Abstract: A wheel balancer includes a microprocessor configured to receive data associated with a vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly imbalance from at least one sensor, and to identify optimal correction weight plane locations, as well as to present the operator with the imbalance correction weight arrangement. The microprocessor is further configured to control a projection display system disposed to project a two-dimensional image onto a surface of the vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly, to facilitate completion of an wheel imbalance correction procedure.

Abstract: A sensor includes a housing and a magnetic fluid within the housing that incompletely fills the housing. An inertial body is in contact with the magnetic fluid. Displacement of the inertial body relative to the magnetic fluid is indicative of acceleration on the housing. The acceleration includes linear and/or angular acceleration. The inertial body can be an air bubble, or a dissimilar liquid. A plurality of magnets are mounted on the housing, wherein the magnetic fluid is positioned in droplets between the magnets and the inertial body. The magnetic fluid can be a single droplet between each magnet and the inertial body, or multiple droplets between each magnet and the inertial body. The remaining volume in the housing can be filled with a non-magnetic fluid.

Abstract: A tuning fork vibratory MEMS gyroscope for sensing angular velocity and angular acceleration generated due to the rotation of a movable body. The tuning fork vibratory MEMS gyroscope includes an external fixed support portion formed on a substrate; a plurality of external elastic members; first and second external frames respectively including driving combs; first and second driving electrodes respectively including comb drivers; first and second internal elastic members respectively including a plurality of spring members; first and second internal frames respectively including sensing combs; and first and second sensing electrodes respectively including comb sensors. The tuning fork vibratory MEMS gyroscope withstands a noise at a peripheral area, is driven at the external portions of internal frames, is sensed at the internal portions of the internal frames, and comprises the elastic members having a wine glass shape, thereby being more stably operated.

Abstract: Accelerometers having higher concentration of flux closer to the proof mass. The invention includes a proof mass, an excitation ring, a magnet, a pole piece, and a coil. The excitation ring includes a ring unit and a base unit that are attached and the ring unit or base unit includes an annular groove. The magnet is mounted to the base unit and the pole piece is mounted to the magnet. The coil is attached directly to the proof mass. A gap is formed between the ring unit and the pole piece. The pole piece includes a first section that has a radius smaller than the radius of a second section.

Abstract: A structure including an ultrasonic transducer, a material database, and a material determination section. The ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasound signals of a plurality of frequencies toward a printing paper over a frequency band covering 40 kHz to 100 kHz or more, and receives reflection signals. The material database stores information representing a reception signal on a material basis. The material determination section makes a material determination for the printing paper based on the information stored in the material database, and the signal (signal derived by amplifying a signal) received by the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of the present invention provide a method for detecting a substrate crack by simple equipment and steps. A substrate crack inspecting method may include the steps of (1) producing a sound by providing vibration to a substrate, (2) determining a power spectrum by capturing the produced sound and carrying out an acoustic analysis for the captured sound, and (3) judging whether or not a substrate crack exists based on a spectral intensity of a predetermined frequency region.

Abstract: A currency handling system has a limpness detector. The limpness detector has a single driven crackle roller with an elongated central bulge and two outer bulges, wherein the central bulge is in conforming relation to a flexible belt. Sheet metal guides further facilitate note deformation and sound production.

Abstract: One end of a rod-like pressure-conveying member is disposed in a sensing unit, and the other end extends into and through an insertion hole of an engine. A combustion pressure, to which the other end of the rod-like member is exposed, is conveyed to the sensing unit through the pressure-conveying member for the detection of the combustion pressure. The pressure-conveying member resonates at a knocking frequency fn of the engine and the knocking frequency fn is detected based on the resonance of the pressure-conveying member.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a pressure detecting chamber sectionally formed by a diaphragm for receiving measured pressure and a semiconductor chip having a diaphragm as a pressure-sensitive portion is equipped in the pressure detecting chamber. Electrically insulating pressure transmitting liquid for transmitting the measured pressure received by the diaphragm to the semiconductor chip is sealingly filled in the pressure detecting chamber. Also, an electrical circuit for signal processing is equipped around the pressure-sensitive portion at the surface site of the semiconductor chip. The electrical circuit is coated by protection film. Electrical conducting film set to ground potential is formed as the uppermost layer of the semiconductor chip on the surface of the protection film.

Abstract: Pressure transducers are used to measure pressure under high temperature, hostile environments, including in gas turbine combustors and internal combustion engines. The present a pressure transducer comprises a member having a first end and a second end, a diaphragm sealed within the member at the first end, a sensor sealed within the member at the first end and in operable communication with the diaphragm, a first plate having a plurality of apertures, the first plate being attached to the member at the second end, a second plate having a plurality of apertures, the second plate being attached to the tubular member at the second end and being spaced from the first plate, and wherein the apertures of the first plate are not aligned with the apertures of the second plate.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor made up of two silicon on insulator (SOI) wafers lying opposite of each other and joined to each other in a vacuum-tight manner, a recess being formed between the two wafers. The first wafer exclusively supports the evaluation circuits required for measuring the applied pressure and a capacitive electrode, and the second wafer has a recess formed by surface micromechanics processes, in which the counter electrode to the capacitive electrode of the first wafer is situated. The second wafer at the same time forms a cover for the first wafer.

Abstract: A strain sensor (10) includes a flexible substrate (11) having one or more polymer-based resistive elements (12) at least partially conformably disposed thereon. Two or more conductive leads (13, 14) are electrically coupled to the resistive element. Flexure of the resistive element causes a corresponding alteration in a measurable electrical property of the resistive element, such as its characteristic impedance. User interfaces of various kinds can be fabricated with such strain sensors.

Abstract: A method of testing and a tester apparatus to determine the axial stress and strain of cements under the temperature and pressures encountered by cement during use in wellbore environments. Using these stress and strain measurements, the Young's Modulus may be established for a material at the encountered temperature and pressure of the wellbore. By combining static tensile strength testing and elasticity measurements of cements, Young's Modulus values for different cement compositions under stresses that are similar to the conditions occurring in an actual wellbore are possible.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for testing the mechanical properties of a material. The apparatus comprises a sample container (10) adapted to be filled with a sample of the material, and a housing (20) within which the sample container (10) is, in use, fixedly mounted. The sample container (10) has a first, open face via which a compressive load can be applied to the sample and a second face (19) disposed orthogonally to the first, open face. At least a portion of the second face (19) is resiliently displaceable, outwardly of the sample container (10), in response to deformation of the sample brought about by application of the load.

Abstract: A support (1) for a reflective target to be mounted on a turbine casing, which is used in casing bending measurements. The support (1) comprises a tube (2), which was chosen to ensure a thermal expansion coefficient near zero at the operating temperatures of the casing. The tube (2) is located at one end in a steel holder (3). In the middle of the tube (2) is arranged a metal rod (9), which is fixed to the holder (3). At the opposite end of the tube (2) is an insert (7), which has an apertures through which passes the metal rod (9). Within the insert (7) the metal rod (9) is screw threaded so it can be turned to provide always enough tension at all operating temperatures and the metal tube (9) is held tight, secure, and has minimal vibration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improved check valve technology used in flow meters, particularly compound/combo meters. The improved check valve technology may be comprised in a single piece module that (1) can easily be removed from the meter without disturbing the metering module, (2) has few or no complicated rollers and pins that require calibration, (3) requires little or no special training to remove, (4) does not require the meter repairperson to move relatively heavy objects, (5) comprises a seal as part of the check valve assembly simplifying seal inspection, seal removal and seal replacement; and (6) is secured in its housing using only external fasteners. The check valve module may be used for upgrading meters installed at customer sites, for upgrading used meters returned for repairs, and for simplifying new meter production.

Abstract: A vibration meter and a method of measuring a viscosity of a fluid flowing through a pipe are disclosed. The vibration meter comprises meter electronics and a transducer assembly with an electromechanical excitation arrangement and with a flow tube which oscillates in operation. A sensor arrangement produces sensor signals representative of inlet-side and outlet-side deflections of the flow tube. An evaluation circuit derives from said sensor signals and from an excitation current generated by an excitation circuit for the excitation arrangement a viscosity value representative of the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: A torque measuring device for a rotating body comprises: a rotary section including first and second flanges provided respectively at driving and driven sides, and a hollow cylinder provided between the first and second flanges; light emitting elements provided at an outer circumference of the rotary section, and adapted to emit light based on output from each of torque detectors provided at an inner surface of the hollow cylinder thereby sending an optical signal; a light conductive member to receive the optical signal at a light receiving surface thereof, and to guide the optical signal along its longitudinal directions; and a torque calculator to calculate torque of the rotary section based on the optical signal guided by the light conductive member, wherein the light conductive member has an optical path converting means formed at either the light receiving surface or a surface thereof opposite to the light receiving surface.

Abstract: A torque sensor is provided which consists of a magnet, an assembly of magnetic rings, and a magnetic sensor. The magnetic rings have claws arrayed thereround at regular intervals. Each of the claws of one of the rings is interposed between adjacent two of the claws of the other ring. Upon input of torque, the magnet is rotated relative to the ring assembly, thereby causing the density of magnetic flux to change as a function of the torque which is sensed by the magnetic sensor. Each of the claws is geometrically shaped so as to increase the density of magnetic flux flowing through the ring assembly, thereby improving the sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for automated remote microbial air sampling includes a sampling enclosure positioned outside an isolator. An infeed sample receiver passes sample containers into the enclosure. An atrium is located within the enclosure and exposes containers to a gas sample. A remote sampling device collects the gas sample from the isolator and passes it to the atrium. A load arm is located within the enclosure. The load arm intermittently permits containers to enter the enclosure and moves containers to the atrium. An outfeed sample receiver passes containers out of the enclosure. The system allows addition and removal of containers from the air sampling system without interrupting the processing of the containers within the enclosure, and allows the first container supplied to the air sampling system to be the first exposed container removed therefrom.

Abstract: A perforated mixing plate and is fluid passage are used in conjunction with a dilution tunnel to prevent particulate matter from collecting on the sampling system components. An inlet of a sampling probe is offset from the centerline of the dilution tunnel to a location corresponding to an average particulate matter concentration along a flow profile of a sample mixture to reduce the length of the dilution tunnel.

Abstract: A single phase sampling apparatus and method for retrieving a formation fluid sample at or above the bubble point of the sample. The apparatus utilizes a gas charge contained between a sample piston and a charging piston to maintain a formation sample at the desired pressure. The charging piston utilizes the hydrostatic pressure present at the depth of the desired formation sample to compress and therefore increase the gas charge to the appropriate pressure necessary to maintain the formation sample at the desired pressure. The utilization of hydrostatic pressure to increase the pressure of the gas charge allows the use of a low pressure gas charging system to prepare the apparatus prior to sampling, thereby increasing the safety and ease of use of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a lateral conduit from a main conduit including a frame, an upper push rod drive assembly and a lower push rod drive assembly. The upper push rod drive assembly includes an upper track having a plurality of upper attachments mounted thereto for engaging the push rod. The lower push rod drive assembly includes a lower track having a plurality of lower attachments mounted thereto for engaging the push rod. The push rod is held between the upper and lower attachments and in a preferred embodiment, some of the upper attachments, some of the lower attachments and the push rod move with a linearly synchronized motion.

Abstract: A stepper mechanical drive system includes a carriage, a support for the carriage that permits the carriage to move bidirectionally along a travel direction, and a follower structure on the carriage, The follower structure has two ramp structures that each extends longitudinally along the travel direction of the carriage and includes a plurality of sawtooth ramp faces. An actuator structure is not on the carriage and is stationary relative to the travel direction of the carriage. The actuator structure has a pair of actuators, and each actuator includes an actuator arm having an actuator element thereon, wherein the actuator arm is movable so that the actuator element may be controllably contacted to at least one of the ramp structures, and a controllable actuator drive operable to move the actuator arm. Each actuator drive may also include a disengageable latch that disengagably retains the actuator arm in a selected position.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a transmission gearbox comprising a gearshift shifting mechanism formed by a gearshift hub, a first push rod, a second push rod, a first sliding block and a second sliding block to transfer engine driving force from a driven shaft through a linking shaft and a main shaft to an output shaft, wherein the first sliding block is slidably mounted on the main shaft; the main shaft has mounted thereon a forward gear, a low-range gear, and a transmission gear; the second sliding block is slidably mounted on the linking shaft; the linking shaft has mounted thereon a back gear, a low-range gear, a forward gear, and a drive bevel gear, the back gear being mounted on the linking shaft at one side relative to the second sliding block, the low-range gear, forward gear and drive bevel gear at the linking shaft being disposed at one side relative to the second sliding block opposite to the back gear.

Abstract: A gearbox for maximizing the number of torques produced with the least loss of energy by using a geometric sequence of terms of ratios for the gears and having the separation in the degree of the common ratio uniform for all the gearsets between the same two shafts. The gearbox has high number of useable torques to gears plus shafts ratio. The gearbox can be used for gearboxes in any types of machines where torques or speeds are used.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable angle drive for a rotary power tool such as a drill. The adjustable angle drive includes input and output shafts journalled for rotation in input and output housings. The input and output shafts are rotatably coupled through gearing and are adjustable among different angular positions.

Abstract: An electromotive adjustment device for adjusting a control element includes a housing and a gear mechanism which has a plurality of intermeshing gear wheels to define a drive train. In driving relationship with the gear mechanism is a drive motor which is constructed as a brushless motor with an external rotor and includes an output journal, whereby the output journal has a tooth portion in engagement with a helical spur gear wheel of the gear mechanism.

Abstract: An electric tilt and/or telescopic steering column apparatus comprises a steering shaft having a steering wheel mounted on a rear end thereof, a steering column for rotatably supporting the steering shaft, an electric actuator for adjusting the tilt and/or telescopic position of the steering shaft by driving this steering column, and position detecting means for detecting the position of the steering shaft in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: A pair of first (14) and second (34) pedal levers is pivotally supported for rotation by a support (12). A pair of adjustment mechanisms (21, 41) interconnect the support (12) and the respective pedal levers (14, 34) and include rods (28, 48) for adjusting the operational position of the pedal levers (14, 34) along the rods (28, 48) between a plurality of adjusted positions. A stepper motor (52) and screw (32) unit is attached to the inner end of each rod (28, 48) for moving the respective pedal levers (14, 34) along the respective rods (28, 48). The assembly (10) is characterized by a controller (56) sending pulses of energy to each of the motors (52), measuring the time to reach a predetermined resistance condition of each motor during each pulse, and terminating energy to both motors (52) in response to the time being below a predetermined time period in any pulse to either motor, thereby to synchronize the movement of both pedal levers together.

Abstract: An operating pedal supporting device in an automobile includes a first bracket fixedly provided at a rear face of a dashboard for supporting an operating apparatus at a front face, a second bracket fixedly provided at a strength member of a body of the automobile, a shear pin which usually connects first and second brackets to each other, but are broken when the first bracket receives excessive rearward load from a side of the dashboard, and allows rearward displacement of the first bracket, and a control lever supported at the first and second brackets via first and second pivots and supporting an operating pedal via a third pivot, and a middle portion of the operating pedal is connected to the operating apparatus. At a time of the rearward displacement of the first bracket, the operating pedal rotates so as to move a tread portion forward following swing of the control lever.

Abstract: A support structure for supporting a pedal for a vehicle with a pedal bracket connected to a toeboard panel for separating an engine compartment from a passenger compartment and to a steering beam disposed at a backward position from the toeboard panel. The support structure has a front bracket section of the pedal bracket fixed to the toeboard panel, and a rear bracket section of the pedal bracket fixed to the steering beam through a support bracket for the steering beam, the pedal being attached directly to the rear bracket section, wherein a rear end part of the front bracket section is slidably secured into a front end part of the rear bracket section with coupler.

Abstract: A retractor clamp assembly includes a clamp positionable about a support ring. A retractor shaft extends from the clamp and has a connector at the end with a retractor blade connected thereto by a stem. The connector is preferably equipped with a first slot limiting the side to side angular range of motion of the retractor blade stem relative to the retractor shaft, and a second slot limiting the top to bottom range of motion of the retractor blade stem relative to the retractor shaft. This allows the retractor blade to be maintained and/or positioned in an optimum position relative to retracted tissue while allowing the retractor shaft to be selectively positioned by a user.

Abstract: A rotate mechanism includes a fixed frame unit, a rotating frame unit, a first bearing, and a prime mover. The rotating frame unit is rotatably coupled to the fixed frame unit and rotates about an axis. The rotating frame unit includes a first surface for receiving a machine tool element to be rotated. The first bearing is configured to exert an axially outward force on the rotating frame unit. The first bearing rotates about an axis that extends in substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the rotating frame unit. The first bearing is axially movable within a cavity of at least one of the rotating frame unit and the fixed frame unit. The prime mover is coupled to the rotating frame unit to effectuate rotational movement thereof.

Abstract: A slide hammer includes three major components, namely, a guide sleeve, a plunger and an impact head. The plunger is inserted within the guide sleeve. The impact head is secured within the distal end of the guide sleeve, and has a portion which protrudes from the guide sleeve distal end. The impact head is able to freely slide within a segmented portion of the guide sleeve distal end, or the impact head movement may be controlled by a spring. The plunger is slid within the guide sleeve at a selected velocity in order to contact the portion of the impact head slidably secured within the guide sleeve. The force of the plunger striking the impact head is transmitted through the impact head to a targeted object in contact with the protruding portion of the impact head. The impact head may be fitted with various types of tips. Each of the tips has particular advantages in applying force to a targeted object.

Abstract: A system for screwing together threaded connections includes a pair of moveable arms which first grip the tubular to provide a contact force against three hydraulically powered drive rollers, that are contained within the arms. The three drive rollers will screw or “spin” the connection to an initial torque value. The moveable arms also contain a set of jaws (three) which extend radially inwardly to grip the tubular, so the connection can be made up to final torque by contracting a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder that is used to apply the final torque value is attached on one end, where the moveable arms are pinned together, and on the other end to something fixed, such a snub post or derrick leg. Rotation of the opposing connection is prevented by the use of standard equipment such as a manual chain tong.

Abstract: A bolt and nut engaging tool includes a loop that has an outer surface, an inner surface, a top side and a bottom side. The inner surface has a size and shape adapted for removably receiving a fastener. Each of a pair of the finger grips is coupled to the loop and extends in opposite directions with respect to each other. Each of the finger grips has an outer end extending away from the loop. The fastener may be removably positioned within the loop member so that the loop member engages the fastener and may be rotated by placing rotational force on the finger grips.

Abstract: A hand held tool has a slotted handle having a jaw and at least one slot therein, the slotted handle defining a toothed rack within the slot; an operative handle having a jaw and a pinion gear, the pinion gear having at least one tooth suitably shaped to engage the toothed rack, the pinion gear being slidably movable along the slot; and, at least one post member for connecting the operative handle to the slotted handle.

Abstract: A hollowing system for a lathe having a tool rest. The hollowing system comprises a boring member, and a stabilization assembly. The boring member is adapted to support a tool such that at least one of the boring member and the tool extend past and engage the tool rest. The stabilization assembly is mountable adjacent to the lathe. The stabilization assembly supports the boring member such that the boring member extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lathe. The stabilization assembly has a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. The stabilization assembly is adapted to prevent downward movement of the tool when the stabilization assembly is mounted adjacent to the lathe and the tool is positioned on the tool rest. The stabilization assembly is provided with an articulation assembly.

Abstract: A cutting unit is described that contains a pair of cylinders disposed opposite one another with a gap formed there-between for receiving a ribbon. The pair of cylinders include a first cutting cylinder having a periphery with a cutting knife disposed helically about the periphery and a second cylinder. A drive rotates the first cutting cylinder for cutting the ribbon such that a signature cut from the ribbon has a smooth, straight edge.

Abstract: A food chopping or slicing device preferably includes three primary components, including a lid, a blade tray, and a food reservoir. The lid and the food reservoir are pivotally connected to one another, with the blade tray being removably mounted within an upper rim of the reservoir. In some embodiments a reservoir bottom is removable and the device includes orthogonal volumetric markings.

Abstract: A table saw includes a primary table having an opening through which a saw blade extends, and an auxiliary table slidably coupled to the primary table at one side. A fence is movable on the primary table and the auxiliary table relative to the saw blade. A first scale is provided on the primary table and exposed to the outside. A first index is provided at the fence for indicating readings of the first scale. A second scale is kept from sight when the auxiliary table is abutted against the primary table and exposed to the outside for reading by a second index when the auxiliary table is pulled outwards from the table.

Abstract: An arrangement for a weapon including a countermass for reducing the pressure around the weapon. The countermass is enclosed in a countermass container with an openable cover provided with break indications. The arrangement brings about a symmetrical opening operation with favorable recoil in a better way than in previous constructions. This is achieved by the introduction of a guiding folding support arranged adjacent to the openable cover on the inside of the cover relative to the countermass container.

Abstract: An edge reinforcement for brittle armor plates is described and claimed herein for improving the ballistic performance of the outer peripheral margins of such plates to incoming threat projectiles. Typically, a transparent armor is positioned within a windowed opening of a security structure. Examples of contemplated security structures protected by my shields are civilian light-armored vehicles, military tactical trucks, and combat vehicles. My reinforced armor system deploys a shield of a hardened material, over and outboard of a brittle armor. Typically, this shield is positioned parallel planar to the brittle armor. If desired, my shield may extend slightly beyond the armor plate and mounting apparatuses. Fortuitously, the reinforced brittle armor plate has more strength than that of the central portion, or even exceeds it. Thereby, said plate will not be defeated merely because threat projectiles impact its weaker margins.

Abstract: A displacement amount-adjusting mechanism for adjusting the displacement amount of a slide table includes a stopper which faces a cutout formed at a bottom surface of the slide table and which is fixed to an upper surface of a main cylinder body, a first adjuster bolt which is provided movably back and forth on the slide table and which is screwed into a screw hole communicating with the cutout, an adjuster plate which is fixed to an end surface of the main cylinder body, and a second adjuster bolt which is screwed into a hole of the adjuster plate.

Abstract: A rotary actuator assembly is provided. The assembly has a flexible member that is attached to a piston for linear movement. The flexible member is also attached to a pinion for pivotable movement.

Abstract: A piston mechanism comprises a crankcase, a crankshaft with three crankpins, a cylinder with diverging pistons defining working chambers having inlet and outlet openings, and two connecting members, one of which cooperates with the middle crankpin and the other with the two outer crankpins. In the body of the cylinder there are guide channels provided, in which connecting rods are arranged in alternating sequence, which are attached to one or the other connecting member by their bases, forming two synchronous groups of connecting rods. The guide channels are provided with through-cuts in the working surface of the cylinder with outlets into its cavity so that the faces of the connecting rods of the synchronous groups facing the cavity of the cylinder form movable parts of its working surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for determining the doneness of food during a cooking process. Ultrasonic signal are passed through the food during cooking. The change in transmission characteristics of the ultrasonic signal during the cooking process is measured to determine the point at which the food has been cooked to the proper level. In one aspect, a heated fluid cooks the food, and the transmission characteristics along a fluid-only ultrasonic path provides a reference for comparison with the transmission characteristics for a food-fluid ultrasonic path.

Abstract: A shield is provided for preventing crop build-up above the axle and behind the pickup frame from interfering with the closure of the gate after bale discharge. A spring member is interposed between the baler frame and a deflector surface. Preferably the spring member occupies the entire space between the baler frame and the deflector thereby preventing any accumulation of crop material in that space. As the gate of the baler begins to close a gate shield of the baler contacts the deflector surface and compresses the spring member allowing the deflector surface to deflect toward the baler frame. Because crop material cannot build up in the area occupied by the spring member and deflector surface, deflection of the deflector surface provides a clean path for the gate shield allowing the gate to close without interference from crop material build-up. When the gate is opened again the spring member expands pushing the deflector surface and any accumulated crop material toward the center of the baler.

Abstract: A system is provided with a solid-liquid separator which can transport sludge and other material for treatment without clogging and can efficiently separator liquid from such material for treatment. The system includes movable plates and fixed plates alternatingly disposed and two screws disposed in holes formed in the movable plates and fixed plates. The screws have blades that partially overlap. As the two screws rotate, the material for treatment is transported and the effluent is discharged through the gaps between the movable plates and fixed plates.