Abstract: A system and method for determining remaining fatigue life of a component experiencing stress/strain cycles. In one embodiment the fractional life expended per clock cycle of the component is determined and multiplied by a data type value indicating whether a full cycle, half cycle or no stress/strain amplitude information was present during a given clock cycle. The product is then summed with the result of the previously clock cycle, to produce a running total of the fractional life expended. The running total is then subtracted, at each clock cycle, from an initial fatigue life value, and the output represents the residual fatigue life remaining for the component.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for forming thermal fatigue cracks in a test piece for performance demonstration of nondestructive testing. The apparatus for forming thermal fatigue cracks includes a heating unit, having a conductive member attached around the outer surface of a pipe test piece and an induction heating coil disposed adjacent to the conductive member; a cooling unit, having a cooling water pump for forcibly supplying cooling water to the inner surface of the pipe test piece from a cooling water storage source and a cooling water hose; and a control unit for controlling operation of the heating unit and the cooling unit. Accordingly, thermal fatigue cracks similar to actual thermal fatigue cracks occurring during the operation of nuclear power plants or processing industry equipment are formed in a test piece, thereby assuring effective performance demonstration of nondestructive testing.

Abstract: A surface texture measuring instrument includes a force sensor (1), an actuator (11) and a detector (12).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus determine individual phase fractions for three phases within a fluid mixture. Appropriate flow algorithms can utilize this phase fraction information with a sensed total combined flow rate of the mixture to find individual flow rates for the three phases, such as oil, water and gas. For some embodiments, a multiphase flowmeter includes an array of spatially distributed pressure sensors configured to determine a speed of sound in the mixture and any type of water cut meter, oil cut meter or gas cut meter.

Abstract: The measuring tube of an in-line measuring device is formed by means of a support tube and a liner internally lining the support tube. The liner adheres to the support tube, with interposition of a mediating primer. Both the primer and the liner are composed, at least in part, of polyurethane. Especially, both the polyurethane of the liner and also the polyurethane of the primer are suitable for drinking water applications, so that the in-line measuring device itself is also suited for measuring drinking water.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the amount of fluid (21) flowing in a channel (18, 20). The apparatus comprises a fluidic oscillation flow meter (10) including a housing (14) defining an inlet (16) for receiving the fluid (21), and first and second diversion channels (18, 20) for alternately receiving the fluid (21) from the inlet (16). The housing (14) comprises a first nozzle (46) for receiving the fluid (21) from the first diversion channel (18) and deflecting the fluid (21) from the inlet (16) into the second diversion channel (20). A second nozzle (48) receives the fluid (21) from the second diversion channel (20) and alternately deflects the fluid (21) from the inlet (16) into the first diversion channel (18). A first layer of material (56) overlies at least one of the first and second diversion channels (18, 20) and includes a sensing area that distorts due to a pressure change caused by the fluid (21) flowing through the diversion channels (18, 20).

Abstract: A fluid detection device is herein disclosed as including a sensor mount, a flexible deflection sensor rigidly connected to the sensor mount and a stiffener. The stiffener is arranged together with the flexible deflection sensor such that the flexible deflection sensor is preconfigured to deform in a predetermined manner when the fluid detection device is exposed to a fluid. An amount of the deformation of the flexible deflection sensor determines a property of the fluid. A pressure sensing apparatus is herein disclosed as including a rigid perimeter, a flexible membrane forming a surface area bounded by the perimeter, and a sensing means in communication with the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is configured to elastically deform when a pressure force is exerted on the surface area, and the sensing means is configured to measure an amount of deformation of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle and a function end is connected to one of two ends of the handle. A strain transducer is connected to a side of the handle and electrically connected with a display member on the handle. The display member has a first light and a second light. The first light lights up when a pre-set torque is about to be reached and the second light lights up when the pre-set torque is reached.

Abstract: A method may be employed to assure that a switch measurement system accurately measures a torque/angular displacement profile for a rotary switch. A procedure may be employed that aligns the rotational axis of the switch with the rotational axis of the measurement unit of the switch measurement system. Also a procedure may be employed that monitors secondary forces to assure that proper alignment and calibration has been achieved.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle and a function head is connected to an end of the handle. A first recess and a second recess are respectively defined in two opposite sides of the handle, and a strain transducer is engaged with the first recess. A display member and a processing unit are connected to the handle, and the strain transducer is electrically connected with the processing unit. A hole is defined through the handle and located between the first and second recesses.

Abstract: A make-up assembly and process provides a true power-tight connection between a first and second tubular segment. Each of the segments has an externally threaded male member at one end and an internally threaded female member at the other end. The male member of the first segment is inserted into the female member of the second segment. A primary torque component is applied to the first segment to engage the external threads of the first segment with the internal threads of the second segment and to advance the male member of the first segment into the female member of the second segment. The value of the primary torque component is monitored. An impulse energy component is then superimposed on the primary torque component when a predetermined onset threshold has been reached. Application of one or both of the primary and impulse energy components is discontinued when a predetermined maximum threshold has been reached.

Abstract: A yoke assembly is constructed by retaining integrally a yoke ring having positioning holes aligned with pole claws arranged equally on the inner circumference and a yoke ring having positioning holes aligned with the space between pole claws arranged equally on the inner circumference by a retaining cylinder made of a resin. The retaining cylinder has a pin hole remaining after pulling out a common positioning pin inserted into the positioning holes during molding.

Abstract: A load cell for monitoring the axial load on a linear actuator. In one embodiment, the load cell is part of a bearing assembly positioned between a rotation bearing and a bearing housing.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor having a first magnetostrictive film and a second magnetostrictive film, which are both provided on a shaft and have different magnetic anisotropies. A first detection coil and a second detection coil are arranged to face the first magnetostrictive film, and a third detection coil and a fourth detection coil are arranged to face the second magnetostrictive film. The first and second detection coils are wound around the same coil bobbin, while the third and fourth detection coils are wound around another common coil bobbin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sample cartridge for use with an air and gas sampling device. The cartridge includes a body that defines an interior space, a top portion attached to the body and substantially covering the interior space, and first and second valves seated in the top portion of the cartridge. The valves automatically seal to prevent leakage from the cartridge when the cartridge is not in operable position within the air and gas sampling device.

Abstract: An analytical system and method that enables more efficient transport of movable devices (22) among stations (24, 25, 26). According to one aspect of the invention, the system and method permit operational timesharing of a transport mechanism (34) for the movable devices. According to another aspect of the invention, control of the transport mechanism is effected on an event-driven basis. The invention has particular application to an adaptive, motion and fluids system for automating the sample handling/management process associated with analytical processes and especially bioanalytical processes such as introducing samples into LC and HPLC systems.

Abstract: An indoor accelerated weathering device having a rotatable rack in a test chamber for mounting test specimens in an exposure plane includes a light collection device connected to the rack, which is operatively coupled to an optical rotary joint concentric with the rack shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for outdoor accelerated weathering of a test specimen disposed on an accelerated weathering test apparatus. A controller actuates a tracking servo-motor so the test specimen may be periodically exposed to concentrated sunlight and removed therefrom during a test period. A radiant exposure logging assembly logs a light dose measured by a radiant exposure measuring device that impinges on the test specimen over the test period.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for marking a material characterized in that it consists in incorporating into the material: either a phosphor capable of producing, following excitation, two light emissions whereof the respective wavelengths and the emission decay times are different, or several phosphors capable of producing, following excitation, a light emission whereof the wavelength and the emission decay time are different from the wavelength and emission decay time of the other or other phosphors. The material can in particular be of the paper, board, paint, textile, ink, glass or macromolecular material type.

Abstract: In a flywheel in which narrow portions to be engaged with a coil spring included in the flywheel are formed of recessed portions made by recessing the surface of a flywheel cover, the portions of a sensor plate welded to the front cover, which confront with the recessed portions are made more fragile than adjacent portions of the sensor plate. With this configuration, when the front cover is deformed, stress applied to welded portions adjacent to the recessed portions can be suppressed since the fragile portions are easily deformed. Accordingly, even if the recessed portions are formed to the surface of a flywheel cover, stress can be prevented from being concentrated on the coupling portions of the flywheel cover and the sensor plate.

Abstract: The present invention is structured from a driving portion and a driven portion. The driving portion includes a case and a hollow shaft sleeve that is located on a circumference thereof. A shaft penetrates the shaft sleeve, and a top end of the shaft is provided with a sleeve joint portion. A driving bevel gear is configured to a bottom end of the shaft, and a spring is installed on a bottom end of the sleeve joint portion to positionally fix the driving bevel gear in the case. A through hole is defined in a cover body of the driven portion, and a central shaft penetrates the through hole. A driven bevel gear is configured to one end of the central shaft, and another end of the central shaft is connected to remote control car engine. The driving bevel gear and the driven bevel gear assume a normally disengaged state.

Abstract: The invention proposes a starting device for a thermal engine able to equip a transport vehicle. This starting device comprises an electric motor equipped with a field winding with permanent magnets, a speed reducer 4 coupled to the electric motor and to the thermal engine and a mounting support 2 in which the electric motor and the speed reducer 4 are mounted. This speed reducer 4 comprises a ring 46, at least one damping element intended to limit an angular movement due to a torsion movement between the speed reducer 4 and the housing support 2 and at least one centring element intended to facilitate the assembly of the speed reducer 4 and mounting support 2. At least one damping element and at least one centring element are formed in a single elastic metal piece 7? and the elastic metal piece 7? comprises an extension 72? for holding the permanent magnets 31?.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement comprises a first linear actuator 12 having a first output shaft 14, a second linear actuator 16 having a second output shaft 18, the first and second output shafts 14, 18 being pivotally connected to a link 20, and a pivotable output connection 26 provided on the link 20 intermediate the locations at which the first and second output shafts 14, 18 are pivotally connected to the link 20.

Abstract: A transmission system is that an end of a first bearing is fixed. Another end of the first bearing is sheathed in a center of a first gear. An axis of the first bearing corresponds to the center of the first gear. An end of the second bearing is sheathed in a section of the first gear which is at a periphery of the first bearing sheathed. A center of the second gear corresponds to an axis of the second bearing, and the center of the second gear relative to the first gear is sheathed in another end of the second bearing. The third bearing is sheathed in a center of the third gear. The center of the third gear corresponds to an axis of the third bearing. The third gear also gears into the first gear. The third bearing is sheathed in a section which diverges from a center of the fourth gear. The fourth gear also gears into the second gear. An end of the crank is disposed on a second gear and is at a periphery of the second bearing.

Abstract: A drive shaft-connecting rod connection uses an eccentric connection of a connecting rod to a drive shaft determined by the fact that at top dead center the connecting rod-crankshaft mechanism, while it holds the connecting rod axially aligned with the drive shaft bearings, has a displacement arm. The anchorage point of the connecting rod to the drive shaft is displaced by displacement angle with respect to the vertical axis. In this way the explosion force generated during the expansion phase creates, already at top center dead, substantial torque.

Abstract: Two unbalanced rotatable elements provide a phenomenon of getting a specific gravity which decreases in a negative (dead) zone of their free rotation and increases in a positive (active) zone.

Abstract: A window lift system (10) includes a support bracket structure (12) including gear structure (18, 20). A fixed rack structure (22, 24) is associated with the gear structure. A motor (16) is carried by the support bracket structure and the motor has a rotatable shaft. A gear train (28, 30, 32, 34) is associated with the shaft and with the gear structure such that rotation of the shaft moves the gear train, with the gear train driving the gear structure so as to move the support bracket structure with respect to the rack structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator (10) for actuating a device in a linear manner by means of a tangential rod which can be displaced in a longitudinal manner by converting the torque of a motor-driven pinion (32), in particular for a flap or for a valve in the field of heating-ventilation-climatisation (HLK), or fire and smoke protection. According to the invention, a normal threaded rod (24) which can be displaced in the axial direction thereof (L) and which can be cut to an individual length, has a radius (r) which is rotationally secured in the actuator (10). The pinion (32) in connected in a positive fit to at least one drive wheel (36) which is mounted in a freely rotational manner, and an elastic and/or adjustable pressure element (38, 54, 64, 66) which carry out a play-free engagement of drive wheels (36) and the normal threaded rod (24).

Abstract: A lifting device having parallel double screw rods includes a driving means, a first transmission means and a second transmission means. The first transmission means includes a screw rod driven by the driving means and a telescopic tube assembly threadedly connected to the screw rod and linearly movable relative to the screw rod. The distal end of the telescopic tube assembly is fixedly connected on a connecting piece. The second transmission means is provided at one side of the first transmission means and parallel thereto. Further, the second transmission means includes a sleeve driven by the driving means to rotate, a telescopic tube assembly accommodated within the sleeve and axially movable relative to the sleeve, and a screw rod threadedly connected to the telescopic tube assembly and linearly movable relative to the telescopic tube assembly. The distal end of the telescopic tube assembly is connected to the connecting piece.

Abstract: A mechanical method and assembly for actuator travel limit substantially comprises at least one limit switch placed in a travel of a linear machine, a starting device associated to said linear machine for activating the limit switch, and a linker for connecting said linear machine and starting device. When the linear machine arrives at the limit position and a jog occurs, said linker eliminates the displacement of the starting device caused by the jog and retains the starting device connecting with the limit switch.

Abstract: A linear actuator assembly, such as a rod or piston-type linear actuator, comprising a rotating lead screw with external threads; and a nut assembly with threads engageable with the external threads of the lead screw; and a guide tube having a hollow interior portion with at least one internal surface. The lead screw and nut assembly are located within the hollow interior portion of the lead screw, and the guide tube is configured to prevent the nut assembly from rotating with the lead screw. The nut assembly translates in a linear direction within the guide tube as the lead screw rotates. A portion of the nut assembly, such as a wedge, is radially biased against an internal surface of the guide tube. In one aspect, an axial compression spring is pre-loaded against the wedge and pushes the wedge up a ramp surface on the nut, and into the internal surface of the guide tube. The radially-biased wedge helps minimize torsional backlash in the assembly.

Abstract: A resin worm wheel is formed by injection molding and includes a first end and a second end. The worm wheel is adapted to be driven by a worm. The worm wheel further includes: an engaging portion including a plurality of teeth engageable with the worm and a tooth space formed between the neighboring teeth; a first non-engaging portion adjacent to the engaging portion at the first end of the worm wheel and not engaging with the worm; and a first cutout portion formed at the first non-engaging portion continuously from the tooth space, the first cutout portion extending axially.

Abstract: A method of defining a new pinion for use with a given face gear set. Tooth geometry of the new pinion is generated by a plane taking the given face gear set as reference and maintaining true conjugate actions among the original pinion, the face gear, the new pinion and the generating plane. This method makes it possible to eliminate adapter gears for applications requiring different shaft settings and/or ratios than those of the given gear set.

Abstract: A ball screw assembly, wherein a helical groove is formed in the outer surface of the screw shaft without extending to both ends thereof, and an escape portion formed in the form of a slot is connected to one end of the helical groove of the screw shaft. The escape portion allows the cassette to abut against an outer periphery of the screw shaft, and the tongue portion is inserted deeply in the escape portion, such that the cassette is allowed to be rotated to effect axial movement relative to the screw shaft, thus finishing assembly of the nut, and the balls can be prevented from dropping out of the ball screw when the nut is disengaged from the screw shaft or when the nut moves out of travel.

Abstract: A ball nut includes a nut member having an inner thread formed in a bore for threading with a screw member, the nut member includes a recess and an opening communicating with the bore of the nut member for forming one or more anchoring surfaces. A guiding device includes a shank received in the recess of the nut member, and one or more return channels formed in the shank for aligning with the inner thread of the nut member, and an anchoring bar on one end of the shank and engaged in the opening of the nut member. The anchoring bar has one or more end portions for engaging with the anchoring surface of the nut member and for securing the guiding device to the nut member.

Abstract: A ball screw with an engaging type circulation cassette comprises a nut, a screw shaft and a circulation cassette. The nut and the circulation cassette are defined with a locking groove and a protruding block respectively, and an elastic connecting portion is defined on the circulation cassette for connecting with the engaging groove or the engaging block. Thereby this invention solves the conventional problem of fixing the circulation cassette to the nut only by using the locking element, and the elastic connecting portion of the circulation cassette can increase the convenience for assembling. Furthermore, the circulation path of the circulation cassette is of close type, which can prevent the ball from impacting the nut, so as to reduce the generation of noise.

Abstract: A drive system for rotating an assembly, such as an external vehicle mirror housing, about an axis is provided with a drive housing containing a worm drive assembly coupled to an axis gear mounted about the axis. The worm drive assembly is rotated by an electric motor. The axis gear is stationary with respect to the axis, such that rotation of the worm drive assembly will cause it to travel about the axis gear. Such movement of the worm drive assembly will cause the drive housing and the associated external vehicle mirror housing to rotate about the axis. Thrust transmitted to the worm drive assembly is transmitted to a central portion of the drive housing by a shaft retainer associated with the worm drive assembly. Play between the axis gear and the worm drive assembly is prevented by eliminating separation between adjacent components of the worm drive assembly.

Abstract: A pitch radius of a worm tooth decreases toward an axial center of a worm. A first side flank of the tooth is defined such that a normal line to the first side flank is angled relative to an axial line in a longitudinal cross section of the worm. The normal line is normal to the first side flank at a contact point between a pitch line of the worm tooth and the first side flank. The axial line is parallel to a central axis of the worm and extends through the contact point. An angle between the normal line and the axial line at the first side flank is generally constant throughout an entire axial extent of the worm.

Abstract: An anti-backlash system comprising a single drive pinion and motor is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the single drive pinion is situated between two idler gears and is allowed to move in the radial direction relative to the bull gear. A preload force provides for the substantial absence of backlash at low torque loads. The pinion moves to the center point between the two idler gears and balances the torque during high torque loads. The present anti-backlash system is well suited for use in drive and positioning systems that are subject to variable and reversing loads, such as those experienced by radio telescopes in variable wind conditions.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus includes a frame, a rotating disk fitted on the frame, platforms on the rotating disk, an inner rotating member fitted on the frame, a clutch, and an actuating mechanism for moving the clutch; the platforms have clamping jaws for clamping a work piece; the clutch is joined to the inner rotating member, and can be engaged with and disengaged from a transmission gear rotated with a power source; after one of the platforms is secured to the inner rotating member, the actuating mechanism will exert force to separate the clutch from the transmission gear, and the clamping jaws clamp the work piece, and next the clutch is engaged with the transmission gear; thus, the power source causes rotation of the transmission gear, the clutch, the inner rotating member, and said working platform so as to test whether the work piece is positioned in balanced position.

Abstract: A toggle-type positioning platform including a first platform, a motor, a screw rod, a second platform and a linkage is provided. The motor and the screw rod are disposed on the first platform; the motor is coupled to the screw rod and suitable for driving the screw rod to rotate. The second platform is above the first platform and is suitable for moving back and forth alternately along a predetermined path, wherein an included angle exists between an extended direction of the predetermined path and the screw rod. The linkage is disposed between the first platform and the second platform, and is connected between the second platform and the screw rod. The linkage is driven by the rotation of the screw rod, to drive the second platform to move along he predetermined path. Accordingly, the positioning precision of the toggle-type positioning platform is enhanced.

Abstract: A parallel mechanism adapted to control at least one of pivotal movement and linear movement of a link head having three degrees of freedom. The parallel mechanism has four actuators for driving the link head, and link groups which have four links connected to the four actuators, respectively, and each of which is connected to the link head. A rotation joint interposed between each of the link groups and the link head is made a linear joint which is connected to the link head so as to be relatively movable in one axis direction with respect to the link head.

Abstract: Provided is a stage on which to place a sample, which is capable of performing a high-precision positioning at a short time, and which prevents an image drift of a measuring object. The stage includes: a base having a guiding unit; a table which moves in a movement direction along the guiding unit; a motion unit which provides motion in the movement direction in order to cause the table to move; and a transmission unit for transmitting the motion to the table. In the stage, the transmission unit includes a table block fixed to the table, and a motion block fixed to the motion unit; and the table block and the motion block contact each other at two points forward and backward in the movement direction while in motion, and are separated away from each other while not in motion.

Abstract: A steering column assembly attached to a frame of a vehicle includes a base rigidly attached to the frame. A bracket may be attached to the base. A steering column may be rigidly attached to the bracket. The bracket may attach to the base in a plurality of orientations. At least one angle may be defined in a first orientation between the steering column and the base. A correspondingly measured second angle may be defined in a second orientation between the steering column and the base. The first angle is distinct from the second angle.

Abstract: A tilting and telescopic steering apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a column housing surrounding a steering shaft, a telescopic tube coupled, on its one end, to the column housing, a telescopic bracket surrounding the other end of the telescopic tube so as to be slidably move along the telescopic tube, a tilt shaft provided in the telescopic bracket, a tilt bracket coupled to the tilt shaft, an adjusting bolt passing through one side of the telescopic bracket, a cam provided on one end of the adjusting bolt, an adjusting lever driving the cam; and a tilt gear provided on the other end of the adjusting bolt. In the apparatus, a cable is removed and the adjusting lever is provided on the telescopic bracket, thereby smoothing the tilting and telescoping operations thereof and allowing the adjusting lever not to move relative to the shroud cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt-and-telescopic steering system having a guide bush, the system including an interior tube and an exterior tube which surround a steering shaft; a distance member integrally fixed in an outer peripheral surface of the exterior tube; tilt brackets assembled with an outer peripheral surface of the distance member so as to limit a movement angle in tilt operation; and a lever and a lever bolt which hold and release the tilt-and-telescopic system, wherein a through hole is formed in the exterior tube and the distance member, the through hole being disposed between an outer peripheral of the interior tube and an inner peripheral surface of the tilt bracket, so that a guide bush is inserted in the through hole.

Abstract: A steering device which, having a movable wedge smoothly movable to clamp a column, is capable of a secure clamping operation is provided. A center axis of a column clamp shaft is disposed to pass through a middle position of a length of contact between a slope of a first wedge and a slope of a third wedge and a middle position of a length of contact between a slope of a second wedge and another slope of the third wedge. Pressing forces to which the first and second wedges are subjected when a column is clamped act on the middle positions of the lengths of contact, so that no rotational moment is applied to the first and second wedges. The first and second wedges can therefore move smoothly over the slopes of the third wedge, respectively.

Abstract: There is provided a steering device which allows the telescopic position of a movable column member to be steplessly adjusted, does not require a large force to operate a control lever for clamping, and prevents the movable column member from moving toward the vehicle front when a large impact force of a secondary collision is applied. The column clamp clamps by friction using wedges, making the movable column member position steplessly adjustable. The positive column clamp having the first and second toothed members clamps in steps defined by the engagement tooth pitch, so that the engagement between the first and second toothed members may be displaced. The swing lever attached to the second toothed member slides, guided by the swing center shaft, a distance equal to the engagement displacement along the axis of the first toothed member, enabling the second toothed member to correctly engage the first toothed member.

Abstract: A push link shaft 4 serving as a center of swing of push links 2a and 2b adapted to directly output a force of operating a brake master cylinder 22 is provided in a pedal apparatus, in addition to a pedal link shaft 5 serving as a center of swing of a pedal arm 7, and pedal links 3 and 3. An application point shaft 10, on which an external force received by the push link 20 and 2b is competitive with a force of stepping on a pedal 11, is adapted to move in an up-down direction when a slider 8, to which the pedal arm 7 is fixed, is moved along a slider rail 9.

Abstract: A joystick (1) having a yoke pivotally secured to an upper support (28) and a lever (16) pivotally secured to a lower support. The yoke has a latching portion that engages a cam roller (14) on the lever to push the lever downward. Supported on the lever is an armature (24) positioned in spaced relation to a solenoid (26). The solenoid is energized based on the movement of the yoke.