Abstract: A continuously operating pre-concentrator for trace gas analysis includes a flow channel, a pumping chamber, and a separation membrane between the flow channel and the pumping chamber. The flow channel has a width that decreases from the inlet to the outlet in such a way that the trace gas and the carrier gas maintain a substantially constant flow speed through the flow channel. The separation membrane is configured to allow preferential removal of molecules of the carrier gas from the flow channel, as the gas sample flows from the inlet to the outlet, thereby increasing concentration of the trace gas in the gas sample. The separation membrane includes a substantially non-adsorbing material that allows the gas sample to flow substantially continuously through the flow channel, so that a variation in concentration of the trace gas can be detected in substantial real time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring atmospheric water content, are provided. The method includes measuring a first air temperature and a first air pressure at a first location in a compressor, measuring a second air temperature and a second air pressure at a second location in the compressor, computing a ratio of specific heats from the first and second air temperatures and the first and second air pressures, and determining an atmospheric water content from the ratio of specific heats.

Abstract: A test apparatus for an evaporative emission system includes a source of pressure (positive or negative), a sensor for sensing the pressure generated in the evaporative emission system, and an ECU which controls the operation of the source of pressure and receives signals from the sensor reporting the pressure in the vehicle evaporative emission system over time. The ECU compares the sensed data with the stored data representing standard baseline sample vehicles without any leaks to determine the presence of a leak in the evaporative emission system.

Abstract: A conduit is connected to the interstice between an outer and inner wall of a storage tank or the liner thereof and may be used to monitor the integrity of the interstice. The conduit comprises a coupling in fluid communication with the interstice, a tube connected at one end to the coupling and having a length sufficient to extend into a riser pipe of the tank. The conduit may also include a bushing holding the tube apart from the tank and providing for the variable positioning of the tube with respect to the tank. A method of monitoring the integrity of the interstice uses monitoring equipment connected to the conduit.

Abstract: The condition of a shoe roll is monitored by a device which continuously analyzes the lubricant used in a lubrication system (14) integrated with the shoe roll. The analysis determines the amount of contaminant particles which have entered the lubricant. Particles (19) originating from the belt (13) of a belt roll belonging to the shoe roll (10) are determined in the lubricant. The condition of the belt (13) of a belt roll belonging to the shoe roll (10), and especially the condition of the inner side of the belt (13), can be determined on the basis of the amount of the particles (19).

Abstract: A method for monitoring water in a distribution system is disclosed where the sensor sampling schedule is changed in real time in response to a contaminant or other chemical passing through the sampling location. This results in finer determination of where the contaminant is located in the water distribution and identification of the contaminant with a lower false rate than random or scheduled sampling.

Abstract: The fuel sampler/strainer assembly includes a housing formed of fuel resistant material including a transparent elongated main body, a fuel receiving portion at an upper end thereof, and a fuel exiting portion also at the upper end thereof. The elongated main body has a closed lower end. The fuel receiving portion is generally tubular and has spaced-apart indentations in its upper end edge for alignment and cooperation with associated actuating arms of a pet cock drain valve. A rod is removably attachable at a first end to the fuel receiving portion and extends along a central axis of the fuel receiving portion and beyond the upper end edge of the fuel receiving portion so as to engage and manipulate a ball and spring drain valve at a second end of the rod. The fuel exiting portion includes a filter screen functioning as a barrier to water and desired particulate debris.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for measuring the position of a piston (2) in a cylinder (1), extending according to an axis, the device comprising at least two position sensors (3, 4) respectively comprising: a first sensor member (20, 40) integral with a supporting pallet (31) linked to the piston (2), a second sensor member (10, 30) integral with the cylinder (1), the first and second members of each sensor being arranged for being mobile in translation one relative to the other, along an axis parallel to the axis of the cylinder (1), the device being characterized in that the first sensor members (20, 40) are integral with the same supporting pallet (31) being linked to the piston (2) by a ball joint link (50). Using the device of this invention, a position sensor can be arranged in the cylinder, without having the transversal strains on the piston being transmitted to it, while the piston remains free in rotation about the axis of the cylindrical barrel.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure in a high acceleration environment. The sensor has a non-planar membrane between fluid at a reference pressure and fluid at the pressure to be sensed, such that the non-planar membrane deflects due to pressure differentials between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure. The deflection is converted into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure by associated circuitry. By keeping the area of the membrane exposed to the fluid in the chamber to less than 0.1 grams, the acceleration forces have minimal affect on the amount that membrane flexes.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system, that includes a plurality of the wheel state detection unit, provided at wheel of a vehicle, and that transmits detected wheel state information. A request signal transmitter transmits a request signal to request transmission of the detected wheel state information. When each wheel state detection unit receives the request signal, it transmits the detected wheel state together with the indication information indicating that the wheel state is detected in response to the transmission request signal. The ECU sets a determination threshold value for triggering an alert regarding tire pressure based on the detected wheel state information transmitted from the plurality of wheel state detection units.

Abstract: A method of TI formation evaluation is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of borehole measurements; deriving a correlation between a first TI stiffness parameter and other TI stiffness parameters where the first and other TI stiffness parameters representing mechanical behavior of the TI formation; and computing the first and other TI stiffness parameters based on the borehole measurements and the derived correlation. The method further comprises evaluating TI formation elastic properties based on the computed first and other TI stiffness parameters. The method further comprises assuming that the shear modulus parallel to TI symmetric axis can be approximated from other moduli.

Abstract: A thermal flow sensor can adjust the temperature of a heating element in a highly precise and reliable manner with the use of simple circuits, devices and process steps. The sensor includes an amplifier section (7) that amplifies a voltage across opposite ends of at least one of resistors (3, 4, 5) that constitute a bridge circuit, a current control section (9) that is controlled based on an output voltage of the amplifier section (7), and an output terminal (14) that is connected to one end of a heating element (1) that is controlled to be energized by the current control section (9). The amplifier section (7) includes an amplification factor control section for controlling an amplification factor by an electric signal from a computer, and uses an output voltage which has been amplified and impressed to an input voltage to an operational amplifier (8).

Abstract: A valve for substantially reducing emissions from a level gauge. A lower end of the valve fits in a first interior cavity of the level gauge, which is in gaseous communication with an emission limiting bore in the level gauge. A second internal cavity is defined in said valve body and a seat is disposed near the bottom of the second internal cavity. A bore of substantially reduced cross-sectional area is disposed in the lower end of the valve body and is in gaseous communication with the second internal cavity A thumbscrew opens and closes the valve at the seat. An orifice vents gas or liquid from the second internal cavity when the thumbscrew is off of the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus (100, 200) and method (300) for sensing acceleration are provided. The method includes producing (305) a first signal in response to an acceleration sensed by a transducer, producing (310) a second signal based on the first signal, and actuating (315) the transducer in response to the second signal to remove offset in the transducer. The first signal represents the acceleration, and the second signal represents a low frequency component associated with an offset in the transducer. The apparatus (100) includes a transducer (102) producing a capacitance in response to the acceleration, a sensing system (104, 106, 108) producing a first signal from the capacitance representing the acceleration, and a compensation system (112, 110) coupled between the sensing system and transducer. The compensation system produces a second signal based on the first signal for substantially removing an offset of the transducer.

Abstract: An oscillation driver circuit includes a gain control amplifier which causes a vibrator to produce driving vibrations by controlling an oscillation amplitude in an oscillation loop, and a comparator which generates a synchronous detection reference signal based on a signal in the oscillation loop. The oscillation driver circuit sets a gain in a first oscillation loop including the vibrator and the comparator to be larger than unity using an output from the comparator, and then causes the vibrator to produce the driving vibrations by controlling an oscillation amplitude in a second oscillation loop including the vibrator and the gain control amplifier in at least one of an oscillation startup state and a sleep mode.

Abstract: A gyro-module includes: a first gyro element component having a first detection axis and a second detection axis, and outputting at least a signal that is based on angular velocity around the first detection axis and the second detection axis; a second gyro element component having a first detection axis and a second detection axis, and outputting at least a signal that is based on angular velocity around the first detection axis and the second detection axis; a third gyro element component having a first detection axis; a first operation circuit conducting an operation of an output signal from the first gyro element component and an output signal from the third gyro element component; and a second operation circuit conducting an operation of an output signal from the second gyro element component and an output signal from the third gyro element component.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for sensing are provided. In one embodiment, a sensing system is provided that includes a first electrode array disposed on a proof mass, and a second electrode array disposed on a planar surface of a support structure. The proof mass is attached to the support structure via a compliant coupling such that the first electrode array is positioned substantially parallel to and faces the second electrode array, where the proof mass is capable of displacement relative to the support structure. The displacement of the proof mass is in a direction substantially parallel to the second electrode array. The first electrode array comprises a plurality of first patterns of electrodes, the first patterns being interdigitated, and each of the first patterns comprises at least two first electrodes. The second electrode array comprises a plurality of second patterns of electrodes, the second patterns being interdigitated.

Abstract: An electrode layer is formed on the upper surface of a first substrate, and a processing for partially removing the substrate is carried out in order to allow the substrate to have flexibility. To the lower surface of the first substrate, a second substrate is connected. Then, by cutting the second substrate, a working body and a pedestal are formed. On the other hand, a groove is formed on a third substrate. An electrode layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove. The third substrate is connected to the first substrate so that both the electrodes face to each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween. Finally, the first, second and third substrates are cut off every respective unit regions to form independent sensors, respectively. When an acceleration is exerted on the working body, the first substrate bends. As a result, the distance between both the electrodes changes. Thus, an acceleration exerted is detected by changes in an electrostatic capacitance between both the electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring operation of a press assembly includes establishing a baseline vibration level for a first location on the press assembly. The baseline vibration level defines a boundary for vibrations beyond which one or more press elements have a reduced life expectancy. Vibrations are measured at the first location and also at a second location during operation of the press. The vibrations measured at the first location are correlated with the vibrations measured at the second location, and a relationship between the vibrations at the first and second locations is established. Vibrations measured at the second location can then be adjusted and compared to the baseline vibration level to determine if adjustments to the press operation need to be made, or if certain press elements will need to be replaced prior to their expected life span.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system (200). An exemplary system includes an array of transducer elements (50) arranged along a first plane (P1) for transmitting first signals and receiving reflected signals for image processing. Circuit structures (10, 20, 30, 40) each have a major surface (1a) positioned in a co-planar orientation with respect to a major surface of another of the circuit structures to provide a sequence of the structures (10, 20, 30, 40) in a stack-like formation. Electrical connections (34, 47) are formed between adjacent circuit structures in the sequence. A connector region (1b or 1b?) on each circuit structure includes a distal portion (1c or 1c?) extending away from the major surface (1a), with distal portions (1c, 1c?) of connector regions of adjacent structures spaced apart from one another. A first wiring pattern (41, 45, 46) extends from the major surface to the distal portion of the connector region.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for ultrasonic detection of flaws or defects in oil field tubulars utilizing composite transducers. An array of composite transducers are utilized to detect anomalies in the tubulars, such as transverse, wall or longitudinal defects. The use of the composite transducers allow for a greater inspection area over traditional transducers thereby reducing the number of channels needed for inspection of the tubulars.

Abstract: An electromagnetic ultrasonic flaw detection method is provided which ensures highly accurate inspection of an interior surface of a fin-implanted heat transfer tube for detection of corrosion and requires less time for the inspection, no contact medium such as water, and less time and less costs for a pretreatment. The electromagnetic ultrasonic flaw detection method comprises: moving an EMAT 1 in a fin-implanted heat transfer tube 2 of an air cooling heat exchanger axially of the tube; causing the EMAT 1 to generate an axially symmetric SH wave 3 by utilizing an electromagnetic force to vibrate a tube body 11 of the fin-implanted heat transfer tube 2 to cause resonance; causing the EMAT 1 to detect a resonant frequency; and if the detected resonant frequency is different from a resonant frequency observed when the tube body 11 has a normal wall thickness, judging that an interior surface of the tube body 11 has a corroded portion.

Abstract: A micromechanical pressure sensing device includes a silicon support structure, which is configured to provide a plurality of silicon support beams. The device further includes one or more diaphragms attached to and supported by the support beams, and at least one piezoresistive sensing device, which is buried in at least one of the support beams. The piezoresistive sensing device is arranged to sense a strain induced in the silicon support structure, the strain being induced by a fluid in contact with the one or more diaphragms, to determine the pressure acting on the one or more diaphragms.

Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor is provided with a semiconductor pressure sensor part that converts a pressure to an electrical signal, a sensor module in which said semiconductor pressure sensor part and a terminal of which part is extended to the outside are insert-molded with a first resin, and an outer case in which said sensor module is contained, and said sensor module is further insert-molded with a second resin to form a connector portion, and the semiconductor pressure sensor is characterized in that the exposed portion of the sensor module from the second resin, and the boundary between the exposed portion of the sensor module and the second resin are covered with an adhesive.

Abstract: Parasitic feed-through capacitance effects in a resonator circuit are reduced by separating the resonator signal from the feed-through capacitance signal and then detecting the resonator signal with comparator circuitry. In specific embodiments, the separation of the resonator signal from the feed-through capacitance signal is effected by serial integrator and differentiator circuitry or by trans-impedance amplifier circuitry. The comparator circuitry can include control/delay circuitry for enabling the comparator at a correct time when feed-through capacitance signal has dissipated. The invention can be implemented using microelectromechanical sensors (MEMS) in a strain gauge function.

Abstract: Cement is conditioned, cured and/or tested while applying a specified temperature and/or pressure. In certain embodiments, the specified temperature and/or pressure applied during the testing substantially simulates anticipated static downhole conditions the cement will be subjected to in use. In certain embodiments, the specified temperature and/or pressure applied during the receiving substantially simulates pumping placement conditions the cement will be subjected to in use. In certain embodiments, the cement can be conditioned in a conditioning vessel while applying specified temperature and/or pressure to the cement. In certain embodiments, the temperature and/or pressure applied in the conditioning substantially simulates anticipated pumping placement conditions the cement will be subjected to in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the fatigue of an implantable lead by simultaneously bending and un-bending it at a plurality of successive positions wherein the bending and un-bending positions comprise a substantial length of the lead and wherein the bending radius and sector angle are substantially optional.

Abstract: A method for measuring the shape of a heating treatment jig to be held by a holding portion of a vertical heat treatment apparatus includes measuring the shape of the heat treatment jig in a state that the position of a supporting portion for supporting the heat treatment jig is set to be the same as the position of the holding portion for the heat treatment jig in the vertical heat treatment apparatus. The heat treatment jig can be used for placing a semiconductor wafer to be subjected to heat treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid within tubing disposed within a downhole wellbore. The present invention provides an inverse Venturi meter inserted within tubing with an enlarged inner diameter portion. Pressure differential is measured between the enlarged inner diameter portion and another portion of the inverse Venturi meter. Flow rate is determined from the pressure differential and the density of the fluid.

Abstract: An axial flow meter includes a housing including a generally elongated body with a continuous internal bore. Two spindles are mounted parallel to one another in the housing. Each spindle has a blade on the exterior surface of the spindle. Blades on each of the two spindles engage with each other. Bearings at each end of both spindles engage the spindles. At least one of the bearings engaging each one of the spindles is fixed in a position relative to the elongated body thereby preventing axial movement of the two spindles while allowing rotational movement of the two spindles.

Abstract: A force sensor including a force sensor chip and a shock absorbing device that has a damping mechanism is disclosed. The damping mechanism is disc-shaped and has an annular groove formed in at least a front surface so as to dampen external force. The damping force is adjusted by varying the depth of the groove.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining at least one of the weight and the position of a seat occupant is provided, said sensor system comprising a control unit, at least two spaced measurement weight sensors, wherein each measurement weight sensor provides measurement weight sensor signals, and at least one virtual weight sensor provides virtual weight sensor signals, wherein the virtual weight sensor signals are calculated using the measurement weight sensor signals of at least one of the measurement weight sensors, and at least one of the weight and the position of the seat occupant is calculated using measurement weight sensor signals and the virtual weight sensor signals.

Abstract: The weight sensing device may include a base, a cover, a first load cell attached to the base and the cover, a second load cell attached to the base and in contact with the cover but not attached, and an analyzing circuit which is connected by electrical wires to the load cells. The base may be a fork, for example, a lift truck fork. When a load is positioned on the load bearing surface of the cover, the load cells flex and cause an electrical signal to be transmitted over the wires to the analyzing circuit.

Abstract: A force sensor to measure a force from a load. The force sensor includes a plunger, a flexible disc-shaped membrane, a support plate and a silicon die. The plunger is configured to receive the force from the load, and has a ring-shaped groove at the lower surface. The membrane has a ring-shaped upper bump at the upper surface, wherein the upper bump is configured to complementarily fit into the groove at the lower surface of plunger. Furthermore, the membrane has a ring-shaped lower bump at lower upper surface. The support plate has a ring-shaped groove that is configured so that the lower bump on the lower surface of the membrane can complementarily fit into. The silicon die is centrally mounted on the membrane, where the silicon die comprises piezo-resistors that vary their resistance when deformed by the force.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices that may be used to separate components from one or more samples.

Abstract: A sample injector includes a rotary valve element with a straight passageway through it, which element may be rotated to connect a port communicating with a source of solvent with a port communicating with an inlet to a column. Another passageway connects two adjacent ports. The valve element may be rotated to one position in which it provides a straight path for sample to be injected, a second position in which it provides a path that connects a source of purge gas to the chromatographic system and a third position in which it provides a path that connects solvent to the column for preconditioning.

Abstract: A movable sensor assembly has a resting position proximate to a top surface of an environment to be measured. The sensor assembly includes a sensor that measures an environmental parameter. A spool has an end of line connecting to the sensor. An actuator connects to the spool operative to extend and retract the line. A controller provides control information to the sensor and the actuator. The environmental parameter is selected from a group that includes light, chemical composition, air speed, air velocity, and sound.

Abstract: To reduce the engaging sound to a low level, generated at the time of changing over the change gear stage by sliding a shifter, an intermittent feed mechanism includes a drum shifter, a pair of pawls symmetrically mounted to the drum shifter and energized in tilting-up directions, engaging recesses provided at regular intervals along the circumferential direction at the inner periphery of a shift drum center so as to be capable of engagement with both the pawls, and a fixed guide plate for guiding the tilted conditions of both the pawls. The guide plate is provided with a large-diameter arcuate part, a small-diameter arcuate part, and connecting parts. The pawls are engaged with the engaging recesses by the connecting parts, in the course of turning of the drum shifter by a turning amount necessary for changing over the establishment conditions of a plurality of change gear stages of gear trains.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershaft to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.

Abstract: A gear includes a metal core and a synthetic resin tooth body. The metal core includes a cylindrical portion, and a disc portion that extends inwardly in a radial direction from one end of the cylindrical portion. The synthetic resin tooth body is coupled to the cylindrical portion of the metal core. A plurality of rotation prevention grooves is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, and a plurality of rotation prevention grooves is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A shaft antiseizing type sprocket in which seizing liable to occur in the contact portion between the sprocket and the sprocket shaft is completely avoided for a long period of use. Effecting replacement is possible without use of a special-purpose removing tool or a fixing tool with a rotating body. The shaft antiseizing type sprocket has a boss portion which is integrally molded with a sprocket tooth portion. The boss has a shaft bore, the inner circumferential surface of which is adapted to be fixed to a sprocket shaft. A solid lubricant is embedded in the boss portion, and is disposed in a partially exposed state toward the shaft bore inner circumferential surface of the boss portion.

Abstract: A check mechanism for a shift lever apparatus includes: a base bracket formed with press-fit holes and locked parts; a shift lever swingably supported by the base bracket; a check member being supported by the shift lever, the check member moving in response to a swing of the shift lever; a check block attached to the base bracket and formed with a check groove; press-fit protrusions provided in the check block being pressed fit into the press-fit holes and having a plurality of ribs on its cylindrical outer periphery; and locking claw parts which being provided in the check block, the locking claw parts being locked to the locked parts formed in the base bracket in a state that the press-fit protrusions being completely pressed fit into the corresponding press-fit holes.

Abstract: A shift fork includes a body having a first branch terminating at a first free end and a second branch terminating at a second free end. A first pad is formed at the first free end. The second pad is formed at the second free end. A third pad is formed on the body at a position intermediate the first free ends. Each of the first, second and third pads includes a first surface aligned along a common plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt-and-telescope steering apparatus including a plate bracket surrounding an outer surface of an outer tube and having tilt adjustment holes formed on both sides thereof; an outer tube surrounding an inner tube and having telescopic adjustment holes formed on both sides thereof; a distance bracket surrounding the outer surface of the outer tube and having fastening holes formed through both sides thereof; an outer block positioned between the plate bracket and the distance bracket and fastening the distance bracket according to the operation of a control lever; and a fastening means coupling the plate bracket, the outer block and the distance bracket to each other.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle comprises a fixing device, in the opened state of which the steering column is adjustable in at least one displacement direction, and, in the closed state of which, the set position of the steering column is fixed and which for the displacement direction or for at least one of the displacement directions, for fixing the set position comprises at least one securement part which includes at least one toothing with teeth, and at least one counter-securement part, which includes at least one counter toothing, with teeth.

Abstract: A remote control motion transmitting cable assembly comprising a first cable sub-assembly including a first core element having a free end, a first guide length including a first guide conduit positioned in surrounding relation to the first core element and a first end fitting positioned in surrounding relation to the free end of the first core element, and a second cable sub-assembly including a second core element having a free end, a second guide length including a second guide conduit positioned in surrounding relation to the second core element and a second end fitting positioned in surrounding relation to the free end of the second core element. The cable sub assemblies include connector structure operative in response to relative axial movement of the cable sub-assemblies to couple the end fittings together, lock the free ends of the core elements together, and adjust the effective overall length of the locked core elements relative to the effective overall length of the coupled guide lengths.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite transmission selector lever that avoids the multiple manufacturing steps of current levers and in addition gives a reduction in cost. The lever comprises an elongated, structural element that defines an open interior. An electrically conductive wire for a switch is installed into the open interior. Molding material is applied around the structural element, thereby creating a layered construction with molding material on the outside of the structural element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process wherein an intermediate form of a Group IVB metal, such as titanium sponge, is produced by reduction of a feedstock of the Group IVB metal in a reactant liquid bath, for example where the feedstock, titanium tetrachloride, is reduced by molten magnesium to titanium sponge, and the reactant liquid bath is inductively stirred during the reduction process. The reduction process with induced stirring may be performed in an electric induction cold crucible, with or without a liner. Subsequent purification and melting of the intermediate form of the Group IVB metal can be accomplished in the electric induction cold crucible so that purified Group IVB metal can be supplied from the cold crucible.

Abstract: A heap bioleaching process wherein carbon, in the form of a carbonate, carbon dioxide or organic carbon, is added to the heap when the temperature in the heap is in the range of 45° C. to 60° C. to increase microbial activity and thereby raise the heap temperature to about 60° C.

Abstract: A hand tool similar in design to the commonly known “linesman” pliers with the added capacity to control the cut material during and after the cutting operation. The addition and placement of a shear edge on the outside of the jaw assembly allows the invention to maintain control of the cut material and to further manipulate the material if needed. The invention also include a tine on the leading edge of the above mentioned shear edge to increase the capacity of the invention to gain initial control of the material to be processed.