Abstract: A flow control device for a gas chromatograph is provided. The flow control device includes first and second valves each having alpha and beta operating states and a plurality of ports. In each of the first and second valves, the ports are associated to have alpha pairs of the ports and beta pairs of the ports. In the alpha operating state of each of the first and second valves, the ports in each of the alpha pairs are connected and the ports in each of the beta pairs are disconnected. In the beta operating state of each of the first and second valves, the ports in each of the beta pairs are connected and the ports in each of the alpha pairs are disconnected. The first and second valves are formed by a cylindrical manifold plate disposed between cylindrical first and second port plates. A first diaphragm is disposed between the first port plate and the manifold plate and a second diaphragm is disposed between the second port plate and the manifold plate.

Abstract: A fuel cetane determination device for an engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a controller that is arranged and configured to determine a rapidness of combustion based on a parameter relating to a combustion state of an engine. The controller is further arranged and configured to determine the cetane value of the fuel in use by the engine based on the rapidness of combustion from a correlation between the rapidness of combustion and the cetane value when the engine is in a first operating condition. The controller is further arranged and configured to determine the cetane value of the fuel in use by the engine based on the rapidness of combustion from a correlation between the rapidness of combustion and the cetane value when the engine is in a second operating condition. The correlation for the second operating condition has a different characteristic tendency from the correlation for the first operating condition. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system and method for testing fuel evaporative systems, and more particularly to a stand-alone tank tester system (and method) for testing vehicle fuel tank integrity. Furthermore, a self-contained calibration tank with switchable leak sizes for calibrating the tank tester to multiple leak sizes is provided. Constant flow and vacuum methods for testing fuel tank integrity are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a system for detecting a leak in a piping system, including a monitoring unit disposed at a gateway of the piping system for indicating fluid flow, a gauging unit for gauging the duration of continuous fluid flow, and an indication unit for determining the existence of a leak based on the duration. A method for detecting a leak in a piping system is also provided.

Abstract: In a storage tank for storing a liquid reducing agent, a sensor for outputting a signal related to a concentration and a remaining amount of the liquid reducing agent based on a heat transfer characteristic between two points at a distance from each other is disposed. In a control unit which contains a built-in computer, it is determined that a vehicle state is stable when a stop time for which a vehicle is continuously in a stationary state reaches a predetermined determination time, the concentration of the liquid reducing agent is calculated based on the signal from the sensor when the vehicle state is stable, and the remaining amount of the liquid reducing agent is determined based on the signal from the sensor irrespective of the vehicle state, in response to a measurement trigger output every predetermined time after a start of an engine.

Abstract: Each of a first and a second number of times is counted, in which the first number of times indicates a condition where a concentration of a liquid reducing agent indirectly measured based on a characteristic of heat transmission between two separated points is successively determined to be equal to or higher than an upper limit threshold for no agent, and the second number of times indicates a condition the concentration is successively determined to be equal to or lower than a lower limit threshold for different agent. When the former becomes equal to or larger than the predetermined value, determination is made that no liquid reducing agent remains. When, the latter becomes equal to or larger than the predetermined value, determination is made that the liquid reducing agent is a solution of a different kind. When the former and the latter is less than the predetermined value, determination is made that correct liquid reducing agent remains.

Abstract: A method and system for determining properties of a fluid involves interacting the fluid with a standing wave in a first state to establish the standing wave in a second state, analyzing an electric signal associated with the standing wave to determine a characteristic associated with the second state, and determining the property of the fluid by comparing the characteristic with a function that associates a plurality of properties with a corresponding plurality of characteristics. The characteristic can include a maximum phase slope, a phase slope associated with a resonant frequency, a maximum magnitude associated with the resonant frequency, the value of the resonant frequency, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus adapted to engage a surface, such as a road or racetrack. The apparatus provides an output to an operator that is representative of the current tractive condition of the surface. The indication from the measuring device may be adapted to provide a quantifiable indication to a driver or crew related to recent changes in the tractive condition of the surface. The driver or crew may in turn configure aspects of a racing vehicle, driving methodology and performance expectations based on current and measurable surface conditions.

Abstract: A carbon thin line probe having a carbon thin line selectively formed at a projection-like terminal end portion thereof by means of an irradiation of high-energy beam, the carbon thin line internally containing a metal. Thereby achieved is a carbon thin line probe suitable for example for the probe of SPM cantilever, which has a high aspect ratio and high durability and reliability, capability of batch processing based on a simple manufacturing method, and to which magnetic characteristic can be imparted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of estimating the start of combustion (SOC) in a diesel engine using a difference between an in-cylinder combustion pressure and a motoring pressure so as to effectively control the combustion in a combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method for measuring-road surface friction of a road surface uses a vehicle that moves across the road surface wherein (1) an auxiliary independent wheel assembly is towed behind the vehicle and is in contact with the road surface, an auxiliary wheel of the wheel assembly is freely rotatable by movement of the vehicle and is one or more of toed in or toed out with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle so as to create an isolated axial force on the auxiliary wheel: (2) the axial force on the auxiliary wheel is measured while the vehicle moves across the road surface, and the measured axial force is correlated with the road surface friction. The independent wheel assembly is load isolated from the weight of the towing vehicle and the independent wheel assembly is loaded by placing ballast thereon.

Abstract: The wheel and tire assembly for running on ground includes measurement means carried by the wheel for measuring topological parameters of the inside surface of a pertinent portion of the tire. These measurement means comprise lighting and viewing means for lighting and viewing a calibrated surface pattern that is subjected to the deformation of the inside surface of the pertinent portion of the tire. The viewing means are preferably of the stereovision type or of the structured light type.

Abstract: Method for determining the load condition of a vehicle (60) moving at non-zero speed, the vehicle being equipped with a plurality of tire-wheel assemblies (41-42, 51-52) mounted on at least two axles and with devices that enable determination of the vehicle's speed and the rotation frequencies or speeds and actual inflation pressures of at least two tire-wheel assemblies mounted on two different axles of the vehicle, the method comprising the following stages: (A) determination of the inflation pressures and rotation frequencies of two tire-wheel assemblies mounted on two different axles; (B) calculation of the load difference between the two tire-wheel assemblies from the vehicle's speed and the rotation frequencies of the two tire-wheel assemblies, taking into account the actual inflation pressures; (C) determination of the load condition by comparing the calculated load difference with at least one predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A component is deployed into a well on a carrier line that includes an electrical cable. A depth of the component in a well is determined using a time domain reflectometry technique.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing biofeedback information to a subject for gait assistive therapy are provided. The system comprises an insole pressure sensor and means for communicating the pressure exerted by the subject on the insole pressure sensor to the subject. The insole pressure sensor comprises conductive elements in communication with a transmitter, which transmits a pressure signal to a receiver worn by the subject. The method comprises monitoring pressure applied by the subject to the insole pressure sensor, monitoring a pressure threshold of the insole pressure sensor, and transmitting an output signal when the pressure exceeds a pre-determined pressure threshold. The insole pressure sensor in various aspects has a ball portion and heel portion corresponding to the respective ball and heel of a subject's foot.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a heating element comprising an upstream side and a downstream side. A first heat sensing set is generally configured adjacent to the upstream side of the heating element and comprises a first sensing element and a second sensing element, the first and second sensing elements configured in a serpentine, interdigitated pattern. A second heat sensing set can be configured adjacent to the downstream side of the heating element and comprises a third sensing element and a fourth sensing element, the third and fourth sensing elements configured in a serpentine, interdigitated pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for providing a gas composition compensated acoustic measurement of the level of a liquid (16) in a tank (18). The device comprises a transducer (14) arranged outside said liquid for transmitting and receiving acoustic signals, and a waveguide (12) connected to said transducer and extending into the liquid. The device further comprises means for feeding a flow of fluid from said tank into the part of said waveguide which is located above the liquid level. That results in that the gas composition become essentially similar throughout the whole of the waveguide located above the liquid level, whereby the level measurement using the speed of sound in the waveguide, which speed is dependant on gas composition, becomes very accurate.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor comprises a plurality of electrodes arranged in a defined relationship with respect to a container filling trajectory, a signal generator coupled to one or more of the plurality of electrodes, a signal receiver coupled to one or more of the plurality of electrodes, and a sensing circuit coupled to at least one of the signal generator and signal receiver. The sensing circuit is configured to produce an output indicative of electrical resistance between at least one pair of the plurality of electrodes. The sensing circuit may be associated with the signal receiver and/or with the signal generator.

Abstract: A condition management system monitors a variety of biological and environmental conditions for individuals, locations, and objects. Information collected with respect to the various conditions monitored is processed to create an information hierarchy that controls the operation of various alert devices. The alert devices may operate via wired or wireless technology. Quantitative measurements can be made with respect to the monitored conditions in order to create the information hierarchy. Important or critical conditions can take precedent over less critical conditions both in terms of the nature of the alert and the processing order.

Abstract: An electrode layer is formed on the upper surface of a first substrate, and a processing for partially removing the substrate is carried out in order to allow the substrate to have flexibility. To the lower surface of the first substrate, a second substrate is connected. Then, by cutting the second substrate, a working body and a pedestal are formed. On the other hand, a groove is formed on a third substrate. An electrode layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove. The third substrate is connected to the first substrate so that both the electrodes face to each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween. Finally, the first, second and third substrates are cut off every respective unit regions to form independent sensors, respectively. When an acceleration is exerted on the working body, the first substrate bends. As a result, the distance between both the electrodes changes. Thus, an acceleration exerted is detected by changes in an electrostatic capacitance between both the electrodes.

Abstract: A servo compensating accelerometer includes a top housing half and a bottom housing half rigidly connected together, and each having coaxial threaded openings. A sensing element is positioned between the top and bottom halves and affixed to the bottom half. Top and bottom magnetic systems, each of which has a magnetic conductor, a permanent magnet and a field concentrator, the magnetic systems being mounted within the respective top and bottom halves of the housing using the threaded openings. A momentum sensor includes the top and bottom magnetic systems, and also includes two movable coils mounted on a plate and positioned within the magnetic systems. A differential angle sensor includes toroidal excitation coils located on the permanent magnets, the magnetic systems and the coils of the momentum sensor. Zero bias of the accelerometer's angular displacement sensor is tuned by adjusting the position of the magnetic systems by moving them in the threaded openings.

Abstract: A portable audiometer for performing hearing testing enclosed within a patient response mechanism housing is disclosed. The audiometer may include a printed circuit board containing circuitry, plugs or other connectors for wired or wireless headphones and bone conductor, a battery charging unit, and one or more buttons for indicating response to pure tone and other stimuli, including, but not limited to noise, speech, and visual and audio instructions and graphical representations of objects or concepts used in a comprehensive hearing test. The instrument can be connected via a wired or wireless interface to a variety of controlling devices, including PC's, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), cellular phones, smartphones, including hybrid phone and PDA, and other devices such as media players, gaming systems, personal audio players, and other devices that can operatively communicate with the portable device.

Abstract: An interface adapted for use with an audiometer, including a digital wireless interface supported by a base unit and a remote unit wherein the base unit receives signals from the audiometer and provides the signals to the remote unit via the digital wireless interface.

Abstract: A system for automatedly administering an audiometric test includes an audiometer for performing the test by outputting test tones, and a processor programmed for monitoring responses to the test tones, detecting an error condition, automatically delivering audible corrective instructions to address the error condition detected, and automatically resuming outputting test tones after the audible corrective instructions have been delivered without intervention by a human test administrator.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor composed of a substrate and a piezoelectric vibrator mounted on the substrate is advantageously used as a sensor for detecting a distance to an object located in front of an automotive vehicle. Ultrasonic waves transmitted from the sensor are reflected by the object, and the reflected waves are received by the sensor. Based on the reflected waves, the distance from the vehicle to the object is calculated. To reduce rigidity and thereby to lower a resonant frequency of the substrate to a desirable level, grooves are formed in the substrate. A thickness of the substrate is not reduced to maintain its mechanical strength against an impact force. A resonant frequency which is desirable to realize a sufficiently high directivity and sensitivity is obtained in this manner without enlarging a size of the ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A pressure sensor and a pressure measuring device are provided applicable to a variety of pressure detection targets and capable of measuring a surface pressure. The pressure sensor is configured by laminating a metal layer made of a metal film, an elastic member layer made of a non-metal material, and a coil layer including an exciting coil. Also, as for a sensor sheet on which sensors that each measure point pressure are arranged in an array, variable elements of the elastic member layer and the coil layer are appropriately changed, thereby forming sensors with a single sheet that are different in pressure detection accuracy or pressure detection range for predetermined areas. Also provided is a pressure measuring device that controls exciting timing or frequency of applied voltage of each exciting coil on a sensor sheet.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a sensor assembly may measure in a mechanical device and communicate an indication of the measured to a remote device via a wireless link.

Abstract: It is possible to enable a pointer to execute a shifting operation input and a clicking operation input by use of a common type pressure-sensitive pointing device provided with an x-axis strain sensor and a y-axis strain sensor. A pressure-sensitive pointing device (11) is provided with strain sensors (11a), (11b), (11c) and (11d). A voltage corresponding to the strain along the x-axis direction, and a voltage corresponding to the strain along the y-axis direction are outputted from nodes (11e), (11f) and (11g), respectively. The voltage corresponding to the strain along the x-axis direction, and the voltage corresponding to the strain along the y-axis direction are inputted alternately to an operational amplifier (4) by switches (SW1) and (SW2) when a switch (SW3) is in an ON-condition. The voltage corresponding to the strain along the z-axis direction is inputted to an operational amplifier (3) when the switch (SW3) is in an OFF-condition.

Abstract: The testing systems can incorporate one or more of: (a) side-insertion peel clamps for faster operator loading of film specimens; (b) integral calibration platforms in the peel grip assemblies for convenient calibration of the peel force transducers; and (c) a positioning assembly to hold in place aged specimens in preparation for peeling tests.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for controlling mix ratio of gas supplied to a processing chamber integrated with chamber pressure. In one embodiment, an integrated controller is used to adjust mix ratio and chamber pressure. In one embodiment, the mix ratio and chamber pressure may be adjusted using a flow sensor and a control valve disposed in each gas supply line. In one embodiment, the flow sensor used in each gas supply line is insensitive to upstream pressure perturbations.

Abstract: A non-contact torque sensor assembly includes a torque transducer fabricated from a material that provides a high level of output in response to the shear stresses generated by the applied torque. The torque transducer is heat treated and cold worked to instill the desired magnetic anisotropy. The example torque transducer is fabricated from a steel alloy including between 17 and 35% chromium, 5 to 20% cobalt and the remainder iron.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (1) which is used to record measuring values in a melt (5). Said sensor can be inserted into a bore (2) of the wall (3) surrounding a cavity (4) which receives the melt (5), and is further developed so that it can be withdrawn from the wall (3) when the melt has substantially solidified without much effort and without damaging the sensor (1). The sensor is associated with at least one heating device (9).

Abstract: A rail-mounted, wheel-sensing system is shown having a wheel sensor and a rail mounting platform. The system includes a rugged steel rail clamp including two blocks mounted on the base of the rail by a pair of bolt extending under the rail. One block is connected to a vertically adjustable mounting bracket for carrying a sensor or other device. The mounting bracket includes a platform for the sensor. Two shields on the platform protecting a sensor mounted between them. An adapter plate may be added between the mounting bracket and the clamp for installation on lighter or heavier rails.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-static floating type gyro device comprising: a gyro mechanism having a gyro rotor and plural adjacent pairs of electro static support electrodes for supporting said gyro rotor; a posture control circuit for generating complementary posture control voltages for controlling a posture of the gyro rotor, wherein the complementary posture control voltages applied to the adjacent pairs of electro static support electrodes are alternated in time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic control rotary actuator that incorporates a control piston of a rack toothing engaging with a pinion to cause it to rotate together with an item holder device; the pinion has toothing made up of several parallel pins (23) spaced at an angle, positioned and held orderly between a base flange (21) and an item holder disk head (22); the base flange and the disk are each produced by compression moulding, die-casting, sinterisation and the like, using a low mechanical resistance material whereas said pins are made of some other material with high mechanical properties and hardness.

Abstract: A transmission for a tractor has a forward/reverse transmission unit for selectively changing a rotational direction of power of a first shaft connected with an engine and transmitting the power to a second shaft connected with an axle shaft, a main transmission unit installed between the second shaft and the axle shaft and having a plurality of gears to speed-change the power transmitted from the second shaft in four-speed, and a sub-transmission unit installed between the main transmission unit and the axle shaft and having a plurality of gears to speed-change again the power transmitted from the main transmission unit in four-speed. The transmission realizes forward/reverse 16-speed while having a compact structure.

Abstract: The transmission comprises a gearbox having first and second input shafts coaxial to one another, wherein the second input shaft carries driving gearwheels associated to the even gears (second, fourth and sixth) and to the highest gear (sixth or seventh); and a clutch unit having first and second dry friction clutches arranged to couple a drive shaft of the motor vehicle respectively to the first and second input shafts of the gearbox. The first friction clutch associated to the first input shaft is normally disengaged, whereas the second friction clutch associated to the second input shaft is normally engaged.

Abstract: A control device 5 for an automatic transmission apparatus 2 has an automatic gearshift mode in which the gear of the automatic transmission 2 is automatically controlled by setting the shift position of a shift device 3 in one of forward travel positions including a first and a second forward position. The control device 5 also has a manual gearshift mode changing the gear one step by one step by an operating unit 4 other than the shift device 3 while maintaining the shift position set in the forward position 33. The manual gearshift mode includes a first manual mode when the shift position of the shift device 3 is set in a first forward position, and a second manual mode when the shift position is set in a second forward position. A control pattern of the first manual mode differs from that in the second manual mode.

Abstract: A ball bearing helical gearing for an electromechanical steering system of a vehicle includes a threaded spindle and a nut. The threaded spindle and nut are provided with ball bearing raceways for jointly accommodating load-transferring ball bearings inside the nut, and the nut has ball bearing routing parts for guiding out and introducing the ball bearings into the ball bearing raceways.

Abstract: Series of power transmission devices and geared motors are provided at low costs. The series of power transmission devices output input motive power via at least three pairs of gear sets. In the series of power transmission devices, a gear ratio of an intermediate stage gear set is changed without changing a gear ratio of a first stage gear set and a gear ratio of a final stage gear set in order to differ a speed increasing and reducing ratio on the whole device.

Abstract: A ball screw assembly, wherein the circulate component is positioned in the nut by inserting a protrusion in a notch, so that the circulate component is positioned easily, and the problem of assembly difficulty is solved. The method of fixing the circulate components in the nut is that: the circulate component is formed with an axial hole and the radial hole that are connected to each other, the axial hole of the circulate component is aligned to the axial locking hole of the nut, and then liquid resin is injected into the axial hole of the circulate components, and the liquid resin will form a locking members after curing, thus fixing the circulate component in the nut. Due to the formation of the locking member is determined by the diameter of the hole to be machined, the configuration of locking member will be varied in response to the diameter of the hole to be machined. Whatever the diameter of the hole to be machined changes or not, it will not affect the interchangeability of the locking member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing an at least height-adjustable steering column, said device comprising a clamping device provided with a clamping element (1) having an open position in which the height adjustment is released. When the clamping element passes from the opening position thereof to the closed position thereof, toothings (14, 15; 16, 17) engage with each other. A blocking element (2) has a blocking position in which it blocks the lifting of the counter-fixing part (4) from the fixing part (3), maintaining the engagement of the toothings (14, 15; 16, 17), and a release position in which the counter-fixing part (4) can be lifted from the fixing part (3). A coupling is provided between the clamping element (1) and the blocking element (2).

Abstract: A rack and pinion centre-steer steering assembly (10) is provided with an auxiliary drag bar (58) that attaches to the steering rack (12) and a linear bearing (66) that attaches between the drag bar (58) and the steering tube (14), so as to provide an additional point of location for the steering rack (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle brake control device, comprising a support body to be fixed to a handle bar and suitable to receive an end length of a traction cable according to a line, and a brake lever pivoted on the support body for actuating the brake through the traction cable when it is pulled towards the handle bar, the brake lever having a first actuation area at one end, wherein the pivot of the brake lever is arranged at a position which is not intermediate between the intersection of the line with the brake lever, and the first actuation area of the brake lever. Through such a configuration, the length of the brake lever on the side of the first actuation area, i.e. on the useful side of the brake lever, increases.

Abstract: Four embodiments of an adjustable pedal assembly are disclosed wherein a pedal lever is adjustable along a rod. Each assembly is characterized by the rod (116, 216, 316 and 416) being arcuate or curved, e.g., in an arc, between its connection to a support (112, 212, 312 and 412) and its distal end for changing the angle of the longitudinal axis of the pedal lever (118, 218, 318 and 418) relative to the support (112, 212, 312 and 412) during the adjustment of the pedal lever (118,218,318 and 418) along the rod (116, 216, 316 and 416). Consequently, the angle of the pedal pad (120, 220, 320 and 420) is changed to accommodate different operators.

Abstract: A shifter assembly includes an electronic shifter mechanism having a shift lever movable between a plurality of gear positions and an electrically powered drive system operatively connected to the shifter mechanism to selectively move the shifter mechanism between a first location wherein the shifter lever is located substantially within a housing and a second location wherein the shifter lever is located substantially outside the housing. The drive system moves the shifter mechanism along a vertical, linear path substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shift lever such that the shift lever moves through an opening in the housing.

Abstract: The Highway Safety Scoop is made of thin steel or aluminum, it has a flat bottom, two sides, a back and a grapple holding setup. With its deep, thin, flat bottom this scoop is designed for one thing, to scrape up debris on the road. At first glance this scoop looks very familiar. Under closer observation you can see this scoop is not heavy enough or designed in any way to act as a loader or for digging of any kind, not dirt, rock or any materials to be picked up in one Location and dumped in another. It will have little vertical movement and cant dump as loader does, and no Side to side movement as a snow plow does to deflect snow. When deployed by the highway departments, Fitting the trucks with this scoop to remove debris such as dead animals and tires from our highways safely and fast will cut down on related accidents and injury to maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly, one of a matching pair, with a rotating body around a centre axis, which has a top and bottom surface, one or both of which are provided with a means of shock absorption, such that the surface in question moves in a controlled and decelerating manner in the direction of the pressure applied by the riders foot, returning to the rest position when the pressure is released.

Abstract: A bottom bracket assembly of a bicycle comprises two cranks, an axle integral in rotation with the cranks, and two bearings for the rotatable support of the assembly with respect to a box of the frame of the bicycle; each of the bearings is arranged inside the thickness of one of the respective cranks. In this way, the weight of the cyclist acting on a crank transfers directly onto the corresponding bearing, without any bending stress being generated on the axle of the bottom bracket.

Abstract: A bicycle bottom bracket assembly has a shaft having a longitudinal axis extending along a predetermined direction and a first and second end portion. A first bearing has an inner ring inserted on the shaft in a position adjacent to the first end portion and an outer ring is coupled with a first adapter adapted to be associated with a first end of a housing box of the bottom bracket assembly in a bicycle frame. A second bearing has an inner ring inserted on the shaft adjacent to the second end portion and an outer ring coupled with a second adapter is associated with a second end of the housing box. The assembly further includes first locking means of the inner rings of the first and second bearings acting on the inner rings to prevent the movement of the inner rings in both ways of the predetermined direction.