Abstract: A Non-Dispersive InfraRed gas sensor has the LED radiation source and photodiode detector side by side in a dome shaped gas chamber. The mirror coated inner surface of the dome reflects light from the LED to the photodiode. The reflecting surface in one embodiment has a plurality of semi-toroidal sub surfaces, such that radiation originating from a point on the LED is unfocussed as it converges on the photodiode. The LED and photodiode may be mounted on a bridge printed circuit board extending along the diameter of the dome housing. The bridge height is adjustable during assembly to optimise the radiation's incidence onto the photodiode.

Abstract: Spin coating a mixture of graphene oxide platelets, water, and an organic solvent by placing a drop of the mixture on a spinning substrate while blowing a drying gas onto the substrate and allowing the water and the organic solvent on the substrate to evaporate; and repeating the spin coating one or more times to form a graphene oxide film in contact with the substrate. An about 1-100 nm thick film of overlapping platelets of reduced graphene oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus detects a leak of an electrically conductive fluid from a disposable plastic bag used in mixing applications, such as during bioprocessing in a sterile environment. In one embodiment, the bag is associated with a sensor for detecting a leak from an interior compartment. The sensor may be arranged to detect either a leak internal to the at least two material layers of the bag or external to the outer layer, or both. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor line for monitoring for and locating leaks in an installation, in which chlorine escapes to the area surrounding the installation if there is a leak. The sensor line contains a carrier pipe. The wall of the carrier pipe has openings which are closed by at least one layer which is permeable for chlorine and contains a halogen-containing siloxane rubber.

Abstract: A system and method for determining vehicle CG height and mass in real-time. The method includes selecting a set of vehicle parameters to be considered that includes the vehicle mass and the center of gravity height of the vehicle. Frequency responses are generated using the dynamic model and a plurality of different values for the selected vehicle parameters. During vehicle operation, frequency responses are calculated from a measured vehicle lateral acceleration to a roll angle and/or a roll rate of the vehicle. The generated frequency responses and the calculated frequency responses are compared to determine which of the generated frequency responses more closely matches the calculated frequency responses. The generated frequency responses that most closely match the calculated frequency responses are used to determine the center of gravity height and the vehicle mass from the values for the vehicle parameters.

Abstract: An intake air temperature (IAT) sensor diagnostic system may include an IAT determination module, a mass air flow (MAF) module, and a diagnostic module. The IAT determination module determines a measured IAT based on an IAT sensor. The MAF module determines a reference temperature based on a MAF sensor. The diagnostic module determines faults in the IAT sensor based on a comparison between the reference temperature and the measured IAT.

Abstract: Method for determining the oxygen storage capacity of a catalytic converter for a motor vehicle using the signals of an oxygen probe upstream and an oxygen probe downstream from the catalytic converter which has the following steps of determining of a delay time which is dependent on the oxygen storage capacity between the signal of the oxygen probe upstream and the signal of the oxygen probe downstream from the catalytic converter, determining of the phase shift which is dependent on the oxygen probe dynamics between the signal of the oxygen probe upstream and the signal of the oxygen probe downstream from the catalytic converter, and correcting the determined delay time between the signal of the oxygen probe upstream and the signal of the oxygen probe downstream from the catalytic converter by a determined phase shift.

Abstract: A sensor for a transmission-shift control of a motor vehicle is described. The sensor is connectable to a supply voltage (Vs) and to ground (GND). The sensor generates a signal voltage (Vout). The signal voltage (Vout) may assume two signals (high, low), both signals (high, low) being different from the supply voltage (Vs) and from ground (GND).

Abstract: An estimation apparatus for determining a residual burned gas mass fraction of an internal combustion engine includes a single-cylinder simulator and an optimizer. The residual estimation apparatus does not rely on accurate knowledge of, or calculation of the details of the complex pulsating pressures and flows at the intake and exhaust valves. Instead an iterative approach uses primarily measured cylinder pressure and airflow as driving inputs, to ensure that the simulation states (i.e., pressure, temperature, and composition) of the cylinder gas contents, at the time of intake valve closing, are correct. The burned gas fraction calculated by the engine simulator is then taken as an estimate of that in the actual engine.

Abstract: The invention is a method of constructing a three-dimensional fracture density log of a porous formation traversed by fractures and a borehole. A number N of intersections between the fractures and the borehole is measured over a section of the borehole of length L located at a depth d, from observations of the wall of this section. A conditional probability law of the three-dimensional fracture density is then estimated, knowing the number N of intersections. The value of the three-dimensional fracture density at depth d is determined by calculating the mean of this conditional probability law. Finally, the three-dimensional fracture density log is constructed by repeating the previous stages for different depths. A three-dimensional fracture density uncertainty log can also be associated by calculating quantiles of the conditional probability law.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing deposits formed within a capillary tube that has been used to deliver treatment chemicals into a well. The method includes pumping a cleaning solution through the capillary tube coil, preferably after the capillary tube has been removed from the well and formed as a coil. The cleaning solution comprises at least 20 weight percent of a surfactant or dispersant, at least 5 weight percent of a coupling agent, and at least 10 weight percent solvent. A preferred surfactant or dispersant is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl-aryl sulphonate and a phosphate ester. An example of a cleaning solution includes dodecylbenzeneylsulphonic (DDBSA) acid, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and toluene.

Abstract: A method and system for characterizing compositional and fluid property gradients of a reservoir of interest and analyzing properties of the reservoir of interest based upon such gradients.

Abstract: A system for measuring a true vertical depth of a downhole tool is provided. The system includes: a first optical clock located at a first depth and having a first frequency; a second optical clock disposable at a downhole location and having a second frequency at the downhole location; and a processor for receiving the first frequency and the second frequency, and calculating a true vertical depth of the second optical clock based on a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. A system and computer program product for measuring a true vertical depth of a downhole tool are also provided.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a metal disk discrimination apparatus including: two magnetic sensors configured to sandwich a target metal disk, the magnetic sensor including: a core having: leg portions exhibiting opposite magnetic polarities, the leg portion having an end face facing the target metal disk, and a connection portion magnetically connecting the leg portions; and coils respectively wound on the leg portions; an oscillation circuit that passes an alternating current through the coil; and a signal processing unit that determines a shape of the target metal disk by comparing an output signal of the magnetic sensors with a reference value, the output signal corresponding to a change in impedance of the coils. A radius of curvature of the end face in a part adjacent to another end face is not larger than a radius of the target metal disk.

Abstract: There is provided a fibrous particle generating apparatus and a test system. The fibrous particle generating apparatus includes a base material containing a fibrous material; a holding unit holding the base material; a fibrous particle generator generating fibrous particles by chafing the base material; and a movement unit moving the holding unit such that the base material held by holding unit is chafed against the fibrous particle generator. With this configuration, fibrous particles can be stably generated, and an evaluation of the object apparatus can be carried out on the basis of the generated fibrous particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a fluid microflow velocity within a capillary conduit, comprises: a) at least one thermoelectric cooler having a heating and a cooling surface, said heating surface being suitable for heating a fluid flowing over it and said cooling surface being suitable for cooling said fluid; and b) a capillary conduit through which said fluid flows, said capillary conduit passing through said at least one thermoelectric cooler in heat-exchanging positioned relationship with its heating and cooling surfaces.

Abstract: An improved and more accurate method for evaluating and correcting total measurement signals (TS(n)) of measuring devices. The invention concerns a method for evaluating and correcting total measurement signals (TS(n)) of a measuring device, wherein measuring signals are transmitted in the direction of a medium and reflected on a surface of the medium as wanted echo signals or on a surface of a disturbing element as interference signals and received. In the case of a modification of at least one technical, process condition in the container and/or a modification of at least one technical, measurement condition of the measuring device, an independent reference curve is ascertained on the basis of a current static reference curve, wherein the interference signals are masked out of the raw echo curve on the basis of a masking algorithm, which applies the independent reference curve.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately measuring fluid level in a vessel is provided. Generally, the system contains an elongated portion being a coaxial tube having a hollow center, an arm being coaxial in shape, and a sensor containing a transmitter capable of creating and transmitting an excitation electromagnetic pulse for traversing the elongated portion and the arm, and a receiver for receiving reflected pulses, wherein a proximate end of the elongated portion joins a distal end of the arm in a manner to create a waveguide for an electromagnetic pulse provided by the sensor.

Abstract: A method of measuring the capacitance of a capacitive component (21), whereby a digital bridge with two measuring branches generates a first signal (B1) defined by a train of measuring pulses (M) having a frequency (f1) related to the unknown capacitance being measured, and a second signal (B2) defined by a train of reference pulses (L) having a frequency (f2) related to a reference capacitance (CREF) of known value; the time difference (?T) between the times (T1, T2) taken by the two measuring branches of the digital bridge to generate an equal number of pulses (Th1, Th2) is calculated; the capacitance difference (?C) between the unknown capacitance and the reference capacitance (CREF) is determined as a function of the time difference (?T); and the unknown capacitance of the capacitive component (21) is calculated on the basis of the reference capacitance (CREF) and the capacitance difference (?C).

Abstract: A method and system for measuring energy expenditure of individuals by measuring force from a plurality of foot-borne force sensitive resistors and calculating incline from a foot-borne tri-axial accelerometer.

Abstract: A gravimeter for detecting a gravity difference between two points is disclosed. The gravimeter comprises an interferometric arrangement wherein the length of a reference arm is dependent upon the gravity local to a first accelerometer and the length of a sample arm is dependent upon the gravity local to a second accelerometer. A pair of photodetectors that operate in complimentary fashion provide electrical signals based on a first signal conveyed by the reference arm and a second signal conveyed by the sample arm. A change in the differential gravity between the two points induces equal and opposite changes to the magnitudes of the two electrical signals.

Abstract: A measurement sensor includes an elongated sensor part at the first end of which is the electrical connection of the sensor part and at the second end of which is the sensor end of the sensor part. A first sleeve part is arranged around the sensor part for attaching the measurement sensor to the object to be measured and for supporting the sensor part. A second sleeve part extends into the first sleeve part, the second sleeve part being rotatably arranged in connection with the first sleeve part. The sensor part has an external thread and the second sleeve part has an internal thread, the external thread of the sensor part and the internal thread of the second sleeve part are connected to each other so that when the second sleeve part is rotated in relation to the sensor part, the sensor part moves in the direction of its longitudinal axis in relation to the first and second sleeve parts.

Abstract: An oscillator is oscillated at a predetermined oscillation frequency. A detecting unit exerts Coriolis force on the oscillator. A repetitive control system applies an external force to the oscillator so as to cancel out the Coriolis force to achieve an angular velocity measuring operation at a high sensitivity and a high S/N ratio.

Abstract: A method for measuring positional changes of an object, including rotation about any or all of three axes, using linear accelerometers. There is disclosed a method of using a linear accelerometer to integrate two other 3D linear accelerometers in order to measure and supply for further use six-dimensional information, that is, translation in three dimensions and rotation about three axes. Two linear accelerometer sensors are used to determine all but one of the variables in the six degrees of freedom. Output from a third accelerometer generates the data need to determine a sixth, rotational, degree of freedom. The need for a gyroscope for detecting changes in heading (i.e., yaw or azimuth) may therefore be avoided.

Abstract: A walk-substituting cart is equipped with a detecting device, which can detect the existence and measure the inclination of a downward slope that the walk-substituting cart is moving on; when the cart is moving down a slope, the detecting device will send a signal to a power source of the walk-substituting cart so that the power source can automatically slow down; therefore, the rider won't have to continue operating the brake lever or the brake pedal of the walk-substituting cart a long time when the cart is moving down a slope.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing vibration rectification error in magnetic circuit accelerometers. The systems include an accelerometer with an excitation ring that has a top piece with a lower portion inner diameter and a bottom piece having a diameter smaller than the lower portion inner diameter of the top piece. The accelerometer also includes a proof mass, a magnet mounted to the bottom piece of the excitation ring, a pole piece mounted to the magnet, and a coil attached to the proof mass that extends into a gap between the top piece of the excitation ring and the pole piece. The methods include placing a pole piece in a pole piece to lap surface fixture, placing an excitation ring top piece on an outer portion of the pole piece to lap surface fixture, and placing an excitation ring bottom piece in a lower portion of the excitation ring top piece.

Abstract: Extremely minute amounts of live pathogens are rapidly detected using a piezoelectric cantilever sensor. A single pathogen is detectable in about 30 minutes. Pathogen-specific antibodies are immobilized on the sensor surface. The sensor is exposed to a medium that potentially contains the target pathogen. When target pathogens are contained in the medium, both dead and live pathogen cells bind to the immobilized antibody on the sensor surface. The attached target pathogen cells are exposed to a pathogen discriminator capable of discriminating between live cells and dead cells by increasing the mass of live cells. Example pathogens include Escherichia coli, Listeri monocytogene, and Salmonella enteritidis. Example antibodies include those that bind to the pathogenic bacteria designated as ATCC 43251, ATCC 700375, and ATCC 31194. Example pathogen discriminators include intracellular pH indicating molecules.

Abstract: A system incorporating a balanced mechanical resonator and a method for vibration of a sample composed of granular material to generate motion of a powder sample inside the sample holder for obtaining improved analysis statistics, without imparting vibration to the sample holder support.

Abstract: A method is described for measuring an amount of loss of material thickness from a solid structure in which acoustic waves can propagate. The structure is in operation in contact with substances susceptible to changing a thickness of the structure. A system operable to implement the method is also described. The system comprises acoustic transducers arranged in operation in contact with a surface of the solid structure. The system comprises a processing unit operable to drive one or more of the transducers to excite acoustic signals in a wall of the structure. The acoustic signals travel a distance within the structure and are received at the transducers to generate corresponding received signals for the processing unit to process and analyse. The analysis enables a degree of material loss from the structure to be computed and then optionally displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic inspection method and ultrasonic inspection apparatus capable of easily inspecting a weld line and detecting a circumferential crack and an axial crack that are present in the weld line. An ultrasonic probe is placed on the surface of a structure and transmits an ultrasonic wave. A welded part is present on the opposite surface to the surface on which the ultrasonic probe is placed. The ultrasonic wave is transmitted at an optional in an X?-Z plane defined by an X? axis and a Z axis, when the direction of a normal to the surface on which the ultrasonic probe is placed is defined as an X axis, the direction in which the weld line extends is defined as a Y axis, the direction perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis is defined as a Z axis, and an axis obtained by rotating the X axis around the Z axis is defined as an X? axis.

Abstract: A capacitive ultrasonic device is capable of detecting an object and providing information regarding an orientation of the object. The capacitive ultrasonic device includes a power source configured to generate a voltage signal, an array of sensor elements, each of the sensor elements being configured to generate an ultrasonic wave during a first period of the voltage signal and detect whether a wave is reflected from the object during a second period of the voltage signal when the voltage signal is applied thereto, and a control unit configured to activate a first portion of the array of sensor elements through the power source, and activate a second portion of the array of sensor elements when at least one of the first portion of the sensor elements detects a wave reflected from the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonic inspection. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus comprises ultrasonic transducers, a body, a set of engagement members and a set of ports. The ultrasonic transducers are at a position generally adjacent to a surface of an object. The body has a contact surface capable of contacting the surface and is capable of holding the set of ultrasonic transducers. The engagement members are connected to the body for engagement with the surface. The engagement members are flexibly bendable and are conformed to contours across the surface to form a coupling region within the body. The set of ports deliver a coupling material to the coupling region. The engagement members, when in contact with the surface of the object, cause a seal to retain an amount of the coupling material within the coupling region sufficient to couple the ultrasonic transducers to the surface.

Abstract: In an electrostatic capacitance diaphragm vacuum gauge, a diaphragm and a detection electrode opposing the diaphragm are arranged in a vacuum. The electrostatic capacitance diaphragm vacuum gauge measures pressure by measuring the change degree of an electrostatic capacitance between the diaphragm and detection electrode. The electrostatic capacitance diaphragm vacuum gauge includes atmospheric pressure variation factor detection units which detect atmospheric pressure variation factors as external factors that varies the pressure of the vacuum. The pressure of the vacuum is measured by subtracting information detected by the atmospheric pressure variation factor detection units.

Abstract: A pressure sensor module of the invention includes a pressure sensor and a laminar substrate. Electrodes are arranged in the vicinity of a diaphragm portion of the pressure sensor. In the laminar substrate, a plurality of substrates are laminated, and the laminar substrate incorporates the pressure sensor. One face of the diaphragm portion is exposed by a space portion. According to the invention, it is possible to provide a pressure sensor module which facilitates smaller and thinner sizes, and which enables high-density packaging.

Abstract: An encapsulation composition for pressure signal transmission including a flexible and low modulus epoxy resin as a substance in combination with plastic balls with pressure signal transmission properties as filler is provided. Therefore, the pressure signal is transmitted by utilizing the property of easy deformation of the flexible epoxy resin under pressure. And the effect of signal transmission is enhanced by the contact between plastic balls. The encapsulation composition is used in a sensor for transmitting pressure signals. The encapsulation composition is hydrophobic, so an electronic device of the sensor can be protected against moisture or water to extend its lifetime. Compared with traditional sensors using liquid for transmitting pressure signal, this sensor using solid encapsulation composition has advantages such as easy production and processing.

Abstract: A rotating dovetail connection is provided in order to attach jaw faces to grips in materials testing. The connection includes a machined tongue on the jaw face and a corresponding groove on the jaw face holder. A ball plunger within the holder serves to center the jaw face and to retain the jaw face in the holder. The jaw faces can be installed an removed without the use of tools or loose parts. The rotating dovetail facilitates a secure connection between the jaw face and the grip while allowing the jaw faces to rotate.

Abstract: A tension adapter is disclosed for a materials testing machine. The tension adapter includes a shank and a sleeve. The shank includes an enlarged head with a machined convex spherical bearing surface which forms a ring around the periphery adjacent to one end of the shaft. The opening of the sleeve includes a machine concave spherical bearing surface around the periphery thereof to form a seat for the convex spherical bearing surface. The sleeve further includes inner walls which are conical in order to allow the shank to rotate or pivot from the vertical orientation about the pivot point formed by the spherical bearing surfaces. The rotation or pivoting of the shank allows the tension adapter to align so that only tension forces are applied during materials testing.

Abstract: An element of an averaging orifice plate fluid flow meter for measuring the volumetric rate of fluid flow in a conduit having an interior circumference for carrying a flow of fluid comprising, a planar flow impedance plate for disposition transversely across the interior of the conduit and perpendicular to the fluid flow, a plurality of spaced apart orifices disposed in the plate where the profile of each orifice is a segment of a circle on an arc where the arc is coincident with a portion of the interior circumference of the conduit.

Abstract: A device for measuring a mass flow (5) with guide means (4) having a surface shaped as a circular arc, across which the mass flow can flow during the measurement, and a force sensor (2), wherein the guide means (4) is supported above the force sensor (2) and the support occurs on a straight line extending through an endpoint of a radius vector rT0r of a resulting friction force F acting on the mass flow (5) in the direction of the resulting friction force F acting on the mass flow (5).

Abstract: The measuring transducer includes at least one measuring tube communicating with a line connected during operation for conveying a medium to be measured, and a support element oscillatably holding the at least one measuring tube. Additionally, it is provided that the support element contains at least two passageways, via which the at least one measuring tube communicates with the line, and that the at least one measuring tube is affixed, especially releasably, at least one end to the support element by means of a screwed-fitting at one of the passageways. Alternatively or in supplementation thereof, it is further provided that the at least one measuring tube is, at least in part, made of cold-strengthened, for instance cold-stretched or autofrettaged, material.

Abstract: A detection element detects at least compression load. A first member has a surface provided with the detection element. A preload adjusting member is substantially in a column shape and has a tip end configured to apply pressure to the detection element. The first member and the second member are connected with each other and configured to transmit load to the detection element. The second member has a fitted portion, which has an inner circumferential periphery being press-fitted with the preload adjusting member. The second member causes elastic deformation in response to adjustment of press-fitting of the preload adjusting member and causes change in preload applied to the detection element.

Abstract: This invention relates to impact sports, and to articles of clothing and for detection systems used to monitor and registering the intensity, location and sources of impacts in contact sports such as boxing, martial arts, fencing, and so forth.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor for bending moment measurements has measuring elements separating at their axes and electrically connecting both halves with their opposing directions of polarization. Such a sensor, mounted with its axis on the neutral bending axis of a machine structure, thus measures concurrently both tension and compression of the machine on both sides of the axis thereof.

Abstract: A chuck-integrated force-measuring system for determining cutting forces at the cutting tool tip of a rotating tool, for example a drill or milling cutter having at least one measuring sensor, as well as a measured-value processing station. The at least one measuring sensor is designed as a strain sensor which is placeable on a tool holder of a machine tool. A measuring hub assembly is also provided which is insertable as an adapter piece into the chuck of the machine tool and is designed with its own chuck for receiving the tool, the at least one measuring sensor being integrated in the adapter piece.

Abstract: An automated machine for transferring solution from a source microwell plate to a destination microwell plate. A plurality of pins is used for transferring the solution. The pins are attached to pin assemblies. The pin assemblies are attached to the circumference of a circular dial that is rotatably connected to the automated machine. The circular dial rotates the pins form a solution removal position to a solution transfer position and then to a pin cleaning position. Solution is removed from individual wells at the solution removal position and the solution is transferred to individual wells at the solution transfer position. The pins are cleaned at the pin cleaning position. A computer is programmed to control the automated machine and the transfer of solution. In a preferred embodiment, the computer is programmed to: 1) execute a saved transfer list, 2) accept a customized input list from an operator, 3) execute the customized input list, and 4) save the customized input list for later execution.

Abstract: A signal torque module assembly (STMA) is provided for use within a control moment gyroscope of the type that includes a rotor assembly. The STMA comprises a torque module assembly (TMA), which includes: (i) a TMA housing, (ii) a torque motor coupled to the TMA housing, and (iii) a gear train coupled to the TMA housing and mechanically coupling the torque motor to the rotor assembly. A signal module assembly is coupled to the TMA housing, and an elongated connector electrically couples the signal module assembly and the rotor assembly. The elongated connector extends through the gear train.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an actuator assembly (10) having a housing (14), at least one rotating gear member (52) including a cam (66), and an actuator device (26) operably connected to the rotating gear member (52), operably contained in the housing (14), for rotating the gear member (52). The present invention also includes a bearing member (76) operably associated with the cam (66) such that when the actuator device (26) is actuated for rotation of the gear member (52), the bearing member (76) moves on the cam (66) for providing relative motion between the bearing member (76) and the rotating gear member (52). The actuator device (26) is selected from a torque generating device or a device having linear movement.

Abstract: A latch including a housing, a rotary pawl, catch means for releasably holding the pawl in a closed configuration, and means for operating the catch means are disclosed.

Abstract: In an auxiliary range transmission comprising a main group having a main transmission shaft and two main countershafts capable of rotating in relation to two auxiliary countershafts of a range or an auxiliary transmission group, a gearshift element is provided, which, in a first position, rotationally engages a loose gear of the main group and, in a second position, rotationally locks a loose gear of the range or auxiliary group with the main shaft. In an alternative embodiment, a splitter group may also be arranged in front of the main group in place of the range or auxiliary transmission group.

Abstract: A device in connection with transmission, preferably in relation with low-speed lifts, the device including an externally threaded rod (1), a nut (3) that is mounted on the rod (1), and elements to rotate the nut (3). The nut that is included in a device in connection with transmission is also disclosed. It is significant of the device that the nut (3) is equipped with a bevel (9) in the area of one thread entry.