Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fabricating materials by die-forming that may be implemented to form a joggle in a bendable workpiece by securing the workpiece to each of at least two respective adjacent working areas, and then by displacing at least one of the at least two working areas relative to an adjacent working area in order to induce the joggle within the workpiece.

Abstract: A bending machine designed to bend and shape sheet metal comprises a blade-holder unit (10) with a “C” shaped cross-section, mobile along two mutually orthogonal directions with respect to a fixed bed, and on which one or more bending blades are fixed. This machine comprises a kinematic system for driving the operating units, in which servomotors (15, 21, 22) and epicyclical reduction gears are used for the movement of the blade-holder unit (10). Moreover, the blade-holder unit (10) of the bending machine uses an articulated mechanism consisting of two mechanical units (13, 14) which form a closed kinematic chain with five members connected by five kinematic turning pairs.

Abstract: A workpiece supporting device for a multiple-die horizontal forging press comprises a transfer pliers arranged at each recess of a die and having a movable stem operating as a workpiece ejecting means, the stem being coupled, at one end portion thereof, facing a driving mechanism, through a coupling bracket, to a driving rod, one end of which, arranged at a recess of the die respectively of the transfer pliers, houses a workpiece restraining device, formed by a rocker mechanism, which can swing about a cross pivot pin and against a spring means affecting an arm of the rocker mechanism.

Abstract: A flanged housing member is formed using a forming method and a forming device from a forming material having a pre-flanged forming portion 2 is disposed at one end of a trunk portion 1. The entire external surface of the flanged housing member can be ironed with a sufficient degree of precision without mechanical machining. The forming material is held on one of a first die having an external forming surface and a second die having an internal forming surface. A sizing process is performed to at least form an internal surface of the trunk portion using the first and second dies. The pre-flanged forming portion is sandwiched and pressed between the first die and a flange-forming die to form a flange portion on the end of the trunk portion.

Abstract: A wire bender or a rod bender and more particularly a wire bender or a rod bender, adaptable to bend a variety of sizes of rod or wire to at least one desirable angle, provides a bent wire or a bent rod may be formed to use with a model, especially a model of vehicle.

Abstract: A device for crimping an implantable device or a part thereof between a radially expanded condition and a radially contracted condition, includes first and second annular bodies arranged about a common axis, and a ring-like array of linear crimping elements having respective opposite ends linked to the first and second annular bodies, respectively. These annular bodies are relatively rotatable around the common axis between a first position, wherein the annular array of crimping elements define a wider orifice for receiving a device to be crimped, and a second position, wherein the annular array of crimping elements define a narrower orifice.

Abstract: A mechanism for forming thin metallic skin enclosures from blanks. The apparatus includes a forming assembly including a plurality of die stations. The stations are stepped farther away from an axis in a direction of which blanks being processed are positioned at a plurality of die stations. Grippers spaced along the axis and away from the axis at distances substantially the same as are die stations are carried by the transfer assembly. An actuator is used to move the transfer assembly reciprocally in directions generally parallel to the axis between first and second axial positions. A ram is provided to move the transfer assembly between first and second stepped positions relative to the axis.

Abstract: A coaxial terminal connecting tool includes a second handle portion, a first handle portion, and a transmitting portion. The second handle portion has a receiving slot including a guiding assembly and a terminal receiver. The terminal receiver fixing the terminal element is formed at an end of the receiving slot. The first handle portion is pivoted to an end of the second handle portion. An end of the transmitting portion is pivoted to a first predetermined position formed on the guiding assembly and another end thereof is pivoted to a second predetermined position formed on the first handle portion. A length of the transmitting portion is adjustable. An end of the adjusting unit is arranged to a first predetermined position of the guiding assembly, while another end thereof is pivoted to the transmitting portion. The adjusting unit consists of a first sliding portion, adjusting portion, and a second sliding portion.

Abstract: A control device, for a servo die cushion, by which the speed of a die cushion is prevented from largely deviating from the speed of a slide, whereby the press force between the slide and the die cushion is not significantly reduced. The control device includes a slide speed detector for detecting the speed of the slide, a die cushion speed detector for detecting the speed of the die cushion, and a die cushion speed commanding part for controlling the speed of the die cushion. When a tentative speed command of the die cushion is largely deviated from the detected slide speed, the command of the die cushion is corrected such that the absolute value thereof does not exceed the value calculated by adding the absolute value of the detected slide speed to a positive constant.

Abstract: A method and system for creating highly nonlinear solitary waves for use in performing nondestructive evaluation of structures and materials. The method and system use an apparatus having a spring loaded adjustable striker, a chain of granular particles, and a reloading device that allows for repeated activation of the adjustable striker.

Abstract: An automatic solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sampling apparatus having a mobile sampler arm with a holder for a probe carrying a fiber 9 and an intermediate bracket for transferring the probe between a probe storage tray and the gas chromatograph injector. In the various probe handling stages, the probes are collected by a magnetic member attached to the end of the plunger in the holder, at the free end of the holder's body and at the lower end of the block for guiding the probe needle. The magnetic member interacts with a ferromagnetic connector attached to one end of the fiber and with a ferromagnetic flange attached to the end of the needle containing the fiber in order to place the probe on the transfer bracket or remove it therefrom. The apparatus can perform analyses on fibers that have already been exposed, extract analytes from samples, and subsequently transfer them for desorption in the gas chromatograph in a fully automatic way.

Abstract: A device for detecting micro particles in gas, which comprises: an inlet through which a gaseous sample including micro particles flows in; an outlet through which the sample flows out; a channel through which the sample flows from the inlet toward the outlet; a cooling layer which cools and condenses the sample flowing in the channel; a reservoir which is positioned on the cooling layer and collects the condensed sample; a detector which is positioned in the reservoir on the cooling layer and detects the micro particles included in the collected sample; and a heater which heats the outlet portion to produce a pressure difference between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, so that the sample flows through the channel from the inlet toward the outlet. The device for detecting micro particles in gas provides the advantage that micro particles included in gaseous sample can be detected without having to use additional pump or collector, detection time can be reduced, and detection accuracy can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for contaminant detection of body parts, such as hands, and or their coverings, such as clean room suits or gloves, and small objects. Particularly, the method and apparatus involve collecting air samples containing aerosolized contaminate particles from the objects and analyzing the sample for presence of a contaminate. Aerosol lab-on-a-chip and/or electronic nose devices are utilized for the detection of contaminant particles.

Abstract: Device for measuring the permeation of a hollow body provided with an opening such as a neck in particular, this device comprising a chamber in which the follow body is placed, on a support; this hollow body, when placed on its support, together with the chamber defining an internal space and an external space, the device being provided with means for providing sealing between the internal space and the external space, the sealing means comprising three seals, namely a first seal, a second seal termed the intermediate seal, and a third seal, these three seals being housed in grooves belonging to the body of the support, these seals projecting from the side edge of the support and being able and configured to bear against the internal face of the opening of the hollow body; the body of the support, the opening of the object and the seals thus define two spaces positioned between the internal space and the external space, a first space being bordered by a first seal and an intermediate seal, the second space be

Abstract: An apparatus for testing failure of a material used in a jet engine, and more particularly to an apparatus that uses one or more model jet engine components made from a material used in a full-size jet engine and desired to be tested. The apparatus permits easy removal and disassembly of a jet engine mounted thereon as well as real-time measurements of run-time parameters. The methods and apparatus provide for predicting and analysing failure by a number of fatigue-related mechanisms including creep, fatigue, crack growth, foreign object damage, fretting, erosion, and stress corrosion.

Abstract: A method of real-time analysis of an engine, comprising sensing a temperature within a chamber of the engine with a thermocouple sensor disposed on a spark plug operating within the chamber, the thermocouple sensor generating a first signal based upon the temperature within the chamber; detecting current on a wire coupled to the sparkplug with a sensor, the sensor generating a second signal based upon current detected on the wire; converting the first and second signal into a first and second optical signal respectively utilizing one or more signal conditioners; generating a first and second digital signal based upon the first and second optical signal respectively with a receiver; and transmitting the first and second digital signal to an analysis device to generate a display of the temperature as it relates to engine speed at a first time in response to the receipt of the first and second digital signal.

Abstract: A device for controlling a power supply of a radio frequency ignition of a combustion engine, including: an interface that receives measurement signals of operating parameters of a combustion engine; an interface that outputs a control signal; a module that stores relationships between measurement signals and the frequency of a control signal to be generated; a module that determines the frequency of a control signal to be generated on the basis of measurement signals received on the reception interface and of the relationships stored; and a module that applies the control signal at the determined frequency.

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

Abstract: It is a challenge to make it possible to produce a resonance suppression effect, and perform a stable control even in a case where a spring rigidity of a shaft significantly varies. The challenge is achieved as follows. In an engine bench system in which an engine 1 to be tested and a dynamometer 2 are coupled together by a coupling shaft 3, and a shaft torque control of the dynamometer is performed, a controller 5 includes: an integral element having an integral coefficient KI for a deviation (T12r?T12) between a shaft torque command T12r and a measured shaft torque T12; a differential element having a differential coefficient KD for the measured shaft torque T12; and a proportional element KP for the measured shaft torque T12. The controller 5 obtains a torque control signal T2 by subtracting the differential element and the proportional element from the integral element.

Abstract: A device which comprises a sensor and/or actuator and a connector for electrically and mechanically coupling the sensor and/or actuator. The connector comprises an individual electrical conductor having a core made from a first material and having a jacket made from a second material. The first material can have a lower thermal conductivity than the second material.

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: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A wind turbine generator system that can quantitatively determine the energy of a lightning strike on a wind turbine blade is provided. In the wind turbine generator system generating electricity by driving an electrical generation mechanism through rotation of a rotor head to which wind turbine blades are attached, an electrically conductive shield tape for judging the charge quantity (C) of a lightning strike is bonded to surfaces of the wind turbine blades.

Abstract: A sensor includes: a silicon substrate having a hollow portion, which is arranged on a backside of the substrate; an insulation film disposed on a front side of the substrate and covering the hollow portion; a heater disposed on the insulation film, made of a semiconductor layer, and configured to generate heat; and an anti-stripping film for protecting the insulation film from being removed from the silicon substrate. The silicon substrate, the insulation film and the semiconductor layer provide a SOI substrate. The hollow portion has a sidewall and a bottom. The anti-stripping film covers at least a boundary between the sidewall and the bottom of the hollow portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, a system, and a computer readable medium for determining the fill-ready status of one or more wells of a plurality of wells formed in a filter or solid-phase extraction (SPE) plate. In the method, a signal is directed toward a well of the plurality of wells. A reflected signal is received from the well responsive to the directed signal. The fill-ready status of the well is determined based on the received reflected signal. The steps may be repeated until the fill-ready status of each of the plurality of wells has been determined. In the method and the apparatus, the directed signal may be generated by a piezoelectric crystal. Some of the reflected vibrations impact the piezoelectric crystal, which oscillates in response. The piezoelectric crystal transmits a signal to a processor, the signal corresponding to the height of the liquid or other material in the well.

Abstract: A cap member for covering a sensor unit such as a rotational speed sensor is composed of a cylindrical wall, a thin bottom wall and an open end to be closed with a closing member. The cap member is formed by molding a resin material. Molten resin is injected into a cavity formed by an inner die and an outer die. After the injected resin is cooled, the inner die is separated from the molded cap member. If the molded cap member adheres to the inner die, it would be difficult to separate the inner die from the cap member by pulling out the inner die in the axial direction. A structure anchoring the cap member to the outer die is formed on an outer surface of the cylindrical wall. The anchoring structure may be formed in a shape of a ring or rings surrounding the center axis of the cap member. Alternatively, the anchoring structure may be formed in a shape of a depressed groove or grooves.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing accelerations directed along multiple directions are provided. An embodiment comprises a sensor array comprising two sensor pairs, each of which provides an output signal based on acceleration along two orthogonal directions. The sensor pairs are so that they collectively provide an output signal for each of three mutually orthogonal directions. In some embodiments, the sensor array is augmented to provide three additional signals, each of which is based on rotation about an axis aligned with one of the three orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A sample 10 is measured by generating ultrasound at 12, for example by using a laser 22 and spatial light modulator 26. The ultrasound is detected at 16, for example by optical beam deflection techniques. A characteristic of the generation at 12 is swept across a range of values to vary the efficiency of generation of ultrasound. The value of the characteristic, which corresponds with the peak amplitude detected at 16, is identified to provide a measure of the acoustic velocity at the region 12. The method is executed at a plurality of sites 12, 20 to provide a set of spatially resolved measurements of the sample 10. This allows an image of the sample to be created.

Abstract: Inspection of rolling stock (e.g., rail vehicles) traveling along a set of rails is performed using devices that are placed in a housing that is attached to the set of rails. The housing conforms to standard width, height, and load bearing requirements for a railroad tie. As such, the housing can be readily installed and allows for the continued use of standard railroad maintenance equipment. One or more sensing devices are attached to the housing and acquire evaluation data on component(s) of the rail vehicle, such as the wheels. A computing device can evaluate a condition of the component(s) using the evaluation data.

Abstract: A mode of the present invention includes a transmitter (12) for shooting exciting laser light to an object of measurement (M) to excite ultrasonic waves in the object of measurement (M), a receiver (14) for shooting probing laser light to the object of measurement (M) to receive reflected light of probing laser light from the object of measurement (M) for detection of ultrasonic waves, a light blocking structure (16) having a first opening (16a) allowing the object of measurement (M) to pass therethrough and operable to accommodate the object of measurement (M), and a cover (18) operable to cover and open the first opening (16a).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique that can realize improvement of sensitivity of a vibrator. A platform 50 to which a substance adheres or sticks is provided to be mechanically coupled to a vibrator 20 of a sensor via bridges 51. Sensitivity of the sensor is improved by causing the mass of a substance adhering or sticking onto the platform 50 as if the substance concentratedly adheres or sticks to places where the platform 50 is connected to the vibrator 20. It is preferable to connect, via the bridges 51, the platform 50 to places where the platform 50 vibrates integrally with the vibrator 20. For this purpose, it is preferable to mechanically couple, via the bridges 51, the platform 50 to regions where vibration occurs only in one of an r direction or a ? direction in the vibrator 20.

Abstract: A receiver receives an acoustic wave in an atmospheric pressure measuring apparatus. Since a variation in the intensity of an acoustic wave reflects a variation in the atmospheric pressure, the atmospheric pressure can be measured based on the intensity of the acoustic wave received at the receiver. The atmospheric pressure can in this manner easily be measured with a simplified structure.

Abstract: A sensor chip has a substrate and a comb-teeth electrode arranged on the substrate. The sensor chip is fixed to a diaphragm structure to be distorted by receiving pressure, and is fixed to the diaphragm structure only through a predetermined fix area so as to detect the pressure. The fix area is defined on only a part of the sensor chip opposing to the diaphragm structure. The sensor chip is restrained by the diaphragm structure in a direction of transmitting surface acoustic wave. Flexibility of the sensor chip in a perpendicular direction approximately perpendicular to the wave transmitting direction is larger than that in the transmitting direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention preferably relates to a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensing element and a heating element both integrated into the sensor's packaging, preferably onto the diaphragm of the pressure sensor, and particularly to such a pressure sensor capable of operating at high or elevated temperatures, and even more particularly to such a pressure sensor wherein the heating element is capable of both heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element and monitoring the temperature of the application area. Preferably, the pressure-sensing element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA) materials that can be used at high or elevated temperatures as a pressure sensor with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A pressure sensor grid can comprise a plurality of bottom wires, arranged substantially parallel to each other and overlaid by a plurality of top wires arranged substantially perpendicular to the bottom wires. Each intersection of the top and bottom wires includes a pressure sensor. The sensor comprises a switching junction situated between the bottom wire and the top wire and a conducting channel extending through the switching junction from the bottom wire to the top wire. Pressure applied to the top wire causes an increase in conductance between the bottom wire and the top wire.

Abstract: A method for screening silicon-based wafers used in the photovoltaic industry is provided herewith.

Abstract: A stress history recording system for recording a stress history, which includes a light emitting section including a stress-stimulated luminescent material that emits light in response to a mechanical external force, and a recording section for recording a history of a photoreaction generated due to light emission from the light emitting section. This achieves a technology for recording a stress history by using the stress-stimulated luminescent material.

Abstract: A test fixture for use with a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) restrains a hollow cylindrical tube for purposes of performing either a tensile or transverse/bending load test. The fixture includes a clamp that is configured to restrain the tube without imparting a preload or changing a mechanical property of the tube.

Abstract: A magnetic flow meter includes a first spud end, a second spud end, and a sensing area positioned between the first spud end and the second spud end. The sensing area has a wall thickness that is thinner than a thickness of the first spud end and the second spud end. The flow meter can be manufactured via molding while a plug is positioned in at least two holes of the magnetic flow meter. The flow meter can also be manufactured to have a near hermetic seal formed by inserting a flexible printed circuit board in a slit of a gasket and then either compressing a register cup surrounding the tube gasket or driving a pin into a center pin around which the tube gasket is positioned.

Abstract: An elastomeric acoustic coupler formed by molding a thermoplastic or silicone rubber into a recess of a surgical cassette housing. The coupling has a raised pad to aid in the removal of all air between the transducer and the fluid conduit, and to provide an efficient transmission of an ultrasound signal into the fluid conduit.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring air flow includes a source of measurement values and a processing unit. The source of measurement values is operable to generate measurement values representative of a difference in pressure from air obtained on a first side of an obstruction and air obtained on a second side of the obstruction. The processing unit is configured to, in one case, convert any negative measurement values of the measurement values to a less negative value. The processing unit is further configured to perform low pass filtering on the measurement values and convert the filtered measurement values to a flow value.

Abstract: A differential-pressure flow meter is capable of easily eliminating adhesion to an orifice of an extraneous material. The differential-pressure flow meter includes: a pair of pressure sensors provided on a straight pipe part of a main fluid channel; an orifice unit interposed between the pair of pressure sensors; a columnar orifice body provided on the main fluid channel to be detachable in a direction orthogonal to a flow direction of a fluid in the main fluid channel; and an orifice hole penetrating the orifice body in the flow direction of the fluid, wherein the orifice body is rotatable at a prescribed installation position to reverse an upstream side and a downstream side with respect to the orifice hole, and flow rate measurement is performed by converting into a flow rate a difference in pressure that is obtained from two pressure values sensed respectively by the pair of pressure sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes a setting gage configured to be received on a shaft and configured to engage a nut on the shaft. The gage includes an inner portion and an outer portion rotatable relative to each other. The inner portion includes an outer perimeter contacting an inner perimeter of the outer portion. The inner portion has an inner opening having an inner circumference mirroring a shape of the shaft and shaped to inhibit movement between the inner portion and the shaft when the shaft is received in the inner opening. The outer portion has an outer circumference comprising at least one radially projecting member configured to engage the nut to inhibit movement between the outer portion and the nut when the gage engages the nut. The inner portion includes a start position indicator on the outer perimeter and a stop position indicator on the outer perimeter. The start position indicator includes a start position for a marker of the outer portion.

Abstract: The present application relates to an input torque measuring device for a drive train of a bicycle. The drive train includes a first crank arm and a second crank arm. An inboard end of each crank arm is rotatably mounted to the bicycle at a bottom bracket of the bicycle. At least one chain ring is configured to rotate a driven wheel of the bicycle. A spider is connected to the first crank arm adjacent the bottom bracket and extends out to the at least one chain ring. The chain ring is attached to the spider by a fastener extending through a bushing within an opening of the spider. Sensors may be attached to the spider or the crank arms and may be directly connected to a flexible circuit board. The sensors, the flexible circuit boards and other components of the input torque measuring device may be encapsulated in a protective material.

Abstract: Force measuring device for measuring the force between a first element and a second element of an application, comprising a housing and a sensor arrangement, which is arranged in the housing, the sensor arrangement comprising a first part and a second part and the force between the first element and the second element determining a relative position between the first part and the second part, characterized by at least one spring element, which is positioned between the second element and a support region arranged on the housing, and is supported on the second element and the support region.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides a monitoring device that includes a condensation unit and a detector, such as a proportional detector. The condensation unit includes a condensation surface, a cooler abutting the condensation surface, and a collection vessel in fluid communication with the condensation surface. The monitoring device may include a decomposition reactor, such as an electrolytic reactor or a reactor that includes an active metal, such as an alloy of sodium and potassium. Particular implementations include a housing that at least partially encloses the condensation unit. The housing may include an aperture, which may be covered by a screen, mesh, or filter. The housing may also include a fan. The fan is used, in some examples, to draw air through the aperture. The monitoring device is, in some implementations, configured for remote operation, such as including a power supply or transmitter.

Abstract: A testing method and apparatus for determining whether surgical cartridges have excess drivers. A blade is disposed in the slots of the cartridge and displaced while it contacts the floor of the slot. If an excess driver is encountered, the blade is displaced away from the floor and this movement is detected, preferably by an electronic sensor. The apparatus includes a base plate to which a carriage is mounted, either directly or through other structural members. The carriage is configured to slide along a pair of parallel shafts, and is driven by a pneumatic ram or other linear prime mover. A tooling plate is moveably mounted to the carriage, and the blade is mounted to the tooling plate. Movement by the blade due to excess drivers results in movement by the tooling plate relative to the carriage, which is detected and recorded, such as by a computer.

Abstract: A converter for use in a high speed rotationally oscillating surgical burring device comprises an output shaft, and a rotationally oscillating secondary drive rotor coupled to the output shaft. The secondary drive rotor is arranged and configured with a size and mass to minimize its angular momentum. A unidirectionally rotating primary drive rotor is provided. A linearly reciprocating transmission converts unidirectional rotation to bidirectional rotational oscillation coupling the primary and secondary drive rotors. The transmission is arranged and configured with a size and mass to minimize its linear momentum. An input shaft is coupled to the rotating primary drive rotor to which a unidirectional rotational force is applied.

Abstract: Provided is an electric linear actuator advantageous in downsizing and weight reduction. The electric linear actuator includes: a housing; a motor held by the housing; a nut member rotatably held with respect to the housing; a screw shaft threadedly engaged with the nut member; a drive shaft directly coupled with the motor; a rotation transmitting member rotatably supported about the drive shaft; a rotary driven member fixed to the nut member and rotated in accordance with the rotation transmitting member; a clutch member to which rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted, and which is provided so as to freely advance and retract in an axial direction of the drive shaft, and in which meshing with the rotation transmitting member is effected at an engagement position, and meshing with the rotation transmitting member is cancelled at a retraction position; and a setting lever capable of setting the clutch member to one of the advance position and the retraction position.