Abstract: For arranging an air mass meter at a flow channel, the flow channel has a housing section with a flange surrounding a receiving opening for the air mass meter. The air mass meter has a socket with a contact surface that is facing the flange. Fasteners are provided that attach the socket on the housing section. The socket and the housing section have elements for positioning the air mass meter free of play relative to a flow direction of a fluid flow that is guided in the flow channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sedimentation plant comprising a sedimentation basin (12), a cleaner beam (18) and an ultrasonic sludge level probe (30) which is suspended in the sedimentation basin (12). The cleaner beam (18) collides with the sludge level probe (30) in a regular manner ensuring that the sludge level probe (30) is displaced from the vertical spatial position and that the distance measuring values supplied thereby are no longer required for evaluating the height (h) of the sludge level (40). A positional sensor (34) is associated with the ultrasonic measuring head (32), which determines the spatial position of the ultrasonic measuring head (32). As a result, an error position of the ultrasonic measuring head (32) can be determined and the distance measuring values supplied by the ultrasonic measuring head (32) when in the error position are suppressed when the height (h) of the sludge level (40) is determined.

Abstract: A biosensor has an underfill detection system that determines whether a sample of a biological fluid is large enough for an analysis of one or more analytes. The underfill detection system applies an excitation signal to the sample, which generates an output signal in response to the excitation signal. The underfill detection system switches the amplitude of the excitation signal. The transition of the excitation signal to a different amplitude changes the output signal when the sample is not large enough for an accurate and/or precise analysis. The underfill detection system measures and compares the output signal with one or more underfill thresholds to determine whether an underfill condition exists.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piezoelectric/electrostrictive membrane type sensor 20 provided with a ceramic base body 1 and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 12. The ceramic base body is provided with a thin diaphragm portion 3, a thick portion 2 and a cavity 10 formed by the portions. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is arranged on the ceramic base body 1 and includes a piezoelectric/electrostrictive body 5, and an upper electrode 6 and a lower electrode 4 sandwiching the piezoelectric/electrostrictive body 5. In the piezoelectric/electrostrictive membrane type sensor 20, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive body 5 contains an alkaline metal or an alkaline earth metal, and the upper electrode 6 and the lower electrode 4 contain gold or platinum. When there is a change in the atmosphere at a place where the sensor is used, the sensor copes with such change and at least prevents continuation of low-quality measurement.

Abstract: An impedance sensor for detecting a mixing ratio of a liquid or a gas includes a substrate, at least a pair of electrodes, and a protective film. The substrate is configured to be disposed in the liquid or the gas. The pair of electrodes is disposed on the substrate. The protective film is disposed on the substrate so as to cover the pair of electrodes. The protective film is made of a material having a relative permittivity greater than or equal to 6.

Abstract: A sensor has a corpus (1) comprising an insert opening (10) through which a sensor element (22) can be inserted in the corpus (1), and a cable opening for passing through a supply and/or signal line (30, 48) of the sensor element (22), and a cover (31) closing the insert opening (10), The cover (31) comprises an interlock opening (42) aligned with the cable opening. The supply and/or signal line (30, 48) comprises a bushing element (44) which penetrates the cable opening of the corpus (1) and the interlock opening (42) of the cover (31).

Abstract: A sensor housing (1) comprises at least one tube section (4; 9) which is formed of metallic glass.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor device includes: a substrate; and an acceleration sensor chip including an acceleration sensor element which has a weight portion arranged to swing according to acceleration applied, and a seating portion which supports the acceleration sensor element, the acceleration sensor chip being mounted on the substrate. A cushion member is interposed between the seating portion and the substrate, which absorbs any thermal stress occurring when the seating portion and the substrate undergo thermal expansion or thermal contraction.

Abstract: A disc resonator gyroscope (DRG) and method of manufacture. The DRG has a surrounding pattern of bond metal having a symmetry related to the symmetry of a resonator device wafer that enables more even dissipation of heat from a resonator device wafer of the DRG during an etching operation. The metal bond frame eliminates or substantially reduces the thermal asymmetry that the resonator device wafer normally experiences when a conventional, square bond frame is used, which in turn can cause geometric asymmetry in the widths of the beams that are etched into the resonator device wafer of the DRG.

Abstract: A closed loop scale factor estimator of an apparatus in one example is configured to compare a measured flex angle of a hemispherical resonator gyroscope (HRG) with a demodulation angle signal to estimate a force-to-rebalance (FTR) scale factor for the HRG, wherein the demodulation angle signal corresponds to an integral of a non-uniform rate signal applied to the HRG.

Abstract: Accelerometers and associated techniques for detecting motion are described. For a resonant accelerometer, an externally-applied acceleration can cause a change in the electrical spring constant Kc of the electromechanical system. A resonant accelerometer can be driven to resonate in a bulk acoustic wave mode of vibration, which can have a high resonant frequency. Other accelerometers and associated techniques are disclosed.

Abstract: A capacitive detector that accurately detects a physical quantity with a simple circuitry. An acceleration sensor includes a capacitance converter, an amplifier, a detection element unit, and a signal controller. The capacitor converter, which includes an operational amplifier, a switch, and a capacitor, converts a change in differential capacitance, which is obtained by fixed electrodes and a movable electrode, to voltage. The operational amplifier has a non-inversion input terminal, which receives a reference voltage. The signal controller supplies voltage that is applied to the fixed electrodes of the detection element unit. The signal controller includes a bias supply unit, which applies a predetermined bias voltage to the fixed electrodes during a test mode.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate and an MEMS sensor provided on the semiconductor substrate. The MEMS sensor includes a vibratory first electrode and a plurality of second electrodes opposed to the first electrode at an interval.

Abstract: Acoustic sensing devices, systems and methods are provided for monitoring emissions from machinery. Representative is an acoustic sensing device for transmitting to a measuring instrumentation detection signals indicative of sound wave levels from the machinery. A housing assembly is constructed for removable attachment between a surface mounting region of the machinery and the measuring instrument to define a coupled state. An acoustic emissions (AE) sensor is located in the housing assembly's interior and detects sound waves propagating through the surface mounting region to produce detection signals for processing. A mounting adapter may be employed to interface the housing assembly to the machinery's surface mounting region.

Abstract: A method for testing ball bearings includes applying a Hertzian contact stress on a ball bearing to provide a fracture of the ball bearing that releases acoustic energy, establishing a signal representing the acoustic energy, and identifying occurrence of the fracture based upon the signal.

Abstract: A method for determining the depth of a parking space using at least one ultrasonic vehicle sensor. According to the method, the following steps are carried out as the vehicle drives longitudinally past the parking space: a) an ultrasonic wave is emitted, b) echo signals of the emitted ultrasonic wave are collected within a measuring window, c) the dispersion is determined and/or the distribution of the echo signals within that dispersion is determined, d) a depth is defined if the dispersion range of all and/or several echo signals that form a concentration within the distribution lies below a pre-determinable threshold value.

Abstract: A defect detection method of a turbine generator end ring includes a first ultrasonic testing step of conducting ultrasonic testing by an angle beam technique to the turbine generator end ring, a second ultrasonic testing step of conducting, when an indication echo is detected by the first ultrasonic testing step, ultrasonic testing by a focusing straight beam technique to a portion of the turbine generator end ring from which an indication echo is detected and an interpretation step of interpreting whether the indication echo is a defect echo or a false echo based on a testing result by the second ultrasonic testing step.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope, comprising an ultrasonic transducer, a motor assembly on which the ultrasonic transducer is mounted, a controller that is electrically connected to the transducer and the motor assembly, the controller being adapted to cause the rotor and transducer to be moved along a path in a predetermined sequence of movements with respect to a sample; and wherein the controller is adapted to cause the ultrasonic transducer to emit one or more pulses of acoustic energy and to generate profile measurements of the sample by processing signals from the transducer that are representative of pulses of acoustic energy that are reflected by the sample.

Abstract: Minute flaws present on the interior of a high (t/D) metal pipe having a ratio (t/D) of the wall thickness t to the outer diameter D of greater than 15% is carried out with high accuracy and certainty by angle beam flaw detection without an accompanying decrease in detection efficiency or cost increase. This is an ultrasonic probe which, as viewed from the center of a high (t/D) metal pipe, performs flaw detection of the metal pipe by obliquely impinging ultrasonic waves from a transducer on the metal pipe and generating refracted longitudinal waves and refracted transverse waves which are propagated inside the metal pipe. The front end portion of the transducer has at least a portion with an asymmetrically curved shape having a radius of curvature which progressively increases from one end towards the other end of the front end portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring volume- and/or mass-flow of a measured medium flowing in a flow direction through a measuring tube of predetermined inner diameter. The apparatus includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, which transmit and/or receive ultrasonic measuring signals along different, defined measuring paths, and a control/evaluation unit, which ascertains volume- and/or mass-flow of the measured medium in a pipeline/in the measuring tube on the basis of the ultrasonic measuring signals according to a sound entrainment method or the echo principle. At least two ultrasonic sensors, which transmit and/or receive the ultrasonic measuring signals on different measuring paths, are positioned in an opening located in the wall of the measuring tube.

Abstract: An index torque measurement system is provided. The system includes a blocker ring and a source, of index torque. The source of index torque applies a varying amount of index torque to the blocker ring to allow smooth indexing of the blocker ring teeth with synchronizer sleeve teeth. The system includes a synchronizer sleeve drivable to overcome the index torque to engage the blocker ring. The system further includes a measurement system that measures the force to overcome the index torque based on a load required to drive the synchronizer sleeve into engagement with the blocker ring given the applied index torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load gauge, comprising at least two coils, which are fixed in relation to each other, for detecting the movement and/or the position of an electrically conductive and/or magnetic element that is movable relative to the coils and against the force of a spring device. Each coil is placed in a dedicated electrical measuring circuit.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: A method for retrieving water samples from a body of water comprises positioning a remotely controlled boat on a body of water, moving the boat to a predetermined location on the body of water, lowering a probe attached to the boat into the body of water, wherein the probe includes a plurality of sample tubes contained therein, rotating a disc positioned above the plurality of sample tubes to line up a mouth of one of the sample tubes with an aperture to flow water into the sample tube.

Abstract: An improved scent transfer device for collecting evidence at a crime scene. The device comprises a gas cartridge coupled to an air valve. A holder having a sterile pad positioned therein is secured to one end of a housing containing said air valve by locking protrusions. When gas from the cartridge is expelled into the air valve, a vacuum is created at the end of where the pad holder is attached when a switch is pressed, enabling a user to collect the scent on the pad. The pad can then be removed and stored in an evidence bag. An extension member which locks into the holder can be utilized to extend the capabilities of the device.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a system for detecting movement, for example and without limitation, for detecting movement of a part of a person such as their limb or a section of their limb or deformable surface.

Abstract: An inspecting apparatus of a microstructure having a movable section 16a with its both sides supported includes a chuck top 9 for holding a wafer 8 in which the microstructure is formed so as to make a main surface of the wafer 8 into a convexly or concavely curved shape having a nearly uniform curvature radius. The apparatus includes a shape changing unit for changing the curvature radius of the shape of the main surface of the wafer 8. The shape changing unit is a temperature controlling unit for changing a shape of a top surface of a chuck top 9, on which the substrate is mounted, according to a temperature. A transfer tray whose top surface, on which the wafer 8 is mounted, formed into a convexly or concavely curved shape may be interposed between the wafer 8 and the chuck top 9 whose top surface is flat.

Abstract: A hazardous materials sensing robot includes a robot platform and a universal mounting tray on the robot platform for removably mounting thereon a plurality of sensors each having an output. An electronic interface unit is configured to receive the outputs of the sensors. An operator control unit remotely operates the robot platform. There is a communication link between the robot platform and the operator control unit for transmitting the sensor outputs to the operator control unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a head assembly to be adapted about a solid immersion lens includes a plurality of jets configured in a radial pattern that extends from a central portion to a substantial periphery of the head assembly. The jets may expel a liquid coolant stream to cool a semiconductor device with a radial impingement pattern so that the liquid coolant travels from a central portion of the semiconductor surface to a peripheral portion of the semiconductor surface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed that utilizes a fixed screw attached at one end to an actuator housing. A rotatable tube concentric with the fixed screw rotationally drives a nut having threads engaging the threaded shaft, such that the nut moves axially relative to the tube, upon rotation of the tube. The actuator is axially coupled to the nut by thrust bearings such that the actuator rod does not rotate with the driven member.

Abstract: A rotary actuator 10 includes: a housing 40; a first screw shaft 11 fixedly disposed on one end side of the housing 40 and formed with a spiral screw groove 12 in its outer peripheral surface; a second screw shaft 21 disposed on another end side of the housing 40 to be rotatable around an axis in a state of restricting a movement in an axial direction and formed, in an outer peripheral surface thereof, with a spiral screw groove 22; a nut member formed, in an inner peripheral surface thereof, with two kinds of nut grooves 31 and 32 corresponding to the screw grooves 12 and 22 formed to the first and second screw shafts 11 and 21 so as to be engaged therewith. The screw groove 12 formed to the first screw shaft 11 has a lead larger than a lead of the screw groove 22 formed to the second screw shaft 21.

Abstract: Brake apparatus includes a transmission unit for operatively connecting a brake pedal to a master cylinder, and the transmission unit is a mechanism capable of varying a ratio between an output amount of a push rod connected to a master cylinder and an operation amount of the brake pedal. Further, the transmission unit is constructed in such a manner that, in an initial operation region of the brake pedal, a ratio of the operation amount of the brake pedal to the output amount of the push rod is set to be greater than in another operation region immediately following the initial operation region.

Abstract: In a load shift transmission for a utility vehicle having a transmission input shaft, a split group, a main group and a range group, a dual clutch with two input shafts, a main shaft and a countershaft with input constants including loose gear wheels, one loose gear wheel of an input constant is selectively rotationally fixedly connectable by means of shift elements to either one of the input shafts which can in each case be coupled by means of clutches (K1,K2) to the main transmission input shaft, the countershaft can be driven by one of three input constants with power being transmitted via the countershaft in all forward gears with the exception of a direct gear. The arrangement provides, with a simple design, for the possibility to carry out sequential shifts and multiple up-shifts and multiple down-shifts without an interruption in traction force.

Abstract: A dual clutch transmission includes a group of odd-numbered speed drive trains, including at least a first speed drive train to be driven for setting a first speed serving as the lowest speed; a first clutch to be engaged for driving any one of the odd-numbered speed drive trains including the first speed drive train; a group of even-numbered speed drive trains, including at least a second speed drive train to be driven for setting a second speed serving as the second lowest speed; a second clutch to be engaged for driving any one of the even-numbered speed drive trains including the second speed drive train; an automatic speed control system for selecting one of all the odd-and-even numbered speed drive trains to be driven, and for selecting either the first or second clutch to be engaged for driving the selected speed drive train in correspondence to a traveling speed of a vehicle equipped with the dual clutch transmission; and a manual selection device for selecting any one of all the odd-and-even numbered

Abstract: In a two-part gear wheel, including a first spur gear ring which is connected to a hub and a second spur gear ring which is rotatable relative to the first spur gear ring, annular spring elements are provided biasing the spur gear rings in opposite rotational directions. The ends of the two annular spring elements are in engagement with the spur gear ring and the hub at locations spaced circumferentially by about 180° so that the spring forces effective on the second spur gear ring compensate each other circumferentially.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the backlash in bevel gears in an industrial robot which includes a first conical gear wheel with a first axis of rotation and a second conical gear wheel. The device includes a displaceably arranged holder member adapted to fix and rotatably journal the first gear wheel for rotation about the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A gear system including a worm gear, planetary gear, worm coupling and planetary coupling is presented. The worm coupling couples a first shaft with the worm gear and includes a head and an elongated portion. The elongated portion is attached to the worm gear to serve as the worm gear's axle. The head includes an opening into which the worm shaft is inserted and may include additional bores into which set screws are inserted to removably attach the worm shaft to the worm coupling. The planetary coupling couples a second shaft with the planetary gear. The planetary coupling includes a bore into which the second shaft is inserted and may include additional bores into which set screws are inserted to removably attach the planetary shaft to the planetary coupling. By using multiple bores and set screws, the planetary coupling may accommodate a variety of planetary shafts.

Abstract: A system for controlling airflow in a plenum, that comprises a worm gear and planetary gear that are removably coupled to a worm shaft and planetary shaft, respectively. The planetary shaft controls the movement of a damper between an open position permitting maximum airflow through the plenum, and a closed position restricting airflow through the plenum. A motor or gear-motor is positioned at the plenum for driving the worm shaft. The motor is controlled by a remotely located controller that includes a power supply for operating the motor. The controller is connected to the motor through a cable with a detachable electrical connection between the cable and the controller. Alternatively, the movement of the damper is controlled by a drive shaft, which connects the motor or gear motor directly to the damper without intervening gearing. The motor is positioned in the airflow of the plenum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for controlling the engagement of desired gears of a gearbox, which control device comprises a control rod with a relating locking arrangement. The locking arrangement comprises a locking element provided with one or more grooves or recesses which each define a predetermined setting position of the control rod. The locking arrangement further comprises a resilient locking means arranged in a recess in the control rod, which locking means has a locking portion which, against the action of a spring force of the locking means, is arranged for movement in said recess in the control rod's radial direction between a protruded position in which the locking portion engages in one of said grooves/recesses in the locking element and thereby counteracts movement of the control rod relative to the locking element, and a retracted position in which the locking portion does not engage in any of said grooves/recesses in the locking element.

Abstract: A user interface system comprises a plurality of linkages connected between a platform and abase. The linkages permit motion of the platform over at least a portion of a spherical surface. A support assembly coupled between the platform and the base comprises a spherical joint having a centre of rotation substantially concentric with a centre of the spherical surface. The spherical joint constrains motion of the platform to the spherical surface. The system may include a sensor corresponding to each linkage. Each sensor may be coupled to sense a movement of its corresponding linkage in response to motion of the platform over the portion of the spherical surface. A user-manipulable handle may be coupled to the platform so that the user can move the platform.

Abstract: A structure is provided with a first member at a base end side, a third member at a leading end side, a second member arranged between the first and third members, and a coupling force generator for generating a first coupling force for pressing an end surface of the first member and that of the second member against each other and a second coupling force for pressing an end surface of the second member and that of the third member against each other. In this structure, the first and third members are relatively displaced upon the application of an external force larger than a coupling force generated between the end surface of the first member and that of the second member by the first coupling force, whereas the second and third members are relatively displaced upon the application of an external force larger than a coupling force generated between the end surface of the second member and that of the first member by the second coupling force.

Abstract: An exemplary rotational mechanism (100) includes a cable (14), a cable-protecting structure (16), a first member (12) and a second member (10) rotatable relative to each other. The cable is fixed relative to the second member. A first through hole (128) is defined in the first member. The cable-protecting structure includes a bearing (161). The bearing includes an inside ring (163) and an outside ring (164) rotatable relative to each other. The bearing is received inside of the first through hole. The outside ring of the bearing is fixed to the first member. The cable is spaced from a ledge (1282) formed the first through hole and supported by the inside ring of the bearing.

Abstract: An multi-joint robot (1) for loading/unloading a work (30) into/from a cassette, characterized by comprising a hand part (7) holding the work (30), an arm part (6) rotatably holding the hand part (7), a link mechanism (3) rotatably holding the base end side of the arm part (6) and moving so that the moving route of the base end side of the arm part (6) becomes linear in a direction roughly orthogonal to a direction for loading/unloading the work (30), and a driving means for moving the tip side of the arm part (6) so as to linearly interpolate it in a direction for loading/unloading the work (30) according to the movement of the link mechanism (3).

Abstract: In a “tip following” robotic arm, the apertures through which control cables pass are arranged to ensure that the cables are maintained in contact with at least a part of the aperture, leading to a more stable and controllable arrangement.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle having a display with improved operability and visibility includes a display portion representative of a vehicular state and a display operating portion for switching a display on the display portion. The display operating portion is separated from the display portion. The display portion is arranged rearwardly of a steering handle, and the display operating portion is arranged between the steering handle and the display portion.

Abstract: A rotating cable device preferably for use in a steering column assembly couples a drive member to a driven member of the assembly for rotation and without any lost motion or release of unwanted absorbed energy, which could potentially create inefficiencies in operation and undesirable noise. A rigid sheath of the device extends along a non-linear centerline and a resilient tube preferably extends through the sheath. A flexible cable of the device extends through the tube and couples between the members for rotation. The cable device enables versatility in the arrangement and orientation of the drive and driven members in a variety of different steering column and transmission shift mount applications for vehicles.

Abstract: A Steering Mechanism for a Push and Pull Vehicle is to provide a solid turning, fast reaction steering feeling as a regular bicycle steering function, by handlebar turning left or right while still be able to use pulling or pushing action to power a vehicle forward. It contains handlebar at top of swing pole, a turning sleeve on a swing arm to hold swing pole, a frame supported U-joint bearing holds a U-joint which steer vehicle direction, and said swing arm contains a pivot support on vehicle frame and output to drive vehicle forward. So said handlebar is able to swing back and forth on swing arm pivot support to drive vehicle forward and turn left and right on said turning sleeve for steering directions.

Abstract: A handlebar for attachment to a cycle is disclosed. The handlebar comprises a generally horizontally extending cross-piece portion and at least one brake operating lever disposed at least partially within the forward horizontal projection of said cross-piece portion. Various arrangements and shapes of brake levers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control cable adjustment device for adjusting a control cable extending between a control mechanism and an operating mechanism. The adjustment device includes an adjuster rotatably connected to a housing of the control mechanism and a spring element having at least one retention segment. The retention segment engages a detent contour of the adjuster to retain the adjuster in its current position. Another segment of the spring element may have a second function as a return spring for a gear shifter or a brake lever.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inner cable for a push-pull control cable and a method for manufacturing the inner cable. The inner cable of a push-pull control cable applied to various control system including a steering system and a method for manufacturing the inner cable can generally increase durability of a control cable and reliability of a steering system, and can be easily manufactured. The inner cable includes a core wire with a predetermined length, which is formed by twisting a plurality of wire strands; a coiled wire, which is assembled with one end of the core wire in such a manner that the coiled wire winds the outer circumferential surface of the core wire in a spiral shape; and synthetic resin coating formed at a remaining part of the core wire, except for a part assembled with the coiled wire.