Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system and method for testing fuel evaporative systems, and more particularly to a stand-alone tank tester system (and method) for testing vehicle fuel tank integrity. Furthermore, a self-contained calibration tank with switchable leak sizes for calibrating the tank tester to multiple leak sizes is provided. Constant flow and vacuum methods for testing fuel tank integrity are also provided.

Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit arranged to sealingly encompass the primary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal effect switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment includes a thermal chamber and an effect switch mounted on the thermal chamber. The thermal chamber has a sealed chamber and working fluid filled therein. The sealed chamber has a vacuum chamber. The effect switch is a flexible structure configured for turning inwards and outwards, and is operated by changing inner pressure of the thermal chamber produced by heating the thermal chamber. The thermal effect switch can drive the effect switch according to the heat condition of the thermal chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, rapid surface seeks to the measurement surface by a scanning probe microscope are enabled by using an actuator coupled to a position sensor.

Abstract: An atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoprobe comprising a nanocone base and a nanoprobe tip wherein the length to base diameter aspect ratio is at least 3 or more. The AFM nanoprobe tip structure comprises an orientation-controlled (vertical or inclined), high-aspect-ratio nanocone structure without catalyst particles, with a tip radius of curvature of at most 20 nm.

Abstract: An angular speed detecting apparatus for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The angular speed detecting apparatus detects a rotational angular speed of the crankshaft based on an output of a pulse generator which generates a crank pulse at every predetermined rotational angle of the crankshaft. An average value of a speed parameter indicating a rotational angular speed of the crankshaft is calculated using the data sampled at intervals of 720/N degrees where N is a number of cylinders of the engine. A learning correction coefficient for correcting the speed parameter is calculated according to the average value. The speed parameter is corrected using the learning correction coefficient.

Abstract: A sensing system computes an amount of moisture on a surface of a substrate, such as a window of a vehicle. The sensing system includes a transmitter which produces a wave to propagate through the substrate. A receiver receives the wave which propagated through the substrate. A phase shift detection circuit measures a phase shift between signals representing the transmitted and received wave. A temperature sensor senses a temperature of the substrate. A controller, in communication with the phase shift detection circuit and the temperature sensor, calculates the amount of moisture on the surface based on the phase shift and the temperature of the substrate. A wiper motor and wiper blade may then be actuated automatically based on the amount of moisture calculated to clear the moisture on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measurement of liquid flow through use of a volumetric mass balance.

Abstract: A thermowell extends downwardly into tank liquids from the roof of the tank. A magnetostrictive wave guide probe is positioned on the inside of the thermowell and a magnetic float is slidably positioned on the outside of the thermowell. The probe is connected to a head unit containing the necessary electronics for operability which is positioned outside of the tank. The position of the float, and thus the liquid level, is remotely sensed by the probe, and the probe can be removed from the thermowell if necessary without breaking the seal of the tank.

Abstract: A wave guide probe for use with direct-read tank level gages to provide electric signal output is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a translucent tube, a wave guide probe, and an electronics assembly. The translucent tube is for containing a fluid interface. The wave guide probe is positioned in the translucent tube. The electronics assembly is operably associated with the wave guide probe for actuating the wave guide probe and producing an electrical output signal representative of a location of the fluid interface in the translucent tube. The apparatus provides both electronic and optical level indications and is well suited for tank applications.

Abstract: A sensor case for attachment to laces of a shoe, includes a flexible body to be inserted between the laces and the shoe in an open condition and manipulated into a folded-over and closed condition surrounding and secured to the laces. The folded-over and closed condition defines an interior of the body. A pouch is integral with the body for receiving a sensor. A fastener secures the body in the folded-over and closed condition with the pouch in the interior of the body. A method for attaching a sensor to a shoe is also provided.

Abstract: This invention involves a new housing for a liquid level detection device. More particularly, the new stillwell apparatus comprises, at least one tubular section, a means for extending the length of the stillwell, a conduit for delivering a cleansing solution to the bottom of the tubular sections, a gas inlet tube for determination of the presence of hazardous gases, and a means for pressure equalization. In addition this invention reveals novel installation, removal and cleansing methods making it possible to install, remove, and cleanse the stillwell from an exterior of a vessel, thereby eliminating the need for highly trained personnel to enter the vessel in order to install, maintain, cleanse, or remove the stillwell.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus which positions a stage (7) includes measurement systems which measure the position of the stage (7), and a correction unit (15) which corrects, on the basis of the acceleration of the stage (7), the values measured by the measurement systems (3, 4).

Abstract: A system and method for determining acceleration along a motor axis of a MEMS gyroscope includes a processor. The processor includes a notch filter to remove a sinusoid from an instantaneous voltage from a motor pick up of the MEMS gyroscope. A memory bus allows random access to data stored in a processor readable memory. A processor-readable memory in operative engagement with the memory bus allows access to the processor-readable memory containing data. The data includes a model relating at least one instantaneous voltage in a remaining instantaneous voltage to an acceleration of a proof mass along the motor axis. Instructions to the processor include a routine to compare the at least one instantaneous voltage in the model to the remaining instantaneous voltage.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical sensing structure is provided with a mobile element adapted to be displaced as a function of a quantity to be detected, and first fixed elements, capacitively coupled to the mobile element and configured to implement with the mobile element first detection conditions. The sensing structure is further provided with second fixed elements, capacitively coupled to the mobile element and configured to implement with the mobile element second detection conditions, which are different from the first detection conditions. In particular, the first and second detection conditions differ with respect to a full-scale or a sensitivity value in the detection of the aforesaid quantity.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe comprises an acoustic backing layer made of a composite resin material including a resin and a plurality of bonded fibers contained the resin, each of the bonded fibers being formed of a plurality of zinc oxide fibers bonded to each other at one edge portions and extending in different directions in the other edge portions, the composite resin material exhibiting an acoustic impedance of 1.3 to 6 MRayls at 25° C., a plurality of channels arranged on the acoustic backing layer with space, each channel having a piezoelectric element and an acoustic matching layer formed on the piezoelectric element, and an acoustic lens formed to cover at least the surface of the acoustic matching layer of each channel.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for accurately determining the elevation, E, of a pulse-echo ultrasonic range sensor (2) relative to a datum level (14). The figure shows vertical elevations of the apparatus with plate deployed at level-1 (12) and level-2 (13) above a datum level (14), the levels being separated by a known distance, D. The elevation of the sensor is given by the relationship: R1=D|(dt1/(dt2?dt1))| where dt1 and dt2 are the intervals of time, determined by the sensor, taken by a pulse-echo to transit the distances R1 and R2 respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for damping an undesired component of an ultrasonic signal. The apparatus includes a sensor affixed to a pipe. The sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitted ultrasonic signal includes a structural component propagating through the pipe and a fluid component propagating through a flow in the pipe. The receiver receives one of the transmitted components. The apparatus includes a damping structure. The damping structure dampens the structural component of the ultrasonic signal to impede propagation of the structural component to the receiver. The damping structure includes one of a housing secured to the pipe to modify ultrasonic vibrational characteristics thereof, a plurality of film assemblies including a tunable circuit to attenuate structural vibration of the pipe, and a plurality of blocks affixed to the pipe to either reflect or propagates through the blocks, the undesired structural component of the ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: A pressure sensor, which is to be used in an environment involving vibrations, includes a case and a sensor chip. The case has an inner surface that is to be disposed perpendicular to a direction of the vibrations. The sensor chip is to sense a pressure in the environment and generate a sensing signal representative of the sensed pressure. The sensor chip has a pressure-receiving surface and is secured in the case with the pressure-receiving surface perpendicular to the inner surface of the case. With such an arrangement, since the pressure-receiving surface of the sensor chip is accordingly to be parallel to the direction of the vibrations, the influence of the vibrations on the pressure-receiving surface can be minimized. Consequently, high accuracy of the pressure sensor can be ensured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force measuring device, especially a pressure gauge (1), comprising a deformation element (2) that can be deformed as a result of an impingement by a force, particularly pressure, and at least one measuring element (4a, 4b) by means of which a deformation of the deformation element (2) can be converted into an electrical test signal. The measuring element (4a, 4b) is disposed on a planar substrate (6) which is attached to the deformation element (2) such that a deformation of the deformation element (2) caused by the impingement by a force also results in the substrate (6) being deformed. The inventive force measuring device is characterized in that the substrate (6) is made of an electrically insulating material while the substrate (6) is provided with less flexural rigidity than the deformation element (2) as a result of the material of which the same is made. Also disclosed is an associated production method.

Abstract: A collision detection system for a vehicle includes a bumper reinforcement fixed to a side member of the vehicle, a pressure sensor placed in front of the bumper reinforcement and having at least one pressure-sensitive member, and a load plate placed in front of the pressure sensor. The load plate has a base member and at least one leg member extending from the base member toward the bumper reinforcement. The base member has a first portion facing the pressure sensitive member of the pressure sensor and a second portion fixed to the leg member. The pressure sensor can have a small pressure-sensitive range, because the leg member reduces pressure applied through the load plate to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An occupant load detecting device of a seat for a vehicle includes a strain member arranged between a floor-side fixing member and a seat-side fixing member and having a strain gauge, a connecting member fixed to the strain member and securely connected to one of the floor-side fixing member and the seat-side fixing member, a first supporting member relatively immovably fitted into a fixing hole and fixed to an attachment surface formed at the other one of the floor-side fixing member and the seat-side fixing member to support the strain member, a second supporting member fitted into an attachment hole and fixed to the attachment surface, and a bracket including first and second fixing portions and an amplifier case fixing portion continuous with the first and second fixing portions and extending at a side of the strain member in a lateral direction of the seat.

Abstract: An occupant load sensor of a seat for a vehicle includes a metal-made bracket fixed to a strain member and having an attachment portion extending in a lateral direction from the strain member, an amplifier substrate for amplifying a signal transmitted by the strain gauge. One surface of the amplifier substrate is covered by the attachment portion of the metal-made bracket and the other surface thereof is covered by a metal-foil ground pattern. The occupant load sensor further includes a resin-made amplifier case fixed to the attachment portion of the metal-made bracket and arranged in parallel to the strain member. The resin-made amplifier case houses therein the amplifier substrate.

Abstract: A method for sensing flow within a pipe having an internal passage disposed between a first wall portion and a second wall portion is provided, comprising the steps of: 1) providing a flow meter having at least one ultrasonic sensor unit that includes an ultrasonic transmitter attached to the first wall portion and an ultrasonic receiver attached to the second wall portion and aligned to receive ultrasonic signals transmitted from the transmitter; 2) selectively operating the ultrasonic transmitter to transmit a beam of ultrasonic signal, which beam has a focal point such that within the pipe, the beam is either colliminated, divergent or convergent; and 3) receiving the ultrasonic signals within the beam using the ultrasonic receiver. An apparatus operable to perform the aforesaid method is also provided.

Abstract: A flow meter that is easily and inexpensively installed in the casing of a well. The flow meter is able to improve the monitoring of private well water usage. The flow meter is typically disposed above an in-the-well pump and below an adapter that directs water outside of the well casing. The flow meter may be connected to a transmitter and antenna for broadcasting flow information to regulatory agencies using communication signals, such as radio frequency, infrared, or other communicating technology. The flow meter should optimally be located below the frost line inside of the casing in locations with cold temperatures. Power to operate the flow meter may be derived from a variety of sources, including a dedicated power line connected to a power source, such as a battery, power grid, or solar power. In addition, the flow meter may generate its own power from the flow of water through the meter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force measuring assembly for processing pressure signals in electronic, especially electromechanical, brake systems, particularly for motor vehicles comprising at least one force sensor subassembly and at least one signal processing device per wheel brake. At least one force sensor subassembly encompasses a brake actuator (2, 3) that is in non-positive connection with at least one pressure component (1) which is provided at least in part with an amorphous piezoresistive diamond-like carbon layer (4) forming a force sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oil sampling assembly structured to collect an oil sample from the oil circulating system of an engine or other device and including a housing connected in fluid communication with the oil circulating system and having a container removably connected thereto. During operation of the oil circulating system a continuous flow of oil into and out of the container will occur. When the oil circulating system is not operating, oil and any contaminants contained therein will collect within the container. The container and oil sample is detached from the housing, replaced by another container, and connected to a closure for transport to a testing facility.

Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples in an analytical instrument, e.g., a hematology instrument, includes a liquid-sampling valve that, while operating to segment and position for dispensing one or more precise volumes of a liquid sample that has been aspirated into the valve by a pump, simultaneously enables the apparatus to be operated in an aspirate/dispense (suck-and-spit) mode in which a liquid sample can be selectively driven through the valve in opposite directions by a pump, e.g., a syringe pump.

Abstract: A sampling device (10) includes a sample extraction portion (28) which reciprocates within a cylindrical sample housing portion (26). The sample housing portion is axially moveable through a gate valve (22) to permit removal and maintenance of the sample extractor.

Abstract: The device comprises a support in the form of a tray or the like, which is at the top and provided inside with first grooves for guiding first cards arranged parallel to each other, forming a single level for the cards and is characterised in that it has sets of grooves interposed between the first grooves, allowing a second level of cards to be placed at a level higher than the first cards.

Abstract: A seating surrogate suitable for use in seat testing operations, such as but not limited to those associated with vehicle seat testing and non-vehicle seat testing. The surrogate may include a back form and a buttock form to mimic a human back and buttock. The forms may be operable connected to be simulate actual human interaction with a tested seat.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided for inspecting a generator including a rotor and a stator substantially surrounding the rotor. The rotor has a first end with a first circumference, and a second end with a second circumference. The inspection system includes first and second retaining rings disposed at or about the first and second ends of the rotor, and first and second motion control modules movably coupled to the first and second retaining rings. The first and second motion control modules are interconnected and guide a carriage assembly therebetween in order to perform an operation on the generator. At least one of the first and second motion control modules is structured to receive the carriage assembly and to move around the corresponding first or second circumference of the generator rotor, in order to align the carriage assembly with stator slots of the stator of the generator.

Abstract: An apparatus evaluates a substrate mounting device adapted to hold a target substrate placed on a mounting surface and to control a temperature of the target substrate. The apparatus includes an evacuatable airtightly sealed chamber accommodating therein the substrate mounting device, a heat source, arranged in a facing relationship with the mounting surface, for irradiating infrared light. The apparatus further includes an evaluation-purpose substrate adapted to be mounted on the mounting surface in place of the target substrate, the evaluation-purpose substrate being made of an infrared light absorbing material, and having a unit for measuring temperatures at plural sites on a surface and/or inside of the substrate.

Abstract: A remotely controlled, traction wheel driven, transporter moves inspection equipment within a walled cavity to check internal structural features. The inspection equipment can be mounted on a positioner pushed by the transporter, which adjusts with changing dimensions of the cavity so as to maintain the inspection equipment in a desired position or attitude, for example, centered within the cavity.

Abstract: A torque controlling device for being equipped around a motor shaft and providing warning to an operator of idle running of the motor and allowing the operator to adjust for proper torque control thereby at least comprises a ball settled on the surface of the motor shaft, a through passage radially passing through the worm shaft accommodating said ball, an elastic element arranged upon the ball and a screw provided upon the elastic element.

Abstract: A gearbox having at least two gears is disclosed. The gearbox includes a shift selector, a first gearshaft, a second gearshaft selectively engagable with the first gearshaft via the at least two gears, and a first clutch mechanism located on the second gearshaft. The first clutch mechanism is configured to selectively engage the second gearshaft with the first gearshaft. The first clutch mechanism includes a clutch plate attached to first gear on the second gearshaft, and a pressure plate attached to the second gearshaft. The clutch plate and pressure plate are configured to selectively engage one another so that the second gearshaft engages the first gearshaft.

Abstract: A shift control device in which a number of times that an angle change amount per a defined time period is successively equal to or less than a determined value is calculated, when a rotation angle of a shift shaft is equal to or more than a threshold value. In addition, an abutting state determination is performed that determines whether the number of times is equal to or above a threshold value, and if it is determined that there is an abutting state (namely, the shift shaft has reached an actual mechanical maximum rotation angle), processing shifts to an engagement process of a shift clutch.

Abstract: A double clutch transmission includes a first input shaft receiving power from a crankshaft through a first clutch and comprising at least one first drive gear, a second input shaft receiving power from a crankshaft through a second clutch and comprising at least one second drive gear, a first output shaft comprising at least one first driven gear to receive the power from the second input shaft, a second output shaft comprising at least one second driven gear to receive the power from the first input shaft, and a flywheel interposed between the first clutch and the second clutch wherein a bearing supporting the flywheel is disposed on an exterior circumference of the second input shaft.

Abstract: In an actuator (1) in which an angle detector (13) of a magnetic encoder for detecting the rotational position of a motor (3) is incorporated inside a wave reduction gear (5), detection signals from Hall elements (11a, 11b) of the angle detector (13) are transmitted via sensor lead wires (17) that have been brought out through wiring holes (36a, 33a, 35a, 37a) formed inside the motor (3) to a sensor signal converter board (14) disposed on the rear end side of the motor. Since the wiring is not required to be brought out to the exterior, indirectly routed along the exterior of the motor (3), and brought out to the rear side thereof, the wiring is not mechanically damaged and can be brought out with the shortest possible wiring distance, and the effect of electromagnetic noise can be reduced.

Abstract: A circulating assembly for a ball screw comprises a cassette and a separator. The fitting hole of the cassette facilitates the installation of the balls, and the separator is inserted in the fitting hole of the cassette, and the sub-return path in the front end of the separator cooperates with the main return path of the cassette to smoothly guide the circulation of the balls, so that the balls can be installed easily and quickly. And the helical groove of the screw doesn't need to extend to the shoulder portion thereof.

Abstract: An assembly including a polymeric member and a unitary metal casting wherein the metal casting relatively moveably captures the polymeric member on the metal casting. The assembly can be adapted for use as a crank arm in a transmission shift mechanism. In some embodiments of the assembly, the polymeric member includes an opening defining a rotational axis of said polymeric member. The metal casting extends into the opening and includes at least one enlarged diameter portion with the polymeric member being rotationally disposed on the metal casting and axially captured on the metal casting by the at least one enlarged diameter portion of the metal casting. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical tool includes a multi-stage gear transmission (10) located in the gear transmission housing (6) and having at least two axially displaceable indexing gear (42a, 42b), a shifting device (12) for shifting the gear transmission from one stage to another stage and having a shifting slide (14) linearly displaceable between different shifting positions, and at least two connection elements (32) for connecting the shifting slide (14) with respective indexing gears (42a, 42b), with the shifting slide (14) having a tracing profile (20) having two control tracks (22, 24), and the connection elements each having a first and second tracing sections (30a, 30b) to which the tracing profile (20) applies a shifting force in stages and which are arranged on opposite sides of a pivot axis (SA) of a respective connection element (32).

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a gear selector assembly including a tube with at least one engagement feature, arranged to be disposed within a drive shaft for a transmission, the transmission including at least one gear and the drive shaft including at least one gear actuation assembly; and a differential rotation element coupled with the tube and arranged to be coupled with the drive shaft so that the tube is differentially rotatable with respect to the drive shaft. The tube is arranged to differentially rotate such that the engagement feature engages the actuation assembly and the transmission engages a respective gear from the at least one gear. The assembly includes a means for displacing a portion of the differential rotation element such that the tube axially and rotationally displaces with respect to the drive shaft. The portion axially and rotationally engages with an interface element to controllably position the tube.

Abstract: A control lever may be prevented from moving from a particular shift position when a shift lever is moved from a particular shift position in an automated gear change mode selection area, and a coupled state with the shift lever has been released. In a shift lever device, when a shift lever moves from the D position that is in an automatic gear change area to a manual gear change area, coupled to this movement, a striker plate slides along a width direction from a released position to a constrained position. In doing so, a stopper member prevents movement along a shift direction of the striker plate that is in the constrained position, preventing movement along the shift direction of a support lever, which has been integrated to the striker plate moving in the shift direction, and the shift lever.

Abstract: A shifting device is provided for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle with a first automatic shift gate and with a second tipping gate for a manual, stepwise shifting operation about a middle position. A selector lever can be pivoted about a first shift gate axis into the automatic shift gate and the tipping gate and about a second selector lever axis within the shift gates. The selector lever axis and the shift gate axis are arranged at right angles to one another in a shifting device housing. A connection member is provided for transmitting the pivoting motion of the selector lever in the automatic shift gate to a coupling element to the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A control lever (10) is provided with a grip (12), which in a joint (14) having two degrees of freedom is supported in a housing (11) and can be switched from an initial position in various directions for activating shift elements (18, 19), whereby spring elements (41, 42) are provided for returning the grip (12) to its initial position, and with a functional device for overcoming a pressure point during the activation and/or for retaining a desired shift position. In order to provide functional devices in greater numbers in a gearshift lever of this type without requiring substantially more installation space or substantially higher costs, provision is made that the functional device is constituted by an electrically controllable hydraulic arrangement (35), which connects to diametrically opposing shift elements (18, 19), which can be activated by the grip (12) in two opposing directions of motion.

Abstract: A slide module having a first slide member, a second slide member moveable with respect to the first slide member, and a biasing unit connecting the first slide member to the second slide member, is provided. The biasing unit includes a first linkage having a plurality of links, the first linkage having one end rotatably connected to the first slide member and the other end rotatably connected to the second slide member, a second linkage having a plurality of links, the second linkage having one end of the second linkage rotatably connected to the first slide member and the other end rotatably connected to the second slide member, and a biasing mechanism connected between the first linkage and the second linkage.

Abstract: A control device for bicycles has a main body for attachment to a bicycle handlebar and at least one actuation arm for controlling a brake and/or a derailleur of the bicycle. The at least one actuation arm has a first portion having a finger actuation area and a second portion for controlling the brake and/or the derailleur, said first portion and said second portion being distinct bodies fixable to each other. The first portion can therefore be replaced without disassembling the control device, with an identical one when it breaks, wears down or is damaged, or else with a different one in terms of the constituent material, color or similar, to satisfy the different preferences of the cyclist, or even different in shape and/or size, in particular in curvature and/or length, so that the control device is adaptable to cyclists with hands that depart from average size. To this purpose, a same first portion can also be fixable in at least two different positions with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: A shifter mechanism includes a housing, a yoke assembly having a shifter lever and pivotably secured to the housing along a shift path, and a gate cover secured to the housing and forming a slot. The shifter lever extends through the slot to define the shift path. The gate cover is a unitary component formed separate from the housing. The gate cover provides a gate profile and a secondary detent profile. By changing the gate cover alone, a shifter mechanism with different shifter lever travel or a different type of shifter mechanism can be obtained.