Abstract: A system and method for determining deposition parameters within an industrial heating system is provided. The system includes a phased array probe arranged adjacent to a tube within the industrial heating system. The phased array probe transmits and receives signals. A processing unit is in communication with the phased array probe for processing the received signals to generate data on deposition parameters of the tube. A display unit is coupled to the processing unit for displaying the data.

Abstract: Improved apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided that use a probe with sled appendages and an axial braking system. The probe uses pulse echo ultrasonic signals to inspect the structure. The sled appendages permit the probe to contact and ride along the surface of the structure and are rotatably connected and curved away from the surface of the structure to compensate for contoured surfaces and inspection around holes and edges. The axial braking system, in coordination with a motion control system moving the probe, fixes the positions of the sled appendages just before the probe travels over a hole or off an edge of the structure to prevent the probe from falling through the hole or off an edge and to permit the probe to return to the surface of the structure to continue inspection of the structure.

Abstract: Improved apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided that use a pedestal robot mounted on a rail system, a probe extension coupler, and an inspection probe capable of performing pulse echo ultrasonic inspection. A probe may also include sled appendages and an axial braking system to inspect over holes and off edges. A probe may also include an ultrasonic pulse echo transducer array for high rate inspection; the transducer array may be mounted in a bubbler shoe for individually coupling each of the transducers in the array. A rail system may also include an optical encoder for providing location information for the robot and axial braking system. A probe extension coupler presses the inspection probe against the structure for adjusting to changes in surface contours.

Abstract: A directional vibration measurement system as described herein includes a magnetic element coupled to a vibrating component, at least two magnetic induction sensors configured to generate sensor signals in response to movement of the magnetic element, and a controller/processor coupled to the sensors for obtaining and processing the sensor signals. The sensors are positioned such that the direction of vibration can be resolved by analyzing and processing the sensor signals. In one example embodiment, the phase relationship between the sensor signals is analyzed to determine the extent of vibration in a first direction and the extent of vibration in a second direction. In another example embodiment, the directional vibration measurement system generates sum and difference signals based upon the sensor signals, and the sum and difference signals are analyzed to determine the extent of vibration in a first direction and the extent of vibration in a second direction.

Abstract: A sensor is described, which basically consists of a leadless high sensitivity differential transducer chip which responds to both static and dynamic pressure. Located on the transducer are two sensors. One sensor has a thicker diaphragm and responds to both static and dynamic pressure to produce an output indicative of essentially static pressure, the static pressure being of a much higher magnitude than dynamic pressure. The other sensor has a thinner diaphragm and has one side or surface responsive to both static and dynamic pressure. The other side of the differential sensor or transducer structure has a long serpentine reference tube coupled to the underneath of the diaphragm. The tube only allows static pressure to be applied on the underside of the diaphragm and because of the natural resonance frequency of the tube, the dynamic pressure is suppressed and does not, in any manner, interface with the sensor or transducer having a thinned diaphragm.

Abstract: A robust, easy to mount probe sensor includes an elongated body enclosing a sensor element and an integral flange extending away from the body. The body and flange are formed of material having a relatively low characteristic yield point. First and second generally parallel closely spaced through passages extend through the flange. An insert formed of material having a relatively high characteristic yield point is disposed in one of the passages. A fastener including a shank portion which extends through the other passageway includes an enlarged head which overlays the insert containing passageway and engages an attachment structure to effect directed compressive loading of the probe sensor flange.

Abstract: The load on an aircraft component, such as the load on or in a landing gear leg during braking, is measured with an all-weather displacement measuring system. The system includes a processing unit, a controllable source of laser light and a light detector comprising a plurality of sensors. When the aircraft component is subjected to a load, relative movement of the source and detector is caused. The source and detector are housed in an inert and dry atmosphere sealed in a container and are therefore protected from the external environment. The detector generates in response to light received from the focused beam of light emitted by the source a signal that is received by a signal processor of the control unit. The signal received by the control unit depends on the relative positions of the source and detector. The control unit is arranged to provide an output signal representative of the load sustained by the aircraft component.

Abstract: An optical sensor (10) that provides for concurrent pressure and temperature measurements at substantially the same location includes at least one launch fiber (22) and at least one temperature sensitive material (52) having a refractive index that changes with a change in temperature. The launch fiber and temperature sensitive material are spaced from each other across a gap (21) having length (L). A reflecting fiber (26) can be provided adjacent the temperature sensitive material. The optical sensor (10) also includes a sealed cavity (20). The launch fiber (22) and reflecting fiber (26) can be attached to the tube and at least partially disposed within the cavity. Changes in pressure change the length (L) of the gap (21).

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a layer of insulation comprises the steps of: contacting a top surface of a portion of the layer of insulation, compressing the portion of the layer of insulation until a predetermined compressive load is achieved, measuring a distance through which the top surface is moved during the compressing step, and determining the thickness of the layer of insulation based on the measured distance. Apparatus is provided for performing the method.

Abstract: A transmitting and receiving circuitry system for an ultrasonic flowmeter includes an ultrasound transducer interface for connection to an ultrasound transducer of the ultrasonic flowmeter, an amplifier with a first input and a second input, as well as a signal generator for activating the ultrasound transducer, with the first input of the amplifier connecting to the signal generator while the second input of the amplifier connects both to the ultrasound transducer interface and, via a feedback element, to the output of the amplifier. The impedance of the feedback element can be varied, permitting an adaptation of the transmitting and receiving circuitry to the operating mode of the ultrasonic flowmeter, in particular an adaptation to a transmitting or receiving mode, whereby an overall improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio is attainable. A method for operating such a system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Flowmeters are described in which a sensor signal received from a sensor that is attached to vibratable flowtube, so as to determine properties of a fluid within the flowtube, contains a drive signal component and a coriolis mode component. The flowmeters are operable to determine drive parameters of the drive signal component, as well as coriolis parameters of the coriolis mode component. By analyzing the sensor signal based on the drive signal parameters, and not on the coriolis signal parameters, the flowmeters are able to provide stable and accurate determinations of the properties of the fluid.

Abstract: An attachment for a fishing rod to respond to tension on the fishing line. In one mode it responds to a lateral pull on the rod tip. In another mode it responds to an axial pull on the line. It enables accurate adjustment of the drag, and can indicate when the tension on the line is in a safe or risky range relative to the rated stress of the line.

Abstract: A force sensor comprises a force sensor chip, and a buffering device for dampening and applying incoming external force to the force sensor chip. The buffering device comprises an input portion to which external force is input, a sensor mount for fixing the force sensor chip to the exterior, a dampening mechanism for dampening external force, and a transmission portion for transmitting the dampened external force to the active sensing portion.

Abstract: A force measuring apparatus comprises a force-transmitting component, on which a strain measuring element is held, which comprises a carrier element and a displacement transducer. The carrier element has two fixing sections at a predefined distance from each other in the direction of the strain with which it is fixed to the component. Furthermore, the carrier element has a strain section, which is provided between the fixing sections and which has a shorter length in the direction of the strain than the distance between the fixing sections and which has a smaller cross section than the remaining carrier element. The displacement transducer is connected to the strain section in order to register the strain of the strain section.

Abstract: A system (20) and method for the inspection of a pipeline (22) is disclosed. The system (20) is made up of a plurality of flexibly coupled modular units (24) configured to pass through the pipeline (22). One modular unit (24) is a tractor unit (40) configured to propel the system (20) through the pipeline (22). Another modular unit (24) is an RFT transmission unit (42) with an excitation coil (58) configured to excite a magnetic field (112) within the pipeline (22). A third modular unit (24) is an RFT reception unit (46) incorporating a pair of adjacent differentially connected reception coils (80) and a differential instrumentation amplifier (100) affixed to a rotational mount (78). A fourth modular unit (24) is a motor unit (44) incorporating a motor (66) which rotates the rotational mount (78). The pair of reception coils (80) detects the magnetic field (112) and produces a differential detection signal which is then amplified and analyzed.

Abstract: A bed of particulate solids is fluidized in a test chamber to yield multiple test samples for subsequent evaluation of segregation effects. A controlled stream of gas enters the chamber in a series of flow rate cycles each progressively increasing to a maximum rate of gas flow and then decreasing, the maximum rate increasing for successive cycles. An indicating function is formed from measurements of corresponding rates of gas flow and pressure across the bed. Upon termination of the fluidization, multiple samples are sequentially extracted from a single space at the bottom of the test chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for translating angular rotation between rotary components. The system includes a rotor and a contact wheel. The rotor is rotatable about a rotary axis at a rotary angular velocity. The rotor includes a radial distance which extends between an exterior radius and an interior radius. The contact wheel is rotatable about a contact axis at a contact angular velocity. The contact axis extends in parallel relationship to the radial distance. The contact wheel is disposed in rotational contact with the radial distance. Rotation of one of the rotor and contact wheel is translated to rotate the other one of the rotor and contact wheel by virtue of the rotational contact between the rotor and contact wheel.

Abstract: A motorcycle transmission (100) utilizes a shift fork (45), a shift collar (30) including a plurality of engagement teeth (30c) and a collar rib (30a) and a gear (34) (or one of the other six gears). The engagement teeth (30c) drive the teeth (34a) of the gear (34). A trap door (49), in combination with a threaded retainer (55), reduces axial play in shafts (37) and (75).

Abstract: A reduction gear unit capable of reducing vibrations caused by gear rattle, while permitting some degree of backlash in a pair of gears, is provided. A reduction gear unit is so configured that a pinion shaft and a main gear shaft are disposed in parallel to each other, and a pinion 1 mounted on the pinion shaft and a main gear 2 mounted on the main gear shaft are arranged to mesh with each other, so as to transmit a rotation of the pinion shaft to the main gear shaft, and includes a housing 11 that encloses the pinion 1 and the main gear 2, where the housing 11 has an inner surface whose width, in a cross section perpendicular to an axial direction of the pinion shaft and the main gear shaft, perpendicular to an imaginary line that connects centers of the pinion shaft and the main gear shaft evenly increases from a pinion side toward a main gear side between ends of arcuate regions respectively enclosing the main gear and the pinion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transfer unit for distributing torque from a transmission assembly between a front wheel drive line and a rear wheel drive line, said power transfer unit includes a housing, non-parallel gear set located in the housing and including a ring gear, and a parallel gear set including an idler, and an idler shaft secured to and supported on the housing. The idler shaft, which extends through the idler gear and supports the idler gear for rotation, includes an interior chamber, an outer surface, and a wall. A portion of the outer surface is formed with a clearance space, into which space a portion of the ring gear extends and rotates. The clearance space communicates through the wall to the chamber, the wall being formed with a hydraulic passage, which carries lubricant from the chamber to the outer surface.

Abstract: A ball screw (26) includes a screw shaft (29) a nut (25) surrounding the screw shaft (29), and a plurality of balls (30) engageable with the screw shaft (29) and the nut (25). The ball screw (26) includes first and second raceways (S, K). The first raceway (S) is defined between the screw shaft (29) and the nut (25), and has first and second ends (S1, S2). The second raceway (K) has first and second ends (K1, K2) respectively connected to the first and second ends (S1, S2) of the first raceway (S) for circulating the balls (30) into the first raceway (S). The second raceway (K) accommodates an odd number of balls (30) at the maximum at a time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control handle for a public works vehicle, comprising a core having an inner cavity. According to the invention, control elements are mounted to said core, said elements comprising buttons and/or sliding members which are intended to be actuated by an operator in order to enable the different functions of the vehicle to be controlled. In addition, at least part of the surface of the aforementioned core is covered with a casing comprising one layer of at least one low-pressure-cast thermosetting polymer foam.

Abstract: A method of making cemented carbide at which powders forming hard constituents and powders forming binder phase are wet milled together with a pressing agent is disclosed. The slurry is dried, preferably by spray drying, compacted into bodies of desired shape and sintered. A cemented carbide powder with a reduced compacting pressure at a predetermined weighing in of 18% shrinkage can be obtained by using from about 1 to about 3 wt-% pressing agent with the following composition: less than about 90 wt-% PEG and greater than about 10 wt-% of long chain C?20 fatty acids, their esters and salts, in particular, erucic acid and/or behenic acid. The invention also relates to a cemented carbide powder with low compaction pressure.

Abstract: A cermet composition represented by the formula (PQ)(RS) comprising: a ceramic phase (PQ) and binder phase (RS) wherein, P is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group IV, Group V, Group VI elements, Q is boride, R is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Mn and mixtures thereof, S comprises at least one element selected from Cr, Al, Si and Y.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing lithium metal powder is provided. The method includes the steps of heating lithium metal to a temperature above its melting point, agitating the molten lithium metal, and contacting the lithium metal with a fluorination agent to provide a stabilized lithium metal powder.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting a metal load includes a furnace having a melting chamber with a hearth and a molten metal outlet. The apparatus further includes non-regenerative burners that are operative to fire into the melting chamber, and regenerative burners that also are operative to fire into the melting chamber. The method includes the steps of firing non-regenerative burners into the chamber to provide heat for melting the load, and also firing regenerative burners into the chamber to provide heat for melting the load.

Abstract: A system for preserving a cutting knife can include an actuator for moving a first knife from an engaged to a removed position, at which the first knife does not contact a second knife when a first mold half, to which the actuator is connected, and a second mold half, to which the second knife is connected, move from an open to a closed position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a blade including heating and quenching a coil of strip steel material to harden the material, heating the strip steel material to temper the material, grinding a first angle along an edge of the material, and subsequent to the grinding, re-hardening, for example by induction heating, the edge of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for removing a stop from a bottle. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a stabilizer is provided to prevent the stop from being pushed into the bottle and insert members are provided for removing the stop without the outside of the stop adhering to the inner wall of the bottle. Such embodiments allow, among other things, removal of the stop from the bottle without destruction or partial destruction of the stop, as is sometimes the case with conventional corkscrews, yet without the risk of pushing the stop into the bottle as is sometimes the case with non-corkscrew bottle stop removers.

Abstract: A can opener combined with lift-off and removing tab, lid or cap of beverage bottle and can.

Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool includes a head, a shank and a handle. The head includes a nail-pulling section, a bridge section and a nail-striking section. The shank extends from the bridge section to the handle. Preferably, the nail-pulling section defines a nail-head-receiving cavity accessible from the rear with nail-body-receiving upper and lower slots leading thereto. In the preferred embodiment, the nail pulling section comprises a segmented top wall, a segmented bottom wall and side walls that define the cavity. The nail pulling section and nail striking section preferably include base surfaces that are substantially flat and aligned in a common plane. The sides of the shank extend downward from the bridge section at a direction substantially orthogonal to this common plane to realize a T-square that can be used for orthogonal line marking. The shank preferably includes other features that are used for measurement and marking.

Abstract: A wrench extension includes a body having an end with a coupling section for releasably coupling with an open end of a handle of a wrench that has an adjustable head pivotably connected to the other end of the handle. The wrench extension further includes a retaining member mounted to the end of the body for securely clamping the open end of the wrench on the end of the body. The retaining member is movable relative to the body to allow coupling of the wrench extension with wrenches with variously sized open ends.

Abstract: A T-shaped ratchet wrench having a main body and a force-applying auxiliary arm. The main body includes a cross shaft and a working shaft. A ratchet driving mechanism having a change-over selector is disposed within an intersection position of both shafts. Each end of the cross shaft having an annular groove, and the working shaft has a polygonal head for inserting into a sleeve. Furthermore, the working shaft includes an annular groove in close vicinity to the cross shaft. The force-applying auxiliary arm includes an internal hole for mounting on either end of the working shaft or the cross shaft of the main body. The force-applying auxiliary arm has one end with an engaging socket and another end with a handle portion.

Abstract: An offset crank speed wrench with a lever arm that extends laterally and perpendicularly of the axis of rotation of the wrench is provided. The arm may integrally attach, be detachable or pivot at its point of attachment. The wrench can have one or more swivel-like joints that permit the wrench to be moveable in a way to increase leverage.

Abstract: A tool for removing and installing a flush valve cartridge of the type having a plurality of vane-like structures. The tool includes a hollow longitudinal body having side walls, a closed end and an open end. A drive engagement means is positioned at the closed end of the longitudinal body. A plurality of longitudinal slots extend through the sidewalls at the open end of the longitudinal body. The slots extend from the open end of the longitudinal body and terminate a distance from the open end. The slots are configured and positioned for engagement with the plurality of vane-like structures of the flush valve cartridge.

Abstract: A limited access building connection for connecting a holding structure and a held structure which includes an anchor member having a threaded end adapted for connection to holding structure. A nut having an inner threaded wall threadably engages the threaded end of anchor member. Nut has a base which engages connector structure. Connector structure is adapted for connection to held structure. A nut rotational member is provided for imparting rotational motion to nut. Connection has dimensional limited access parameters existent between nut and connector structure and held structure. A linear power member is dimensioned and configured to work within the dimensional limited access parameters and is adapted for engaging and imparting rotational energy to nut rotational member.

Abstract: Torque limiting devices, tools comprising torque limiting devices and methods for using torque limiting devices are disclosed. In an embodiment, a torque limiting device comprises a first and a second surface disposed in substantially adjacent parallel planar relationship such that within a predetermined torque range the first and second surface rotate together such than a torque applied to the first surface is translated to the second surface. When the torque applied exceeds a certain critical torque, the first and second surfaces slip and therefore the excessive torque is not transferred.

Abstract: A bracket for supporting an electronic product includes at least a first supporting member and a second supporting member connected with and formed at an included angle with the first supporting member. The first supporting member has at least one first positional portion and the second supporting member has at least one second positional portion. The length of the second supporting member is larger than the first supporting member such that the bracket may provide various viewing angles for an electronic product by holding the electronic product at a desired angle on a plane surface by flexibly positioning the one or more first positional portions and the one or more second positional portions with respect to the electronic product.

Abstract: A cutting tool is constituted by plural faces and a tip portion structured with edges of the plural faces, wherein groove is formed on at least one of the plural faces. The groove is grid pattern and a dent portion is formed at some intersections of the grid pattern. Furthermore, a space is secured between one of ends of the groove and an edge constituted by a cutting face and a flank face. There is thus provided a cutting tool and a cutting machine capable of supplying cutting fluid to a tip of the tool or to a working point at the tip of it surely with simple structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for filling vias in a product greensheet and/or repairing vias in a product greensheet. The method and apparatus utilize a transfer greensheet having filled vias in a fixed array, which vias are punched into the product greensheet to either repair or fill the via of the product greensheet. The method and apparatus employ position determining means such as a camera, a punch head and a corresponding punch die and an activating means to activate the punch head to punch the transfer greensheet via to fill the product greensheet via. The transfer greensheet has a fixed array of filled vias and a transfer greensheet station employs a fixed plate having a plurality of vacuum ports positioned in the non-via areas of the transfer greensheet which secures the transfer greensheet during the method. The product greensheet is held by a vacuum plate.

Abstract: An improved oscillator assembly that can be used on a chopper for chopping strands of fiber and other long or continuous it items into segments. The improved oscillating assembly moves the items back and forth across the surface of a working layer of the chopper while also rotating a guide roll for the item(s). The improved oscillating assembly uses separate motors to rotate the guide roll and to provide the oscillation and has reduced maintenance than prior art devices. The motor for moving the guide roll is a servo motor and is controlled with a programmable controller. Th3 invention reduces maintenance and increases the uniformity of wear on the chopping blades or cutting roll blade. The controller of the servo motor is programmed to provide dwell time at the reversing points.

Abstract: A device and method for aligning the axis of rotation of a blade parallel to the axis of rotation of an anvil roll, including a blade support for rotatably holding the blade, wherein the blade support is pivotable relative to a pivot axis to effect parallel alignment of the axes. The pivot axis is disposed essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the anvil roll and upstream of a contact point of the blade with the anvil roll as viewed in a direction of passage of material between the blade and the anvil roll.

Abstract: A trimming device having a trimming knife for trimming a brochure along a trimming plane at a front end of the brochure has one or more suction elements in the area of the brochure to be trimmed. The brochure has a cover and an inner book cased in the cover with flaps of the cover being flush with or projecting past the inner book. The suction element is configured to bulge a flap and retract a flap away from the trimming plane.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting process for fibrous materials, such as inorganic fibrous material articles is provided. A fluid composition for use in the fluid jet cutting process is also provided. The cutting fluid composition contains a carrier fluid and coating composition for the cut surfaces of the fibrous material. An apparatus for carrying out the fluid jet cutting process of fibrous materials is also provided.

Abstract: A system for packaging slices from a slicer that slices food slices from a food log or log. Included is a conveyor conveying food slice receptacles (targets) and an applicator in the form of a Bomb Bay type receiving/dispensing grid. The grid includes opposing edges that define opposing hinges and the grid further includes paired grid halves respectively pivoted about their hinges. In a closed position the grid receives slices from the food log and in an open position dispenses the slices onto the targets of the conveyor. The grid includes vertical movements for controlling the position of the receiving surface receiving slices from the log, and lateral movements for varying the slice arrangement as between stacked and shingled arrangement, and for positioning such arrangements crossway of the conveyor for placement on the targets.

Abstract: A stabilizer for stabilizing the butt end of a food product log being sliced into slices. The stabilizer is positioned between a conveyor conveying food product logs into a slicer and the slicer. Opposing side portions carrying stabilizing pinchers are moved out of engagement of a food product log being conveyed by the conveyor and into engagement upon release by the conveyor of the log being fed into the slicer.

Abstract: An article of manufacture used for holding flexible material securely for cutting efficiently, with a base and lid molded of the same material and angled outward at base for the purpose of compressing and spreading tight the material for efficient cutting. A hinge located at one end used for opening above mentioned tool and allowing material to be placed on base. Additions will include a locking feature for permanent closure and storage. There are two identical slots for cutter to penetrate through effortlessly with a flat end of the operating lid for stabilizing the material between the operable pieces. Also included is a slot for measuring devices to be placed for accurate measurements and cut lines.

Abstract: A table saw includes a stationary table, a movable table linearly movable relative to the stationary table, a rip fence movable relative to the stationary table and the movable table, and a scale device mounted between the stationary table and the movable table and including a tape measure secured on the movable table to move therewith and having a retractable tape having a distal end secured on the stationary table. Thus, when the movable table is pulled outward from the stationary table to fit a wooden workpiece having a longer cutting length, the user can read the values of the retractable tape of the tape measure of the scale device so as to obtain the cutting length of the wooden workpiece directly.

Abstract: A circular saw includes a work table, and an angle adjustment device mounted on the work table. The angle adjustment device includes an outer tube, a drive block, an inner rod, a drive gear, a fixed rod, a push barrel, and a driving unit. Thus, the user can rotate the handgrip of the outer tube at the front side of the work table to change and adjust the tilt or bevel angle of the pivot arm directly, thereby facilitating the user adjusting the tilt angle of the pivot arm. In addition, the user can rotate the handgrip of the outer tube easily and conveniently, so that the tilt angle of the pivot arm is adjusted exactly.

Abstract: There is a punching device comprising a body and a base separated from the body for accurately forming a desired pattern at a position required by a user. The body includes a jig on which a predetermined shape of pattern hole is formed, a punching member having a punching pin provided with a cutting blade corresponding to the predetermined shape of the pattern hole, and for punching a desired position of a sheet member while moving up and down with respect to the jig, and a resilient member interposed between the punching member and the jig for recovering the punching member, wherein at least two magnets are inserted into the jig. Through this construction, it is possible to simply and accurately align the pattern on the same line by attraction and repulsion of a plurality of magnets inserted into the jig and a guide plate, on which a pattern hole and a guide hole are formed in the same shape, respectively.