Abstract: A scanning probe microscope and method for using the same are disclosed. The scanning probe microscope includes a probe, an electro-mechanical actuator, and a controller. The probe has a tip that moves in response to an interaction between the tip and a local characteristic of a sample. The electro-mechanical actuator moves the sample relative to the probe tip in three dimensions. The controller maintains the probe tip in a fixed relationship with respect to the sample in one of the dimensions, and causes the electro-mechanical actuator to move the sample relative to the probe tip in the other two of the dimensions along a smooth path to generate an image of an object in the sample in an area sampled along the smooth path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting dynamic characterization of a gas turbine engine which involves generating exciting pressure pulses and measuring responses in the engine, and, in one aspect then analyzing the measured response for engine dynamic characteristics.

Abstract: A misfiring cylinder identifying apparatus for a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine is provided with a determining portion that determines whether a plurality of cylinders is misfiring, and an identifying portion that identifies two cylinders among the plurality of cylinders in the order of the revolution speed fluctuation from largest as the misfiring cylinders when it is determined that the plurality of cylinders is misfiring.

Abstract: A cylinder characteristic variation sensing device has a small injection controlling section that performs small injections sequentially in respective cylinders, a torque increase amount sensing section that senses an increase amount of output torque caused in connection with the small injection for each cylinder, an injection quantity sensing section that senses an actual injection quantity of the small injection for each cylinder, and a cylinder characteristic variation calculating section that calculates a variation in a cylinder characteristic among the cylinders (i.e., a cylinder characteristic variation) based on a variation in the sensing value of the injection quantity sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., an injection quantity variation) and a variation in the sensing value of the torque increase amount sensing section among the cylinders (i.e. a torque increase amount variation).

Abstract: A fuel volatility recognition method during the post-cranking step of an internal combustion engine; the recognition method contemplates the steps of: starting the internal combustion engine; adjusting the enrichment of the mixture burnt in the cylinders of the internal combustion engine according to a previously determined historic fuel volatility value; detecting the time evolution of the angular speed of a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine during the post-cranking step; determining the noise contained in the angular speed of the crankshaft by filtering the angular speed itself by means of a high-pass filter; comparing the noise contained in the angular speed of the crankshaft against at least one predetermined threshold value; and recognizing the fuel volatility according to the result of the comparison between the noise contained in the angular speed of the crankshaft and the predetermined recognition threshold.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation distribution variation sensing device has a torque sensing section that senses instantaneous torque caused with combustion of fuel injected from an injector for each cylinder, an injection quantity sensing section that senses an actual injection quantity of the injected fuel for each cylinder and an exhaust gas recirculation distribution variation calculating section that calculates an exhaust gas recirculation distribution variation as a distribution variation of recirculated exhaust gas to respective cylinders based on a variation in the torque sensing value of the torque sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., a torque variation) and a variation in the injection quantity sensing value of the injection quantity sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., an injection quantity variation).

Abstract: A portable tire prep detector is used to detect prep on a tire, when the tire is on a racing vehicle, and when the racing vehicle is on a race track. In one example, the detection of prep using the portable tire prep detector involves a test that takes less than two minutes. Multiple tires can be reliably tested in this way in rapid succession, even if some of the tires tested cause large amounts of prep to be drawn into the portable tire prep detector. In one example, the portable tire prep detector is a portable gas detector involving a catalytic combustion sensor. The portable gas detector is able to detect very low concentrations of hydrocarbons in a sample gas drawn into the detector from the tire surface. If the detector reads above a predetermined threshold value, then the tire is determined to have been prepped.

Abstract: A tire pressure gauge with a valve cap wrench is disclosed. A bore at one end of the tire pressure gauge may be used to grip and remove a valve cap mounted on a valve stem of a tire. A port at the other end of the tire pressure gauge may be used to measure air pressure in a tire. The measured air pressure may be displayed on a display on the pencil gauge. The cap wrench may have a collet to hold a valve cap and a switch to tighten and loosen grip on a valve cap. The cap wrench may also have a plunger to push a valve cap out of the pencil gauge.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices and methods for fluid flow analysis for example, in an education environment. The light source, for example, a laser, is housed to illuminate particles in a fluid while minimizing exposure to the user. A control unit is provided that is remote from the fluid flow device. The fluid flow device further includes a removable fluid obstacle such that different fluid flow effects can be obtained.

Abstract: A flowmeter determines the flow direction of a fluid. The flowmeter has a measuring element, around which the fluid flows. The measuring element has fiber-optic cable and at least two electrical heating elements that lie adjacent to the fiber-optic cable(s) by which a respective heat stream emanating from the respective heating element and directed towards the fiber-optic cable, the directions of the heat streams being at least proportionately reversed. In addition, depending on the flow direction of the fluid, the individual heat streams are correlated to different extents with the flow direction. An electromagnetic wave that can be coupled into the fiber-optic cable(s) can also be influenced according to the temperature of the fiber-optic cable(s).

Abstract: A bi-static sodar system and method are used to measure and monitor the wake vortices of aircraft in the flight path of an airport runway. A loudspeaker (16) is arranged on one side of the flight path (12) and transmits a series of acoustic pulses to illuminate portion of the flight path. Multiple microphones (18, 20 and 22) are arranged on the opposite side of the flight path (12) so as to receive direct signals from the loudspeaker (16) and forward-scattered echo signals from an echo source (26) within the illuminated portion of the flight path. The microphones (18, 20 and 22) are arranged at different distances from the loudspeaker so that the time intervals between the receipt of the direct and echo signals from each pulse will vary because of the different locations of the microphones. This variation is used to assist in identifying the location and other characteristics of the echo signals and in generating an output indicative of a wake vortex (28).

Abstract: Devices and methods useful for non-invasively measuring and indicating a rate of fluid flow are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor housing adapted to received fluid flow therethrough is provided. A radio frequency tag and a masking element can be disposed in the sensor housing. The masking element and the radio frequency tag can be configured to move relative to one another. The relative positions or movement can alter the response of the radio frequency tag to a wireless signal (which can be emitted from an external reading device, for example) and thereby indicate a rate of fluid flowing through the housing. For example, in some embodiments, the masking element can selectively cover at least part of the radio frequency tag in correspondence to the flow rate, which can change a characteristic of the radio frequency tag's response to the wireless signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for measuring liquid level by image, and more particularly to a system and a method for measuring liquid level by image, which is capable of measuring a liquid level accurately and automatically by photographing a proximity of liquid surface where a staff gage contacts the liquid using an image capturing apparatus, such as a camera, being located apart from the liquid to be measured, and by analyzing the photographed footage. The system for measuring liquid level by image comprises: a staff gage installed in the liquid; an image capturing part provided with a distance from where the staff gage is installed and capturing an image by photographing a proximity of liquid surface where the staff gage is installed; and a level recognition part controlling a capture of the image, wherein the level recognition part receives the image captured by the image capturing part and determines the liquid level.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for fabricating measuring devices, e.g., a pressure gauge, thermometer or the like. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for fabricating measuring device assemblies having at least a case, window and gasket, where the measuring device may be assembled in multiple different ways using the same case, window and gasket.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 for packaging a sensor device comprises a main body 2 having an internal chamber 4 with a base 2b on which, in use, is mounted the sensor so as to couple the sensor to the strain field in an article to which the packaging is attached by means of said base. A lid 3 is separately formed from and is formed of a different material to said base 2b and is sealable to the main body 2 in order to seal close said internal aperture 4. The lid 3 includes contact pins 8, 9 which extend therethrough from one side to the other. A first end 8a, 8b of each said pin 8, 9 extends into said chamber 4 when the lid 3 is positioned on the body 2 for connection to said sensor and a second end 8b, 9b of each said pin 8, 9 extends away from the package when the lid 3 is positioned on the body 2 for connection to a rotary coupler.

Abstract: Shaft trim balancing devices, related systems and methods are provided. In this regard, an representative device for trim balancing a rotatable shaft includes: an intermediate section being annularly shaped and having terminating ends spaced from each other in an uncompressed state of the device; and first and second sets of counterweights extending longitudinally from opposing sides of the intermediate section.

Abstract: A pendulous capacitive accelerometer including a substrate having a substantially planar upper surface with an electrode section, and a sensing plate having a central anchor portion supported on the upper surface of the substrate to define a hinge axis. The sensing plate includes a solid proof mass on a first side of the central anchor portion and a substantially hollow proof mass on a second side of the central anchor portion, providing for reduced overall chip size and balanced gas damping. The solid proof mass has a first lower surface with a first electrode element thereon, and the substantially hollow proof mass has a second lower surface with a second electrode element thereon. Both the solid proof mass and the hollow proof mass have the same capacitive sensing area. The sensing plate rotates about the hinge axis relative to the upper surface of the substrate in response to an acceleration.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate and an MEMS sensor provided on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An inverted pendulum type moving body according to the present invention includes: first actuators that rotationally drive wheels each disposed on an axle; and a turning motion control portion that controls the first actuators when the inverted pendulum type moving body comes into contact with an obstacle so as to allow the inverted pendulum type moving body to perform a turning motion.

Abstract: One or more of the embodiments of the present invention provide for a method of non-contact particle manipulation and control of particle spacing along an axis which includes axial and radial acoustic standing wave fields. Particles are suspended in an aqueous solution, and this solution then flows into the cylindrical flow channel. While the solution flows through the flow channel, the outer structure of the flow channel is vibrated at a resonant frequency, causing a radial acoustic standing wave field to form inside the flow channel in the solution. These radial acoustic standing waves focus the particles suspended in the solution to the center axis of the cylindrical flow channel. At the same time, a transducer is used to create an axial acoustic standing wave field in the flow channel parallel to the axis of the flow channel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes a container containing de-ionized water, at least one limiting member, a loading member, and a cover member. The at least one limiting member, the loading member, and the cover member are disposed in the de-ionized water and between the transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer. The limiting member is supported on the limiting member for loading the integrated circuits to be inspected. The cover member is detachably disposed on the loading member for holding the integrated circuits by a gravitational force of the cover member acting on the loading member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting an object includes: a substrate; a transmission device for transmitting an ultrasonic wave; a plurality of reception devices for receiving the ultrasonic wave; and a circuit for processing received ultrasonic waves, which are received by the reception devices after the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission device is reflected by the object. The transmission device and the reception devices are integrated into the substrate. The dimensions of the sensor are minimized, and detection accuracy of the sensor is improved.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a radius area of composite parts with an ultrasonic inspection system, the system includes at least one ultrasonic probe, an upper sliding surface, a lower sliding surface, an adjustable guide rail, and an adjustable encoder wheel rotatably coupled to a rotary encoder, is provided. The method includes generating a high frequency sound wave using the probe including a radius of curvature extending from a center point, the sound wave travels partially through the part, adjusting the guide rail to align the center point of the probe with a center axis of a part corner portion, sliding the part through the inspection system to inspect the corner portion using the sound wave by rotating the wheel and rotary encoder such that the arcuate distance of the part is recorded, adjusting the wheel to avoid any apertures defined within the part, and processing the sound wave information.

Abstract: A pressure gauge, or transducer, for high-temperature applications, comprising a sensor module with a sensor body having a measuring cell chamber containing a pressure measuring cell. The pressure measuring cell can be subjected to the action of a pressure via a first hydraulic path filled with a transmission liquid. The pressure gauge also comprises a transmission module for transmitting a pressure to the first hydraulic path. The transmission module has a second hydraulic path, which is filled with a transmission liquid and extends from a process diaphragm, through a transmission body and to a transmission diaphragm. The transmission diaphragm is attached to the transmission body in a pressure-tight manner, and the sensor body is joined to the transmission body in a pressure-tight manner, whereby the transmission diaphragm communicates with the first hydraulic path so that the pressure of the second hydraulic path can be transmitted via the transmission diaphragm to the first hydraulic path.

Abstract: A pressure transducer for a pressure sensor (2) for determining at least one pressure (pa, pb) in a process media (3a, 3b) has a housing (4) with a separating diaphragm (5a, 5b), at least one first pressure-sensing element (6a, 6b), a contact media (7a, 7b), at least one first connection element (8a, 8b) and at least one first seal (9a, 9b). The separating diaphragm (5a, 5b) separates the process media (3a, 3b) from the contact media (7a, 7b), the contact media (7a, 7b) conveys the pressure (pa, pb) of the process media (3a, 3b) determined by the separating diaphragm (5a, 5b) to the first pressure-sensing element (6a, 6b). The first seal (9a, 9b) houses the first connection element (8a, 8b) and the housing (4), the separating diaphragm (5a, 5b) and the first seal (9a, 9b) form a first pressure chamber (10a, 10b).

Abstract: In one embodiment a sensor assembly has a magnetostrictive (MR) element in a sensor housing. The MR element has a sensing part engaged with a wire coil and a frusto-conical sealing part juxtaposed with a fluid the pressure of which is to be sensed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor assembly has a sensor housing forming a fluid chamber having a surface defining a normal axis. A magnetostrictive (MS) core that defines a central longitudinal axis is subjected to stress induced by pressurized fluid in the chamber. An excitation coil is coupled to the core to induce a magnetic flux therein. The central longitudinal axis of the core is coaxial with the axis normal to the fluid chamber surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor assembly has a sensor housing forming a fluid chamber and a magnetostrictive wire that undergoes stress induced by fluid in the chamber. The wire defines opposed ends, each being associated with a respective terminal. Respective hermetic seals penetrate the housing and are coupled to the respective terminals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a chuck attachment force are provided. The apparatus is capable of measuring loads applied to a measurement substrate, while the measurement substrate is detached from a chuck, and precisely calculating necessary force through a process of comparing and analyzing values of the measured loads. This may prevent errors in the application of attachment force during a semiconductor manufacturing process. In the semiconductor manufacturing process, when the substrate is detached from a chuck, the substrate may be prevented from being deformed or cracked.

Abstract: A bend sensor according to one aspect of the present invention is a bend sensor for sensing a bend of a base member in a longitudinal direction comprising: the base member; and a plurality of strain sensitive elements which are disposed at different positions in a width direction on an one side surface of the base member and are disposed at two or more different positions in a thickness direction of the base member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a flow measurement device that includes: a wave guide tube type resonant cavity; a penetrating space that penetrates the resonant cavity; a duct support part that is made of a dielectric substance and is in the resonant cavity and surrounds an outside of the penetrating space; a transmitting antenna that transmits a microwave in a direction along a longitudinal axial direction of the resonant cavity to provide a standing wave or a traveling wave of the microwave, with the microwave transmitted in a space that is outside of duct support part and inside of the resonant cavity; and a receiving antenna that receives the standing wave or the traveling wave.

Abstract: A magnetic shield may be mounted to a water meter housing to protect the magnetic operation of the water meter from a tamper magnet, including both smaller, flexible tamper magnets and larger, strong tamper magnets. The shield may include a contoured portion and a barrier portion. The barrier portion may provide a physical and spatial barrier between a larger tamper magnet and an internal magnetic sensor of the water meter. The contoured portion may conform to the housing of the water meter and may prevent smaller tamper magnets from being maneuvered close to the housing of the water meter. The shield may be made of a ferrous material suitable for attenuating a magnetic field. The shield may receive a looped sensor transmission cable within a U-shaped opening enabling the shield to be installed and/or removed from the water meter without the sensor transmission cable being detached from the water meter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for dynamometer testing of motor vehicles, said system including a cooling device for a braking device and/or a power-generating means, and having power-absorbing means for absorbing a power applied thereto by power-generating means, the cooling device including a fan arrangement for producing an air stream, said air stream being intended to be directed towards the braking device and/or the power-generating means and/or a heat exchanger for providing a cooling effect. The fan arrangement includes two fans, which are substantially axially aligned, and the cooling device includes means for rotating the fans in opposite directions relative to each other. The present invention also relates to a method for cooling power-generating means or power-absorbing means in a system for dynamometer testing of motor vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test bench for testing wind turbine equipment. The test bench comprises one or more load applying means directly and/or indirectly applying load to the equipment, drive means of the test bench for rotating an input shaft of the equipment at least during a part of the test, and simulating means for establishing wind turbine like conditions or facilities. The invention further relates to a method for testing wind turbine equipment. The method comprises the steps of positioning the equipment in, on or at a test bench, rotating an input shaft of the equipment by drive means of the test bench, and directly and/or indirectly applying load to the equipment by means of load applying means of the test bench.

Abstract: A wind turbine testing system is disclosed for testing at least a part of the nacelle components of a wind turbine system when mounted on a load carrying structure of a nacelle, said wind turbine testing system comprising a test bench being arranged to hold said load carrying structure including said nacelle components, a grid simulation system comprising a power converter system and a simulation controller being arranged to be electrically coupled to at least one of said nacelle components and being adapted for providing a simulated utility grid on the basis of a power supply and at least one control signal established by said simulation controller, and a wind simulation system comprising a wind turbine shaft rotating means arranged to be coupled to a rotating part of said generator system or a generator-related system of a nacelle or a part of a nacelle located in said test bench.

Abstract: A torque transducer system comprises a disc through which torque is transmitted in a radial direction and which has a magnetised annular region which emanates a torque-dependent magnetic field. A non-contacting magnetic field sensor detects the emanated field. The annular region comprises segments by means of which a pulsed magnetic field is emanated as the disc rotates. The segments may be magnetically unipolar and spatially separated or of alternate polarity. They may be integral with the disc of or material applied to the disc that is magnetised or that segments an underlying magnetisation in the disc. The preferred direction of magnetisation is radial and the effect of the orientation of a sensor with respect to the radial field is discussed. One sensor arrangement comprises a pair of sensors oriented at an angle to one another with reference to the radial field.

Abstract: A seating sensor reliably senses an adult or a child seated on a vehicle seat, and prevents incorrect sensing of a seated occupant when a piece of luggage is placed on the seat. The seating sensor includes a first sensor cell, a second sensor cell connected in series with the first sensor cell and disposed on the front side of the seat beyond the first sensor cell, and a third sensor cell connected in series with the first sensor cell, connected in parallel with the second sensor cell, and disposed on the rear side of the seat beyond the first sensor cell.

Abstract: A magnetic shield made of magnetic material in the shape of a thin cylinder is externally fitted and fixed on a cylindrical mold member holding magnetic flux collecting rings so that it has extended sections with appropriate length on both sides in the axial direction, and therefore magnetic noise from outside in the radial direction is shielded directly by the outer surface of the magnetic shield, magnetic noise from both sides in the axial direction is shielded by concentrating the magnetic noise on the end faces of the magnetic shield, and the influence on the magnetic flux collecting rings held in the mold member is eliminated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor assembly has a magnetostrictive (MS) element and a sensor housing defining at least one active wall. A sensor channel is disposed on a first side of the active wall, with the MS element being disposed in the sensor channel and closely received therein. A fluid is on a second side of the active wall, and the active wall is the wall through which stress from pressure of the fluid causes stress on the MS element. The sensor channel defines an axis parallel to the active wall, and the MS element is positioned adjacent the active wall by sliding the MS element into an end of the sensor channel in a direction parallel to the active wall.

Abstract: Test method for determining (e.g. prism) microstructure deformation of a microstructured (e.g. brightness enhancing) film are described.

Abstract: A particulate sampling apparatus configured to control the flow direction of a dispersion solvent for particulates, at a channel branching section of a channel includes an introduction channel capable of introducing the dispersion solvent, and a plurality of branch channels communicating with the introduction channel, so as to disperse desired ones of the particulates into a selected one of the branch channels, wherein the apparatus includes light irradiation means by which a bubble can be generated in the dispersion solvent by irradiation with a laser beam used as a heat source, and the flow direction of the dispersion solvent at the channel branching section is controlled by the bubble.

Abstract: A pendulum-type measuring device is disclosed that includes a steel ball-type universal joining mechanism for joining a pendulum with a base, and a laser measuring assembly mounted on the pendulum wherein a swing of the pendulum can be expressed as a first component on a first plane and a second component on a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: A quality inspection system and method for identifying faulty battery plates is provided, wherein the plates comprise lead grids that have undergone a pasting process. In various embodiments, the quality inspection system includes a first scanner positioned to sequentially scan a first surface of each of a plurality of the battery plates, after the lead grids have undergone the pasting process. The first scanner scans the first surface of each plate for anomalies and communicates scanned first surface data to a processing center. The processing center analyzes the first surface data and determines an integrity status of the first surface, i.e., whether anomalies exist in the first surface. If anomalies exist in the first surface of any plate the respective plate can be discarded.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes subscribing to a sensor, such that the sensor is operable to record presence data. The method includes receiving the presence data originating from the sensor. The method also includes updating status associated with the sensor based on the presence data and displaying the updated status associated with the sensor.

Abstract: A probe assembly for a scanning probe microscope (SPM), a cartridge for a probe assembly for an SPM, and a method of attaching a probe tip to an SPM are described.

Abstract: A prime mover is shown which can be used in supplying power for a variety of roles in industrial applications, including oil and gas well operations, such as the prime mover which is used to operate a pump jack at a well site. It includes an internal combustion engine having an output shaft, the engine being cooled by engine oil supplied from an oil reservoir to the engine and circulated by an oil pump. A housing framework encloses the engine and supports an associated jack shaft bearing assembly, and includes a base, a hood and a plurality of upright supports which extend upwardly from the base in the direction of the hood. One or more of the uprights is a specially designed compartment having a plurality of opposing sides which define an initially open interior space, the interior space comprising an integral oil reservoir for storing and supplying oil to the engine during normal engine operation.

Abstract: An actuator having a frame which is fixed to an electric motor; a gear drive for transmitting motion from the motor to a drive shaft between two predetermined positions, and a brake consisting of a coil spring, having, when relaxed, an inside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of a support shaft that is fixed relative to the gear drive, and around which the spring is coiled, each of the two free ends of the spring being arranged in a respective slot, formed in the frame.

Abstract: A telescoping actuator is described which provides a first and third segments operatively connected to a second segment. A locking system locks the first and third segment in rotation with respect to one another. Upon rotation of the second segment, the first and third segments are displaced relative to one another and the second segment. The first and third segments are operatively coupled to the second segment by corresponding sets of threads in some embodiments. The locking system may be interlocking tubes, or shafts displaced internal to the actuator. Rotational energy may be imparted to the second stage externally about its outer diameter or internally by a driveshaft operatively connected to a drive source.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, having a shifting claw transmission and an electric motor connected to a countershaft of the transmission to facilitate central synchronization for gear speed changes, a transmission controller is connected to the electric motor for sensing the electric motor speed and, together therewith the rotational speed of the countershaft based on the induction values present in at the electric motor and sensed by the transmission controller for use in adjusting the energization of the electric motor.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering apparatus in which a steering gear box for transmitting an operation of a steering wheel to road wheels includes a pinion operatively connected to the steering wheel, a rack bar which has a rack meshing with the pinion, and which is operatively connected to the road wheels, a housing slidably supporting the rack bar, a cylindrical rack guide slidably fitted into a guide hole formed in the housing, and a spring member causing the rack guide to abut on a rear part of the rack bar opposite to the rack by biasing the rack guide. A reaction force, which the rack guide receives from the rack bar, acts on the rack guide in such a way as to cause a rotational moment of the rack guide about an axis different from an axis of the rack guide.