Abstract: Trace gas leak detectors and methods for trace gas leak detection of large leaks at relatively high test pressures are provided. A trace gas leak detector includes a test port to receive a sample containing a trace gas, the test port connected to a test line, a mass spectrometer to detect the trace gas, a high vacuum pump having an inlet port coupled to the inlet of the mass spectrometer, and a forepump having a main inlet, at least one intermediate inlet and an exhaust. The main inlet of the forepump is coupled to the exhaust port of the high vacuum pump. The intermediate inlet is controllably connected to the test line. The forepump is selected from the group consisting of a scroll vacuum pump and a screw vacuum pump.

Abstract: Method for testing the sealing of a test specimen (21) comprising a sealing film and two fibrous reinforcing layers, one on each side of the said sealing film, the said method comprising the steps of: connecting the said test specimen to a test bench (22), conducting a first test of behaviour under pressure, subjecting the said test specimen to at least a first thermal shock, and conducting at least a second test of behaviour under pressure, characterized in that the said method comprises at least the steps of: removing the said test specimen from the said test bench after the said first test of behaviour under pressure, and subjecting the said test specimen to the said first thermal shock remotely from the said test bench, and refixing the said test specimen to the said test bench to conduct the said second test of behaviour under pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of an analysis system and to a method for analyzing a sample on an analytical test element, with the analysis system comprising a test element receptacle for receiving and positioning a test element in an analysis position. In an exemplary embodiment, the test element receptacle contains a guide part and a lock part, the guide part having means for guiding a test element into and out of the analysis position, the lock part comprising a frame and a bolt element, which frame and bolt element are connected to one another by a hinge. The bolt element can be pivoted about the hinge between a first position and a second position with respect to the frame. The bolt element comprises a latching lug for engaging in a recess in test element when the bolt element is in the first position and when the test element is positioned in the analysis position.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for the measurement of fuel composition and the detection and measurement of phase separation in fuel storage tanks. An embodiment measures optical and/or electrical impedance spectral features of the fuel by a series of sensors placed at a series of heights within a fuel storage tank. Embodiments are disclosed to measure aspects of the water, ethanol and gasoline content as well as other constituents of a fuel mixture, as well as the onset of the two phase event and the completed extent of the water intrusion into the system in concert with the level at which the layers exist in a fuel container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component including centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid and a volume of gas so as to sediment at least a first component and a second component separation bag; displacing a volume of hydraulic fluid against the separation bag to cause a transfer of at least one fraction of the content of the separation bag into at least one component bag connected to the separation bag; determining the volume of hydraulic fluid displaced and determining the volume of the composite liquid or the transferred components from the determined volume of displaced hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor apparatus and method for measuring scale, such as mineral scale or other particulates, which deposit on the surface of pipelines or process equipment. The device has an electrochemical cell with a working electrode and fluid flow control means positioned so as to release a fluid jet onto the working electrode. The velocity of the fluid jet is controllable and is defined by the Reynolds number of the fluid when the fluid is in the fluid flow control means. Measurement of the electrical output from the electrochemical cell and the Reynolds number provide a measure of the build-up of scale on the working electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based particle sorting. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a suspension of particles; and (b) electrodes arranged for conducting droplet operations using droplets comprising particles. A method of transporting a particle is also provided, wherein the method includes providing a droplet comprising the particle and transporting the droplet on a droplet microactuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for providing point of care testing for osmolarity of a bodily fluid. An apparatus is disclosed as having a fluid pathway passing through it for receiving and testing a sample fluid. The invention permits osmolarity testing of a sample fluid wherein the sample fluid has a volume of less than approximately 30 nL, and implements a method and device to measure fluid osmolarity in a clinical setting quickly and accurately, while also reducing evaporation of the fluid.

Abstract: A method for limiting transmission power of a communication device (600). The method can include determining a desired maximum transmission power and determining a plurality of power contribution factors. Each of the power contribution factors can be associated with a respective service active on the communication device. The method also can include determining an expected transmission power based on, at least in part, a sum of the power contribution factors. Further, in response to the expected transmission power exceeding the desired maximum transmission power, the power contribution for at least one of the services active on the communication device can be selectively reduced or terminated. Selectively reducing the power contribution can include reducing a bit rate of a service data stream for the service and/or reducing a duty cycle of a service data stream for the service. Selectively terminating the power contribution can include terminating the service.

Abstract: During operation of a single-cylinder test engine, a computer or other processor runs a simulation of additional “virtual cylinders” operating alongside the single cylinder as if all cylinders, real and virtual, were present in a real multi-cylinder engine. Temperature data from the virtual cylinders is generated, and the real cylinder is jacketed with flow passages which are supplied with heat transfer fluid at temperatures such that the thermal presence of the virtual cylinders adjacent the real cylinder is simulated. As a result of this thermal simulation, the real cylinder is able to more accurately simulate the performance that it would have if it was indeed present in a multi-cylinder engine.

Abstract: A method for a method for calibrating a system configured to analyze exhaust gas produced by a fluid consuming source is disclosed. The method includes directing a first flow of exhaust gas toward an analyzer that is configured to measure at least one component. The method also includes establishing a first value indicative of a measurement of the at least one component within the first flow of exhaust gas. The method also includes removing a first quantity of fluid from the fluid consuming source and delivering a second quantity of fluid into the first flow of exhaust gas. The second quantity of fluid is a portion of the first quantity of fluid. The method also includes at least partially combusting the first flow of exhaust gas and the first quantity of fluid upstream of the analyzer and establishing a second value indicative of a measurement of the at least one component within the exhaust gas and the at least a portion of the first quantity of fluid.

Abstract: A method of determining a maximum adhesion coefficient of a tire while running on ground, the method comprising the following steps: determining the maximum adhesion coefficient as being an output from a main transfer function that is independent of at least one slowly-varying parameter; and determining at least one input of the main transfer function as being an output from a transfer pre-function that depends on said slowly-varying parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing liquid in a bottle, in particular a pharmaceutical bottle. The apparatus has at least one measuring cell, and a conveying device for feeding a number of bottles through the measuring cell along a path. The apparatus is characterized in that the measuring cell has an actual measuring section preceded and followed, respectively, by a first guard section and a second guard section, which reduce the effect of adjacent bottles on the measurement.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid flow through a passageway includes slidably disposing a piston having a conduit that reduces the flow area through the passageway in the passageway and selectively closing the conduit of the piston by moving at least one of the piston and a plug.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a method for managing a drilling operation in a multicomponent particulate system.

Abstract: A wind vane device comprises a horizontal portion that can swivel by the propeller blades provided at one end, a vertical portion with one end attached to the bottom of the horizontal portion and the other end extending downwardly, a supporting frame supporting the horizontal portion at the lower side of the vertical portion, wherein the vertical portion is cylindrical and has a plurality of radial partitioning walls at inner side in the axial direction; an upright shaft having an axle 51 with thread portions at both ends, one end of which is fastened to the center of the partitioning wall and the other end provided with a pair of bearings, a bearing sleeve being put around the outside of the pair of bearings; wherein the supporting frame consists of several sections of supporting rods. An engageable and disengageable structure is formed between a supporting rod and a supporting rods through a connector. The upper end located at the supporting rod of top-section engages at the outside of the bearing sleeve.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermal type flow meter which has a high reliability and a low cost. In a thermal type flow meter provided with a flow rate detecting element in which at least a heat generating resistor and a lead electrode are formed on a surface of a tabular substrate, and a support body in which a concave portion accommodating the flow rate detecting element is formed on a surface, and in which the flow rate detecting element is firmly fixed and accommodated by an adhesive agent in a back surface of the tabular substrate and a part of a bottom surface of the concave portion, an approximately straight discharge groove which is deeper than a bottom surface of the concave portion and passes through both end surfaces in upward and downward sides of the concave portion is formed from the upstream side of the support body concave portion to the downstream side, between the cavity of the tabular substrate and the back surface region of the tabular substrate in which the lead electrode is formed.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for detecting liquid level with probe, and the method comprising steps of: (A) acquiring a capacitance value of the probe; (B) generating an analog signal corresponding to the acquired capacitance value; (C) converting the generated analog signal into discrete signals at a predetermined sampling interval; (D) increasing or decreasing a counting value according to an amplitude of each the discrete signals, and outputting a liquid level contacting indication signal when the counting value reaches a predetermined counting threshold; and (E) controlling a movement of the probe according to the output liquid level contacting indication signal.

Abstract: In an oil level detection system of an internal combustion engine having a filter to capture particulates in exhaust gas that is burned off by fuel supplied by post injection to be regenerated and having an oil level sensor installed in an oil pan, it is determined whether the engine is under a long idling state and if so, an estimated value of the engine oil level is calculated by correcting output of the oil level sensor by an evaporation amount correction factor. Then, it is determined whether the level of the engine oil is sufficient by comparing the estimated value with a threshold value. With this, it becomes possible to detect the oil shortage without delay.

Abstract: A control device includes a control unit and an evaluation unit that is configured to generate a control signal by which the control unit is impinged upon. The control unit is provided with a voltage source and a reference resistor that can be connected in series to a sensor resistor whose value depends on the temperature thereof. An output voltage of the voltage source drops on the sensor resistor and the reference resistor in the connected state. The reference resistor is dimensioned in such a way that the maximum power loss of the sensor resistor lies in the specified value range of the sensor resistor.

Abstract: A multifunction fuel gauge has a rotating wiper assembly turned by a float in a fuel tank, the wiper assembly having two wiper contacts having different radial lengths which make contact with a plurality of contacts which form two concentric arcuate rows on a board. The first row has several contacts connected to a resistive element to provide a voltage signal to a fuel gauge. The second row has at least one conductive strip which has a width such that one of the wiper contacts makes electrical contact with the conductive strip for a portion of the arc transversed by the wiper assembly. This contact can be used, for example, as a low fuel sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining absolute density of a slurry that typically contains entrained air, such as cement slurry, in a continuous mixing operation such those used in cementing a gas or oil well. The method obtains density measurements of a slurry at two different pressures and then uses the two density measurements and the two pressure measurements to compute absolute density of the slurry employing the following formula at isothermal conditions: Dabs=D1/(1?((D1/D2?1)/(P1/P2?1))), where Dabs=absolute density, D1=first density, D2=second density, P1=absolute pressure at which the first density was measured, and P2=absolute pressure at which the second density was measured.

Abstract: A method for determining absolute density of a slurry that typically contains entrained air, such as cement slurry, in a continuous mixing operation such those used in cementing a gas or oil well. The method obtains density measurements of a slurry at two different pressures and then uses the two density measurements and the two pressure measurements to compute absolute density of the slurry employing the following formula at isothermal conditions: Dabs=D1/(1?((D1/D2?1)/(P1/P2?1))), where Dabs=absolute density, D1=first density, D2=second density, P1=absolute pressure at which the first density was measured, and P2=absolute pressure at which the second density was measured.

Abstract: The invention comprises a single-use, self-contained measuring device, comprising a data entry- and sampling part including a sensor for measuring of physical or chemical property of a foreign substance and a data acquisition part including electronic processing- and storage means, where the parts are integral parts of a packaging, formed of a sheet-like, printable and foldable material, the packaging being designed to enclose and protect the parts contained therein. The packaging may also include various instruments needed to perform a test.

Abstract: The upgraded balancing machine for vehicle wheels comprise a supporting frame for gripping and rotation means for gripping and rotating a wheel to be balanced around a rotation axis, a first sensor for detecting the unbalance of the wheel with respect to the rotation axis suitable for generating a first analog signal, a second sensor for detecting at least one portion of the profile of the wheel suitable for generating a second analog signal, at least one analog to digital converter associated with at least one of the first and the second detection sensors and suitable for converting at least one of the first and the second analog signal into a corresponding digital signal, a processing and control unit associated with the conversion device and suitable for processing the digital signal, and an adjustment unit for adjusting the sampling frequency of at least one of the first and the second analog signals associated with the conversion device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gyro sensor, comprises a primary base plate (1) and a support base plate (2) which are superimposed on one another. The primary base plate (1) is provided with a driven mass body (11) to be driven in such a manner as to be vibrated in a direction intersecting with a surface of the support base plate (2), and a detection mass body (12) coupled with the driven mass body (11) through a drive spring (13) and adapted to be displaceable in a plane along the support base plate (2).

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor structure for improving the off-axis sensitivity is provided in which a structure for detecting an off-axis acceleration component applied to the angular velocity sensor structure is directly adapted to the sensor structure, thereby measuring the off-axis acceleration component actually applied to the sensor structure without distortion.

Abstract: The microgyrometer is provided in a flat substrate and comprises detection means for detecting the movement of two oscillating masses in a measuring direction perpendicular to an excitation direction. The detection means comprise an excitation frame associated with each oscillating mass and a mobile detection element surrounded by a corresponding excitation frame and comprising a plurality of mobile electrodes, and first and second sets of interconnected fixed electrodes fixedly secured to the substrate on which they are formed. Each mobile electrode is disposed between associated fixed electrodes of the first and second sets to form two variable differential capacitors. The fixed electrodes of each set are interconnected by means of interconnection bars made of electrically conducting material extending above the fixed electrodes in a plane substantially parallel to the substrate.

Abstract: A vibration sensor includes a tuning-fork vibrator having a base and arms extending from the base, a mounting portion for,mounting the tuning-fork vibrator, and multiple supporting members that mount the tuning-fork vibrator on the mounting portion.

Abstract: A tri-axis accelerometer includes a proof mass, at least four anchor points arranged in at least two opposite pairs, a first pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a first axis, a second pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being perpendicular to one another, and at least four spring units to connect the proof mass to the at least four anchor points, the spring units each including a pair of identical springs, each spring including a sensing unit.

Abstract: A three-axis inertial sensor and a process for its fabrication using an silicon-on-oxide (SOI) wafer as a starting material. The SOI wafer has a first conductive layer separated from a second conductive layer by an insulative buried oxide (BOX) layer. The SOI wafer is fabricated to partially define in its first conductive layer at least portions of proof masses for z, x, and y-axis sensing devices of the sensor. After a conductive deposited layer is deposited and patterned to form a suspension spring for the proof mass of the z-axis sensing device, the SOI wafer is bonded to a substrate that preferably carries interface circuitry for the z, x, and y-axis devices, with the SOI wafer being oriented so that its first conductive layer faces the substrate. Portions of the BOX layer are then etched to fully release the proof masses.

Abstract: A bottom surface of a medium tank 1 is closed with a polymer film 2, the polymer film 2 is stuck to the medium tank 1 by reducing the pressure of the inside of the medium tank 1, an ultrasonic wave transmission medium 5 is injected while reducing the pressure of the inside of the medium tank 1 so that the distal end of an ultrasonic probe 3 is immersed, the inside of the medium tank 1 is pressurized while keeping an inspection object 6 in contact with the polymer film 2, an ultrasonic wave reflected by the inspection object is received by the ultrasonic probe 3.

Abstract: A method for measuring the rigidity of paper or other products made from cellulose fibers wherein the paper is torn and a digitized sound recording is made during the tearing process which is then analyzed to determine the percentage of time during which characteristic frequencies are present during the tearing process. It has been found that this percentage correlates well with rigidity.

Abstract: Noncontaminating and nondestructive testing of a shaped polysilicon body for a material defect is accomplished by exposing the shaped polysilicon body to ultrasound waves, and the ultrasound waves are registered by an ultrasound receiver after they have passed through the shaped polysilicon body or reflected therein, so that material defects in the polysilicon are detected.

Abstract: An operator-specifying apparatus is combined with an on-board device such as a navigation device mounted on an automotive vehicle. An ultrasonic sensor device is mounted on a frame of a display panel of the navigation device. A hand of a person who is manipulating the navigation device, a driver or an assistant, is detected by the ultrasonic sensor device. If it is determined that the driver is manipulating (or about to manipulate) the navigation device when the vehicle is being driven, manipulation of the navigation device is prohibited to secure safety in driving. On the other hand, if it is found out the assistant is operating the navigation device, such prohibition is canceled to effectively use the navigation device.

Abstract: A method of identifying a flaw in a part is provided that includes vibrating a part to induce heat. The heat originates in any flaws in the part. A thermal image is obtained using, for example, an infrared camera. A mathematical representation of the thermophysics, such as the heat conduction or thermal energy equations using the boundary element method or finite element method is used to identify a source and an intensity of the heat identified with the thermal image. Using the source and intensity of the heat, flaw characteristics for the part can be determined. The method is employed using an inspection system that includes a vibration device for vibrating the part. An imaging device, such as an infrared camera, measures temperature on the surface of the part. An assumption is made or additional measurements are taken to obtain values for surface flux or surface heat transfer coefficients. A processor communicates with the imaging device for receiving the surface temperature.

Abstract: An acoustic radiation detecting apparatus and method are provided herein.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor and method for its fabrication. The sensor is fabricated from first and second wafers to have a mechanical capacitor comprising a fixed electrode and a moving electrode defined by a conductive plate. The sensor further has a diaphragm on a surface of the first wafer that is mechanically coupled but electrically insulated from the conductive plate. A conductive layer on the surface of the first wafer is spaced apart from the conductive plate to define the fixed electrode. The second wafer is bonded to the first wafer and carries interface circuitry for the sensor, including the conductive plate and the fixed electrode which are between the first and second wafers and electrically connected to the interface circuitry. At least an opening is present in the first wafer and its first conductive layer by which the diaphragm is released and exposed to an environment surrounding the sensor.

Abstract: The pressure sensor includes a first tubular member including at one end portion thereof a sensing section outputting an electrical signal indicative of a pressure applied thereto, and an opening section formed at the other end portion thereof, a second tubular member including an opening section formed at one end portion thereof and a diaphragm located at one end portion thereof, a housing having an opening at one end portion thereof, and a pressure transmission member operating to transmit a pressure applied thereto to the sensing section. The first and second tubular members are integrally connected to each other at their the opening sections. A fixing portion between the first and the second tubular members is located inside the housing, an outer periphery of the second tubular member is fixed to an inner periphery of the opening section of the housing.

Abstract: A device for measuring adhesion strength between a first optical element and a second optical element includes a force gauge, a first magnet, and a second magnet. The second magnet is fixed to the force gauge. The first magnet and the second magnet are configured for magnetically attaching to opposite sides of the first optical element. An attractive force between the first magnet and the second magnet is greater than the adhesion strength between the first optical element and the second optical element.

Abstract: A testing apparatus and method for simulating wind loads and evaluating wind resistance of a building component test specimen such as a sheet-metal roofing component. One or more arrays of pneumatic cylinders apply forces according to a specified test protocol to detach the building component from a test base. A software implemented computer control system may be provided to control the cylinders and apply the forces according to the test protocol.

Abstract: A multi-phase process fluid is passed through a vibratable flowtube. Motion is induced in the vibratable flowtube. A first apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube is determined, and an apparent intermediate value associated with the multi-phase process fluid based on the first apparent property is determined. A corrected intermediate value is determined based on a mapping between the intermediate value and the corrected intermediate value. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the corrected intermediate value.

Abstract: A flow sensor includes: A measuring tube for the conveying of an electrically conductive fluid; a magnetic circuit arrangement arranged on the measuring tube for producing and guiding a magnetic field, which induces an electric field in the flowing fluid; and measuring electrodes for the tapping of a voltage of the electric field. The measuring tube includes a carrier tube and liner, especially a tubular liner, of insulating material, accommodated in a lumen of the carrier tube. A support skeleton may serve for stabilization is embedded in the liner.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for measuring a process variable of a process fluid in a vessel includes first and second pressure couplings arranged to receive a first pressure and a second pressure of process fluid in the vessel. These pressures are related to the density of the process fluid. A sensor provides a sensor output related to the process fluid in the vessel. Measurement circuitry is configured to calculate a calculated process variable of the process fluid in the vessel based upon the first and second pressures and the sensed process variable.

Abstract: A flow meter tube is provided having improved performance in the measurement of the flow rate of erosive material. The internal wall surface of the flow meter tube has a smooth erosion-resistant coating thereon to protect the flow meter wall from erosion by the erosive fluid flowing there through. The coating has a Rockwell C hardness of 56 to 70 and a surface roughness of less than or equal to 250 microinches rms.

Abstract: An adapter apparatus and method includes using an adapter body that includes a threaded opening. A torque indicating assembly is used in applying a force upon a packaged device received in a cavity of the adapter body. The torque indicating assembly includes a threaded interface member and a torque indicator.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for detecting a rotating wheel's speed and/or acceleration are provided. A sensor is attached to the rotating wheel. The sensor includes a circuit (e.g. a Wheatstone bridge circuit) having a plurality of resistors (e.g. 4 resistors). Each resistor includes a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) element and has a resistance changeable based at least in part on a change in magnetic field intensity with respect to an external magnetic field. The sensor generates a signal based at least in part on the resistors' resistances. A processor is operable to calculate the rotating wheel's speed and/or acceleration based at least in part on the signal.

Abstract: To do work a power device needs to supply a given supply of torque, and until this measure of torque is supplied the desired performance will not be met. In a gasoline engine the desired torque/horsepower is compensated with higher factors due to the inefficiencies of that system to reach the desired torque until peaking at an expressed rpm. However, the electric motor reaches the desired torque at a greatly reduced rpm, and continues supplying that torque at any rpm above that base rpm. The combination of batteries, electric motors, controllers, connectors, gearing, and generators as system devices along with the use of the following facts, and formula, a ratio of interpretative algorithms can be obtained to procure the resultant outcomes. 1.) One of the individual torque components of an electric motor is BREAKDOWN TORQUE, which is described as “The maximum torque a motor will develop at rated voltage without a relatively abrupt drop or loss in speed.” 2.

Abstract: In a force sensor chip, a semiconductor substrate includes: a plurality of operating parts each including an external-force acting area section and a non-deforming section; a supporting part for supporting the operating parts, and a plurality of connecting parts for connecting the operating parts and the supporting part. Strain resistance elements are provided on deformation-generating sections of the connecting parts. The plurality of operating parts are provided, in corresponding relation to the plurality of connecting parts, between the connecting parts and the supporting part.

Abstract: A pointer operation apparatus having a reaction force to a user operation changes an intensity of the reaction force according to respective users and/or user's conditions by using an operation unit, a force applicator, and other units. The intensity of the reaction force is determined by the pointer operation apparatus based on a relationship between a position of a pointer on a display unit and the reaction force applied to the operation unit, and the force applicator is controlled according to the relationship and the pointer position by the pointer operation apparatus. The relationship is changed based on a history of a pointer position movement (e.g., a speed/path of a pointer movement) recorded by the pointer operation apparatus.