Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for detecting vibrations from a component. The system operates by coupling vibrations from a component to a membrane using a flexible connecting line. The membrane converts the vibrations into acoustic waves that are transmitted through a medium. Finally, a microphone detects the acoustic waves in the medium and converts the acoustic waves into electrical signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimizing vibration of a machine tool, in which a driven shaft 17 is rotated, in which a speed range is subsequently passed through, wherein the vibrations occurring in said speed range are sensed and wherein an optimum speed having a minimized vibration is determined and adjusted.

Abstract: Implantable pressure sensors and methods for making and using the same are provided. A feature of embodiments of the subject pressure sensors is that they are low-drift sensors. The subject sensors find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present micro-electro-mechanical pressure sensor includes a substrate, a dielectric isolation layer, at least two electrodes, and a vibrating membrane. The substrate includes an acoustic cavity. The dielectric isolation layer is formed on the substrate, and the dielectric isolation layer includes a through hole corresponding to the acoustic cavity. The at least two electrodes are separately formed on the dielectric isolation layer. The vibrating membrane covers the through hole, and the vibrating membrane includes at least one carbon nanotube structure with two opposite ends. The two opposite ends of the carbon nanotube are respectively connected to at least a given one of the at least two electrodes.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes at least one cantilever formed on an upper surface of a silicon substrate, a piezoresistor formed on a fixed end of the cantilever, and a metal wire and an electrode pad connected to both ends of the piezoresistor, wherein a stopper that limits a deformation of a free end of the cantilever is formed below the cantilever.

Abstract: Sensors for outputting signals indicative of a magnetic drag force between a ferromagnetic sample that is or has been in motion relative to one or more measurement magnets are described. Such sensors include at least one measurement magnet and a sensing element operably associated therewith, such that upon or after exposure of the measurement magnet(s) to a ferromagnetic sample in motion relative thereto, the sensor can sense the drag force, if any, or changes therein, experienced by the measurement magnet. Devices for detecting and/or measuring magnetic drag force that employ one or more of these sensors are also described, as are various applications for such devices.

Abstract: A change in a magnetic resistance generated between a plurality of windows 23a of a cylindrical member 23 formed by a nonmagnetic material and an output shaft 2 formed by a magnetic material through a torsion of a torsion bar 22 is regarded to be a change in inductances of detecting coils 15p and 15q to detect a steering torque. Coil yokes 16P and 16Q accommodating the detecting coils therein are disposed coaxially on an outer periphery of the cylindrical member 23, and L-shaped bent tip portions of output terminals 15a1 and 15a2 of the detecting coils are inserted into a through hole 18 of a circuit board of a control module CM. The coil yokes 16P and 16Q can easily be attached to a gear box with a rotation and the tip of the output terminal can be arranged with high precision. Terminal holding portions 16P1 and 16Q1 are provided on an inside of a moving track (a circular arc S) so that an interference with other components can be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the strength of composite sandwich beam in which an enclosure and insertable bladder is provided. The apparatus comprises positioning a bladder within the enclosure. The beam to be tested is slid through a cutout or aperture of the enclosure with support feet holding the beam in place within the enclosure. The enclosure supports the bladder sides with one face of the bladder pressuring the composite sandwich beam. For testing, water is pumped under pressure through a fitting into the bladder. The tolerances between the beam, enclosure and an extrusion seal do not allow the bladder to squeeze outward with the result being measurable testing pressure on the face of the composite beam.

Abstract: A flow sensor for determining the flow rate of a fluid therethrough. The flow sensor may include a chamber for the fluid to flow therethrough, a moveable magnet positioned within the chamber, a stationary magnet positioned about the chamber, and one or more sensors positioned about the chamber to determine the position of the moveable magnet therein.

Abstract: A measuring system for measuring a density of a medium flowing in a process line along a flow axis of the measuring system in the case of a medium which is variable as regards a thermodynamic state, especially a medium which is, at least in part, compressible.

Abstract: A correction system provides at least one of a compensated mass flow rate measurement and a compensated density measurement of a coriolis meter. The correction system includes a gas volume fraction (GVF) meter, which may include an array of strained-based or pressure sensors, to measure the speed of sound propagating through the fluid passing through the coriolis meter to calculate at least the GVF of the fluid and/or the reduced natural frequency. The calculated gas volume fraction and/or reduced frequency is provided to a processing unit for determining an improved mass flow rate and/or density for the coriolis meter. The improved density is determined using analytically derived or empirically derived density calibration models (or formulas derived therefore), which is a function of the measured natural frequency and at least one of the determined GVF, reduced frequency and speed of sound, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Coriolis mass flowmeter with a Coriolis tube and with an optical detection device, which optical detection device comprises at least one optical sensor for generating a signal that is representative of the movement of the Coriolis tube, said optical sensor comprising a light source and a photosensitive sensor, wherein the optical detection device comprises means for applying a constant voltage across the photosensitive sensor during operation independently of the current generated by the photosensitive sensor in response to incident light, as well as means for determining the value of the current generated by the photosensitive sensor and converting it into an output signal.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor element includes a strain sensitive resistor and an electrically insulating material. The strain sensitive resistor has an electrical resistance value changeable in response to a change of a strain level generated by application of a stress. The electrically insulating material is bonded to the strain sensitive resistor, the electrically insulating material having an electrically insulating property. The strain sensitive resistor includes (a) a matrix including a glass and (b) electrically conductive particles that are dispersed in the glass. The glass is free of lead and includes bismuth.

Abstract: A generally flexible pressure sensing mat for a vehicle seat includes a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance from each other by means of a spacer. The mat includes a plurality of cells, each cell being defined by a respective opening of the spacer. In each cell, at least two electrodes are arranged between the first and second carrier foils and, in response to pressure acting on the pressure sensing mat at a cell, the first and second carrier foils are pressed together against the reaction force of the carrier foils thereby causing variation of an electrical resistance between the at least two electrodes of the cell. The pressure sensing mat includes at least one rigidifying element, the least one rigidifying element being associated to an individual cell for locally reducing flexibility of the pressure sensing mat at the individual cell.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring torque in a shaft of a drive line including a disc coupling component such as a flexplate 1 or a flanged coupling 13, as well as a drive coupling system for carrying out the method. The disc coupling component 1, 13 is connected between a drive input 4 and a drive output so that all torque transmitted between the input and output passes through said component. The disc coupling component 1, 13 has a radially extending portion, which may include a plurality of spokes 7, to which is attached a SAW based strain sensor which communicates with a stationary coupler 3 fastened to an engine block 5 for wireless transmission of data from the sensor, the strain sensor measuring the strain in the disc coupling component 1, 13 from which the torque carried in the input shaft 4 may be calculated.

Abstract: A force sensing system comprising a force sensor cell with the necessary electronics to acquire and process various signals. The signals may provide force measurement data for activities performed, for instance, on a weight stack exercise machine.

Abstract: An in-line valve sampling system connected to a pipe conduit extracts a sample of process media in a receiving container or receptacle for testing. The valve sampling system provides a resilient sealing mechanism for corrosive process media at elevated and fluctuating temperature ranges by providing a packing cartridge having a thin film of PTFE material biased by at least one O-ring to provide a seal between a valve spindle and a raised portion of the packing cartridge.

Abstract: An inline tool tracking system for tracking an inline tool traveling along a pipe includes a detection and communication device operable to detect an inline tool as it passes generally near the device. The detection and communication device is operable to generate a detection output, which includes data indicative of the detection of the tool and a geographical location of the device. A control is operable to wirelessly receive the detection output and to process the detection output. The control generates a control output responsive to the processing, and the control output is indicative of the detection of the tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device. A display device receives an input indicative of the control output and displays the information indicative of the detection of the tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device to a user of the display device.

Abstract: A method including locating at least one device in a conduit for exposure to ambient conditions within the conduit. The method comprises the steps of locating at least one device relative to a portion of a conduit and shaping the at least one device such that it is contiguous with the wall of the conduit.

Abstract: An advancing means for a multi-coordinate measurement table including a drive unit having a friction rod and a motor for each coordinate axis (x, y). The motor contacts one side of the friction rod with its motor shaft and at least one press roller contacts the other side of the friction rod. At least one pressing means is provided biasing the press roller, the friction rod and the motor shaft against each other with a pressing force, whereby the motor shaft frictionally engages the friction rod and converts the rotational movement of the motor into a linear movement of the friction rod. A method for controlling such an advancing means is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A manual helical planetary transmission comprises a housing, a sun gear, a planet carrier with helical planetary gears and an axially displaceable ring gear which can be coupled to the housing or to the planet carrier. The transmission provides a compact and easy-to-produce solution for locking the gears. For this purpose, first saw-tooth coupling teeth are provided on both sides of the fronts of the ring gear and have a gently sloping first profile. Second saw-tooth coupling teeth provided on the housing and the planet carrier have a gently sloping profile and fit into the first coupling teeth. In the respective gear, the peripheral forces acting upon the ring gear force the gently sloping first profiles of the first coupling teeth against the gently sloping first profiles of the second coupling teeth on the housing or the planet carrier, thereby frictionally keeping the ring gear in the respective engaged position.

Abstract: A device is provided which eliminates uncomfortable operation feeling, improves the working efficiency, and reduces thermal load on a clutch and transmission shock. It is determined whether the current travel direction of the vehicle body is a forward travel direction F or a reverse travel direction R based on an operation position selected by a travel operation lever, clutch oil pressure of the forward clutch or reverse clutch, and a detected vehicle body speed. Braking force of a brake device is controlled such that the brake device is activated on the conditions that the travel direction position selected by the travel operation lever and the travel direction determined by a travel direction flag are opposite to each other, and the detected vehicle body speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An external circulation type ball screw comprises a screw, a nut, rolling elements and a return member. The nut is a hollow structure mounted on the screw. The rolling elements are received in the helical groove of the screw and the rolling groove of the nut. The return member is disposed on the nut and includes a guiding member and a cover. The guiding member is defined with two guiding portions and a first half pipe, and each guiding portion is fixed in the fixing hole of the nut. The cover includes a fixing portion for covering the guiding portion and a second half pipe for covering the first half pipe. The return member is installed in the fixing hole through the guiding portion, and then the cover is used to cover the guiding member, thus finishing the assembly of the return member. In addition, the return device can be produced by molding process, and it solves the problem that the conventional return device is difficult to assemble.

Abstract: A roller screw structure comprises a nut, a screw and a rolling assembly. The rolling assembly is movably disposed between the nut and the screw and includes at least one rolling cone. The slantwise rolling surface of the rolling cone contacts the spiral groove surfaces of the nut and the screw in a line-to-line manner, and the angle between the rolling surface and the self-rotation axis of the rolling cone is from 0 degree to 6.3 degrees. Thereby, making the distance between the self-rotation axis and the rolling surface of the rolling cone of the rolling assembly different can prevent the occurrence of speed difference caused at different rolling paths of the rolling assembly.

Abstract: Configuration-adjusting mechanisms include linkages interconnecting first and second layers of a sheet material. The linkages have hinges positioned and oriented to cause motion of at least a portion of the linkages out of a plane of the first and second layers when the mechanisms are actuated. An apparatus, system, and method include one or more of the mechanisms for changing a contour of a surface provided by a cover overlying the mechanisms. An array of mechanisms or mechanisms corresponding to an array of positions on the surface may be selectively actuated to change the contour or texture of the surface. The array of mechanisms for changing the contour can provide user interface buttons selectively actuated by the mechanisms, which cause the buttons to emerge from the surface. A reconfigurable contour may be provided by selectable sets of the buttons associated with respective functions of a control panel, for example.

Abstract: Transmission element, coupling gear as well as mechanical gear shift for motor vehicle transmission with a transmission element for a mechanical coupling gear with a pipe section shaped outer ring and within the outer ring an axis parallel oriented inner ring a good adjustability to individual requirements is achieved with the possibility to realize force/path characteristics by the fact that between the inner ring and the outer ring several pipe section shaped compression bodies are located.

Abstract: A device for operating a gearbox, which operating device comprises a operating rod, a shift finger connected to the operating rod, and at least two electric motors acting upon the operating rod, the rotors of the electric motors being arranged on the operating rod so that a first electric motor is adapted to moving the operating rod by linear movement in the axial direction of the operating rod along the axis (A) of the operating rod and thus controls the lateral travel of the shift finger, and a second electric motor is adapted to effecting rotary movement to turn the operating rod about the axis (A) of the operating rod and thus controls the longitudinal travel of shift finger, when the respective electric motors are energized.

Abstract: An improved vehicle throttle control mechanism in which a member captures the movement of an operators thumb beneath the underside of the said vehicle's handlebar. The operator is able to actuate the throttle without removing his thumb or the palm of his hand from contact with the handle bar. Other elements of the control system reduce operator fatigue and improve vehicle control.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle comprises a setting unit (11) displaceable in at least one setting direction (3, 18), a holding unit (5) nondisplaceable in this setting direction (3, 18), and a securement device (12), in the opened state of which the setting unit (11) is displaceable with respect to the holding unit (5) for setting the position of the steering column and, in the closed state of which, the setting unit (11) is secured with respect to the holding unit (5) by the securement device, and which comprises a clamp bolt (19) penetrating openings in the setting unit (11) and holding unit (5), at least one tooth plate (1) penetrated by the clamp bolt (19), which tooth plate comprises at least one toothing (2) with teeth directed away from the clamp bolt (19), and at least one toothing (7), facing the clamp bolt (19), of the holding unit (5) for the cooperation with the at least one toothing (2) of the tooth plate (1) in the closed state of the securement device.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a steering spindle, a jacket unit bearing the steering spindle, a bracket unit, mountable on the chassis of the motor vehicle, with at least one side jaw, which extends laterally of the jacket unit and bears the jacket unit (3), an openable and closable securement device which includes a clamp bolt penetrating elongated holes in the jacket unit and in the at least one side jaw, as well as at least one bracing part penetrated by the clamp bolt. The at least one bracing part is implemented in the form of a substantially planar plate.

Abstract: An aero supporting device for a bicycle, including two elongated aero supports that extend in a front direction of a bicycle when used in accordance with the intended purpose and which can be gripped by a user, as well as two arm rests on which a user can rest his forearms or elbows, for e.g. attaining a reduced drag, wherein a covering device is provided which jointly surrounds at least the two aero supports.

Abstract: A steering system has a steering wheel with an opening configured to mount a steering knob. In one embodiment, the system includes a cover removably coupled to the steering wheel to at least partially cover the opening. In one embodiment, the steering knob has three protuberances equally spaced about the knob.

Abstract: A rotation angle detection device including angle Rotary body 1 rotating in linked motion with a steering wheel; detectors 2 and 3 rotating in linked motion with rotary body 1; detecting parts 5 and 6 for detecting rotation of detectors 2 and 3; control part 21 for detecting a rotation angle of rotary body 1 from a detection signal from detecting parts 5 and 6; latching body 23 for latching the rotation of rotary body 1; and case 8 containing rotary body 1, detection parts 5 and 6, control part 21 and latching body 23. Latching body 23 includes latching part 23B urged by elastic body 24 and brought into elastic contact with an outer periphery of rotary body 1; and releasing part 23C for releasing an elastic contact of latching part 23B to rotary body 1 and a part of which is exposed to the outside of case 8.

Abstract: A method and an assembly for treating minerals using microwave energy are disclosed. The method includes exposing a moving bed, preferably a mixed moving bed, of mineral particles to pulsed high energy microwave energy so that at least substantially all particles receive at least some exposure to microwave energy.

Abstract: An agglomerate comprising alumina, carbon, and a binder for use in a vapor recovery reactor of a carbothermic alumina reduction furnace is disclosed. A method for using alumina-carbon agglomerates to capture aluminum vapor species and utilize waste heat from off-gases in a vapor recovery reactor to form a recyclable material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of fabricating a binary alloy nanostructure by using metal oxides, metal substances or metal halides of metal elements used to form a binary alloy and/or binary alloy substances as a precursor through a vapor phase synthesis method and a binary alloy nanostructure fabricated by the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of fabricating a binary alloy nanowire or nanobelt which comprises placing a precursor on the front part of a reaction furnace and a substrate on the rear part of the furnace, and heat treating both of them under inert gas atmosphere to produce the nanowire or nanobelt and, in addition, a binary alloy nanowire or nanobelt fabricated by the method according to the present invention.

Abstract: In present invention, colloidal nanosilver has been prepared with high affect on bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The average size of nano particles are less than 10 nm. In the present invention colloidal nanosilver is subject to synthesis by a very simple method and in a short time. Nanosilver colloid prepared by use of different surfactant like LABS, Tween 20, Tween 60, Tween 80, SDS.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved alkali metal dispenser which is pure and free of contaminant gases, and provides for controlled releasing, delivery and recycling of the alkali metal in multiple stages in a controlled manner. The present invention also provides an alkali metal pump or getter.

Abstract: In a method of producing steel using a steel-making vessel, where lime is used as a flux material that is blown, from above, into a steel-making bath along with an oxygen stream, providing a flux material composition of calcium oxide having a particle size of less than 250 mesh, which contains a flow aid material that is a polymeric siloxane, in an amount of less than 0.5 percent by weight of the calcium oxide, and injecting the flux material composition through a lance along with oxygen into the steel-making bath contained in the steel-making vessel.

Abstract: Reduction process and relative plant for the production of metallic iron by means of the direct reduction of iron ore, in which a reduction shaft is connected to a source of reducing gas obtained from the gasification of coal. The process advantageously comprises a step in which a portion or all of the synthesis gas entering the plant circuit is processed to separate the methane from the rest of the components of said synthesis gas. The advantageous management of the extracted methane enables the entire reduction process to be optimized, making the efficiency of the process independent of the methane content in the original synthesis gas and making it possible to control the carbon content of the product more accurately and more easily.

Abstract: A process for leaching a value metal from a base metal sulfide ore, comprising the step of leaching the ore with a lixiviant comprising a chloride, an oxidant and hydrochloric acid is disclosed. The leaching is controlled, by use of low concentrations of hydrochloric acid and a redox potential, to effect formation of hydrogen sulfide from the base metal sulfide ore. The hydrogen sulfide is stripped from the leach solution, thereby reducing the amount of sulfate generated in the leach to very low levels. The leaching may also be conducted to limit the co-dissolution of platinum group metals and gold with the base value metals. The leach forms a value metal-rich leachate and a solids residue. The solids residue may be subsequently leached to recover the platinum group metals and gold. The value metal-rich leachate can be oxidized and neutralized to recover the value base metals.

Abstract: A method of making a rotary cutting tool for cutting a web of material comprises the steps of roll forming a first flexible die plate into a cylindrical shape, mounting the cylindrically shaped die plate onto a cylindrically shaped fixture, and machining cutting elements onto the roll formed die plate. The roll formed die plate may then be removed from the fixture and attached to a cylinder. The first die plate can cooperate with a second die plate attached to a second cylinder to cut the thin web of material.

Abstract: An elongated percussive rock drilling element comprises at least one thread portion and a flush channel. At least the thread portion is made of a corrosion resistant steel having a structure with a martensite content greater than about 50 wt-% and less than about 100 wt-%, in which the steel comprises C+N greater than about 0.1 wt-% and less than or equal to about 0.8 wt-% and Cr greater than or equal to about 11 wt-% or Cr greater than or equal to about 5 wt-%, Mo less than or equal to about 5 wt-%, W less than or equal to about 5 wt-%, Cu less than or equal to about 2 wt-%, Mo+W+Cu greater than about 0.5 wt-% or Cr+3.3 (Mo+W)+16N greater than about 10 wt-%. The surface of said at least one thread portion of said corrosion resistant steel is ball blasted.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of removing, repairing and replacing a toilet bowl seat comprising an elongated tubular type member having each of a predetermined configuration and a predetermined length. There is at least one pair of radially opposed wedge shaped slots formed in a sidewall portion of such elongated tubular type member adjacent a predetermined end thereof for engaging interchangeable caps with predetermined cavities to accommodate fastener nuts. Such slots having a predetermined length and a wedge shape which is wider adjacent the predetermined first end of such elongated tubular type member. At least one predetermined fitting is engageable at a second end of such elongated tubular type member and having a predetermined configuration for engaging nut heads.

Abstract: An extension member for use with a socket wrench having a first end portion, a shaft portion connected to the first end portion, and a second end portion connected to the shaft portion opposite of the first end portion. The second end portion has a bore for receiving said socket wrench and an exterior surface shaped to matingly receive a second wrench that can provide alternate torque delivery. The extension member further has at least one bolster located on the second end portion of the extension member.

Abstract: A multiple-link tool assembly includes an elongated handle, at least one exchangeable extension link, and an exchangeable tool link. The handle has a portion adapted for being gripped by a user. The exchangeable extension link includes first and second connecting ends, and an angled body intermediate the first and second connecting ends. The first connecting end is removably connected to the handle. The exchangeable tool link has a proximal end removably connected to the second end of the extension link and a fastener-engaging distal end adapted for engaging a threaded fastener.

Abstract: A low-cost crimping tool is provided for crimping non-metallic tubing such as PEX tubing connections. The tool includes two primary pieces which fit together forming an integral pivot without being pinned together about which the tool may be closed with pliers to form a secure tubing connection.

Abstract: A torque adjustable screwdriver having a torque indicator comprises a holding portion including a handle, a spring and a stopper which are received in the handle. An operation unit has a ratchet unit, a rotary rod, an exposed post, and a screwdriver head. The rotary rod is installed within the handle and passes through the spring and the stopper. The ratchet unit has an approximate cylinder shape and one end surface of the ratchet unit is formed as a sawteeth surface. In assembly, the rotary rod is engaged to the teeth of the enlarged end of the rotary rod. A setting unit includes a driving rod, a rotary unit, a resisting unit, and an adjusting cover. The rotary unit is a hollow cylinder with outer threads at one end. An inner side of the rotary unit has the outer threads being formed with teeth.

Abstract: An electronic tension measured spanner with a slot for connecting a memory device, comprise: a handle; a head extends from one end of the handle for engaging a screwing object; a display unit installed in the handle; a strain gauge installed in the head or the handle for measuring the tension in the operation of the spanner; the tension measured by the strain gauge will be transferred to the display unit for displaying; and a slot formed in the handle and electrically connected to the display unit. A memory device is insertable into the slot for receiving the data from the display unit. The slot is a USB slot. The head is one of an opened head, a ring and a socket driver. Another head is connected to another end of the handle. The memory device is a memory card or a flash disk.

Abstract: An electronic cutter includes a method of cutting a shape in a sheet. The method includes connecting a memory storage device to the electronic cutter and selecting a shape to be cut, the shape being selected from a set of shapes stored on the memory storage device. The method also includes displaying the shape on a graphical display, receiving an indication from a user to cut the shape displayed in the graphical display, and cutting the shape in the sheet.