Abstract: A lock apparatus for locking a glove box that is rotatably coupled to an instrument panel of a vehicle. The lock apparatus includes an operating portion with a push-type knob, a pair of lock portions, and a transmitting portion with a transmitting member. The operating portion is located closer to a driver seat than a right and left center of the glove box in a right and left direction of a vehicle. The operating portion is coupled to the instrument panel between the instrument panel and the glove box. Each of the lock portions is located at each of right and left end portions of the glove box. The transmitting portion transmits a motion of the operating portion to each of the pair of lock portions using tension and/or compression of the transmitting member.

Abstract: An electromechanical locking mechanism provides a plug with a rekeyable primary lock mechanism such as a tumbler stack, an electromechanical operator such as a solenoid or a motor, and an electronic circuit having a memory, or an electronic memory and an electronic logic stage, controlling activitiation and operation of the electromechanical operator, contained entirely within the plug. Insertion of a blade of a key that is properly profiled and bitted to correctly displace the primary lock assembly relative to a cylinder encasing the plug, and application by the key of electrical power, or of electrical power and a correct data signal, to the electronic circuit, will cause activation of the electrical operator and repositioning of a distal member of the operator relative to the cylinder, and thereby enable torque manually applied to the blade of the key to rotate the plug within the cylinder.

Abstract: A locking mechanism including a first engagement element movable from a disengaged position to an engageable position upon receipt of a controlled predetermined electrical power input and a manually operated element engageable with said engagement element in said engageable position thereof. A lock bolt is mounted for movement between a locking position and an unlocking position. A lock-bolt drive element is operatively coupled with the lock bolt and is engageable with said manually operated element to move the lock-bolt between the unlocking and locking positions and a control is operable to supply the controlled predetermined electrical power input.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of an apparatus for retaining keys are disclosed. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a fastener that can be attached to a purse or other items. The fastener can be coupled with a holding device that can allow a user to selectively attach or detach a keychain or other items. Various options for constructing embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing longitudinal grooves in cylindrical workpieces using a rolling deformation method preceded by a preforming method.

Abstract: A round steel rod having a carbon content between 0.30 and 0.60% is processed by a cold working process to form a flat wire for forming a ring gear. The cold working process forms a semifinished flat wire by at least one cold rolling or cold roller drawing step and at least one two-way or four-way rolling step. The semifinished flat wire is processed by die drawing using a drawing die to obtain a finished flat wire in a last stage of the cold working process. The cold working process reduces the round steel rod at a total area reduction of 65% or below.

Abstract: A bushing with wave relieving geometric features includes a unique geometric end feature such as a countersink or arcuate surface, which creates a pocket, volume, and/or reservoir, to receive an amount of material that is extruded in a longitudinal direction during radial expansion of the bushing. At the mandrel exit side of the bushing, the extruded material may be accumulated from a propagating wave of material preceding a radial-expansion mandrel. At the mandrel entry side of the bushing, the extruded material may be caused by the radial force of the expansion mandrel near the unrestrained end surface at the entry side of the bushing. The unique geometric end features of the bushing may also include a high portion on the end surface of the bushing to direct the fastener clamp-up loads through the radial flange of the bushing and into the workpiece.

Abstract: A work conveyance device for a pressing machine, consuming less energy and enabling reduction in production costs. The workpiece conveyance device has a pair of transfer bars provided in parallel to a feed direction; support members for moving each of the transfer bars freely in the feed direction while restricting the transfer bars in a lift direction; linear motors interposed between the support members and the transfer bars, for moving the transfer bars in the feed direction relative to the support members; lift devices for moving the support members in the lift direction; and workpiece holding jigs detachably mounted to the transfer bars, for holding a workpiece.

Abstract: A clamping tool has first and second handles operatively connected to first and second jaws, e.g. clamping or crimping jaws and a retractable third handle attached to the first handle. A spring biases the first and second handles toward a non-engaging position and a restraint arrangement maintains the position of the first and second handles against the biasing force of the spring as the handles move toward the engaging position. In use, the third and second handles are moved toward one another from the engaging position to the non-engaging position. Between the positions, the handles are released and the restraint arrangement maintains the handles in the released position. Thereafter, the first and second handles are engaged, and the handles are moved toward one another to move the handles and the jaws into the engaging position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding fasteners with at least two parallel boundary surfaces to a processing device includes lining up the fasteners in the same orientation by a feeder. The fasteners move through a conveying duct to a loading device arranged on a processing device. Individual conveying steps are separated from one another in time. At each conveying step a column of multiple fasteners in the same orientation, with their parallel boundary surfaces resting on one another, is conveyed by the feeder to the loading device by introducing air into the conveying duct. The loading device has, adjoining a magazine output end, a loading duct extending perpendicular to a magazine longitudinal axis, terminating in a processing device working duct. The loading duct has a conveying mechanism which conveys individual fasteners emerging from the magazine into the working duct one at a time.

Abstract: An optical reference is disclosed for wet foodstuffs including an optical reference material including a binder and a cereal formed into a matrix to fixedly hold an amount of water. The reference material is constituted with the binder, the cereal and the water present in amounts to provide the reference standard with desired spectral, mechanical and temporal characteristics.

Abstract: A fluid sensor may be used for detecting fluid media, in particular hydrogen. The fluid sensor includes a sensor chip having a chip surface, which has a measuring surface and a body surface. Printed conductors of a central sensor circuit having at least one heating element and at least one temperature sensor are provided on the measuring surface. Furthermore, the fluid sensor has one additional fracture detection element and one fracture detection circuit situated on the sensor chip. The fracture detection circuit is designed for detecting fractures and/or cracks in and/or on the sensor chip, in particular in the area of a boundary between the measuring surface and body surface.

Abstract: A first property of a process fluid is measured using a differential pressure flowmeter. A second property of the process fluid is measured using a Coriolis flowmeter. A third property of the process fluid is determined based on the measured first property and the measured second property.

Abstract: A method for determining spraying parameters for controlling a paint-spraying apparatus using a spraying agent is disclosed. A known spray pattern is provided which has been determined by means of known spraying parameters for the use of a first spraying agent. A provisional spray pattern is calculated using the known spraying parameters and the characteristics of a second spraying agent. The known spraying parameters are altered in order to acquire changed spraying parameters which yield a further spray pattern. The changed spraying parameters are altered to the point where the further spray pattern is similar to the known spray pattern within a similarity criterion. The changed spraying parameters corresponding to the further spray pattern are intended as spraying parameters for the second spraying agent and are provided to the paint-spraying apparatus whenever the second spraying agent is used.

Abstract: Methods for determining characteristics of a plasma are provided. In one embodiment, a method for determining characteristics of a plasma includes obtaining metrics of current and voltage information for first and second waveforms coupled to a plasma at different frequencies, determining at least one characteristic of the plasma using the metrics obtained from each different frequency waveform. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a plasma impedance model of a plasma as a function of frequency, and determining at least one characteristic of a plasma using model. In yet another embodiment, the method includes providing a plasma impedance model of a plasma as a function of frequency, measuring current and voltage for waveforms coupled to the plasma and having at least two different frequencies, and determining ion mass of a plasma from model and the measured current and voltage of the waveforms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monitoring system for collecting and/or transdermally rediffusing air containing environmental contaminants. The inventive monitoring system generally includes at least one diffusion collector and/or an equilibrium diffuser. The diffusion collector is provided with at least three layers, i.e. an adhesive layer that is in direct contact with the skin of a living being, a barrier layer, and a collecting layer on the exterior face of the monitoring system. The equilibrium diffuser includes an adhesive layer and a collecting layer. The collecting layers and the adhesive layers of the two components of the monitoring system are preferably made of the same material and have the same dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measurement of the thickness of thin layers by means of a measurement probe (11) which has a housing (14) which holds at least one sensor element (17) whose longitudinal axis lies parallel to or on a longitudinal axis (16) of the housing (14), in which at least during the measurement process, a gaseous medium is supplied to a supply opening (21) of the measurement probe (11) on a measurement surface (28), and is supplied via at least one connection channel (24), which is connected to the supply opening (21), to one or more outlet openings (26) which are provided on an end face (29), pointing towards the measurement surface (28), of the measurement probe (11), and in which at least one mass flow, which flows out of one or more outlet openings (26), of the gaseous medium is directed at the measurement surface (28), and in which the measurement probe (11) is held in a non-contacting manner with respect to the measurement surface (28) during the measurement p

Abstract: A method of cleaning filtering membranes involves scouring the membranes with bubbles while the lumens of the membranes contain a gas at pressure below the bubble point of the membranes. The method may be combined with an integrity test or chemical cleaning process also involving adding a gas to the lumens of the membranes. A tank containing the membranes may be full, draining, refilling, or at a lowered water surface level during the air scouring process. The membranes may be horizontally oriented and assume a concave downward shape during the scouring process.

Abstract: A rheometer die with a groove configuration for reducing sample slippage in a rheometer chamber is provided. The rheometer die includes a surface and at least one radial groove extending into the surface. The groove defines at least a portion of a sample-holding chamber constructed to hold a sample. The groove may include a first zone and a second zone with a transition zone therebetween. The groove may also include a substantially wedge-shaped portion with sidewalls which taper generally towards the center of the rheometer die such that imaginary extensions of the sidewalls intersect before reaching the center of the die. A plurality of grooves may extend into the rheometer die. The rheometer die may be incorporated into a rheometer for testing process characteristics of a material.

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of milk wherein a sample is examined and the type of at least one detected object is determined on the basis of at least one object recognition rule.

Abstract: A fuel nature measuring device for measuring the nature of fuel stored in a fuel tank includes a measurement passage, a gas flow generator, a pressure detector, an concentration operator, a temperature detector, and a volatility calculator. The measurement passage has an orifice. The gas flow generator generates gas flow in the measurement passage. The pressure detector detects a differential pressure between opposite ends of the orifice. The concentration operator determines a concentration of evaporated fuel in the fuel tank based on the differential pressure detected when the opposite ends of the measurement passage communicate with the fuel tank and the fuel flows in the measurement passage. The temperature detector determines a temperature of the fuel in the fuel tank. The volatility calculator calculates a volatility of the fuel in the fuel tank based on the concentration of the evaporated fuel and the temperature of the fuel in the tank.

Abstract: A fuel nature measuring device for measuring the nature of fuel stored in a fuel tank includes a measurement passage, a gas flow generator, a pressure detector, an concentration operator, a temperature detector, and a volatility calculator. The measurement passage has an orifice. The gas flow generator generates gas flow in the measurement passage. The pressure detector detects a differential pressure between opposite ends of the orifice. The concentration operator determines a concentration of evaporated fuel in the fuel tank based on the differential pressure detected when the opposite ends of the measurement passage communicate with the fuel tank and the fuel flows in the measurement passage. The temperature detector determines a temperature of the fuel in the fuel tank. The volatility calculator calculates a volatility of the fuel in the fuel tank based on the concentration of the evaporated fuel and the temperature of the fuel in the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method that relates to determining water content of a solid insulation at a specific location within a transformer. The method comprising, determining a temperature of the solid insulation at a specific location, calculating a relative moisture saturation of the oil at the specific location, calculating the ultimate water content in the solid insulation at the specific location, and calculating an actual water content in the solid insulation at the specific location.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring deposition of a noble metal in an intergranular stress corrosion crack (IGSCC) in a metal reactor shroud wall of a nuclear reactor, a metal sample may be placed at a location within near an inner surface of the metal reactor shroud wall. The sample may be submerged below a water line in the reactor and includes at least one thermal fatigue crack. The sample is maintained at the location for a given duration, and a given amount of the noble metal is added into the reactor water while the sample is maintained at the location. The sample is then removed. In an example, a surface crevice deposition monitor for a reactor includes a flow conditioner arranged between a top guide clamp and an anchor clamp, and at least one sample holder connected between the top guide clamp and flow conditioner.

Abstract: A probe array for includes a handle, a first probe and a second probe. The first probe has a first shank, connected to the handle, and a first tip; and the second probe has a second shank, connected to the handle, and second tip. The first tip contains a different material from the second tip. The probe array may be used to write on a surface by contacting the first tip with a surface, where a first ink is on the first tip. This writing method may further include lifting the first tip from the surface and contacting the second tip with the surface.

Abstract: A combustion pressure sensor for detecting a combustion pressure in a combustion chamber of an engine is disclosed as having a housing mounted to an engine head in a gastight structure, a pressure sensor carried on the housing at a base end portion thereof, a transfer member having a pressure-receiving portion exposed to the combustion chamber to be axially slidable in the housing to transfer a combustion pressure from the combustion chamber to the pressure sensor, and a seal member disposed between the pressure-receiving portion of the transfer member and the housing in a gastight sealing structure to block an intrusion of combustion gas from the combustion chamber into the housing. The seal member includes a flexible portion with low rigidity that can stretch and absorb load acting on the pressure sensor when mounting the housing onto an engine cylinder.

Abstract: A punctured pneumatic tire in a tire-rim assembly is repaired by mounting on a vehicle the tire-rim assembly provided with an internal pressure alarm means, said tire comprising an auxiliary load-supporting structure satisfying a requirement that an deformation quantity of the tire in a radial direction thereof at a rim-assembled state under a load corresponding to 90% of a maximum load capacity at an internal tire pressure of zero is within a range of 30-60% of a section height of the tire under no load at the internal tire pressure of zero; detecting a puncture of the tire produced during the running of the tire by the internal pressure alarm means; unavoidably running the punctured tire to a relatively short-range safe place to quickly stop the vehicle; and refilling gas to a given internal pressure by a gas filling means equipped on the vehicle while occluding a punctured hole with a puncture repairing means equipped on the vehicle.

Abstract: An in situ reactor for use in a geological strata includes a liner defining a centrally disposed passageway and a sampling conduit received within the passageway. The sampling conduit may be used to receive a geological specimen derived from geological strata therein, and a lysimeter is disposed within the sampling conduit in communication with the geological specimen. Fluid may be added to the geological specimen through the passageway defined by the liner, between an inside surface of the liner and an outside surface of the sampling conduit. A distal portion of the sampling conduit may be in fluid communication with the passageway.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a rotary steerable steering tool having a sensor arrangement for measuring downhole dynamic conditions. Rotary steerable tools in accordance with this invention include a rotation rate measurement device disposed to measure a difference in rotation rates between a drive shaft and an outer, substantially non-rotating housing. A controller is configured to determine a stick/slip parameter from the rotation rate measurements. Exemplary embodiments may also optionally include a tri-axial accelerometer arrangement deployed in the housing for measuring lateral vibrations and bit bounce. Downhole measurement of stick/slip and other vibration components during drilling advantageously enables corrective measures to be implemented when dangerous dynamic conditions are encountered.

Abstract: A new and improved tell-tale comprised of a flexible array of light emitting diodes (LED's) that is integrated into a fabric tell-tale strip. A port side tell-tale includes a flexible array of red color emitting LED's and a starboard side tell-tale includes a flexible array or green colored LED's. Electricity is conducted to the tell-tale strips by foil conductors that are embedded within adhesive backed plastic strips which adhere to the sail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to homogenous fluid level sensing devices that comprise a probe body configured to insert into a container and sense a level of fluid held therein. Generally, the probe body is configured such that conductors are exposed at a sensing end of the probe body and changes in an electrical signal across the conductors can be correlated with the presence or absence of fluid at the sensing end of the probe body. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a probe body through a process of co-extrusion.

Abstract: An oscillatory measurement system is disclosed that includes a visual recorder for detecting irregularities such as bubbles in a fluid to be measured. Techniques are provided for scanning the recorder across the oscillatory tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imparting oscillatory motion on a test sample is disclosed in which oscillators, preferably in tubular form, are surrounded by housings. An actuator causes deforming of the housings, and the deforming movement is linked to the oscillators.

Abstract: During a driving activity of an automobile, a work characteristic evaluating apparatus is provided for judging a factor (a physical work load or a mental load) of stress that a work activity places on the worker to evaluate a work characteristic. The work characteristic evaluating apparatus 1 comprises a masseter muscle myoelectric potential acqusition device 10 which measures and acquires myoelectric potential of a masseter muscle which moves independently of the driving activity of the driver, a work intensity acquisition device 20 which measures and acquires steering torque around the steering shaft as a work intensity of steering activity, a correlation calculating module 38 which computes a correlation between time-series data of the myoelectric potential of the masseter muscle and time-series data of the steering torque, and a judgment module 39 which judges whether the stress placed on the worker is caused by a physical work load or a mental load based on the correlation coefficient.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for measuring force applied to a hand when a worker works in an industrial field. The measuring apparatus includes a glove with a plurality of sensors on the palm side, a case with a band, and a register for receiving and registering measurement signals obtained in the sensors, the register being mounted in the case.

Abstract: A landform monitoring system includes a pressure sensing device mounted on a mounting frame, and including a housing unit configured with an accommodating space and having first and second openings in fluid communication with the accommodating space. A pressure sensor is attached to the housing unit, and seals the first opening. A flexible sheet is attached to the housing unit and seals the second opening. A fluid medium is filled fully in the accommodating space. When the sheet deforms as a result of an external pressure acting thereon, a pressure corresponding to the deformation of the sheet is transmitted to the pressure sensor via the fluid medium such that the pressure sensor generates a pressure sensing signal corresponding to the external pressure.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a sensor, particularly, a yaw rate sensor, which is housed inside a housing. In order to detect the potentially dangerous influence of mechanical vibrations upon the output of the sensor, the vibrations are sensed at the location of the sensor, and the sensor or an electronic device interacting with the sensor is switched off for as long as the vibrations exceed an established intensity. The method and system of the present invention can be used, in a driving dynamics control system of a road vehicle, for example.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical sensor includes a microstructure having a mass which is movable with respect to a rest position, according to a predetermined degree of freedom, and a displacement-detecting device for detecting a displacement of the mass according to the predetermined degree of freedom. The displacement-detecting device includes a force feedback loop of a purely analog type, which supplies electrostatic forces tending to restore the mass to the rest position in response to a displacement of the mass according to the predetermined degree of freedom.

Abstract: For optimizing the transfer and reception of glass substrate plates to and from a receiving station, such as a transfer mechanism for the glass substrate plates to a process station or a storage cassette unit, the invention provides an apparatus for transferring and accepting glass substrate plates with a double fork gripper having two superimposed, individual fork grippers, which is characterized in that the fork grippers are movable relative to one another perpendicular to their extension planes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a capacitive semiconductor sensor includes: forming a plurality of circuit chips in a wafer, wherein each circuit chip includes a pad for testing a sensor chip; bonding the sensor chip on each circuit chip with a bump so that the sensor chip is electrically coupled with the circuit chip, wherein each sensor chip is made of semiconductor and has a capacitance changing portion, which is disposed on one side of the sensor chip and has a variable capacitance, wherein the circuit chip detects a capacitance change of the sensor chip, and wherein the one side of the sensor chip faces the circuit chip; testing each sensor chip through the pad; and cutting the wafer into individual circuit chips so that the circuit chip and the sensor chip provide the capacitive semiconductor sensor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection method for detecting a flaw which inspects a raceway surface 4a of an outer ring 4 as a surface to be inspected. After the surface to be inspected has finished undergoing finish grinding, a flaw is ultrasonically detected while liquid hydrocarbon 2 including kerosene is taken as an ultrasonic wave transmission medium.

Abstract: A pressure difference transducer includes a hydraulic body, in which is formed an overload chamber containing an overload membrane. The overload chamber divides the overload chamber into a high-pressure chamber portion and a low-pressure chamber portion. The high-pressure chamber portion communicates with a first hydraulic path, which extends between a first diaphragm seal and a high-pressure side of a pressure measuring cell, and the low-pressure chamber portion communicates with a second hydraulic path, which extends between a second diaphragm seal and a low-pressure side of the pressure measuring cell. The low-pressure chamber portion has an essentially convex membrane bed, against which the overload membrane lies in a rest position.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensing element fabricated on an N-type epitaxial layer grown on a P-type substrate, a P-type isolation region located around the edge of the sensing element die and in contact with the P-type substrate, and a conductive elastomeric seal engaging the P-type isolation region prevents shorting of the conductive elastomeric seal with the N-type epitaxial layer of the sensing element die. A method of making a pressure sensor comprises growing an n-type epitaxy layer on a p-type substrate wafer, resulting in a pressure sensor die and substrate having an edge, obtaining a mask adapted for fabricating an isolation diffusion layer around the edge using P-type material, and creating an isolation layer diffusion using P-type doping material around the edge using the mask. A conductive elastomeric seal can then be placed over the sensor die to make electrical contact to the package.

Abstract: A pressure transducer includes a diaphragm, having an active region, and capable of deflecting when a force is applied to the diaphragm; and a sensor array disposed on a single substrate, the substrate secured to the diaphragm, the sensor array having a first outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a first location and on the active region, a second outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a second location and on the active region, and at least one center sensor substantially overlying a center of the diaphragm, the sensors connected in a bridge array to provide an output voltage proportional to the force applied to the diaphragm. The sensors are dielectrically isolated from the substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor-based pressure sensor adapted for enhanced operation with controls electronics includes a pressure transducer having an output formed on a silicon die and an amplifier having an input and an output and fabricated on the silicon die next to the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer's output is provided to the amplifier's input via electrical connection. Output from the amplifier is connectable to a controller such as an ASIC.

Abstract: An instrument for accurately measuring mass flow rate of a fluid pumped from a hermetically sealed container, through attainment of a steady state mass flow rate, having a check valve positioned between a vacuum pump and a mass flow rate sensor.

Abstract: An adjustable, torque-limiting driver for a tool having a radially extending handle that houses a cam member and a pair of plungers. The plungers are biased against the housing and provide variable resistance for the cam member. The arrangement of the cam member and the plungers reduces the wear on the various parts of the driver and extends the life of the driver.

Abstract: A sheet film protective covering for different types of contour sensing devices is described. In a preferred embodiment, this covering is a Mylar sheet film that is coated with a layer of a conductive material. The bottom surface of the Mylar film is also preferably coated with a layer of an adhesive. The sheet film covering preferably is contiguous and serves the purpose, among other things, to protect the underlying surface of the pressure-sensing device from contaminants and from electrostatic discharge, as well provide force concentration during use.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide for aligning a removable device relative to a vehicle using an angle sensor device and a computer system operatively connected to the angle sensor device. The angle sensor device has a first local axis and a second local axis orthogonal to the first local axis and a plurality of accelerometers. The first pair of the accelerometers is mounted along the first local axis, spaced apart a first predetermined distance, and oriented such that each of the first pair of accelerometers is operatively configured to sense a respective acceleration when the angle sensor device is rotated about the second local axis. The computer system is operatively configured to derive a first angular displacement based on the respective acceleration sensed by each of the first pair of accelerometers when the angle sensor device is rotated about the second local axis.

Abstract: A system and method for using a spray/liquid particle count (LPC) to measure particulate contamination is disclosed. Initially, a component for particulate extraction is received. A sprayer is provided for spraying a liquid on the component. In addition, a container is provided for catching the liquid spraying on the component. The container is clean prior to receiving the liquid and the liquid is collected for later analysis of a number of particles extracted from the component.