Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of jewelry, the body (2) of which has an opening (4) in which a decorative element (5), more particularly a precious stone or gemstone, is inserted, wherein a support (7) for the decorative element (5) is formed in the opening (4) of the body (2) of the piece of jewelry (1) that receives the decorative element (5), said support defining the insertion depth of the decorative element (5) in the opening (4) of the body (2) of the piece of jewelry (1) and supporting a lower edge (5?) of the decorative element (5) at least in certain spots. The piece of jewelry (1) has a holding element (10) extending at least over part of the perimeter of the opening (4).

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, a method of joining a decorative ornament to an earring base component includes a dapped piece (a meniscus lens shaped piece) of material joined to a threaded tube. An opening in the end of the tube connected to the dapped piece is aligned with a hole in the dapped piece. The support piece is then joined to a decorative ornament. The tube is threaded and receives a threaded rod-like base stud. The threaded base stud passes through the hole in the dapped piece and reaches the threads of the tube. The threaded tube provides alignment and increased support between the base stud and the decorative ornament.

Abstract: Piece of jewellery including an outer ring (2) and an inner ring (4) arranged concentrically to the outer ring (2), the two inner (4) and outer (2) rings being able to pivot in relation to each other, the outer ring (2) comprising at least one aperture (6) through which at least one decoration (8), provided on the outer periphery of the inner ring (4), can appear, means being provided for the axial coupling of the two inner (4) and outer (2) rings, this piece of jewellery being characterized in that the axial coupling means include at least one ball (10) arranged in a housing (12) disposed on the external periphery of the inner ring (4) and capable of rolling in the inner periphery of the outer ring (2) and forming a rolling path for the ball (10).

Abstract: A chuck adapted to support a substrate includes an array of glass bars spaced apart and each having a number of holes in its supporting surface. The holes in the supporting surfaces are connected to a common conduit that is supplied with air to provide an air cushion to support the substrate during loading and positioning operations. Scrubbers in contact with one or more edges of the substrate are used to locate the substrate precisely relative to a mechanical reference. After the substrate is positioned at the desired location, the common conduit is separately supplied with vacuum to provide a suction force to hold the substrate to the chuck. The array of glass bars are designed to operate in conjunction with a multi-light backlight system that provides uniform illumination for areas of the substrate that are supported above a glass bar as well as for areas of the substrate that are positioned between the glass bars.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass melt including heating a glass feed material in a first melting furnace to form a glass melt, flowing the glass melt into a second melting furnace through a refractory metal connecting tube, and further heating the glass melt in the second melting furnace. The refractory metal connecting tube is heated to prevent the molten glass from excessive cooling, and to ensure that the glass melt entering the second melting furnace is equal to or greater than the temperature of the glass melt in the second melting furnace. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Vapor Axial Deposition (VAD) apparatus and method is provided. The VAD apparatus includes a first torch, a second torch, a thermometer, a controller, and a moving device. The first torch grows a core by depositing a soot at an end of a soot preform arranged on an axis. The second torch grows a clad by depositing a soot on the face of the core. The thermometer detects the temperature of the end of the soot preform along the axis and the temperature of an other/lower portion of the core. The controller calculates a difference between a temperature (T1) of the end of the soot preform and a temperature (T4) of a lower portion of the core and controls the movement of the soot preform according to the difference. The moving device moves the soot preform along the axis according to the instruction of the controller.

Abstract: The present invention involves an illuminated knitting and crochet device in the form of a hand tool easily sold as a kit with variety of sizes. A partial or full-length bounded inner region contains one or more light emitting devices, optionally actuated by a power supply source and a switch. In one embodiment a solid translucent or transparent tip is provided with a hollow needle body. In an alternative embodiment a computer control module may be optionally inserted to enable a non-use or non-motion automatic turnoff of the device thereby conserving energy for later reuse. As a consequence of the present invention those of skill in the knitting arts may freely operate within a low light or a no light knitting environment with relative ease, thereby improving knitting enjoyment.

Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises a first laundry appliance and a second laundry appliance horizontally arranged relative to the first laundry appliance. The modular laundry system further comprises a laundry care function horizontal module vertically arranged with the first and second laundry appliances and having an associated laundry care function and a width that at least partially spans at least the first and second laundry appliances.

Abstract: A laundry system comprises a laundry appliance and a vertical laundry module. The vertical laundry module comprises a backsplash that complements a backsplash on the laundry appliance and has an effective upper surface that is located at substantially the same height as an effective upper surface of the laundry appliance. The backsplash can further comprise a function element that can be a laundry care function or a non-laundry care function.

Abstract: A laundry system comprises a laundry appliance and a vertical laundry module. The vertical laundry module comprises one of a drawer that slidably opens from a face of the module and/or a door that opens from the face of the module and has an effective upper surface that is located at substantially the same height as an effective upper surface of the laundry appliance. The vertical laundry module can further comprise a functional element that can be a laundry care function or a non-laundry care function.

Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises at least one laundry appliance and a worksurface provided on the at least one laundry appliance. The worksurface defines a perimeter comprising a front, a back, and opposite sides and can comprise a functional element on the perimeter of the worksurface and configured to provide an associated functionality. The worksurface has an upper surface and can comprise a functional element located below the upper surface and configured to provide an associated functionality.

Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises at least one laundry appliance with a top and a worksurface that extends over the top of the at least one laundry appliance and comprises a functional insert provided on the worksurface.

Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises first and second laundry appliances in one of a horizontal and vertical arrangement, a first vertical module horizontally arranged relative to the first and second laundry appliances, and a second vertical module horizontally arranged relative to the first and second laundry appliances and to the first vertical module.

Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises at least two horizontally arranged laundry appliances. Each of the at least two laundry appliances have a top, and a worksurface extends over the tops of the at least two laundry appliances. The worksurface can form a continuous surface above the at least two laundry appliances.

Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises at least one laundry appliance and a module adjacent to the at least one laundry appliance. The module comprises a vertically oriented housing and a shelf assembly comprising a shelf and movably mounted to the housing. The shelf can move between a first position, where the shelf is vertically oriented and at least partially received within the housing, and a second position, where the shelf is horizontally oriented and located exteriorly of the housing.

Abstract: Movable and fixed, wall-mounted support apparatus for holding cleaning supplies used to clean an/or disinfect fitness equipment. Each support apparatus may include one or more individual recessed support surfaces for supporting and removably mounting containers holding cleaning liquid, such as spray bottles, and at least one towel holder. Additional cleaning supplies may be stored in an interior compartment.

Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises a laundry appliance and at least one unit horizontally arranged with the laundry appliance and selected from a group comprising a second laundry appliance, a vertical module, and a cabinet module. A laundry module for use with the modular laundry system comprises a housing defining an interior space and having a width greater than a width of a laundry appliance and a functional element disposed within the interior space and having an associated function other than storage.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a cabinet; a laundry treatment chamber located in the cabinet for receiving fabric; an automatic laundry processing system in the cabinet for providing at least one of mechanical energy, thermal energy, and chemical energy to the fabric in the laundry treatment chamber to perform a laundry treatment process; and a manual treatment system incorporated into the cabinet.

Abstract: A system for treating a fabric load comprises a chamber having an interior for holding a fabric load; a low absorbency textured surface disposed within the chamber; at least one opening into the chamber for enabling user access to the interior of the chamber; a fabric movement system for causing movement of the fabric load within the chamber; a fluid delivery system in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber; and a fluid removal system in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A modular system according to one embodiment of the invention for treating fabric load comprises a first module and a second module. The first module can include a chamber having an interior for holding a fabric load, and the second module can have at least one of a fluid delivery system, a fluid removal system, and a fluid recycling system. The modular system can further include conduits for coupling the systems of the second module with the first module.

Abstract: A computer enclosure with a locking apparatus includes a front panel (10), a side panel (30), a driving member (52), and a sliding member (55). The side panel has an engaging portion (351). The driving member is pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the front panel, and defines an arcuate portion (531). The sliding member is slidably attached to the front panel. The sliding portion has a stop portion (557) and a driving pin (571). When the driving member is rotated, the arcuate urges the driving pin of the sliding member for driving the sliding member to move, thereby the stop portion engaging with the engaging portion of the side panel and preventing the engaging portion from moving away from the front panel.

Abstract: A method is provided for emergency unlocking of an automatic transmission in a vehicle. The transmission may be unlocked from a blocked state for protection against unauthorized use, by an emergency unlocking unit. Upon actuation of the emergency unlocking unit, the automatic transmission cannot be operated in a forward driving mode.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a combination locket and key holder, comprising a body with a door pivotally attached to the body by a hinge. The clasp comprises a first clasp member located on the door that is operatively arranged to magnetically interact with a second clasp member located on the body. Alternatively the clasp members can be made of two permanent magnets or one ferromagnetic element and one permanent magnet. A lens is disposed within the body and it is arranged to hold and display an object. Rotationally attached to the pendant body is a swivel that has a key holder slidingly attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to locking devices, more specifically to cylindrical locks. The inventive lock comprises a body provided with slots, a rotatable cylinder provided with a key channel and slots which are diametrically embodied in the cross-sections thereof a packet of locking plates which are movably arranged in the cylinder slots in such a way that the locking ends thereof are insertable into the body slots. The inventive structural design makes it possible to reduce the information content of the locking plates of the lock, thereby improving the secrecy and reliability thereof and enabling said lock to re-coded for any coding key combination.

Abstract: There is provided a method for forming a hollow shaft with a flange directly in sheet metal. This method is a method for forming a hollow shaft having a flange portion 17 at the end thereof based on stamping performed on sheet metal 20. The method includes forming an upright portion 14 which is upright with respect to the surface of the sheet metal 20 by using a burring punch 320 and a burring die 310, and bending outward the free end portion of the upright portion 14 radially with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion by using a bending punch and a bending die. Here, the formed hollow shaft has the upright portion 14 protruding upright with respect to the surface and the flange portion 17 radially extending from the end of the upright portion.

Abstract: A workpiece holding clamp mechanism includes first and second clamp arms associated with respective clamp jaws. The first clamp arm is mounted on a transmission shaft, and has a sleeve part sleeved onto the transmission shaft, a first prong extending axially from the sleeve part and having a shaft receiving recess, a second prong extending axially from the sleeve part and spaced apart transversely from the transmission shaft, and a connection part bridging the first and second prongs. The first and second prongs cooperate with the sleeve part and the connection part to confine a receiving space which is aligned with a key groove of the transmission shaft into which a key is inserted. The connection part reduces an incidence of crack formation due to stresses in the first clamp arm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for testing the operation of a detection instrument, which comprises a first enclosure having at least two ports and containing a fluid comprising a substance detectable in gas form by the instrument, said fluid being present in part as a vapor phase and in part as a liquid phase in equilibrium with one another, said first enclosure being interconnected with the instrument such that the fluid contained in the first enclosure can be dispensed to the instrument via at least one port of said first enclosure; a second enclosure having at least one port and containing either the same or a different fluid in gas form as compared with the first enclosure, said second enclosure being adapted for selective dispensing of a known or ascertainable mass of the fluid contained therein via at least one port thereof, and being interconnected with the first enclosure such that said mass can be introduced into the volume within said first enclosure through at least one port thereof, thereby t

Abstract: A method for producing a correlation between a first state of a piezoelectric component (1, 20) comprising a piezoceramic element and a second state of the component comprises the following steps: a) a first group of components respectively in the first state is prepared (101), b) at least one defined characteristic of each component of the first group is determined (102), c) the piezoceramic element of the components of the first group is polarised, and a corresponding component of a second group in the second state is thus created from each component of the first group (103), d) at least one defined characteristic of each component of the second group is determined (104), and e) the correlation is produced by comparing the defined characteristics of each component of the first group with the defined characteristic of the corresponding component of the second group (105).

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic zero point correction device that includes a pressure sensor, wherein output from the sensor is outputted and the sensor output is inputted to a time-varying zero point drift correction means of the sensor; a sensor output judgement means of the time-varying zero point drift correction means, wherein the sensor output judgement means operates to make a judgement determining whether the sensor output is larger than a set value; and operating condition judgement means of the time-varying zero point drift correction means, wherein the operating condition judgement means judges operating conditions of the sensor, wherein the time-varying zero point drift correction means operates to cancel time-varying zero point drift of the sensor when the sensor output judgement means determines sensor output is larger than the set value and the operating condition judgement means determines operating conditions of the sensor are within previously set operating conditions.

Abstract: A rotation angle sensor is provided for determining mechanical angular positions and transposing them into signals transferable through electricity. The sensor includes a housing (2), a rotation indicator (4) located outside of the sensor housing (2a) so that it can rotate and coupled with the sensor element (3) so it operates in a non-contracting manner through the wall of the housing (2). A sensor element (3) is located in the interior of the housing (2). An intermediary element (5) is rotationally supported in the interior of the housing (2) between the sensor element (3) and the rotation indicator (4) and coupled to the rotation indicator (4) in a rotationally fixed, but non-contacting manner.

Abstract: A breakaway unit sits atop a base plate of a coordinate measuring machine via a breakaway coupling system. A crash detection system including at least one crash detection sensor mounted on the breakaway unit and a crash detection controller stops the machine when vertical movement of the breakaway unit exceeds a threshold. Should collision occur, the breakaway coupling system allows the breakaway unit to separate from the base plate, preventing damage to instruments mounted thereon. The kinematic coupling system preferably comprises tooling balls engaging respective vee cones, vee grooves, and/or flats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomimetic odor sensor that utilizes neither an oxide semiconductor nor a quartz oscillator, is hardly affected by the atmospheric moisture, simple in structure, inexpensive in production cost, fast in reaction rate, of a wet type, and provided with the condition close to the condition of the nasal mucosa of the human olfactus organ. The sensor 10 according to the present invention includes a mixed material 12 in which ?-carotene and a reducing agent to prevent the oxidation of the ?-carotene are dispersed in a viscous liquid, and a cathode electrode 16 and an anode electrode 18 are disposed so as to be in contact with the mixed material 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for detecting one or more gases or gas mixtures and/or for measuring the concentration of one or more gases or gas mixtures, said system comprising at least a light source, a sample space, a reference chamber, and a measuring chamber. The measuring chamber is supplied with a gas to be detected or measured. In addition, the measuring chamber is provided with a pressure sensor for detecting a photoacoustic signal generated in the measuring chamber. The pressure sensor comprises either a door, whose movement is measured without contact, or a sensor, whose movement is measured optically.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample collection apparatus which includes a pretreatment unit arranged in front of a sample collection section to remove moisture, a first Peltier trap positioned at the lower side of the pretreatment unit to perform cooling condensation and thermal desorption, a switching valve connected to the rear of the pretreatment unit to determine flow paths through first, second, third and fourth ports, a sample collection section arranged at the rear of the switching valve to collect samples, a second Peltier trap positioned at the lower side of the sample collection section to perform thermal desorption, a first air pump connected to the second port of the switching valve to intake air, a second air pump connected to the rear of the sample collection section to intake and exhaust air, and a sample analyzer connected to the fourth port of the switching valve to analyze the samples.

Abstract: A choked-flow orifice gas gauge proximity sensor for sensing a difference between a reference surface standoff and a measurement surface standoff is disclosed. Unlike existing proximity sensors, the gas gauge proximity sensor of the present invention replaces the use of a mass flow controller with a choked flow orifice. The use of a choked flow orifice provides for reduced equipment cost and improved system reliability. A gas supply forces gas into the proximity sensor. The gas is forced through the choked flow orifice to achieve sonic conditions at which time the mass flow rate becomes largely independent of pressure variations. The flow of gas proceeds from the choked flow orifice into a sensor channel system. A mass flow sensor within the sensor channel system monitors flow rates to detect measurement standoffs that can be used to initiate a control action.

Abstract: A vacuum-driven gas gauge proximity sensor for sensing a difference between a reference surface standoff and a measurement surface standoff is disclosed. Unlike existing proximity sensors, the vacuum-driven gas gauge proximity sensor uses a vacuum to reverse the traditional flow of gas through a proximity sensor, such that gas flows inward across measurement and reference standoffs through measurement and reference nozzles. The conditioned ambient gas that is vacuumed into the reference and measurement nozzles flows through reference and measurement channels that are coupled at a junction into a single channel. The single channel is coupled to the vacuum that is used to evacuate the conditioned ambient gas through the proximity sensor. A bridge channel couples the reference and measurement channels. A mass flow sensor along the bridge channel monitors flow rates to detect measurement standoffs that can be used to initiate a control action. A pump-driven liquid flow proximity sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for pressure testing an engine to detect possible oil seal leaks. The engine is charged with a predetermined pressure while air pressure is also applied to an EGR valve intake port to offset leakage inherent in the EGR valve. Thereafter, a pressure drop in the engine pressure is used to determine whether an oil seal leak may be present. Applying pressurized air to the EGR valve intake port compensates or EGR valve leakage and prevents the EGR valve leakage from masking possible oil seal leaks, thereby making the system more sensitive to such potential oil seal leaks.

Abstract: A rheometer and method of making rheological measurements are disclosed, in which a sample is supported between plates and an alternating movement is applied by a driver, support rod and plate. Force and displacement measurements are taken and the property determined from those measurements. The vibrating signal which is applied is in the form of a frequency sweep signal having a monotonic group delay function. The top plate is provided with a surface which causes a meniscus to form up a side edge of the plate to reduce the spring nature of the sample when the movement is supplied to the sample, and a supporting rod which supports the top plate is preferably formed from a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion so that the gap between the plates is maintained substantially constant if the sample is heated to take measurements at different temperatures.

Abstract: There is provided an identification device capable of accurately, rapidly, and easily identifying a hydrocarbon-based liquid and alcohol-based liquid. An identification sensor unit (2) is arranged to face a flow passage (20) of a liquid to be measured and includes a liquid type detection unit with indirect heating (21) having a heating body and a temperature-sensitive body, and a liquid temperature detecting unit (22) for detecting the temperature of the liquid to be measured. The identification device further includes an identification calculation unit for applying a single pulse voltage to the heating body of the liquid type detection unit (21) so as to generate heat and identifying the liquid to be measured according to an output of a liquid type detection circuit formed by the temperature-sensitive body of the liquid type detecting unit (21) and the liquid temperature detection unit.

Abstract: An angular velocity detector using a vibrator made of an annular thin film. The detector also has electrodes arranged ingeniously to have high detection sensitivity for angular velocities. The detector can detect angular velocities in two axial directions simultaneously. The detector has support portions (1105), (1106) which are formed over a first substrate (1123) and poised above the surface of the first substrate (1100) at a certain spacing therefrom. Resilient support bodies are supported to the support portions and include outer springs (1102) and inner springs (1103). A vibrator (1101) is mounted via the resilient support. An exciting means consisting of a magnet (1124) and an exciting electrode (1108) excites the vibrator to vibrate in a certain direction of vibrations.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system uses a volumetric flow sensor and a densiometer to measure a mass flow rate of the fuel. A densiometer may be a coriolis mass flow sensor etched into a small circuit chip. As fuel flows past the densiometer a density of the fuel and characteristic slope as a function of temperature is determined. At least one temperature sensor is also located on the circuit chip to provide accurate temperature of the fuel to correspond to the fuel density reading. Piezoelectric crystals in the volumetric flow sensor generate and receive a sound wave. By analyzing the sound wave signals the volumetric flow rate of fluid through the volumetric flow sensor can be calculated. At least one temperature sensor is also placed on the volumetric flow sensor to correct for any thermal expansion of an inner diameter of the volumetric flow sensor and for final mass flow calculation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring deformations in a tyre of a vehicle wheel, the wheel including the tyre and a rim, the method including: providing the wheel with at least two magnetic-field emitters mutually disposed so as to yield a composite magnetic field having one or more space portions where at least one component of the composite magnetic field is substantially null; disposing at least one main magnetic-field sensor substantially in one of the one or more space portions; monitoring variation of the at least one component of the composite magnetic field; and correlating the variation with tyre deformations. At least one of the magnetic-field emitters is disposed in contact with the tyre. A system for monitoring deformations in a tyre of a vehicle wheel includes the wheel, the at least two magnetic-field emitters, and the at least one main magnetic-field sensor.

Abstract: A microfluidic device a micromachined freestanding member adapted to sense one or more properties of a fluid flowing through the freestanding member. The freestanding member is supported by a substrate and spaced apart and separated from the substrate to enable the freestanding member to move relative to the substrate under the influence of a vibration-inducing element. Movement of the freestanding member relative to the substrate is then sensed by a sensing element. The freestanding member has an inlet, an outlet, an internal passage that fluidically couples the inlet and outlet, and a wall that defines and separates first and second passage portions of the internal passage that are arranged in fluidic series so that a fluid flowing through the internal passage flows through the first and second passage portions in opposite directions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method is provided. A sinusoidal signal is generated that is representative of a wave at an average surface of a liquid. A distance between the average surface of the liquid and a bottom of the liquid is determined. A characteristic of the sinusoidal signal is adjusted as a function of the distance.

Abstract: The internal movement of one embodiment of a sealed fuel level sender employs two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about a pivot. The actuator that is operated by in-tank fuel level has two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about the axis with one pole of each magnet of the actuator confronting an opposite pole of a respective magnet of the movement to provide the magnetic coupling for causing the movement to follow the fuel level while minimizing, and preferably substantially eliminating, cross thrust on the pivot. Pole pieces may be associated with the magnets in a further embodiment. Still another embodiment employs magnets to only one side of the pivot, but with pole pieces that reduce cross thrust.

Abstract: Disclosed is a level sensor (7) for a fuel tank (1), comprising a holdling part (11) that can be mounted in different positions on a support (13). The support (13) is fastened to a swirl pot (4) while the holding part (11) bears a lever arm (8) that supports a float (9). The inventive level sensor (7) can be adjusted to different fuel tank dimensions by mounting said level sensor (7) differently on the support (13).

Abstract: An objective is to provide an acceleration sensor element that has a high detection sensitivity and that realizes an accurate measurement of acceleration; and an acceleration sensor including this acceleration sensor element to realize a smaller size and a thinner thickness. An acceleration sensor element 10 comprises a quartz, has a thickness in a Z axis direction, and is formed in a quartz substrate 20 developed in an orthogonal XY plane. A thin-walled section of a bottom section of a concave section 28 of the quartz substrate 20 has a double-ended vibrating reed 30 in which a pair of vibration arms 31 and 35 extend in a Y axis direction. When acceleration in a Z axis direction is applied while this double-ended vibrating reed 30 having bending vibration, the acceleration is detected based on a change in a resonance frequency caused when the double-ended vibrating reed 30 deflects in the Z direction.

Abstract: A nano-indentation ultrasonic detecting system for detecting mechanical properties of a target material. An indentation device, disposed on a surface of the target material, generates an indentation on the surface, obtaining the relation between the Young's modulus and the Poisson's ratio of the target material. An ultrasonic generator is movably disposed on the surface of the target material, generating at least two different ultrasonic signals thereon. An ultrasonic receiver is disposed on the surface of the target material and separated from the ultrasonic generator, receiving the ultrasonic signals. The result of a nano-indentation experiment are applied in the ultrasonic theory and iterated by the ultrasonic experimental data and theory, obtaining the Young's modulus of the target material. The obtained Young's modulus of the target material is substituted back in the result of the nano-indentation experiment, obtaining the Poisson's ratio of the target material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and a method for measuring flexural damping in fibres. The device comprises a transducer coupled to the fibre. The transducer measures flexural vibration in the fibre. The device includes a light barrier having a light emitter and a light receiver arranged in line to each other and approximately perpendicular to the fibre. A light beam is emitted by the light emitter and received by the light receiver and is periodically interrupted by the fibre during vibration. A phase delay between an excitation signal and the fibre response is obtained from the electrical signal of the interrupted light beam.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a condition of a piston rod of a reciprocating compressor is provided. The piston rod having a length defined between a piston end and a crosshead end. The method includes positioning a first probe with respect to the piston rod along a x-axis and positioning a second probe with respect to the piston rod along a y-axis coplanar with and substantially perpendicular to the x-axis. A current ringing vibration amplitude greater than ten times a maximum of a one-hour average and a noise floor at a ringing frequency is detected, and a bent rod condition is diagnosed.