Abstract: A gun safe is provided. The safe includes a computer system and is readily located and used by a home owner under the darkness of night. The safe permits a loaded ready-to-use firearm to be stored and accessed safely and quickly. The safe door opens silently and uses motive power provided by gravity. The safe door will open only when the safe correlates biometric data of an individual with biometric data stored in the memory of the computer system used to operate the safe.

Abstract: A disc tumbler lock, which comprises a lock case, which includes a bolt displaceable with a key of the lock and a number of locking discs provided with locking channels and which are displaceable with the key of the lock against the force of a spring to open the lock and for guiding the movements of which the lock case is provided with stationary guiding members, and a locking pin dependent on the movements of the bolt and which is arranged to cooperate with the locking channels of the locking discs. At least one of the locking discs is equipped with gripping structure, which, when the bolt is pressed inwards to the lock case, are arranged to cooperate with counter structure arranged in the lock case for preventing the displacement of the at least one locking disc.

Abstract: A combination of a locking button and a spindle for a lock includes a spindle having a longitudinal hole and a locking button having a grip portion for manual turning and a shank that is mounted in the longitudinal hole of the spindle. A guiding groove is defined in a circumference delimiting the longitudinal hole and extending along a circumferential direction. The shank includes a coupling section including a protrusion engaged in the guiding groove and movable between two end walls delimiting the guiding groove, allowing the locking button to be movable between a locking position and an unlocking position.

Abstract: A mortise lock includes a chassis, a handle assembly mounted to a side of the chassis, a sleeve, and a trim for returning the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a spindle and a handle. An end of the sleeve is securely mounted around an end of the spindle to turn therewith. The other end of the sleeve receives the other end of the spindle and is securely connected to the handle. The trim includes a spring seat, a ring received in the spring seat and mounted around the sleeve, and a spring mounted on a side of the ring. The spring seat includes a plate mounted around the sleeve. A protrusion is formed on an inner periphery of the body and engaged in a longitudinal groove in the sleeve. Two ends of the spring respectively abut against two sides of a leg extending from the ring.

Abstract: A press forming apparatus, for metal separators for fuel cells, has a pair of peripheral portion holding dies which hold a peripheral portion of a material and are movable toward and counter to each other; a pair of intermediate portion forming dies for forming a intermediate portion of the material, which are disposed inside the peripheral portion holding dies and are movable toward and counter to each other; and a pair of center portion forming dies for forming a center portion of the material, which are disposed inside the intermediate portion forming dies and are movable toward and counter to each other, wherein one of the peripheral portion holding dies and one of the intermediate portion forming dies are fixed to each other, one of the center portion forming dies is movable with respect to one of the intermediate portion forming dies toward the material, the other intermediate portion forming die and the other center portion forming die are fixed to each other, and the other intermediate portion forming

Abstract: Stamped and deburred clutch discs (20a, 20b) are provided by progressive stamping apparatus (46) whose method of use performs a two step stamping of the clutch disc blank and a third deburring stamping step that removes burrs on opposite axial faces by contact in opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forging press of the hot-die type with an operating temperature above a temperature T, comprising two dies between two die support elements, a thermal insulation means being placed between each die and its support element. The press is characterized in that the said means comprises at least two superposed layers (A, B), a first layer (A) comprising a first material having mechanical and thermal properties suitable for operation at a temperature above the temperature T, a second layer (B) comprising a second material having mechanical and thermal properties suitable for operating at a temperature below the temperature T, the thermal conductivity of which is lower than that of the first material and is approximately equal to 0.2 W/m·K, with a tolerance of 10%. Thanks to the invention, it is possible to obtain an effective thermal insulation means of small thickness.

Abstract: An inclination sensor is provided with a main body fixed to a vehicle, a pendulum supported by the main body so as to swing in response to an inclination of the vehicle, and a magnetic sensor that senses the inclination of the pendulum in order to detect as to whether or not the vehicle has been inclined. The pendulum is swingable around two axes as to both a width direction of the vehicle, and forward/backward directions thereof. A sensitivity of the pendulum as to the width direction is higher than a sensitivity thereof as to the forward/backward directions.

Abstract: The disclosed sensor chip includes a substrate and a moving member coupled to the substrate and disposed for movement relative to the substrate. The moving member moves relative to the substrate in a first direction and in a second direction in response to movement of the substrate. The first direction is different than the second direction. The moving member includes a plurality of receptors. The receptors are configured for selectively binding to a first measurand.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: A virtual impactor device having reduced fouling includes injection ports within the separation zone to redirect particles that otherwise tend to impact the walls of the separation zone and produce fouling. The virtual impactor device preferably also includes an acceleration zone having concave and convex sections, which reduces fouling in that area. The virtual impactor device can be combined with various downstream components such as collectors, atomizers and various analytical devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable gas detector which is equipped with filters for removal of interfering gases, high in convenience for use, easy to exchange the filters, and easy to confirm the time the filters are exchanged. The portable gas detector has a housing in the form of a slim and flat box holdable by grasping with a hand, and a foreside half portion in the interior of the housing is provided as functional part region, in which a plurality of gas sensors are arranged in a state fixed by a holder and a cap, in the interior of which a gas flowing path has been formed. At a position corresponding to at least one gas sensor in the sensor cap exposed to the back surface of the housing, a filter assembly for removal of an interfering gas component related to the gas sensor is detachably provided.

Abstract: An improved structure of a gas sensor designed to withstand physical impact which may result in damage such as cracks to a sensor element built in the gas sensor. Specifically, the gas sensor includes a buffer provided by a clearance between an air cover a porcelain insulator. The clearance is in a range of 1 to 2.5 mm at a minimum. The gas sensor may alternatively have a harder portion in the air cover which has a Vickers hardness of 200 to 400. The gas sensor may alternatively have a rigidity enhancer in the air cover which works to provides an increased rigidity to the air cover.

Abstract: A stacked body constituted by a first insulating sheet, a first terminal plate, a piezoelectric element, a second terminal plate, a second insulating sheet, a weight, and a disk spring is fitted over a cylindrical portion of a base, clamped and held between a nut and a flange portion of the base, and resin-molded. Annular partial electrodes having a width narrower than a radial width of the piezoelectric element are formed on front and rear surfaces of the piezoelectric element. The first and second terminal plates have annular portions formed so as to have annular shapes having an outside diameter and an inside diameter substantially equal to those of the partial electrodes, and are stacked such that the annular portions are placed in close contact with entire surfaces of the partial electrodes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing ultralow moisture permeation through a sample such as a thin barrier film by exposing one surface of a sample to be tested for moisture permeation to a predetermined humidity of HTO. The HTO permeating therethrough is collected in a stream of dry gas, preferably methane, at a known very slow flow rate, and monitored for its radioactivity content. By very carefully sizing the respective chambers, continuously monitoring using a particularly sensitive device and appropriately converting the signals, accurate assessment of permeation rates even as low as very small fractions of a gram of water per square meter per day can be obtained. Ultralow oxygen permeation is alternatively measured using 14CO. Methods are also shown for measuring permeation that would occur through a perimeter seal and for measuring permeation which would result from gaseous entry into edge surfaces of a composite film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor apparatus configured to detect the presence of a gas, such as a tracer gas and a leak detection apparatus configured to detect the present of a tracer gas and indicate the location of a leak. The sensor apparatus includes multiple sensors, each of which is a metal halide sensor. The leak detection apparatus may further be configured to quantify the leak rate at the leak location.

Abstract: A parallel fluid processing system including multiple fluid process regions containing solid material in fluid communication with a common first fluid source may be used to conduct analyses and/or synthesis in parallel. A parallel fluid processing data correction method includes supplying and processing a calibrant in each fluid process region, measuring a first physical parameter and deriving at least one correction factor based on the parameter, supplying and processing at least one second fluid in each fluid process region, and then applying the correction factor to yield corrected process data. Retention time correction, peak area correction, and other useful data corrections may be performed. Parallel fluid processing may be performed with microfluidic devices and systems. A system for correcting retention times in parallel liquid chromatography is further provided.

Abstract: Information is collected from a region of interest using a scanning probe microscope having a tip by moving the tip along at least one predefined path extending from a center location to a peripheral location in the region of interest and collecting information using the tip at a plurality of sample points along the at least one predefined path. The predefined path may be based on a radial line defined between the center location and the peripheral location, and may follow a zig-zag, sinusoidal, constant-curve, rectangular trajectory generally tracking the radial line.

Abstract: An intake air flow detecting device is provided to an intake air passage, through which intake air flows into an internal combustion engine. Intake air flow is divided into a main passage and a bypass passage. The detecting device includes a thermal air flowmeter, a bypass flow delay information calculating means, and a response delay compensating means. The thermal air flowmeter includes a detector arranged in the bypass passage for detecting an air flow amount in the intake air passage. The bypass flow delay information calculating means calculates a bypass flow delay information representing delay in variation in a flow amount in the bypass passage with respect to variation in a flow amount in the main passage. The response delay compensating means compensates delay in response of the air flowmeter in accordance with the bypass flow delay information.

Abstract: An apparatus to scavenge energy caused by changes in interior pressure of a container, including at least one flexible chamber containing a fluid at a predetermined pressure; a piezoelectric element coupled to the flexible chamber so as to generate electricity when the flexible chamber is flexed by a change in interior pressure of the container.

Abstract: A reliable, low cost mounting assembly for a tire pressure transducer removably mounts the transducer on a multi-piece automobile wheel to enable the transducer to transmit tire pressure information that will enable the detection of an unsafe tire pressure. The mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket, a valve stem that passes through an air hole in the wheel and secures the mounting racket to the wheel while facilitating the adjustment of tire pressure, and a set of seals that seal both the valve stem and the mounting bracket relative to the air hole in the wheel. The mounting bracket has a generally flat base and a tab that extends radially outward from the base on one side at an oblique angle that assures proper positioning of the transducer within the wheel drop.

Abstract: A drill string comprises a first drill string member having a male end; and a second drill string member having a female end configured to be joined to the male end of the first drill string member, the male end having a threaded portion including generally square threads, the male end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the threaded portion, and the male end further having a bearing surface, the female end having a female threaded portion having corresponding female threads, the female end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the female threaded portion, and the female end having a bearing surface. Installation methods, including methods of installing instrumented probes are also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining formation fluid pressure in earth formation surrounding a borehole wall uses a downhole probe coupled to a variable-volume cavity. The probe is driven into contact with formation at the borehole wall. The method includes expanding the volume of the cavity during a first period of time to establish fluid communication between tool fluid and formation fluid, by withdrawing a minimal amount of fluid from the formation. During a second period of time the tool pressure is allowed to equilibrate to formation pressure. When pressure equilibrium is established, formation fluid pressure is set equal to tool pressure. A preferred embodiment includes terminating expanding the volume of the cavity on detecting a break in the mud cake seal.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus including a fixed stator, a rotor to rotate in the state of being disposed outside the center of rotation of the stator, a retaining mechanism for retaining a thin board on the rotor, and a measuring section to measure physical properties of the thin board. This construction makes it possible to avoid wind generated by rotation of the rotor in the vicinity of the thin board, and to suppress vibration of the thin board. Further, since a portion exposed to the thin board can be minimized, safe measurement can be implemented.

Abstract: Pressure testing assemblies for use in flow bodies, testing systems, and methods of testing flow bodies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pressure testing assembly includes a support member and a plurality of electronic pressure-sensing modules detachably coupled to the support member. The support member includes a plurality of first ports, a plurality of second ports, and a plurality of passageways connecting the first ports to corresponding second ports. The first ports are arranged for attachment to corresponding pressure ports on the flow body. The pressure-sensing modules are positioned at corresponding groups of second ports to measure the pressure at the pressure ports on the flow body.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow about a vehicle. The system comprises a fluid flow control device, an obstacle sensor for detecting obstacles, and a controller. The fluid flow control device has a body with at least one surface and an actuation means in operative communication with the surface. The actuation means is operative to alter at least one attribute of the fluid flow control device in response to a control signal. The controller has control logic for generating the control signal in response to the obstacle sensor.

Abstract: An acoustic distance measuring device adapted to measure the level of water in a ground water well by first emitting a sonic low frequency acoustic pulse and measuring the time-of-flight for each reflected pulse from the surface of the water in the well. Each reflected pulse must have an amplitude greater than a threshold amplitude or it will be rejected. Based on time-of-flight measurements from the first low frequency sonic pulse reception windows are established for a second higher frequency sonic pulse. To refine the time-of-flight measurements for the second pulse only those reflected pulses whose reception times fall within the reception windows are accepted. A more accurate calculation of the distance from the sonic pulse emitter to the surface of the water is accomplished by using the refined time-of-flight measurements from the second higher frequency pulse.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for driving and detecting a motion of MEMS structure using single electrode. Apparatus includes a driving signal generation part driving MEMS structure; a motion detection part detecting motion of MEMS structure and outputting a motion current signal; an amplification part amplifying motion current signal and outputting a motion voltage signal; a gain adjustment part amplifying driving signal and outputting an amplified driving signal; a differential circuit part adding and subtracting with respect to signals output from the amplifying part and the gain adjustment part and outputting a motion signal without the driving signal; and a motion signal detection part selecting and outputting a motion signal of a predetermined frequency from the motion signal output from the differential circuit part. The variable capacitor is configured by a movable electrode plate integrally formed with MEMS structure and a fixed electrode plate disposed opposite to the movable electrode plate.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a first proofmass employable to sense a first acceleration along a first input axis; a second proofmass employable to sense a second acceleration along a second input axis; and a third proofmass employable to sense a third acceleration along a third input axis. The first input axis, the second input axis, and the third input axis are substantially orthogonal. The first proofmass, the second proofmass, and the third proofmass are substantially coplanar.

Abstract: A housing for a magnetofluidic sensor where the sensor has a plurality of drive magnet assemblies, magnetic fluid and an inertial body. The housing has a plurality of ports for securing respective drive magnet assemblies, such that a portion of each drive magnet assembly is positioned within the housing proximate the magnetic fluid. Each drive magnet assembly includes a magnetic field source for creating a magnetic field within the magnetic fluid for acting upon the inertial body. Each drive magnet assembly also includes a sensing element for sensing movement of the inertial body within the magnetic fluid.

Abstract: A semiconductor physical quantity sensor includes: a substrate; a semiconductor layer supported on the substrate; a trench disposed in the semiconductor layer; and a movable portion disposed in the semiconductor layer and separated from the substrate by the trench. The movable portion includes a plurality of through-holes, each of which penetrates the semiconductor layer in a thickness direction. The movable portion is capable of displacing on the basis of a physical quantity applied to the movable portion so that the physical quantity is detected by a displacement of the movable portion. The movable portion has a junction disposed among the through-holes. The junction has a trifurcate shape.

Abstract: The accelerometer includes an inertial mass, a fixed base and at least one or more supports/sensors for supporting the mass from the base rendering the support system statically indeterminate. The supports/sensors are preferably double-ended dual beam tuning forks suspended between mounting pads and vibrated by an oscillator. By adding one or more supports/sensors beyond those supports/sensors necessary for a statically determinate support system, the support system is rendered statically indeterminate and therefore sensitive in one or more directions.

Abstract: A pressure-measuring device is configured for use in vacuum systems, which are used for surface coating or modification of objects and/or substrates in an inner receptacle inside a processing chamber. Elastic elements or portions are fabricated in the inner receptacle. The pressure-measuring device includes distance-measuring elements designed to measure the deformation of the elastic elements of the inner receptacle. The deformation measurements are related to the pressure in the inner receptacle. The pressure-measuring device provides a continuous and secure determination of the pressure.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device produces an output proportional to applied pressure irrespective of vibration/acceleration of the device, which device also provides an output proportional only to vibration/acceleration of the device irrespective of the pressure.

Abstract: A pressure gauge comprising a thread tube, a printed circuit board carrying a pressure sensing device installed on one side of the printed circuit board and tightly packed with silicon rubber to form the end cover of the thread tube. When used for testing the pressure of acidic or alkaline liquid the pressure sensing device of the pressure gauge will not be brought into contact with the liquid, but can sense the pressure through the silicon rubber packing to test the pressure of the acidic or alkaline liquid, and the range of application of the pressure gauge covers the test of pressure of gas, acidic liquid, alkaline liquid and low pressure gas.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a surface sheet whose front side is an operating surface and a substrate sheet that includes a plurality of switches and that is disposed below the back side of the surface sheet at a predetermined space therebetween. When the operating surface is depressed, the surface sheet is deformed toward the substrate sheet and a switch of the plurality of switches is turned into an input state, and a resolution of a switch signal from each of the switches varies in accordance with the amount of a pressing force applied on the operating surface. Therefore, an electronic device, such as a cellular phone, installed with the pressure sensor can have various functions realized by a variation in the resolution.

Abstract: A test bench for wind turbines, comprising a test bed (1) on which the assembly (6) to be tested is mounted, and load application means for applying loads on said assembly. The assembly (6) to be tested is mounted on the foundation through a cylindrical support (5), provided with an upper rotary flange, which can be operated by means of a series of geared motors. The load application means comprise a fixed structure (7) anchored to the foundation, a mobile structure (8) which is anchored to the assembly (6) to be tested and a series of actuators (9) relating the mobile structure (8) with the fixed structure (7).

Abstract: A flow sensor includes a measuring tube, made of essentially non-ferromagnetic material, for guiding the fluid, a magnetic circuit arrangement arranged on the measuring tube for producing and guiding a magnetic field, which induces in the flowing fluid an electric field, and measuring electrodes for sensing a voltage of the electric field. Additionally, the flow sensor includes an essentially rigid support frame for holding the measuring tube and for holding an electronics housing connected to the flow sensor, wherein measuring tube and support frame are mechanically coupled together on the inlet and outlet ends. For holding the measuring tube in the support frame, at least one connecting element is provided, which is attached to a first end of the measuring tube and to a first end of the support frame corresponding to such end of the measuring tube.

Abstract: A method and system for acoustically sounding the lower atmosphere involves the transmitting of an acoustic chirp and the processing of returned echoes and interference using wavelet and matched filter techniques. A single transmitter and four receivers may be used, with receivers located equidistant from the transmitter on the cardinal points of the compass. N, S, E, & W inputs are digitized and input to a wavelet filter (50) together with the transmitter chip signal (R or D) for the attenuation of the direct signal and ambient noise signals. The interference-attenuated signals are then processed in a matched filter (52) to extract phase and amplitude outputs (54 and 56), the phase output being unwrapped (70). The N and S phase signals and the E and W phase signals are then separately differenced (74 and 80) and the results used to compute (86 and 92) wind speed and bearing.

Abstract: Volumetric flow meters, volumetric flow controllers, mass flow meters, and mass flow controllers using a transverse laminar flow assembly are described. The flow assembly may be constructed from a plurality of open and/or closed slices or layers stacked upon one another and held together in compression by through bolts or another means. Meter or flow controller accuracy may be aided by use of flow conditioning features preceding an axial bore of the transverse flow assembly including one or more of a deflector, filter and nozzle.

Abstract: The detector for monitoring decrease in air flow rate due to air filter clogging. It is based on combination of three essential components: the air flow sensor, a threshold detector and an indicator. The air flow sensor is built in form of a novel thermo-anemometer which contains a thermistor, a heating element, and a thermal insulator. Temperature of the sensor is maintained above the air temperature by a constant value by means of an electronic servo circuit. The threshold detector is implemented either in a hardware or software. A novel design of a thermo-anemometer (closely related to a hot wire anemometer) automatically compensates for variations in the air temperatures. The thermo-anemometer triggers the threshold circuit when air flow rate drops below a preset level. For reduction of power consumption, the detector may employ two additional sensors: one is for detection of the blower operation and the other is a presence detector to enable the alarm in presence of people to perceive the alarm.

Abstract: Each front sensor senses a load, which is applied to a front part of a seat, and each rear sensor senses a load, which is applied to a rear part of the seat. A size of an entire load sensing range of each front sensor is smaller than a size of an entire load sensing range of each rear sensor.

Abstract: An encoder failure detector system and method for detecting failure of an encoder at near-zero rotational speeds. For example, in one embodiment a failure is indicated if a torque command exceeds a selected threshold for a selected period of time and no movement of a rotor is detected during the selected period of time.

Abstract: Wheel bearing comprising a rotating part and a stationary flange, and rolling contact elements arranged between them. A brake caliper is supported on the stationary flange. At least one sensor is arranged on the stationary flange. The sensor measures the braking force by measuring the change in length in the material of the stationary flange in the flow of force between first fastening openings for receiving the brake caliper and a form-locking connecting element for connecting to a wheel carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically performing liquid microextraction on liquid samples includes the steps of controlling movement of a syringe between a cleaning station, a sample station containing a plurality of discrete sample vials and an instrument injector station. Movement of the syringe is controlled automatically for cleaning the syringe, obtaining a sample of each sample in each discrete sample vial, one at a time, and injecting the collected sample into the instrument injector, and then repeating the sequence steps for all discreet samples.

Abstract: A fluid sampling device for use with dual-opening sample containers includes attachment members holding open end seals of the sample container that are urged to a closed position by an elastic member. The elastic member is normally within the container. The sampling device is lowered into a fluid source and fluid fills the sample container. The attachment members are released remotely by a trigger, allowing the end seals to close the open ends of the container. The sampling device is withdrawn from the fluid source and the sample container is removed from the sampling device. Securing end caps are attached to the sample container to hold the end seals in place for transport and storage of the sample container. The end seal may have a membrane central portion to permit entry of a syringe needle for sampling. The securing end cap may include a septa to assist in syringe sampling.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for analytical testing comprises a test cartridge for use in conducting an analytical test including a test medium and an RFID device. An encoding device is provided adapted to preprogram the RFID with information relating to the test. An analytical detection device including a RFID transceiver adapted to transfer data to and from the RFID device is coupled to test detection instrumentation adapted to analyze the test medium in response to the information relating to the test.

Abstract: A content use monitoring system is provided for monitoring use of blister packaged contents. The monitoring device comprises an integrated circuit (14), battery (16) and piezo-electric foil (18) or other transducer that can be attached to a existing blister package, in physical contact with their backing, via adhesive. When a content is expelled from a blister through the backing, the piezo-electric foil (18) or other transducer is deformed, generating an electrical signal. The integrated circuit (14) monitors the piezo-electric foil circuit for such signals, analyses them, and if they meet the programmed specifications, the time and other characteristics of the event are recorded in the integrated circuit's memory. The content use data can later be downloaded for analysis, education or clinical purposes via either a remote or contact reader.

Abstract: Disclosed is a segment (15) of a sensor-supporting element for a scraper-type device, which comprises at least two pairs of runners (16a, 16b) that are arranged essentially parallel behind each other. A support plate (20) receiving sensors (21) is disposed between at least one pair of runners (16). The segment (15) can be combined with other such segments (15) so as to form a sensor-supporting element.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a shift position detecting device for detecting a shift position that is changed by manual operation of the vehicle driver, an ECU for controlling an A/T based on a signal for a detected vehicle running state, and connectors that connect to an electrical unit outside the casing. Further, the shift position detecting device, the connectors, and the electronic control unit are electrically connected through a connecting board. Consequently, the shift position detecting device, the ECU, and the connectors can be freely laid out.