Abstract: An axial thread-rolling head comprising a shank and a bearing unit held by said shank and having the profiled rolling dies wherein said shank has an elongate gripping portion, a first clutch portion, a supporting portion for the bearing unit, and a driver portion for a central toothed gear of said bearing unit and said bearing unit has a second clutch portion which is in engagement with said first clutch portion when said bearing unit and said shank are in a coupled position because of a spring bias, and is out of engagement when said bearing unit and said shank are axially moved apart, against said spring bias, to a separating position, which allows said bearing unit to perform a relative rotation on said shank, wherein said gripping portion and said clutch portion, on one hand, and said supporting portion and said driver portion, on the other hand, define separate components which are axially fixed and fixed for rotation via connecting portions, but are adapted to be releasably connected to each other.

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

Abstract: The method has a first material of lesser hardness acting as a rod-shaped carrier for a second material of greater hardness, each materials formed within a respective extrusion press tool and the plastic mass flow of the greater hardness material fed to the extrusion press tool for the lesser hardness material for providing a common plastic mass flow in the form of a rod-shaped body with a core and an outer region. An Independent claim for a device for manufacture of a hard metal workpiece is also included.

Abstract: A hemming die tool assembly for use with an anvil supporting a workpiece to be hemmed. A mounting plate is pivotally secured about an axis relative to the anvil while a vertical slide is slidably attached to the mounting plate along a first direction. An elongated channel is attached to the vertical slide so that the axis of the channel is transverse to the first direction. A hemming tool is secured to the vertical slide while a rocker arm is pivotally secured at one end to the mounting plate about the pivotal axis of the mounting plate while a second end of the rocker arm is longitudinally slidably mounted in the channel. A first cam assembly pivots the mounting plate between a retracted position, in which the hemming tool is positioned away from the workpiece, and an extended position in which the hemming tool overlies the workpiece.

Abstract: A press and tooling apparatus for forming a preheated blank includes a heated upper tool and an opposing heated lower tool mounted within the press for relative closing movement to press the preheated blank there between. A binder ring assembly surrounds the lower tool and is mounted on the press for movement relative to the lower tool so at to bind the preheated blank to the upper tool in air tight sealing relationship in readiness for closure of the tools and application of pressurized gas to force the blank into contact with the upper tools. The binder ring assembly includes an upper ring that is heated so as to prevent the cooling of the preheated blank, and a lower ring that supports the upper ring and is fixedly connected to the upper ring by spaced apart connectors so as to minimize the heat transfer path from the heated upper ring to the lower ring.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for forging a workpiece (3) with an intermittently drivable clamping head (4) for the workpiece (3) and with a counter-holder (5) for receiving the end of the workpiece (3) averted from the clamping head (4), which counter-holder is rotatably held in a frame (12). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the counter-holder (5) is connected with an intermittent rotational drive (13) which can be triggered synchronously to the clamping head (4).

Abstract: A method for inserting blanks to be threaded in automatic rotary rolling machines, in which the step for inserting parts to be machined in the working position occurs at an adjustable, optimized rate, so that the portions of the outer surface of the roller tool affected by contact with the parts that have been inserted vary continuously at each turn of the spindle. This provides a significant reduction in surface wear of the roller, extending its useful life. The invention also relates to an automatic rotary rolling machine.

Abstract: An osmolarity measuring system comprising microscale electrode arrays is configured to account for variations and defects in the arrays using a tiered approach comprising several calibration methods. One method accounts for the intrinsic conductivity of the electrodes and subtracts out the intrinsic conductivity on a pair-wise basis, when determining osmolarity of a sample fluid. Other methods in the tiered approach use standards to determine calibration factors for the electrodes that can then be used to adjust subsequent osmolarity measurements for a sample fluid. The use of a standard can also be combined with a washing step.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the accuracy of a sensor is provided. The method includes determining a measure of the output of the sensor, determining whether the measure falls outside of an acceptable range for the output of the sensor, and, when the measure falls outside the acceptable range, modifying the measure of the output such that the measure falls within the acceptable range for the sensor.

Abstract: A sheet material detecting device for identifying the material of a sheet by utilizing an impact applied to the sheet has an impact applying unit which is supported to be rotatable and shiftable toward the sheet, and applies an impact onto the sheet, an impact receiving unit which is supported to be rotatable and shiftable in a state of being in contact with the sheet onto which the impact has been applied, arranged opposite the impact applying unit with a gap permitting the passage of the sheet in-between, and receives via the sheet the impact applied by the impact applying unit onto the sheet, and a signal output unit which outputs a signal in response to the impact applied onto the sheet.

Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: A method of determining a length Ld at least representative of the length of a passage along which an optical unit or cable is to be installed by blowing, comprises the steps of flowing a pressurised gas into the passage at a substantially constant pressure P1 and substantially constant flow rate Vf until gas pressure within the passage reaches a predetermined level P2. The time period tf during which the pressurised gas was flowed into the passage is determined and then the length Ld is determined by reference to the time period tf.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for large leak testing are provided. The apparatus includes a test line to receive a sample containing a trace gas, a mass spectrometer to detect the trace gas and having an inlet for receiving the trace gas, a first vacuum pump characterized by a relatively high reverse flow rate for light gases and a relatively low reverse flow rate for heavy gases, the first vacuum pump having a pump inlet and a foreline, the pump inlet being coupled to the inlet of the mass spectrometer, and a second vacuum pump configured to back the first vacuum pump. The apparatus further includes a trace gas permeable member coupled between the test line and the pump inlet, the foreline, or, in the case where the first vacuum pump is a turbomolecular pump, a midstage line.

Abstract: A viscosity and corrosivity sensor apparatus includes a substrate upon which one or more electrodes are configured. The electrode(s) are exposed to a liquid, such as automotive oil. An oscillator can be connected to the electrode, wherein the oscillator assists in providing data indicative of the corrosivity and data indicative of the viscosity of the liquid in contact with the electrode(s). A viscosity and corrosivity sensor is therefore provided in the same package.

Abstract: An ultrasound system determines the presence of a foreign object in a container of fluid by measuring echo signals from the outer surface of the container and the inner surface of the container. The amplitude of the echo signals are compared to determine the presence of an object in the container. The system also determines viscosity of the contained fluid by measuring a through-transmission time through the container and the fluid, measuring an outer echo transmission time of an outer echo signal from the outer surface of the container and an inner echo transmission time of an inner echo signal from the inner surface of the container, and determining a time difference between the outer echo transmission time and the inner surface transmission time.

Abstract: A moisture detector can include a first elongated conductor disposed on a substrate. The first conductor can define a zigzag path between the opposite ends thereof. A second conductor can also be disposed on the substrate at least partially surrounding the first conductor. The second conductor can define between opposite ends thereof a zigzag path having a portion thereof that is positioned in substantially spaced parallel relation with the zigzag path of the first conductor along the sides thereof. A power conductor disposed on the substrate can be electrically connected to the first conductor intermediate the ends thereof via a gap defined between the ends of the second conductor. Ground conductors disposed on the substrate can be electrically connected to the ends of the second conductor. A temperature sensor can be utilized to correct the response of the moisture detector for temperature.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope method and apparatus that modifies imaging dynamics using an active drive technique to optimize the bandwidth of amplitude detection. The deflection is preferably measured by an optical detection system including a laser and a photodetector, which measures cantilever deflection by an optical beam bounce technique or another conventional technique. The detected deflection of the cantilever is subsequently demodulated to give a signal proportional to the amplitude of oscillation of the cantilever, which is thereafter used to drive the cantilever.

Abstract: A system and method for determining valve degradation is presented. According to the method, valve timing can be adjusted in a number of ways to improve the possibility of detecting a degraded valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to sense the onset of combustion stability is presented. An electrode is positioned in a turbine combustion chamber such that the electrode is exposed to gases in the combustion chamber. The electrode may be integrated with an igniter. A control module applies a voltage potential to the electrode and detects a combustion ionization signal and determines if there is an oscillation in the combustion ionization signal indicative of the occurrence of combustion stability or the onset of combustion instability. The control module broadcasts a notice if the parameters indicate the combustion process is at the onset of combustion instability or broadcasts an alarm signal if the parameters indicate the combustion process is instable. Combustion parameters are adjusted to drive the combustion process towards stability.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an engine intake air flow meter measuring a mass flow rate based on measured pressures in an intake pipe, such as a pressure difference between two points and a pressure at a point. Calculations for integration and double integration of the pressure difference are performed, and both values of integration and double integration are corrected at a moment when an air flow rate is detected to be a zero based on a value of a time derivative of the pressure. Then a mass flow rate and an amount of air are calculated by the value of integration and the value of double integration respectively.

Abstract: A method for detecting wear on a tire at one or more predetermined wear thresholds in tread pattern elements of the tire includes the steps of allocating a discrete wear variable to the tread pattern element to a discrete impedance variable representing the impedance of a passive tuned circuit contained in at least one of the elements. A system according to the invention for implementing this method comprises a detection unit intended to be incorporated in a tire and containing the passive circuit which is covered with rubber, the passive circuit comprising a coil and n (n?1) capacitor or capacitors connected in parallel to the terminals of the coil, and an active interrogation circuit to which the passive circuit is coupled, which is mounted fixed to the wheel and which comprises a frequency-sweep energy generator and a means of detecting the tuning frequencies between the passive circuit and the interrogation circuit.

Abstract: A sensor housing assembly for mounting a tire pressure sensor module within the pressurized cavity of a wheel and tire assembly includes a central housing that includes a housing bottom and defines a cavity therein. A bobbin cover is coupled to the central housing. The bobbin cover and the central housing are mountable to a mounting surface on the wheel. The bobbin cover and the central housing bottom include curved mounting surfaces that are complementary to a curvature of the mounting surface on the wheel. At least one bobbin assembly is received in the bobbin cover. The bobbin assembly is substantially straight and coupled to the central housing at a downward angle toward the wheel.

Abstract: A thread breakage detection apparatus comprises a light source operable to generate a light beam, an emitter in communication with the light source, the emitter operable to emit the light beam, and a receiver in communication with and disposed in facing opposition to the emitter, the receiver operable to receive the light beam emitted from the emitter and to communicate the light beam to a sensor. The emitter comprises an emitter lens and a first fiber optic cable comprising proximate and distal ends. The proximate end of the first cable in communication with the light source and the distal end of the first cable in communication with the emitter lens. The receiver comprises a receiving lens and a second fiber optic cable comprising proximate and distal ends, the proximate end of the second cable in communication with the receiving lens and the distal end of the second cable in communication with the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the operating health of a hydraulic system are provided. The method may include the steps of determining a plurality of operating parameters of the hydraulic system during operation of the hydraulic system, determining an estimated working condition value of the hydraulic system, modifying the estimated working condition value as a function of the operating parameters, and determining the operating health of the hydraulic system as a function of the working condition value. In one method, the working condition value may be indicative of an effective bulk modulus value of an operating fluid within at least part of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: An analytical chip is provided with a flow channel (5), whose section is in a closed shape and through which a fluid sample (Fs) is made to flow, for carrying out analysis regarding the fluid sample (Fs) based on interaction between a predetermined substance and a specific substance (61), which is placed facing said flow channel (5). The chip further has a projection member (9b) attached to said flow channel (5). With this arrangement, it becomes possible to analyze the fluid sample (Fs) efficiently with high precision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar level measuring device for non-contact measurement of a level of a product in a container. The device comprises a flange which is mounted on the container in such a way that a lead-through of the flange at least partly covers an opening in the container. The device further comprises a waveguide part, insertable into the flange. When inserted, the insertable waveguide part is arranged to come to a stop at a distance (D) from the surface of the flange intended to face the container, along which distance (D), a waveguide is formed, forming a continuous waveguide together with the insertable waveguide part when inserted.

Abstract: In a fuel level control system for an internal combustion engine, more than one filter having different characteristics is applied to correct the fuel level value according to the condition of the vehicle, providing precise fuel level measurement. The fuel level control system for the engine includes a fuel level correction section in which fuel level detection is prevented until a first set time has elapsed from activation of an ignition switch. The fuel level is detected by the fuel level detector after the first set time has elapsed and the detected fuel level value is corrected with a weak filter of high followability. After a second set time has elapsed the detected fuel level value is corrected with a strong filter of low followability. The strong filter minimizes the effect of disturbances on the fuel level value.

Abstract: A guide pipe is formed from a metal material, and its internal cross section has a circular shape whose diametric dimension gradually becomes smaller with a distance from an ultrasonic sensor. That is, the guide pipe is formed so that a route for transmitting an ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic sensor may be tapered from this ultrasonic sensor toward a reflector plate. Thus, the acoustic pressure level of the ultrasonic wave which enters the reflector plate can be made higher than a value in a prior-art liquid level detecting apparatus. Accordingly, the energy of the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic sensor can be utilized for liquid level detection at a high efficiency, so that a fuel liquid level detecting apparatus capable of accurate liquid level detection can be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of using the apparatus are disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least a fluid level detection portion communicating with a fulcrum that provides at least a first lobe and a second lobe, and a control portion responsive to the first lobe when the apparatus is operated in a first operating mode and responsive to the second lobe when the apparatus is operated in a second operating mode. The apparatus preferably further includes a counterbalance mechanism linked to the fluid level detection device, wherein the apparatus operates in the first mode when a first balance force is applied by the counterbalance mechanism to the fluid level detection device, and further operates in the second mode when a second balance force is applied by the counterbalance mechanism to the fluid level detection device.

Abstract: Resonator structures include a plurality of resonator masses interconnected by a plurality of levers so as to resonate in anti-phase with one another. The levers include a plurality of lever fingers interdigitated with corresponding fixed fingers affixed to an underlying substrate for at least one of driving movement of the levers and sensing movement of the levers relative to the fixed fingers.

Abstract: An activity monitor is provided that corrects for the effects of motion external to the entity being monitored. For example, the activity monitor can overcome the effects of vehicular travel.

Abstract: A device for measuring thickness of an object has a vibration generator for generating vibrations in the object, a vibration detector for detecting vibrations generated in the object by the vibration generator and a frequency analyzer for calculating resonance frequency of the object. The vibration generator includes a light-emitting part which emits light towards the object to irradiate and to be absorbed by the object. A plurality of vibration detectors may be used and the frequency analyzer may include a sound speed analyzer for calculating speed of sound inside the object from vibrations detected by these plurality of vibration detectors.

Abstract: An inspection method can easily determine welding condition by just comparing an echo height returned from the weld zone of a real product with a master data. An master data is made based on the data from prepared test pieces corresponding to the real product.

Abstract: Two groups of inclined lines, which are included in a spurious wave scattering means, are formed at opposite angles with respect to each other in the vicinity of an upper edge of a substrate. The angles of the inclined lines are such that they are close to perpendicular toward the central portion of the substrate, and gradually decrease toward the edges thereof. In a similar manner, two other groups inclined lines, which are also included in the spurious wave scattering means, are formed at opposite angles with respect to each other, with gradually changing angles. The spurious waves that reach these regions are diffuse by the inclined lines, so that they are not propagated to converters (sensors). Three rectangular spurious wave scattering means, formed by inclined lines, inclined at angles other than 45°, also function to diffuse and eliminate spurious waves that propagate along the front surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A pressure indicating fitting for injection molding equipment comprises a fitting body with a fitting bore therethrough, the fitting body being installed in the equipment with the fitting bore open to the interior of a passage for conveying melt, an indicating member received within the fitting bore and being bonded thereto to be retained in a normal position and being displaced therefrom to an indicating position by force from melt applied to the indicating member sufficient to cause the bond to fail, the indicating position determined by abutting contact of a surface of the indicating member with a surface of the fitting body and exposing a portion of a stem of the indicating member. Advantageously, the indicating member is retained in an indicating position by a press fit between the indicating member and fitting body. An injection molding manifold comprises a pressure indicating fitting in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The disclosed pressure sensor includes a body, a diaphragm, and a flow defining structure. The body defines an interior volume. The diaphragm divides the interior volume into a first portion and a second portion. At least a first part of the diaphragm moves in a first direction when a pressure in the first portion increases relative to a pressure in the second portion. The first part of the diaphragm moves in a second direction when the pressure in the first portion decreases relative to the pressure in the second portion. The first part of the diaphragm and at least a first part of the body are characterized by a capacitance. The capacitance changes in response to movement of the first part of diaphragm relative to the first part of the body. The flow defining structure provides a fluid flow path from the first portion of the interior volume to a position outside of the internal volume. At least part of the fluid flow path extends from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: A metal cap 12 is fitted over a vessel (vial 2), into which a rubber plug 4 is driven, and using a pressure block 10, a load is applied to the cap 12 through the top surface 12b thereof to maintain the rubber plug 4 compressed. Under this condition, a tightening roller 14 folds a skirt (lower end 12c of a cylindrical portion 12a) of the cap 12 inwardly to perform a tightening operation. Subsequently, the load applied to the top surface 12b of the cap is once released, and then a load is applied again starting from a value FB which is less than the load FA applied during the tightening operation, gradually increasing to a higher value. In the course of increasing the load, a load FC at the instant when a displacement in the elevation of the top surface of the cap is detected, and this load FC is determined to be a seal load upon completion of the tightening operation. By detecting the load FC upon completion of the tightening operation, a seal capacity of the rubber plug 14 can be confirmed.

Abstract: A method of simulating life of a rotor blade mounting feature mounted in a complementary rotor disc mounting feature comprises the steps of providing two specimen mounting features (37) each having portions defining pressure faces matching in profile respective faces of the rotor blade mounting feature; providing a fixture (38) having two opposed mounting features (39) each having portions defining pressure faces (78) matching in profile respective faces of the rotor disc mounting feature; mounting the specimen mounting features (37) in the fixture mounting features (39); applying a first load to the specimen mounting features (37); measuring a strain in a region (86) of the fixture (38) between the fixture mounting features (39); applying a second load to the fixture (38), the second load being substantially perpendicular to the first load; and controlling the second load in response to the measured strain. A high cycle load may simultaneously be applied to the specimen mounting features (37).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for testing attachment features (26,28,30,32) of components (12,14) comprises a first member (16) having a first end (18), a second end (20), a first edge (22) and a second edge (24). The first edge (22) has a first firtree slot (26) to receive a first component (12) and the second edge (24) has a second firtree slot (28) to receive a second component (14). The first component (12) has a firtree attachment feature (30) to fit the first slot (26) and the second component (14) has a firtree attachment feature (32) to fit the second slot (28). The first end (18) of the first member (16) has flanges (34,36) extending laterally and the second end (20) of the first member (16) has flanges (38,40) extending laterally such that the first member (16) is substantially H-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: An online roll firmness measurement system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a contact element is placed in a fixed position. A roll of material is placed in between the contact element and a support surface. Based upon the amount of force exerted on the contact element, the firmness of the roll of material may be measured. In an alternative embodiment, the contact element applies a predetermined amount of force on the roll of material but is displaced when a roll of material is placed in between the contact element and the support surface. In this embodiment, the amount of displacement of the contact element is measured which allows for the calculation of roll firmness. In one embodiment, a roll firmness device made in accordance with the present invention may be placed in a system for winding rolls and used to maintain rolls of material being formed within preset roll firmness ranges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gas control is provided. The apparatus may be used for controlling gases delivered to a chamber, controlling the chamber pressure, controlling the delivery of backside gas between a substrate and substrate support and the like. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling gas control includes at least a first flow sensor having a control valve, a first pressure sensor and at least a second pressure sensor. An inlet of the first flow sensor is adapted for coupling to a gas supply. A control valve is coupled to an outlet of the flow sensor. The first pressure sensor is adapted to sense a metric indicative of the pressure upstream of the first flow sensor. The second pressure sensor is adapted to sense a metric indicative of the pressure downstream of the control valve.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for determining the flow rate of a gas. The apparatus comprises a housing (12) forming a vaporization chamber (14) for converting a fluid into a gas vapor when subjected to heat (22). An oscillation flow meter is formed within the housing (12), thereby being integrated with the vaporization chamber, for receiving the gas vapor and providing a frequency signal (60) indicative of the rate of flow of the gas vapor.

Abstract: A modular utility meter, for example, a water meter, is provided which comprises a meter base and a meter head. The output signal from a transducer in the meter base is processed in the meter head to calculate the utility supply. The processing includes linearization of the signal calibration data stored in the meter base. Therefore, any meter head may be combined with a meter base containing any different type of transducer.

Abstract: An internally isothermal control volume of a flow verification system for measuring gas pressure drop relative to time to calculate flow rate has a thermal reservoir provided therein. The thermal reservoir is de-coupled from ambient effects so that the temperature of the thermal reservoir will be driven to the gas temperature during steady state flow of gas through the known volume and during gas expansion, will transfer heat to maintain a contrast gas temperature for accurate gas flow rate calculation with minimal effect from external influence during the verification process.

Abstract: The fastening member removing force measuring device according to the present invention includes a holding unit (300) for holding and pressing a fabric (953) around a snap member (921), a restricting unit for restricting the snap member (921), and a tensile force measuring unit for pulling the restricting unit away from the fabric (953) and measuring a tensile force. The holding unit (300) includes a die (420) for mounting thereon the fabric 953, and a fabric presser unit (500) for holding the fabric (953) placed on the die (420) together with the die (420).

Abstract: A testing apparatus having four-bar linkages pivotable to sleeves on opposite vertices with the sleeves of each vertex rotationally attached to each other. Links of each linkage are pivotally attached to loading plate assemblies securing a test specimen. During loading, the assemblies move toward or away from each other; thereby, applying compression or tension to the specimen. A pressure system fluidly impacts opposite faces of a piston of the assembly such that one of the faces is pressurized and impacts arms of the assembly for a sliding motion to move toward or away from the longitudinal axis of the apparatus thereby, applying a compression or tensile load on the specimen or augmenting the loads applied by the movement of the loading plate assemblies. The pressure system includes a controller connected to a reservoir, a pressurized source, a plurality of shutoff valves and pressure-adjustable check valves.

Abstract: A gear system having a rotatory input is isolated while subjected to test for torsional and linear vibration. The gear system is installed on an isolation support that affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to a base, whereby torsional and linear vibrations are analyzed. The resonance of the isolation support can be configured to simulate a vehicle, or to be significantly different therefrom. The gear system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the gear system to the isolation support. Rotatory energy is provided as torque without significant axial or transaxial bias. Processes for signal analysis enable “pass/fail” determinations with respect to torsional vibration, linear vibration, noise of the system under test, and the presence of bumps or nicks in the gear system.

Abstract: A strain gauge for sensing strain is provided and includes a support substrate, and first and second electrodes supported on the substrate. The first and second electrodes include first and second capacitive plates, respectively. The first capacitive plates are movable relative to the second capacitive plates responsive to strain. The strain gauge further has an input electrically coupled to one of the first and second electrodes for receiving an input signal, and an output electrically coupled to the other of the first and second electrodes for providing an output signal which varies as a function of the capacitive coupling and is indicative of sensed strain.

Abstract: The mechanical piston pipette comprises a pipette body, a piston/cylinder assembly, the cylinder being arranged so as to be able to be equipped with a replaceable tip, and a tip ejector device, movable along the cylinder in order to eject a tip from the end of the cylinder. The pipette body accommodates an ejection actuation device and a piston actuation device (3, 4, 7) effecting given longitudinal translational travel between a low limit stop position and a high limit stop position in order to perform the aspiration of an adjustable volume of liquid, with means of modifying said travel, means (4) of adjusting the pipetted volume, means (8e, 8f, 8g) of displaying the pipetted volume and calibration means.

Abstract: The powder analytical apparatus of the invention includes a hopper that is connected to a controllable agitator by a separable link. The hopper has an exit port at its lower end that is at an acute angle to the axis of the hopper. A planar gate is mounted parallel to the exit port of the hopper and is movable incrementally to allow powder to flow out of the hopper into a bin residing on a scale. The controllable agitator is a vibrator device capable of variation of frequency and amplitude. Control of the vibrator, the gate position and input from the scale are by means of a PLC. In a second embodiment, the exit port is formed perpendicular to the axis of the hopper and the gate is conical to emulate the angular flow pattern of the first embodiment.