Abstract: An auger type ice making machine is provided with a freezing cylinder (21) into which water for making ice is supplied, an ice-scraping auger (23) for scraping ice formed on the inner surface of the freezing cylinder (21), and an auger motor (25) for driving the ice-scraping auger (23). An freezing apparatus (10) has a compressor (11) driven by a motor (16), circulating refrigerant discharged from the compressor (11) through a condenser (12), a dryer (13), a constant pressure expansion valve (14), and an evaporator (15) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the freezing cylinder (21). At the outlet of the evaporator (15) there is provided a temperature sensor (41) for sensing refrigerant temperature. A controller (42) controls the rotational speed of the motor (16) through an inverter circuit (43) such that the sensed refrigerant temperature is equal to a specified refrigerant temperature, allowing the freezing apparatus (10) to keep ice-making performance thereof.

Abstract: A closed loop air conditioning system for an aircraft includes a compressor stage including at least one power driven compressor, for compressing working fluid, a first expansion turbine over which compressed working fluid is expanded and cooled, a first heat load heat exchanger in which heat from a first heat load is exchanged to the expanded and cooled working fluid, a second expansion turbine over which working fluid from the first heat exchanger is further expanded and cooled, and a second heat load heat exchanger in which heat from a second heat load is exchanged to the further expanded and cooled working fluid.

Abstract: An oil checking device for compressor of air conditioning system includes an oil container connected to an high-pressure part of the air conditioning system to receive refrigerant and oil from the high-pressure part, the oil container being formed of a transparent material so that a user can observe the oil mixed with the refrigerant, a valve member for selectively opening a gas line and a liquid line respectively connected to upper-inner and lower-inner portions of the oil container to exhaust refrigerant gas and compressor oil from the oil container to a low-pressure part of the air conditioning system, a ball floater disposed in the oil container, and an oil amount/state display part formed on the oil container, the oil amount/state display part having a reference oil level that can be compared with the compressor oil level and a reference color that can be compared with a color of the compressor oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for servicing refrigeration system (12) which provides a single device for recovering and reclaiming refrigerant, flushing the refrigerant system with solvent, and recharging the system with refrigerant. Refrigerant is recovered and reclaimed by withdrawing the refrigerant from the refrigeration system, vaporizing the refrigerant, removing the contamination from the refrigerant, liquefying the refrigerant, and then storing the cleaned refrigerant. The refrigeration system, or a component of it, can then be cleaned with solvent, using the same apparatus used to flush the refrigeration system with solvent. After flushing, the solvent is processed by vaporizing the solvent, removing the contamination from the solvent, liquefying the solvent, and then storing the cleaned solvent.

Abstract: An outdoor unit of an air conditioner which is partitioned into a fan chamber disposed with a fan and a machine chamber other than the fan chamber and in which a heat-emitting part is disposed includes a casing and a impermeable plate. The casing is disposed inside the fan chamber, is disposed with openings, and houses inside the heat-emitting part. The impermeable plate employs a structure where the impermeable plate is disposed in the casing between a position where the openings are disposed and a position where the heat-emitting part is housed, and through which it is more difficult for water to pass than air. Thus, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is configured to improve the effect of cooling a heat-emitting part while preventing water from coming into contact with the heat-emitting part.

Abstract: A Thermostatic Flow Controller composed of two capillary tubes and a tube form receiver, placed in thermal contact with the suction line. It makes a robust, hermitic closed device, without any moveable parts, no need for adjustment or service and therefor suited for inaccessible placement—for instance encapsulated in isolation foam. The flow of refrigerant to the evaporator is controlled by the pressure in the receiver—and the pressure in the receiver is controlled by the need for refrigerant in the evaporator. This balance ensures that the evaporator is flooded, and thereby exploited 100%—for all kind of charges. The invention is suited for small household freezers and refrigerators. For a small extra cost, it replaces the traditional capillary tube, and makes these devices working optimal on both cold and warm locations, and makes the manufacturing more easy because the amount of refrigerant is no longer critical as it is for traditional capillary tubes.

Abstract: An article convertible from an eyeglass retainer to multiple independent jewelry articles has three strands that can be linked together to form a single continuous strand with optical couplers at each end for mounting to the temple arms of conventional eyeglasses. The strands can be uncoupled to form various jewelry items, such as a necklace, bracelet and dangling glass extensions. The strands are made of a plurality of decorative jewelry elements, such as beads, bars charms and other adornments linked together end to end. Bayonet type connections between the strands and decorative accessories coupled thereto make for quick and easy conversion from eyeglass retainer to jewelry items.

Abstract: Open ended metal coil strung with decorative beads holds a key ring securely in place on a wearer's wrist, or a purse or stroller handle. Function and convenience of a key carrying device is combined with a fashion accessory.

Abstract: A fragrant decorative jewelry accessory includes an infusion of fragrantly volatile molecules into the accessory, and an adhesive on the underside of the accessory intended to removably attach the accessory. Fragrance may be infused on the accessory by soaking an absorbent material with the fragrantly volatile molecules, through a printing technique, through attaching encapsulated fragrance molecules onto the accessory or through the attachment of an fragrance layer onto the accessory. The fragrant decorative accessory can be removably attached to clothing, a bra strap, a choker or a hair accessory.

Abstract: The jewel holder 10 comprising an annular member of a thin line body with a plurality of claw portions 14 thereon has a diameter smaller than a diameter of a girdle 1d of a cut jewel 1, in which the annular member 12 fits at a pavilion 1b of the cut jewel 1 and the claw portions 14 press down a pavilion of the cut jewel 1, thereby holding the cut jewel 1 firmly.

Abstract: A new method of cutting a gemstone such as a diamond, known as the “Galush” cut, is provided. According to an embodiment of the invention, the “Galush” cut gemstone has a crown portion, a pavilion portion and a girdle portion provided between the crown portion and pavilion portion. The crown portion includes an upper surface having a shape configured by first, second and third boundaries, which form a perimeter around the crown of the gemstone. Each of the first and second boundaries has first and second ends, and the third boundary is arc-shaped having first and second edges. The first and second edges of the arc-shaped boundary adjoin the first end of each of the first and second boundaries and the second end of each of the first and second boundaries meet at a common tip.

Abstract: A bottle making machine includes: a plurality of molds (2) for forming bottles; and cooling mechanisms (6) respectively provided for the molds. Each cooling mechanism (6) is used for exposing a corresponding mold (2) to a cooling wind to individually control a temperature of the mold (2) and includes a temperature sensor (3) for individually detecting the temperature of the mold (2) and a valve mechanism (8) for opening and closing a cooling wind path (7) that directs the cooling wind to the mold (2). An opening and closing operation of the valve mechanism (8) of each cooling mechanism (6) is controlled in accordance with a switching signal from a temperature control device 5. The temperature control device (5) fetches the temperature of the mold (2) detected by the temperature sensor (3) of each cooling mechanism (6) via a temperature indicator panel (4) at a constant interval and accumulates it in a memory.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drum type washing machine designed to continuously raise and drop wash water during washing operation to enhance washing efficiency. The drum type washing machine includes a tub to hold wash water, a rotational drum rotatably installed in the tub, and a water raising unit having a plurality of water pockets equipped in a rotating direction of the rotational drum to an inner rear side of the rotational drum to raise and drop the wash water when the rotational drum is rotated.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting the unbalance of a rotatable component of a domestic appliance, in which device and method a mass, which is movable in dependence on motions of the rotatable component that are caused by unbalance, and/or a spring force which acts upon the mass, and/or a fluidic damping which acts upon the mass, is/are so defined that, above a predefined frequency, movements of the mass are substantially non-dependent on frequency, or frequency-dependent components of movements of the mass are within a predefined range.

Abstract: A steering lock device according to the present invention includes: a lock bolt for locking or unlocking a movable member that operates in conjunction with steering operation; first and second position detection members for detecting an operating position of the lock bolt; a position determination member for determining an operating state of the lock bolt based on a detection signal from the position detection members, the first and second position detection members being so placed as to generate a time difference between detection time points of a locked position and an unlocked position by the first and second position detection members; and a failure determination means for determining the presence of a failure based on an actual detection time difference and on a preset allowable range of the time difference.

Abstract: A key with identifier inserts has a bow casing, a key blade, multiple identifier inserts and a replacement bar. The key blade is attached to the bow casing and has multiple holes. The identifier inserts are mounted respectively in the holes. The replacement bar is mounted on the key blade, extends into the bow casing and has multiple hole assemblies. The hole assemblies are formed through the replacement bar and correspond respectively to the holes in the key blade. Each hole assembly has a replacement hole, an operating hole and an interval. The replacement hole is bigger than a corresponding identifier insert for conveniently replacing the identifier inserts. The operating hole is smaller than a corresponding identifier insert and selectively aligns with the identifier insert to reveal the identifier insert. The interval separates the replacement hole and the operating hole and holds the identifier insert in the key blade.

Abstract: A portable key assembly occupies less space and is attachable to certain attachment structures for providing a key-turning moment arm. The portable key assembly is set with a key body, a lock fastener, and an abbreviated key handle on one end of the key body. The portable key assembly can be connected and overlapped in face-to-face relation with other keys or key accessories so that the same may be well combined, easily located, and convenient to carry. A moment arm extension can be formed by connecting the portable key assembly with other keys or key accessories. The turning torque of the key handle may thus be enlarged so that the portable key assembly can function properly even if the key handle is shortened and the volume of the whole key is reduced.

Abstract: The cylinder lock is comprised of a cylinder housing (10.1) and of a cylinder core (20.1), which is mounted therein and which accommodates spring-loaded plate-shaped tumblers (31.1) that can be longitudinal placed therein. The plate longitudinal edges (30.1, 30.2) of the tumblers are then guided on guiding surfaces (21.1, 22.1) inside the cylinder core (20.1). The tumblers (31.1) have control edges (41.1) placed at defined heights (45). The aim of the invention is to render the cylinder lock not only burglar-proof, but to also ensure a reliable protection against the loss of tumblers. To this end, the invention firstly provides that a cam (36.1) having a least one pair of flanks (37.1, 38.1) is placed either on one plate longitudinal edge (30.1) of the tumblers (31.1) or on the guiding surface in the cylinder core facing said plate longitudinal edge. The invention also provides that a cutout (26.1) is made either on the cylinder core (20.1) next to its cavity (23.1) for tumbler (31.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for enhancing the plant nutrient value of relatively low analysis organic waste material (e.g. sewage sludge) involves treating the waste material with an acid and base in a pipe-cross reactor or tubular to form a melt; spraying the melt onto a recycling bed of fines in a granulator and flashing off the water contained in the melt as steam; rolling the melt onto recycled fine particles in a granulator to form granulated particles; and drying these granulated particles in a to form an enhanced plant nutrient value composition (e.g. a fertilizer or soil conditioner having a greater NPK value than the original relatively low analysis organic waste material). The process further includes drawing off the fumes from the granulator, passing them through a dryer with the granulated particles, and subsequently oxidizing the fumes to eliminate volatile organic compounds and/or gaseous hydrocarbon pollutants be converting such into carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a control device for operating a mill train for metal strip, which comprises at least one roll stand, the intrinsic flatness of the metal strip being determined at the discharge point of the mill train. In order to ensure in a reliable and sufficiently accurate manner that a required visible flatness of the rolled metal strip is kept within predefined limits, the bulging behavior of the metal strip is measured at the discharge point of the mill train and is translated into the intrinsic flatness of thermal strip by means of a bulging model. The visible flatness can thus be better regulated online along the entire mill train by using the bulging mode.

Abstract: A seamless tube producing method uses a piercing/rolling plug wherein piercing/rolling is performed with an inclined rotary piercing mill while the seamless tube piercing/rolling plug is used as a piercing tool. In one mode, a front part and a rear part of the split plug are held as an integral plug, the front part being made of low alloy steel, and oxide films are formed on surfaces of the front part and rear part. In a second mode, the front part and/or rear part are replaceable via a removable mounting wherein a mandrel bar holding the plug goes through the rear part, the mandrel bar being coupled with the front part. A thickness of the oxide film formed in the front part can be 200 ?m or more and the oxide film of the front part can be thicker than the oxide film of the rear part.

Abstract: A flanging apparatus for use in roller hemming with a robotic hemming roller and a roller hemming anvil having a peripherally disposed hemming surface includes a tool insert having a flanging surface including a peripherally disposed flanging edge of a shape generally corresponding to a shape of the hemming surface of the hemming anvil. The flanging edge is set at an angle for flanging or pre-bending an outer metal panel used to form a closure panel. The insert is adapted to mount relative to the roller hemming anvil and the outer panel. The outer panel is flanged against the tool insert flanging surface using the hemming roller. Thereafter the tool insert is removable to allow the hemming roller to finish hem together an inner metal panel disposedly nested on the flanged outer panel.

Abstract: A material member blanked from metal sheet is subjected to upsetting to form an annular peripheral portion that is thinner than the center part of the material inside the annular portion, and the thicker inside portion is formed into a concavity. The first intermediate product thus formed is drawn to form a cup-shaped case with an internal boss and/or an external boss, and an outside flange. The intermediate product can also be used to make gears and the like.

Abstract: A control device, for a servo die cushion, for precisely performing force control without using a force detector. The control device includes a slide position detecting part for detecting the position of the slide, a storing part for storing information representing a relation between the position of the slide and the speed of the die cushion, the information being predetermined such that the force between the slide and the die cushion is set to a desired force and a die cushion speed commanding part for generating a speed command of the die cushion based on the information and the position of the slide detected by the slide position detecting part.

Abstract: A control system, for a press machine including a plurality of die cushions, by which force control and position control may be suitably switched from one to another in each control device for each of the die cushions. The control system includes a plurality of control devices for controlling a servomotor of each die cushion and a switching signal generating part capable of collecting the judgment result of each control device. The switching signal generating part transmits a switching signal to each control device, in order to switch the control mode of each control device.

Abstract: A control device for a press machine, by which one of the slide and the die cushion is suitably controlled, when a malfunction occurs in the other, such that the force between the slide and the die cushion does not excessively increase. The control device includes a slide control part for controlling the motion of the slide and a die cushion control part for controlling the motion of the die cushion. A first transmitter transmits an abnormal signal from the die cushion control part to the slide control part when a first detector detects a malfunction of the die cushion. The slide control part is configured to move the slide, when receiving the abnormal signal, such that the slide is away from the position of the die cushion at the time of receiving the abnormal signal by a certain distance and, to stop the slide.

Abstract: A device for controlling a die cushion mechanism including a servo-motor as a drive source and producing a force adapted to be applied to a slide in a press machine. The device includes a section for commanding a force to be produced by the die cushion mechanism; a section for detecting a force produced by the die cushion mechanism and applied to the slide; a section for detecting a moving speed of the slide; and a section for executing a force control on the servo-motor. The force controlling section executes force controls in mutually different modes on the servo-motor, through mutually different control loops, one mode being provided for an initial stage defined from an instant when the die cushion mechanism starts producing the force to be applied to the slide until a predetermined subsequent instant, and another mode being provided for a succeeding stage defined after the predetermined subsequent instant, by using at least a slide-speed detected value detected by the slide-speed detecting section.

Abstract: A flanged plate (1) for a rolling-lobe air spring has on its rounded portion an annular, closed, concave, rounded holding recess (13) which has a circular arcuate shape. The plate is provided with the recess before surface treatment. A correspondingly shaped holding bead (16) in the upper flanging tool (3) engages in this holding recess and form-tightly holds the tool (3) and the flanged plate (1). In this way, sharp-edged holding grooves, which can damage the surface of the flanged plate, are unnecessary. The flanging method, the flanging device, the flanged plate and the rolling-lobe air spring provided with a flanged plate of the above type are described.

Abstract: A tube coupling (10) has a tubular fitting (14) with a nipple (18) with at least one exterior annular groove (20). A deformable tube (12) has one end to fit over the nipple and has a crimp section (28) deformed into the groove with longitudinally extending ribs (30) circumferentially spared about the tube.

Abstract: Press brake tool holders suitable for holding press brake tools for punching and/or otherwise deforming workpieces, such as sheet metal. Provided in some embodiments is a press brake tool holder. Some embodiments provide the tool holder in combination with a press brake tool. Methods of using press brake tool holders are also provided. In certain embodiments, the tool holder has a tool-seating mechanism adapted for moving a tool parallel to a pressing axis of the tool holder.

Abstract: A method of analysing tachometer and vibration response data from an apparatus having one or more rotary components is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing vibration response data and corresponding tachometer data from the apparatus for a period over which a rotary component of the apparatus varies in rotational speed, the tachometer data being for that component; repeatedly performing at intervals throughout the period the sub-steps of: determining a forcing frequency of the component from the tachometer data and a corresponding vibration response frequency of the apparatus from the vibration response data, comparing the forcing and vibration response frequencies to determine the relative phase difference between the frequencies, and determining the corresponding amplitude of the vibration response from the vibration response data; and plotting the relative phase differences and vibration amplitudes on a polar diagram.

Abstract: Techniques for measuring a density of a liquid within a fluid that includes both a liquid and a gas are described. A pressure of the fluid oscillates according to a time-varying function, which causes a density of the fluid also to oscillate according to the same time-varying function. A resulting pressure signal and density signal are analyzed to extract at least a first and second pressure value and at least a first and second density value, where the first pressure and density values occur at a first time, and the second pressure and density values occur at a second time. Then, the liquid density is calculated from the first and second pressure and density values. As a result, the liquid density may be calculated quickly and easily, with a minimum of effort on the part of an operator, and without requiring disruption of other measurement processes associated with the flowtube.

Abstract: A leak sensor and a leak sensing system are provided. The leak sensor preferably includes a fluid sensing member that is capable of sensing and indicating the presence of a fluid leaked from a fluid storage or transport member. The leak sensor further preferably includes at least two wires communicating with the fluid sensing member. The wires are preferably configured to be short-circuited when they contact the fluid leaked from the fluid storage or transport member. An electrical signal corresponding to a leak sensor location can thereby be sent to a control terminal of the leak sensing system. A portion of the wires may be arranged in a cable coated with a protective material such as Teflon. The control box (or terminal) preferably receives electrical signals from a plurality of leak sensors. The electrical signals can provide information on whether the fluid has leaked and on which leak sensor or sensors have detected the fluid leak.

Abstract: A liquid state detection sensor in which temperature information of a urea aqueous solution is obtained on the basis of a voltage value acquired after the start of energization of a heating resistor corresponding to a resistance value of the heating resistor (S1-S6). Damage to the heating resistor is prevented by suspending the energization if the thus-obtained temperature is lower than or equal to the freezing point (S7: yes and S8). If the temperature is higher than the freezing point (S7: no), a voltage value corresponding to a resistance of the heating resistor after a lapse of 700 ms (S10 and S11) and a urea concentration of the urea aqueous solution are determined from a difference ?V from the previously acquired voltage value. A more accurate urea concentration can be detected by making a correction using the previously obtained temperature information of the urea aqueous solution (S13-S18).

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a characteristic of a fluid flow within a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a separating device for separating the fluid into a gas component and a liquid component and directing the gas component to flow within a gas leg portion of the pipe and the liquid component to flow within a liquid portion of the pipe. The apparatus includes a gas leg portion metering device for generating gas component data and a liquid leg portion metering device for generating liquid component data. Moreover, the apparatus includes a processing device communicated with at least one of the gas leg portion metering device and the liquid leg portion metering device, the processing device being configured to receive and process at least one of the gas component data and the liquid component data to generate fluid flow data responsive to a fluid flow characteristic.

Abstract: The invention refers to a pressure sensor comprising a membrane which separates a measuring device receiving the deformation of the membrane caused by pressure from the pressurised pressure space. The pressure sensor is formed by a basic body. The pressure sensor is set in a wall defining the pressure space. The membrane is orientated essentially parallel to the surface normal line of this opening.

Abstract: A method for determining fuel dilution of diesel engine lubricating oil in a diesel engine. A first table contains a soot compensation factor, respectively, for each weight of oil selected among a predetermined range of oil weights. A second table contains fuel dilution levels for a plurality of predetermined compensated viscosity ratios. After determining the weight of the oil in the engine a first viscosity of the oil at a first temperature and a second viscosity of the oil at a second temperature are measured. Next, either a ratio or a difference of the first and second viscosities is determined. Using the ratio, soot in the oil is compensated using a soot compensation factor of the first table which is respective of the oil to thereby provide a compensated viscosity ratio. Finally, the compensated viscosity ratio is compared with the second table to thereby determine the fuel dilution level.

Abstract: An air pump includes a cylindrical casing, a manometer movably received in the cylindrical casing to be selectively extended out of the cylindrical casing, an air duct securely received in the manometer to be firmly engaged with an inner face defining the reduced bottom opening of the cylindrical casing, a tube to be received inside the manometer, a rod having an annular groove to receive therein a second O ring, a recoil spring mounted outside the manometer. Therefore, when the first O ring is moved upward relative to a downward movement of the manometer to abut a top periphery of the groove, air inside a space defined by the manometer and cylindrical casing is able to flow through a gap between the manometer and the tube and into the air duct via a channel in the rod and into an object to be inflated.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is wound in a helical pattern around a roller for providing a continuous measurement of the stress distribution within a material passing over the roller. The sensor may be a fluid filled tube having a pressure sensor at one end, or may be a piezoelectric ribbon. As the material passes over the roller, it is always applying pressure to one portion of the sensor. By monitoring the angular position of the roller, the points at which stress is being measured across the width of the material is known. The stress distribution may then be used to determine the flatness of the material passing over the roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the precision of wind tunnel measurements, particularly to correct the influence of a suspension device, wherein a model, particularly an aircraft model, being introduced into a wind tunnel on the suspension device, which has multiple suspension wires, and at least one sleeve being attached to each suspension wire, having the following steps: performing at least two measurements with identical model configuration with at least one effective diameter and/or with the suspension wire diameter in each case to ascertain at least two raw measured values and ascertaining a corrected final measured value for the model from at least two measured values.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for measuring the level and/or volume of a liquid stored in a container. The apparatus comprises at least one pair of electrodes mounted in the interior of the container in such a position that said electrodes are partially or totally immersed in the liquid stored in the container, said pair of electrodes acting as one of the capacitors of a Wien bridge to modify the output signal generated by the bridge-circuit to, in addition to measuring and indicating the volume of the liquid, also providing an indication of the quality of the liquid in the container and/or the ratio between two different types of liquid stored in the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling level sensor for a fuel tank 2, comprising a ceramic mounting plate 5 with a resistance network 6 arranged thereon and a contact structure 8 for the detection of an electrical filling level signal, and a cover 9 connected to the mounting plate 5, the cover 9 and the mounting plate 5 forming a housing 10. The cover 9 is strengthened in its edge area.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive small-sized liquid level detector. A liquid level detector 1 includes a float moving in accordance with variations in liquid level, a hard circuit board 5, resistors 12a and 12b provided on the circuit board 5, a first sliding path 14 made of a plurality of electrodes 13 provided on the circuit board 5 and connected to the resistors 12a and 12b, and a first contact 6 coming into contact with the first sliding path 14, and the liquid level detector 1 outputs an electrical signal based on the resistances of the resistors 12a and 12b which are varied by the first contact 6 coming into contact with at least one of the plurality of electrodes 13 forming the first sliding path 14 in accordance with a variation of the float.

Abstract: In order to be able to determine the imbalance of rotors (2) with pocket hole bores with great precision in a bearing arrangement with a bearing mandrel (5) for holding a rotor (2), without journals but having a bore (6), in a balancing device, in which the bearing mandrel (5) has orifices (10, 20) for the passage of fluid, a fluid supply to a fluid chamber (40) disposed between the end of the pocket hole bore and the end of the bearing mandrel is provided to form a cushion of fluid with which the rotor is supported in the axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tachometer for an aircraft wheel mounted on an axle to rotate about an axis of rotation, the tachometer comprising a stationary part for securing to the axle and a rotary part for being driven in rotation by the wheel, one of the stationary part and the rotary part including a remote sensor adapted to co-operate with an indicator element carried by the facing other part of the sensor in order to generate information about the speed of rotation of the wheel, the stationary and rotary parts having portions that extend facing each other in a radial direction, the remote sensor and the indicator element being carried by the portions so as to be in register with each other in a radial direction. According to the invention, the portion secured to the rotary part extends inside the axle.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for determining a property of an object by measuring ultrasonic attenuation. With the proposed method, a measured ultrasonic interaction signal of the object is compared with a reference signal produced using the same generation and detection setup, but using a reference part. The reference ultrasonic signal has low attenuation, and exhibits equivalent diffraction properties as the object, with respect to a broadband ultrasonic pulse. The difference is attributable to the attenuation of the object. The attenuation as a function of frequency, the attenuation spectrum, is fitted to a model to obtain a parameter useful for identifying one of the many properties of an object that varies with ultrasonic attenuation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a load in a structural element include placing at least one actuator and sensor on the structural element. The actuator is capable of exciting a wave of a predetermined frequency in the structural element and the sensor is capable of sensing the wave excited in the structural element. A computer control unit is applied to operate the actuator so as to excite a wave in the structural member in at least a first frequency, and to operate the sensor so as to measure at least one of a change in a resonance frequency in the structural element as a result of a change in loading on the structural member and a change in phase angle in the wave sensed by the sensor as a result of a change in loading on the structural member.

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: The invention relates to an apparatus used in a method for determining the limpness of sheet material, in particular of bank notes, wherein the sheet material is irradiated with sound waves, sound waves emanating from the sheet material are captured and the limpness of the sheet material is determined therefrom. An especially simple and reliable determination of limpness even independent of the degree of soiling of the sheet material can be achieved by measuring both the transmitted and the reflected sound waves and to form a mathematical ratio of the reflected and transmitted sound-waves, in order to determine the limpness.

Abstract: Method and device for determining a quantity or mass of glue applied to a wrapping strip of the tobacco-processing industry, machine including the device and process. The method includes acting on the wrapping strip with ultrasound waves, receiving the ultrasound waves permeating through the wrapping strip as ultrasonic signals, and determining at least one of a quantity or mass of glue based on the ultrasonic signals received.