Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible noncontact source of wave energy through the use of time reversal. In the preferred embodiment a differential laser vibrometer is employed to measure the vibration of a sample surface. Thus, the time reversal noncontact source can be configured to provide an out of plane vibration source or an in plane vibration source, or any combination of the two.

Abstract: A pressure difference measurement transmitter 1 comprising: A pressure difference sensor 20; a first process connection flange 50; and a second process connection flange 50; wherein the pressure difference sensor 20 is clamped between the first process connection flange 50 and the second process connection flange 50 and between a first and a second seal; wherein the pressure difference sensor is contactable by a first media pressure via the first process connection flange and by a second media pressure via the second process connection flange; and a housing 11, which contains an electronic evaluating circuit; wherein the housing 11 has an input opening 16, through which the evaluating circuit is connected to the pressure difference sensor; and wherein the housing 11 has at least one appendage 12, which extends between the first and the second process connection flanges 50; wherein the appendage 12 is clamped in parallel with the pressure difference sensor 20 between the flanges 50, so that the housing is held

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprising: a sensor chip; a differential pressure diaphragm provided in the center portion of the sensor chip; a differential pressure gauge provided in the differential pressure diaphragm; a static pressure diaphragm provided at the outer peripheral portion of the differential pressure diaphragm; a first static pressure gauge formed at an edge portion of the static pressure diaphragm; and a second static pressure gauge formed at a center portion of the static pressure diaphragm.

Abstract: A pressure sensor including a sensor chip; a differential pressure diaphragm provided in the center portion of the sensor chip; a first differential pressure gauge formed along a radial direction relative to the center of the differential pressure diaphragm, provided on a first edge of the differential pressure diaphragm; a second differential pressure gauge formed along a circumferential direction, which is perpendicular to the radial direction, provided in the vicinity of the first differential pressure gauge on the first edge of the differential pressure diaphragm; and a static pressure diaphragm disposed between an edge portion of the sensor chip and one of the edges, other than the first edge, of the differential pressure diaphragm, provided to the outside of the differential pressure diaphragm.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for outputting a measurement signal representing the difference between a first pressure and a second pressure. The apparatus includes a first pressure measuring transducer module for outputting a sequence of first signals representing the first pressure; a second pressure measuring transducer module for producing a sequence of second signals representing the second pressure; an evaluation module for ascertaining a sequence of difference values between the two pressure values and for outputting a sequence of fourth signals, which, in each case, represent the pressure difference; a first cable connection between the first and second pressure measuring transducer module; and a second cable connection between the second pressure measuring transducer module and the evaluation module. The modules are separated spatially from one another.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing measuring transducers, especially pressure or pressure difference measuring transducers, in which a high degree of quality, safety and accuracy of measurement is achievable with little logistical and manufacturing effort. The measuring transducer has a memory readable and writable via an associated RFID interface, and at least one sensor for registering a physical, measured variable and for transducing such into an electrical variable, wherein the sensor is equipped with sensor electronics, which serves to condition the electrical variable into an electrical measurement signal dependent on the measured variable, and which is equipped with an RFID transponder, via which the sensor is supplied with energy, and via which measurement signals can be read out wirelessly.

Abstract: There is provided a fluid transducer. The transducer housing includes a nose section, a middle section, and a rear section, with the nose section defining a through bore. A sensor is disposed in the nose section and is in fluid communication with the through bore. An electronic module is disposed in the middle section and is in electrical communication with the sensor. A cap is coupled to the real section of the transducer housing, with the cap configured to seal the rear section of the transducer housing. A conductor-insulator assembly is coupled to an outer surface of the transducer housing and the conductor of the conductor-insulator assembly is coupled to the electronic module. In one embodiment the conductor-insulator assembly is annular in shape, with an inside diameter corresponding to the outer surface of the transducer housing.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade for cleaning the surface of a conveyor belt and a method of manufacture of the scraper blade. The scraper blade includes a body having a base member adapted to be attached to a cross shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner and a scraping member which extends outwardly from the base member to a scraping tip. The scraper blade includes one or more electrical sensors that are embedded in an insert member. The insert member and the sensors are molded and embedded within the body of the scraper blade. Each of the sensors is adapted to provide an electrical output signal representing a physical condition of the scraper blade sensed by the sensor. A variety of sensor embodiments are described, as well as two embodiments of control and monitoring systems for use in conjunction with the various blade and sensor combinations.

Abstract: One or more mechanical parameters of a structure subjected to a force or condition are measured using distributed, optical fiber sensing technology. At least a curved portion an optical fiber having is attached to an object. A distributed, optically-based, strain sensing technique is used to determine strain information associated with multiple points along the curved portion of the fiber. The determined strain information is processed to generate one or more representations of one or more of the following: an expansion of the object, a thermal gradient associated with the object, or a stress-induced strain at multiple locations on the object corresponding to ones of the multiple points. An output is generated corresponding to the representation.

Abstract: A testing device suitable for testing an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is suitable for rotating relative to the second body. The testing device includes a carrying platform, a fixed frame, a clamping element, a first driving element, and a second driving element. The carrying platform carries the first body. The fixed frame is pivoted to the carrying platform. The clamping element is pivoted to the fixed frame for clamping the second body. The first driving element is disposed between the carrying platform and the fixed frame for driving the fixed frame to pivot relative to the carrying platform. The second driving element is disposed between the clamping element and the fixed frame for driving the clamping element to pivot relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the pressure within a filter housing. A pressure sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the pressure within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of pressure values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read pressure values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment. In addition, integrity testing for individual filters within multi-filter configurations is possible.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement for determining a chemical and/or physical, measured variable-especially a volume flow and/or mass flow-of a measured material flowing through a pipeline, wherein the measuring arrangement comprises a measuring transducer, wherein the measuring transducer includes at least one optical waveguide, which serves for producing, registering and/or transmitting measurement signals, and wherein the registering of the measuring signals in the optical waveguide occurs by means of a Fabry-Pérot sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a flow transducer and method to sense flow of a fluid. The flow transducer includes a housing defining an internal passage way therethrough. A flow rate apparatus is disclosed in the internal passageway. The proximity sensor is coupled to the housing, with the proximity sensor aligned radially with the flow rate apparatus. A pair of annular conductor-insulator assemblies are coupled to an outer surface of the housing, with each conductor in electrical communication with the proximity sensor. A cap is coupled to the housing and is configured to axially secure the conductor-insulator assemblies to the housing, with the cap defining an orifice axially aligned with the internal passageway. The proximity sensor is configured to produce an electrical signal as the flow rate apparatus rotates past the proximity sensor, the electrical signal corresponding to the flow of the fluid through the flow transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft conduit monitoring system comprising a conduit that conducts gas from a source to a point of application. A flow sensing device and a pressure sensing device are provided within the conduit. At least one set value of a gas mass flow rate and at least one set value of a pressure are sensed in a learning mode of operation. Said set values are compared with sensed actual values in the normal mode of operation. A gas volume flow rate can also be sensed and processed instead of a gas mass flow rate.

Abstract: A flow meter (20) including one or more flow tubes (103) and a driver (104A, 104B) adapted to vibrate the one or more flow tubes (103) at a drive frequency is provided. The flow meter (20) comprises a gusset (260). The gusset (260) is coupled to and extends along the flow tube (103) such that a frequency separation between the drive frequency and at least a second vibration frequency is increased.

Abstract: A screw fastener testing method for verifying the status of a previously tightened screw fastener with respect to installed torque and actual torque growth per angle of rotation properties includes applying an increasing tightening torque on the fastener, measuring the torque magnitude at the start of rotation, of the fastener, measuring the rotational movement of the fastener after the start of rotation, calculating the torque growth per angle of rotation for a certain predetermined test interval of rotation from the start of rotation, comparing the torque magnitude indicated during rotation and the calculated torque growth per angle of rotation during the test interval of rotation with predetermined reference values (Tstart, KR) or (TE, KP), respectively, characteristic for the actual fastener when tightened to a desired target torque level, and approving or disapproving the fastener status in view of the reference values.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a contiguous, elastic cover, for a dissolution-testing vessel, has a slit from a central opening to its outer edge. The cover may be placed around a stirring shaft by deforming the elastic cover to temporarily enlarge the slit. After returning to its original shape, the cover is placed over the vessel with the shaft free to rotate unimpeded within the central opening. The cover has a first raised annular disk on one side and a second raised annular disk on the other side, where the disks have different outer diameters to enable the cover to be used with differently sized vessels. The cover has a first opening having a first diameter and a second opening having a different, second diameter such that a conventional probe fits either at one depth within the first opening or at a different, second depth within the second opening.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a gear measurement method which makes it possible to reduce the size of a machine by reducing the amount of travel of a probe and thus reducing a moving range of the probe in a measurement.

Abstract: A system and method for absorbing rock-back and oscillation in a drive assembly of an engine start-stop device. The drive assembly has a pinion with at least two slots that receive axially extending protrusions of a barrel element. Damping elements in the slots and a spring element absorb rock-back and impact oscillations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for operating gripping or movement tools provided at least with a movable member (16, 17) movable alternatively between a first and a second position distanced between them by a cursor (18) susceptible to controlled alter native linear movements starting from an electric actuator. The device comprises a transmission means (27) of the movement connected to the actuator, one towing slide (26) associated with the cursor (18) and susceptible to alternative movements caused by said actuator by means of said transmission means, and at least an elastic member (28) positioned preloaded between said towing slide (26) and said cursor (18) parallel both to their movement direction and to the movement direction of at least a mobile member.

Abstract: A gearbox comprising: an input shaft (9) having first and second helical input gears (1, 2) of opposite hand fixed axially relative to each other and axially moveable in tandem; an output shaft (10); first and second lay shafts (7, 8) offset from the axis of the input shaft (9, 10) and configured to engage with the input and output shafts (9, 10) for transmitting rotational movement from the input shaft (9) to the output shaft (10), each lay shaft (7, 8) comprising an input gear (3, 4) such that the first lay shaft (7) engages with the first input gear (1) but not the second input gear (2) and the second lay shaft (8) engages with the second input gear (2) but not the first input gear (1), and two or more output gears (26) rotatably mounted on, and selectively engageable with, the output shaft (10), the output gears being in continuous mesh with corresponding output gears (5, 6) on the first and second lay shafts (7, 8), wherein the gearbox is configured such that an imbalance in load sharing between the inpu

Abstract: A worm gear clutch mechanism comprising a worm shaft (10), an output shaft (16) having a worm wheel (11), and means to move the worm shaft relative the worm wheel, the worm shaft being movable about a tilt axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said worm shaft (10) so that the worm shaft is movable into and out of engagement with the worm wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spindle drive.

Abstract: A gear shift device for a vehicle transmission by the hand of the operator which includes a housing having and opening therethrouh. A gear shift lever is mounted within the housing having an upper first end for gripping by the hand of the operator and a bottom second end for coupling to the transmission.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic transmission has a circulating oil supply passage that supplies circulating oil to a starting apparatus, a circulating oil discharge passage that discharges circulating oil from the starting apparatus, and a speed change mechanism oil supply passage that supplies oil to a speed change mechanism. The oil discharged from an oil pump is supplied to the starting apparatus and the speed change mechanism. A first flow rate changing device that can change the flow rate of the circulating oil is arranged in the circulating oil discharge passage. A first flow rate instructing portion output a command to the flow rate changing device to change the flow rate when the amount of oil discharged from the oil pump is low, and reduces the flow rate to the starting apparatus, which enables the hydraulic pressure necessary for shifting to be obtained in the speed change mechanism.

Abstract: Foot-operated assemblies and methods of using the foot-operated assemblies to control a motorcycle. A foot-operated assembly includes a shaft that defines a pivot axis, a device for mounting the shaft to the motorcycle, a rocker arm coupled to the shaft so that the rocker arm is rotatable about the pivot axis, a second arm interconnected with the rocker arm so that rotation of the rocker arm causes the second arm to rotate about the pivot axis, a feature for coupling the second arm to a gear shifter linkage or a brake cylinder rod of the motorcycle, and a foot board attached to the rocker arm so that rotation of the foot board causes the rocker arm and the second arm to rotate about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a transmission shift mechanism comprises the steps of: detecting a predefined event; moving a locking device into an engaged position with a shift mechanism upon the occurrence of the predefined event to retain the shift mechanism in at least one of a park, reverse, neutral, and drive position; and maintaining an ignition system in a substantially off position during the detecting of the event and the moving of the locking device into the engaged position. A vehicle assembly is also provided comprising the transmission shift mechanism and the locking device coupled to the shift mechanism. The vehicle assembly also includes the ignition system, which is movable between off, accessory, run, and start positions, and a controller with the controller energizing the locking device in response to the predefined event to move the locking device into the locked position while the ignition system remains substantially in the off position.

Abstract: A hexapod platform and a jack that can be used in the hexapod platform are provided. The jack includes a body, a piston capable of translational movement with respect to the body and a rod connected to the piston to follow its translational movement and by means of which the jack applies load. The rod is connected to the piston by means of a ball joint. The hexapod platform comprises six jacks according to the invention.

Abstract: A spring includes a coil portion and first and second arms. The coil portion is supported around a support portion of a base member. The first arm includes a projecting portion that slides the engagement projecting portion in association with rotation of the rotating lever and presses the rotating lever in a direction in which the rotating lever abuts a first stopper portion when the rotating lever is in a first position and in which the rotating lever abuts a second stopper portion when the rotating lever is in a second position. The second arm abuts a spring stopper portion of the base member in a state where a load is exerted in a direction in which the coil portion is wound so that an inner circumferential surface of the coil portion is pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the support portion facing the engagement projecting portion.

Abstract: A mounting device is shown for mounting components to a bicycle handlebar having a handlebar axis. The mounting device includes a mounting bracket mountable to the handlebar about the handlebar axis. The mounting bracket includes a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion hingedly connected to the first clamp portion to interiorly receive the handlebar. An interior channel is defined by spaced sidewalls and formed in a portion of the circumferential length of one of the first and second clamp portions, and a hole is formed through the clamp portion and opens to the channel.

Abstract: A cam mechanism for converting rotary motion into a constant velocity reciprocating motion includes a driven shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation. First and second cam members mounted to the driven shaft for conjoined rotation therewith. A first pair of followers is in contact with the first cam member on opposite sides thereof, and a second pair of followers is in contact with the second cam member on opposite sides thereof. The first pair of followers and the second pair of followers mounted to a follower frame for conjoint motion therewith. The first cam member and the second cam member each have a non-cardioid shape cam profile that results in a constant velocity reciprocation motion of the follower frame upon rotation of the driven shaft about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal contains a central shaft and a body; between a first inner side end of the central shaft and an axial hole of the body being defined a first rotating element; between a first outer side end of the central shaft and the axial hole of the body being defined a second and a third rotating elements, wherein the second and the third rotating elements are a bearing, an inner surface of a first inner loop of and an outer surface of a first outer loop of the second rotating element are limited by a limiting wall of the central shaft and a defining fence of the body respectively; an inner surface of a second outer loop of the third rotating element is limited by the defining fence, a locking nut screwed with the central shaft abuts against a second inner loop of the third rotating element.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly includes a spindle inserted through a thin bearing-less pedal body. A medial portion of the spindle is inserted substantially through a hollow bolt with an internal passageway. One or more bearings are disposed outside the pedal body and in the hollow bolt to facilitate rotation of the spindle with respect to a crank arm. The bolt is screwed into a bore of the crank arm. Accordingly, the medial portion of the spindle extends transversely through the width of the crank arm.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly includes a channel-free pedal body having cross members which define holes for receiving an axle rod. The holes are axially aligned and formed with a shape which conforms to a profile of the axle rod to rotationally fix the pedal body to the rod. A first hollow bolt includes an externally threaded portion to mate with a left crank arm. A second hollow bolt includes a reversed externally threaded portion to mate with a right crank arm. Each of a pair of identical axles may be joined to either the first or second hollow bolt. Each pedal assembly in interchangeable between the left and right crank arms.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly includes an axle formed integrally with a pedal body. The integral axle extends from a medial side of a pedal body through an axle connector coupled to a crank arm. The axle connector may be a separate hollow bolt screwed into a bore of the crank arm. The axle connector may house one or more bearings to facilitate rotation of the axle. The interior of the cage of the pedal body may include a variety of structures, such as bridges, or no structures, e.g., an open space, since the proximally extending integral axle need not extend across the width of the pedal body.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes at least one rotatable component and is disposed in an environment at a first pressure. A transmission housing includes a sump portion disposed near a bottom portion of the transmission housing, where the transmission housing substantially encloses the at least one rotatable component. A hydraulic fluid is disposed at least partially in the sump portion of the transmission housing and a vacuum source is in pneumatic communication with the transmission housing. The vacuum source at least partially evacuates a gas from the transmission housing so that an interior of the transmission housing is at a second pressure. The at least one rotatable component is partially exposed to a gas at the second pressure and partially submerged in the hydraulic fluid when the transmission is under a predetermined dynamic load.

Abstract: A protector for the crank arm of a bicycle fits over the outer end of the crank arm to protect the arm from damage and marring during bicycle use over rough terrain particularly when the arm hits the ground while pedaling.

Abstract: Methods for degassing and for removing impurities from molten metals are disclosed. These methods can include operating an ultrasonic device in a molten metal bath, and adding a purging gas into the molten metal bath in close proximity to the ultrasonic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the direct reduction of iron ore performed by means of a plant comprising a gravitational furnace (2) having at least one iron ore reduction zone (8) in the upper part thereof, and at least one carbon deposition zone (9) and one reduced metal product cooling zone (10) in the lower part thereof, and means for feeding a reducing gas mixture into the reactor in correspondence to the with the reduction zone, means for recycle exhaust or reactor off gas from the reactor to syngas and mixing the recycled gas with natural gas to form a reducing gas mixture.

Abstract: A method is provided for influencing the properties of cast iron by adding magnesium to the cast iron melt and measuring the oxygen content of the cast iron melt. Magnesium is added to the cast iron melt until the oxygen content of the cast iron melt is approximately 0.005 to 0.2 ppm at a temperature of approximately 1,420° C. A sensor for measuring the oxygen content in cast iron melts contains an electrochemical measuring cell containing a solid electrolyte tube.

Abstract: To provide a compound represented by General Formula (1) below, where R denotes a C1-C10 hydrocarbon group, Z denotes any one of a sulfide group, a sulfinyl group and a sulfonyl group, and n denotes an integer of 4 to 8.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a sharpener for sharpening a snowice travel member such as a skate blade, a ski or a snowboard, which includes a sharpening surface that is movable lengthwise along an edge face of the item to be sharpened. The sharpening surface may be movable lengthwise by means of a motor and a reciprocating mechanism, or may be manually moved by a user.

Abstract: A combination of a lid knob and tool having interlocking capability provides an easily removed tool with a handle for applying an added prying, lifting or twisting force to a lid. The vertical cross-section of a sliding interlocking engagement is a dovetail shape. The knob is elongate and the slidable engagement between the tool assembly and the elongate knob positioned horizontally across the top of the lid allows for the selective positioning of the tool at different points on the knob.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling spiral-type fluorescent light bulbs particularly for removing and installing different size spiral fluorescent light bulbs in a light fixture. The device is comprised of a main body made of a durable and flexible material and having a front and a rear surface, side surfaces and features; a means to secure a main body to a pole adapter; and a pole adapter for the securement of the main body to an extension pole or similar device. An alternative embodiment anticipates reinforcement strips internal to the main body to provide additional strength, especially when the device is twisted and in torsion. Another alternative embodiment provides an external containment means to enable various modes of containment features and permit different marketing themes.

Abstract: A socket wrench assembly includes three drive shanks each having a bore and each having a socket member attached to the outer end, and each having a smaller compartment and a greater non-circular chamber formed in the socket member, and the inner end portions of the drive shanks are secured together to form a Y-shaped or T-shaped structure for allowing either of the drive shanks to be driven or rotated by the other drive shanks with a greater driving torque, and the chambers of the socket members include inner diameters different from each other for receiving or engaging with or for driving tool members of different dimensions or sizes.

Abstract: A hand tool adapter of the present invention includes a plastic main body and at least six metallic sockets. The main body is formed with at least six holes, and the sockets are fixedly received in the holes respectively. Each socket has a non-circular bore whose axial vector is different those of the bores of the other sockets. Further, each bore has a dimension different from those of the other bores.

Abstract: A cutting tool insert of a cemented carbide substrate and a coating. The cemented carbide substrate includes WC, 8-11 wt-% Co, 6.5-11 wt-% cubic carbides of metals from the groups IVb, Vb and VIb with a binder phase that is highly alloyed with tungsten. The cemented carbide has a coercivity of 8-14 kA/m. The coating includes at least one 2-9 ?m thick ?-Al2O3 layer composed of columnar grains with texture coefficients, TC(006)>2 and <6. Simultaneously, TC(012), TC(110), TC(113), TC(202), TC(024) and TC(116) are all <1 and TC(104) is the second highest texture coefficient. The total coating thickness is between 7 and 15 ?m.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing food products includes a product feed device, at least one cutting blade which rotates about a blade axis and/or revolves in a planetary motion about a center axis and to which at least one product to be sliced can be fed in a product feed direction and includes a blade holder for the cutting blade. Means are provided for producing a rotary movement of the cutting blade relative to the blade holder and for transforming the relative rotary movement into a linear movement of the cutting blade relative to the blade holder in an adjustment direction.

Abstract: Heavy-duty, wear-resistant punches and punch blanks for stamping are derived from cold work steel formed by powder metallurgy processing and containing not greater than about 4% of tungsten. The punches and blanks desirably contain not greater than about 4% molybdenum by weight and at least about 5% chromium by weight. Related stamping method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a thatch roofing material for building construction, the apparatus includes a pair of stanchions, a supporting frame, at least one holding member for holding the container, a first shaft extending substantially perpendicular to each stanchion of the pair of stanchions, and a blade coupled to the first shaft for cutting the container.