Abstract: The invention provides a novel fused cast refractory product with a high zirconia content having improved electrical resistivity. Said refractory product comprises, as a percentage by weight based on the oxides and for a total of more than 98.5%: ZrO2+Hf2O: >85%; SiO2: >10% to 12%; Al2O3: 0.1% to 2.4%; B2O3: <1.5%; and a dopant selected from the group formed by V2O5, CrO3, Nb2O5, MoO3, Ta2O5, WO3, and mixtures thereof, in a weighted quantity as expressed below: 2.43V2O5+4.42CrO3+1.66Nb2O5+3.07MoO3+Ta2O5+1.91WO3?0.2%.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a washing machine with a drying function, capable of performing a washing program and a drying program, comprising a cabinet (1), a tub (9) in the cabinet, a water inlet (11) for feeding water to the tub during the washing program, the water inlet being connected to an anti-siphoning device (27), and a water trap (29) placed in the connection between the water inlet (11) and the anti-siphoning device.

Abstract: An anti-theft lock with plate tumblers includes two axial grooves (18) which are disposed at diametrically opposite locations on an inner wall of the lock (1) and an annular groove (10) which has a rectangular cross section and is provided on the inner wall of the lock (1) adjacent an end proximal to a key slot (21). A round controlling plate (8), of which the diameter is same as that of the core (2), is disposed between the lock cover (9) and the lock core (2). A key slot (15), which is narrower than the key slot (21) in the lock core (2), is provided in the round controlling plate (8). Two V-shaped grooves (16) are provided on the inner sidewall of the round controlling plate (8) and correspond to two ends of the key slot (15). Two swallowtail grooves (20), in which a brake shaft (4) is mounted, are provided on the lock core (2), Multiple tooth grooves (17), which are engaged with the brake position teeth (14), are disposed on the outer walls of the two ends of the plate tumblers (5).

Abstract: A system for protecting high-value cargo enclosed in a container, while maintaining the container indistinguishable from similar low value shipments, includes an onboard identity module (OBIM) cooperative with an internal locking mechanism (ILM), both of which are externally undetectable. The OBIM can secure the ILM and prevent the container from being opened until a properly encoded unlocking signal from a Security Management System (SMS) is wirelessly received by the OBIM. The unlocking signal can be a composite including a plurality of species of wireless signals such as different frequencies of AM and FM encoded RF and acoustic signals, transmitted simultaneously and/or at specified intervals. In embodiments the OBIM enables remote tracking of the container, and in some embodiments the tracking is double-blind, whereby a Master Number (MN) recorded in shipping documents is associated with a “Random Number” (RN) used for tracking, the association being known only to the SMS.

Abstract: A Reversible rotating door lock handle structure is comprised of: A main body and an actuator which is installed in the containing space of the said main body. The said actuator has a longitudinal slot with a rack installed respectively at its two sides and a hook-piece. A shaft pipe is provided with at least one shifter for engaging with either slot side rack of the said actuator. A handle which has a shift-lever for inserting into the slot of the said actuator and connected to the said hook-piece, thereby to push the actuator to move longitudinally and further to drive the said shaft pipe to rotate, whereof the rotating direction of the said shaft pipe can be reversed if the shifter of the said shaft pipe is switched to engage with the rack at the other side of the said actuator.

Abstract: A keypad lockset adapted for deadbolt as well as lever locks, and having as a first embodiment an exterior gear train, an interior gear train, and an electronically controlled clutch for coupling the gear trains when engaged and for uncoupling the gear trains when the clutch is disengaged, so that when the clutch is engaged rotation of an external thumb turn will permit the door latch to be withdrawn and thus to permit opening of the door, and a mechanical override mechanism that can be operated in case of electrical failure, and in which clutch mechanism and the override mechanism both operate through the single, standard 2? inch door preparation hole, or alternatively as a second embodiment, a keypad lockset in which two four-bar mechanical linkages are used in place of gears as means to actuate the clutch, and alternatively to provide for a pass-through override function.

Abstract: A lock structure including an activation device, a combination lock, and a setting device is provided. The combination lock has a plurality of dials, a shaft passing through the dials, and a plurality of first gears disposed on one side of each dial. Each first gear further includes a missing tooth. One end of the shaft is connected to the activation device. The setting device has a plurality of second gears corresponding to the first gears and a setting shaft, wherein one end of the setting shaft passes through the second gears and the other end is connected to the activation device. When the activation device is activated, the second gears are driven to rotate the first gears, so that when each second gear runs free with the missing tooth of each first gear, the dials are in a predetermined position. That is, by means of the activation device and the setting device, the dials of the combination lock can automatically return to the predetermined position after opening or closing the lock.

Abstract: A portable conduit bending frame assembly has a support member, a shoe and a heating device. The support member has a first alignment end, a second alignment end, and a first conduit measuring device that extends an approximate width of the support member. The support member also has a flat conduit support surface fixed thereto, and extending substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the support member. The top surface has at least a portion of a first attachment strip located thereon. The shoe has a first alignment surface extending substantially perpendicular to a second alignment surface, an arcuate conduit bending surface extending between the first and second alignment surfaces, and a complementary attachment strip extending at least partially on a major surface of the shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a platform, a stylus, and a heating system. The platform is capable of holding a sheet of material. The stylus is capable of impinging the sheet of the material to incrementally form a shape for a part. The heating system is capable of heating at least a portion of the sheet of material in a location on the sheet of material prior to the stylus impinging the location.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a platform, a stylus, and an ultrasonic energy generation system. The platform may be capable of holding a sheet of material. The stylus may be capable of impinging the sheet of material to incrementally form a shape for a part. The ultrasonic energy generation system may be capable of sending ultrasonic energy into at least a portion of the sheet of material in a location on the sheet of material where the stylus impinges the sheet of material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rod capable of securely connecting pedicle screws in a pedicle screw system for correcting a damaged or transformed spine and a method and an apparatus for fabricating the same and, more particularly, to a flexible pedicle rod with superelasticity in order to provide a flexibility to a fixation between spine segments and a method and an apparatus capable of fabrication the same in mass production.

Abstract: The invention relates to pliers for clamping plates used in conjunction with a manipulator arm, comprising a rigid frame connected to a carrier such as a rigid stand or robot, and an articulation sub-assembly connected to the frame and comprising a fixed arm, a mobile arm, and a main actuator for displacing the mobile arm in translation or rotation relative to the fixed arm for closing or opening the pliers and respectively clamping the plate assembly between the arms or releasing said assembly, wherein said pliers belong to a family of pliers comprising C- and X-shaped pliers, the frame having a similar shape and appearance for all the pliers of said family. Application mainly in the family of C- and X-shaped resistance-welding pliers having similar and preferably identical frames.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member using an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member, an actuator coupled to the expansion device, and an anchor coupled to the actuator. The anchor includes a resilient member that is selectively deformable between a first position wherein the resilient member does not engage the expandable tubular member and a second position wherein the resilient member engages the expandable tubular member so as to releasably couple the anchor to the expandable tubular member.

Abstract: A bending tool that may be used for bending elongated works and in which the works are not likely to be damaged is provided. An angle formed by a blade parting line L1 or L2 and an outside edge (e.g., 55 degrees) of each die (having an angle of a blade edge of, e.g., 90 degrees) is made larger than an angle formed by the blade parting line L1 or L2 and an inside edge (e.g., 35 degrees). The blade parting line L1 or L2 of one of the dies is located at a predetermined position further toward the blade parting line L2 or L1 of the other of the dies with respect to the center of the space between the blade parting line L2 or L1 and the inner end edge of the bending block.

Abstract: A measurement system for a dry powder agent includes a sensor system which includes at least one sensor head at least partially within a powder calibration column and a control system in communication with the sensor system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method to improve accuracy of a meter. The method first contemplates introducing a desired fluid into a valve assembly having an external casing with an inlet, outlet and interior side forming a chamber. Next, a desired fluid contacts a toggle stopper having a shaft, plate, and guides. A calibrated spring positioned around the shaft in contact with the plate assesses if the desired fluid meets a predetermined pressure. If the fluid meets this threshold, the calibrated spring compresses thereby toggling plate within the chamber to allow desired fluid to enter the chamber. Should the total pressure of the desired fluid and/or an undesired fluid create a pressure that fails to meet the predetermined pressure, the calibrated spring expands to seal the valve assembly. Upon such seal, there is an equalizing of both the desired and undesired fluids to the same pressure by decreasing the volume of the undesired fluid, causing the calibrated spring to compress and reopen.

Abstract: A test bench for testing a hammer and hammer tool comprising: a bench frame; a load cell assembly mounted on the bench frame for absorbing the impact delivered by the hammer; and a movable mounting deck for securing the hammer to the bench frame and for moving the hammer with the hammer tool into a test firing position against the load cell assembly and delivering an impact force against the load cell assembly. The load cell assembly comprises a pneumatic air bag assembly constructed to dissipate the impact force of the hammer. Other aspects include a load cell assembly for testing a hammer and hammer tool and a method for test firing a hammer tool. Hydraulic hammers generating forces between 200 ft-lb and 12,000 ft-lb can be adequately test fired.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to methods and processes for determining how a range of weather conditions can affect a selected physical parameter of a material. In some embodiments the weather conditions can include relative humidity and/or temperature, and the selected physical parameter can be mass and or dimensions. For instance, some embodiments can be used to estimate the amount of water that a material may be expected to absorb under in-service conditions. In some embodiments the amount of water can defined by a range bounded by amounts observed at opposing extremes of simulated conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a pinhole inspecting method for suitably inspecting a pinhole in a bottle compared with conventional pinhole inspection. A reference inner pressure (P1) is a bottle inner pressure obtained directly after closing a supply valve (3) after opening the supply valve (3) for only a predetermined time. Whether the reference inner pressure (P1) is over a previously specified first threshold value (Pth1) or not is checked, and when it exceeds the first threshold value (Pth1), airtight status of the bottle is held for a predetermined time, and then a pressure reduction quantity (?P) of the bottle inner pressure from the reference inner pressure is measured after a fixed time. The bottle is judged to have no pinholes only when the value of ?P is not exceeding the previously specified second threshold value (?Pth2).

Abstract: Provided are cone penetrometers for measuring the impedance of the ground. In an embodiment, the cone penetrometer comprises an inner electrode, an outer electrode, an insulator layer and a penetrating rod. The inner electrode includes a cone, a first contact portion to which terminal cables of an impedance meter are connected, and a metal rod. The metal rod has a diameter smaller than that of the cone. The metal rod has a front end connected to the bottom of the cone and a rear end connected to the first contact portion. The outer electrode has an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the cone and is in the form of a hollow tube accommodating the metal rod. The insulator layer is formed between the inner electrode and the outer electrode to prevent short circuits between the two electrodes. The penetrating rod is in the form of a hollow tube accommodating the outer electrode. The use of the cone penetrometers improves the accuracy and reliability of the measured results.

Abstract: There is provided an ignition diagnosis apparatus that detects ignition abnormality in a multi-point-ignition internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis apparatus for an NOx catalyst of the present invention measures an index value (R) regarding an NOx clarification capacity of an NOx catalyst and determines an abnormality of the NOx catalyst based on index values (R1, R2) respectively measured at a timing (Tc1) at which the NOx catalyst has a relatively-low activation level and a timing (Tc2) at which the NOx catalyst has a relatively-high activation level. Since the index value at the timing at which the NOx catalyst has a relatively-low activation level (i.e., a timing at which the NOx catalyst originally does not have a sufficient NOx clarification capacity) is used, the abnormality diagnosis for the NOx catalyst can be carried out without intentionally deteriorating emission.

Abstract: An overload detecting assembly comprises a first load bearing member (10) adapted to flex laterally in response to a load to be monitored, a second load bearing member (11) spaced from the first under normal load conditions and which is contacted and loaded by the first load bearing member (10) when it is loaded beyond a load limit. Preferably, the first load bearing member (10) has a yield point below the load limit and takes a permanent set once the yield point has been exceeded. A lateral probe (18) cooperates with the first load bearing member as it moves towards the second load bearing member and in turn deflects an indicator member (20) which takes a permanent set when a yield point is exceeded. Ready inspection of the indicator member then reveals whether or not it has been bent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test bed (1) for elevation simulation for a test specimen (11), in particular, for an internal combustion engine (11) with a supply chamber (20) in which a supply system (21) is arranged, a testing chamber (10) structurally separate from the supply chamber (20) for holding the test specimen (11), wherein the testing chamber (10) is in fluid connection with the supply chamber (20) and thus conditioning of the settings for the test specimen (11) to be tested can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for testing a tire of a vehicle that includes the steps of creating a first condition comprising a first slip angle of the tire, obtaining a first set of data regarding performance of the tire under the first condition, creating a second condition comprising either a second slip angle or lateral displacement of the tire, obtaining a second set of data regarding performance of the tire under the second condition, and determining the transient response of the lateral force and aligning moment of the tire, using the first set of data and the second set of data.

Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.

Abstract: Electromagnetic free point tools are configured to determine the free point of a downhole pipe in a wellbore utilizing the amplitude or phase change in a transmitted signal for stressed and unstressed pipe. Certain examples of electromagnetic free point tools comprise a housing, one or more transmitter coils, one or more receiver coils, each coil spaced apart from one another, a power source for applying an oscillating voltage to the one or more transmitter coils which then induces a current in the receiver coil(s), and electronics for measuring the induced current in the receiver coil(s). In another embodiment, at least one of the coils is axially adjustable in position within the tool to permit the relative distance between coils to be adjusted to optimize performance of the tool in various conditions. By measuring the amplitude or phase of the induced current relative to the oscillating voltage, a log of the amplitude or phase is generated while passing the tool through a length of unstressed pipe.

Abstract: The masthead wind direction indicator illuminator of the present invention provides three significant improvements over the prior art including elimination of wiring and switches, greatly extended lighting element life and automatic on/off control. Elimination of wiring and switches greatly reduces the complexity of the illuminator system, use of LED light source elements greatly increases the life of the illuminator, and use of a light sensitive switching element provides automatic control of the illuminator.

Abstract: A flow meter has a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a measuring chamber between the inlet and outlet. The measuring chamber has a diameter larger than that of the inlet. A blade section is located between the inlet and the measuring chamber, and the blade section comprises a cylindrical part near the measuring chamber and having a cylindrical inner wall, an expanding part between the cylindrical part and the inlet, and spiral blades which extend from the expanding part to the housing, for imparting the rotational movement to the fluid when the fluid enters the measuring chamber. A ball is positioned in the measuring chamber such that the rotational movement of the fluid moves the ball in a circular motion around the measuring chamber for measuring the flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A sensor housing for a field device includes a housing body and a solar module that may be put in place and removed. The solar module supplies the field device with electrical energy and may be placed on top of the housing body at various angles of rotation, as a result of which at the same time an electrical contact between the solar module and an energy storage device is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the identification of different phases (11-20) in a multi-phase medium comprises at least two arrays (26A, 26B) of ultrasound transducers capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasound through the medium separating them. The method and apparatus is useful for the location of phase interfaces in vessels such as oil separators.

Abstract: Systems and methods for potted shock isolation are provided. In once embodiment a shock isolation system comprises an isolator comprising an outer ring for mounting to an external housing, and an inner ring connected to the outer ring via an isolating element; and an inertial sensing assembly comprising: at least one circuit board secured to the inner ring of the isolator, the at least one circuit board further comprising a triad of gyroscopes and a triad of accelerometers; and a low durometer highly dampened supporting material encapsulating a first surface of the at least one circuit board.

Abstract: A MEMS multiaxial inertial sensor of angular and linear displacements, velocities or accelerations has four comb drive capacitive sensing elements (18) integrated on a planar substrate (12), each having an output responsive to displacement along a Z axis, and responsive to a displacement along X or Y axes. The sensing elements are located at different parts of the substrate on both sides of the X axis and the Y axis, the outputs being suitable for subsequently deriving linear displacements along any of the X, Y or Z axes and angular displacements about any of the X, Y or Z axes. Fewer sensing elements are needed to sense in multiple directions, making the device more cost effective or smaller. Linear or angular movement is determined from combinations of the sensor signals.

Abstract: Gyroscopes using surface electrodes are provided. In this regard, a representative microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscope, among others, includes a top substrate and a bottom substrate. The top substrate includes an outermost structure that is open and enclosed and a first driving structure that is disposed within the outermost structure and includes first driving electrodes disposed on a bottom surface. The bottom substrate is disposed below the top substrate and includes second driving electrodes disposed on a top surface of the bottom substrate. The second driving electrodes are substantially aligned below the first driving electrodes such that a force can be applied to the first driving structure by an electrostatic force generated between the first and second driving electrodes. The first and second driving electrodes are also configured to provide a capacitance signal based on the movement of the first driving structure.

Abstract: A speed-of-sound measurement apparatus includes a wave transmission module for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a front surface of a subject's body, a plurality of wave reception modules which each receives the ultrasonic wave from the subject's body and outputs a waveform signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic wave, a presumed propagation time calculating module for calculating a propagation time from when the ultrasonic wave is transmitted by the wave transmission module to when the ultrasonic wave arrives at each of the wave reception modules after propagating along the front surface of the subject's body or inside the subject's body, based on a presumed value of speed-of-sound in the subject's body and a front surface shape of the subject's body, a validity index value calculating module for finding a validity index value to be an index of validity of the propagation time based on the waveform signals outputted by at least two of the plurality of wave reception modules, and a speed-of-sound der

Abstract: There is disclosed an internally switched multiple range transducer. The transducer employs a plurality of individual pressure sensors or Wheatstone bridges fabricated from semiconductor materials and utilizing piezoresistors. Each sensor is designed to accommodate accurately a given pressure range, therefore, each sensor is selected to provide an output when an applied pressure is within its accommodated range. As soon as the pressure exceeds the range, then another sensor is employed to produce an output. Each of the sensors, or each separate transducer, is coupled to a switch or other device to enable the selection of one of the plurality of sensors to operate within its given pressure range when the applied pressure is in that range. In this manner one obtains pressure measurements with a high degree of accuracy across a relatively large pressure range.

Abstract: An oil filled pressure transducer which exhibits reduced backpressure and utilizes a smaller volume of oil employs a glass pre-form which has a plurality of pin accommodating apertures and has an oil tube accommodating aperture. There are a plurality of contact pins inserted into the pin accommodating apertures and which extend from the top to the bottom surfaces of the pre-form. There is an oil fill tube inserted into the oil tube accommodating aperture, which oil fill tube extends from the bottom to the top surface of the pre-form with one end of the tube extending above the top surface of the pre-form. There is a glass alignment plate which has an alignment aperture for encircling the extended oil fill tube and has a sensor accommodating shaped aperture located at a predetermined position from said alignment aperture.

Abstract: There is disclosed flat planar pressure transducer which comprises a planar insulative substrate of a rectangular configuration. Disposed on the substrate is an array of conductive areas which extend from a contact terminal area of said substrate to an end of the substrate. There is a leadless sensor module positioned at said contact terminal area, with the contacts of said leadless sensor contacting contact terminals of said contact terminal area. The leadless sensor is enclosed by an enclosure which is coupled to the substrate and surrounds the sensor. The enclosure has a screen positioned on the top surface to prevent particles from entering or damaging the leadless sensor. The above-noted structure forms a very flat, compact pressure transducer which can be utilized in lieu of flex circuit type devices and provides greater mechanical stability as well as a more accurate output.

Abstract: In an inspection device for inspecting front and back surfaces of a strip material rolled by a rolling machine, both ends of the strip material along a longitudinal direction of the strip material are claimed by two pairs of clamping devices and the front surface of the back surface of the strip material is pressed at an optional position between the two pairs of the clamping devices by at least one pressing device. Thus, after clamping the strip material, the two pairs of the clamping devices are not displaced along the longitudinal direction of the strip material. A function for applying tensile stress to the strip material and a function for clamping the strip material are individually and separately provided so that the inspection device can be simplified. By pressing the strip material at a point between the two pairs of the clamping devices, at least one of pressing devices can be down sized. It is superior in view of an economical reason.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for determining and/or monitoring flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube, which includes at least one piezoelectric element, at least one coupling element and at least one adapting, or matching, layer between the piezoelectric element and coupling element. The adapting, or matching, layer has a thickness smaller than a fourth of an uneven integer multiple of a wavelength of an ultrasonic signal being used.

Abstract: A damping device for a fluid flow meter mountable on the exterior of a pipe to meter fluid flow traveling within the pipe is provided. The flow meter has at least one ultrasonic sensor operable to transmit ultrasonic signals through a pipe wall in a direction normal to the pipe wall and into a fluid flow disposed within the pipe, which signals create secondary ultrasonic signals circumferentially traveling within the pipe wall at a frequency. The damping device includes a base and a plurality of tines. The base is conformable to an exterior surface of the pipe wall, and has a pipe-side surface and a tine-side surface. The plurality of tines is attached to the base and extends outwardly from the tine-side surface. Each tine is spaced apart from an adjacent tine by a tine-to-tine distance that is less than the wavelength of the secondary ultrasonic signals circumferentially propagating within the pipe wall.

Abstract: An embodiment of a piezoelectric assembly for an ultrasonic flow meter comprises a piezoelectric element including a first face and a second face. In addition, the piezoelectric assembly comprises a first electrode engaging the first face. Further, the piezoelectric assembly comprises a second electrode engaging the second face. Still further, the piezoelectric assembly comprises an electrically conductive shim connector attached to the first electrode. Moreover, the piezoelectric assembly comprises a first wire electrically coupled to the shim connector.

Abstract: A measuring system having a measuring transducer, which generates primary signals influenced by at least one measured variable characterizing the flowing medium; an evaluating circuit electrically coupled with the measuring transducer and processing primary signals delivered by the measuring transducer to measured values. The measuring transducer includes: at least one measuring tube, which serves for conveying medium to be measured; an exciter mechanism acting on the measuring tube for causing the at least one measuring tube to vibrate; as well as a sensor arrangement serving for registering oscillations of the measuring tube. A first oscillation sensor, a first primary signal of the measuring transducer representing vibrations of the measuring tube, by means of a second oscillation sensor spaced from the first oscillation sensor. A third oscillation sensor arranged on the measuring tube and spaced both from the first oscillation sensor as well as also from the second oscillation sensor.

Abstract: A torque sensor adjustable platform apparatus is configured to include a base with a centering block between two linear grooves. Two sliders slide along the linear grooves under the control of a lead screw. Turning the lead screw causes the sliders to either approach each other or to separate. A PCB tray rides on top of the sliders. The tops of the sliders have retaining grooves keyed to accept retaining rails on the bottom of the PCB tray. The retaining grooves and retaining rails are angled so that the PCB tray moves further from the base as the sliders approach one another. A receiving module fixed into the PCB tray receives a signal from a shaft mounted torque sensor. The lead screw can be manipulated to optimizing the received signal while keeping the receiving module clear of the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining the instability of equipment by measuring the reaction forces at different points at the base of the equipment are disclosed. A plurality of load sensors are symmetrically arranged at the base of the equipment. A Cartesian coordinate system is then imposed on the base of the equipment with the center of the base being the origin of the Cartesian coordinate system. The X-axis and the Y-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system are arranged to define a plane corresponding to the base of the equipment. Each load sensor is then designated with Cartesian coordinates and the reaction force at each load sensor is determined. An overall instability factor for the equipment is then determined from the Cartesian coordinates of each load sensor and the reaction force at that load sensor.

Abstract: A load indicator comprises a load bearing assembly of first and second load bearing members (23, 22) connected together to bear a lateral load applied to the first member (23), the first load bearing member defining a cavity (25) with the second load bearing member such that it is frangible above an indicator load, and the cavity (25) containing an indicator liquid which escapes from the cavity once the first load bearing member is fractured by said load. The load bearing members (22, 23) comprise cylindrical members arranged concentrically with the outer member (23) having a portion of reduced thickness to render it frangible and to define the cavity (25). The cavity (25) includes an internal volume within the second load bearing member (22). The load indicator may be configured as a load bearing pin to connect two components.

Abstract: A torque sensor is configured so that a multi-pole permanent magnet is fixed to one of a first shaft and a second shaft linked via a torsion bar, a first rotating yoke and a second rotating yoke each having provided at equal intervals in the peripheral direction a plurality of claw portions facing the permanent magnet are fixed to the other of the first shaft and second shaft, and a magnetism detection element is disposed between a first magnetism-collecting yoke and a second magnetism-collecting yoke individually facing the first and second rotating yokes. The first and second rotating yokes are formed into identical shapes, and the claw portions provided respectively on the rotating yokes are alternatingly disposed in the peripheral direction within the same plane perpendicular to the axes of the first shaft and second shaft. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a cost by having fewer types of parts.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell with an integral membrane and mechanically coupled conductive surfaces, deflected by the load, and mounted each side of an electrode carrier, where conductive electrodes are mounted on each side of the electrode carrier to face the mechanically coupled conductive surfaces to thereby form two or more sensor capacitances.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the movement of a subsea pipeline. The measuring device has an accommodating mount anchored in the sea bed to accept the subsea pipeline. The subsea pipeline is liable to be made to move over a determined travel with respect to the accommodating support as the pipelines deforms. The movement has an amplitude that varies according to the deformation of the subsea pipeline. A plurality of frangible elements secured to one of either the deformable subsea pipeline and the accommodating mount. The frangible elements are intended to be broken in succession by the other of either the deformable subsea pipeline and the accommodating mount when the pipeline is caused to move.

Abstract: A interferometric optical gyroscope includes an active resonator comprising a half cavity vertical cavity surface emitting laser (half-VCSEL) operating as one of the mirrors that form the ring resonator. The half-VCSEL includes a bottom mirror stack and active layers formed on the bottom mirror stack and has a surface opposite the bottom mirror stack. Lack of a top mirror stack typically found in a VCSEL prevents the half-VCSEL from lasing, thus the half-VCSEL forms a reflective amplifier for the light circulating in the resonator. A single or multiple external light sources can be used to induce two counter-propagating beams in the resonator. Higher finesse due to the internal gain in the resonator enhances the sensitivity of the gyroscope.