Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultrasound system and method for forming an ultrasound image. A plurality of scan line groups each having the respective scan line density are set based on a predetermined reference scan line group. The predetermined reference scan line group includes a plurality of scan lines each having a predetermined reference scan line density. The ultrasound signals are received and transmitted along the scan lines of the respective scan line groups to form the frame data. The frames corresponding to the respective scan line groups are formed based on the frame data. The frames are then spatially compounded to form a compound image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting a position and/or a shape of an object located around an automotive vehicle is mounted on a structure of the vehicle such as a bumper. The ultrasonic sensor includes a receiving member for receiving ultrasonic waves reflected on the object to be detected and receiving element having plural vibrating portions. The receiving member is sectioned by intercepting slits into plural receiving regions each corresponding to each vibrating portion. The intercepting slit eliminates or suppresses crosstalk between neighboring receiving regions, and thereby reducing detection noises due to the crosstalk and improving detection sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor. The shape of the intercepting slit is made to satisfy the formula: 0.35?L/T?0.60, where L is a depth of the slit and T is a thickness of the receiving member. In this manner, the crosstalk resulting in detection noises is sufficiently suppressed.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for inspecting energized and de-energized conductors. The apparatus includes a housing, at least one transmitter contained within the housing for generating and impinging pulses onto an electrical conductor, such that the pulses travel through and are reflected by the electrical conductor, and at least one receiver contained within the housing for receiving reflected pulses from the electrical conductor. The apparatus further including a controller for determining a condition of the electrical conductor based on an evaluation of the reflected pulses, and at least one indicator for displaying the condition of the electrical conductor determined by the controller.

Abstract: An ultrasonic driving device with multi-frequency scanning that includes a signal generating module, an output module, and an ultrasonic transducer module. The signal generating module provides a first drive signal, the frequency of which varies within a specified range. The output module is connected electrically to the signal generating module for receiving the first drive signal therefrom, and for adjusting amplitude of the first drive signal to result in a second drive signal. The ultrasonic transducer module is connected electrically to the output module for receiving the second drive signal therefrom, and for producing ultrasounds, the frequency of which corresponds to that of the second drive signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate, such as a metallic interleaved composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness, at least one metallic shim, and at least one mesh. A plurality of metallic shims and meshes may be disposed in alternating layers within the member. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. Use of the mesh may produce a standard which transmits ultrasonic energy, with the mesh scattering and attenuating the energy. Use of the metallic shim may aide in modeling a metallic laminate.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a diaphragm having a displaceable elastic inner portion, wherein the inner portion displaces in response to a pressure difference between first and second sides of the diaphragm. A radiation source may be configured to transmit first and second beams of radiation. A light receiver may be configured to receive the first beam of radiation directly from the radiation source and the second beam of radiation after it reflects from the first side of the diaphragm. A control system may be coupled to the radiation source and light receiver and adapted to determine the pressure difference from the displacement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A pressure-sensor package mainly includes a pressure sensor, a support substrate, and a resin layer. The pressure sensor includes a glass substrate having a fixed electrode, and a silicon substrate having a diaphragm that is disposed apart from the fixed electrode by a predetermined distance. The support substrate is a silicon/glass composite substrate on which the pressure sensor is mounted such that the support substrate and the diaphragm face each other. The resin layer fixes the pressure sensor and the support substrate together. The pressure sensor is mounted on a mounting area of the support substrate with a joint member therebetween. Accordingly, even if a gap between the support substrate and the diaphragm has a size of about several micrometers, the pressure-sensor package is capable of performing pressure detection with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A manometer for multi-channel pressure measurement is presented which includes two or more manometer channels, where each channel includes an independent fluid level adjustment. Also included is a method for calibrating multiple channel carburetors using a manometer having multiple channels each having an independent fluid level adjustment.

Abstract: In a tie bar strain measuring device, even if an elongation is generated in a belt for attachment, a strain gauge can be pressed against a tie bar continuously with a sufficient pressing force by absorbing the elongation. The strain gauge is fixed to a strain gauge fixing member, and a belt-like member is wound around an outer circumference of the tie bar so as to retain the strain gauge fixing member while pressing against an outer circumferential surface of the tie bar. The belt-like member is clamped by a clamping device. A clamping force is generated by a resilient restoration force of a conical plate spring provided in the clamping device.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of measuring the overall elasticity of skin and determining the portion of the overall elasticity that is due to elastic properties and the portion of overall elasticity that is due to viscoelastic properties of the skin and correlating the results of the measurement to an individual's chronological age. The invention also relates to methods of measuring improvements in a person's skin health by measuring elasticity before, during and after human clinical trials of topical and/or oral treatment compositions. The parameters for determining elasticity are based on areas that are defined on a deformation/relaxation curve and require that an inflection point be determined for each skin sample analyzed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antenna arrangement for in-coupling or out-coupling of electromagnetic high frequency waves, especially microwaves, in a pipe-shaped hollow body (1). This antenna arrangement comprises at least one flat patch element (2, 3) as a radiator element, which is applied on a dielectric substrate (8) within a pipe outer wall part (7) of the hollow body (1). The antenna arrangement is characterized in that the radiator element is integrated in the pipe inner wall (5) of the hollow body (1) and is fitted by curved surfaces to the curved longitudinal wall of the hollow body (1). In that regard, the patch element (2, 3) is embodied rectangularly, and is arranged with its longitudinal side (14) transversely to the hollow body longitudinal direction, whereby still at least one further similar second patch element (3) is integrated into the pipe inner wall (5), lying opposite to the in-feeding first patch element (2).

Abstract: A flowmeter, in particular a magnetoinductive flowmeter, for measuring the flow rate of a moving medium has a measuring tube through which the medium is channeled and a flow-measuring device is positioned within the measuring tube. A valve housing is provided that is produced jointly with the measuring tube as a one-piece unit, the result being a compact flowmeter that easily meets hygienic standards.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection sensor includes a particulate matter detection filter and a differential pressure measuring part measuring a differential pressure between an inlet and an outlet of the particulate matter detection filter. The particulate detection filter has a filtration area of about 0.1 to about 100 cm2.

Abstract: A nano-anemometer is formed by growing a nanowire to span an open area between a pair of electrodes. The nanowire is coupled to a sensing apparatus to form a hot-wire nano-anemometer.

Abstract: A weighing system (1) with a plurality of weighing cells for respectively weighing a plurality of materials. The weighing cells have essentially the same configuration, are arranged interchangeably in a two-dimensional array, are releaseably fixed on a support element (6) and have electrical connectors.

Abstract: A traveling test apparatus for a vehicle includes a flat-belt mechanism that includes a first pair of rollers, and a first endless belt wound around the first pair of rollers, the flat-belt mechanism being configured such that at least one tire of the vehicle contacts the first endless belt, and that the first endless belt is revolved around the first pair of rollers by rotation of the at-least-one tire, and a supporting belt mechanism that includes a second pair of rollers, and a second endless belt wound around the second pair of rollers, the supporting belt mechanism being configured such that an upper outer circumferential surface of the second endless belt contacts an upper inner circumferential surface of the first endless belt, and that the second endless belt is revolved around the second pair of rollers by the rotation of the at least one tire.

Abstract: At least one shear force sensor is used to measure the shear force on a member, when the member is in contact with and pressed against a polishing or planarization surface and a lateral force is applied between the two surfaces. Preferably the structure and the surface of the structure have properties (such as one or more of the following: dimensions and coefficient of friction) that are substantially the same as those of a real substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer or flat panel display panel.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus for monitoring the position of the centre of mass of a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. The apparatus includes a wafer support (14) with a ledge for supporting an edge of a wafer (2) when it is lifted at a detection point by a probe (16). The probe (16) is connected to a force sensor (18) which senses a force due to a moment of the wafer about a fulcrum (4) on the wafer support (14). Moment measurements are taken at a plurality of detection points and a processing unit calculates the position of the centre of mass from the moment measurements. Changes in wafer mass distribution (e.g. due to faulty treatment steps) which cause movement of the centre of mass can be detected.

Abstract: An exhaust sampling system is provided that includes a sampler having a sample inlet for receiving an exhaust gas sample. The sampler includes a mixer for receiving the exhaust gas sample and a diluent to produce a diluted exhaust gas. The exhaust sampling system includes first and second dilution gas flow devices. The first and second dilution gas flow devices are fluidly connected to one another at a second junction. Any diluent provided by the first and second dilution gas flow devices intermingles with one another prior to reaching the mixer. A diluted sample flow meter is arranged downstream from the mixer for receiving the diluted exhaust gas. In one example, diluent flow from the first and second dilution gas flow devices intermingles before being introduced to the mixer. In another example, diluent flow from the first dilution gas flow device is leaked out of the second dilution gas flow device in a controlled manner to achieve a desired diluent flow into the mixer.

Abstract: A portable microbial gaseous-fluid sampler includes a gaseous-fluid flow system at least partially supported by a structure. The gaseous-fluid flow system includes a gaseous-fluid intake portion having an intake port, a blower in fluid communication with the intake port, and a gaseous-fluid exhaust portion having an exhaust port. The sampler can further include an exhaust filter operable to substantially filter a totality of the gaseous fluid flowing through the sampler prior to exhausting the gaseous fluid. The sampler also can include a control system operable to control at least gaseous-fluid flow through the sampler, and a remote sampling head.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: An improved scent transfer device for collecting evidence at a crime scene. The device comprises an air inflator with a gas cartridge coupled to an air amplifier. A holder having a sterile pad positioned therein is secured to the air amplifier. When gas from the cartridge is expelled into the air amplifier, a vacuum is created at the end of the air amplifier where the pad holder is attached, enabling a user, when the pad holder is positioned near an area to be examined, to collect the scent on the pad. The pad can then be removed and stored in an evidence bag.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for measuring the mass of a substance. In one method, energy is applied to a substance and a response resulting from the application of energy as measured. The mass of the substance is then determined based at least in part on the measured response.

Abstract: An air gap inspection device for a generator field or stator core. The inspection device may include first and second side drive modules and a center drive module disposed between the side drive modules. The first, the second, and the center drive modules may include a track for driving on the generator field or the stator core. The inspection device also may have a transverse assembly connected to the center drive module. The transverse assembly may include an ultrasonic module.

Abstract: An inspection head for an air gap inspection device. The inspection head may include a pair of expandable shoes, an inspection device attached to the pair of shoes, and a transducer assembly attached to one of the pair of shoes.

Abstract: A device for positioning a measuring head above a print substrate includes a display device and a motor-driven positioning device for the measuring head. The motor-driven positioning device for the measuring head is controllable by a computer connected to the display device. Measurement locations are selectable on the display device and the measuring head is positioned by the positioning device depending on the selected measurement locations.

Abstract: To shorten a period of time necessary for performing routine inspections and reduce costs by monitoring a state such as a contact failure of a switching equipment which constitutes a power reception circuit or a branch circuit of a substation through a simple construction. A sensor attached IC tag application high voltage equipment is constructed by detachably mounting a sensor attached IC tag at a position where a sensor of a sensor attached IC tag obtains a physical quantity of a detection target, wherein the sensor attached IC tag is configured to communicate with an externally located IC tag reader.

Abstract: An acceleration measurement system is provided. The system includes at least first and second accelerometers. The first accelerometer has an electrical characteristic that varies with acceleration in a first axis. The second accelerometer also has an electrical characteristic that varies with acceleration in the same first axis. A controller is operably coupled to the first and second accelerometers and provides an acceleration output that is based on the electrical characteristics of the first and second accelerometers. In one aspect, the acceleration system is in the form of a substrate-like sensor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for providing custom vehicular monitoring gauges for individuals. The custom vehicular monitoring gauges include a display face having an upper show surface and a lower surface. A sensor scale and a display area are located on the upper show surface of the display face. A predetermined graphic design is located on the display area. The predetermined graphic design comprises a plurality of gems set in a predefined pattern to form the predetermined graphic design. The sensor scale may also comprise a plurality of gems set in a predefined pattern to form the sensor scale.

Abstract: An angle-adjustable engine starter structure for remote-control toy car is disclosed to include an engine, a driven gear coupled to an one-way axle bearing at the output shaft of the engine, a drive gear meshed with the driven gear and rotatable by an electric starter, a side cover covering the drive gear and the driven gear and having outside radial teeth, and an outer cover detachably fastened to the engine with screws and having radial teeth meshed with the radial teeth of the side cover to hold the side cover and the drive gear in position and for allowing adjustment of the angular position of the side cover and the drive gear relative to the driven gear after disconnection of the outer cover from the engine.

Abstract: A twin clutch type transmission connected to an engine of a vehicle and the like in which an end portion of the main shaft is held in the secure and compact manner to contribute to efficient operation of the transmission. In the twin clutch type transmission, the first and second hydraulic disk clutches are coaxially provided to be adjacent with each other, and the inner and outer shafts of the main shaft as a coaxial dual structure are connected to the respective disk clutches coaxially. The ball bearing fixed to the transmission case with the holder plate pierces the left end portion of the inner shaft so as to be supported, and further to be tightened and fixed to the ball bearing with the locknut screwed with the leading end of the left end portion.

Abstract: A shift mechanism for a manual transmission includes a shaft rotatably and reciprocatably supported by a housing, a shift rail axially movably supported by the housing and reciprocated in conjunction with rotation of the shaft, a shift fork attached to the shift rail for selecting and establishing one of a plurality of shift stages, an inertia lever attached to the housing and pivoted in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft, an inertia mass provided at one end of the inertia lever, and a guide pin provided at the inertia mass in parallel with a central axial line of the shaft and protruding from the inertia mass so that the guide pin is engaged with a cam groove being provided at a flat panel which is formed on the housing orthogonally with the central axial line of the shaft, wherein a profile of the cam groove is formed on the flat panel.

Abstract: A gear train comprising a driving gear and at least two driven gears respectively engaged with the driving gear. Multiple teeth of the driving gear can be accommodated between two adjacent teeth of each driven gear, the number of said teeth of the driving gear that can be accommodated between two adjacent teeth of each driven gear is equal to the number of the driven gears. The engagement of the driving gear with each driven gear is in order and in sequence, i.e., the driving gear engages each driven gear alternately. The invention teaches reduction of the number of the teeth of the driving gear.

Abstract: The invention involves a gearbox 1, especially for adjustment devices in motor vehicles, with a plastic worm drive 10. The invention provides that the worm drive 10 has an encircling, circular flat contact surface 27 perpendicular to the worm axle and a number of removal pockets 22 in the form of recesses that are interposed axially between contact surface 27 and the worm axle and at the same time arranged in a level 29 recessed to the level of contact surface 27, whereby an encircling bevel 23 is formed in the transition area from level 29 of removal pockets 22 to the level of the circular contact surface 27.

Abstract: A worm gear drive has a self locking gear train. The gear train comprises a worm 34 fitted to a motor shaft 32 and in mesh with a worm wheel 35 which drives the output 26. The motor shaft 32 extends between two thrust bearings 29, 60 having faces 54 which contact respective axial ends of the motor shaft 32. The contact between at least one of the thrust bearings 29 and the shaft 32 is adapted to provide a high frictional force.

Abstract: A speed reducer is provided with housing having support for a shaft of an enveloping worm and a shaft of a face gear. The enveloping worm placed into meshing engagement with the face gear. They have crossing or intersected axes. The enveloping worm face gears are used for mechanical power transition while reducing the noise and the weight of the speed reducer.

Abstract: A transmission system is equipped with rotating member(s) and a shaft member upon which the rotating member(s) is/are carried. A projecting support portion projecting inwardly and supporting the shaft member is formed in the casing of the transmission system with at least a part of the projecting support portion dipping into the lubricating oil in the casing, and the specific gravity of the projecting support portion being set to be lower than that of the lubricating oil.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting control apparatus is provided with a gearshift operating part and an actuating unit. The gearshift operating part outputs a first chain moving operation and a second chain moving operation for moving a front derailleur via the actuating unit. The actuating unit includes a first actuating part and a second actuating part. The first actuating part performs a first action for moving the front derailleur from a first position corresponding to a small sprocket a second position corresponding to an adjacent larger sprocket in accordance with the first chain moving operation of the gearshift operating part. The second actuating part performs a second action for moving the front derailleur to a third position located past the second position corresponding to the larger sprocket in accordance with the second chain moving operation of the gearshift operating part.

Abstract: An adjustment device (10) having a socket (12) attached to an article (14) to be adjusted; a housing (16) remote from the article (14); a shaft (18) moveable along a longitudinal axis (20) in the housing (16), the shaft (18) having a socket end (22) engaging the socket (12); a clutch (24) to allow slippage of the shaft (18), the improvement wherein a friction brake (26) is positioned in the housing (16) and engages the socket end (22) of the shaft (18).

Abstract: A motion mechanism for achieving motion in two directions that are at right angles to each other includes two linear actuator assemblies arranged parallel to each other, a carriage assembly mounted on each of the linear actuator assemblies, and a head slidably linked on opposite sides thereof to the carriage assemblies via slide assemblies that have slide members that are linearly movable with respect to each other along equal but opposite angles with respect to the direction of movement of the carriages.

Abstract: [Problems]To further improve the operation property at the time of making a tilt and telescopic adjustment and reduce the number of parts and adjust the starting load at the time of a secondary collision. [Means for Resolution] On the outside of opposing flat plate portions 14, 14 of a vehicle body side bracket 11, friction plates 26, 26 for tilting are attached. Between these friction plates 26, 26, friction plates 27, 27 for telescoping are provided. On the friction plates 26, 26 for tilting, slotted holes 26a for tilting are formed corresponding to slotted holes 15 for tilting. On the friction plates 27, 27 for telescoping, slotted holes 27a for telescoping are formed corresponding to a telescopic adjustment range. The slotted holes 15, 26a for tilting are formed into a straight shape and perpendicular to an axis of an upper column 2.

Abstract: The motor driven steering column adjusting device has a bearing pedestal, a jacket tube that is supported in its front region via a longitudinal guide on the bearing pedestal and is surrounded in its rear region by a bearing ring and is axially guided therein, and a spindle that extends parallel to the jacket tube. The spindle is rotationally connected to the bearing ring, is at the front in engagement with a front spindle nut, which is rotationally connected to a front motor and is rotatably arranged in a support that is attached to the jacket tube, and at the rear is in engagement with a rear spindle nut, which is rotatably connected to a rear motor and is rotatably arranged in a housing, which can be swivelled about an articulated drive axle in connection to a coupling rocker that is connected in articulated manner to a rocker, which in turn is hinge connected to the bearing pedestal.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly is provided with a handlebar, a first gearshift operating part and a second gearshift operating part. The handlebar includes a central portion, a first end portion on a first lateral side of the central portion and a second end portion on a second lateral side of the central portion. The first gearshift operating part is attached to the first end portion of the handlebar with the first gearshift operating part being arranged to electrically control a front derailleur to selectively perform a first gearshift operation. The second gearshift operating part is attached to the first end portion of the handlebar with the second gearshift operating part being arranged to electrically control a rear derailleur to selectively perform a second gearshift operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake booster intended to transmit handbrake commands. This booster essentially comprises a plunger (3) able to move axially under the command of the control rod (1). An enclosure (2) contains a working chamber (21) and a vacuum chamber (20) which are separated by a wall (22) able to move axially under the effect of the plunger (3) and/or of a difference in pressure between the vacuum chamber and the working chamber. A three-way valve (4) controlled by the plunger (3) allows the working chamber (21) to be connected either to the vacuum chamber or to atmospheric air. Finally, a bearing piece (17) controlled by the moving wall (22) allows the control rod (1) to be driven along.

Abstract: An energy storage flywheel system for a spacecraft is implemented with a fully redundant rotating group and gimbal actuator. In particular, the gimbal actuator, motor/generator, primary bearings, and secondary bearing actuator are each implemented with a pair of redundant coils or motors.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device has fixed discs and rotary discs alternately and coaxially disposed. Each disc has two surfaces, and two surfaces of each pair of fixed and rotary discs face each other through a lubricant. Each surface has dimples, respectively, surrounded by concave portions. A position of each dimple in the rotary discs is differentiated from a position of any dimple of the fixed discs in a radial direction of the discs. In response to an impact given to the rotary discs, the rotary discs are rotated on the fixed discs against a frictional force between the discs to absorb the impact. During this rotation, each dimple of the rotary discs is moved along a circumferential direction of the discs, and no concave portions of the rotary discs are placed just on the concave portions of the fixed discs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing iron oxides using microwave heating in a furnace chamber which is sealed against the entrance of air reduces the energy required and produces a low temperature reduction and allows the recovery of combustible synthetic gas as a byproduct of the process. Avoidance of the reduction of sulfur, phorphorus and silica is also insured, as is the need to reduce the silica content of the feed material prior to reducing the ore. A continuous rotary hearth furnace, a rotary kiln, a linear conveyor and vertical shaft furnace chamber configurations are described. A secondary heating zone can also be included to process the reduced iron into iron nuggets or liquid metallic iron.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the thermal conversion of non-ferrous smelting slag to granular products having sufficient strength and other useful characteristics for use as proppant, gravel pack, roofing granules and abrasive blast materials. Non-ferrous smelting slag is treated with silica, alumina, calcia and magnesia and then heated for a period of time sufficient for reaction of the ingredients and homogenization prior to being made into granular products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles, more particularly to a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles, which includes: preparing a mixed solution including capping molecules, a metal catalyst, a reducing agent, and an organic solvent; adding a metal precursor to the mixed solution and raising to a predetermined temperature and stirring; and lowering the temperature of the mixed solution and producing nanoparticles. Embodiments of the invention allow the synthesis of nanoparticles, such as of single metals, metal alloys, or metal oxides, to a high concentration in a water base using a metal catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of valve metal powders, in particular, tantalum powders by reduction of a corresponding valve metal compound, for example, K2TaF7, with an alkali metal in the presence of a diluent salt, whereby the reduction is carried out in the presence of a particle diminution agent, preferably, Na2SO4, which is added to the reaction mixture continuously or in aliquots.