbide which is in contact with fluid is formed on a surface of the base part. This improves chemical resistance to the pressure sensor and extends the lifetime of the pressure sensor while preventing metal elution.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate that defines a plane. The apparatus also includes a first conducting plate that is substantially normal to the substrate and a second conducting plate that is (i) substantially normal to the substrate and (ii) deformable in response to a pressure.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate that defines a plane. The apparatus also includes a first conducting plate that is substantially normal to the substrate and a second conducting plate that is (i) substantially normal to the substrate and (ii) deformable in response to a pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring residual stress are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of measuring residual stress in a material under test includes directing radiation onto a stressed material and detecting the resulting diffraction peaks to measure known residual stress of a control specimen, inducing and sensing magnetoelastic interactions onto the control specimen, developing an empirical database of the diffraction and magnetoelastic interaction measurements of the control specimen, inducing and measuring magnetoelastic interactions on a material under test, and correlating the empirical database to the magnetoelastic interaction outputs from the material under test.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the alignment and location of a sample (7), such as pills or tablets, for carrying out a further method step, such as a hardness test, with the aid of two opposing jaws (2, 3, 21), which may be moved relative to each other, the movable compression jaw (2) of which displaces the sample (7) along a guide track on to the fixed counter-jaw (3, 21), in order to begin the further method step with the sample (7). The forward movement of the movable compressing jaw (2), along with the sample (7) towards the fixed counter-jaw (3, 21) is continuously interrupted, the compressing jaw (2) being drawn backwards and driven forwards, such that the sample oscillates about the rest position thereof and then the compressing jaw (2) continues the movement towards the counter-jaw (3, 21) until the sample (7) reaches said counter-jaw (21).

Abstract: A test body clamping device in a rheometer comprises two clamping jaws between which a test body can be clamped, and an operating device for moving the clamping jaws towards and away from each other. The invention provides that each clamping jaw is pivotably disposed about an axis, wherein the axes extend parallel to each other and parallel to a clamping surface of the respective clamping jaw. The clamping jaws moreover have an associated common drive part for exerting a drive force onto both clamping jaws, which produces a synchronized pivoting motion of both clamping jaws, wherein the clamping jaws are subjected, in their clamped position, to the action of a common clamping force element, in particular a clamping spring.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator liquid flow meter comprising a body having an inlet portion to receive a flow of liquid to be measured, an outlet portion, a main channel defining a flow path between the inlet and outlet, the flow path including feedback means to induce oscillations in the flowing fluid, the oscillations being detected by detector means comprising means to apply a magnetic field across the flow path and sensing electrodes to detect the resulting e.m.f, the electrodes being positioned such that they protrude from the body into the flow path. A meter having driving signal means, which applies an alternating driving signal to the sensing electrodes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-contact fluid flow monitor that enables a two component system comprised of a removable conduit and reusable flow rate sensor is described. The monitor is capable of measuring fluid flow velocity and the dimensions of the removable conduit thereby calculating a true volumetric flow rate. The monitor is further capable of determining the refractive index of the fluid thereby verifying that the fluid flowing through the conduit has this expected property.

Abstract: A hybrid tactile sensor includes a flexible cloth-based tactile sensor array including a plurality of electrodes, each of the electrodes connected to a corresponding connecting zone of an intermediate connecting harness made from a flexible film such as Kapton®. The harness includes a common bundle of parallel conductors etched or printed onto the harness and connecting each of the connecting zones to a common terminal for further attaching to a control unit of the sensor. The use of the harness allows repeatable manufacturing of sensor arrays with large number of electrodes or when they are located close to each other. Each connecting zone may include an interconnecting pad for crimping, soldering, or adhering the electrode thereto using a conductive epoxy. Alternative embodiments describe the use of U-shaped malleable connectors, jumper wires including those equipped with U-shaped clips, and other means of attaching electrodes to corresponding connecting zones.