Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for transporting heat away from galley refrigeration equipment or other heat-generating systems such as avionics, power electronics, or in-flight entertainment units, via a potable water system. The potable water system transports heat more effectively and more efficiently than other systems used to date.

Abstract: A refrigerant cycle device includes a branch portion for branching a flow of refrigerant discharged from a compressor, a first radiator for radiating one high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant branched at the branch portion, an ejector including a nozzle portion for decompressing refrigerant on a downstream side of the first radiator, a second radiator for radiating the other high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant branched at the branch portion, a throttle device for decompressing refrigerant on a downstream side of the second radiator, and a suction side evaporator for evaporating refrigerant downstream of the throttle device and for allowing the refrigerant to flow to an upstream side of a refrigerant suction port of the ejector. Furthermore, the first and second radiators are disposed downstream of the branch portion such that a heat radiation amount of refrigerant in the first radiator is smaller than that in the second radiator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovery of natural gas liquids (NGL) and a pressurized methane-rich sales gas from liquefied natural gas (LNG) are disclosed. In certain embodiments, LNG passes through a heat exchanger, thereby heating and vaporizing at least a portion of the LNG. The partially vaporized LNG passes to a fractionation column where a liquid stream enriched with ethane plus and a methane-rich vapor stream are withdrawn. The withdrawn methane-rich vapor stream passes through the heat exchanger to condense the vapor and produce a two phase stream, which is separated in a separator into at least a methane-rich liquid portion and a methane-rich gas portion. A pump pressurizes the methane-rich liquid portion prior to vaporization and delivery to a pipeline. The methane-rich gas portion may be compressed and combined with the vaporized methane-rich liquid portion or used as plant site fuel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a piece of jewelry, such as a ring, comprising two faceted stones of different colors, one placed on top of the other, to produce a distinctly new faceted color combination. Unique color combinations are thus achieved based on the particular stones that are used.

Abstract: A mounting device for hand-worn jewelry in the shape of two open rings joined together at their ends essentially forming an inverted ‘m.’ The mounting device comprises two semicircular arcs joined together to form the bottom of the inverted ‘m’ shape and three vertical stems connected at their lower end to the semi-circular arcs thus forming the legs of the inverted ‘m’. Caps are affixed to the tip of the stems, to allow anchoring of the mounting device to the webbing of the hand and also to provide on their upper surface a mounting and display area for mounting precious stones or for engraving artistic motifs.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass melt, including measuring predetermined amounts of raw materials to define a glass batch, combining predetermined amounts of sources of silica, calcia and boron from the glass batch to yield a first pre-batch, substantially consolidating the first pre-batch into first pre-batch granules, combining predetermined amounts of sources of silica, calcia, and alumina from the glass batch to yield a second pre-batch, mixing the first and second pre-batches and any remaining portion of the glass batch to yield a batch mixture, and heating the batch mixture to yield a glass melt. Typically, the raw materials at least include sources of silica, alumina, calcia and boron and each respective first pre-batch granule defines a cohesive agglomerate.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium including a step for chemically strengthening the glass substrate by contacting the glass substrate with chemical strengthening processing liquid containing chemical strengthening salt, concentration of Fe and Cr is 500 ppb or less in said chemical strengthening salt, respectively. The concentration may be detected by the use of an ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) emission spectrometry analyzing method or a fluorescent X-ray spectroscopy analyzing method.

Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body having a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating is characterized in that a ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, at least one lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and the ring electrode comprises a core portion of electrode of platinum or platinum alloy and a thick portion of platinum or platinum alloy or of a metallic material other than platinum or platinum alloy, provided at an outer side of the core portion of electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for drawing fibers that include conducting, semiconducting, and insulating materials in intimate contact and prescribed geometries. The resulting fiber exhibits engineered electrical and optical functionalities along extended fiber lengths. The invention provides corresponding processes for producing such fibers, including assembling a fiber preform of a plurality of distinct materials, e.g., of conducting, semiconducting, and insulating materials, and drawing the preform into a fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a glass base material, which is a base material of an optical fiber, the glass base material having a core rod as a central axis, comprises a holding unit having a plurality of scroll chucks connected in series along the core rod for holding an end of the core rod; and a burner that hydrolyzes a gas material, which is a base material of the glass base material, into glass particles and accumulates the glass particles around the core rod to form the glass base material.

Abstract: By providing two separate and independent locking system formed in a single padlock construction which is employed for securely holding and locking zipper pull tabs, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which is responsive to both a combination controlled locking system and a key controlled locking system for independently enabling the zipper pull tabs to be released and/or lockingly engaged in response to the activation of either locking system. In the present invention, an easily assembled, compact, highly efficient dual mode, zipper pull locking system is achieved by employing a pair of spring biased locking latch members which are constructed for being inserted in the apertures formed in each of the conventional zipper pulls/tabs employed on luggage, briefcases, and the like.

Abstract: A lock device for foldable electronic apparatus is disclosed. The lock device is used for a foldable electronic apparatus. The lock device is mounted on a display unit of the electronic apparatus. The lock device includes a rotatable bolt, an actuator, and an elastic bolt holder. The rotatable bolt is rotatably mounted on the display unit and includes two latch tenons. The elastic bolt holder connects the actuator and the rotatable bolt and keeps the rotatable bolt at a first direction. Movement of the actuator causes the rotatable bolt to rotate from the first direction to a second direction. The lock device can couples with a notch successfully even assemble error exists.

Abstract: A door lock and drive tube assembly thereof comprises a first handle assembly, a second handle assembly and a lock releasing assembly. The first handle assembly has a handle, a spindle, a catch and a drive tube assembly. The handle has a hollow coupling portion and the hollow coupling portion has an access opening. The spindle is attached to the hollow coupling portion of the handle. The catch is installed in the spindle and has an engagement head, and the engagement head is selectively disposable within the access opening of the handle. The drive tube assembly is installed within the spindle and has a stop member to prevent the engagement head of the catch disengaging from the access opening. The second handle assembly corresponds to the first handle assembly. The lock releasing assembly is installed between the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly and includes a rod to push the stop member of the drive tube assembly so as to block the catch.

Abstract: A surface-mounting multipoint lock includes an elongated housing having a lower end, an upper end, and a mounting member. The lock is configured for attachment along and external to a non-hinged vertical edge of a swinging panel along substantially a full extent of the non-hinged vertical edge. A plurality of spaced latch bolts in the housing include an upper latch bolt proximate to the upper end of the housing, and a lower latch bolt proximate to the lower end of the housing. The latch bolts are substantially laterally movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A door lock apparatus and methods are provided for preventing a child, or other unauthorized person, from opening an appliance (e.g., refrigerator) or cabinet door, while not unduly reducing or impeding access thereto by an authorized person, such as an adult. In various embodiments, the door lock apparatus is configured for locking in place outwardly swinging doors disposed in a side-by-side relationship. For example, a generally “U” or “V” shaped door lock can be adapted, when in a generally inverted orientation, to be slidably and removably received within channels or recesses formed by closely adjacent elongated handles of respective side-by-side doors. In some embodiments, the door lock apparatus can include, among other things, spaced legs depending from an upper support.

Abstract: A locking device, especially for switch cabinets, comprising a lock mounted on the cabinet body and provided with a locking latch, as well as a lock holder mounted on the door and having an arresting pin for latching with the locking latch, whereby the rotatably mounted locking latch is biased by a tipping spring not only in its locking position in which it engages the arresting pin but also in its opening position, and whereby a rotatable securing lever for blocking pivoting movement of the locking latch is biased by a spring into its blocking position for the locking latch, the securing lever being pivotable, against the force of the spring, into its release position for the locking latch by an electromagnet through which current flows for providing a readiness of the locking latch to open.

Abstract: A lock includes a case, an actuating device for retracting a latch bolt, and a first and second pivotal assembly selectively coupled to a mounting wall of the case. The first pivotal assembly includes a first pivotal seat for coupling with a rotational outer handle and a second pivotal seat for coupling with an inner handle. The second pivotal assembly includes a third pivotal seat for coupling with an inner handle. One of the first pivotal assembly and the second pivotal assembly is selected for use with one of the rotational outer handle and a thumb-piece type outer handle. A rotational pressing member is selectively and rotatably mounted to the mounting wall when the lock is used with the thumb-piece type outer handle. The rotational pressing member is actuated to turn the actuating device for retracting the latch bolt when the thumb-piece type outer handle is pressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering lock unit which is possible to place priority on the operating speed or the extracting force of the lock member according to the engagement state of the lock member to the movable member. In a steering lock unit 10 comprising a transmission mechanism which transmits a power of the electric motor 22 to the lock shaft 30 which holds and releases engagement with a steering shaft, the transmission mechanism comprises: a shaft portion 24a which is adapted to rotate in response to the operation of the electric motor 22; and a winder 26 which engages with the shaft portion 24a and transmits the operation of the electric motor 22 to the lock shaft 30.

Abstract: A lock device includes a housing, a locking mechanism, and a shielding section located between the housing and the locking mechanism. The shielding section and at least part of the housing together define a restricting space. When the locking mechanism is set to a locked state relative to the housing, the shielding section is located at a position closing the restricting space, and when the locking mechanism is set to an unlocked state, at least part of the shielding section is displaceable relative to the housing to open the restricting space.

Abstract: A unfastening-proof structure for nut sleeves of quick release locks and particularly to a structure capable of preventing a nut sleeve from being unfastened to achieve theft-thwarting function includes a quick release mechanism on a quick release lock which has a lock assembly on one end. The quick release mechanism includes a rod which has a threaded portion on a distal end to be coupled with a nut sleeve. The nut sleeve includes a rotary tray, an elastic element, an inner sleeve, a barrel and a plug. The inner sleeve is disengaged with the barrel after the quick release lock is in a locking condition so that when an external force is applied to turn the nut sleeve, an idle rotation is formed. Therefore the nut sleeve cannot be unfastened to achieve the theft-thwarting effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking roof racks and cross bars of a roof carrier realizes easy production and reduction in production costs through structural simplification. The apparatus comprises a pair of roof racks, in an inner surface of each of which a plurality of fixing holes is formed at regular intervals; at least two cross bars, each of which is coupled with the roof racks at opposite ends thereof in the widthwise direction of the vehicle; a pair of fixing members, which are located at opposite ends of the cross bar and are detachably coupled to the fixing holes in the roof racks; operating means, which are coupled to the opposite ends of the cross bar so as to couple and uncouple each fixing member to and from each fixing hole; and a connecting means, which connects the fixing members so as to interact with the fixing members in the cross bar.

Abstract: The invention provides a lock body assembly (10A) suitable for a double lock barrel assembly having two lock barrels (12). The assembly (10A) has a main body (14A) for receipt of a lock barrel (12) and a plurality of pin tumbler passages (16). Each pin tumbler passage (16) communicates at one end with the main body (14A) and is open at the other end. Closing off means (30) closes off the other ends of the pin tumbler passages (16).

Abstract: A retainer assembly for resisting detachment of a door lock cylinder from an opening in a door panel includes a retainer clip engaged with the door lock cylinder to prevent the door lock cylinder from being separated from the opening in the door panel, and a keeper for holding the retainer clip engaged with the door lock cylinder.

Abstract: A key case includes a top plate slidably mounted on two rails on a bottom plate, and a key is movably received in a space between the two rails. A first block is connected to an end of a blade portion of the key and has a stop which is engaged with a push member on an underside of the top plate so that when the top plate is pushed, the blade portion of the key extends out from an opening defined in an end of the key case. The first block is connected with a first spring member that can pull the key back to its original position. Two push bars each have a first protrusion to be engaged with two notches of the first block to position the key. The two push bars can be pivoted to release the first protrusions from the notches to allow the key to be pulled back by the first spring member.

Abstract: A key ring assembly includes a flexible wire whose two ends removably extend through a passage of a retainer and can be snapped to each other. One of the two ends of the flexible wire can be easily removed from the passage so as to extend through the keys and then re-inserted through the passage and connected to the other end of the flexible wire.

Abstract: A hydraulic tool including a frame having a hydraulic fluid conduit system; a hydraulic pump coupled to the conduit system; and a tactile feedback system. The tactile feedback system is coupled to the conduit system and is adapted to signal a user of an occurrence of a predetermined event.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for long workpieces, especially tubes, to form a curved section extending between two bend end points (A, B) on the tube wherein the curved section is located about a center bend point X, distanced from a reference position (P) by a predetermined distance (L) extending along a tube, wherein the bending apparatus includes a bending segment rotatable about a pivotal axis so that the tube is positioned on a semicircular scale with a starting zero point of 0° to mark the start of the curved section at one of the bend end points (A, B), which point is designated as a bending-start point, characterized, in that the apparatus has a bend length-selector having at least one measurement edge the measurement edge aligning with the center bend point (X) to automatically place the tube at the bending-start point and at the 0° mark of the bending segment upon the placement of the tube in the bending apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for supplying lubricant to various kinds of steel sheets with different qualities in cold rolling without any restrictions, such as lubricant supplying apparatus or lubrication conditions. This method comprises storing two or more kinds of lubricant such as A and B, having different compositions, selecting one lubricant or a mixture lubricant of the above A and B in accordance with the friction coefficient between the steel sheet to be cold rolled and a work-rolls, and supplying an emulsion comprising a mixture of the lubricant A and/or B and heated water.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a curling assembly for curling metal shells. The curling assembly has a shell support member having a flange extending from a foundation of the shell support member with the flange having a first aperture and a second aperture passing through the flange. An outer curler segment is coupled to the shell support member. An adjustment screw passes through the first aperture of the flange with the adjustment screw being structured to engage the outer curler segment. Actuation of the adjustment screw would position the outer curler segment. The second aperture of the flange is structured to receive a fastener for coupling the shell support member to a base of a curling unit. A curling unit for curling metal shells is also provided. A press in combination with a curling unit for curling metal shells is also provided.

Abstract: Various methods for controlling one or more parameters of a flow cytometer type measurement system are provided. One embodiment includes monitoring parameter(s) of the measurement system during measurements of sample microspheres. The method also includes altering the parameter(s) in real time based on the monitoring. Another method includes monitoring a temperature proximate to the measurement system. One such method includes altering a bias voltage of an avalanche photo diode in response to the temperature using empirically derived data. A different such method includes altering output signals of a photomultiplier tube in response to the temperature using a characteristic curve. Some methods include monitoring a temperature of a fluid, in which sample microspheres are disposed, that will flow through the flow cytometer type measurement system. This method also includes determining a velocity of the sample microspheres in the measurement system from a viscosity of the fluid at the temperature.

Abstract: At least one pair of capacitively coupled electrodes contained in a structure is used to sense the deflection of a diaphragm in a pressure or force sensor for measuring the pressure or force exerted on the diaphragm. Preferably the structure has properties (such as one or more of the following: dimensions, hardness, area and flexibility) that are substantially the same as those of a real substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer or flat panel display panel.

Abstract: We recently disclosed a novel observatory which captures the complete picture in domestic gas-energy usage and local weather data in real-time. It uses a new principle of thermodynamic anemometry, wherein a fraction of the flow is extracted and passed through a small measurement chamber. Here, the external flow modulates heat-transport amplified by buoynancy-convection, and the induced Nusselt number is a measure for the Reynolds number of the flow. Based on an effective viscosity amplified by convection-buyoancy, the resulting mass-flow measurements are inherently insensitive to variations in temperature and pressure. In the application to natural gas metering, gas-composition may vary with commensurate impact on mass-flow metering and energy-metering. In mass-flow metering, sensitivity to gas-composition is mediated by the effective viscosity. In energy metering, the interchangeability of various gas-compositions is well-described by the Wobbe-index. For example, these sensitivities are, respectively, 0.

Abstract: A method to measure exhaust-gas components are determined by exposing a surface of a part to exhaust gas, cleansing the surface exposed to the exhaust gas with a solvent, and measuring the pH of the solvent obtained in the cleansing process. Alternatively, the electric conductivity of the solvent after the exposure is measured. The acidic matter, selectively at least one of NOx or SOx in the exhaust gas can be quantified. The larger the pH value or conductivity, the higher the density of electrolytes, selectively SOx or Nox in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a field-mounted analyzer having a graphical user interface (GUI). The analyzer has a display screen visible from the exterior of the housing. A plurality of magnetically-actuatable switches are mounted behind the display screen. The GUI has a plurality of windows that may be displayed on the display screen. Navigation through the windows is accomplished by activating switches aligned with graphical navigation icons in the windows.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for assessing the condition of at least one circulating band in a papermaking machine including a permeability measuring device, a moisture measuring device, a fiber web moisture measuring device, an evaluator, a reel-up and an other moisture measuring device. The permeability measuring device measures the permeability of the at least one circulating band. The moisture measuring device measures the moisture contained in the at least one circulating band. The fiber web moisture measuring device measures the moisture of the fiber web. The evaluator combines the permeability, the moisture of the at least one circulating band and the moisture of the fiber web to determine the condition of the at least one circulating band. The other moisture measurement device is coupled to the reel-up, and takes a moisture measurement of the fiber web made by the papermaking machine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally related to a method and apparatus for scanning a v-bank filter. In one embodiment, an apparatus for scanning a v-bank filter includes a hollow body having first and second ends. An outlet, formed at the second end of the body, is adapted for coupling a testing device to an interior volume of the body. A plurality of holes are formed through the body and are fluidly coupled to the interior volume. In another embodiment, a method for scanning a v-bank filter includes inserting a probe having a plurality of sample ports into a filter adjacent a filter pack, and traversing the probe along the filter pack. In yet another embodiment, a method for scanning a v-bank filter includes scanning a slot of a v-bank filter with a probe, and collecting samples of gas passing through the filter an into the probe.

Abstract: A test sensor assisting in determining an analyte concentration in a fluid sample comprises a lid, a base and a spacer. The spacer has first and second spacer sections. The first spacer section has a first spacer side and a first spacer end. The second spacer section has a second spacer side and a second spacer end. The lid, base and spacer are attached such that a fluid chamber is formed between a portion of a lower lid surface and an upper base surface, and between the first and second spacer sides. The lower lid surface, the upper base surface, the first spacer end and the second spacer end form a side vent therebetween that is in communication with the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A method for evaluating contamination measurement values of solid particle (6) contamination in fluids in a system (1), in particular in hydraulic and/or lubricating fluids, wherein said contamination measurement values being represented by counting, within a volume of said fluid, at least one number of particles (6) having a particle size in at least one predetermined particle size range, said method for evaluating comprising the steps of: comparing said counted number with at least one predetermined threshold value (22, 24, W, A, S) resulting in a present comparison result, reading a previous comparison result corresponding to a previous counted number from a history file, choosing an appropriate control signal to control said system (1), said choice being based on said present comparison result and at least one previous comparison result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of scanning a sample with a scanning probe microscope including scanning a surface of the sample according to at least one scan parameter to obtain data corresponding to the surface, and substantially automatically identifying a transition in the surface. Based on the identified transition, the sample is re-scanned. Preferably, the resultant data is amended with data obtained by re-scanning the transition.

Abstract: A method for optically sampling characteristics of subsurface fluids within a wellhole using continuous, non-pulsed light transmitted downhole in optical fibers for both sampling and reference light channels for accurate attenuation compensation.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement is provided in a motor vehicle for determining solar radiation incident on the motor vehicle, having at least one electro-optic component that is fastened to a one-piece or multi-piece support using MID technology.

Abstract: A vessel (1) of a portable handheld work apparatus is provided for liquid operating substances such as fuel, oil or the like. The vessel (1) has a vessel wall (2) of injection-molded plastic and a viewing window (3) integrated into the vessel wall (2). The viewing window is provided for viewing the fill level. The vessel wall (2) and the viewing window (3) are configured as a two-component injection-molded part. Mutually adjoining edges (4, 5) of the vessel wall (2) and the viewing window (3) have a tongue-and-groove connection (6) with at least one groove (7) and at least one tongue (8).

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical (MEM) device includes a proof mass resiliently mounted to a substrate. The proof mass has first and second combs formed on opposite sides thereof and is electrically coupled to ground. A fixed drive comb is interleaved with the first comb of the proof mass. A fixed pick-off comb is interleaved with a portion of the second comb of the proof mass. A fixed bias comb is interleaved with the second proof mass comb. A substantially direct current (DC) bias is applied to the fixed bias comb. A substantially constant voltage is also exerted on a sense plate beneath the proof mass. The sense plate and bias comb are coupled to a charge amp through capacitors such that transient currents induced by motion of the proof mass will cause current to flow to a charge amp.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for measuring acceleration and a tilt angle using thermal convection of a fluid which includes a container containing the fluid, a heating body including a first heating element and a second heating element arranged in the container and a crosspoint that is formed as end portions of the first and second heating elements are electrically connected, and radiating heat when current is applied through the other end portions of the first and second heating elements, and a thermocouple including a thermocouple junction that contacts the crosspoint of the heating body and being point-symmetric with the heating body with respect to the crosspoint of the heating body, wherein a voltage between both end portions of the thermocouple is measured to calculate a temperature of the crosspoint of the heating body.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor having a vibrating body includes: a base fixed to a pedestal; an oscillating arm extended from the base in a beam-like shape, oscillating transversally in a planer direction at a predetermined resonant frequency. Here, the oscillating arm includes: an oscillating block defined by a through hole opened through a thickness direction at a widthwise center of the oscillating arm, the through hole extending in a lengthwise direction thereof; an added mass being a junction of a distal end of the oscillating block defined by the through hole; and an excitation means installed on the oscillating arm. At this time, the oscillating arm is supported by the base and by the added mass, either in a pseudo-dual anchor structure or a single anchor structure. With the above configuration, the acceleration sensor detects a resonant frequency variability of the vibrating body caused by an inertial effect of the added mass under acceleration.

Abstract: An oscillation driver circuit includes a gain control amplifier which causes a vibrator to produce driving vibrations by controlling an oscillation amplitude in an oscillation loop, and a comparator which generates a synchronous detection reference signal based on a signal in the oscillation loop. The comparator has an output current limiting function. The oscillation driver circuit causes the vibrator to produce vibrations using an output from the comparator in a state in which the gain in an oscillation loop formed by the vibrator and the comparator is set to be larger than unity, and then causes the vibrator to produce the driving vibrations by controlling an oscillation amplitude in an oscillation loop formed by the vibrator and the gain control amplifier.

Abstract: A transducer (20) includes a movable element (24), a self-test actuator (22), and a sensing element (56, 58). The sensing element (56, 58) detects movement of the movable element (24) from a first position (96) to a second position (102) along an axis perpendicular to a plane of the sensing element (56, 58). The second position (102) results in an output signal (82) that simulates a free fall condition. A method (92) for testing a protection feature of a device (70) having the transducer (20) entails moving the movable element (24) to the first position (102) to produce a negative gravitational force detectable at the sensing element (56, 68), applying a signal (88) to the actuator (22) to move the movable element (24) to the second position (102) by the electrostatic force (100) , and ascertaining an enablement of the protection feature in response to the simulated free fall.

Abstract: Rather than increasing the mass of the structure, the structure in a sensor system suspends its substrate from some mechanical ground. Motion of the substrate relative to the mechanical ground thus provides the movement information. To those ends, the sensor system includes a base, a substrate, and a flexible member suspended from at least a portion of the substrate. At least a portion of the flexible member is capable of moving relative to at least a portion of the substrate. In addition, the flexible member is secured to the base, thus causing the substrate to be movable relative to the base. Moreover, the mass of the substrate is greater than the mass of the flexible member. The substrate and flexible member are configured to interact to produce a motion signal identifying movement of the base.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a mass and a supporting member linked by a flexible beam. A strain detector having low-resistance areas at both ends is formed near a boundary between the beam and the mass or between the beam and the supporting member A dielectric film formed on the supporting member and the beam has multiple contact holes disposed over each low-resistance area. Wiring formed on the dielectric film is connected to the low-resistance areas through the contact holes. The provision of multiple contact holes for each low-resistance area extends the life of the acceleration sensor by preventing sensor failure due to the separation or other failure of any single contact.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining relative and/or absolute axial position of a conduit end within a fluid coupling includes application of input ultrasonic energy in the form of transient shear waves and analyzing the reflected energy. Application of the input energy collected at different radial positions about a first axial location is used with wavelet based correlation techniques to better analyze the reflected energy signals. Quality of the abutment between the conduit end and a surface associated with the coupling may also be determined as a separate or combined feature of the axial position determination.