Abstract: Method for bending pipes (T) or similar elongated elements in a pipe bending machine includes a seat for positioning the pipe (T) to be bent, a forming roller (R) having a predetermined radius (RR) around which the pipe is bent and appropriated devices for seizing and moving the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for protecting control lines used with tool strings in a downhole environment. A control line protector assembly comprises a plurality of components formed into a unitary piece which includes a guard section having a first end section and a second end section, a slot on each of the first end section and the second end section, and a securing mechanism for coupling the guard section having the first end section and the second end section to the coupling.

Abstract: The stimulation of waves in bars, in particular at high amplitudes, is used for the calibration of acceleration and force sensors. The invention relates to a method and a device for calibrating acceleration and force sensors by means of a Hopkinson bar for controlled influencing of the signal form the signal amplitude and the pulse duration of the signals over a large amplitude range. A reference sensor and the sensor for calibration are arranged on the Hopkinson bar. At the end of the Hopkinson bar opposite the sensors the stimulation is carried out by means of an electromechanical actuator for converting an electrical signal into a mechanical force. The electromechanical actuator may be controlled by a control and regulation electronic circuit. A targeted influence and change in the acceleration and force pulse form can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a gyratory compactor apparatus is provided. The gyratory compactor apparatus is of the type being configured to compact and impart an orbital motion to a sample in a mold that defines a mold axis and includes at least one actuator for imparting lateral displacement of the mold relative to a longitudinal axis of the gyratory compactor apparatus. The method includes the steps of imparting lateral orbital displacement of the mold relative to the gyratory compactor apparatus by actuation of the at least one actuator to thereby define a gyratory angle between the gyratory compactor apparatus and the mold axis, measuring the gyratory angle, and determining adjustments to actuation of the at least one actuator based on the measured gyratory angle and a target angle. An associated apparatus and method for calibrating the apparatus are also included.

Abstract: An impact detector includes a circular weight, a case containing the weight, in which a transition path for the weight is formed, a planar elastic member extending in the case with a first end oriented in a direction in which the weight move upon an impact in a first direction, a fixing member fixing the planar member to the case. The planar elastic member includes a folded portion disposed on a second end of the planar elastic member, and a first arm and a second arm both extending from the folded portion. An end portion of the first arm holds the weight at an initial position, and the first arm deforms to release the weight upon the impact in the first direction. The fixing member includes a sandwiching portion sandwiching the folded portion and a contact portion in contact with both the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A fire distinguishing device includes: a detection device which detects an outbreak of a fire; a fire presence/absence distinguishing device which distinguishes the presence or absence of the fire; and a cumulative time determining device which determines the cumulative time required for distinguishing the presence or absence of the fire, in the fire presence/absence distinguishing device. The cumulative time determining device distinguishes an environment type of an environment where the detection device is installed, or a phenomenon type of a phenomenon being detected by the detection device, and further determines the cumulative time according to the distinguished environment type or phenomenon type.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spirally wrapped chromatographic structure, a system incorporating such structure and a method of providing such structure. The structure may include an absorber layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein one or a plurality of channels are defined in the first surface. The structure may also include a support layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the support layer disposed on the second surface of the absorber layer, wherein the absorber layer and the support layer comprise a spiral configuration such that at least a portion of the first surface of the absorber layer contacts at least a portion of the second surface of the support layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the proportion of gases in a gas mixture, has a measurement chamber having a chamber defining structure, a gas inlet and a gas outlet, an ultrasound source and an ultrasound detector mounted such that the ultrasound source is capable of transmitting ultrasound through the chamber to the ultrasound detector; a temperature sensor mounted such that the sensor is capable of sensing the temperature in the chamber. The chamber defining structure is adapted to amplify thermal exchange with a gas content in the chamber so as to suppress a temperature change in the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are an integrated analytical system and a method of operating the system to obtain improved control over processes that involve or produce mixed streams of gas and liquid or streams of condensable and non-condensable gases. The systems include an intake module configured for receiving and/or generating a mixed stream of liquid and gas, a pretreatment module for adding a reagent to form a treated stream, a gas purge module for stripping the treated stream and separating the treated stream into a liquid stream and a gas stream, a liquid level cell and an associated controller for maintaining a substantially constant volume of the liquid stream within the cell, parametric test modules for receiving and analyzing the liquid and gas streams and a data acquisition element for collecting parametric test data from the parametric test modules.

Abstract: Gas permeability measurement apparatus is an apparatus for measuring all kinds of continuous-porous materials, including wood, paper, wood-composites, wood plastic composites (WPC), minerals, polymer-based materials, minerals, ceramics, textiles and fabrics. The apparatus is equipped with an electronic time measurement device with milli-second precision; this feature allows the permeability values to have improved accuracy and precision needed for scientific purposes. This apparatus uses falling liquid method wherein the liquid column can be easily changed according to test design. The apparatus is equipped with at least two sensors in the electronic time measurement device which are designed so that the distance between them can be easily set to 10, 15, and 20 cm. The sensors are mounted on a stand that can be moved along the liquid and gas traveling zone thereby enabling the length of liquid column to be fixed from 30 cm up to 2 meters.

Abstract: A differential comparative pressure monitoring system (10) for monitoring the structural integrity of a structure or component (30) comprises a pressure source (12); a first fluidic circuit (14), and a reference fluidic circuit (16) which are connected in parallel to the pressure source (12); and a monitoring device (18). The first and reference fluidic circuits (14) and (16) are formed to have substantially matched characteristics. These characteristics include volumetric capacity of each of the circuits, fluid flow rates through the circuits, their temperature characteristics, and diffusion characteristics. The first circuit (14) comprises a sensor element (20) which is sealed to a surface (28) on the structure or component (30) being monitored by the system (10). The reference circuit (16) is in fluidic isolation from the surface (28) of the structure or component (30).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a leak in a conduit line includes a housing in fluid communication with the line, a valve including a valve seat and a valve element movable relative to the seat between opened and closed positions, a bypass line around the valve, a flow detector coupled to the bypass line for detecting fluid flow therethrough, and a first mechanism configured to urge the valve element toward the closed position. The apparatus may further include a second mechanism separate from the first mechanism for maintaining the valve element in the closed position until a threshold pressure drop is reached. The first mechanism may operate on the principle of buoyancy and the second mechanism may operate on the principle of magnetism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the performance of a safety valve. The apparatus includes an accumulator including at least one electric heater for heating a predetermined amount of water in the accumulator, and storing steam produced by the electric heater, a test vessel storing the steam supplied from the accumulator, and providing steam at a test pressure to a safety valve, the steam being supplied after controlling flow rate and pressure, a condensing tank storing demineralized water to be supplied to the accumulator, and condensing and collecting the steam discharged from the safety valve, and a water-supply pump supplying the water stored in the condensing tank to the accumulator.

Abstract: Sample processing devices having collapsible, flexible bodies are disclosed. The flexible microtube sampling devices are utilizable in pressure mediated, pressure cycling procedures. Externally applied pressure on the flexible microtube sample processing devices allow buckling thereof and transfer of the applied pressure to the sample contained therein.

Abstract: A viscometer adapted to determine a temperature at which a liquid test sample has a predetermined viscosity. A method of operating a viscometer comprising the steps of: drying the air contained in the capillary tube; advancing the liquid test sample from the sample reservoir to the capillary tube; changing the temperature of the liquid test sample to a first sub-zero degrees Celsius temperature, and determining a first viscosity of the liquid test sample at the first sub-zero degrees Celsius temperature. Use of a capillary tube for determining a temperature at which a liquid test sample has a predetermined viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining in a pharmaceutical test formulation the presence or absence of a peptide compound PYY3-36 represented by the following amino acid sequence: H-Ile-Lys-Pro-Glu-Ala-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala-Ser-Pro-Glu-Glu-Leu-Asn-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Ala-Ser-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Leu-Val-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-X (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X is OH or a carboxy acid-protecting group, the method comprising (1) preparing a solution by mixing the pharmaceutical test formulation with cucurbit[7]uril in a solvent; and (2) thermally analyzing the solution prepared in Step (1).

Abstract: After a target compound is captured by an adsorbent within a trap column (7) held by a column rack (8) in a substantially vertical position and the column is filled with water to wash its inside, dichloromethane is slowly introduced from an inlet end (7a) on the lower side by a pump (5). The water within the trap column (7) is pushed upward by dichloromethane and exits from an outlet end (7b), to be disposed of via a two-way selector valve (12) and a disposal passage (14). Dichloromethane elutes the captured target compound. Therefore, when the eluate, which initially consists of water, changes via an emulsion to dichloromethane, the eluate contains an adequately high concentration of target compound. At this point, the two-way valve (12) is switched to a preparative separation passage (13). As a result, a solution that is adequately free from water and yet contains the target compound can be collected into a collection container (17), and the target compound in solid forms can be quickly obtained.

Abstract: A shear valve for use in a high performance liquid chromatography system, the shear valve comprising a first shear valve member and a second shear valve member, wherein at least one of the first and second shear valve members is adapted to be moved with respect to the other, one of the first and second shear valve members comprises a plurality of ports, and the other comprises at least one fluid path for fluidly coupling respective ones of the ports in dependency on a relative movement position of the first and second shear valve members with respect to each other, wherein the first shear valve member is at least partially coated with an adhesion-promoting layer and a diamond like carbon layer on the adhesion-promoting layer.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for testing membranes and membrane-based systems by introducing particles into a feed liquid passing across the surface of a membrane wherein the particles have a size larger than the nominal cut-off of the membrane, and measuring the presence of the particles within a permeate solution which passes through the membrane. In one embodiment, the particles are selected from those which dissolve within the permeate solution after being measured. In another embodiment, the particles are selected from inorganic salts. Many additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A protective cap 2 is engaged with a latch 10 of a diluent container 5 so as to fix the diluent container 5 at a liquid holding position of a diluent container containing section 11. The engagement is released when the protective cap 2 is set to an open position against the engagement so as to expose an inlet 13. When the protective cap 2 is shifted from the open position to a closed position, the protective cap 2 pushes the diluent container 5 into a liquid discharge position. Thus, it is possible to preserve a diluent for a long period of time and to easily open the diluent container 5 without having to complicate the structure of an analysis apparatus.

Abstract: A PEFS (Piezoelectric Finger Sensor) acts as an “electronic finger” capable of accurately and non-destructively measuring both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus of tissues with gentle touches to the surface. The PEFS measures both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus variations in tissue generating a less than one-millimeter spatial resolution up to a depth of several centimeters. This offers great potential for in-vivo early detection of diseases. A portable hand-held device is also disclosed. The PEF offers superior sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention is an indenter tip that is modified to permit both compression testing and tensile testing on samples having dimensions smaller than approximately 1 ?m. The modified indenter tip has both a surface that can be used to apply compressive forces, and tines that can be used to engage a free end of a specimen to be tested in tension. The apparatus used to perform the tests includes elements of a scanning electron microscope that permit visualization of the specimen to be tested and the modified indenter tip, so as to permit appropriate alignment and engagement of the same. The apparatus also includes elements of a microindenter that provide mechanical manipulation of the relative position and orientation of the modified indenter tip and of the specimen to be tested, as well as the necessary controls and instrumentation to perform the test and to collect, record and manipulate data.

Abstract: A device and method for assessing the machinability, particularly the drillability, of epoxy resin laminates by reproducible indentation and analysis of the delamination area of a laminate sample thus provoked.

Abstract: The device of the invention can be used for evaluating the cutting ability of knives and other like cutting tools. The device includes a rigid body (2) with a slide (10) receiving a foam rod (12), and a bearing surface (8) substantially perpendicular to the slide (10) for positioning and guiding the cutting tool (16) to be tested. The foam rod (12) includes two visually discernible portions (13, 14) placed one above the other, and in particular having different colours, and is placed in the slide (10) so as to project from the front of the bearing surface (8). The test comprises cutting the protruding end of the rod (12) by reciprocating (F) the tool (16), and assessing whether the blade (15) has cut only the upper portion (13) or both portions (13, 14) of the rod. The device can be used for testing knives, surgical instruments, farming and gardening tools, industrial cutting tools, etc.

Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a first pressure monitoring module, a second pressure monitoring module, and a fault determination module. The first pressure monitoring module determines low-lift pressures and high-lift pressures in a cam phaser when a first oil control valve (OCV) moves first valve lifters to the low-lift state and the high-lift state, respectively. The second pressure monitoring module determines low-lift pressures and high-lift pressures in the cam phaser when a second OCV moves second valve lifters to the low-lift state and the high-lift state, respectively. The fault determination module diagnoses a fault in one of the first OCV and the second OCV based the low-lift pressures and the high-lift pressures.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method provide a means for indicating an overload condition has occurred during aircraft operation. The occurrence of an overload condition is automatically determined and an indication output thereof. Based on the indication received by the cockpit, avionics, maintenance, etc., further action may be taken to correct the effects of the overload condition on the tires and/or landing gear.

Abstract: Provided is a detection method for at least one of acting forces on tire among a back-and-forth directional force, a lateral force, vertical force, and a moment about a tire axis, to detect by strain outputs of strain sensors, which are attached on the tire and measure the strains of a sidewall portion. The above-mentioned strain sensors comprise first strain sensors that have the gain maximum line, in which the gain thereof becomes max, inclining to one side of the circumferential direction of the tire at an angle of 45 deg. with respect to the tire radial direction line, and second strain sensors that have the gain maximum line inclining to the other side of the circumferential direction of the tire at an angle of 45 deg. with respect to the tire radial direction line. At least four pairs of sensors, in which one of the above-mentioned first strain sensors and one of the above-mentioned second strain sensors are made a pair, are arranged at regular intervals on the circumference line of one circle.

Abstract: The invention relates a position sensor (1) for measuring the adjustment stroke of a hydraulic piston/cylinder system (3, 4) which acts on the support chock of the rolls (2) of a rolling mill stand, wherein the position sensor (1) is designed to measure a relative displacement between two components (3,4) of the piston/cylinder system (3, 4) in the displacement direction (a) thereof and wherein the position sensor (1) is equipped with a coupling element (5).

Abstract: A position displacement flowmeter having a pair of non-circular gears in a rolling contact on a pitch line without slippage. The positive displacement flowmeter comprises a casing and a pair of rotors provided in the casing and rotatable around its center axes. The pair of rotors have a tooth profile curve which is an oval pitch curve itself having a trajectory of contact points on the pitch line, and they satisfy a condition of r1+r2=K=const r1 d?1=r2 d?2, and a moving radius of the oval pitch curve is given by ri=a/(1?bcosn?i) (i=1, 2), where “ri(i=1, 2)” is the moving radius that is a distance from a center of rotation to the oval pitch curve, “a” is a homothetic coefficient, “b” is a flattening, “n” is a number of lobes, and “?i(i=1, 2) is a moving angle.

Abstract: A fluid condition and level sensor is provided that includes a solenoid body, a coil, and an armature surrounded by the coil. The solenoid body defines an armature chamber in which the armature is movable in response to energizing of the coil. The sensor is mounted to a reservoir such that a first portion of the solenoid body extends into a cavity defined by the reservoir, and so that movement of the armature is substantially transverse to a direction of fluid level change in the reservoir. The first portion of the solenoid body defines an opening permitting fluid communication between the cavity and the armature chamber, such that fluid enters and is displaced from the armature chamber through the opening as the armature moves, movement of the armature within the armature chamber thereby being affected by fluid level in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and a device for optically determining state variables inside a container (1) for liquefied gases. In the method and device, light emitted by an illumination unit (2) travels within an optical waveguide (7, 9) to a contact point (33) with the content of the container (1) and is partially reflected there, the intensity of the reflected light is measured by an image sensor (4), and a state variable is determined from the intensity. In order to create a comprehensive “image” of the state variables in the container and of the container content, several optical waveguides (29, 29?) are guided to contact points (33) which are distributed within the container (1) and form measurement points (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, . . . , 9.n). Locally assigned state variables (refractive index, density, temperature, etc.) of the container content are determined from the measured values obtained at the measurement points (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, . . . , 9.n) and are evaluated along with the spatial coordinates of the measurement points (9.

Abstract: A fuel level indicator for riding lawn equipment with a fuel tank pivotably mounted under the operator seat. A fuel level indicator arm is pivotably mounted under the fuel tank and has a first end contacting the fuel tank and a second end extending through an opening in front of the operator seat. A scale on the opening indicates the fuel level corresponding to the location of the second end of the fuel level indicator arm. A pair of tension springs are attached to the fuel tank and partially support the fuel tank.

Abstract: A handle assembly mounted to a dynamometer measuring device including a base mounted to an input location of the measuring device. A plurality of arms extend in a lineal direction from the base and are arranged in spaced and gap defining fashion. The arms deflect inward relative to one another upon being exerted by a compressing force and concurrent with outputting a signal through at least one strain gauge wire extending from an interior of each arm to the measuring device.

Abstract: A sensed element is disclosed for incorporation into an apparatus that includes a rotatable shaft. The sensed element includes at least one sensor-detectible feature detectible by a sensing device for use in measuring a rotational speed of the shaft, a base portion coupled to the shaft so as to rotate with the shaft, and a projection extending from the base portion. The projection is engageable with a portion of the apparatus to limit movement of the sensed element along the shaft. The projection may also aid in positioning the sensed element within the apparatus during installation and removal of the sensed element.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope comprises a ring-shaped vibrating body (11) a leg portion (15) flexibly supporting the body (11) and having a fixed end, a fixed potential electrode (16), and a plurality of electrodes (13a-13d) with a piezoelectric film sandwiched between an upper and a lower-layer metallic film in a thickness direction thereof. When N is a natural number of 2 or more, the plurality of electrodes (13a-13d) include driving electrodes (13a) for a primary vibration in a vibration mode of cosN?, which are each disposed (360/N)° apart from each other in a circumferential direction, first detection electrodes (13b) and second detection electrodes (13d) for detecting a secondary vibration generated when an angular velocity is applied to the body (11), which are each disposed in a certain region related to the driving electrode (13a) Each of the electrodes is also disposed in a certain region of the body (11).

Abstract: An integrated MEMS structure includes a driving assembly anchored to a substrate and actuated with a driving movement. A pair of sensing masses suspended above the substrate and coupled to the driving assembly via elastic elements is fixed in the driving movement and performs a movement along a first direction of detection, in response to an external stress. A coupling assembly couples the pair of sensing masses mechanically to couple the vibration modes. The coupling assembly is formed by a rigid element, which connects the sensing masses and has a point of constraint in an intermediate position between the sensing masses, and elastic coupling elements for coupling the rigid element to the sensing masses to present a first stiffness to a movement in phase-opposition and a second stiffness, greater than the first, to a movement in phase, of the sensing masses along the direction of detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inertial sensor and a producing method thereof. The inertial sensor measures the acceleration and angular acceleration of a moving object according to the sensed pressure difference (pressure gradient). The inertial sensor comprises a substrate; a circuit disposed on the substrate; a pressure device comprising an annular chamber that has a first end and a second end; a channel having a first end and a second end, with the second end being connected to the second end of the annular chamber; a pressure meter connected respectively to the first end of the annular chamber and the first end of the channel, wherein the pressure meter is electrically connected to the circuit; and a liquid filling the annular chamber. Hence, the present invention provides a highly sensitive planar inertial sensor, which simplifies the structure, makes easy the manufacturing process, and lowers the costs.

Abstract: Low cost miniature vector sensors are provided. An acoustic vector sensor is provided that comprises at least one accelerometer to measure at least one component of acoustic particle acceleration, wherein the at least one accelerometer has a resonant frequency within a measurement band of the acoustic vector sensor. In addition, a method is disclosed for measuring an acoustic signal. The method comprises the steps of configuring an array of acoustic vector sensors comprised of at least one accelerometer to measure at least one component of acoustic particle acceleration; operating the at least one accelerometer at a resonant frequency within a measurement band of the acoustic vector sensor; and generating a voltage using one or more of the acoustic vector sensors representative of the acoustic signal as the acoustic signal propagates past the array. The voltage optionally indicates a bearing of the acoustic signal.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a support substrate, anchor portions fixed to a top surface of the support substrate, a movable portion positioned above the support substrate and supported by the anchor portions with support portions provided therebetween such that the movable portion is movable in a height direction, and detection portions for detecting a displacement of the movable portion. The support portions include beam portions provided between the movable portion and the anchor portions such that spring portions are provided between the beam portions and each of the movable portion and the anchor portions, the beam portions having a rigidity higher than a rigidity of the spring portions. The movable portion translates in the height direction owing to twisting of the spring portions and displacements in the height direction of distal ends of the beam portions, the movable portion being supported at the distal end.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a manufacturing process is described. The method includes generating an optical pump beam pulse and directing the optical pump beam pulse to a surface of a sample. A probe pulse is generated and directed the probe pulse to the surface of the sample. A probe pulse response signal is detected. A change in the probe pulse varying in response to the acoustic signal forms the probe pulse response signal. An evaluation of one or more manufacturing process steps used to create the sample is made based upon the probe pulse response signal. Additionally the method may be used for process control of a CMP process. Apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A hearing test and screening system for testing and screening the hearing acuity of a person which includes a computer having built therein a graphic-control program for generating a pure tone signal required for a hearing test, an audio apparatus having a connection port coupled to the computer for receiving the pure tone signal from the computer and outputting a set of test signals, each having 3 frequencies minimum, at a constant sound volume upon receipt of the pure tone signal and a response button for operation by the test person to provide a feedback signal to the computer, and earphones coupled to the audio apparatus for enabling the test person to hear the set of test signals outputted by the audio apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a distance includes a converter element that generates n acoustic surface wave, a surface that feeds over at least part of the acoustic surface wave to a surface having a reflection point, and a processor that determines a distance between the apparatus and the reflection point from the propagation time of the acoustic surface wave. The converter element registers the acoustic surface wave reflected at the reflection point.

Abstract: Provided is a method and device for measuring a position of an ultrasonic generating device for generating ultra-sonic signals, and inputting information by using position measurement values of the ultrasonic generating device. Accordingly, a plurality of broadband microphones that can be used as general microphones provided to an electronic device are used in a case where information is input by using an ultrasonic generating device. In this case, a position of the ultrasonic generating device is measured by extracting an ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic generating device from signals received by the broadband microphones, and information is input by using the position of the ultrasonic generating device and a trajectory of the moving ultra-sonic generating device.

Abstract: An optical fiber vibration sensor includes a light source, an optical receiver, an optical dividing/coupling part, a signal processing unit, and a fiber loop part made of an optical fiber. A part of an optical fiber composing the fiber loop part is installed outside a housing of a main body of the optical fiber vibration sensor and another part of the optical fiber composing the fiber loop part is installed outside the housing as a vibration detecting optical fiber.

Abstract: A multipoint laser Doppler vibrometer system (1) comprises a laser diode (2), beam expanding lens (3), a holographic optical element (HOE, 4) and a CMOS camera (5) receiving reflected light via optics (6). The HOE (4) is a hologram of a flat diffusely reflecting surface. Some light (8) is diffracted by the recorded hologram in the HOE (4) to provide a reference beam of light that is directed back towards the camera (5). Apart from some absorption the remaining light (9) continues onwards to illuminate the object The light that is reflected and scattered from the object (10) passes efficiently through the HOE (4) and interferes with the reference light (8) that is holographically reconstructed by the HOE (4) and subsequently detected by the camera (5). The beam from the laser diode (2) is divergent, which means that the sensitivity vector varies across the field of view.

Abstract: A device for determining or monitoring one or more physical and/or chemical, process variables and having a vibration sensor comprising, a plug-in element and a socket element, which are releasably connected by a pluggable connection and which communicate with one another via an interface, wherein, in the plug-in element or the socket element, a transducer is provided for determining or monitoring a process variable, and wherein the element not having the transducer has the vibration sensor, and the element having the vibration sensor is connectable with a superordinated unit.

Abstract: A vibrating sensor having a base and an axisymmetrical resonator secured to the base. The base and the resonator are associated with electrodes connected to a control circuit via at least a first connection channel and a second connection channel with the electrodes being connected to one or other of the channels. The control circuit has excitation electronics and detection electronics and is arranged to control an excitation stage and a detection stage on each of the connection channels. The excitation stages and the detection stages have substantially identical respective durations, wherein the control circuit is arranged to perform the following sequence: excitation stage on the second connection channel; detection stage on the first connection channel; excitation stage on the first connection channel; detection stage on the second connection channel.

Abstract: There are provided a pressure sensor sensing or measuring air pressure and a device for preventing air inflow, which is used to prevent air, moisture and foreign substances from flowing into the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor includes an air flow part through which air to be measured, the pressure of which is to be measured, flows, a pressure sensing part sensing the pressure of the air to be measured, which flows through the air flow part, and an air blocking part installed between the air flow part and the pressure sensing part, preventing the air to be measured from flowing into the pressure sensing part, and causing, at least, a movement or a deformation according to a pressure change of the air to be measured. The pressure sensor completely prevents moisture or foreign substances from flowing into the pressure sensor, thereby minimizing defects of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method is described for reducing a dead volume of a microfluidic circuit that includes, in one embodiment, a reservoir, an outlet, and a microfluidic flowpath fluidly connecting the reservoir and the outlet. The method includes providing a microfluidic flow component between the reservoir and the outlet for performing a function and in fluidic communication with the microfluidic flowpath, wherein the microfluidic flow component includes a total volume including a working volume and a dead volume. The working volume is a volume necessary for the microfluidic flow component to perform the function and the dead volume is a volume unnecessary for the microfluidic flow component to perform the function. The method includes configuring at least one of the reservoir, the microfluidic flowpath, and the microfluidic flow component to reduce the dead volume, such that the working volume of the component is substantially the same as the total volume.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor for measuring a pressure difference between two high-pressure environments is comprised of a sensor block including internal, oil-filled channels leading to an internally positioned differential pressure sensor element. Two process diaphragms are provided for transferring pressure from the high-pressure environments for isolating two distinct internal oil channels from the high-pressure environments. In order to achieve small internal oil volumes in the sensor block, additionally two separating discs, which initially separate between the two internal oil channels, are positioned in fluid communication with the high-pressure environments in order to block for the pressure from the high-pressure environments against the oil channels “from behind.” The separating discs bear against abutment faces having small openings into the internal oil channels.