Abstract: A method and a device for producing a tubular object from thermoplastic material. The device includes a die having a movable die body for altering the cross-sectional surface of the die opening, a plunger for extruding a specific quantity of plastic material through the die, and a withdrawal unit for guiding the tubular plastic object emerging from the die. The movements of the withdrawal unit, plunger and die body are controlled such that movement of the withdrawal unit is carried out according to a freely adjustable velocity profile over the path of the withdrawal unit. Movement of the plunger is carried out according to a freely adjustable velocity profile over the plunger path and movement of the die body is carried out according to a freely adjustable position profile over the path of the withdrawal unit or plunger. In this manner, the wall thickness of the tubular object may be adjusted with high accuracy over its length.

Abstract: A flanged pipe includes a pipe body portion, a flange portion and a bent portion located between the pipe body portion and the flange portion. The pipe body portion, the bent portion and the flange portion are formed from an integral, monolithic structure. A minimum inner diameter of the bent portion is smaller than an inner diameter of the pipe body portion. The flange portion has a first part having a thickness that is thicker than a thickness of the pipe body portion and a second part having a thickness that is thinner than the thickness of the pipe body portion. The flanged pipe has sufficient rigidity, strength and durability to attach the flange portion to other members or structures using a bolt through a hole formed in the flange portion.

Abstract: A roll mill for comminuting and homogenizing viscous masses, in particular for dispersing and uniformly distributing solid particles suspended in a binding agent. The roll mill has at least two rolls pivoted around their longitudinal axes, wherein the rotational axis of the first roll is fixed in place, and the rotational axis of a second roll is movably mounted, as well as at least one pressing device for pressing at least one roll against the other roll. Roll pressing takes place by way of a mechanical-pneumatic pressing device, which has a force transducer and a pneumatic drive. The roll surfaces or process surfaces are made out of a metal-free ceramic material.

Abstract: A device for loading the guide surfaces of bearing chocks (LS) supported in the housing windows (SF) of rolling stands with pressure plates (DP) that can be placed on the guide surfaces and that can be loaded by a hydraulic piston (K) supported in the rolling stand housings (ST), wherein devices for measuring the pressure and devices (WM) for measuring the displacement of the piston are assigned to the hydraulic piston (K), and wherein the frictional force is eliminated by adjusting well-defined clearances between the bearing chocks (LS) and the guide surfaces.

Abstract: A method for the drawing of a longitudinal workpiece wherein drawing forces required for the drawing are applied by means of at least a sprocket chain comprising link plates wherein the drawing forces are introduced from the workpiece via the link plates into the sprocket chain as a result of which the latter can be constructed lighter and apply greater drawing forces.

Abstract: A press die for molding an edge wall at a peripheral edge of a workpiece includes a die convexly formed along a shape of one surface of the edge wall, a punch formed with a concave portion along the other surface of the edge wall, and a stripper for holding the workpiece with the die therebetween, wherein a clearance between the die and the punch is in a range of not less than 70% and not more than 95% of a thickness of the workpiece before forming.

Abstract: A tool (1) for the internal high pressure forming of a hollow section (2). The tool (1) is designed both for forming the hollow section (2) and for making an embossment on the outside of the hollow section (2) and for making a hole in the hollow section (2). For this purpose, the tool (1) has an embossing punch (11) displaceable transversely to the longitudinal extent of the hollow section (2) and also a perforating punch (13) arranged coaxially in the embossing punch (11).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral vehicular axle housing and a method for manufacturing the same. The axle housing comprises a central housing and axle tubes with circular sections, wherein the central housing extends towards both ends to form said axle tubes at two ends so as to form an seamless, integral structure with the axle tubes. The cross-section of the banjo-shaped portion of the central housing is rectangular, the cross-section of a portion beside the banjo-shaped portion is square, and a circular, banjo-shaped hole is formed on two larger facades of the banjo-shaped portion. An integral vehicular axle housing with such structure is advantageous in that it is of low cost, high efficiency and low pollution. Meanwhile, due to the seamless, integral structure thereof, the production is distinguished by its aesthetic appearance, high strength, and excellent overall stiffness.

Abstract: A forging die production method comprising a cutting step which employs, as a cutting tool, a ball end mill having a surface which has undergone a hardening treatment and in which a forging die material is cut under conditions where a length of tool extension L (mm), radius R (mm) of a cutting edge of the ball end mill, spindle speed A (rpm) and feed rate B (mm/min) satisfy (B/A)2×(L/(2×R))=0.01 to 0.05. A forging die is produced through the forging die production method. A forged article is produced through forging by use of the produced forging die.

Abstract: Inertial measurement system and method in which a gyroscope is periodically dithered about an axis perpendicular to its input axis, a signal from the gyroscope is delayed to provide a delayed signal which lags the gyroscope signal by one-half of the dithering period, and the delayed signal and the signal from the gyroscope are combined to provide an output signal from which the bias has been cancelled.

Abstract: A breath alcohol-measuring device for breathing gas sampling has a mouthpiece (2), for receiving the exhaled breathing air (1) of a test subject, provided with a first flow diaphragm (3). A first pressure sensor (6) is connected to the mouthpiece via a first gas line upstream of the flow diaphragm (3). An alcohol sensor (4) is connected to the mouthpiece (2) via an inlet channel downstream of the flow diaphragm (3) and to a sampling system (5) for a breathing gas sample from the breathing air (1) via a second gas line. The second gas line between the alcohol sensor (4) and the sampling system (5) has a second flow restriction (diaphragm 7) and is connected to a second pressure sensor (9). An evaluating and control unit (8) receives the measured signals of the pressure sensors (6, 9) and of the alcohol sensor (4) and actuates the sampling system (5).

Abstract: A gas measuring method, apparatus and system for measuring a concentration of a gas of interest is disclosed. The gas concentration is based on a propagation delay of a sonic or ultrasonic wave as the wave travels through the gas. The propagation delay is measured such that delay contributions from sources other than the gas itself are canceled. A sensor in accordance with the invention includes an sonic or ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, and a control module for performing calculations. The sensor can be used in various applications, including on-board inert gas generating systems (OBIGGS).

Abstract: An exhaust gas sensor comprises a planar sensing element, which comprises a ceramic heater, a solid electrolyte electrochemical cell, and a protection layer for the sensing electrode and electrode leads. The protection layer comprises built-in arrays of porous vias.

Abstract: A vibration sensor for detecting a vibration of a vibrating object includes a plurality of detecting members. Each of the detecting members includes a vibrating portion disposed to be separated from the vibrating object, a transmitting portion for transmitting the vibration from the vibrating object to the vibrating portion, and a detecting portion disposed on a vibrating face of the vibration portion. The detecting portion outputs an electrical signal corresponding to a resonance of the vibrating portion. At least two of the vibrating portions of the detecting members have resonance frequencies, which are different from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glow plug with integrated pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, where the shell of the glow plug has a section of reduced diameter on the side next to the combustion chamber and following a sealing cone, which section houses a glow coil and ends in a tip extending into the combustion chamber, and where the pressure sensor is positioned without cooling in the section of the glow plug next to combustion chamber. According to the invention the pressure sensor is subjected to pressure in radial direction, the glow coil of the glow plug or the electrical leads of the glow coil being guided towards the tip of the glow plug either by bypassing the pressure sensor or going through the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A combustion pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a heat releasing member disposed between a housing and a pressure transmitting member at a position forward of a load detecting section and slidable relative to the pressure transmitting member for releasing heat through heat transfer from combustion gas, which has entered an axial hole of the housing from the combustion chamber, to the housing.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of a blockage (192, 392) in a passage (15, 313) having a first end and a second end. The method comprises blowing a sealing device (200) into the passage to form a seal adjacent the blockage (192, 392), then blowing a gas into the passage from the first end, making at least one measurement concerning the gas blown into the passage from the first end and determining a distance D between the first end and the sealing device using the at least one measurement.

Abstract: A pressure testing apparatus for chips on a wafer has a pressure chamber, a support plate arranged between the upper and lower parts of the housing, a wafer chuck, a testing means and a positioning device. The wafer chuck, the testing means and the positioning device are supported to the support plate and arranged inside the pressure chamber. The support plate has, inside the pressure chamber, an opening providing a gas connection between the upper and lower parts of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a sealed container is disclosed and which includes a pulsed electron accelerator which is positioned in spaced relation relative to a first side of the sealed container, and which produces a pulsed beam of photons which passes through the sealed container and any contents enclosed within the sealed container; a detector positioned in spaced relation relative to a second, opposite side of the sealed container, and which receives the pulsed beam of photons which passes through the contents of the sealed container, and which produces an output signal; and means for developing a visible image from the output signal of the detector which depicts the contents of the sealed container.

Abstract: Detection cartridges and associated components, as well as methods of using the same that provide sample materials to a sensor for detection are disclosed. Among the components that may be used in connection with the detection cartridges of the present invention are, e.g., input modules, fluid flow front control features, and volumetric flow rate control features. The modules may include one or more chambers containing different constituents for mixing and/or delivery into a detection cartridge.

Abstract: A system that facilitates in situ determination of lubricity in a fluid comprises a multi-element sensor positioned within a machine, wherein the multi-element sensor obtains data regarding a plurality of parameters of a fluid. A component calculates lubricity of the fluid based at least in part upon the measured parameters.

Abstract: A method for measuring the total sperm concentration (TSC) in a sample is described and includes: (i) placing the sample in a transparent container between a synchronically pulsed light source and a photodetector; and (ii) measuring the optical absorbance of the sample in the range of 800-1000 nm, the TSC of the sample being proportional to the absorbance. Also described is a sampling device for use in optically analyzing a biological fluid, a method for measuring motile sperm concentration (MSC) in a semen sample, a method of determining the average velocity (AV) of sperm cells and a system for analyzing semen quality including means for measuring TSC, means for measuring MSC; and a video visualization system.

Abstract: An instrument for gravimetrically determining the moisture content of a sample has a housing with a weighing device therein. The weighing device has a load-receiving portion and a sample receiver, the latter designed for connection to the load-receiving portion. The housing also contains a test compartment. When set in position to perform a measurement, the sample receiver is disposed inside the test compartment. One embodiment of a means arranged in the test compartment for heating a sample placed on the sample receiver has first and second radiation sources, with the sample receiver arranged therebetween.

Abstract: Acceptability of a disk is determined by passing a detection signal from a head through a low-pass filter to obtain a detection signal component corresponding to side runout of the disk due to rotation of the disk and by comparing the maximum level of the signal with a predetermined reference value. Thus, it is possible to extract unacceptable disk which causes erroneous write and/or read or clash due to surface undulation of disk, even when the disk has no protrusion having bad influence upon the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for extracting information carried in higher eigenmodes or harmonics of an oscillating cantilever or other oscillating sensors in atomic force microscopy and related MEMs work is described.

Abstract: A stroboscopic timing device for an internal combustion engine includes a switchable light source having a light emitter and a base for mounting the light source on an exterior surface of an engine adjacent to a rotating shaft such as a camshaft or a crankshaft. A power source and trigger circuit are operatively associated with the light source, and at least the trigger circuit is enclosed within a housing mounted to the base. A sensor, which is removeably cabled to the switchable light source, triggers energization of the light source when a predetermined engine operating condition, such as a spark voltage, is detected.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprising crank angle calculation means for calculating a crank angle between edges which are detected by a first crank angle sensor and a second crank angle sensor, on the basis of a crank cycle between the edges, and engine-rotation-direction detection inhibit means for inhibiting detection of an engine rotation direction on the basis of the calculated crank angle, wherein the engine-rotation-direction detection inhibit means inhibits the detection of the engine rotation direction in a case where the crank angle calculated by the crank angle calculation means has satisfied a predetermined inhibit decision condition.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method to operate a direct-injection engine operative at various air/fuel ratios. The method comprises monitoring in-cylinder pressure, along with a corresponding engine crank position to periodically to determine instantaneous in-cylinder pressure states corresponding to the engine crank position during compression and expansion. Pressure ratios are determined based upon the instantaneous in-cylinder pressure states. A combustion heat release is determined based upon the pressure ratios. An aspect of the invention comprises extending the operation to diesel, diesel premixed and to HCCI engines.

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

Abstract: The technical solution provided relating to the undisturbed, accurate, fast determination on the moving object of the gravitational vertical is based on the determination of the signals of the accelerations difference supplied to the actuating mechanism holding the platform, whereon the said accelerations are determined, in the horizontal position. The present solution can be implemented with the gyroscope (including not high accuracy) and even without the latter. As the platform use can be made of the body of the moving object, in particular, an aircraft.

Abstract: A luminescent refrigerant gauge device has a body, a luminescent board, a case, a switch and a driving circuit device. The body has a valve body and a gauge body assembly. The luminescent boards are mounted inside the gauge body assembly. The case is mounted on the body. The switch is mounted inside the mounting hole in the gauge housing. The driving circuit assembly is mounted on the top of the valve body and is connected with the switch and the luminescent board. When the luminescent refrigerant gauge device is in use, a user can clearly read the measuring result of the gauge device in a dark environment without using an additional light source.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to provide a high-accuracy EGR sensor, and EGR system which adopts the above sensor to measure EGR rate. The gas flow meter comprises a sensor section for measuring fluid flow rate and controller for controlling signals transmitted into and out of the sensor section, and is controlled at a working temperature of 350 to 700° C., wherein a protective coat formed on the sensor section has resistance to temperature at which deposition of a PM component in exhaust gases can be prevented.

Abstract: The detecting system comprises a detecting circuit (1) made up of a transistor (T1) in current generator configuration, connected in series with a resistance (Rs) and a capacitor (13) of known capacitance (Cx), the resistance Rs representing the resistivity of the liquid existing between two electrodes (5, 6) plunged into the liquid. Thanks to the presence of the capacitor (13), it is possible to detect the liquid level in relation to the integral of the current that charges the capacitor (13), resistance Rs being such as to condition the charge time (Tp) of the capacitor (13). Accordingly, the variations in the voltage drop (Vp) on Rs caused by successive charges of the capacitor (13) with a current of time Tp represent corresponding values of the level of the liquid.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing device that gives an audible and visual alarm when a low or high liquid level condition in a chemical container is detected. A float switch located at the bottom end of the device closes an electrical circuit, which starts an audio alarm and flashing light. The unit includes an integral liquid feeding tube for dispensing liquid to a process, which optionally incorporates a flow-indicator.

Abstract: A “portion-smart” graduated container enables a user to accurately measure dietary portions and consume the same from the “portion-smart” container. The graduated container comprises an inner container surface, an outer container surface, a container rim, a container bottom, and a container wall. The inner container surface at the container wall comprises graduated markings and is designed to receive dietary portions intermediate the container rim, container wall, and container bottom. The graduated markings are user-viewable via the container rim for enabling the user to volumetrically measure received dietary portions. The dietary portions are removable from the graduated container during a mealtime and the “portion-smart” graduated container thus enables the user to dole out dietary portions.

Abstract: A system and method for separating bias instability of MEMS inertial instruments such as gyroscopes or accelerometers from the instrument signal, in which the inertial measurement instrument has an input axis and an output signal, and the bias instability has a frequency. The instrument is oscillated about an oscillation axis that is orthogonal to the input axis, at a frequency that is greater than the bias instability frequency. The instrument output signal is detected, and demodulated with a phase-sensitive detection method referenced to the instrument rotation.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, vibration sensor array includes at least two microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) vibration sensors formed on a substrate. The vibration element of the first vibration sensor is a different type than the vibration element of the second vibration sensor. For example, the at least two different vibration elements may be selected from a cantilever beam, a bridge beam, a membrane, and/or an annular diaphragm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration test method for evaluating the vibration resistance of a specimen, comprising a test specification setting step (S10) of determining reference vibration conditions for the specimen based on transport conditions during actual transportation; a reference value attainment step (S20) of calculating an amplitude level and a reference accumulated fatigue value of the specimen under the reference vibration conditions; a test condition determination step (S30) of determining test vibration conditions and a test time based on an allowable amplification factor of the amplitude level and a desired vibration time, so that an accumulated fatigue value which is calculated from the vibration detection value of the specimen satisfies the reference accumulated fatigue value; and a vibration-imparting step (S40) of vibrating the specimen based on the test vibration conditions and the test time.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor is formed with sensor body and diaphragm components made of near net shapeable sintered ceramic. In one configuration, the differential pressure sensor has two sintered ceramic cell halves with an internal sintered ceramic diaphragm captured between the two cell halves. In another configuration, two side-by-side sintered ceramic cell halves have individual sintered ceramic diaphragms, and the chambers of the two cell halves are connected by metal tubing.

Abstract: A pressure sensor port apparatus and method comprising a pressure port that includes a hexagonal area preferably comprising a plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic). Additionally, one or more electronic interconnections can be associated with the pressure sensor port, such that the electronic interconnections are isolated from sensed media while providing a pressure sensor port apparatus based on a cost effective injection molding process rather than a machining processes required for a metal.

Abstract: It comprises a base platform (1), on which is mounted a sliding platform (9) that receives the rear wheels (4) of the tractor vehicle (5) provided with the hitch or fifth wheel (3), securing it with the assistance of chocks (10,11) which immobilize said rear wheels (4), said platform being capped at its rear end with a structure (5) that supports an upper bridge (6), parallel to the base platform (1), adjustable for position both vertically and transversely, carrying a moving lower plate (7) on which a king-pin (8) similar to that of a semi-trailer is established, such that a mobilization of the lower platform (9) and of the bridge (6) enables the king-pin (8) to be aligned with the fifth wheel (3), and a subsequent movement of the plate (7) determines the final hitch between both, stresses then being applied to the king-pin (8), so that by means of a telemetry system the relative movements between the king-pin (8) and the fifth wheel (3) may be monitored and thereby the current state of the hitch.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (121) for providing temperature flow rate compensation for a Coriolis flow meter. The described compensation compensates both flow calibration factor and the nominal time delay, commonly called “zero” in the art. After a Coriolis flow meter is installed into a process, whether for calibration or for actual process use, it need only be zeroed once over its lifetime following its installation. This is a significant improvement over prior Coriolis flow meters that may need to be re-zeroed after minor changes in pressure, temperature, or installation.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor includes a shaft having a magnetostrictive film; a detection coil for detecting a change in a magnetic property of the magnetostrictive film; and a cutoff circuit for supplying an excitation signal for detecting the change in the magnetic property and inhibiting the excitation signal from being supplied to the detection coil for a predetermined interval from power on. The cutoff circuit cuts off the excitation signal I and its inverted signal to the bridge circuit.

Abstract: Magnetic or electric field sensors are mounted against a material surface and used for stress, strain, and load monitoring of rotating components such as vehicle drive trains. The stationary sensors are mounted at multiple locations around the component and used assess the stress on the component at multiple rotational positions. The sensor response is typically converted into a material property, such as magnetic permeability or electrical conductivity, which accounts for any coating thickness that may be present between the sensor and mounting surface. The sensors are not in direct contact with the rotating component and are typically mounted on an annular material or ring that encircles the rotating component. Measurements of the annular material properties, such as the stress, are related to the stress on the rotating component and discrete features on the component.

Abstract: A power meter for power a pedal and crank arm based drive mechanism measures and displays athletic performance information as a measure of a physical quantity, power, using a flexible force sensor inserted into a cycling shoe. Mathematical cycling models and data from the flexible force sensor are used to calculate the power.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional force input control device for sensing vector forces and converting them into electronic signals for processing in a electronic signal processing system with all components within die fabricated from the single semiconductor substrate. The die has an elastic element, a frame formed around said elastic element, at least three mechanical stress sensitive IC components located in the elastic element, at rigid island element which transfers an external vector force to the elastic element and through the IC components provides electrical output signal, this rigid island has a height bigger than the thickness of the frame element, an external force-transferring element coupling the rigid island element with an external force and electronic circuit for processing output signals from the mechanical stress sensitive IC components.

Abstract: A tensile force measuring device provides improved linearity and temperature transient behavior. A column load cell (10) in the device is connected at its ends to a first and a second roller chain portion (34, 36), which are in turn connected to the tensile force, to dispose the column load cell to the tensile force between the chain portions. The roller chain portions are connected to the load cell in mutually perpendicular orientation. The load cell has notches (18) formed in the side thereof to equalize the strain thereupon when tensile load is applied. Longitudinal and transverse strain gages (20) are positioned longitudinally intermediate to the notches, and may be on a gaging web (22).

Abstract: A device for sampling drill cuttings includes a frame, an inclined perforated m e m b e r mounted on the frame, a sprayer for washing cuttings down over the perforations, and a removable open-topped cuttings collector mounted under the perforated member, the perforated member cooperating with the downstream end of a vibratory screen over which the cuttings pass before translating onto the perforated screen.

Abstract: A device for sampling drill cuttings includes a frame, an inclined perforated member mounted on the frame, a sprayer for washing cuttings down over the perforations, and a removable open-topped cuttings collector mounted under the perforated member, the perforated member cooperating with the downstream end of a vibratory screen over which the cuttings pass before translating onto the perforated screen.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method for mass analyses of an array of samples contained in distinct sample holders. The sample holders are placed on a plurality of sensors which preferably comprise an array of microbalances providing output signals comprising mass data on the array of samples.