Abstract: Drawn and ironed aluminum can bodies are made from aluminum having a gauge thickness of 0.01075 inches or less, in which the bottom profile meets customer requirements for bottom performance in terms of buckle, drop and growth, without requiring the bottom profile to be reformed in a separate bottom profile reforming step.

Abstract: A method for producing a workpiece in the form of a metal sheet with at least one at least partly rolled edge, said at least one edge to be rolled having a length in a longitudinal direction and a curvature in at least one portion along said longitudinal direction, comprises the steps of providing said workpiece, in said at least one portion which has said curvature, with at least one material projection extending in said longitudinal direction of said edge over a part of said length of said at least one edge to be rolled, so that said edge, along said material projection, projects beyond remaining portions of said edge adjoining said material projection transversely to said longitudinal direction of said edge, and subsequently rolling said edge including said material projection.

Abstract: A hog ring fastening device includes a body member, a main pneumatic cylinder attached to the body member, a first swing member supported for turning on the body member, a push means supported on the first swing member, a feed pneumatic cylinder fixed to the first swing member and connected to a port of the main pneumatic cylinder, a second swing member supported for turning on the body member so as to be in contact with the free end of the piston rod included in the feed pneumatic cylinder, a feed means supported on the second swing member, a spring seat fixed to the body member, a compression spring extended between the spring seat and the first swing member, and an extension spring extended between the first and the second swing member.

Abstract: An electronic balance with a force-transmitting device (1, 101) has a calibration weight arrangement (4, 104). The arrangement includes a calibration weight (3, 103) capable of being coupled to the force-transmitting device (1, 101). It also includes a transfer mechanism and a drive source to effect a guided movement of the calibration weight (3, 103). The drive source has an actuator (16) that cooperates with the transfer mechanism and consists, at least in part, of a shape memory alloy. The actuator (16) moves the calibration weight (3, 103) through a structural change of the shape memory alloy as a result of a temperature change.

Abstract: A pulse production interval measurement module (or temporal reconciliation module) for preferred use with a computational flowmeter and/or non-computational flowmeters to thereby temporally reconcile or time shift flowmeter output produced by a volume of fluid flow through the computational flowmeter with the start and stop times of the flow of a calibrated fluid volume through a prover. The pulse production interval measurement module may be implemented with software and/or hardware and operate on stored data or real time or near real time measurements.

Abstract: A process to analyze fluid entrained in well boreholes. The process includes gathering trap gas samples from return of drilling mud at multiple depths. The process also includes the steps of subjecting the samples to mass spectrometry in order to determine mass to charge ratios data of hydrocarbons and analyzing the mass to charge ratios data in relation to depth or time. Samples from at least one other source may also be gathered and analyzed chosen from the group consisting of mud fluid analysis, cuttings backgrounds analysis and cuttings crush analysis.

Abstract: A portable, preferably explosion-proof gas meter is improved in respect to shock loads and has a cylindrical measuring cell (5) and an evaluating circuit on a printed circuit board (6). The measuring cell (5) is connected to the printed circuit board (6) and is mounted in the housing in a shock-absorbing manner in the radial and longitudinal directions and is in gas flow connection with the environment through openings (40) in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever at least partially embedded within a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device (1) for the determination of air content, the air separation behavior and the surface foam formation of oils, in particular of transmission oils with an air-oil mixer (2) and a differential pressures sensor (3). A conveyor system (4) transports the oil through pipe lines (5) of the air-oil mixer (2). A compressed air port (6) is provided, which transports air into the pipe lines (5), of the air-oil mixer (2). A Venturi pipe (9) is installed in one of the pipe lines (5), and the differential pressure sensor (3) records, through at least two separate drill tubes (7, 8) in the conveyor system of the oil at the Venturi pipe (9), differential pressures in the oil.

Abstract: A pipe testing apparatus includes a mandrel adapted for insertion within the pipe and two sealing devices connected to the mandrel and adapted to seal opposite ends of the pipe to create an annular space between the mandrel, the pipe, and the sealing devices. The apparatus further includes one or more ports for filling the annular space with a pressurized fluid and a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure within the annular space. At least one of the sealing devices includes a combination of a sealing ring and a force applying ring, which forces the sealing ring to bear against one end of the pipe to from a seal. The mandrel is provided with stops for preventing the at least one sealing device from moving axially away from the pipe.

Abstract: A launch monitor that includes substantially all of its functional components on or within a housing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the launch monitor is capable of being transported and used in any desired location. One or more camera's, flashes, and triggers may be used to acquire images of a golf club and golf ball. The launch monitor is preferably capable of receiving and transmitting data over a wireless network. Acquired images and other data may be analyzed by a processor, and then displayed using an LED, LCD or other type of display or printer. The launch monitor may “recognize” a plurality of golf clubs and golf balls based on an optical fingerprint. The optical fingerprints, which are preferably stored in a memory, allow the launch monitor to identify a golf club and/or ball substantially soon after they are placed in the field of view of the monitor Optical fingerprinting enables automatic record keeping, and storing performance data and equipment used simultaneously.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the spring constant of a scanning probe microscope cantilever mechanically coupled to a MEMs actuator may be determined in-situ by application of a force to the scanning probe microscope cantilever.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is a force sensor for a probe based instrument. The force sensor can comprise a detection surface and a flexible mechanical structure disposed a first distance above the detection surface so as to form a gap between the flexible mechanical structure and the detection surface wherein the flexible mechanical structure is configured to deflect upon exposure to an external force, thereby changing the first distance over a selected portion of the gap, the change in distance at the selected portion orienting a probe tip of the force sensor for multi-directional measurement.

Abstract: A traversable, fiber-optic probe design for flow-related measurements in a production-car IC engine during normal operating conditions may be fitted into an M8 spark-plug hole and traversed as much as 50 mm in an axial direction of the spark plug, allowing measurements inside the engine cylinder including the spark plug location. Components of the laser-based system include on-table optics used to generate laser beams and a data acquisition and reduction system used to extract the information measured from the signal produced by the fiber-optic probe.

Abstract: An intake device for an internal combustion engine includes a restriction valve provided in an air intake path of the engine, and an air flow rate sensor for measuring the amount of air suctioned into the air intake path which is provided on the downstream side of the restriction valve. The air flow rate sensor includes an air flow path where a sensor element is provided. The air flow sensor is set in the air intake path with a predetermined angle between the axis of the air flow path and the axis of the air intake path.

Abstract: A method of securing a tire-based unit (24) of a tire condition sensing system (12) to a rim (60) and an associated apparatus (62) are provided. The method comprising the steps of: positioning a mounting bracket (124) on the rim (60); positioning a self-pierce rivet (140, 200) against the mounting bracket (124), so that a portion of the mounting bracket (124) is interposed between the self-pierce rivet (140, 200) and the rim (60); pressing the self-pierce rivet (140, 200) against the mounting bracket (124) and toward the female mold portion of the press, so as to pierce a portion of the mounting bracket and to deep draw a portion of the rim into the female mold portion to secure the mounting bracket relative to the rim; removing the rim and secured mounting bracket from the press; and attaching the tire-based unit (24) to the mounting bracket (124).

Abstract: This present invention discloses a step-adjustable tire pressure monitoring sensor signal housing assembly including a valve and a valve core fixed on a rim, a sensor signal housing which consists of a housing holder and a connecting part, the connecting part has a curve connecting face where a Slot 1 is provided, and a Slot 3 is provided on the housing holder under the connecting part; a D block, which is in D shape and has a flat part and a cylinder part, a Slot 2 is provided in the center of the cylinder part perpendicular to the flat part, some ratchet teeth are provided longitudinally in the cylinder part by the side of a mounting hole; a U-pawl and a spring, which are installed in the Slot 3, the spring is in the bottom of the U-pawl and the top of the U-pawl is corresponding to the ratchet teeth on the D block; and a connector which fixes the sensor signal housing and the D block onto the tire valve through the Slot 1 in the signal housing and the Slot 2 on the D block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for of determining a formation parameter of interest. The method includes placing a tool into communication with the formation to test the formation and drawing down a test volume at an increasing draw rate during a first draw period and decreasing the draw rate during a second draw period to create a smooth draw down cycle. The draw down can be step-wise or continuous. The formation parameter is determined using formation rate analyis and characteristics determined during the draw down cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole method and apparatus using molecularly imprinted polymers to analyze a downhole fluid sample or determine the percentage of oil based mud filtrate contamination in a formation fluid sample.

Abstract: A vortex angle system includes one or more vortex angle sensors disposed on one or more wingtips of an aircraft. A summing circuit and computer compare signals from each sensor to provide a signal, which is indicative of the average vortex angle of the aircraft.

Abstract: A micro sample heating apparatus has a substrate, a micro heating device disposed on a first surface of the substrate, a cavity having an inclined sidewall and corresponding to the micro heating device positioned in a second surface of the substrate, and an isolation structure positioned on the second surface of the substrate. The isolation structure has an opening corresponding to the cavity, and the cavity and the opening form a sample room.

Abstract: A flow rate sensor has a problem that a resistance value of a heat generating resistor itself varies and sensor characteristics are changed during use of the sensor for a long term. Also, the temperature of the heat generating resistor must be adjusted on a circuit substrate with a resistance constituting one side of a fixed temperature difference control circuit, and this has been one of factors pushing up the production cost. All resistances used for fixed temperature difference control are formed on the same substrate as temperature sensitive resistors of the same material. This enables all the resistances for the fixed temperature difference control to be exposed to the same environmental conditions. Hence, even when the resistances change over time, the changes over time occur substantially at the same tendency. Since the resistances for the fixed temperature difference control change over time essentially at the same rate, a resulting output error is very small.

Abstract: A flow measuring apparatus of an embodiment is provided that comprises a cylinder and a piston movable in the cylinder between first and second positions. The piston divides the cylinder's interior area into first and second portions. A biasing member urges the piston toward the first position. A first fluid passageway allows fluid to bypass the piston, and a second fluid passageway is in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway and with the first portion of the cylinder. The second fluid passageway provides fluid to the first portion of the cylinder to move the piston toward the second position. A flow diverter is movable between a first flow position that allows fluid to pass through the first fluid passageway to the outlet and a second flow position that causes fluid to flow into the second flow passageway and into the first portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A fall detection device is provided, which accomplishes a fall judgment on acceleration by a simple calculation and improves uniformity of effective threshold value for the acceleration judgment as to a direction of an applied acceleration vector. The fall detection device produces a fall detection signal when an absolute value of each axis component of an acceleration measured by a three-axis acceleration sensor is less than a first threshold value, and when a sum of the absolute values of the axis components of the acceleration is less than a second threshold value that is 1.5 times to twice the first threshold value.

Abstract: A monitoring assembly for a filter may include a transmitter, arranged on a first side of the filter, configured to emit sound waves. The monitoring assembly may also include a first receiver, arranged on the first side of the filter, configured to receive the sound waves. The monitoring assembly may further include a second receiver, arranged on a second side of the filter, configured to receive the sound waves.

Abstract: A system for determining property of multiphase fluids based on ultrasonic diffraction grating spectroscopy includes a diffraction grating on a solid in contact with the fluid. An interrogation device delivers ultrasound through the solid and a captures a reflection spectrum from the diffraction grating. The reflection spectrum exhibits peaks whose relative size depends on the properties of the various phases of the multiphase fluid. For example, for particles in a liquid, the peaks exhibit dependence on the particle size and the particle volume fraction. Where the exact relationship is know know a priori, data from different peaks of the same reflection spectrum or data from the peaks of different spectra obtained from different diffraction gratings can be used to resolve the size and volume fraction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a hydrocarbon sample. The apparatus includes a sheath disposed about the hydrocarbon sample container and at least one set of acoustic sensors, wherein the at least one set of acoustic sensors is secured to the sheath, and further wherein at least one set of acoustic sensors produces an acoustic signal having a velocity through the hydrocarbon sample. In addition, the velocity is measured to provide information about the hydrocarbon sample. In other embodiments, the at least one set of acoustic sensors is disposed radially about the hydrocarbon sample.

Abstract: An improved scanning station and method for a tray-fed scanning acoustic microscope has a vacuum system which at least assists in immobilizing loosely held parts in the trays during insonification by an ultrasonic beam generator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided which include probes with sensing elements and are disposed proximate the opposite surfaces of a structure, where only one of the probes need be driven. A tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. Ring magnets may be used in the driven and tracking probes to provide the magnetic coupling and align sensing elements disposed in the centers of the ring magnets. The probes include ball bearings such as ball and socket bearings for supporting the structure and maintaining the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure. A fluid, such as water or pressurized air, may be used as a couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and the structure. A water column skirt may be used to with a probe employing ball bearings for support.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe for coupling-media-free generation and reception of ultrasonic waves in the form of linearly polarized transverse waves in a workpiece (5), and from a workpiece (5), having a unit which generates the ultrasonic waves inside the workpiece (5) and which is provided with a transmission coil arrangement (7), to which a high-frequency voltage can be applied to generate a high-frequency magnetic field, and a premagnetizing unit (V) to generate a quasi-static magnetic field superimposed on the high-frequency magnetic field in the workpiece (5), and an ultrasonic waves reception unit providing a reception coil arrangement (8), with the transmission coil arrangement (7) and the reception coil arrangement (8) being disposed torus-shaped at least on one partially toroidally designed magnetic core (6), which is provided with two front ends (11) which can be turned to face the workpiece (5) and via which the high-frequency magnetic fields can be coupled into, respectively c

Abstract: A variable capacitance measuring device can comprise any one or more features in various different embodiments allow a reliable, compact device to be achieved. A capacitor electrode, a gettering housing, and pinch-off connector may be aligned along a common axis may reduce width dimensions without a substantial increase in length. Temperature-induced variations may be reduced by selecting materials that have coefficients of thermal expansion relatively closer to one another. Substantially varying topologies for ceramic-metal interfaces may reduce the likelihood of external contaminants from reaching the evacuated portion of the device. A tube can be used between the capacitor portion and a gettering housing to isolate external forces and getter activation heat from the sensor. The same tube also reduces heat loss from a heated sensor and protects the electronics from overheating. Embodiments also include processes for using and forming the devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible, resilient capacitive sensor suitable for large-scale manufacturing. The sensor comprises a dielectric, an electrically conductive layer on the first side of the dielectric layer, an electrically conductive layer on a second side of the dielectric layer, and a capacitance meter electrically connected to the two conductive layers to detect changes in capacitance upon application of a force to the detector. The conductive layers are configured to determine the position of the applied force. The sensor may be shielded to reduce the effects of outside interference.

Abstract: A pressure sensor system for measuring the pressure of a corrosive media includes a silicon plate forming a diaphragm and a glass plate or ring bonded to said silicon plate with an opening over the diaphragm. The diaphragm has resistive areas of different orientations to provide first resistive areas which have increased resistance with diaphragm deflection, and other areas which have decreased or little change in resistance with diaphragm deflection. The resistive areas may be formed by doping the silicon plate. The resistive areas have broad doped connectors extending outward to areas beyond the seal between the glass plate or ring, to wire bond areas on the silicon plate. Accordingly, the wire bond pads are not exposed to the corrosive media.

Abstract: A preformed sensor housing including a conduit having an inside; a plug disposed within the conduit; and a deposit covering a portion of the plug and a portion of the conduit. A method is also disclosed for creating a thin film diaphragm on a housing including the step of inserting a sacrificial element into the housing; depositing a diaphragm material onto the sacrificial element and the housing; and removing the sacrificial element.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a measuring sensor on a pipeline. The mounting-housing is positionable on the pipeline, with the mounting-housing being embodied, and coordinated with the measuring sensor, in such a manner that a force, which acts on the mounting-housing in the direction of the pipeline, acts at least partly on the on the measuring sensor in the direction of the pipeline; and that at least one screw unit is provided, via which an adjustable force can be exerted on the mounting-housing in the direction of the pipeline.

Abstract: A force sensor converts a force into capacitance and makes it possible to generate a plurality of outputs with different output characteristics, force detection system, and a digital force detection program for it. The force sensor 20 has a displacement unit 24 for generating a displacement when a force is applied; a single or a plurality of first sensor units (36, 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D) for generating a first output C1 from said displacement of the displacement unit; and a second sensor unit 44, which is annexed to the first sensor unit, for generating a second output C2 from the displacement of said displacement unit. The force detection system enhances the output accuracy by means of the first and second outputs of such a force sensor. The force detection program is used in the force detection system for executing the output process.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the measurement of stress-strain relationships in thin films using substantially flat, parallel test surfaces with minimal width. This invention is further directed to the measurement of stress-strain relationships in thin films at controlled temperatures and at high strain rates above 100% per second.

Abstract: An accessory for coupling a torque measuring device to a container cap, especially a smooth sided closure. The accessory includes two clamp elements movably coupled together by a threaded rod so the clamps can be forced into frictional engagement with a cap. A mount block is included for coupling the torque measuring device to the clamps so cap closing torque can be measured using an inexpensive and easily used device. This device will be especially useful for laboratories, fillers and shippers of containers that have been closed with a cap having a certain amount of closure torque so the user can demonstrate to DOT that the closing torque is in the proper range.

Abstract: A torque sensor packaging system and method includes a torque member that includes one or more holes formed therein for receiving one or more respective fasteners associated with a sensing element. The sensing element can be connected to the torque member to the sensing element in order to transfer torque associated with the torque member to the sensing element for torque sensing operations thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a sample treatment apparatus which can, continuously and stably for a long time, treat a sample containing an easily precipitating substance such as sulfur and a measuring apparatus providing it. The sample treatment apparatus includes: a path for introducing a fluid for an aspirator, at least two sample flow paths A connected in one side to the path for introducing a fluid for an aspirator and connected in the other side to a sample collecting part, a sample flow path B connected in one side to one sample flow path A passing a fluid for an aspirator and connected in the other side to the other sample flow path A, a cooling part for cooling a part of the sample flow paths A, and a controller for selecting and switching the sample flow paths A into which a fluid for an aspirator is introduced.

Abstract: A dissolution tester comprising: a water-tank lid which is provided with a retaining hole having an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the of the vessel and that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the flange of the vessel, and which holds the vessel at the retaining hole; a vessel lid which has a tapered portion having a bottom diameter that is smaller than a top diameter thereof; and a lid-moving shaft which is suspended from a lower part of the head to move up and down together with the vessel lid, when the vessel lid is lowered using the lid-moving shaft to cause the tapered portion of the vessel lid to come into contact with the opening of the vessel, the vessel is made to move such that the center axes of the lid-moving shaft and the vessel are aligned.

Abstract: A strain detector for in-situ lift-out, comprises a nano-manipulator probe shaft; a strain gauge mounted on the probe shaft; and a first cut-out on the probe shaft. The first cut-out has a rectangular cross-section. There is a second cut-out on the probe shaft; the second cut-out having a semicircular cross-section. The second cut-out is positioned on the shaft opposite from the first cut-out; the first and second cut-out, thus defining a thinned region in the probe. The strain gauge is mounted on the probe shaft at the location of the thinned region. There is detecting circuitry for detecting, amplifying and conditioning the output of the strain gauge; and, wires electrically connecting the strain gauge to the detection circuitry. The wires are preferably located in a trench in the probe shaft. Other embodiments are disclosed having multiple strain gauges and detectors.

Abstract: A multi-geared high-low clutch for construction machines and telescopic handlers, with a torque converter, a drive shaft, an output shaft and several jack shafts, with distributed idlers on the shafts, fixed wheels and shift clutches, which form several reduction gear units for the gearshift and direction circuit, containing six forward gears and three reverse gears, whereby output shaft is also used as a jack shaft for a gear, with which the corresponding jack shaft of forward gear unit and the corresponding jack shaft of a further forward gear unit engages with drive shaft. Both jack shafts can be rotated around drive shaft, where corresponding jack shafts of the gears, applied to drive shaft, are arranged one behind the other on a side of the drive shaft and where the corresponding jack shafts of the further gears, can currently be rotated around the next jack shaft.

Abstract: A device and a method for determining the position of a gear shift element 1 in a claw clutch operated automated gear box of a vehicle. The gear shift element 1 has gear teeth that correspond to at least two gear wheels 5, 8 which have a different axial extension on both sides of a groove 9. The position of the gear shift element 1 can be determined by way of the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A control procedure for an automatic transmission, wherein, via a gear range shifter, a change of the gear range both between the forward travel gear range and the reverse travel gear range and between a fast gear mode and a creeper gear mode can be put into action. A control apparatus selects a transmission gear to be engaged, dependent on data, input by an operator with the aid of a gear range shifter for the manual choice of a driving gear area, whereby the gear range shifter possesses at least a D-shifting position for the selection of a forward travel gear range, an N-position for the selection of an idle running position of the automatic transmission and an R-position for the selection of a reverse travel gear range, and that the automatic transmission can be driven in a fast gear mode as well as in a creeper gear mode.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A shifter rod assembly used in automotive vehicles extends between a manual shifter assembly having a manual shift lever and a transmission spaced from the manual shift lever. Large tolerance universal joints with play between the components thereof connect the shifter rod assembly to the manual shifter assembly and to the transmission. In order to eliminate rattle noise in the universal joints, the universal joints are each encased in a layer of elastomer. A preferred elastomer is silicone elastomer can be applied in liquid form, cures at room temperature and maintains integrity at temperatures in a range of about 200° F. to 240° F.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes: an output gear, a pinion, a drive shaft, a housing, and a spring. The output gear is adapted to receive a traction element. The pinion is in driving communication with the output gear. The drive shaft is interconnected with the pinion. The housing is adapted to receive the output gear and the drive shaft. The coil spring is circumjacent the drive shaft and located in a position intermediate the drive shaft and the housing, whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes the coil spring to frictionally disengage from the housing such that the output gear may rotate.

Abstract: A vehicle brake apparatus includes (a) a brake operating member operable by a vehicle driver; (b) a variable output mechanism which is disposed between the brake operating member and an output member, for mechanically changing a multiplying ratio of an output force in relation to an operational input force from the brake operating member in accordance with an operating stroke of the brake operating member; and (c) a brake controlling unit which is operated in accordance with the output force applied to the output member, wherein a load sensor for detecting the output force is provided between the variable output mechanism and the output member.

Abstract: A change-speed gearbox, in particular for motor vehicles such as hybrid passenger cars and small trucks, comprising input and output shafts, clutches, and gear wheel pairs with fixed and loose wheels. The gearbox provides at least one forward gear by means of the gear wheel pairs, has a gear box unit for a second forward gear, and has in addition an auxiliary drive.