Abstract: System and apparatus for measuring pressure including a microelectronic device, an interface member attached to the microelectronic device, a pressure sensor having a diaphragm responsive to external pressure exerted upon the diaphragm, wherein the interface member is positioned between the microelectronic device and the pressure sensor and is attached to the pressure sensor providing a first cavity between the pressure sensor diaphragm and the interface member and wherein the pressure in the first cavity is set at an initial predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A biocompatible, mechanical, micromachined pressure sensor and methods of manufacturing such a pressure sensor are provided. The pressure sensor of the current invention includes a high-aspect-ratio curved-tube structure fabricated through a one-layer parylene process. The pressure sensor of the current invention requires zero power consumption and indicates the pressure variation by changes of the in situ in-plane motion of the sensor, which can be gauged externally by a direct and convenient optical observation. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor of the current invention has been shown to work as an IOP sensor for eye implantation where the intraocular in-plane motion of the sensor can be recorded from outside of the eye, such that the intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients can be constantly monitored.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring devices for the measuring of pressure, and more specifically to capacitive pressure sensors. The silicon crystal planes {111} are located at the corners of a wet etched membrane well of a pressure sensor element according to the present invention. An object of the invention is to provide an improved method of manufacturing a capacitive pressure sensor, and a capacitive pressure sensor suitable for use, in particular, in small capacitive pressure sensor solutions.

Abstract: A micromechanical piezoresistive pressure sensor device having a sensor substrate, in which an essentially rectangular diaphragm region is provided; a piezoresistive resistance device having at least one piezoresistive resistor strip, which runs parallel to the longitudinal edges of the diaphragm device across the entire length of the diaphragm device and onto the surrounding sensor substrate; the piezoresistive resistor strip having a narrow center region and widened end regions and the widened end regions running across the short edges of the diaphragm device.

Abstract: A system and method for pressure measurement may include the ability to readily produce a pressure measurement system. In one general aspect, a process for producing a pressure measurement system includes providing an assembly including a stem, a pressure detector, and a first circuit board. The pressure detector is operable to generate a signal based on pressure introduced through the stem, and the circuit board is operable to condition the signal. The process also includes compensating the assembly, determining a signal output type for a pressure measurement system that will include the assembly, and installing a second circuit board that produces the signal output type without materially affecting the compensation.

Abstract: In order to realize a compact wireless pressure sensor system which transmits an accurate pressure value, the present invention provides a pressure sensor system constructed at least by a silicon chip on which a circuit operated by electromagnetic wave energy is mounted, and a film which supports an antenna, in which film a through-hole is provided in the vicinity of a diaphragm part.

Abstract: The disclosed pressure transducer assembly includes a housing, a pressure sensor disposed within the housing, a coupling establishing a sealed pathway between the housing and an external source of gas or fluid, and a deposition trap disposed in the pathway. The deposition trap provides a plurality of channels, each of the channels being narrower than the pathway.

Abstract: A device and method for directly measuring the critical temperatures for thermal cracking of asphalt binders. The exemplary comprises a metal ring, a strain gauge attached to the inner surface of the ring, an environmental chamber, one or more signal amplifiers, and a data acquisition system such as a laptop computer running suitable data analysis software. A thermocouple may also be attached to the inside of the tube to closely monitor the ring temperature. A mold that is also a component of the present invention is used to create a circular asphalt binder test specimen. When properly cast the specimen encircles the metal ring. The specimen and ring are placed within the environmental chamber for analysis. Development of thermal stress (induced by temperature reduction within the environmental chamber) within the asphalt binder test specimen is monitored by the strain gauge and the cracking temperature is directly determinable from the strain reading.

Abstract: A method and device for testing a substantially cylindrical tool having an axis is performed by imparting a testing torque to the cylindrical tool. The tool is clamped in a vise. The tool has a driven end including a shank and a working end in opposed relation along the axis. The vise is configured to clamp the tool to prevent rotation of the tool about the axis. The shank is clamped in a chuck. The chuck has a adapter defining a void configured to engagingly receive a socket drive shaft. A torque wrench having a lever arm and a socket driver shaft is engaged by insertion of the socket drive shaft into the void. A torque is imparted to the cylindrical tool about its axis by suitably imparting a force on the lever arm. The quantum of torque imparted is measured based upon operation of the torque wrench.

Abstract: An instrument and method for measuring the volume of a hermetically sealed, variable volume, pressure conforming container. The instrument includes a needle, a vacuum pump, a mass flow rate sensor and an integrator. The needle has a lumen operable for sealingly perforating a container and thereby placing the lumen of the needle in fluid communication with a retention chamber defined by the container. The vacuum pump evacuates the gaseous content from the retention chamber through the lumen defined by the needle and past a mass flow rate sensor for sensing mass flow rates pulled through the lumen and transmitting corresponding mass flow rate signals over time to the integrator. The integrator is programmed to integrate the received mass flow rate signals over time through achievement of an evacuated retention chamber to generate a total mass value, and calculate a volume from the total mass value employing the Ideal Gas Law.

Abstract: The measurement of volume flows or mass flows in the intake system of motor vehicle internal combustion engines plays a significant role in reducing pollutant emissions. Therefore, an ultrasonic flow meter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing in a primary flow direction is described. The ultrasonic flow meter has at least two ultrasonic transducers, the ultrasonic transducers being capable of emitting and/or receiving ultrasonic waves at an angle ? to the primary flow direction which is different from 90°. Furthermore, the ultrasonic flow meter has at least one guide element which is entirely or partially situated in the fluid. This guide element diverts at least one part of the flowing fluid in such a way that in the diversion, a velocity component is transferred to at least one part of the flowing fluid perpendicular to the primary flow direction. Guide vanes or displacers in particular are described as guide elements.

Abstract: An injector has a sample chamber for retaining a small amount of sample, wherein a position of the sample chamber is controlled by transmitting light through the sample chamber and detecting the transmitted light so as to recognize the position of the sample chamber, and it is possible to reduce detection error compared to the conventional injectors that indirectly control the position of the sample chamber by transmitting light through the light passage which is adjacent to the sample chamber. A method for injecting a sample comprising the steps of: providing an injector which has a sample chamber for retaining a sample with an open month; transmitting light through the sample chamber; detecting the transmitted light so as to recognize a position of the sample chamber; and controlling the position of the sample chamber by using the detection result to connect the open month of the sample chamber to an open month of a sample receiving member in order to inject the sample into the sample receiving member.

Abstract: An axial adjusting device comprising two discs which are rotatable relative to one another, which are supported coaxially relative to one another and between which there are guided balls in pairs of ball grooves whose depth varies across the circumference. Of the discs, one is axially supported and one is axially displaceable against resilient returning forces of spring means. At least one of the discs is rotatingly drivable by a driving motor. For load reducing purposes, at least two balls are guided in each of the pairs of ball grooves.

Abstract: A drive for closure elements is provided, in particular in the area of garage and industrial doors, but also for example in the form of roller shutters, with a reference value generator arranged in the motor or in the gearing of the drive for determining the actual position of the closure element. When a reference point position is reached, the reference value generator emits a signal or causes a signal modification, on the basis of which the actual-value generator can be calibrated. The reference value generator has two reference discs rotating in different speeds, which, in predetermined angular positions to one another, define the reference point positions which can be scanned by at least one scanning device.

Abstract: A tilt device is provided to allow a steering column to be tilted so that a driver can adjust the position of a steering wheel to conform to his/her figure in order to more comfortably drive a vehicle. Further, the tilt device is configured to impart a high supporting strength to the steering column while reliably locking the same.

Abstract: A vehicle drive-train includes a drive-motor having an output shaft and a transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft, a plurality of discrete forward gear ratios and a corresponding plurality of synchronizers. Each of the synchronizers is configured to mechanically synchronize rotation of the drive-motor output shaft with the transmission output shaft according to a value of a selected gear ratio, during shifting of the transmission to the selected gear ratio. The output shaft of the drive-motor and the input shaft of the transmission are coupled together such that, during normal operation of the drive-train, rotation of the output shaft of the drive-motor results in a proportionate and uninterrupted rotation of the input shaft of the transmission.

Abstract: A hand tool for removing roofing shingles and nails. The toll has a head attached to an elongated handle. The head has a wedge-shaped cross profile. The head is comprised of a plurality of identical, parallel blades, having a relatively flat, pointed leading edge adapted to being inserted underneath the exposed edge of a shingle to be removed. The blade leading edge rises in vertical height to a trailing edge. The trailing edge is connected to a handle. Spacers are attached between the blades to form spacing between blades sufficient to trap any roofing nails holding a shingle to an underlying roof sheath.

Abstract: A multiple socket tool combines two, three, or four socket sizes. The sockets are nested inside each other so the tool can be applied to different sizes of bolts or nuts for tightening and loosening such nuts and bolts without changing sockets. Compression springs and pins allow the inner sockets to depress into the larger socket allowing a user automatically to use the proper size. The tool is be driven by a ratchet wrench or an impact gun by connecting to an aperture within the tool. The multi sockets will consist of numerous standard and metric sizes.

Abstract: An improved chain locking pliers being of the type having a fixed handle, a movable handle, a fixed jaw affixed to the fixed handle for movement therewith, a movable jaw pivotally mounted to both the movable handle and the fixed handle, and apparatus for holding a chain and being associated with detents in both the fixed jaw and the movable jaw, respectively. The improvement includes the apparatus detachably lockingly capturing the chain to the fixed jaw.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus or machining a workpiece include the use of a cryogenically cooled oxide containing ceramic cutting tool. The method involves cryogenic cooling of the cutting tool during a cutting operation, which cooling results in enhanced wear resistance and fracture resistance of the cutting tool. A preferred embodiment involves jetting a cryogenic fluid directly at the cutting tool.

Abstract: A swivel head assembly for a clamshell lathe is provided. The swivel head module includes an adjustable tool head assembly. The adjustable tool head assembly has a tool for machining a work piece, and is capable of being incrementally advanced in a radial direction against the work piece. The swivel head assembly further includes a means for positioning the metal working tool along an x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. A tripper assembly is operatively coupled to the tool head assembly to incrementally urge the tool head against the work piece upon each revolution of the clamshell ring. The tripper assembly incorporates a solenoid for selectively incrementally advancing the tool against the work piece.

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

Abstract: The miter saw includes a base assembly, a rotatable table rotatably connected to the base assembly and having a plane, a saw assembly including a motor and a blade disposed on an arbor, and a pivot arm pivotally attached to the table and supporting the saw assembly. The motor preferably drives a belt, which drives a first gear. The first gear meshes with an idler gear, which in turn meshes with a gear disposed on the arbor.

Abstract: A method and a device for braiding a rigid core with a braided structure with at least largely heavy-duty fibers and having regions with a differing number of layers. The device has a braiding machine, a linear displacing apparatus between the core and the braiding machine and a guiding apparatus for temporarily placing at least one element onto the uppermost layer of the braided structure in an automated manner, the at least one element having on the end face a defined stiff edge about which a braiding reversal may be created.

Abstract: A hydraulic tilting device for tilting the cab of a vehicle between a driving position, in which the vehicle can be driven normally, and a tilted position, in which, for example, maintenance can be carried out on a vehicle engine positioned beneath the cab. The tilting device comprises a double-acting tilting cylinder having a first and a second connection, a reservoir for hydraulic fluid and a pump having a single pumping direction, which pump has a suction port which is in communication with the reservoir and a single delivery port for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid. The tilting device has a valve, in inlet passage of which is connected to there delivery port of the pump, which valve has an actuable shut-off member, so that in a first position thereof the delivery port is connected to the first connection of the tilting cylinder and in the second position thereof the delivery port is connected to the second connection of the tilting cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic control circuit and method thereof for reducing heat generation and energy losses caused by overload.

Abstract: In a cylinder apparatus such as a hydraulic shock absorber, a piston to which a piston rod is connected slidably is inserted into a cylinder which contains liquid oil. A rebound spring is wound around the piston rod with one end of the piston rod fixed to the piston rod using a spring holder. The rebound spring is slidably guided along the piston rod by means of another spring holder. A rebound stopper is fixed to the piston rod at a position between the spring holders. The rebound spring exerts a spring force opposite to the extension of the piston rod, thereby to moderate shock at the end of the stroke of the piston. Because the spring holder comes into contact with the rebound stopper, contact of adjacent linear portions of the rebound spring with each other due to excessive compression of the rebound spring can be prevented, and also occurrence of strange noise and damage of the rebound spring can be prevented.

Abstract: A fluid actuator configured for achieving extended cycle life and reduced overall actuator height. The actuator may include a nesting arrangement between portions of the actuator to reduce overall height and provide stability. The actuator may also join movable members and include a guidance mechanism to avoid undesired contact between actuator portions.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a valve mechanism having a micro switch, an electromagnetic valve, a magnetic covering board activated by the electromagnetic valve for opening or closing a powder path, and a spring interconnecting the covering board and the electromagnetic valve. A motor-driven grinding mechanism includes two ring-shaped outer grinding members having teeth facing each other, and a spring biased inner grinding member including a hollow feed rod with a lead screw formed thereon. A powder fineness adjusting mechanism includes an adjustment lever. In a powder fineness adjustment for producing coarse coffee powder, pivoting the lever toward one direction will pivot an abutment member and move the same outward to push one grinding member for increasing a space between the grinding members filled with coffee beans to be ground. Pivoting the lever toward the other direction will produce fine coffee powder.

Abstract: A dispensing unit for dispensing hot, dairy-based beverages has a self-contained refrigerated unit located above a venturi-type emulsification foaming head. The dispensing unit has particular applicability to the dispensation of foamy, hot milk for use in beverages such as cappuccino and nonfoamy, hot milk for use in beverages such as coffee latte, hot chocolate, and other hot dairy-based beverages. The refrigeration unit accommodates a “bag in box” cold milk storage container of the type widely used in food service establishments. The dispensing unit employs a pinch valve that avoids direct contact between the milk and the valve components. The refrigerated milk is stored above the level of the foamer head so that the flow of milk results partially from gravitational force on the milk, and is not totally dependent upon venturi suction created in the foamer head. Also, selective actuation of beverage choice switches generates commands to produce different beverages at different temperatures.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a housing and a brewing assembly. Pushing a handle leftward moves projections along slides in a direction for rising a cylindrical member until being stopped. A funnel-shaped member with a coffee bag placed therein can be slid along the rails toward the housing until being stopped. Pushing the handle rightward moves the projections in an opposite direction for lowering the cylindrical member until being stopped. The coffee bag is pressed by a clamping member and the funnel-shaped member. The coffee maker will supply hot water to an inflow opening such that hot water may then fall through a recess, a mesh element, and a cavity to pass through the coffee bag and proceeds to form coffee extract. The coffee extract may pass an outflow opening and a filter prior to flowing out of the coffee maker.

Abstract: A rotor for food pulping or straining machines is equipped with a plurality of blades (2) designed to act on the food product to force at least part of it out through a sieve (3) that surrounds the rotor (1) and is characterised in that the blades (2) are shaped in such a way as to cause sudden changes of direction in the moving product particles, thus producing a rapid succession of impulses that act on substantially stationary product particles adhering to the sieve (3), these impulses causing the propulsion of the substantially stationary product particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for ensuring image consistency of an image printed onto a plurality of substantially identical objects printed by different vendors at different times and/or locations: The method involves receiving a plurality of inks and a product-printing facilitating kit which provides a three step printing process which may be carried out by multiple vendors to provide the same image on all of the objects. The product-printing facilitating kit comprises a film-positive standard having a black image in a plurality of different tones thereon, a digital file encoding said film-positive standard, a plurality of test-print standards each of said test-print standards having one of said inks printed thereon in a plurality of different tones, and a list of suggested parameters for producing a test film positive and a plurality of test-printed objects.

Abstract: A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and covered by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.

Abstract: A ballast discharge car having at least one non-pivoting transverse conveyor disposed beneath a hopper for distributing the ballast between the rails, near the outside of the rails, and well beyond the outside of the rails in a stockpiling application. The speed, direction, and angle of each conveyor is adjustable so that the ballast can be selectively cast a wide range of distances from the outside of the rails.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a portable table which is formed in two half sections movable between a folded position where they form a brief case and an unfolded position in which the half sections abut one another to define a planar table top capable of supporting a laptop computer, notebook and the like. The table top has a pair of legs which are adjustable both in the vertical and lateral directions.

Abstract: Polyolefin-based pallets capable of passing standard pallet flammability tests are prepared by molding the pallet or one or more subassemblies thereof, of a polyolefin molding resin containing a flame retardant package containing magnesium hydroxide, and optionally alumina trihydrate, and zinc borate. The flame retardants may be supplied as a master batch at a concentration higher than that desired in the pallet or subassembly, in a polyolefin-compatible polymer, and result in pallets having a significantly lower heat release rate.

Abstract: A tool for injecting solid fertilizer spikes into soil for tree and plant root nutrition utilizing elongated 90° brackets to reduce the step-up height, form a fertilizer load chamber and to provide for a flat spring fertilizer spike retention mechanism such that the tool is fully operable in an upright position wherein a fertilizer spike is left embedded in the ground and detached from the tool without the need to remove the tool from the ground in a manner where, with one process of downward movement of the foot bar, two functions occur simultaneously, namely; the full injection of the fertilizer spike into the soil concurrent with the full release of the fertilizer spike from the tool by the complete ejection of the fertilizer spike from the fertilizer spike load chamber and the flat spring fertilizer spike retention mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of a liquid or liquid-solid dispersion to soil, which is adapted when towed over soil to apply such liquid-solid dispersion to the soil. A supply conduit, having a distal end and a proximal end is provided. The distal end thereof is adapted to be releasibly coupled and in fluid communication with a source of liquid-solid solution, such as liquid manure. The supply conduit is pivotally coupled, via a pivot member, to the frame of the implement to permit the supply conduit to be pivoted in a substantially horizontal plane. The pivot member is coupled at one end thereof to the supply conduit at a location intermediate the distal end and the proximal end of such supply conduit, and is pivotally coupled at an opposite end to the frame of the apparatus. A manifold portion, having a plurality of manifolds thereon, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stepped embroidery machine. The stepped embroidery machine includes a plurality of head units including heads, embroidery frames installed at lower portions of the heads is such a manner that the embroidery frames are movable in X-axis and Y-axis directions, X-axis drive units for moving the embroidery frames in an X-axis direction, and Y-axis drive units for moving the embroidery frames in a Y-axis direction, a control unit for controlling an operation of the head units, and a control panel used for inputting and displaying information related to embroidery work and embroidery. The head units are individually driven per each head unit and aligned in a stepped pattern while forming a predetermined step difference therebetween. Since the head units are individually driven, it is possible to individually perform embroidery work with respect to various workpieces.

Abstract: A mooring line storage device and system for watercraft having a housing defining an inner cavity. The housing has at least one access aperture and a cover in overlying relationship with the aperture. Cover and housing cooperatively interact to prevent extension of a discrete region of a mooring line from the inner cavity. The device may also include at least one hanger to suspend the housing from a structural member of the watercraft.

Abstract: A free flooded section of an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) contains a rotating cylindrical drum, which serves as a spool for a towed line array cable. At the end of the cable is a reverse thruster with the ability to propel itself away from the UUV when the UUV is submerged. The thruster moves away from the UUV, pulling the cable and unspooling it as it does so in order to deploy the array. To recover the array, the cylindrical drum rotates to reel in the cable. The cable is guided through a series of winding guides that allow the cable to be wound evenly on the drum.

Abstract: An adjustable wake-forming apparatus attachable to a boat stern providing means for generating waves of a particular form for water sport activities. The attachment is comprised of a pair of blades fastened to the transom by a plurality of struts. The present invention provides for the use of the wave maker on boats having either an inboard or outboard engine. Each of the provided designs places the blades in a spaced away relationship to the engine propeller. Operatively, the blades have a top edge and curvilinearly diverging bottom edge with anterior and posterior ends linearly skewed causing a plow-like movement through the water.

Abstract: For a coating device for coating, for example, lenticular or granular items, comprising a drum rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis for accommodation of the items during a coating process, a loading device for filling the items into the drum, a closeable opening in the drum for admission of the uncoated items into the same and for allowing discharge of the coated items from the same, and a spraying device disposed within the drum for coating said items, concurrent execution of the operational phases of unloading and cleaning said device is enabled by providing an unloading device beneath the drum for removing the coated items, and between the unloading device and the drum there is provided a reciprocatory screening element which can be moved back and forth between a first position screening off said unloading device and a second position opening said unloading device.

Abstract: An animal feeder having a distribution mechanism which allows food to be either dropped or scattered in random directions, providing exercise and entertainment for the animal. The feeder includes a food hopper supported by wheels, which when pushed or pulled by the user activate a distribution mechanism which releases food from the hopper at predictable intervals.

Abstract: A substance inhalation system includes a mixing flask that is in fluid communication with plural inhalation chambers. A test vapor can be selectively and individually provided to the inhalation chambers. Moreover, individual inhalation chambers can be selectively removed from the substance inhalation system without test vapor leaking from any of the inhalation chambers.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus (1) for control of vocalization by a dog includes first and second stimulus electrodes (5) connected to a surface (9) of the housing, a vibration sensor (6), control circuitry in the housing having an input coupled to an output of the sensor, and a motion detector connected in substantially fixed relationship to the dog's neck for producing a motion detection signal in response to a characteristic movement of the dog's neck that accompanies barking and providing the motion detection signal as an input to the control circuitry. The control circuitry includes output terminals for producing aversive stimulus signals between the first and second stimulus electrodes in response to the motion detection signal and a signal produced by the vibration sensor.

Abstract: The gas-fired heater, especially a water heater, has an atmospheric gas burner (5) arranged within a nearly or completely closed combustion chamber (2) and associated with a premixing gas/air supply system (8) with a fuel gas feed nozzle (10). In order to avoid oscillations, which lead to sound waves and combustion instabilities, an oscillation-damping air supply chamber (11, 11?, 11?) is connected to the entrance (8a) of the gas/air supply system (8) for combustion air, within which the fuel gas feed nozzle is arranged. The air supply chamber (11, 11?, 11?) is provided with at least one air entrance (12, 12?, 12?). The air supply chamber can be box-like, duct-like embracing or extending around the combustion chamber or it can be a pipe with different diameter pipe sections.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a stator assembly mounted to a center pole formed of material having high magnetic permeability and functions as a return path for the magnetic field generated when current is passed through coils in the stator assembly. When current is applied to one or more coils within the stator assembly, a magnetic field is generated that interacts with a magnetic field generated by one or more magnets disposed within the armature assembly and causes the armature to move relative to the center pole thus, for example, opening or closing a valve.

Abstract: Engines and methods of controlling an engine may involve one or more cams associated with engine intake and/or exhaust valves. In some examples, shifting the rotational phase of one or more cams advances and/or delays timing of the opening and/or closing of valves. Timing of valve closing/opening and possible use of an air supply system may enable engine operation according to a Miller cycle.