Abstract: A gyroscope includes a ring-shaped resonator mounted in a housing, and a bottom plate attached to the resonator. A plurality of openings arranged substantially circumferentially on the bottom plate, and a plurality of grooves between the openings. A plurality of piezoelectric elements are located in the grooves. The resonator is substantially cylindrical. The plurality of openings are arranged substantially symmetrically. The piezoelectric elements can be outside the resonator, or inside the resonator. A cylindrical flexible suspension connecting the bottom to the resonator to the ring shaped resonator, wherein an average radius of the cylindrical flexible suspension and the ring shaped resonator, accounting for variation thickness of wall, is the same throughout.

Abstract: The microsystem achieved in a flat substrate and comprises two oscillating masses connected to the substrate by suspension springs. The oscillating masses are coupled by a rigid coupling bar so as to produce an anti-phase movement of said oscillating masses when excitation of the latter is performed in a predefined excitation direction. The coupling bar is connected to intermediate zones of the corresponding suspension springs arranged on opposite sides of the oscillating masses. The intermediate zones are arranged between a first end of the suspension springs fixed to the corresponding oscillating mass, and a second end of the suspension springs fixed to the substrate by a corresponding anchoring point.

Abstract: A MEMS microbalance that includes a substrate made of semiconductor material with a cavity, and a resonator, which is suspended above the cavity of the substrate and is formed by a mobile body, by at least one first arm connected between the substrate and the mobile body, which has a first thickness and which enables oscillations of the mobile body with respect to the substrate, by an actuation transducer connected to the mobile body for generating the oscillations at a resonance frequency, and by a detection transducer for detecting a variation of the resonance frequency, wherein the mobile body possesses at least one thin portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness of the first arm.

Abstract: A biosensor for detecting particular substances biosensor comprises a piezoelectric material, an input transducer supported by the piezoelectric material to receive an input signal and propagate a corresponding acoustic wave within the piezoelectric material and an output transducer supported by the piezoelectric material to receive the acoustic wave. At least two chemically orthogonal or semi-orthogonal biolayers are supported by the piezoelectric material to receive substances to be tested and cause corresponding changes in the acoustic wave. The output transducer can transmit a corresponding output signal embodying separate channel data indicative of the substances received.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium, including: at least one mechanically oscillatable membrane, which has a plurality of natural eigenmodes; and at least one driving/receiving unit, which excites the membrane to execute mechanical oscillations and/or which receives mechanical oscillations from the membrane. The driving/receiving unit and the membrane are embodied and matched to one another in such a manner, that the membrane executes only mechanical oscillations, which correspond to modes, which lie above the fundamental mode of the membrane.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnosis device which can improve electrical safety for an operator are provided. The ultrasonic probe 2 has an insulating portion 62 between a mounting board 43 and a case 25. Since electrical leakage from the internal device of the ultrasonic probe 2 can be prevented, electrical safety of the ultrasonic probe 2 for the operator can be improved. A conductive film 61 is provided on the ultrasonic wave radiation side of a cMUT chip 20, and a conductive member 63 is provided along the insulating member 62. A conductive film 61 and a conductive member 63 are connected by a conductive member 64. A closed space having a ground potential is formed by the conductive film 61, the conductive member 63 and a coaxial cable 55 connected to ground. Main components or the body circuits of the ultrasonic probe 2 are contained in the closed space having the ground potential and shielded electrically from the outside.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and measuring gas voids in a pipe with a fluid includes a first ultrasonic transducer externally disposed on the pipe. The apparatus includes a second ultrasonic transducer externally disposed on the pipe. The apparatus includes a multiplexer, transmitter, receiver, controller and processor in communication with the first transducer and the second transducer which in combination identify a void in the pipe from ultrasonic measurements of properties of the fluid in the pipe. A method for detecting and measuring gas voids in a pipe with a fluid includes the steps of measuring properties of the fluid internal to the pipe with transmissions of ultrasonic energy from transducers externally disposed on the pipe. There is the step of identifying a void in the pipe from the properties of the fluid internal to the pipe using signals processed by processor.

Abstract: A laser ultrasonic device is disclosed. The laser ultrasonic device comprises an ultrasonic generation system capable of generating ultrasonic waves on a surface of a sample, said system comprising a first collection of optical fiber output ends arranged in a first pattern.

Abstract: A system and method of testing the horn of a railroad locomotive wherein a fixed sensing station and a movable sensing station are provided adjacent a railroad track such that front and rear sensing of the horn decibels occurs simultaneously.

Abstract: A multi-range pressure sensor apparatus and method that provide multiple signal paths for detecting a broad range of pressures with a high accuracy. A pressure transducer can be configured to include the use of a pressure sense die with piezoresistive elements integrated into the sensor die and in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. A sensed output signal from the sense die can be transferred to one or more amplifier circuits. A programmable compensation circuit can be utilized to multiplex different amplified output signals from each of the amplifier circuits and to provide a digital output. A memory associated with the programmable compensation circuit provides separate compensations, which are stored for each of the different signal paths and removes errors due to amplifier gain and offset.

Abstract: A capacitance diaphragm gauge includes an inclination angle sensor which detects the inclination angle of the gauge. The pressure dependences of capacitance obtained when the capacitance diaphragm gauge is mounted on a vacuum apparatus at the first inclination angle (+90°), the second inclination angle (0°), and the third inclination angle (?90°) are stored in a storage unit in advance. A pressure measurement value is then corrected based on the inclination angle information detected by the inclination angle sensor and the capacitance-pressure characteristic data is actually measured at the first, second and third inclination angles, and stored in the gauge.

Abstract: A pressure/vacuum sensor and method, comprising: driving a MEMS piezoresistive resonator (8) into resonant vibration, applying Joule heating to the resonator (8); and sensing a variable parameter that varies in response to the tendency of the resonant frequency (fo) to depend upon the temperature of the resonator (8), the temperature thereof depending upon the pressure. The variable parameter may be the resonant frequency of the resonator (8), or a change therein, or may be derived from a feedback loop, being for example a time integrated feedback signal (82) or a reading (94) of the sense current (22), the loop keeping the resonant frequency constant in opposition to the above mentioned tendency. A reference MEMS capacitive resonator (62) may be located in the vicinity of the resonator (8) for compensating purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method precisely measure gas pressure over a large dynamic range and with good immunity to temperature fluctuations, encompassing applications such as gas sensing, bolometer imaging and industrial process monitoring. The micro-thermistor gas pressure sensor assembly includes a suspended platform micro-thermistor sensor device exposed to the gas pressure of a given atmospheric environment, an electrical readout circuit connected to the suspended platform micro-thermistor sensor device, wherein the suspended platform micro-thermistor sensor device acts as a variable electrical resistance in the readout electrical circuit, a binary-wave voltage source connected to the suspended platform micro-thermistor sensor device, and an ohmmeter.

Abstract: An apparatus structure and measurement method are provided to retain high precision and high reliability of a semiconductor mechanical quantity measuring apparatus which senses a mechanical quantity and transmits measured information wirelessly. As to a silicon substrate of the semiconductor mechanical quantity measuring apparatus, for example, a ratio of a substrate thickness to a substrate length along a measurement direction is set small, and a ratio of a substrate thickness to a substrate length along a direction perpendicular to the measurement direction is set small. The apparatus upper surface is covered with a protective member. It is possible to measure a strain along a particular direction and realize mechanical quantity measurement with less error and high precision. An impact resistance and environment resistance of the apparatus itself can be improved.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides a strain gauge which includes a composite film including a non-metallic matrix and magnetically active particles. At least a portion of the magnetically active particles form one or more chain structures, such that the resistivity of the composite film can vary in response to an applied strain on the composite film. The strain gauge also includes two or more leads affixed to the composite film and electrically coupled with the chain structures. Methods of fabrication and methods of use of the strain gauge based on chain-structured magnetically active particles included in a non-metallic matrix are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state comprises two bimetallic strips placed on an insulated metal ring plated with insulating paint, wherein the two bimetallic strips are placed in parallel or V-shaped to insulated metal ring on the same plane, one end of each bimetallic strip is fixed on the insulated metal ring, the other end of the bimetallic strip hangs inside of the insulated ring, the distance of two bimetallic strips were controlled within 0.002-1 mm. Also provided is a method for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for exposing an integrated circuit by ablating the polymer coating initially covering the integrated circuit, characterised in that it comprises the combined application of a laser radiation and a plasma onto the coating initially covering the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing device can include a tapered fluid flow channel formed into a main channel defining a fluid flow tube as an alternate fluid flow path. A tapered fluid flow channel can bypass some fluid flow from the main fluid flow channel into said alternate fluid flow path and a flow sensor disposed within said alternate fluid flow path. The tapered flow channel is tapered in a direction of fluid flow toward said flow sensor to thereby reduce flow eddies and enable optimal sensing performance by fluid flow sensor. An upstream fluid flow channel and a downstream fluid flow channel can be molded into the main fluid flow channel, especially bypassed in the fluid flow path of the main fluid flow channel. A fluid flow sensor can be placed between the upstream fluid flow channel and the downstream fluid flow channel for measuring fluid flow rate the channel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer for use in a fluid medium. At least one piezoelectric transducer element is joined directly or indirectly to at least one matching member for promoting vibration coupling between the piezoelectric transducer element and the fluid medium. A matching member is used which has at least one porous molding of a polymer.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the flow of water in cross-section of a body of water is presented. The system and method comprises a housing having a first transducer and a plurality of second transducers, wherein the first transducer produces an acoustic signal for determining the depth of the body of water, and the second transducers each produce an acoustic signal for determining the velocity of a volume of water by measuring the Doppler frequency shift in the returned echo.

Abstract: An ultrasonic meter may include, but is not limited to, an emitter that emits a series of ultrasonic burst signals towards a fluid containing bubbles and/or particles, the series of ultrasonic burst signals being reflected by the air bubbles and/or particles in the fluid to be a series of reflected signals, a receiver that receives the series of reflected signals, and a calculator that calculates a plurality of correlation coefficients by performing a correlation processing on a series of received signals outputted from the receiver, the calculator calculating a physical quantity of the fluid based on the plurality of correlation coefficients.

Abstract: A compact vibratory flowmeter (200) for measuring flow characteristics of a cement flow material at a cement flow material pressure of greater than about 10 pounds-per-square-inch (psi) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The compact vibratory flowmeter (200) includes at least two pickoff sensors (308) and a driver (309). The compact vibratory flowmeter (200) further includes one or more flow conduits (301). The at least two pickoff sensors (308) are affixed to the one or more flow conduits (301) and the driver (309) is configured to vibrate the one or more flow conduits (301). The one or more flow conduits (301) include a drive frequency that is less than about 200 Hertz (Hz) and a frequency ratio of the drive frequency to a fluid resonant frequency of the cement flow material that is less than about 0.8.

Abstract: A Coriolis flow sensor with a Coriolis tube that is fastened in a housing and that can be excited with a certain frequency, wherein a balancing mass (inertia) is arranged with rotational flexibility between the tube fastening and the housing. In particular, a spring steel plate is used for providing a connection rigidity between the balancing mass and the housing, which plate comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion cut out from the fixed portion, wherein the incisions are formed such that the fixed and movable portions are interconnected via resilient plate portions, which resilient plate portions are in particular elongate strips lying in one line and realizing a rotational flexibility (torsion), while abutments are provided which limit the amplitude of movements of the balancing mass.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a micro-scale optical force sensor. The device includes a scale grating, a linearly displaceable index grating positioned above and in initial alignment with the scale grating, the index grating aligned with the scale grating absent a force applied to the index grating, and a compliant linkage assembly joined coplanar to the displaceable index grating. The linkage assembly includes at least three rigid support links laterally extending from each of opposing longitudinal edges of the index grating, a displaceable rigid link formed between adjacent support links, and compliant links interposed between a distal end of rigid support links and an inner end of each displaceable rigid link, and interposed between an outer end of rigid support links and the substrate, the compliant links normally biasing the displaceable rigid link parallel to the rigid support links and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the index grating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the elastic deformation of components, especially parallel kinematic devices, under a load. Said method is characterised in that the geometry of the articulation points on the fixed platform (9) and the mobile platform (10) is determined; the replacement spring constants of the actuators (K1, K2, K3) and the replacement spring constants of the bearings are determined; the theoretical length of the actuators is determined; the theoretical position of all of the articulation points in the area is determined therefrom; the forces acting on the individual actuators are determined from said geometry and the load (F); and the real geometrical image and thus the real position of the mobile platform are determined from said forces. The real position is compared with the calculated theoretical position and is brought into line by the actuation of corresponding actuators.

Abstract: A permeable-wall sample holder provides ventilation of vapor-phase entities between the sample and the exterior of the holder through its wall. The vapor-phase transport across the holder wall supports equilibrium of the sample with the analysis environment.

Abstract: Sample inlet components are provided that can include a skimmer associated with a conduit, with the skimmer defining an opening configured to receive at least some sample exiting the conduit. The conduit can have a first end extending to a second end, with the first end configured as an entrance for the sample and the second end configured as an exit for the sample. The second end of the conduit can include at least two portions, a first portion of the two portions being located physically closer to the skimmer than a second portion of the two portions. Sample introduction methods are provided that can include propelling sample from a conduit aligned with an opening of a skimmer. The majority of the sample can exit the conduit in a direction other than toward the opening of the skimmer.

Abstract: The device for the transfer of a medium comprises a magazine having two main faces (17) of which one is adapted to cooperate with a container and a lateral face (18) extending between said main faces (17) as well as at least one sliding valve (3) housed in a cavity of said magazine (2) and in which there is formed a transfer duct (59) for said medium which issues on said face (17) adapted to cooperate with said container, said valve (3) having a closed position in which it sealingly isolates said duct (59) from said container and an open position in which said duct (59) is placed in communication with said container; said valve (3) comprising a valve member (40), an isolation sleeve (41) surrounding at least partially said valve member (40) as well as spring means (58) adapted to be compressed by said valve member (40) when said valve (3) is in its open position.

Abstract: An AtomChip device and a method for trapping, manipulating and measuring atoms in ultra high vacuum chamber, and for increasing the lifetime of the trapped atoms, the AtomChip device including at least one conductive element, made of metal, wherein at least part of the metal is a dilute alloy metal, and wherein the at least one conductive element has a low working temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are an environmental test chamber having a movable panel and a method of driving the same. The environmental test chamber is used in a thermo-hygrostat, a thermostat, and a high temperature-low temperature tester. The chamber body includes a test cavity in which an object is disposed. An air-conditioning unit conditions the air inside the test cavity, thereby controlling a condition of the test cavity. A movable panel is accommodated in the chamber body to decrease or increase a volume of the test cavity. The efficiency of the chamber is enhanced, and the cost and space required for installing additional equipment is reduced.

Abstract: A power take-off for compressors, comprising: a first rotating element (2), predisposed to be connected on command to a motor (40); at least a second rotating element (3), kinematically connected to the first rotating element (2), which is predisposed to be connected to a first user (50); a torque limiter or clutch (4), interposed between the first rotating element (2) and the second rotating element (3).

Abstract: Various configurations of twin layshaft gear transmission are disclosed, typically having a large degree of common parts between single and dual clutch variants. In one embodiment reverse ratio is provided via an independent compound idler and is driven from a driving gear also associated with a forward speed ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission drive unit which comprises a shaft (2) and a housing component (5), an adjusting element (4) for adjusting the axial backlash of the shaft (2) being arranged between one end of the shaft (2) and the housing component (5). The invention is characterized in that the adjusting element has a substantially cylindrical shape and can be expanded in the radial direction, when pretensioned, in order to enlarge an outer diameter, thereby allowing to exert a pretension (FR) onto the shaft (2) in the axial direction (X-X).

Abstract: There is provided a drive pinion having a balance established between the required flexural rigidity and torsional rigidity to reduce noise. The drive pinion located between a propeller shaft and a rear differential of a vehicle, transmitting the rotary driving power conveyed through the propeller shaft to the rear differential includes a shaft member rotatable about the center axis, and a cylindrical member rotatable about the center axis integrally with the shaft member. The cylindrical member is arranged extending from one end to the other end of the drive pinion, covering the outer circumferential face of the shaft member. The drive pinion is pivotally supported only at one end by a unit ball bearing.

Abstract: A shift arrangement for shifting a transfer case in a main transmission for an all-wheel-drive vehicle, having at least one actuated shift device such that the shift device can be hydraulically actuated by at least one piston (1) which can move in a cylinder (2) between various shift positions (2WD/high, 4WD/high, 4WD/low).

Abstract: A semiautomatic vehicle gearbox comprising, for said gearbox, a shift lever (10) directly coupled to the gearbox itself; a shaft of said gearbox; and connection means between said shift lever and said shaft; characterised by comprising a sensor (20) for sensing the operation of said shift lever coupled to said connection means.

Abstract: Actuator elements such as cables or push rods in an instrument are used for manipulating an end effector or distal end of the instrument. Each actuator element extends within a tubular housing and either the tubular housing is axially rotated about the actuator element or the actuator element is axially rotated within the tubular housing to reduce at least one force opposing an axial force exerted through or movement of the actuator element.

Abstract: There is provided a joint mechanism capable of restraining a rise in a temperature of a lubricant of a speed reducer, bringing the speed reducer into a stable operating state and preventing early destruction of the speed reducer.

Abstract: A robotic hub assembly is provided which comprises a spacer configuration (101) that includes first (103) and second (105) spacers disposed in opposing relation to each other, and a device, such as a pin (111), for restricting the relative motion of the first and second spacers in a lateral direction.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pedal assembly for a vehicle with a push rod releasably connected to a pedal arm. The push rod is connected to the pedal arm via a pivoting reaction mount that is capable of rotating from a first position to a second position during vehicle collision. Upon rotation to the second position, the push rod is disconnected from the pedal arm, thereby reducing injury to the driver. The pivoting reaction mount may include a rotatable lever. An actuation mechanism, such as a reaction bracket, is mounted to a vehicle structure adjacent the push rod, and may actuate rotation of the pivoting reaction mount.

Abstract: An automotive construction device including a spring system that normally exerts a moment on a pedal that keeps it in a stable upper clutch-engaged position, the spring being inserted between a connection point fixed to the pedal and another connection point borne by an element fixed to a vehicle chassis, the driver of the vehicle releasing the clutch by pivoting the pedal in a downward direction, firstly against the resistance of the spring and then, beyond a given pegging angle, with aid of the spring. At least one of the two connection points is mounted movably with respect to the element to which it is fixed, and the device automatically shifts the connection point at the end of the clutch-release travel so as to substantially reduce the moment exerted by the spring on the pedal in the clutch-release direction.

Abstract: A collar for use on a bicycle includes a body for bearing a headset at a higher elevation with respect to a frame tube and safeguarding against a reversion of the headset to a lower elevation. The body includes an annular portion circumferentially attached to a handlebar stem which is attached to the frame tube. Further, a connecting device has a first end thereof including a joint connected to the body and a second end thereof including a quick-release mechanism to which an accessory is releasably attached.

Abstract: A dual clutch transmission comprising a first partial transmission and a second partial transmission is described. A first group of forward gears is allocated to the first partial transmission, a second group of forward gears is allocated to the second partial transmission, each one of the forward gears comprises a particular transmission ratio, two adjacent forward gears comprise adjacent transmission ratios with no transmission ratio of any other forward gear in between, and at least two adjacent forward gears are allocated to the second partial transmission. The invention comprises further a control method for controlling the dual clutch transmission such that a torque transmitting gap is closed when gear shifting between the aforementioned two adjacent gears.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foot-pedaling device with a particular bidirectional pedaling for constantly driving the loading wheel train in the same direction, wherein the pedaling direction is selected by the riding pedaler according to the operating status of his/her muscles and joints, or it is further through the different driving directional input to provide the same directional different speed change ratio output.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foot-pedaling device with a particular bidirectional pedaling for constantly driving the loading wheel train in the same direction, wherein the pedaling direction is selected by the riding pedaler according to the operating status of his/her muscles and joints, or it is further through the different driving directional input to provide the same directional different speed change ratio output.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating bodies of earth-boring tools include mechanically injecting a powder mixture into a mold cavity, pressurizing the powder mixture within the mold cavity to form a green body, and sintering the green body to a desired final density to form at least a portion of a body of an earth-boring tool. For example, a green bit body may be injection molded, and the green bit body may be sintered to form at least a portion of a bit body of an earth-boring rotary drill bit. Intermediate structures formed during fabrication of an earth-boring tool include green bodies having a plurality of hard particles, a plurality of matrix particles comprising a metal matrix material, and an organic material that includes a long chain fatty acid derivative. Structures formed using the methods of fabrication are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water-atomized iron-based powder is provided that is pre-alloyed with 0.75-1.1% by weight of Ni, 0.75-1.1% by weight of Mo and up to 0.45% by weight of Mn, and further including 0.5-3.0%, preferably 0.5-2.5% and most preferably 0.5-2.0% by weight of Cu, and inevitable impurities, the balance being Fe.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a nitride/tungsten nanocomposite powder. The method includes mixing nitride with tungsten or a tungsten alloy, and mechanically alloying the mixture in an inert atmosphere using a milling machine.

Abstract: A process for producing refractory metal alloy powders includes the steps of blending at least one powder with at least one solvent and at least one binder to form a slurry; forming a plurality of agglomerates from the slurry; screening the plurality of agglomerates; sintering the plurality of agglomerates; and melting said plurality of agglomerates to form a plurality of homogenous, densified powder particles.

Abstract: A relatively simple and inexpensive method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles within a short period of time using a household microwave or the like is provided. The energy needed to heat the synthesis reaction is minimized and the organic reducing reagents of the prior art are replaced with natural products such as purified carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, sucrose, fructose, galactose, ribose, lactose) or their readily available and inexpensive forms (e.g., high fructose corn syrup, sucrose syrup). The resulting nanoparticles are purified from the remaining silver ion which is then recaptured for the safe disposal of the waste reaction mixture.