Abstract: A method and system for treatment of biological wastes for preparation of fertilizers is provided. The method and system involves mixing a biological waste with a dilute sulfuric acid in a predetermined ratio. The mixture of the biological waste and the dilute sulfuric acid is then filtered to obtain an organic slurry and an acidic liquid. Thereafter, the organic slurry is thermally cracked at an elevated temperature to obtain at least one of an ammonia gas, one or more flue gases, and char and ash. The method and system further involves utilizing the ammonia gas, the char and ash, and the acidic liquid for preparation of the fertilizers.

Abstract: A method of unturned aerated static pile composting includes providing organic matter having oversized particles and forming a pile of the organic matter on a surface. The surface has a plurality of compost pipes. The method further includes covering at least a portion of the pile with an organic and particulate layer and then providing air flow through the compost pipes such that a negative air pressure is formed through the pile causing air and fluid to be withdrawn from the pile into the compost pipes. The method further includes inserting a spike in the pile at designated areas and times in order to form air shafts in the pile. The composting system includes a compost enclosure surrounding a plurality of compost pipes, each compost pipe having an air flow control valve, and at least one fan, each fan having an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is in fluid communication with the plurality of compost pipes.

Abstract: In a rolling mill, an open-loop and/or closed-loop control device and a method for adjusting a discharge thickness of rolling stock which passes through a multi-stand mill train, wherein a first section of the rolling stock is rolled to a first discharge thickness, a second section of the rolling stock is rolled to a second discharge thickness which is different from the first discharge thickness. Because a transition from the first discharge thickness to the second discharge thickness takes place at a feed rate of the rolling stock into the mill train which is adjusted as a function of a discharge rate of the rolling stock of a unit which is arranged upstream of the mill train in the direction of mass flow, a method can be made available which runs essentially without reactions for units which are arranged upstream of the mill train in the direction of mass flow.

Abstract: A technique enables extending the useful life of tubing deployed in a wellbore. The technique involves routing a damaged or distorted tubing through a straightening device. The tubing straightening device bends and counter bends the tubing along predetermined axes as it passes through the tubing straightening device. The bending and counter bending are selected so the tubing exits the straightening device with a predetermined form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a car (100) for transporting at least one drive spindle for a roller of a roll stand (300) and to a method for operating the car. The car comprises a running unit (105) for displacing the car from the operating side of the roll stand, through the roll stand, to the drive side, or vice versa, and the car is built flat enough that it fits under the drive spindles. The car according to the invention is an alternative to the prior art. Said car is designed as a lift car having a first carrier device (110) and a first drive unit (120), wherein the first drive unit (120) serves for raising or lowering the first carrier device (110), optionally having the drive spindle (200), relative to a neutral position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll stand for rolling a product, in particular made of metal, comprising a pair of first rollers contacted by a pair of second rollers supporting the first rollers, wherein the first roller and the second rollers have an asymmetrical radius curve (CVC grind) relative to a center plane, wherein the radius curve of the first rollers is represented by a polynomial of the third or fifth order. In order to design the wedging of a second roller supporting a first roller such that optimal operating conditions are set, the invention proposes that the radius curve of the second roller is given by a polynomial of the third or fifth order, wherein special relationships are prescribed for the ratios between the coefficients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating articles from metals having a hexagonal close packed (HCP) crystal structure is described. The method comprises a two-stage process: specialized hot deep drawing and pneumatic coining within a single press cycle. The apparatus includes a drawing chamber in which the environmental temperature is sufficient to impart enough ductility to the metal or alloy blank to allow it to be drawn about a plug into an outline shape of the finished part. More detailed features are then added by increasing the gas pressure inside the chamber, thereby forcing the drawn blank more closely against the contours of the plug. Use of pneumatic pressure avoids the use of matched dies, which are prohibitively complex and expensive to use to shape parts from such HCP metals.

Abstract: A power operated crimping/cutting tool driven by any type of impact wrench, with a crimping or cutting working head, includes a transmission unit, a connection unit, a process indication device and an adjustment device, wherein the transmission unit includes a jaw device and a transmission device, the jaw device is detachable, both the process indication device and the adjustment device are mounted on the transmission unit, the connection unit is sleevedly mounted at the impact wrench. The present invention can replace the jaw device according to different requirements.

Abstract: A tank ventilation system having an intake tract, the tank ventilation system including a hydrocarbon reservoir, a sensor, and a valve. The valve and the sensor are arranged in a fluid line that couples the hydrocarbon reservoir to the intake tract. The sensor captures a hydrocarbon concentration of a fluid in the fluid line. A captured value of the hydrocarbon concentration is measured using the sensor. When the open valve, a mass flow of the fluid flowing through the fluid line into the intake tract is captured or determined. An air/fuel ratio of an air/fuel mixture fed to the internal combustion engine is determined. An estimated value of the hydrocarbon concentration in the fluid line is determined according to the mass flow of the fluid and the air/fuel ratio. The sensor is calibrated according to the captured value of the hydrocarbon concentration and the estimated value of the hydrocarbon concentration.

Abstract: A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph comprising two separating devices disposed one behind the other, and through which a material sample is conducted by a carrier gas. A pressure regulator regulates the pressure of the carrier gas introduced into the first separating device. A controllable switching device is arranged between the two separating devices. The switching device contains a main gas path lying between the two separating devices and two auxiliary gas paths, which are connected to the main gas path through connecting gas paths and are both fed with the carrier gas and contain flow resistors and a controllable valve for setting different pressure conditions. The auxiliary gas paths are supplied with the carrier gas through the same pressure regulator to reduce the design and adjustment effort in setting the pressure conditions, where fixed resistors are used for the flow resistors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sensor having a mechanical microresonator, which has an excitation apparatus for optically exciting a mechanical oscillation of the microresonator as well as a reading apparatus for detecting the oscillation of the microresonator, wherein the reading apparatus comprises a waveguide which is implemented together with the microresonator on a dielectric or semiconducting substrate and is intended to optically read the oscillation of the microresonator, and wherein the excitation apparatus has an optical waveguide which is implemented on the same substrate and optically connects an excitation light source to the immediate surroundings of the microresonator. The invention also relates to a use of such a sensor to analyse a gas composition.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a substrate; a seed layer positioned on the substrate; a zinc-oxide nanostructure formed on the seed layer; a metal nanoparticle formed on the zinc-oxide nanostructure; a first electrode positioned on the zinc-oxide nanostructure; and a second electrode positioned on the zinc-oxide nanostructure apart from the first electrode to electrically connect to the first electrode.

Abstract: An object is to provide an abnormal combustion determining apparatus for an internal combustion engine that can identify a major factor causing an oil to flow into a cylinder. The abnormal combustion determining apparatus for the internal combustion engine that includes a plurality of cylinders detects, for each cylinder, a cylinder in which abnormal combustion has occurred. The cylinder in which the abnormal combustion has occurred, and a history of load applied during an operation are stored in memory. It is determined whether or not the cylinder in which the abnormal combustion has occurred and which is stored in memory, is a specific cylinder. It is determined whether or not load present in the history stored in memory and used prior to the occurrence of the abnormal combustion is higher than a threshold value.

Abstract: The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain dynamic three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing accurate, repeatable leak test measurements in wet, dusty and/or fluid-filled systems, such as a power plant, with no special sampling pumps, carrier gases or separators required. A leak detector probe is installed directly in a pipe or other component carrying a gas flow to be tested and is coupled to the inlet of a leak detector. The leak detector probe includes a test gas permeable membrane, which is positioned in the gas flow to be tested. The test gas permeable membrane may, for example, be positioned in a central region of a pipe in the flow of gas toward the evacuation pump. In some embodiments, the position of the leak detector probe in the pipe or other component may be adjustable.

Abstract: A fish tank apparatus includes a plurality of fish tanks and water measuring apparatus. The water measuring apparatus includes a measuring member for detecting water parameter, and a switchable sample water diverting member having a plurality of inlets and at least one outlet. A central measurement conduit fluidically connects the outlet of the switchable sample water diverting member with the measuring member. A plurality of peripheral measurement conduits fluidically connect the fish tanks with the inlets of the switchable sample water diverting device, which is configured to selectively feed sample water from each one of the peripheral measurement conduits to the central measurement conduit to test the water in the fish tanks.

Abstract: Nanostructured sensing substrates (nanodevices) offer greatly enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for detection of molecular species through a variety of sensing modalities. In order to produce repeatable and quantifiable assays, it is desirable to apply the analyte uniformly to the nanodevice. Uniform analyte application is promoted by applying the analyte in a fluid mixture or solution which uniformly wets the nanostructured device. The fluid, or mixture of fluids, is chosen to both wet the nanodevice and dissolve or uniformly suspend the analyte.

Abstract: A polymer-based PLOT capillary column prepared by in situ copolymerization of a functional monomer, which usually contains the retentive chemistries, and a crosslinking monomer, which enhances the strength of the polymer matrix, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system comprising the polymer-based PLOT column coupled to a mass flow or concentration sensitive detector, for carrying out a chemical analysis method on samples separated by liquid chromatography using the column, and a process for using the system. Columns of the invention can be prepared in a robust fashion with a very narrow i.d., e.g., 5-15 ?m. Thus, they are suitable for commercial use in ultratrace LC/MS proteomic analysis. Columns according to the invention are characterized by high resolving power and high column-to-column reproducibility. When these columns are coupled on-line with, e.g.

Abstract: An engine control system, controller, and method for estimating a bounce back angle of an internal combustion engine. Typical crank sensors do not indicate crank direction, a feature that would be useful to determine if an engine reversal occurs leading to the engine accumulating a bounce back angle. A crank sensor signal is analyzed as the engine coasts to a stop so an engine reversal can be detected. After an engine reversal is detected, the crank sensor signal is analyzed to determine the bounce back angle. Engine reversal is detected by determining that the crank shaft has decelerated by more than a threshold value, or that the crank shaft has decelerated and then subsequently accelerated.

Abstract: Systems and methods identify and/or detect one or more features of a well casing by utilizing one or more downhole measurements obtainable by a downhole component. The one or more features of the well casing are identifiable and/or detectable from the one or more measurements associated with one or more properties of the one or more features of the well casing. The one or more measurements for indentifying and/or detecting a presence and/or a location of the one or more features of the well casing include sonic measurements, nuclear measurements, gamma ray measurements, photoelectric measurements, resistivity measurements and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a filter element for simulating a fracture in subterranean formations comprising a non-porous filter element configured to be disposed in a wellbore fluid testing device, the non-porous filter element having a plurality of radial perforations extending there through.

Abstract: A capacitive probe comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode. A cap is positioned on a first end of the first electrode and a first end of the second electrode. A base is positioned on a second end of the first electrode, a second end of the second electrode, and a second end of the third electrode. A support is positioned on a first end of the third electrode and in contact with a surface of the second electrode. The electrodes can be coaxial cylinders or parallel plates. The gauge can be used with a system for measuring a quantity and quality of a liquid, more specifically, of an aqueous urea solution in the tank of an SCR system.

Abstract: A liquid level detection apparatus detecting a liquid level of a coolant stored in a coolant tank for an internal combustion engine, includes first and second electrodes immersed in the coolant and electrically connected to each other via the coolant when the liquid level of the coolant is higher than a predetermined position, a transmitter generating a sine wave including a specific frequency and equal amplitudes at positive and negative frequencies, the specific frequency being below a predetermined frequency, the transmitter sending the sine wave to one of the first and second electrodes, and a receiver including a band-pass filter receiving the sine wave outputted from the transmitter, via the other of the first and second electrodes to allow passage of the sine wave having the specific frequency, and a determination portion determining the liquid level of the coolant in accordance with the sine wave passed through the band-pass filter.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus (3) includes a full-range gas sensor composed of an oxygen concentration detection cell having a pair of electrodes (21, 22) and an oxygen pump cell having a pair of electrodes (19, 20). In an electric circuit section (30), an Ip current flowing between the electrodes (19, 20) is controlled such that an electromotive force Vs produced between the electrodes (21, 22) becomes equal to a reference voltage. The reference voltage is usually set to a first reference voltage. However, when the subject gas is air, the reference voltage is set to a second reference voltage. Humidity of the subject gas is detected on the basis of an error ?Ip between an Ip current detected when the reference voltage is set to the first reference voltage, and an Ip current detected when the reference voltage is set to the second reference voltage.

Abstract: A sensor device has a structural element, a carrier element and a housing, the structural element being situated on the carrier element, and the structural element and the carrier element being situated at least partially within the housing. The sensor device also has an intermediate housing, which is situated essentially between the housing and the structural element, the intermediate housing including a premold housing.

Abstract: A device for measuring the rotational imbalance of a specimen, having a spindle unit with a spindle, which is embodied to hold the specimen and to allow it to rotate at a testing speed, a holder suspension by means of which the spindle unit is anchored to the machine base in pendulum fashion such that the imbalance forces occurring during the measurement operation are able to move the spindle unit back and forth in a predetermined measuring direction M, and a sensor arrangement that detects at least one imbalance parameter occurring in the measuring direction M during rotation of the spindle, wherein the spindle unit is supported by means of at least one auxiliary bearing that is only able to transmit forces in the direction of a normal N to the measuring direction M.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for recording information about an event resulting in application of a force to a body. The apparatus comprises data recording means for recording the information, sensor means for sensing a parameter which enables a predetermined source of force to be distinguished from another, predetermined source of force, and control means responsive to the sensed parameter for controlling the data recording means. The sensor means may comprise a pressure sensor for sensing shockwaves resulting from an explosive force and the resulting signal used to distinguish from other events, such as blunt impacts. The pressure signal may be used to control the storage of acceleration data for injury analysis.

Abstract: A measuring device 1 for measuring structures is provided, wherein the measuring device including two inertial measuring units 3, 4 arranged at a distance from each other. The measuring device can be provided with means for engaging the constructions that are measured. Also, an arrangement including a measuring device and a base station 21 providing a reference point for the measuring device is provided. Moreover, a kit including the measuring device and adaptors are provided, wherein the adaptors can provide an interface between the measuring device and a measured construction. A method for measuring a stationary construction is also provided, using a measuring device, preferably a measuring kit.

Abstract: A method for operating a sensor system that includes a rotation rate sensor and an electronic component includes generating, by the rotation rate sensor, a sensor signal as a function of a rotation rate measured about a rotational axis, comparing the sensor signal to at least one first threshold value, and, for controlling the electronic component, outputting an interrupt signal to the electronic component as a function of the comparison of the sensor signal and the at least one first threshold value.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to a vibratory structure gyroscope having a substrate having a top surface. The vibratory structure gyroscope can also include a resonator having a hemitoroidal shape, the resonator including a stem and an outer lip that surrounds the stem, the stem attached to the top surface of the substrate and the outer lip located apart from the top surface to allow the resonator to vibrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein an inertial sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. An inertial sensor 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a plate-shaped membrane 110, a mass body 120 that includes an adhesive part 123 disposed under a central portion 113 of the membrane 110 and provided at the central portion thereof and a patterning part 125 provided at an outer side of the adhesive part 123 and patterned to vertically penetrate therethrough, and a first adhesive layer 130 that is formed between the membrane 110 and the adhesive part 123 and is provided at an inner side of the patterning part 125. An area of the first adhesive layer 130 is narrow by isotropic etching using the patterning part 125 as a mask, thereby making it possible to improve sensitivity of the inertial sensor 100.

Abstract: The manufacturing of an element structure including two or more sensor element is to be facilitated. An element structure includes a first substrate including a first support layer and a first sensor element disposed on the first support layer and a second substrate including a second support layer and a second sensor element disposed on the second support layer, wherein the second substrate is disposed on the first substrate via a spacer member in a state in which the first sensor element and the second sensor element are disposed to face each other.

Abstract: A mechanical fault detection method and system computes a similarity index to quantify the relationship of a measured spectral signature to a theoretical fault signature. A vibration sensor detects vibrations on machinery with rotating components. The vibration sensor generates a representation of the vibration and provides it to a vibration analyzer. The vibration analyzer is configured to identify peak amplitudes in the generated representation, determine a corresponding frequency for each of the peak amplitudes, and match the determined corresponding frequencies to a theoretical set of frequencies. The analyzer determines a number of matching frequencies and identifies a detection condition when the number of matching frequencies meets a predetermined criterion. The system and method combines vibration amplitude threshold detection with similarity index threshold detection to significantly reduce false fault alarms and false pass errors.

Abstract: A method of detecting a fracture as it occurs in a component during a manufacturing process includes positioning an acoustic sensor in acoustic communication with the component. A manufacturing process is performed while the acoustic sensor remains in acoustic communication with the component. A signal indicative of acoustic emissions from the component during the manufacturing process is provided to a controller where it is determined whether the component has fractured based on the signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting contaminants associated with a target. In one embodiment, a system is provided that comprises a tunable laser configured to transmit an illuminator pulse at a target for a predetermined time duration and a laser Doppler vibrometer system configured to transmit a probe pulse at a surface of the target within the predetermined time duration. The laser Doppler vibrometer system is further configured to detect and analyze at least one return pulse of the probe pulse to determine a surface expansion velocity of contaminants associated with the target due to the illuminator pulse.

Abstract: A method for predicting the performance of tubular goods includes using a computer readable three-dimensional representation of tubular good which includes computer readable measurements of discrete segments of the wall of said tubular acquired by ultrasonic detection means, along with associated data representing the position of discrete segment and optionally ovality data to mathematically calculate, by computer means, the effect of stress conditions, including tensile, bending, collapse, burst and aging forces upon said tubular and optionally analyzing sequential inspection of the same tubular good over a period of time predict when failure is likely to occur, and to avoid failure while maximizing the use of the tubular good.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a cylindrical case having a bottom and a side wall, a piezoelectric element attached to an inner bottom surface of the case, a terminal retainer configured to hold outer terminals and inner terminals, and wires connected to the inner terminals and configured to feed power to the piezoelectric element. The side wall of the case has a thin portion adjacent to an opening of the case and a thick portion adjacent to the bottom of the case. The elastic member is provided between the thick portion and the terminal retainer. An opening region surrounded by the thick portion is preferably covered with the elastic member. The case is preferably internally filled with a filler.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sense element port, a support ring and a plurality of interference fit slits to provide a flexible interference fit between the sense element port and the support ring to form a substantially flush lap joint. The sensor also includes an electronics board inside the support ring and attached to planar mounting tabs which provide a stable mounting. Gel flow barriers protect electronics board features from unwanted non-conductive gel. Double-ended symmetrical, tapered contact springs provide manufacturing cost savings and contribute to improved alignment of an interface connector of the sensor.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sense element port, a support ring and a plurality of interference fit slits to provide a flexible interference fit between the sense element port and the support ring to form a substantially flush lap joint. The sensor also includes an electronics board inside the support ring and attached to planar mounting tabs which provide a stable mounting. Gel flow barriers protect electronics board features from unwanted non-conductive gel. Double-ended symmetrical, tapered contact springs provide manufacturing cost savings and contribute to improved alignment of an interface connector of the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is adapted to prevent a diaphragm from being deformed by a thermal stress caused by thermal expansion coefficients of a sensor main unit and a fixing member and includes a sensor main unit to which a fixed electrode is fixed, a diaphragm structure that forms a sealed space between the diaphragm structure and the sensor main unit and a fixing member that is jointed to the diaphragm structure in a manner of surrounding a pressure receiving part of the diaphragm structure so as to lead a fluid to the pressure receiving part, wherein the diaphragm structure includes a flat plane diaphragm main unit and first and second ring members each having a known thermal expansion coefficient that are respectively provided on both sides of a circumference of the diaphragm main unit.

Abstract: A general pressure sensor for an automobile comprising a sensor shell, a silicon piezoresistive sensitive core, a sensor core seat, a signal conditioning circuit, and an automobile electric device interface is disclosed. The silicon piezoresistive sensitive core, the sensor core seat and the signal conditioning circuit are disposed in the inner cavity of the sensor housing. The sensor housing is installed to the automobile electric device interface, and the silicon piezoresistive sensitive core comprises a silicon piezoresistive sensitive element and a glass ring sheet. The silicon piezoresistive sensitive element is welded and fixed to a surface of the glass ring sheet. An insulation oxidation layer is formed on one surface of the glass ring sheet and the silicon piezoresistive sensitive element. The other surface of the glass ring sheet is hermetically fixed to the ring-shape recession surface provided on the sensor core seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a physical and/or chemical, measured variable of a medium, including a housing, especially an elongated housing, and a sensor arranged in the housing. The sensor serves for registering the measured variable, wherein the housing has at least one opening, through which the sensor comes in contact with the medium. The housing has a first housing section, in which the sensor and a sensor electronics are arranged. The sensor electronics is arranged on a first carrier element. The sensor electronics serves for changing the measured variable into an analog electrical signal. An insert is applied in the first housing section, in which the sensor electronics is arranged. The insert is tubular.

Abstract: A self contained unit and system for determining whether medical equipment or devices such as endoscopes, minimally invasive surgical instruments (MIS), etc., are blocked, or substantially free flowing, or are disconnected or leaking before they are subjected to cleaning and/or a disinfecting process that is either sequential or simultaneous. The apparatus has a manifold that generally receives predetermined amounts of a gas and/or liquid for dispensing to one and preferably a plurality of channels. Advantageously, the test apparatus of the present invention can be utilized as a stand-alone unit that is able to monitor the noted medical equipment or devices with regard to the flow of a gas and/or liquid therethrough such as large or small lumens and such flow can also be automatically verified by a system independent of human intervention. Alternatively, the test apparatus can be utilized as part of a comprehensive system in conjunction with other devices for testing, cleaning, and/or disinfecting.

Abstract: A method for determining the flow rates of a fluid comprising a multi-component mixture of a gas and at least one liquid in a pipe, the method comprising the following steps: a. the permittivity of the multi-component mixture is determined based on an electromagnetic measurement, b. a statistical parameter related to the electromagnetic measurement is calculated, c. the density of the multi-component is determined, d. the temperature and pressure are obtained, e. based on the knowledge of densities and dielectric constants of the components of the fluid mixture, and the result from the above steps a-c, the water fraction of the multi-component mixture is calculated, characterized by a method for determining the liquid fraction and flow rates of the multi-component mixture where f. the liquid fraction is calculated based on the statistical parameter from step b and the calculated water fraction from step e using an empirical derived curve, g. the velocity of the multi-component mixture is derived, and h.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a first detector to receive a first signal from a first switch configured to open and close based on position of a metering wheel associated with a flow line. The apparatus can further include a first counter to count within a first range based on a change in a state of the first signal. Using this information, the apparatus can determine usage and direction of, e.g., a fluid or liquid flowing along the flow line.

Abstract: A triaxial force sensor including: a deformable membrane; a detector detecting a deformation of the membrane configured to carry out a triaxial detection of the force to be detected; and an adhesion mechanism disposed at least at one of the principal faces of the deformable membrane, configured to secure the one of the principal faces of the deformable membrane to at least one elastomer material to be acted upon by the force to be detected, and distributed uniformly at a whole of the surface of the one of the principal faces of the deformable membrane, the deformable membrane being disposed between a cavity and the elastomer material.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a pressure-sensitive sensor capable of layering a pressure-sensitive layer and electrodes with high productivity, facilitating control of contact between the pressure-sensitive layer and the electrodes by loading, achieving good reproducibility of a resistance value generated by loading between the pressure-sensitive ink layer and the electrodes, and measuring pressure with high accuracy. The pressure-sensitive sensor comprises a pair of electrodes 16a and 16b formed on a substrate film 31, and a pressure-sensitive ink layer 30 juxtaposed to the electrodes on the substrate, the pressure-sensitive ink layer being variable in electrical properties in response to an applied pressing force, wherein a portion of the substrate film 31 having the pressure-sensitive ink layer 30 formed thereon is bent inward to allow the pressure-sensitive ink layer 30 to come into contact with the pair of electrodes 16a and 16b.

Abstract: A specimen handling apparatus is provided and includes a body in which a bore is defined and a needle having a tip portion and a bit, which is removably insertible into the bore with the tip portion at least partially exposed, the bore and the bit each being formed such that, when the bit is inserted into the bore, the needle is forced into one of first or second rotational positions relative to a long axis thereof.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus, comprising: a plurality of sample processing units each configured to process a sample; at least one transport device configured to provide a transport path along which a rack is transported to or from one of the plurality of sample processing units, wherein a rack comprises a plurality of positions configured to hold containers thereat, and at least some of the positions are correlated to at least some of the sample processing units; a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one memory that stores computer programs executed by the at least one processor to: direct the at least one transport device to transport the rack to deliver a container held therein to a sample processing unit correlated to a position of the container at which the container is held in the rack.