Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses that can provide measurement of glucose and other analytes with a variety of sensors without many of the performance-degrading problems of conventional approaches. An apparatus according to the present invention comprises a blood access system, adapted to remove blood from a body and infuse at least a portion of the removed blood back into the body. Such an apparatus also comprises an analyte sensor, mounted with the blood access system such that the analyte sensor measures the analyte in the blood that has been removed from the body by the blood access system. A method according to the present invention comprises removing blood from a body, using an analyte sensor to measure an analyte in the removed blood, and infusing at least a portion of the removed blood back into the body. The use of a non-contact sensor with a closed system creates a system will minimal infection risk.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the water, oil, and gas fractions in hydrocarbons from high water cut hydrocarbon wells. A hydrocarbon flow stream discharging from a well is subjected to hydro-separation to produce an oil-enriched fractional stream upon which water content measurements can be more accurately and reproducibly made. Calculations based on the water content of the oil-enriched fractional stream and the flow rate of at least one of the streams through the separator are conducted to determine the water content of the original stream. This provides a simple approach to measuring the water content in high water cut hydrocarbons that is real-time, accurate, and reproducible.

Abstract: A filtration tester has a scale, a collector disposed on the scale, a pump having an outlet aligned with an opening of the collector, and a force sensor connected to the pump.

Abstract: An automotive fuel injector leakage tester (10) comprising a mount (22) for such an injector (32) and a flowmeter (66) of sufficient sensitivity arranged to measure leaked fuel flow rates through the nozzle (34) of such an injector (32). The tester (10) is further provided with an interface passageway (58) which enables fluid communication between the injector nozzle (34) and the flowmeter (66) when the tester (10) is in use. An injector (32) contains a first liquid when under test to supply such liquid to the injector nozzle (34) so that such liquid can leak therethrough into the interface passageway (58). The interface passageway (58) contains a second liquid which is immiscible with the first liquid, the tester (10) being so constructed that the interface between the first and second liquids remains within the interface passageway (58) whilst the flowmeter (66) provides a measure of the leakage of the first liquid through the nozzle (34) of such an injector (32).

Abstract: A method and system for determining a load exerted on a tyre fitted on a vehicle during the running of the vehicle on a rolling surface. The tyre has an equatorial plane. A concave upward function Fz=Fz(PLc) of the tyre load versus the length of a contact region is provided between the tyre and the rolling surface. The length (PLc) is estimated substantially at the equatorial plane and the tyre load corresponding to said estimated length is derived from the function.

Abstract: The dynamic state amount of a tire when a load is applied to the tire while running can be estimated accurately and stably by installing tire deformation amount measuring means 11A and 11B at axisymmetrical positions which are equally distant in the axial direction from the center in the axial direction of the tire on the cross-section in the radial direction of the tire on the inner side of the belt portion of a tire tread in the radial direction, such as at the inner surface of the tread, between an inner liner and a ply, between plies or between a ply and a belt to measure the waveforms of deformation of the tire, detecting the contact time which is the time difference between contact edges from the waveforms of deformation, calculating contact length indices kA and kB from the contact time and the wheel speed detected by a wheel speed sensor 15, calculating the average value k of the above indices kA and kB, and obtaining a load applied to the tire by using the calculated average value k of the indices o

Abstract: A flow indicator includes a horizontally disposed housing having a lower inlet port drawing in an air sample, an interior space passing the air sample, an upper outlet port exhausting the air sample, and a transparent window allowing visual observation of at least a portion of the interior space. The flow indicator also includes a floater disposed within the housing to move vertically in response to the flow of the air sample to indicate a flow rate for the air sample, and a guide member extending upward from a lower portion of the housing and guiding movement of the floater.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive application probe is disclosed wherein the probe includes a preassembled sensor element mounted as an application housing installation as an installable unit. The modular nature allows interchanging with various electronic assemblies, and may be an explosion proof installation.

Abstract: An electronic technique is used for identifying a fluid and determining its level in a container. Specifically, impedance spectroscopy is applied to fluid handling probes such as those employed by automated chemical and immunoassay analyzers to provide superior sensitivity for fluid level detection as well as discernible “spectral signatures” (impedance spectra) that can be automatically analyzed to identify diverse materials. These include, but are not limited to, blood serum, blood plasma, gelsep, red blood cell layers, chemical reagents associated with immunoassay blood testing and foam atop fluid surfaces. In operation, incident electronic signal is compared with a reflected electronic signal to obtain signal characteristics that can be used to identify the type of liquid. In addition, characteristics of the reflected electronic signal (e.g., phase shift, etc.) as compared with the incident electronic signal are used to determine the level of fluid in a container.

Abstract: A sensing assembly senses a level of a fluid in a reservoir. The sensing assembly includes a first input port for receiving a first input voltage signal. The sensing assembly also includes a second input port for receiving a second input voltage signal. An excitation circuit is electrically connected to the first and second input ports for receiving the first and second input voltage signals and for generating a first excitation signal and a second excitation signal. A receiving circuit is disposed adjacent the excitation circuit and defines a variable capacitance with the excitation circuit. The receiving circuit produces an output voltage variable with the level of the fluid in the reservoir due to capacitance changes between the excitation circuit and receiving circuit. The receiving circuit includes first receiving electrode configured to effect linear capacitance change with fluid level and a second receiving electrode configured to effect second order linear capacitance change with fluid level.

Abstract: A device for holding a constructional unit (40) of a double clutch in a balancing machine, wherein the constructional unit (40) comprises a clutch cage (41) to be balanced, with a pivot bearing (45) and driving disks (46, 47), and contains a bearing mandrel (1), which has a first clamping device (24) for clamping the pivot bearing (45) rotatably bearing the clutch cage (41) to be balanced and a second clamping device (11) for clamping the driving disk (47). One of the clamping devices (11) is adjustable in respect of the bearing mandrel (1) in the axial direction by means of an operating device (22). The bearing mandrel (1) additionally has a third clamping device (29, 57) for clamping the driving disk (46), which is stationary or adjustable in respect of the bearing mandrel (1) in the axial direction by means of an operating device (34).

Abstract: A vibrating inertial rate sensor has sense elements that operate on axes that are rotationally skewed from a node reference axis, enabling both a rate sense and a drive sense determination. Alternatively, the skew may be applied to rotationally offset the drive elements from antinode reference axes to affect active torquing of the gyroscope. The skewed sensing scheme may be applied to vibratory systems having one or more node axes. The skewed drive scheme may be applied to vibratory systems having two or more node axes to affect active torquing.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to promote a detection sensitivity by effectively utilizing an arranged fixed electrode. Inclinations in x-axis and y-axis directions of a mass are detected in a two-axis detecting circuit. The two-axis detecting circuit is constituted by fixed electrodes having both of an x-axis detecting circuit function and a y-axis detecting circuit function and also having functions for detecting displacements in an x-axis direction and a y-axis direction. The two-axis detecting circuit switches the x-axis detecting circuit function and the y-axis detecting circuit function by switching wirings in the circuit by way of a switching circuit. Switching of a wiring state of the two-axis detecting circuit is carried out at each constant period based on a timing of a specific clock signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensor is disclosed that includes a substrate including at least a semiconductor layer. The substrate includes a weight arranging part in the vicinity of the center of the substrate, a flexible part around the weight arranging part, and supporting parts provided around the flexible part. The semiconductor sensor further includes a weight arranged on the weight arranging part. The weight is made of a material different from that of the weight arranging part and the flexible parts.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor including: a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having a substrate, an oxide layer formed above the substrate, and a semiconductor layer formed above the oxide layer; a tuning-fork type vibrating portion obtained by processing the semiconductor layer and the oxide layer and formed of the semiconductor layer; a driving portion which generates flexural vibration of the vibrating portion; and a detecting portion which detects an angular rate applied to the vibrating portion.

Abstract: Even in measurement in which the measurement time is limited to a short time, soundness of a spot weld zone can be evaluated with high reliability without being influenced by a positional deviation between an ultrasonic probe and the spot weld zone and the coupling condition between an ultrasonic probe and a metal sheet. Specifically, ultrasonic waves propagating along the surface of a test object are transmitted in a plurality of directions from a plurality of wave sending positions outside the spot weld zone in metal sheets (1a, 1b), and ultrasonic waves propagating along the surface of the test object with propagation paths not including the spot weld zone and ultrasonic waves propagating along the surface of the test object with propagation paths including the spot weld zone are received at a plurality of wave receiving positions outside the spot weld zone to evaluate the soundness of the spot weld zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for representing echo signals that are obtained with the aid of an ultrasonic test apparatus used for non-destructively testing a test piece. Said ultrasonic test apparatus comprises a probe, especially an angled probe, a monitor with a display device for representing the received echo signals in an cross-sectional image such that at least one front face and a back wall of the test piece can be recognized. A flaw is detected from different arrangements of the angular probe, represented, and an error signal is determined. The test images are stored and then represented in a superimposed manner in an evaluation image such that the first and the second error signal can be recognized.

Abstract: A method for testing a hydrocarbon sample. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a sheath disposed about the hydrocarbon sample. The apparatus further comprises at least one set of acoustic sensors, wherein the at least one set of acoustic sensors is secured to the sheath, and further wherein at least one set of acoustic sensors produces an acoustic signal having a velocity through the hydrocarbon sample. In addition, the velocity is measured to provide information about the hydrocarbon sample. In other embodiments, the at least one set of acoustic sensors is disposed radially about the hydrocarbon sample.

Abstract: A method of detecting an event in a structure using a device having sensors and at least one actuator includes sending a signal from the at least one actuator encapsulated in the device, returning a reflected wave signal from the event to each of the sensors in the device, determining a respective duration of time for which the signal travels from the event to each of the sensors, and calculating a location of the event by using differences in the respective durations of time for which the signal travels from the event to each of the sensors to determine an angle and a distance at which the event is positioned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-sensing tweezer device for micro and nano-scale manipulation, assembly, and surface modification, including: one or more elongated beams disposed in a first configuration; one or more oscillators coupled to the one or more elongated beams, wherein the one or more oscillators are operable for selectively oscillating the one or more elongated beams to form one or more “virtual” probe tips; and an actuator coupled to the one or more elongated beams, wherein the actuator is operable for selectively actuating the one or more elongated beams from the first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: A drive line (A) for testing a component (D) of a drive train of a vehicle comprises a torque sensor. The torque sensor measures AC variations in torque due to the operation of the component (D). The component (D) is coupled to the drive line by an adapter having a coupling for coupling the drive line to the axle. The torque sensor may output both AC and DC components of measured torque variation. A servo controller controls the drive line so that the drive line is driven into abutment with the axle and then backed off by a small preset distance.

Abstract: A stress measurement device includes a current supply portion; a series circuit which is connected to the current supply portion and has a piezoresistive element that forms a single gauge resistance and a compensating diode that is connected in series to the piezoresistive element; and a voltage measuring portion that measures voltage between both ends of the series circuit. The single gauge resistance has a piezoresistive effect in which a resistance value changes according to applied stress, and a positive temperature characteristic in which the resistance value increases depending on an increase in temperature. The compensating diode is provided in a forward direction with respect to the current supply portion and has a negative temperature characteristic in which a voltage between an anode and a cathode of the compensating diode decreases depending on the increase in temperature.

Abstract: It is an object to prevent breakage of a mechanical quantity measuring apparatus made of a monocrystalline silicon substrate due to a large distortion. A mounting board for measuring distortion is provided on a rear surface of a sensor chip made of a semiconductor monocrystalline substrate having a distortion detecting unit. Even when a large distortion occurs in an object to be measured, a distortion occurring in the semiconductor monocrystalline substrate can be controlled by the mounting board. Therefore, the semiconductor monocrystalline substrate is not broken, and a highly reliable mechanical quantity measuring apparatus can be provided.

Abstract: A flow indicator is disclosed and includes a horizontally disposed housing including a lower inlet port drawing in an air sample, an interior space passing the air sample, an upper outlet port exhausting the air sample, and a transparent window allowing visual observation of at least a portion of the interior space. The flow indicator also includes a floater disposed within the housing and moving vertically in response to the flow of the air sample to indicate a flow rate for the air sample, wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of rails protruding from an inner surface of the housing and extending vertically to guide movement of the floater.

Abstract: A torque detecting apparatus for detecting rotational torque applied to a first and a second shafts which are coaxially connected to each other by a torsion bar, by using a relative angular displacement between a cylindrical magnet fixedly fitted onto the first shaft and integrally rotating with the first shaft and yoke rings surrounding an outer circumference of the first rotating member and integrally rotating with the second shaft. A facing portion is provided between the first and second shafts, and faces each other in the axial direction by a space smaller than a space between a lower end face of the first rotating member and the upper end face of the second shaft. Positioning in the axial direction of the cylindrical magnet and the yoke rings is carried out referring position where the space of the facing surface becomes zero.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor includes first and second magnetostrictive films which are provided at a shaft and have different magnetic anisotropies; a first measurement coil and a second measurement coil which face the first magnetostrictive film; and a third measurement coil and a fourth measurement coil which face the second magnetostrictive film. A torque applied to the shaft is measured based on a variation in magnetic characteristics of the first and the second magnetostrictive films; and a failure of the magnetostrictive torque sensor is detected based on a first difference between output values from the first and the second measurement coils and a second difference between output values from the third and the fourth measurement coils. An electric steering system includes the magnetostrictive torque sensor for measuring a steering torque of the system; and an electric motor driven based on the measured magnetostrictive torque for steering the vehicle.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor system stabilizes and detects steering torque applied to a steering shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for a printed strain gauge affixed to a structural member of a seat for detecting and measuring the weight and position of an occupant or object on the seat. In various embodiments, a strain gauge is printed directly on a member of the seat that is subject to a bending force or other stress when an object is placed in the seat. The strain gauge includes at least one resister of thin-film conductive material printed on a stress bearing member. In one embodiment, the strain gauge is a resistor sensitive to the stress of said member. In another embodiment, the strain gauge is a group of resistors forming a Wheatstone bridge sensitive to the stress.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for use with a seat belt assembly. The sensor includes a housing that has a slot and a plate coupled with the housing. The plate has another slot and a cutout. The slots are connected with a seat belt. A sensor is retained by the housing and extends into the cutout. A portion of the plate is adapted to be engaged by the sensor as tension is increased on the seat belt. The sensor generates an electrical signal that is indicative of seat belt tension.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing deflection/curvature of underwater riser pipes comprises a metal tube which is strapped to the pipe, with the tube being parallel to the length of the pipe. The tube is fitted internally with strain gauges which measure the deflection of the tube and thus of the pipe on which it is mounted. The tube is filled with oil and is connected to a plastics tube which can deform to recta to hydrostatic pressure at different water depths.

Abstract: Microvolume liquid dispensers that provide simple and inexpensive approaches to making cytology microarrays. In some embodiments, the dispensers comprise tips that comprise an outer sleeve, typically shaped like a funnel, that holds a reciprocating needle or pin. The tip of the pin slightly extends beyond the distal opening of the outer sleeve in one position, and is retracted in another position. When the pin is in the distal position the pin contacts the inner surfaces of the sleeve and blocks cytology liquid from flowing through the opening of the sleeve. Thus the pin and sleeve cooperate to form a reservoir behind the blockage. When the pin is pushed up into the sleeve, for example by touching the tip to a glass slide, a passage is formed between the outer surface of the pin and the inner surface of the sleeve. The liquid in the reservoir then flows through the passage and onto the slide.

Abstract: A method involving the use and creation of pre-aged witness coupons which characterizes and monitors the rate and extent of chemical and physical aging of the polymer in the structure during use in the field is described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a universal drive system employing gyroscopic principals of operation. Central to the system is maintenance of rotor inertia through forced precession. It preferred use is for the generation of electric power. Other uses, such as an auxiliary automotive drive system, fan or mobile display are within the scope of its application. Operation is initiated by bringing the rotor up to speed and offsetting its axis of rotation causing precession. The rotor's inertia and its natural tendency to restore itself to its original position of equilibrium, prior to being offset, are utilized through mechanical design to utilize this restorative force to produce a counter force which acts upon the spinning precessing gyro (rotor) automatically to sustain its inertia and precessional motion.

Abstract: A shifting device for a dual clutch transmission, the dual clutch transmission including a first input shaft, a second input shaft, a counter shaft, a dual clutch, a first gear change mechanism including at least a first gear train and a first switching clutch, and a second gear change mechanism including at least a second gear train and a second switching clutch, the shifting device including a shift mechanism constituted by a first shifter that includes a first follower pin and a first shift fork, a second shifter that includes a second follower pin and a second shift fork, and a cam member at which a single cam groove is formed, and the first and second follower pins engaging with different positions on the cam groove from each other and operating the first and second switching clutches to be associated with each other.

Abstract: A parallel axes type transmission including a first idle drive route and a second idle drive route for transmitting the relation of an input shaft to an intermediate shaft. The first idle drive route includes a one-way clutch capable of transmitting the rotation of the input shaft to the intermediate shaft only. The second idle drive route includes wet multiplate clutches for connecting gears rotatably mounted on the intermediate shaft to the intermediate shaft when engaged. Thus, the intermediate shaft is rotated at a first rotational speed through the first idle drive route and at a second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed through the second idle drive route when the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A spindle nut for a ball screw is provided, having a continuous ball track (1) for balls (2), a ball groove (3,14) for the balls (2) extending on an inner periphery of the spindle nut about the rotational axis thereof and along a helical line, the ball groove extending across at least one thread (4), and a diversion device (5), in order to divert with its diverting channel (9) balls (2) from one end of the thread (4) to the beginning of the thread (4). The spindle nut is provided with ball inlets (13, 16), on the one side connected to the ball groove (3, 14) and, on the other side connected to the diverting channel (9), with the ball groove (3, 14) and the ball inlet (13, 16) both having identical cross-sectional profiles.

Abstract: A speed change operating structure for a hydrostatic continuously variable speed-change apparatus of a work vehicle includes: a speed change pedal for effecting a speed-changing operation of the hydrostatic continuously variable speed-change apparatus, the speed change pedal being urged in a direction toward its neutral position; a speed-maintaining lever disposed adjacent a lateral side of a driver's seat included in the work vehicle; a retaining member displaceable by an operation of the speed-maintaining lever in an operational direction and in an opposite direction to the operational direction; and a restraining member movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, in association with an operation of the speed change pedal, the restraining member being engageable with the retaining member at a plurality of positions, an engagement between the restraining member and the retaining member preventing movement of the speed change pedal in the direction toward the neutral p

Abstract: A pedal apparatus including a pedal, a pressuring member for increasing return force when depression of the pedal increases, and a frictional member that generates a frictional resistance. When the pedal is depressed, the frictional resistance acts in the same direction as the return force, and when the pedal is returned, the frictional resistance is applied in an opposite direction as the return force. When the return force decreases, the decrease in the return force in depressing the pedal is compensated by increasing the frictional resistance.

Abstract: A handlebar extension includes a handlebar connector including a compressible locking portion and a grip portion rotatably connected to the handlebar connector; wherein the compressible locking portion is inserted within an opening in the handlebar, and wherein the connector is rotated to compress the compressible locking portion within the handlebar opening.

Abstract: A housing of a gear device houses a plurality of gears and a lubricant. On at least one side surface of at least one gear selected from the plurality of gears, an extended projection is provided. On a side surface of the housing facing the side surface of the selected gear, an extended projection is provided. The extended projection of the selected gear and the extended projection of the housing extend in a direction crossing the circumferential direction of the selected gear. When viewed along an axial direction of the selected gear, according to rotation of the selected gear, the extended projection of the selected gear and the extended projection of the housing partially face each other in the axial direction of the selected gear and form facing portions. A lubricant holding portion capable of holding the lubricant is formed between the facing portion of the extended projection of the selected gear and the facing portion of the extended projection of the housing.

Abstract: A vent for a machinery enclosure such as an automotive axle comprises a vent body having passageway between the interior of the enclosure and the exterior of the enclosure and an ePTFE membrane covering the passageway. The membrane and a fibrous sorbent are disposed within the passageway between the interior of the enclosure and the membrane.

Abstract: A power transfer device includes an input, a gear set for transferring power from the input to at least one output, a housing and a cover. The housing includes an access aperture sized for receiving the gear set. The access aperture includes a threaded wall. The cover closes the aperture and is threadably engaged with the threaded wall to secure the cover to the housing.

Abstract: An article (101) for insertion into molten steel (102) to increase titanium content of the steel. The article comprises a container (201) formed from a metal or metal alloy, and a mixture (202) enclosed within the container. The mixture comprises: iron in the form of an oxide; titanium in the form of an oxide; and aluminium or aluminium alloy. The mixture is such that when heated it reacts to oxidise the aluminium and produce ferro-titanium alloy.

Abstract: Nail polish opener is ideally used for fingernail polish bottles. It is available in variety of colors with decals.

Abstract: A grasping device comprises a grasping member springably connected to a handle member. When the grasping member is withdrawn from the handle member, plier arms on the grasping member open so that an object to be grasped may be positioned therebetween. When the grasping member is permitted to be pulled by the spring back into the handle member, the plier arms close about the object, grasping it securely.

Abstract: Spinners for spinning drill pipe to rotary drill wells wherein the spinners have one or more drive rollers wherein one embodiment the drive rollers have an upper section that is a metal core with an upper flanged area and a lower section comprised of an elastomeric material. In a second embodiment the surface areas of the drive rollers that contact the drill pipe are all metallic and the drive rollers have an upper cylindrical section and one or more conical sections below the upper cylindrical section that are progressively smaller in diameter moving downward from the upper cylindrical section. In a third embodiment the surface areas of the drive rollers that contact the drill pipe are all metallic and are comprised of a cylindrical section and a predominately spherical section below the cylindrical section. In a fourth embodiment the surface area of the drive rollers that contacts the drill pipe is all metallic and has a predominately spherical section.

Abstract: A returning assembly of a spanner includes a driving portion having a receiving space for receiving a driving head, a switch unit and an ejecting unit having a truncated conic shape; a radial direction of the driving head having a slightly inclined buckling surface; the buckling surface and an inner wall of the receiving space being formed with a semilunar buckling space for receiving the ejecting unit; the ejecting unit serving for controlling the returning directions of the driving head. A round cylindrical positioning portion extends from the larger end of the truncated conic ejecting unit. The driving head has a driving block which are arranged at an axial direction of the driving head for installing a socket or other driving assembly. A switch unit is installed in the driving head. The switch unit has a control end projected from the driving portion and a resisting end.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a first body having an end for coupling with a handle, a second body rotatably coupled to the other end of the first body, two engaging members, and a switch member pivotably mounted to the first body. The engaging members are slidably received in a transverse receiving section that includes two end openings in an outer circumference of the first body. Each engaging member includes a first end with an engaging portion. Each engaging member further includes a second end. An elastic element is mounted between the second ends of the engaging members for biasing the engaging members away from each other. The switch member is pivotable to selectively urge at least one of the engaging members for selectively engaging at least one of the engaging portions with teeth of the second body, thereby controlling relative rotation between the first body and the second body.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a function head connected to an end of a shank and a plurality of positioning slots are defined in an outer surface of the shank. An end section is mounted on the shank and a positioning collar is located between the shank and the end section. The positioning collar has a positioning portion which is engaged with one of the positioning slots in the shank. The positioning collar can be deformable radially inward and so as to be disengaged from the positioning slots. A biasing member biases the positioning collar toward the positioning slots.

Abstract: The present application is directed to adjustable wrenches. In one embodiment, the open-ended wrench includes a head with a opening sized to receive workpieces. One or more shims are attached in an adjustable manner within the opening to alter the width of the wrench.