Abstract: A forging apparatus 1A includes a swaging apparatus 2 equipped with a fixing die 10, a guide 20 having an insertion passage 22 for inserting and holding a bar-shaped raw material 5 in a buckling preventing state, and a punch 30. The raw material 5 is fixed to the fixing die 10 with the one end portion of the raw material protruded. The one end portion of the raw material 5 is inserted into the insertion passage 22 of the guide 20. Thereafter, while pressing the raw material 5 with the punch 30 in the axial direction, in a state in which an entire peripheral surface of the exposed portion 8 of the raw material 5 exposed between the guide 20 and the fixing die 10 is not restrained, the guide 20 is moved in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the punch 30 so that a length of the exposed portion 8 of the raw material 5 becomes a budding limit length or less at a cross-sectional area of the exposed portion 8 of the raw material 5.

Abstract: A tool to manipulate wrought iron has a face and at least one side wall, the face being provided with a raised portion, the outer periphery of the raised portion providing a bending surface for wrought iron, the raised portion further containing a recess adapted to trap an end of the wrought iron, the side wall being provided with a recess adapted to accommodate a portion of the wrought iron.

Abstract: A system and method for testing and calibrating integrated sensor devices that improves the manufacturing test throughput of the devices. The system includes a tester, a temperature controller, and at least one probe station including a thermal chuck. The chuck can be heated to specified temperatures to achieve variable heating of a wafer, PCB, or pallet disposed thereon. The temperature controller adjusts the temperature of the chuck to a first specified level. The tester performs at least one first measurement of the output offset of each integrated sensor embodied as a die on the wafer, or as a device on the PCB or pallet. Next, the temperature controller adjusts the temperature of the chuck to a second specified level, and the tester performs at least one second measurement of the output offset of each integrated sensor at the second temperature level.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for operating a gas sensor is described, including a reference gas space in which an electrode is situated which is supplied with a reference gas pump current to maintain the concentration of the reference gas. A diagnostic system determines a concentration change of the reference gas via a change in the reference pump current and a time-based evaluation of the sensor signal of the gas sensor.

Abstract: A device and method for calibration of a mass flow sensor (14) employs a flow channel and a holder for the mass flow sensor in the flow channel. An adjustable throttle device is provided between the holder and a connection to a pump during a calibrating operation to operate on the basis of a predetermined time/displacement profile by means of a control device. During operation of the pump, the throttle device generates a supercritical flow with which a flowing medium has the speed of sound in the narrowest cross section of the throttle device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor capable of maintaining an electrical connection between the lead frame and an electrode terminal section of the detection element even when an inadequate external force is applied to a lead frame and a sensor production method capable of preventing the lead frame from buckling and being deformed into an inadequate shape. The lead frame (second lead frame) can inhibit movement of a second frame main body section axially toward a rear end side through engagement of a third locking surface of a second locking section with a second locking groove and can inhibit the second frame main body section from going apart from an inner surface of an insertion hole through engagement of a fourth locking surface of the second frame locking section, which faces an element engagement section side.

Abstract: A humidity sensor and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) therefor, for measuring low humidity levels, and a method for preparing same. The metallic surface of the QCM is electroplated with a hygroscopic layer. The hygroscopic layer preferably includes Manganese. A salt is formed on the hygroscopic layer. The salt is preferably salt of Manganese, and most preferably Manganese Chloride (MnCl2).

Abstract: A gas sensor has a dielectric base having a face, a heater element on the face, electrodes connected to the heater element, and a gas sensor element on the heater element that when heated changes impedance when in contact with a predetermined gas. The element is in electrical contact with the heater element. A power supply connected to the heater element electrodes energizes same and heats the gas sensor to its operating temperature. A sensor electrode is also in contact with the sensor element so that the impedance of the sensor element can be measured between the sensor electrode and one of the heater element electrodes.

Abstract: In one aspect the method provides for determining changes in helium concentration over time in the interstitial space between a primary vessel that is charged with helium and a secondary vessel. The expected concentration resulting from permeation is calculated and accounted for. In another aspect, air is circulated in the interstitial space. An abrupt change in measured concentrations may be used to determine an approximate leak location.

Abstract: A Marsh funnel is equipped with a valve at the funnel outlet. The valve may be of the quick opening type selected from stem valves (internal of the funnel), ball valves, plug valves, flapper valves, butterfly valves, slide valves and the like.

Abstract: A method, system and unit for determining alignment in a layered device such as a semiconductor device includes providing a first layer having detectable surface and subsurface material properties and positioning a patterned photoresist layer over the first layer, patterned photoresist layer having detectable surface and subsurface material properties. The layers are imaged with a FIRAT probe to detect the material properties, and the detectable material properties are compared for mapping an alignment of the compared detectable material properties. The first layer may be a substrate or have a previously processed layer formed thereon. A surface topography may be included over the substrate and an etchable layer formed over the substrate or first layer. The FIRAT probe may be a single tip probe or a dual tip probe.

Abstract: A method of detecting water induction in a steam turbine that may include the steps of: measuring the temperature of one of the steam lines of the steam turbine at regular intervals; recording the temperature measurements; and determining, from the recorded temperature measurements, whether there has been a sharp decrease followed by a gradual rise in the temperature of the steam line. The method further may include the steps of calculating the rate of change of the decrease in temperature of the steam line and the rate of change of the increase in temperature of the steam line. The sharp decrease followed by a gradual rise in the temperature of the steam line may include a decrease in temperature followed by an increase in temperature wherein the rate of change of the decrease in temperature exceeds the rate of change of the rise in temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for monitoring the cyclic variability of combustion or one or more cylinders of a reciprocating internal combustion engine. Exhaust temperature signals are acquired from one or more exhaust temperature sensors. Cycle-by-cycle values which are related to combustion characteristics are obtained from each exhaust temperature signal. Statistical parameters related to the dispersion of sets of the cycle-by-cycle values are then obtained. The statistical parameters are used to provide an indication of the cyclic variability of the engine.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring and displaying the engine oil filling level in a vehicle having a filling level switch or sensor, measured values of the switch or sensor, in the form of determined time components, are summed to determine a state duration of a particular state of the engine oil filling level. The state duration is compared with predefined time limiting values of the respective state of the engine oil filling level. According to the invention, the length of the individual time components is determined as a function of driving-state-dependent parameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downhole analysis of formation fluids by isolating the fluids from the formation and/or borehole in a pressure and volume control unit that is integrated with a flowline of a fluid analysis module and determining fluid characteristics of the isolated fluids. Parameters of interest may be derived for formation fluids in a static state and undesirable formation fluids may be drained and replaced with formation fluids that are suitable for downhole characterization or surface sample extraction. Isolated formation fluids may be circulated in a loop of the flowline for phase behavior characterization. Real-time analysis of the fluids may be performed at or near downhole conditions.

Abstract: A method and a device for obtaining the three components (u,v,w) of the air speed (TA) of an aircraft along its flight path, the device including an arm (2) provided with two pressure probes disposed at each of its ends, each probe having two pressure intakes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems, methods, and apparatus, including software implementation, useful for high-precision measurement of mass flow rate over a large range of flows by using multiple volumes, each having a different and selected size. Use of a single manometer can facilitate reduced cost, and the use of multiple chamber volumes that are sized according to sub-flow ranges within the overall range of the mass flow verifier, or a related device under test, can provide high accuracy while reducing deleterious effects of noise in the flow measurement.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a capacitance sensing apparatus equipped with self-calibrating capacity and method of use thereof. The disclosure contemplates the determination using a secondary means of precise fluid levels according to five possible embodiments, and the use of the determined fluid level to recalibrate the capacitance sensing apparatus along its continuous analog level, namely, a variation of the thickness of the insulation of a capacitance sensing apparatus, the variation of the surface geometry of the capacitance sensing apparatus, the use of a dual-probe sensor including a probe with a varied surface geometry, the use of an electromagnetic sensor adjoining the capacitance sensor, and the variation of the electromechanical sensor to serve as a capacitance sensing apparatus. The disclosure also contemplates methods for using the sensing apparatus previously disclosed to measure a fluid level using a self-calibrating capacitance sensing apparatus.

Abstract: A window fog detecting apparatus has an optical type fog detecting sensor for optically detecting fog occurring at a window glass, a humidity sensor for detecting a relative humidity of air at an interior side of the window glass, and a sensor output correcting unit. When a fog occurrence at the window glass is determined based on the output values of the optical type fog detecting sensor, the sensor output correcting unit corrects the relative humidity detected by the humidity sensor based on output values of the optical type fog detecting sensor.

Abstract: Angular rate sensor for detecting rotation about first and second mutually perpendicular axes which has first and second masses coupled together for torsional drive mode oscillation of equal amplitude and opposite phase about third axes which are perpendicular to the first and second axes. The first mass is mounted for oscillation about the second axis in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation about the first axis, and the second mass is mounted for oscillation about the first axis in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation about the second axis. In some disclosed embodiments, the rate sensor also includes a pair of accelerometer masses which are connected together for torsional movement of equal amplitude and opposite phase about axes parallel to the third axes in response to acceleration along the second axis and for torsional movement of equal amplitude and opposite phase about axes parallel to the second axis in response to acceleration along the third axes.

Abstract: An oversampling electromechanical modulator, including a micro-electromechanical sensor which has a first sensing capacitance and a second sensing capacitance and supplies an analog quantity correlated to the first sensing capacitance and to the second sensing capacitance; a converter stage, which supplies a first numeric signal and a second numeric signal that are correlated to the analog quantity; and a first feedback control circuit for controlling the micro-electromechanical sensor, which supplies an electrical actuation quantity correlated to the second numeric signal.

Abstract: In a non-destructive test instrument, there is provided a time variable gain (TVG) amplifier wherein the gain of the amplifier is dynamically changed to optimize the amplitude of a flaw echo signal. The TVG digital memory for a given TVG curve specifies and controls not only the start gain value, and the end game value, but the gain rate of change slope as well to generate TVG curve line segments.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes an integral housing including a plurality of tubular containers that are open at one end and closed by bottom portions at the other end and have side portions extending from the one end to the other end, and at least one connecting portion that connects the plurality of tubular containers. Piezoelectric devices are disposed on respective inner bottom surfaces of the respective bottom portions of the plurality of tubular containers. Side portions of the tubular containers are connected to each other, through a connecting portion, at portions adjacent to bottom portions where the amount of displacement caused by the vibrations of piezoelectric devices is smallest.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a vehicle. The apparatus includes an actuator and a stand assembly supported by the actuator. The stand assembly includes a coupling device configured to attach to a vehicle, and the actuator is configured to move the vehicle in response to a computer-generated signal.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter for registering the pressure of a medium. The pressure transmitter includes a transmitter body, a dividing membrane attached to the transmitter body forming thereby a pressure chamber, a first pressure canal and a second pressure canal. The two pressure canals exhibit different hydraulic properties.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a substrate assembly. The substrate assembly includes a conductive layer and defines a plurality of channels terminating in closed ends. A conductive membrane is mounted to the substrate assembly so that a sealed reference chamber including the channels is defined by the conductive membrane and the substrate assembly. A cap is mounted relative to the substrate assembly and defines one or more apertures so that an antechamber is defined by the cap and the conductive membrane. Differential pressure between the reference chamber and antechamber can cause deflection of the conductive membrane which, in turn, varies the capacitance between the conductive membrane and conductive layer.

Abstract: A weight part (12) is supported by a beam part (26) in a slim piece shape supported by a frame-shaped support part (10), and the beam part (26) is provided with a piezoresistance element (20) as a transducing element that transduces a mechanical variation to an electrical variation, so that a mechanical variation of the weight part (12) is transmitted to the piezoresistance element (20) via the beam part (26). Then, the beam part (26) is constructed by stacking the silicon nitride film (16) and a resin film (18) such as a polyimide film.

Abstract: A structure includes a structure surface and a protective cover. The protective cover includes a circuit having a component, a moisture detector, and a radio frequency transmitter. The component is adhesively connected to the structure surface with an adhesive connection. The moisture detector is positioned to provide information about moisture in the protective cover. The circuit is for providing data derived from the component and from the moisture detector to the radio frequency transmitter for external transmission. The component may be a strain sensor. The moisture detector may be a capacitor. A moisture barrier may also be provided.

Abstract: The invention describes apparatuses and methods of monitoring fatigue, structural response, and operational limits in structural components. More particularly, the present invention relates to fatigue, response, and operational monitoring systems on steel catenary risers using optical fiber sensors. The sensors can be pre-installed on new risers, or post-installed sub-sea on existing risers, using a variety of methods.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for measuring a process variable of a process fluid in a vessel includes first and second pressure couplings arranged to receive a first pressure and a second pressure of process fluid in the vessel. These pressures are related to the density of the process fluid. A sensor provides a sensor output related to the process fluid in the vessel. Measurement circuitry is configured to calculate a calculated process variable of the process fluid in the vessel based upon the first and second pressures and the sensed process variable.

Abstract: A bi-directional orifice plate assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, the orifice plate assembly includes a first ring member, a second ring member, an orifice plate disposed between the first and second ring members, a first seal assembly disposed between the first ring member and the orifice plate, and a second seal assembly disposed between the second ring member and the orifice plate. The first ring member includes a first plurality of arms having latching portions, and the second ring member includes a second plurality of arms having latching portions. Both ring members include latch-receiving recesses. The latching portions of the arms of the first ring member engage the latch-receiving recesses of the second ring member, while the latching portion of the arms of the second ring member engage the latch-receiving recesses in the first ring member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of proof testing a sheet of brittle material such as a glass or glass-ceramic based material. The method comprises bending the glass sheet over at least one arcuate member to detect sheets having a strength greater than a predetermined value. The method includes imparting a bend to the sheet and producing relative motion between the sheet and the bend such that the bend traverses the sheet, and wherein tensile stress induced in a surface of the sheet by the bend corresponds to the predetermined strength value. An apparatus for performing the proof testing is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conditioning chamber device for metallurgical samples, adapted to be attached to an instrument having an examination chamber operable in an ultra high vacuum condition, and to be brought to an ultra high vacuum condition while attached to the instrument; and comprises (i) at least one vacuum pump means; (ii) a sample retaining means; (iii) at least one fracturing means adapted to prepare on a sample a surface suitable for metallurgical analysis; (iv) a drying means adapted for slow drying of a sample in an ultra high vacuum condition; and (v) a transporting means to transport the sample after surface preparation through a connecting means into the examination chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables testing of sifting segregation of a particulate solid mixture in a storage bin or hopper. The apparatus makes use of a convergently and divergently angled hopper for collecting the mixture. The apparatus further makes use of a minimally-shearing feeder mechanism supplying a desired flow of mixture, with minimal to no sifting segregation, to the angled hopper. A collection mechanism removes samples of the mixture from the angled hopper for analysis with minimal disruption of the particles of the mixture relative to each other. Thus, samples resulting from the testing apparatus, and corresponding method, are highly representative of mixture conditions within a larger storage hopper.

Abstract: A shift operating apparatus includes a shift and select shaft moved in an axial direction upon a shift operation and rotated about an axis upon a select operation, an inner lever provided at the shift and select shaft, the inner lever being moved in the axial direction upon the shift operation and being rotatable about the axis upon the select operation, a plurality of shift fork heads arranged about the axis along a circumferential direction of the shift and select shaft; and plural shift grooves formed at the inner lever to be open in the circumferential direction of the shift and select shaft. The plural shift grooves are arranged along the axial direction with an interval relative to an adjacent shift groove of each other, the interval which corresponds to an amount of a shift stroke.

Abstract: A drive device for a transmission (4), a main engine and a shifting clutch (3). In order to reduce the phase of tractive force interruption during switching operations, the drive device has a shifting brake clutch (9), located between the engine and the shifting clutch, such that during switching operations, intersecting disengaging and engaging processes of both clutches (3 or 9), provide for support of the main engine torque in a gear output (5).

Abstract: A device for engaging power takeoffs, primarily used to drive a load from the engine of a vehicle, has an electromagnet with a single winding of small size which is driven by a microprocessor system in PWM mode allowing to differentiate the current intensity of the engaging phase and of the phase of maintaining said engaging. The control system monitors, without the aid of external sensors, parameters such as electromagnet current, power supply and electromagnet voltage, electromagnet winding resistance, electromagnet winding inductance. From these parameters, the system is able to determine the engaging or unengaging position of the power takeoff, and it is able automatically to uncouple if the monitored parameters do not fall within the expected ranges, simultaneously notifying the user of the protective intervention.

Abstract: A variable transmission that works in conjunction with a conventional vehicle automatic transmission, includes at least one frusto-conical gear having a hollow space therewithin for housing a plurality of sliding face gears supported on a main power shaft, wherein the plurality of sliding face gears are hydraulically slidable to engage one another in a various step-up or step-down configurations to provide a smoother automatic shifting and driving condition.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus comprises a rack shaft, a joint provided at an end of the rack shaft, a stopper for regulating a stroke amount of the rack shaft, and a spacer. The spacer comprises an annular elastic member and an annular metal member. The elastic member comprises an inner annular section fitted on the end of the rack shaft and an outer annular section. The metal member comprises an annular section surrounding an outer periphery of the outer annular section of the elastic member. The outer annular section of the elastic member comprises a projection section projecting farther to the stopper than a first abutment section of the metal member when the stopper does not regulate the stroke amount of the rack shaft.

Abstract: A return pipe is constituted by combining a pair of return pipe halves split along a non-load passage. A pipe hold down member is fixed to a nut member so as to be astride the return pipe, fixing the return pipe to the nut member. A flange portion is formed on each of the return pipe halves, while a pair of fixing leg portions covering the flange portion of each return pipe half is formed on the pipe hold down member. Fastening members pass through the fixing leg portions of the pipe hold down member and the flange portion of the return pipe halves and are fastened to the nut member. When the fixing leg portions of the pipe hold down member are fixed to the nut member by the fastening members, an engagement portion of the pipe hold down member is configured to tighten the pair of the return pipe halves in the direction where split faces of the return pipe halves abut against each other.

Abstract: The described actuation device comprises a casing, intended for the attachment to the handlebar of the bicycle, a cable-winding bobbin, angularly mobile in the casing about a main axis of the device, a first driving mechanism, acting on the bobbin to rotate it in a first angular direction, a second driving mechanism, acting on the bobbin to rotate it in a second angular direction opposite the first, as well as indexer assembly for removably holding the bobbin in predetermined angular positions. In accordance with the invention, the indexer assembly comprise first countering means, to counter the rotation of the bobbin in the first direction, and second countering means, distinct from the first countering means, to counter the rotation of the bobbin in the second direction. Asymmetric operation is thus obtained which allows active actuation to be set both for upward gearshifting and for downward gearshifting.

Abstract: A multiple screw dispensing apparatus and method for surgical applications includes a body and a screw set loaded within the body. The screw set includes a plurality of releasably coupled screws. A block is slidably mounted with respect to the body and abuts a head portion of the screw. After driving a screw into a material, another screw may be positioned for use by engaging the block.

Abstract: A spark plug installation and removal wrench comprising a short socket with a handle pivotally attached to the socket, forming a compact assembly that can access spark plugs in tight spaces. The socket may be rotated on the pivot axis to slip over the spark plug and down to engage and drive the spark plug. Lateral force on the handle may then rotate the socket to install or remove the spark plug. In one embodiment, the handle pivot axis may run through a clearance space for the spark plug, and the handle may have a U shape to avoid interference with the spark plug. An embodiment is disclosed wherein the handle may be attached with roll pins, rivets, screws or other pivot attachment hardware.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for trimming an irregular open end of a container body is disclosed. The improved trimmer cartridge includes a sealed gear housing, for retention of interior lubricant and to reduce contamination. An adjustment mechanism, accessible from the exterior of the housing, is provided to adjust a gap between two blades of the trimmer cartridge. The adjustment mechanism provides improved control over the gap width, which is between 8-25% of the can metal thickness. Additionally, a tang that is removably connected to a shaft for a first blade provides rotational power for the trimmer. The tang is replaceable without requiring the housing to be opened or requiring replacement of the blade shaft. Another blade shaft is provided for a second blade, with the two blade shafts having substantially equal mass. The trimmer also includes spur gears, which do not have the thrust load associated with prior art helical gears.

Abstract: There is provided a bar material supply device of a simple configuration suited to machining of a bar material without increasing machining cost even when a short bar material such as an end material is machined.

Abstract: A perforator includes a perforating unit, a chad recovery/delivery unit, a chad storage unit, a chad guiding unit, and a shielding unit. The perforating unit perforates a sheet-shaped recording medium. The chad recovery/delivery unit delivers a chad perforated by the perforating unit to the chad storage unit via discharge channels in the chad guiding unit. The chad storage unit stores the delivered chad. The shielding unit includes a shielding body and a shielding face fixed on an end thereof. The shielding unit releases a shielding against the discharge channels to discharge the chad though an opening in an interior of the shielding body to the chad storage unit when the shielding unit is in a first position. When the shielding unit is in a second position, the shielding face blocks the discharge channels to prevent the chad from being discharged to the chad storage unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a punch press which enables cartridges to be easily replaced so that the replacement of the cartridges allows the use of a large number of tools, which enables tools in the cartridges to be quickly indexed, and which allows the accuracy of punching to be easily improved. Cartridges 3, 4 are used which hold tools 1, 2, respectively. Cartridge holders 6, 7 are provided which hold the cartridges 3, 4, respectively, that are supported by a punch frame 5 and located at a press position P. A ram 10 is provided above the cartridge means holders 6, 7. The cartridge holders 6, 7 have cartridge clamps 14, 15, respectively, removably holding the corresponding cartridges 3, 4. The cartridge holders 6, 7 have cartridge rotating mechanisms 16, 17, respectively, that rotate the held cartridges 3, 4 in order to index any of the tools 1, 2. The cartridge holders 6, 7 fix the cartridges 3, 4 during punching so that the cartridges cannot be moved in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a casing conveyed perforating system and methods for externally perforating a wellbore and casing. The perforating system is attached to the outside of the casing and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the wellbore. The perforation may be accomplished using two groups of charges, which are contained in protective pressure chambers, however, may use only one group of bi-directional charges. Each pressure chamber may be positioned radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs, which conveniently serve to center the casing within the wellbore. One group of charges may be aimed inward in order to perforate the casing, while the other group of charges is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation.

Abstract: A self-cleaning gas operating system for a firearm having a conventional bolt carrier assembly is disclosed comprising: a nozzle assembly having a nozzle in direct communication with a port on the muzzle; said nozzle assembly nested within a piston cup having a vent, a connecting rod operationally linking the piston cup to a spring loaded operating rod which is substantially co-axial to a bolt carrier key having a striking portion, said striking portion having a concave strike face in contact with said operating rod, wherein gas discharged from a fired cartridge displaces the piston cup and causes the operating rod to strike the strike face displacing the bolt assembly.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a reliable and inexpensive combination of a chamber and a piston to be used in any device where such a combination is needed so that it complies with specific demands towards the operation force for e.g. pumps, specifically manually operated pumps. By a device comprising a chamber and a piston positioned inside the chamber said chamber and said piston relatively movable to each other in a predetermined direction of movement between a first position and a second position of which the cross-section of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement is larger at the first position than at the second position, the change in the cross section of the chamber is essentially continuous between the first position and the second position and the cross-section of the chamber.