Abstract: A leak rate measuring device contains a strip spectrometer in which the ion path of the respective gas is influenced by at least one variable influencing quantity. When a gas having a predetermined mass is detected, and leakages of a gas having other predetermined masses interfere with this detection due to lack of selectivity of the spectrometer, the influencing quantity is modulated in a sinusoidal manner, and the wanted signal is subsequently selected in a lock-in amplifier. This modulation enables, for example, the elimination of the interfering influence of underground water during the leak rate measurement while using helium as a test gas.

Abstract: A removable, convenient main drain testing system is provided through the use of a testing device that includes a cap clampable about a drain pipe, an air pressure gauge, a valve and connection to an air compressor. The assembly can be moved from one jobsite to the other with ease and can be transported in a plumber's tool kit without cumbersome apparatus. The test involves injecting compressed air into the system with the valve open, followed by closing of the valve when a test pressure has been obtained and observing the pressure gauge to look for pressure drops indicating leaks. The valve also is useful for the introduction into higher pressure air to ascertain where leaks are occurring should any be observed.

Abstract: A bridge viscometer for measuring specific viscosity, ?sp(t), includes four capillaries, a delay volume, and a pressure transducer. The pressure transducer generates a signal indicative of a pressure differential, ?p(t), as a sample is introduced into the bridge viscometer. The specific viscosity, ?sp(t), of the sample is calculated based on the pressure differential, ?p(t), and a predetermined internal pressure, IP0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting fluctuating fuel properties during the operation of a power plant. According to the inventive method, the actual operating characteristics of the power plant are used to determine the efficiency of the power plant and a change in fuel properties is concluded from a temporal change in the efficiency so determined.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire pressure monitoring device for a motor vehicle. A tire pressure monitoring system with direct measurement includes a transmission device for transmitting tire pressure values determined by pressure sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system with indirect measurement that operates on the basis of wheel speed sensors. The tire pressure monitoring system with direct measurement includes a tire pressure measuring device for measuring a tire pressure value only on each wheel of a driven vehicle axle and on at most one wheel of a non-driven axle. The tire pressure monitoring system with indirect measurement includes wheel speed sensors on the non-driven vehicle axle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to regulate the inflation of objects. To start inflation, the apparatus couples a fluid source to the object via a plenum. Concurrent with inflation, the apparatus substantially continuously measures pressure within the plenum using a sensor sufficiently proximate the object such that pressure measured by the sensor is substantially similar to pressure within the object. When measured pressure exceeds a target pressure by a prescribed margin, the apparatus stops inflating. While inflation is stopped, the apparatus reads pressure measured by the sensor and deflates the object as needed to reduce measured pressure to the target pressure.

Abstract: A remote tire pressure monitoring system includes a tire monitor, a receiver, a transmitter, and a controller. The tire monitor is configured to operate in a power saving mode, in which it senses inflation pressure of a tire, determines a change in the inflation pressure of the tire, and transmits a pressure transmitting signal only when the determined change in the inflation pressure is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The controller is operatively connected with the receiver and the transmitter. The controller works to determine, upon receipt of the pressure transmitting signal by the receiver, the inflation pressure of the tire based on the pressure transmitting signal. The controller also works to control, in response to receipt of the pressure transmitting signal by the receiver, the transmitter to transmit the acknowledge signal to inform the tire monitor that the receiver has certainly received the pressure transmitting signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the pressure of a formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided. A downhole tool is positioned in the wellbore and a probe is extended therefrom into sealing engagement with the formation. A piston in the probe is retracted therein where by a cavity is defined for receiving a fluid from the formation. A pressure underbalance in the cavity draws fluid from the formation into the cavity. An oscillator may be used to fluctuate the flow of fluid into the cavity. A pressure gauge is used to measure the pressure of fluid in the cavity.

Abstract: A flow sensor is provided having a substrate with a sensing element and flow channel over the sensing element. The sensing element senses at least one property of a fluid. The flow channel is configured such that tilting the flow sensor does not have a significant effect on the measured signal. A device for measuring tilt in a system having a fluid flow path is also provided.

Abstract: A non-contact type liquid level sensor according to the invention has an electromagnetic shield plate mounted on a housing for blocking effects from an external magnetic field onto a magnetoelectric converting element.

Abstract: A force measurement system includes an effector device with a hollow interior, an inner support secured within the hollow interior of the effector device, and at least one sensor secured at a selected location to the inner support and configured to measure a force applied to the inner support. At least one outer surface portion of the inner support is coupled with at least one interior surface portion of the effector device such that forces applied to the effector device are at least partially transferred to the inner support for measurement by the sensor.

Abstract: A response measuring device that can be used in equipment for personal training or exercise routines. This device includes a cylinder block; a chamber formed in the cylinder block and having first and second ends; a piston mounted for movement and positioned in the chamber; a detecting device mounted adjacent the first end of the chamber; and a hose having first and second ends with the first end in fluid communication with the second end of the chamber. The hose can direct a fluid into the device, with the velocity of the fluid moving the piston at least partially out of the first end of the chamber and into position for detection by the detecting device. Also, the detecting device can measure piston movement to provide data representative of user response time and amount of force applied to the sensor by the user.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor in accordance with an aspect of the present invention comprises a first substrate, a multilayer second substrate and a sensor portion. The multilayer second substrate is opposed to the first substrate. The multilayer second substrate is provided with an electrode drawing opening. Further, the multilayer second substrate consists of a plurality of layers. The sensor portion (a movable mass body and a fixed electrode) is provided in a sealed cavity portion which is formed between the first substrate and the multilayer second substrate which are opposed to each other.

Abstract: An accelerometer system includes a capacitor plate fixed within a housing and a flexure plate positioned substantially parallel to the capacitor plate a distance therefrom. The distance varies in response to acceleration forces acting upon the flexure plate such that the flexure plate and the capacitor plate generate a capacitance signal. A magnet is coupled to the flexure plate and generates a magnetic field, which moves as the flexure plate flexes. A coil winding around the flexure plate generates a second magnetic field as a function of capacitance signal, thus opposing the flexure plate magnetic field, and thereby returning the flexure plate to a null position.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor-type three-axis acceleration sensor having a high shock resistance, a small difference between outputs of piezo resistors of X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis, a small size, high sensitivity and a high output. A flexible arm is composed of flexible widening parts and a flexible parallel part. The flexible widening part has a maximum stress part. The piezo resistors are arranged on an upper surface of the flexible arm so that a terminal of the piezo resistor is positioned at the maximum stress part. The Z-axis piezo resistors are positioned close to the width centerline of the flexible arm, while the X-axis and Y-axis piezo resistors are apart from the width centerline. Moreover, the Z-axis piezo resistors are shifted in the longitudinal direction of the flexible arm from the maximum stress part so as to reduce the output difference between the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis piezo resistors.

Abstract: A micro mass measuring apparatus includes a cantilever on which a subject is attached, a piezoelectric element formed on the cantilever, an oscillation circuit for actively vibrating the cantilever and providing a varied resonance frequency by the subject, and a frequency measuring device for measuring a resonance frequency of the cantilever.

Abstract: A measurement method and a biosensor apparatus using a resonator with which it is not necessary to agitate a sample solution in a cell and even if the amount of the sample solution is very small the influence of pressure waves is greatly reduced and extremely easy and accurate measurement is possible. In a method of the kind wherein a sample solution is brought into contact with one side of a resonator having first and second electrodes on opposite sides of a crystal plate and an a.c. signal is applied across the first and second electrodes and a frequency change of the resonator is measured from a relationship between the frequency of the a.c. signal and an electrical characteristic of the resonator, the resonator is made to oscillate at an N-tuple harmonic (N=3, 5, 7 . . . ) as the frequency change is measured.

Abstract: A particle size distribution monitor, comprising: a transducer adapted to be a source of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with a suspension containing a percent by volume of particles in a liquid, the transducer transmitting ultrasonic energy through the suspension wherein the energy comprises a wideband pulse containing a range of frequency components; a transducer adapted to be a receiver of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with said suspension to receive said wideband range of ultrasonic energy which has passed through the suspension; a first means adapted to accept a signal from said receiver and make an instantaneous determination of the attenuation of the wideband ultrasonic energy in passing through the suspension.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus capable of obtaining image information at a high volume rate and improving resolution. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus has an ultrasonic transducer array including plural ultrasonic transducers for transmitting ultrasonic waves in accordance with drive signals and receiving ultrasonic waves to output detection signals; pulsers for supplying the drive signals; an ignition timing controller for controlling the pulsers to respectively transmit plural ultrasonic beams toward plural directions within a predetermined period so that adjacent two ultrasonic beams are separated by 20° or more from each other; receivers for processing the plural detection signals; and plural phase matching units, provided in correspondence with a number of the ultrasonic beams to be transmitted, for performing phase matching on the basis of the processed detection signals so that plural receiving focal points are formed for each of the transmitted plural ultrasonic beams.

Abstract: A device for indicating a beat level L, the device including an analyzer which responds to a reference frequency ? and a harmonic coefficient B to extract from an evaluation signal E a first acceleration signal ?B at a frequency equal to the product of reference frequency ? multiplied by harmonic coefficient B; and a second acceleration signal ?B-1 at a frequency equal to the product of reference frequency ? multiplied by the harmonic coefficient minus one; and it further includes a control circuit CC which receives acceleration signal ?B, ?B-1 to produce beat level L.

Abstract: A sensor and insertion assembly 2 is used for intravascular measurement of pressure in a living body. The assembly includes, a sensor chip 6 having a substrate body 8 with a recess covered by a pressure sensitive film 10 thereby forming a cavity 12. A piezoelectric element, preferably in the form of a piezoelectric film 14, is arranged in connection with the pressure sensitive film, and energy is applied to the piezoelectric element such that acoustic waves are generated in the element. The piezoelectric element is arranged to generate an output signal, representing the pressure at the film, in dependence on the measured properties of the acoustic waves related to the deflection of the pressure sensitive film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for achieving nearly perfect temperature compensation of a heat-loss vacuum gauge over its full pressure range. A voltage is measured across a sensor leg, a sensor leg and a temperature compensating leg connected together in series, or a sensor leg and a fixed resistive leg coupled together in series. A voltage is also measured across a subleg of the temperature compensating leg. The temperature compensating leg may include a temperature sensitive subleg and a temperature stable subleg connected together in series. The sublegs may include one or more temperature sensitive and/or temperature stable elements. The measured voltages are combined to produce temperature independent pressure indications over a pressure range. Three-dimensional curve-fitting or similar techniques may be used to combine the measured voltages.

Abstract: A pressure detection device includes a case unit which has therein an accommodation space and a pressure introduction passage, and a pressure detection unit having a detection surface for detecting a pressure applied thereto. Two ends of the pressure introduction passage respectively have a first opening portion which is opened toward the accommodation space, and a second opening portion which is opened toward an exterior of the case unit. The pressure detection unit is accommodated in the accommodation space. The pressure introduction passage further has a third opening portion which is opened toward the exterior. The pressure detection unit is disposed to detect the pressure, with the first opening portion and the third opening portion being positioned at an upper side of the second opening portion.

Abstract: A pressure sensor having a predetermined chamber dome angle with an electrode. A hole is located in the top to provide pressure readings and the bottom has an input port. A primary diaphragm is coated on both sides with an electrode and an insulator. A secondary diaphragm is coated on the side which faces the primary diaphragm. Offset holes are made in the two diaphragms which permits pressure equalization during self calibration. Both diaphragms are initially energized to seal the gage volume, and then the secondary diaphragm is used to self calibrate using a known pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle wheel sensor apparatus and a method that determine if a vehicle wheel sensor is active or passive, while efficiently providing the necessary connectivity, power, and communication between the sensor and a controller, without requiring a change in controller hardware. For an active sensor, the apparatus provides power and receives speed signals, high frequency vibration or acceleration signals, or other analog signals. For a passive sensor, the apparatus receives speed signals.

Abstract: A low cost sensor assembly for measuring oxygen pressures contains a transistor header. The transistor header has terminal pins extending therefrom. The transistor header co-acts with a first circuit insulator board. The first circuit board has deposited thereon four hand mirror shaped contact areas each one associated with one of the terminal pins of the transistor header. The top portion of each contact areas has an aperture with the extending arm of the area directed towards the center of the board. The board is epoxied to the transistor header with the terminal pins of the header extending into the apertures of the contact board. A second contact board is then epoxied to the first contact board. The second contact board has a series of four apertures located at the center. Each of the apertures of the second board contacts the handle portion of the mirror patterns of the first board.

Abstract: A system for measuring the critical temperatures for thermal cracking of asphalt binders. The exemplary embodiment comprises a metal ring, at least one strain gauge attached to the inner surface of the ring, an environmental chamber, and a data acquisition system. A thermocouple may also be attached to the inside of the ring to monitor the ring temperature. A mold is provided for creating a circular asphalt binder test specimen. When properly cast, the specimen encircles the metal ring. The specimen and ring are placed within the environmental chamber for analysis as the temperature within the chamber is lowered. Thermal stress induced by temperature reduction within the asphalt binder test specimen is monitored by the strain gauge(s) and the cracking temperature is directly determined from the strain reading.

Abstract: A force transducer for measuring axial forces which act essentially transversely on an axis, in particular a measuring axis, has a longitudinally extending axial body, which has a first portion, forming a force introduction zone, at least one second portion, forming a bearing zone, and at least one third portion, forming a force measuring zone for measuring the axial forces. The axial body has in the region of the at least one second portion, radially at a distance from the outside of the same, at least one recess extending in the circumferential direction and directed essentially axially, so that an edge of the second portion that is facing the first portion forms a free overhang.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a stamping press die that has includes a plurality of mechanical devices. The apparatus includes a plurality of pneumatic connections for supplying pressurized air to each of the plurality of mechanical devices; a plurality of valves for regulating pressurized air to associated connections at a predetermined pressure and flow, so as to actuate the associated mechanical devices; and a control system for selectively controlling the plurality of valves, so as to implement a predetermined sequence of valve actuations. In this way, the control system simulates a predetermined sequence of mechanical device operation while the die is removed from the stamping press.

Abstract: A spatial pressure distribution sensor comprises a sensor array and a processor. The sensor array comprises an array of pressure sensors. Each of the pressure sensors is operable to generate a respective pressure signal in response to pressure applied to it. The pressure signal quantifies the pressure with greater than single-bit resolution. The processor is operable in response to the pressure signals to generate an information signal representing the spatial distribution of pressure applied to the sensor array.

Abstract: A mechanical torque wrench including a wrench body defining an elongated interior compartment and a wrench head including a bar extending therefrom being pivotally secured to a first end of the wrench body. A hand grip located on a second end of the wrench body and a set spring is disposed within the wrench body. A pawl is disposed between the bar and the set spring. Rotation of a dial screw in a first direction compresses the set spring and rotation in a second direction allows expansion of the set spring. A set ring is operatively connected to the dial screw and rotatable relative to the wrench body. A resistive element is coupled to the dial screw and produces an output signal that depends on a position of the dial screw relative to the resistive element. A processor converts the output signal into an equivalent torque value for display on a user interface.

Abstract: First and second shafts (1, 2) are interconnected via a torsion bar (3) for torsional (or rotational) movement relative to each other, and first and second magnetic body sections (10, 20) are provided to rotate in interlocked relation to the rotation of the first and second shafts, respectively. The first and second magnetic body sections form at least two ring-shaped variable magnetic coupling sections opposed to each other via a gap, magnetic coupling in each of the boundary sections varies in response to variation of a relative rotational position between the first and second shafts, and variation of the magnetic coupling differs in phase between the boundary sections. Coil section (30) includes magnetic-coupling detecting coils (L1-L4) provided in corresponding relation to the boundary sections.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying explosive materials and devices, and naturally occurring and man-made dangerous or hazardous biological and chemical materials and devices in ducts or piping systems, or other fluid flow systems in buildings such as residential, office, industrial, and power plants, transportation systems such as ships, airplanes, subways, and trains, and various types of infrastructure such as dams, tunnels, or bridges, and in the rooms, compartments, enclosures, containers, or difficult to access areas in these buildings, transportation systems, and structures. The preferred embodiment of this detection and location method uses a conservative tracer and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the duct or area to be searched at one location and then monitored at the same or another location in the duct or area.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection device nondestructively inspects an internal state of an inspection target, and transmits information indicating a progress status of the inspection to the outside of an inspection site. A nondestructive inspection system which uses this nondestructive inspection device includes a network connected to the nondestructive inspection device, and one or a plurality of computers connected via the network to the nondestructive inspection device.

Abstract: A battery powered sensing device for diagnosing a processing system and method for using the same are provided. The support platform generally has physical characteristics, such as size, profile height, mass, flexibility and/or strength, substantially similar to those of the substrates that are to be processed in the processing system, so the sensor device can be transferred through the processing system in a manner similar to the manner in which production substrates are transferred through the processing system.

Abstract: The invention is a method and device for determining dissolution of a solid compound within the oral cavity. The device models dissolution within the oral cavity with a flow-through cell containing a solid compound and physiological amounts of simulated saliva. The device supplies and removes the simulated saliva at rates similar to production and loss of saliva within the oral cavity. The simulated saliva interaction with the solid compound mimics saliva interaction with a solid compound within the oral cavity. Dissolution of solid compound is determined from simulated saliva collected from the flow-through cell outflow.

Abstract: This braking system (S) is adapted to be used with a mechanism having one or several turning members (34), and comprises a toothed wheel (6), connected in rotation with at least one turning member (34) to be braked, and an endless screw (8), driven in rotation by a motor (5) during rotation of the turning member (34), this screw (8) being in permanent engagement with the toothed wheel (6). The screw (8) is contained in a bore of a diameter slightly greater than that of the screw (8).

Abstract: A device for carrying and fastening a robot (4), in particular a delta robot, is designed in a gallows shape. It has a foot (1), a column (2) adjoining the foot (1), and at least one cantilever arm (3), fastened to this column (2), for fastening the robot (4). The cantilever arm (3) in this case is fastened to the column (2) in a fixed position. The device consists at least partly of a composite material, in particular a cast mineral. This device for carrying and fastening a robot is extremely space-saving and nonetheless has good vibration-damping properties.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for use in tensioning a park brake cable system includes a body including a housing and an input shaft, the input shaft positioned at least partially within the housing, the housing and the input shaft being axially movable relative to one another, and the input shaft and the outer housing being rotatable relative to one another, the body having a nut receiving recess. The cable system is tensioned by retracting the nut from its support surface, tensioning the system by rotating the nut, and relieving the nut back to its support surface. A control system is used to control the operation of the tensioning device, and is programmable to perform several associated functions.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for use in tensioning a park brake cable system includes a body including a housing and an input shaft, the input shaft positioned at least partially within the housing, the housing and the input shaft being axially movable relative to one another, and the input shaft and the outer housing being rotatable relative to one another, the body having a nut receiving recess. The cable system is tensioned by retracting the nut from its support surface, tensioning the system by rotating the nut, and relieving the nut back to its support surface. A control system is used to control the operation of the tensioning device, and is programmable to perform several associated functions.

Abstract: A pedal has a control device (2) including a mobile pedal (6), elements for returning (20, 22) the control device returning the pedal (6) in its idle position as well as a force-feedback mechanism (4) to produce a hard spot when the pedal (6) is depressed. The force-feedback mechanism (4) includes an electric motor (28) designed to act on the control device (2), via one-way linking elements (36) and gear reduction elements, in the same direction as the return elements (20, 22). The one-way link prevents any action of the force-feedback mechanism (4) on the control device (3) in the direction opposite to the direction of action of the return elements (20, 22) The one-way link advantageously includes a clearance which enables the electric motor (28) to rotate in the direction allowing it to act on the control device (2) without acting immediately on the device.

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

Abstract: A tire-assembly spanner which comprises a hollow handle installed with a bending tube portion at one end thereof; another end of the handle being installed with a holding portion; an engaging element installed to one end of the resisting portion far away from the handle; one end of the engaging element having an engaging portion for receiving a sleeve; one end of the engaging element having a ratchet teeth portion corresponding to the resisting portion; an inner side of the ratchet teeth portion being formed with an annular ratchet teeth. A switch is installed in the bending tube portion. A resisting portion is formed between the bending tube portion and the engaging element; the resisting portion has a through hole for receiving a switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ratchet wrench including a wrench with one end provided with a pivot hole; a turning knob disposed in the pivot hole of the wrench and containing a dial; a wheel member disposed to the handle of the wrench and containing also a dial; and a turning member with one end disposed to the dial of the turning knob and another end disposed to the dial of the wheel member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a driving head of rotary wrenching tools, the driving head can be a sleeve or directly implemented on the wrench, the driving head has an opening with grooves, forefront surfaces and concavities implemented inside the opening, the forefront surfaces are implemented individually in-between the grooves, and one concavity is implemented on each forefront surface, with which varieties of work pieces in different shapes can be tightly fitted into.

Abstract: A crosswise wrench includes a prismatic core with a polygonal cross-section, a face plate nut head on one end and a working point on the other end. The wrench also includes three circular grooves and an extended element having face plate nut heads on its ends. The extended element has at least three identical pairs of apertures with mutually perpendicular axes crossing a longitudinal axis of the extended element at a right angle.

Abstract: A bit holder is provided which includes a body having a cavity formed with an upper portion and a lower portion, separated by a ridge-like protuberance which has a cross sectional profile smaller than that of the upper portion and the lower portion. The ridge-like protuberance is formed on each sidewall of the cavity to form an interference fit. A method of manufacture includes the use of a punch to force material from the upper portion downwards towards the lower portion of the cavity to form the ridge-like protuberance.

Abstract: The present application is directed to screwdrivers and methods of use for applying a controlled amount of torque to a fastener. In one embodiment, the screwdriver includes a shaft constructed of a material that is deformable upon the application of an excessive amount of torque. The deformation may cause the screwdriver to disengage from the fastener. In one embodiment, the tip of the shaft that engages the fastener is constructed of a material that deforms when an excessive amount of torque is applied to the fastener. The deformation causes the tip to disengage from the fastener. The deformation prevents the screwdriver from applying an amount of torque above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A miter saw including a base, turntable, and circular saw unit supported to the turntable. A turntable is rotatable about its axis. The turntable has a tilting motion support. A support section has a tilt section tiltingly movable relative to the tilt motion support, and pivotally movably supports the circular saw unit. A clamp shaft is provided for clamping the tilting section to the tilt motion support. A tilt amount fine control unit is provided for performing fine control to the tilting angle, and includes an arcuate gear teeth section provided at the tilt motion support, rotation shaft for moving the arcuate gear teeth, and adjustment knob supported on the clamp shaft for rotating the rotation shaft. A neck table section is provided at a front side of the turntable, and includes a digital display for displaying a lateral tilting angle of the circular saw unit.

Abstract: An electromagnetically driven punch press is described. The punch press has an engine plate and a die set and a ram between the engine plate and die set. The engine plate has an assembly fixed thereto having a solenoid with windings that create a magnetic field when a current is applied. The engine plate has a feedback means positioned on the engine plate to provide real-time data on the position and velocity of the ram with respect to said engine plate.