Abstract: A device and method for the detection of the interaction between two or more objects is disclosed. The device utilizes electrical impedance spectra measured from a piezoelectric element attached to one such object. Comparison of such spectra along a range of traverse allows precise estimates of distance to be made. One useful application is the topographical mapping of a surface.

Abstract: A gravity gradiometer is described which comprises a pair of sensor bars arranged in housings. Transducers are arranged adjacent the bars for measuring movement of the bars in response to the gravity gradient tensor. At least one of the transducers has a sensing coil and a capacitor plate having a concentric arrangement with the sensing coil for providing one plate of a capacitor used in a balancing circuit for measuring the balance of the sensor mass.

Abstract: An impact resistant speed sensing object having an inner body with a processor and at least one speed detecting sensors adapted to engage the inner body and adapted to interact with the processor for determining the speed of the impact resistant speed sensing object. The impact resistant speed sensing object further includes an impact resistant housing having apertures adapted to receive the inner body and the speed detecting sensor. The impact resistant speed sensing object has an aperture adapted to receive the impact resistant housing with the inner body and speed detecting sensor.

Abstract: A gyro module includes: two gyro element pieces outputting a signal, the signal being obtained by combining a signal of an angular velocity of a first detection axis and a signal of an angular velocity of a second detection axis; and an arithmetic circuit for performing an addition and a subtraction with respect to the signal outputted from the two gyro element pieces. The two gyro element pieces are a first gyro element piece and a second gyro element piece. The first and second gyro element pieces are arranged such that a detection sensitivity polarity of the first detection axis of the first gyro element piece is same as that of the second gyro element piece, and a detection sensitivity polarity of the second detection axis of the first gyro element piece and that of the second gyro element piece are inverted.

Abstract: An out-of-plane sensing device is provided. A proof mass is movable with respect to a substrate. A frame is positioned on the substrate and encloses the proof mass. At least one spring connects the proof mass to the frame so that the spring will exert a force on the proof mass to make the proof mass move back to its equilibrium position when the proof mass moves perpendicularly to the substrate. An electrode extends from the proof mass toward the frame. A counter electrode extends from the frame toward the proof mass, wherein the projection of the electrode onto the substrate overlaps with that of the counter electrode onto the substrate.

Abstract: An acceleration sensing device includes a movable sensing member, a frame member and a supporting member. The supporting member is coupled between the movable sensing member and the frame member so as to support the movable sensing member. The acceleration sensing device further includes a covering member disposed above the movable sensing member, with a gap between the covering member and the movable sensing member. The acceleration sensing device still further includes internal electrodes, interconnection films, external electrodes and a resin film. The internal electrodes are arranged around the covering member. The interconnection films are disposed on the frame member so as to be coupled to the internal electrodes. The external electrodes are disposed on the interconnection films. The resin film is disposed on the frame member so as to seal the covering member.

Abstract: An oscillation driver circuit includes a gain control amplifier which causes a vibrator to produce driving vibrations by controlling an oscillation amplitude in an oscillation loop, and a comparator which generates a synchronous detection reference signal based on a signal in the oscillation loop. The oscillation driver circuit sets a gain in a first oscillation loop including the vibrator and the comparator to be larger than unity using an output from the comparator, and then causes the vibrator to produce the driving vibrations by controlling an oscillation amplitude in a second oscillation loop including the vibrator and the gain control amplifier in at least one of an oscillation startup state and a sleep mode.

Abstract: Sensing structures are provided which are designed using non-conventional designs. These sensing structures have improved sensitivity and noise floor at low frequencies.

Abstract: A driver device that forms an oscillation loop with a vibrator and causes the vibrator to produce driving vibrations includes a current-voltage converter that is provided in the oscillation loop and converts a current that flows through the vibrator into a voltage, and a GCA as a comparator that is provided in the oscillation loop and outputs a signal corresponding to a comparison result between an output from the current-voltage converter and a given voltage. The GCA outputs a first high-level voltage or a low-level voltage during oscillation startup, and outputs a second high-level voltage or the low-level voltage in a steady oscillation state. The first high-level voltage is a voltage higher in potential than the second high-level voltage.

Abstract: Ultrasonic detection of flaws in ceramic monoliths such as are commonly used in diesel particulate filters is made possible by beaming ultrasound into the monolith from an inlet or outlet face thereof and analyzing the reflected ultrasound from the same face. The monolith is preferably rotated during the scan, or the scan may be repeated from several rotational positions relative to the face of the monolith. Even small flaws which are hard to detect may be identified.

Abstract: An ultrasonic railroad rail inspection system, apparatus and method for in situ rail inspection including a wheel assembly containing a fluid-filled tire and an ultrasonic transducer mounted within the wheel assembly. The transducer is supported in the tire such that the ultrasonic beam generated by the transducer has a beam axis that intersects a head of a railroad rail at a position offset from the longitudinal median plane of the rail to the side of the head penetrated by the ultrasonic beam. The ultrasonic beam is reflected by flaws in the rail in the form of echoes. The echoes return to the transducer identifying the location of flaws.

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

Abstract: A sensing apparatus of a Broudon pressure gauge is disclosed, which comprises a magnet which has a N pole and a S pole at one end between both ends of the shaft which its connected with the displacement gear and rotates; a sensing unit which is provided in the body at a portion corresponding to the magnet and is disposed on at least three portions in circular directions and includes an AMR sensor or hall sensor for sensing the rotation value of the magnet; and a display control unit which receives a sine signal value and a cosine signal value among phase signal values from the sensors of the sensing unit and corrects the phase values and outputs to the LCD.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel contact sensors. The contact sensors of the invention include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular embodiment, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. If desired, the sensors can be formed of the same polymeric material as the bearing that is being examined. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use. In one particular embodiment, the sensors can be used to examine dynamic wear characteristics of artificial joint bearings such as artificial knee, hip, or shoulder bearings.

Abstract: A system and method of using a passive wireless gauge to detect the physical properties on an object.

Abstract: A strength testing device for testing a connection strength between a first and a second articles includes a workbench, a supporting member adjustably attached to the workbench in a vertical direction to support the first article, a blocking member adjustably attached to the workbench in a latitudinal direction to abut one side of the first article, a pair of clamping members adjustably attached to the workbench in a longitudinal direction to abut the other side of the first article, and a tester. The tester includes a blade member with a blade seating on the second article, and a suspending member holding a critical weight to break the first and second articles along a connection interface therebetween. A gravity line of the weight crosses with the blade.

Abstract: A method is provided for sampling hot gas. The method includes inserting a probe into a flow of hot gas, and collecting a sample of the hot gas with the probe. The sample of the hot gas is quenched prior to an analysis of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a starter motor clutch. The clutch includes, a shell, a wedgable component support member operably positioned adjacent the shell, and at least one wedgable component positioned between the shell and the wedgable component support member. The at least one wedgable component is displaceable into engagement with the shell to lock the shell into synchronous movement with the wedgable component support member upon initial rotational movement of the wedgable component support member in either direction relative to the shell while allowing asynchronous movement of the shell relative to the wedgable component support member.

Abstract: A linear drive for adjusting at least one movable structure includes at least one spindle drive having a rotatable spindle. Disposed on the spindle and restrained against rotation is a lifting nut which is linked to the movable structure. At least one safety mechanism is disposed on the spindle without connection to the lifting nut and restrained against rotation. The safety mechanism includes an inner nut attached to the spindle and an outer guide bushing attached onto the inner nut, wherein the inner nut and the guide bushing have an engagement structure which effects a form-fitting engagement between the inner nut and the guide bushing during normal operation and is so constructed as to effect a disengagement between the inner nut and the guide bushing, when the safety mechanism is subjected to a predefined load torque.

Abstract: A linear feedback device for an actuator comprises: a coiling belt, a return gear wheel, a driven member, and a sensing feedback device. The sensing linear feedback device serves to feedback the displacement data of the driven member that is moveable along a predetermined rail after engaging with the return gear wheel. The return gear wheel is coaxial with the coiling belt, and the coiling belt unwinds or retracts along with the actuator and drives the return gear wheel to rotate. The gear ratio between the return gear wheel and the driven teeth is used to adjust the back and forth moving distance of the probe. The linear feedback device can be installed in a small external hanging type body and offer an absolute position sensing function while preventing the error accumulation.

Abstract: The action curve (A), that is, the locus of the gearing contact points throughout the gearing process, is a lemniscate (Lg, Ld) having a double point coinciding with the rolling point (T) of two pitch circles (Prg, Prd). The gearing contact begins at one of the apexes (Sgh) of the lemniscate under a zero Hertzian pressure between two profile points where the profiles have the same curvature centered at the rolling point (T). Wear and operating noise are reduced.

Abstract: A shifting device (1) for a transmission with a selection actuator and a shifting actuator, which a shifting shaft (2) comprising shifting forks (3) or selector forks, which engage in sliding collars for engaging the gears in which the shifting motion can be carried out by way of an axial motion of the shifting shaft (2), while the selection motion is kinematically disengaged from the shifting motion and the shifting shaft (2) does not rotate during the selection motion.

Abstract: A speed changer is used to control derailleurs using cables from a single rotating handle, the deraileurs being connected respectively to an elastic return element. The speed changer includes at least two cable-maneuvering mechanisms. The mechanism for maneuvering the cable of the rear derailleur, which rotates integrally with the handle, can cause the rear cable to loosen or tighten when the handle is rotated in one direction. The speed changer is characterized in that the rotating assembly, formed by at least one mechanism for maneuvering the rear cable and the handle, can be connected to rotate intermittently with the mechanism for maneuvering the front cable of the front derailleur which, depending on the direction in which the handle is rotated, can cause the front cable of the front derailleur to tighten or loosen.

Abstract: A wrist unit to be arranged in an industrial robot including a control system and a manipulator. The manipulator includes a robot arm and a wrist unit arranged on the robot arm and including a wrist housing arranged for rotation about a fourth axis of rotation, a wrist part/tilt pivotally journalled in the wrist housing for rotation about a fifth axis of rotation. A second transmission is configured to transmit rotation form a second drive unit to the turn disc about the sixth axis of rotation where the control system controls the first and second drive units.

Abstract: A scalable and adaptable, six-degree-of-freedom, kinematic positioning system is described. The system can position objects supported on top of, or suspended from, jacks comprising constrained joints. The system is compatible with extreme low temperature or high vacuum environments. When constant adjustment is not required a removable motor unit is available.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing an at least height-adjustable steering column. The device includes a clamping device provided with a clamping element having an open position in which the height adjustment is released. When the clamping element passes from the opening position thereof to the closed position thereof, toothings engage with each other. A blocking element has a blocking position in which it blocks the lifting of the counter-fixing part from the fixing part, maintaining the engagement of the toothings, and a release position in which the counter-fixing part can be lifted from the fixing part.

Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device includes a mounting member, a shift operating member, a take-up member and a retaining mechanism. The mounting member includes a clamping portion and a cover. The shift operating member is rotatably coupled to the mounting member to move in opposite rotation directions. The take-up member is arranged to selectively pull and release a shift control cable in response to rotation of the shift operating member. The retaining mechanism is arranged to retain the take-up member in a plurality of positions. Preferably, a rotational angle limiting structure includes a first limiting portion formed on the clamping portion and a second limiting portion formed on the shift operating member that selectively engages the first limiting portion to limit rotational movement of the shift operating member. Preferably, the cover has a bush integrally formed with the cover as a one-piece, unitary member.

Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a first operating member, a second operating member, a shift wire take-up element and a wire winding/release mechanism. The second operating member is operatively coupled to the first operating member to move with the first operating member during movement of the first operating member, and to move the first operating member during movement of the second operating member. The shift wire take-up element is rotated in a first rotational direction by the first operating member and in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction by the second operating member. The wire winding/release mechanism is operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element and the first and second operating members to selectively hold the shift wire take-up element in one of a plurality of shift positions.

Abstract: A screwdriver is disclosed including a handle, a shaft, and a gearbox disposed between the handle and the shaft. The gearbox is structured and arranged to cause rotational motion of the shaft at a first rate due to rotational motion imparted on the handle at a second rate. In an embodiment, the first rate is greater than the second rate.

Abstract: Connectors capable of connecting socket and/or ratchet elements in a wrench assembly in such a manner that a nut- or bolt-engaging member at one end of the assembly is disposed at a selected position or orientation with respect to a handle at the opposite end of the assembly. The connectors include a variety of connectors characterized by male and female connector elements disposed in generally perpendicular relationship to each other. The connectors further include parallel offset connectors in which male and female connector elements are disposed in offset, parallel relationship to each other. The male and female connector elements are capable of removably engaging companion female and male connector elements, respectively, of various socket and/or ratchet elements to assemble the wrench assembly and facilitate positioning of a wrench handle at one end of the wrench assembly at a selected orientation with respect to a nut- or bolt-engaging element at the opposite end of the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for machining of components, namely for rotary machining of rotationally symmetrical components on radially interior machining surfaces of a component, is disclosed. The device has a drill rod extending essentially axially and has a tool mount extending essentially radially, carrying a lathe tool. The drill rod has a projection that extends essentially radially and can be coupled to the tool mount that extends essentially radially, where the radial dimensions of the projection of the drill rod and of the tool mount are adapted to the dimensions of a hub bore of the component to be machined, such that the drill rod and the tool mount in the uncoupled state can be inserted into the hub bore, and, in the coupled state, the lathe tool mounted in the tool mount can be brought into contact with the radially interior machining surfaces of the component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a precision roll turning lathe which can form a pattern including three-dimensionally shaped portions, such as three-sided pyramids, on the surface of a roll, with high accuracy. Specifically, a tool post is provided with a tool turning axis (A axis) which is used to turn a tool such that, when forming a spiral groove cut through the roll, a cutting face of a tip of the tool is oriented perpendicular to a direction along which the spiral groove extends.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus cuts shrink wrap film residing in a roll. The apparatus includes a first roller pair receiving the film from the roll and carrying the film away from the roll; and without the need for a second roller pair to receive the cut sheet of film. Film snap-back is prevented by cutting the film between a shear deck with teeth and a rotating blade with teeth intermeshing with the teeth of the shear deck. A method for cutting a sheet of shrink wrap film, includes: feeding the film into a first roller pair; and cutting the film between the first roller pair and the second roller pair using a rotating knife with a number of teeth intermeshing with a shear bar with teeth.

Abstract: This invention includes a system for cutting food products, such as potatoes, into proportional length pieces. In a one embodiment, the system includes a cutting assembly, sensors upstream of the cutting assembly and a programmable logic controller. The cutting assembly preferably includes a housing defining a passageway, at least two separately actuatable stops extendable into the passageway to provide an abutment to hold the food product in place, and at least two separately actuatable blades for slicing the food product into pieces. The controller cooperates with the sensors to determine the length of each food product and, based on a length determinative algorithm, selectively actuate one of the stops and at least one of the blades to determine how many times the food product will be sliced and location of the cut(s) relative to the leading end of the food product.

Abstract: A rotary cutting apparatus includes a cutter drum having at least one cutting member and an anvil drum having a rotary axis, arranged in a cutting relationship to one another, and a pressure actuating device for subjecting pressure on said cutting member in relation to the anvil drum. The pressure actuating device includes a pair of levers rotatable about at least one hinge having a horizontal axis. The horizontal axis is parallel to but non-concentric with the rotary axis. In addition, a frame supports the cutter drum and the anvil drum in a rotatable relationship. The pair of levers are releasably connected to the bearing housing, respectively, in such a way that the anvil drum is allowed to be removed from the frame.

Abstract: The invention RADIAL ARM FRAMEWORK WITH INTEGRAL ROOF PITCH ANGLE SAW GUIDE is designed to accurately control the cutting of roof pitch angles 0/12-12/12 to the right or left pitch angle in ribbed metal panels 3? wide or more for hips and valleys in buildings. Roof pitch angles can easily be changed according to an integrated guide plate.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a power compound miter saw having miter angle as well as bevel angle adjustment capabilities, with sensing units that can measure the angular position of the miter table relative to the base as well as the bevel angle of the blade relative to the table. Such sensing units generate position signals that can be used to provide a digital display of the miter and bevel angles to a high degree of accuracy. Moreover, the embodiments utilize mechanisms which enable a user to tighten the pivot connections of the table and the base as well as the pivot connection between the table and the bevel pivot support housing without damaging the sensing units. The sensing units are configured and mounted in such a way as to not interfere with access to the nut which can be rotated to vary the amount of friction between the adjacent components.

Abstract: A tool body for use in scrapbooking includes a groove for accepting a plurality of interchangeable tools therein. The tool body may include two or more separate bodies that may be connected together. The interchangeable tools may include a rotary cutter having one or more offset patterned blades. The housings of the rotary cutter may be attached together to form patterned strips having three different widths. The rotary cutter may be used separately or include an adapter for traveling in the groove of the tool body.

Abstract: A case cutter apparatus for cutting a container has a conveyor for moving the container in a single direction, a measuring device measuring a length, a width, and a height of the container, a controller for controlling the apparatus and for receiving information from the measuring device, and a first cutting assembly and a second cutting assembly positioned along the conveyor. The first cutting assembly includes an indexing assembly holding the container in a predetermined position during cutting, a carriage moveable in a cutting direction transverse to the direction of the conveyor, and two cutting blades attached to the carriage. The second cutting assembly includes two belts each having a cleat thereon for pushing the container through the second cutting assembly in the direction of the conveyor, and two cutting blades.

Abstract: A firearm with an improved breech bolt assembly comprises a barrel (12), a breech bolt assembly (18, 21), a body (14) equipped on opposite sides with ports (15) for the ejection of a cartridge case, in addition to a magazine (17), wherein the breech bolt assembly, which is moveable with respect to the body (14) comprises a breech bolt-holder slide (21), a breech bolt (18) equipped with a rotating locking head (25), cam guide rails (26, 27) of the relative movement between the breech bolt (18) and slide (21), and also stopping means (28, 29) of the relative movement comprising a control pin (28) which can be moved vertically with respect to a first control seat (29), charged by a recoil spring (30) applied between the slide (21) and the pin (28), said pin (28) having a cocking handle (23), or reloading lever, rotatingly applied thereto, for the manual moving of the breech bolt assembly (10).

Abstract: An air-based vertical launch system is described by means of which ballistic missile defense can be achieved effectively from a large aircraft. A method for ensuring safe missile egress is proposed. A method for ensuring that the missile strikes the ballistic missile payload section is also proposed. Together, the air basing method employing vertical (or near-vertical) launch and semi-active laser guidance yield an affordable and operationally effective missile defense against both tactical and long-range ballistic missiles. The affordability of missile defense is enhanced by the ability of an aircraft equipped with a vertical launcher to simultaneously carry out several defensive and offensive missions and to provide other capabilities such as satellite launch at other times.

Abstract: An improved ceramic tile armor has a core of boron nitride and a polymer matrix composite (PMC) facing of carbon fibers fused directly to the impact face of the tile. A polyethylene fiber composite backing and spall cover are preferred. The carbon fiber layers are cured directly onto the tile, not adhered using a separate adhesive so that they are integral with the tile, not a separate layer.

Abstract: A shield for shielding a structural member from an explosive blast or accidental or malicious destruction is provided. The shield includes a plurality of shield members which include cast ultra high strength concrete, wherein the shield members are capable of being assembled to enclose at least a portion of the structural member to provide protection to the enclosed portion from, for example, an explosive blast. In one embodiment, the shield members include a chassis, at least one ballistic liner disposed on the energy absorbing layer, and a concrete-integrating structure.

Abstract: A barrier comprising a base unit composed of a bullet resistant material and a transparent upper wall removably interconnected to the base unit and composed of a bullet resistant material. The base unit includes a front wall and two side walls extending from the front wall to provide protection to the front and sides of a person standing behind the barrier. A series of casters, preferably locking casters, are attached to the bottom edges of the side walls, and a pair of handles connected to each of the side walls permitting the barrier to be conveniently transported from one site to another.

Abstract: A large-caliber gun integrated into a military ship and mounted with the turret and the weapons system of an armored howitzer. Disposed below the turret body portion is a shell magazine in which is installed a shell transporter that grasps the shells and supplies them to a shell-raising mechanism, by means of which the shells are conveyed from the shell magazine into the turret body portion. A shell transfer arm, pivotably mounted on the trunnion of the weapon, carries at one end a charger that in the raised position of the shell transfer arm is aligned with the gun bore axis of the weapon, and in the lowered position is aligned with the direction of movement of the shell-raising mechanism. The shells are introduced from the shell-raising mechanism directly into the charger and after pivoting-up of the shell transferring arm are supplied to the weapon.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a bearing for a piston engine has a bearing made of a plastic material and having a substantially planar base and a substantially hemispherical portion. The base is configured to engage with a swash plate, and the hemispherical portion is configured to engage with a piston.

Abstract: A coffee or tea filtering press includes a hollow cylinder having top and bottom openings, a perforated removable cap which encloses the bottom opening, a removable piston which is inserted into said top opening and pressed downward to force liquid in the cylinder through the perforated cap, and a support to hold the press above the mouth of an open vessel.

Abstract: A disposable packaging form is provided for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually. A beverage apparatus has a rigid rod, a first manipulator connected to the rigid rod near the top of the rigid rod, and a second manipulator connected to the rigid rod near a bottom end of the rigid rod, a porous enclosure material, and beverage brewing contents within the enclosure. The second manipulator is a bottom cup and may be made as one unit with the rigid rod, serve as a stand, or serve as a caddy for a tea bag.

Abstract: A detecting device for detecting the food cooking vessel temperature comprises a fireproof bulkhead including a throughgoing hole, and in which between an inner wall of the fireproof bulkhead and a cooking vessel handle a plate coated by a thermochromatic paint layer visible through the throughgoing hole is arranged.

Abstract: A rolled shell and stuffer apparatus, particularly useful for deep frying, utilizes a number of structures which together provide the ability to quickly produce a large number of stuffed taquito type shells having high quality. The basic components of the system include a shell mold having an outer diameter of about 0.5 inches for example, formation mandrel, a rolling support, a frying support, a removal support, a stuffing system, and an optional handling tool. As will be seen, the degree of interrelatedness of these components can vary, but the result is a uniformity of high quality product which enables a wider range of food stuffing.