Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a cotton module builder having a compactor frame, the system including an electronic controller configured to move the compactor frame to a plurality of positions, to read a compactor frame position sensor or sensors in the first and second positions, and to calibrate the sensor or sensors based on the sensor readings.

Abstract: A differential microdischarge detector system. The system comprises two microdischarge detectors (MDDs). One of the MDDs is connected to receive sample analytes to be measured, while the other MDD is connected to receive a reference sample that contains interfering gases and none or a much lower concentration of the sample analytes to be measured. The outputs of the two MDD's are fed to a circuit that generates either a difference or a ratio between the measurements of the two MDDs. In addition, the current, impedance or voltage across the electrodes of the two MDDs may be measured and processed to generate either a difference or a ratio signal, thus obtaining additional information about the sample gas analytes.

Abstract: A detector system that can analyze multiple samples with a single detector. The detector may contain a portal with a first opening and a second opening. A first sample is obtained from the first opening and a second sample is obtained from the second opening. The openings are coupled to a single detector that can analyze both samples.

Abstract: An apparatus for permeability analysis which transmits a testing fluid to the tubular specimen and measures the volume of the testing fluid permeating through the tubular specimen. The apparatus for permeability analysis has a tubular specimen, a cylindrical frame, a carrier gas flow inlet leading from the outside of the cylindrical frame to the inside of the cylindrical frame, a carrier gas flow outlet leading from the inside of the cylindrical frame to the outside of the cylindrical frame, a detection device, and a pump. One end of the tubular specimen and the other end of the tubular specimen are connected to each other via the pump. The apparatus for permeability analysis circulates a testing fluid through the tubular specimen continuously or intermittently by means of a pump, conveys the permeate to the detection device by means of the flow of the carrier gas, and then measures the permeate.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump monitor. The monitor includes a sensor coupled to a housing of a pump for obtaining acoustic data therefrom. A proximity switch may be simultaneously used to keep real time timing information relative to the cycling of the pump. A data processor of the monitor may then be employed to analyze acoustic data and timing information to distinguish acceptable noise from leak information. An operator thereby may be warned of the presence of a leak in the pump.

Abstract: A method of determining liquid absorption of an aggregate comprises providing a shaker apparatus, a vacuum source and a container; placing a sample of the aggregate in the container; adding liquid to the container sufficient to reach a calibration mark on the container; weighing the sample and liquid; mounting the container to the shaker apparatus; connecting the vacuum source to the container; agitating the sample and liquid with the shaker apparatus; applying a vacuum to the sample and liquid with the vacuum source; after the agitation and vacuum steps, adding liquid to the container sufficient to again reach the calibration mark on the container; again weighing the sample and liquid; and subtracting the initial weight of the sample and liquid from the final weight of the sample and liquid in order to determine the liquid absorption of the aggregate.

Abstract: A substitute reference signal input is incorporated into a state space controller for a scanning probe microscope to improve tracking efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analysis of a sample. The method includes an accessing operation for accessing a region of the sample via a tip of at least one probe mounted on a cantilever. A removing operation removes a sample material from the region that is accessed by the tip of the at least one probe mounted on the cantilever. A sensing operation senses a parameter associated to the removal of the sample material in the removing operation. The accessing, removing, and sensing operations are repeated to facilitate removal of at least one layer of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of estimating the start of combustion (SOC) in a diesel engine using a difference between an in-cylinder combustion pressure and a motoring pressure so as to effectively control the combustion in a combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a subsonic wind tunnel capable for accurately maintaining a desired Mach number, pressure and temperature for use in aerothermal testing of materials. The invention allows the Mach number to be precisely controlled in the test section of the wind tunnel by employing a restricted outlet acting as a sonic throat for the wind tunnel. In the preferred embodiment, the restricted outlet is constructed to be variable in cross sectional area allowing a range of Mach numbers to be tested. The variable outlet is varied during the operation of the wind tunnel so that an actual trajectory with changing Mach numbers, pressure, and temperature is simulated.

Abstract: With a measurement method and a measurement device for the measurement of a path covered by a first object (1) in relation to a second object (2), a measurement body (3) is deformed by a relative movement of the objects and at least a first deformation sensor (4) assigned to the measurement body (3) converts the measurement body (3) deformation into a measurement signal. The measurement signal is converted by an evaluation device (20) into information on the path covered. In order to increase the precision and measurement speed in a way that is simple structurally and saves space, the measurement signal is emitted when an area of the measurement body (3) is stretched along the longitudinal axis (6) of the measurement body (3) and a further area is compressed along the longitudinal axis (6) of the measurement body (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to pressure probes for measuring the aerodynamic flight parameters of an aircraft and more particularly those in which the orifices for measuring the static pressure and total pressure are located on a moving angle-of-attack or angle-of-sideslip measurement vane designed to be oriented in the direction of the wind. It consists of a pneumatic rotary joint employing flexible tubings rather than friction rotary joints between abutted parts of rigid tubings. Such a joint offers a much smaller resistance to the rotational movement of the moving vane, which consequently is oriented with greater accuracy in the direction of the wind.

Abstract: An illuminated rain gauge comprising an elongated, transparent collection vessel or tube having upper and lower ends with the lower end thereof being closed by a plug and which has a funnel-shaped collector at the upper end thereof. The plug has a battery compartment formed therein for receiving a DC battery power source. A pair of LEDs are operatively connected to the battery power source and are positioned on the plug so as to direct light upwardly therefrom to illuminate the rain gauge. The electronic circuitry of the gauge is positioned within the plug and is controlled by a remote IF control device which signals an IF receiver positioned on the plug. The LEDs direct light onto the collection vessel so that the rainfall amounts may be determined during periods of darkness.

Abstract: In a device for determining at least one parameter of a medium flowing in a main direction of flow in a line, which device has a part that can be inserted into the line with a predeterminable orientation in relation to the main direction of flow in such a manner that a partial stream of the medium flowing in the line passes into an entry region of a channel structure formed in the part, a measuring channel, provided with a measuring element for determining the at least one parameter, branching off from the entry region and the entry region having a separation zone which is separated from the measuring channel and has at least one separation aperture, which separation aperture opens into the line at a side wall of the part, which side wall extends substantially parallel to the main direction of flow, the part advantageously has at least one wind shield which is disposed downstream of the at least one separation aperture in the direction of the main direction of flow and which projects from the side wall provid

Abstract: The time it takes for a hot-wire airflow meter to begin to operate normally upon startup of an automobile is reduced. A heat-generating resistor Rh for measuring airflow rate, a temperature-compensating resistor Rc, and a resistor R1 for detecting the current through the heat-generating resistor are connected in parallel. A differential voltage between a power supply voltage Vb and the voltage across the emitter-collector junction of transistors Q1, Q2, or Q3 is applied to each of the heat-generating resistor Rh, temperature-compensating resistor Rc, and current-detecting resistor R1. The transistors Q1, Q2, and Q3 form a current mirror circuit 20, by which the ratio of currents through the heat-generating resistor Rh, temperature-compensating resistor Rc, and current-detecting resistor R1 is determined. The current ratio is maintained to be a predetermined ratio even if the heating current is controlled by an operational amplifier 21 due to an increase or decrease in airflow rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guide-through assembly (4) for a filling level sensor working according to the principle of delay measurement of guided electromagnetic waves or for a capacitive filling level sensor, which for sealing the interior of the vessel against the interior of the sensor has no elastomeric sealing materials and in particular no elastomeric o-rings seals. This can be ensured by precisely machining the components which are essentially concentrically arranged in the guide-through assembly (4) on their circumferential surfaces (10, 11), so that in an assembled state the components arranged in the guide-through assembly (4), such as the interior conductor (7) and the dielectric materials (9, 12, 14) surrounding the interior conductor (7), contact each other at their mutually adjacent circumferential surfaces (11) in a sealing and positive engagement, so that additional sealing elements are not needed.

Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display are provided for bi-colored ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such devices. The illuminator includes an array of bi-colored solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto a viewing screen.

Abstract: The method of detecting the presence of a conducting or dielectric environment with dielectric constant higher than that of air, of this invention, consists in counting the number of control signals (No), resulting from the relationship No=f(Qp, Qod, Ucc, Up, T), sent from the control system (US) as necessary to charge the capacitor (Cp) and then to discharge the previously-charged capacitor (Cp) to a threshold voltage (Up) preset by the control system (US), with the subsequent counting of the number of control signals (Nx), resulting from the relationship Nx=f(Qp, Qx, Ucc, Up, T), sent from said control system (US) as necessary to charge the capacitor (Cx), and then the previously-charged capacitor (Cp) is discharged to said threshold voltage (Up) preset by said control system (US) and the quantities of determined control signals (Nx) are compared with the reference state and the obtained difference in those signals indicates the presence of a conductive or dielectric environment in the immediate environment

Abstract: The invention relates to a gravity measurement apparatus comprising a torsion balance bearing a test mass. The torsion balance has a predetermined center of mass and is rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis, wherein the torsion balance is asymmetric in such a way that the center of mass of the torsion balance is offset to the rotation axis of the torsion balance.

Abstract: Adaptive circuits and methods for reducing vibration-induced bias errors in inertial sensors. An adaptive circuit for reducing vibration or shock induced errors in an inertial sensor having a proof mass and sense electrode may include a sense bias voltage source, a charge amplifier, a device for detecting and/or anticipating an external vibration or shock on the inertial sensor, and a device for selectively dampening the proof masses and/or adjusting the gain sensitivity of the charge amplifier in response to an external vibration or shock on the inertial sensor. A dampening resistive element may be provided to dampen the proof mass motion in response to an external vibration or shock on the inertial sensor. Alternatively, or in addition, the gain sensitivity of the rate signal outputted by the charge amplifier can be adjusted in response to an external vibration or shock on the inertial sensor.

Abstract: A drive electrode to which a voltage for allowing a vibrator to vibrate is applied and first and second detection electrodes extending in the longitudinal direction of the vibrator in parallel to each other are formed as the upper electrode such that the drive electrode is interposed between the first and second detection electrodes and does not contact with the detection electrodes. In the case where there is a difference between the detection signals detected in the first and second detection electrodes when a voltage is applied between the lower electrode and drive electrode to allow the vibrator to vibrate at a vertical resonance frequency, a laser light is irradiated to a desired portion of the vibrator to apply grinding operation based on detection signals detected in the first and second detection electrodes, thereby adjusting the shape of the vibrator.

Abstract: A dual-axis tuning fork gyroscope includes four open-ended tuning forks arranged coplanarly in two opposite pairs, a first pair of open-ended tuning forks being arranged opposite one another along a first axis, a second pair of open-ended tuning forks being arranged opposite one another along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being perpendicular to one another. The four open-ended tuning forks are mechanically coupled together so that all four tuning forks vibrate in the same manner in terms of frequency and phase.

Abstract: A method for inspection of tubular goods includes using ultrasonic detection means to obtain wall thickness measurement of discrete sections of a tubular good and recording each measurement in association with both the longitudinal and circumferential position at which each measurement was obtained. Accordingly each measurement of wall thickness represents a small portion of the wall thickness of said tubular in three dimensional space. A plurality of said measurements may thereby be displayed by computer means in virtual three dimensional format. Differing wall thickness readings made be represented by different shading or color display, so that anomalies of interest may be readily detected. Alternatively the recorded information may be readily processed by computer means to calculate the effect of stressors on the wall of said tubular good.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for monitoring exposure to impulse noise includes a sound-sensing device, such as a microphone or other type of pressure transducer, operable to sense impulse noise, and a storage module operable to store the waveform of the impulse noise sensed by the sound-sensing device. The sound-sensing device desirably is operable to sense impulses that are greater than 146 dB, such as impulses created by construction machinery and firearms. The system also can include a processor operable to calculate one or more noise parameters of the impulse noise from the waveform, and a user interface program operable to display said one or more noise parameters selected by a user.

Abstract: A vehicle testing system includes a wheel plate constructed and arranged to support a vehicle wheel. A linear electromagnetic actuator has a moving magnet mechanically coupled to the wheel plate constructed and arranged to impart a controlled substantially vertical force to the wheel plate. A spring may be mechanically coupled to the wheel plate to support at least a portion of a static mass of the vehicle.

Abstract: Pressure sensor with an integrated structure comprising a support (33, 133, 233) and a silicon die (11), which lies substantially on the same plane as the upper surface (37, 137, 237) of the support and is integrated in a seat (34, 134, 234) made in the thickness of the support. On the inside face (23) of the die (11), in contact with the fluid the pressure of which has to be measured, is a protective layer.

Abstract: A pressure sensor including a deformable sensor body formed of a compressible material. A deformation sensor is embedded in the deformable sensor body and has an electrical property which changes in response to deformation of the deformable sensor body. Electrical connections which extend from outside the deformable sensor body to the embedded deformation sensor to provide an indication of an applied line pressure or differential pressure.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor and a method of making it with a substrate having a diaphragm forming a first plate of a capacitor; a second fixed plate of the capacitor spaced from the diaphragm and defining a predetermined dielectric gap; a plurality of conductor elements interconnecting the substrate and fixed plate; and an edge lock supporting the fixed plate and the substrate relative to each other for maintaining the dimension of the defined gap independent of the conductor elements.

Abstract: In a capacitance type pressure sensor (1) including capacitance detecting portions formed in opposed regions in a capacitance chamber which is at least partially formed of a diaphragm, the capacitance detecting portions being a pressure-sensitive capacitance detecting portion (101) formed in a region of the diaphragm having large sensitivity with respect to a pressure and a reference capacitance detecting portion (102) formed in a region of the diaphragm having small sensitivity with respect to a pressure, there is provided the capacitance type pressure sensor which is entirely small in size and superior in reliability by independently detecting a signal output value of the reference capacitance detecting portion (102).

Abstract: A piezoresistive pressure and/or strain sensor micro-machined primarily from plastic and/or glass. In one illustrative embodiment, the piezoresistive pressure sensor is formed on a polymer substrate. A first selectively implanted region is provided in the polymer substrate to create a piezoresistive region in the polymer substrate. A second selectively implanted region is then provided in at least part of the first selectively implanted region to modulate the electrical conductivity of the first selectively implanted region. The illustrative sensor may be selectively implanted with, for example, nitrogen to create the piezoresistive region, and boron to modulate the electrical conductivity of the piezoresistive region. Phosphorus or any other suitable material may also be used to modulate the electrical conductivity of the piezoresistive region, as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force measuring transducer with an oscillator (1) with an inductor (2) formed by a primary winding and a gauge (11) with a secondary winding (30) which is connected electroconductively to the gauge (11) and which is disposed in transformer coupling with the inductor (2) of the oscillator (1). Action of a force on the gauge (11) changes the impedance of the gauge (11) and the load of the inductively coupled secondary winding (30). An evaluation circuit (14) is used to determine the resulting frequency change of the oscillator (1) which is proportional to the force acting on the gauge (11).

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for measuring the pressure between a windshield and a windshield wiper. The pressure sensor assembly includes a support structure, a strain gage and a bearing member. The support structure supports the wiper spaced apart from the windshield. The strain gage is coupled to the support structure for providing pressure measurement data corresponding to the amount of strain in the support wall due to the pressure applied by the wiper toward the windshield. The bearing member is fixedly secured to the support structure to minimize friction between the pressure sensor assembly and the windshield.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring stalk strength and/or root strength of a plant is provided. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus includes a conveyer operably connected to a motor for circulatorily driving the conveyer around at least one guide device. At least one pulling finger is coupled to the conveyer. Each pulling finger is structured such that, when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the plant stalk and the conveyor is driven around the guide device, each pulling finger will contact and pull a plant stalk as each pulling finger travels around the guide device. The apparatus additionally includes a force sensor for measuring resistive force encountered by the motor as each pulling finger pulls the plant stalk.

Abstract: The clamps of the present invention are initially placed apart with a specific separation to properly hold the garments in the constant rate of expansion (CRE) machine. The test method preferably uses panties that have been prepared according to specific test criteria and the CRE machine pre-programmed with specific parameters including the preload and the initial rate of extension. Before testing commences, the midpoint of an individual panty is placed at the center of the clamps. After a pre-determined resistance is sensed by the CRE machine, the rate of extension and the load instantly increase to test the panty's percent of elongation and modulus. This method is repeated for several styles and sizes of panties to obtain accurate, consistent elongation and modulus measurements for each style and size. These measurements thus categorize all of the measured styles and sizes into a standardized panty support classification system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus determine individual phase fractions for three phases within a fluid mixture. Appropriate flow algorithms can utilize this phase fraction information with a sensed total combined flow rate of the mixture to find individual flow rates for the three phases, such as oil, water and gas. For some embodiments, a multiphase flowmeter includes an array of spatially distributed pressure sensors configured to determine a speed of sound in the mixture and any type of water cut meter, oil cut meter or gas cut meter.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a magnetoelastic torque sensor includes plating a magnetoelastic material to a magnetically inert substrate, and its endowment with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy through the creation within the transducer element of stress anisotropy. The plating of magnetostrictive material to the magnetically inert substrate provides a less expensive torque element that exhibits desired levels of accuracy and reliability.

Abstract: A passenger detection system for a person on a seat of a vehicle, includes a long range capacitance sensor for measuring a long range capacitance between a seating portion of the seat and a body of the vehicle and a short range capacitance sensor for measuring a short range capacitance in the seat, and a detection unit for detecting a passenger on the seat based on the measured long range capacitance and the measured short range capacitance. Therefore, the passenger detection system accurately detects a passenger on the seat of the vehicle while suppressing a detection error caused by an external effect.

Abstract: A dissolution tester comprising: a constant-temperature-water tank; a vessel for introducing a dissolution test liquid; a vessel lid having a suction hole for sucking up the test liquid; a suction nozzle which can move up and down together with the nozzle holder; and an administration mechanism for automatically administering a sample for conducting a dissolution test into the vessel; the administration mechanism comprises an administration hole provided at the vessel lid; a sample receiver provided at the vessel lid, for holding the sample at the vessel lid when the administration hole is closed; and a manipulator rod which can move up and down together with the nozzle holder, for opening the administration hole by making contact with the sample receiver such that the sample on the sample receiver is made to fall into the vessel via the administration hole, when carrying out administration.

Abstract: An actuator device includes a drive motor, gears and pairs of rotary shafts. The gears are rotated by torque outputted from the drive motor. Each pair of rotary shafts corresponds to one of the gears. The rotary shafts in each pair extend from both axial sides of the corresponding gear, respectively. At least two of the rotary shafts function as output shafts that are capable of outputting the torque of the corresponding gear or gears to the outside. This is capable of dealing with various requirements.

Abstract: A twistshifter mounted about a handlebar. The twist-shifter includes a housing element which may be fixed to the handlebar and an actuating element which may be rotated about the axis of the handlebar tube a predetermined angle. The actuating element may be fixed axially to the housing element by a locking device having interlocking first and second latching elements. The first latching element is arranged on the housing element. The second latching element that is complementary in shape to the first latching element is arranged on the actuating element.

Abstract: In a method of jointing a cutting edge of at least one cutting blade of a rotating tool, wherein between the tool and at least one straight jointing stone a radial advancing movement is carried out and wherein the jointing stone has an active jointing area that is longer than a length of the cutting edge, at least one relative stroke between the jointing stone and the cutting edge is performing during jointing in a longitudinal direction of the cutting edge. The relative stroke has a stroke length that is shorter than the length of the cutting edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a cutter ring adapted to be used in tunnel boring operations; forming an initial cutter ring and heat treating the cutter ring prior to a laser client process; applying an alloy to the surface of the cutter ring adjacent to cutting elements by a laser cladding process whereby the cutting elements have insufficient heat transfer from the laser cutting process to reduce their hardness properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to an F figure wrench that comprises a holding rod, a moving part, a turning rod and a driving part. At one end of the holding rod, a concavity is made and two lugs are implemented; the concavity is made as a guide hole to accommodate the moving part, the lug holes of the two lugs are used as pivot holes for the driving part to be pivot-connected with the holding rod. Furthermore, a penetration is made on the holding rod and the moving part concentrically, and intersects through the concavity for installation of the turning rod. A cam eccentric to the turning rod axis is implemented on the turning rod; when the turning rod is turned, the moving part is pushed by the eccentric cam and moving along the guide hole in the holding rod.

Abstract: A blade material cutting device for producing a blade material used as a punching blade. Included are: a stationary blade part having a pair of front and rear support faces on which a strip plate part and a blade edge part of the blade material are to be overlaid, and which are separated from each other by a gap in a feeding direction of the blade material; a pair of opposed front and rear stationary edges which are disposed in the pair of support faces; a movable blade part which moves into and out of the mutual gap between the pair of support faces; and a pair of front and rear movable edges which are disposed in the movable blade part. When the blade material is overlaid on the support faces and the movable blade part is moved, a disposal portion of the blade material is cut away, and the shapes of the front and rear ends of the blade material are not bent but are maintained in their original shape.

Abstract: The Highly Survivable Urban Utility Vehicle (HSUUV) redistributes armor in a unique way on a truck type wheeled vehicle so as to defeat Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) to include armor piercing weapons. In so doing, this approach adds significant amounts of armor where it is needed the most, and does so without a significant net weight penalty. This approach of using vehicles capable of carrying heavy side armor was previously not attempted with wheeled vehicles, now provides crew compartments with levels of protection never previously achieved on wheeled vehicles. Using the HSUUV system approach, soldiers can safely and quickly enter areas with an unprecedented amount of survivability and flexibility, allowing for better strategic force protection and tactical operations.

Abstract: A positioning system includes an actuator, valve (preferably pneumatic), position sensor and an electronic valve controller, integrated in a single unit. Continuously variable setpoints are possible within the range of operation. A preferred control circuit includes a signal converter, a ramp generator to smooth the shape of the command or target value signal applied, a position feedback sensor to report the actual position of the actuator, a controller, and a driver, containing an H-bridge, for controlling the pneumatic valve which feeds air into the actuator mechanism. Integration of all these components into a single unit shortens signal paths, improves resistance to electrical noise, and permits faster response time.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a hydraulic control system with a user input to select a range of metering rates.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a pump includes a first member having a peripheral wedge-shaped pocket; a second member with a rim opposed to the pocket; and a diaphragm disposed between the two members. The diaphragm includes a central stem, a disk-shaped head attached to the stem, and an upstanding bead disposed around the periphery of the head. The bead includes a first angled surface and a second angled surface. The bead is received in the pocket so as to form two separate, spaced-apart sealing surfaces between the diaphragm and the first member. The sealing arrangement may also include a gasket made from a resilient material and having a flat web with a circular crosssection bead disposed in a gland between two members. The dimensions of the bead and the gland are selected such that the bead is diametrically compressed at least about 40% from its free state.

Abstract: A method of installing annular seals on a plunger. A first step involves positioning an annular seal on a seal installation tool adapted to hold the annular seal in an expanded state. A second step involves positioning the annular seal so that the annular seal overlies a body of a plunger. A third step involves transferring the annular seal from the seal installation tool to a seal groove in the body of the plunger.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and related beverage profiles for on-demand heating of liquid used for beverage dispensing where such heating is dynamically variable according to the applicable profile. The apparatus includes a heating unit, electronic controller, and sensing devices. A water tank supplies the heating unit via a water pump controlled by the controller that also controls the heating unit. Feedback control loops provide control data to the controller to optimize liquid temperatures for a given beverage type in accordance with predetermined profiles.