Abstract: A drum type container for analytical elements comprises a casing defining a compartment with a plurality of portions for receiving respective ones of the analytical elements. The container further comprises a base assembly to which the casing is rotatably mounted. The base assembly includes a dispenser mechanism for dispensing the glucose test strips from the casing and a locking mechanism for maintaining an alignment of a selected one of the compartment portions with the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A method for wear analysis. The method includes introducing a lubricant sample into a tube. The lubricant sample includes debris, wear, or other particles of different sizes. The tube includes a number of filter patches, each of a predetermined pore size. The method further includes centrifuging the tube for displacing the lubricant sample, and the wear particles thereof, along a length of the tube. The filter patches impede passage of wear particles of a size larger than their pore size therethrough, thereby separating the wear particles according to the sizes of the wear particles. The tube is attached to a handler of a centrifuge for centrifugation by the centrifuge. Multiple tubes can be attached to multiple handlers of the centrifuge for simultaneous centrifugation by the centrifuge. Centrifugation tubes (or tubes) are also provided by the present disclosure.

Abstract: Method and system for background suppression in magneto-motive photoacoustic imaging of labeled target objects.

Abstract: A method determines an injection law of a fuel injector to be tested in an injection system and includes steps of: completely interrupting feeding of fuel from a fuel pump to a common rail; avoiding opening of fuel injectors except for one injector to be tested; measuring initial pressure of the fuel inside the rail before starting the opening of the injector; opening the injector for consecutive openings greater than one with a same test-actuation time; measuring final pressure of the fuel inside the rail after ending the opening of the injector; determining a pressure drop in the rail during the opening of the injector, which is equal to a difference between the initial and final pressures; and estimating, according to the pressure drop in the rail, a fuel quantity that is actually injected by the injector when the injector is opened for the test-actuation time.

Abstract: The equipment (1) for test stands of the braking system of vehicles comprises a supporting element (2) associable with a test stand (A) of the braking system of vehicles, on top of part of measuring rollers (C). The supporting element (2) has a lowered portion (3) suited to accommodate resting a first wheel (D) of a vehicle while a second wheel (E) of the vehicle is resting on the measuring rollers (C) and is substantially aligned with the first wheel (D).

Abstract: A system and method for testing and maintaining a power assembly of a locomotive diesel engine. In one embodiment of the invention, the testing apparatus comprises: a first test position for securing a strongback of a power assembly; a second test position for securing a cylinder head of the power assembly; and a third test position for securing a cylinder liner. In another embodiment of the invention, the testing method comprises: securing a power assembly to a first test position; removing a cylinder head from the power assembly; securing the cylinder head to a second test position; removing a cylinder liner from the strongback assembly; placing the cylinder liner into the third test position; cleaning the cylinder liner; testing the cylinder head for possible leakage; and re-assembling the power assembly cylinder head passes the leakage tests.

Abstract: A method for detecting a decrease in tire air pressure based on wheel rotation speed information obtained from tires attached to a four-wheel vehicle.

Abstract: Tire pressure monitoring apparatuses, systems and method for adapting a tire pressure monitoring apparatus to be used with a plurality of valve stem configurations. Tire pressure monitoring transducers and sensors designed for use with a single valve stem design can be modified to universally accept a plurality of valve stems when coupled with the presently disclosed adapter. Use of an adapter of the presently disclosed subject matter can adapt a tire pressure monitoring apparatus such that it is suitable for use with a wide range of existing valve stems, including valve stems not originally designed to be used with the tire pressure monitoring apparatus. The adapter is suitable for use with tire pressure monitoring transducers and sensors.

Abstract: A flow-through sensing apparatus includes a flow-head and a sensor that are configured to be selectively coupled through use of a quick-disconnect mechanical coupling. When the sensor is coupled with the flow-head, the sensor cooperates with the flow-head to at least partially define a sensing chamber. The sensor is configured to determine a process parameter, such as refractive index, regarding a substance in the sensing chamber.

Abstract: A system for determining a quality and/or depth of a fluid in a tank. The system includes a controller, one or more transducers, and a temperature sensor. A fixed distance transducer transmits a sound wave toward a fixed surface. A depth transducer transmits a sound wave which reflects off a surface of the fluid. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of the fluid in the tank and provides an indication of the temperature to the controller. The controller measures the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the fixed distance transducer and a fixed surface and the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the depth transducer and the surface of the fluid held within the container. Using the elapsed times and the temperature of the fluid, the controller is able to determine a quality and the depth of the fluid.

Abstract: A heat conduction type barometric sensor has high sensitivity and high accuracy that has simple structure and circuit configuration and can measure a barometric pressure in the range of a very low barometric pressure to ?1 atm using one sensor chip. The sensor includes a cantilever-shaped thin film provided with a thin-film temperature sensor, a heating element, and an excitation element. The excitation element utilizes warpage and bending based on a difference in thermal expansion between two main layers constituting the thin film during intermittent heating by a thin-film heater as the heating element. The two main layers are a silicon layer and a thermally oxidized film of silicon which are significantly different from each other in the coefficient of thermal expansion. A circuit in which the sensitivity is enhanced by the integration of a seebeck current for a predetermined period of time can be also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for providing environmental control for a vibration sensitive system such as an interferometric measurement system, while minimizing acoustic noise during data acquisition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the precise measuring operation of a micromechanical rotation rate sensor, including at least one deflectively suspended seismic mass, at least one drive device for driving the seismic mass, and at least one first and one second trimming electrode element, which are jointly assigned directly or indirectly to the seismic mass, a first electrical trimming voltage (UTO1, UTLO1, UTRO1) being set between the first trimming electrode element and the seismic mass, and a second electrical trimming voltage (UTO2, UTLO2, UTRO2) being set between the second trimming electrode element and the seismic mass, the first and the second electrical trimming voltages being set at least as a function of a quadrature parameter (UT) and a resonance parameter (Uf).

Abstract: Method for determining buoyant mass and deformability of a cell. The method includes introducing the cell into a suspended microchannel resonator that includes a constriction near a distal location in the resonator. A first frequency shift in the resonator is monitored as a cell moves to the distal location in the resonator, the first frequency shift being related to the buoyant mass of the cell. Transit time of the cell through the constriction is measured by monitoring a second frequency shift as a result of a change in cell location as it passes through the constriction, whereby deformability is determined from the measured buoyant mass and transit time.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic testing probe and an ultrasonic testing apparatus capable of reducing the time required for flaw detection while maintaining the flaw-detection capability, irrespective of the shape of the inner surface of a tested object. A first probe (21) and a second probe (22) are provided, in each of which a plurality of oscillators that transmit ultrasonic waves to a tested object (T) and detect the ultrasonic waves reflected from the tested object (T) are arrayed. The first probe (21) is disposed closer to a flaw in the tested object (T) than the second probe (22) is. The first probe (21) generates longitudinal ultrasonic waves that propagate on an inner surface (T5) of the tested object (T) opposite to an outer surface (T2) thereof where the first probe (21) and the second probe (22) are disposed and transverse ultrasonic waves that propagate from the outer surface (T2) toward an inside of the tested object (T).

Abstract: A method for the compensating temperature gradient influences on a pressure measuring transducer, comprising the steps of: registering a pressure signal Sp(t); registering a temperature signal T(t); ascertaining a pressure measured value ps(Sp(t), T(t)); determining the time derivative of the temperature signal dT/dt; correcting the pressure measured value with a correction function, which depends on the time derivative, wherein, as a function of the sign of the time derivative, another correction function is selected, or other coefficients in a function of equal type are selected.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring the location and intensity of an applied pressure, including an elastomeric sheet; and a plurality of micro-channels embedded in the elastomeric sheet.

Abstract: An improved capacitive manometer comprises a diaphragm that is constrained relative to an electrode structure spaced from the diaphragm. An electrode support structure is arranged to support the electrode structure and comprises a compliant ring including at least three flexures integrally formed in the ring and angularly spaced around the alignment axis. The electrode support is clamped in place relative to the diaphragm at the locations of the compliant ring flexures.

Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor (720) includes a thin film piezoelectric element (701) which applies strain to a portion of a semiconductor substrate that corresponds to a thin region (402). The thin film piezoelectric element (701) is formed at a distance away from diffusion resistors (406, 408, 410, and 412) functioning as strain gauges and is extended to the proximity of a bonding pad (716A) connected to an upper electrode layer of the thin film piezoelectric element and a bonding pad (716F) connected to a lower electrode thereof. The diffusion resistors (406, 408, 410, and 412) constitute a bridge circuit by metal wiring (722) and diffusion wiring (724). During self-diagnosis, a prescribed voltage is applied to a thin film piezoelectric element (701). If the output difference of the bridge circuit between before and after the voltage application falls outside a prescribed range, it is determined that a breakage occurs in the semiconductor pressure sensor (720).

Abstract: A pressure transducer assembly, and a method of making the same, comprising a header having a first connection portion; a port having a corresponding second connection portion, wherein the first connection portion of the header is attached to the second connection portion of the port to create a header-port interface; and an integral back up ring defined in one of the header and port, wherein the integral back up ring is separated from the header-port interface by a cavity. The first connection portion of the header is attached to the second connection portion of the port by a full penetration weld and the integral back up ring is adapted to block the full penetration weld from damaging the header and thus minimize, if not eliminate, crack propagation.

Abstract: The present invention defines a strain sensor for measuring strains induced on a component surface (34). The strain sensor comprises a strain gauge (31) and a support member (32), whereby the support member is attached to the component surface only at first and second attachment places. The support member comprises a beam portion (39) that is adapted to bend in response to a relative displacement of the first and second attachment places, and the strain gauge is integrated on a surface (33) of this beam portion. To ensure a strong and stable bending response of the beam portion, the attached support member comprises at least one flexure hinge (45).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting cross-linking in a polymer, wherein, in some exemplary implementations, the polymer may constitute an encapsulation layer for a photovoltaic module. In one example, a polymer sample is physically deformed, and sample information relating to a relaxation or a recovery of the polymer sample in response to the deformation is obtained. The sample information is then compared to reference information relating to cross-linking of the polymeric material so as to determine a degree of cross-linking in the tested polymer sample. In one aspect, such a determination of polymer cross-linking is achieved without adversely affecting a relevant functionality of the polymer/encapsulation layer (e.g., without destruction to the polymer/encapsulation layer).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the unconfined yield strength and time unconfined yield strength of bulk granular materials and powders. A sample of bulk material is consolidated under controlled pressure in a sample cup with a hole or holes in the bottom. A moveable base smaller than the internal cup dimensions covers the hole(s) to prevent material from escaping the cup and to provide a base for removing the consolidated sample from the cup. After a predetermined time, the consolidated sample is removed from the cup by lifting the base relative to the cup walls through the hole(s) in the bottom of the cup. Once removed from the cup, the strength of the consolidated sample is measured by applying pressure to the top of the sample until the sample breaks. For time tests, the sample is consolidate with weights over predetermined time periods.

Abstract: In order to place a medium flowing through a magneto-inductive flow measuring device at a reference potential, a grounding gasket is arranged, in each case, between flared end regions of the measuring tube, or measuring tube flanges secured on the measuring tube, and pipeline flanges connected with the pipeline. The grounding gasket comprises a conductive support material. The support material is provided with an electrically conductive, chemically resistant, plastics coating, at least in regions in contact in the installed state with the medium, the flared end regions, or the measuring tube flanges, as the case may be, and the pipeline flanges.

Abstract: An ultrasonic gas flow measurement device includes a dumbbell-shaped tube, a first ultrasonic transceiver, a second ultrasonic transceiver, a first cover part, a second cover part and a control unit. The dumbbell-shaped tube includes a central tube part, a first cone part, a first tube part, a second cone part and a second tube part, wherein the first tube part has a flow inlet, the second tube part has a flow outlet, the central tube part connects to the first tube part through the first cone part, and connects to the second tube part through the second cone part. The first ultrasonic transceiver installed inside the first tube part is used for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic signals. The second ultrasonic transceiver installed inside the second tube part is used for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic signals. The control unit is used to control the first and second transceivers.

Abstract: A static port apparatus for an aircraft having a static plate having inner and outer surfaces for fixture on the aircraft. The static plate including a first set of a plurality of port apertures and at least a second set of a plurality of port apertures. Each port aperture of the second set of port apertures is coaxially positioned with respect to each port aperture of the first set of port apertures.

Abstract: Test pressure bursts are utilized to eject a burst of air into the two channels of a pitot-static airspeed detection system and decay times for that air pressure are evaluated with respect to aircraft altitude. A higher-pressure burst of air may be employed to clear ice from a pitot-static channel.

Abstract: A multi-phase fluid is passed through a Coriolis flowmeter and a watercut meter. The multi-phase fluid includes two phases during a first time period and three phases during a second time period. It is determined that the multi-phase fluid includes two phases during the first time period, and a first value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the Coriolis flowmeter during the first time period. A second value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the watercut meter during the first time period. The first value is compared to the second value, and it is determined, based on the comparison, that the first value and the second value are inconsistent with each other.

Abstract: A multifunctional torque tool detection device includes at least one connection body, at least one tool joint bar, at least one signal ring assembly, a toque detection device, an angle sensor, a plurality of signal pick-up elements, and a displaying and processing unit. The connection body has an end coupled to the tool joint bar, and the tool joint bar is connected to at least one tool bit. The connection body is encased in a tool casing. The signal ring assembly is coupled between the connection body and the tool joint bar. The toque detection device and the angle sensor are attached to the connection body so that the toque detection device and the angle sensor respectively detect a torque value and an angle value applied by the tool bit in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation operation, and generate a torque detection signal and an angle detection signal that are supplied through the signal ring assembly.

Abstract: A torque coefficient measuring device can be used to measure an axial load produced by a torque applied to a threaded component which is mounted to the fixture. The measuring device can include a base defining a chamber therein. A load sensor is disposed within the chamber of the base. A movable load pin is housed within the base and arranged such that an axial load placed upon the load pin is transmitted to the load sensor. An attachment member is adapted to be connected with the threaded component. The attachment member is operably arranged with the load pin such that a torque applied to a threaded component mounted to the attachment member places an axial load upon the load pin.

Abstract: Device (100) for touch-sensitive characterisation of surface texture comprising at least one three-axis force sensor (104) at least partially covered by a coating structure (108) comprising at least one first part (110) placed against the sensor and at least a second part (112) placed against the first part such that the first part is arranged between the sensor and the second part, the second part comprising at least one protrusion arranged on a side opposite the first part and a shoulder arranged against a first face of the first part of the coating structure, located on the side opposite a second face of the first part placed against the sensor, the hardness of the material of the first part being lower than the hardness of the material of the second part.

Abstract: Device for transmitting torques with a torque-transmitting shaft and a bearing block for mounting the shaft. The device includes a measuring device for measuring a torque applied to the torque-transmitting shaft. The measuring device for measuring the torque device is at least partially integrated in the bearing block.

Abstract: A soil-cement sampling device and method of sampling soil-cement is provided. The soil-cement sampling device may include an inner tube arranged within an outer tube. The inner tube may be removably connected to the outer tube and may be split into two longitudinal sections removably connected to each other. The inner and outer tubes may be inserted into a recently mixed soil-cement mixture before it hardens and a sample of the soil-cement mixture may be collected in the inner tube after it hardens. Once the sample hardens, the inner tube may be removed from the outer tube and the longitudinal sections may be separated to expose the soil-cement sample for inspection and testing.

Abstract: [Objective] To provide a wafer carrier measuring jig which can measure a slot height of a wafer carrier placed on a load port and which can determine whether or not an arbitrary slot is horizontal, a collision preventing jig, and a collision preventing method using the collision preventing jig.

Abstract: A movement sensor for establishing a movement profile of a living being, in particular a human, is characterized in that the movement sensor has an arrangement for automatically changing between various operating modes.

Abstract: A friction pig 2 and system for monitoring one or more physical properties upstream and/or downstream of the friction pig 2 when in use in a pipe 1 is disclosed. The friction pig comprises at least one sensor 7 connected to the friction pig 2 for sensing and acquiring data related to one or more physical properties concerning the friction pig 2 or fluid upstream and/or downstream of the friction pig 2; means for receiving instructions from a remote control unit 12; means for carrying out instructions; and means for transmitting the acquired data to the remote control unit 12, thus enabling monitoring of one or more physical properties. Friction pigs preferably comprise friction plugs, for example high-friction plugs, for use in pipeline isolation. The invention is also described by a system comprising at least two friction pigs 2, 4 for measuring one or more physical properties when used in a pipe.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor and a sensor housing that supports the sensor and that operably engages a connector. The sensor housing includes a first retainer and a second retainer. The first retainer includes a tapered surface that tapers relative to the longitudinal axis, and the tapered surface abuts against the aperture surface of the connector to guide the sensor housing as the sensor housing moves substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis into the aperture. The sensor housing is engageable with the connector to receive the connector between the first retainer and the second retainer and to limit relative movement of the sensor housing and the connector in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second retainer abuts against the aperture surface of the connector to limit relative rotation of the sensor housing and the connector about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A lost motion cam assembly for a vehicle lock. The assembly includes a lever, pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between locked and unlocked positions. A motor drives a gear mounted to a shaft in the housing. A cam is also rotatably mounted to the shaft, and includes a pair of opposing cam arms. When a cam arm engages a first interaction surface on the lever, the lever actuates. A second interaction surface on the lever stops the cam. The cam is operably connected to the gear by a lost motion connection that defines a range of free travel of the cam relative to the gear. Manually pivoting the lever while one of the pair of cam arms is in contact with the first interaction surface on the lever causes the cam to rotate within the range of free travel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system for guiding an instrument. The system may include a frame and a bearing assembly supported by the frame. The bearing assembly may include an outer tubular member supported by the frame and including a proximal end and a distal end. The bearing assembly may also include a bearing at least partially disposed within at least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the outer tubular member. The channel may extend through the outer tubular member and the bearing.

Abstract: A transmission drive unit (1) comprising a drive motor (2) having an output shaft (3) and an output toothing (4), a threaded spindle (8) having a worm wheel (5) that is in engagement with the output toothing (4), a first housing part (6) produced from plastic, having axial bearing locations (65, 66) and radial bearing locations (63, 64) for supporting the threaded spindle (8), and a second housing part (7) produced from metal, having a through opening (75) for the through passage of the threaded spindle (8), and at least one coupling region (76, 77) for fixing the transmission drive unit (1) to a component.

Abstract: A gear shifting system is described that includes an first shaft that is connected to a motor to be rotated thereby, a synchronizing gear, a first insert unit and a second insert unit protrude at both sides thereof, a first gear and a second gear configured to rotate around the first shaft, a first plate and a second plate, a first engagement aperture and a second engagement aperture, and a second shaft. The second shaft is configured to move the synchronizing gear in an axial direction so that the first insert unit is inserted into the first engagement aperture or the second insert unit is inserted into the second engagement aperture to transfer a torque of the synchronizing gear to the first gear or the second gear.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a transmission which includes a counter shaft to which a rotation of a crankshaft disposed in an engine is transmitted and a drive shaft to which a rotation of the counter shaft is transmitted. A pair of drive gears mounted on the counter shaft so as to be rotated integrally with the counter shaft, and a pair of driven gears mounted on the drive shaft so as to be meshed with the pair of drive gears, respectively, to be rotatable therewith, and a friction ring is interposed between the pair of driven gears.

Abstract: A harmonic drive includes a circular rigid internal gear, a circular flexible external gear, a wave generator, a cover, and a fan blade. The circular flexible external gear is disposed in the circular rigid internal gear, and the wave generator has at least one through hole and is disposed in the circular flexible external gear. The cover and the fan blade are respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the wave generator, and the cover is located in the circular flexible external gear. The cover and the wave generator form an air chamber together, and the through hole and an air flow opening are respectively in communication with the air chamber. The wave generator operates to drive the fan blade to operate. The fan blade rotates to generate an air flow, thus performing heat dissipation on the harmonic drive.

Abstract: A functional portion of an edge of each tooth of the toothed wheel has a profile which complies with the parametric double formula (in Cartesian coordinates): x ? ( u ) = R 1 ? [ cos ? ( 1 ? ? ln ? ( 1 - ? ? ? u ) ) - u ? ? sin ? ( 1 ? ? ln ? ( 1 - ? ? ? u ) ) ] y ? ( u ) = R 1 ? [ sin ? ( 1 ? ? ln ? ( 1 - ? ? ? u ) ) + u ? ? cos ? ( 1 ? ? ln ? ( 1 - ? ? ? u ) ) ] where R1=d1 cos(??atan ?), ? and d1 being parameters, where ? is a parameter which corresponds to the coefficient of friction at the contact between said edge and an edge of a tooth of another wheel, ? being able to take values between 0.05 and 0.5, and where u is a variable which varies in the interval (0, 1/?) such that by varying u, the profile is passed through.

Abstract: A device has, in a vicinity of the lever and gearbox, members capable of being rotated as a result of displacement of the lever in order to exert a pull on strands of flexible cables attached to the members, regardless of the direction of angular displacement of the lever corresponding to gear shifting or gear selection. In the vicinity of the lever, one of the members is directly secured to the lever to constitute a shifting member, while the other member is controlled by the lever via a return element and constitutes a selection member.

Abstract: An interlocking device arranged to prevent forbidden order of engagement/disengagement of two tooth clutches in a vehicle transmission is provided and includes a groove arranged in a first of shift rods, and a second and a third groove arranged in a second of shift rods, an interlocking element arranged coplanar with the shift rods, and directed and movable towards the shift rods. The length of the interlocking element is adapted to allow certain combinations and order of engagement/disengagement of the tooth clutches. A piston element partitions the second and third groove. The piston element is movably arranged in a hole in the second shift rod such that the interlocking element can push the piston element down in the hole, allowing the second shift rod to be displaced only one-way when the first shift rod is in an engaged position.

Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device may include a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first multi-linked mechanism and the second multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links, a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links and a reinforcing member. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link, and the reinforcing member may extend from a first end of a third one of the intermediate links toward a second end of the third one of the intermediate links.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial robot having parallel kinematics, the industrial robot, comprising a robot base (1, 38), a carrier element (2, 42) for accommodating a gripper or a tool, several movable, elongated actuating units (4,36), which are connected at one end thereof to drive units (6, 39) arranged on the robot base (1, 38), and the other end of which is movably connected to the carrier element (2, 42), an elongated hollow body (20, 43, 54), which has a continuous cavity and which is flexibly connected to the robot base (1, 38), a joint (35, 49, 65), which has a continuous cavity and which has several degrees of freedom, by means of which joint the elongated hollow body (20, 43, 54) is movably connected to the carrier element (2, 42), and at least one supply line (26, 51, 64) for a gripper arranged on the carrier element (2, 42) or a tool arranged on the carrier element (2, 42), the supply line being guided through the cavity of the elongated hollow body (20, 43, 54) and the cavity of the hollo

Abstract: Systems are provided that control the positioning of various instruments (e.g., endoscopes or tissue retractors) used during surgical procedures. A positioning mechanism holding the instrument is coupled to a control mechanism such that mechanical manipulation of the control mechanism results in movement of the positioning mechanism relative to a patient's body, thereby eliminating the need to manually hold and position the instruments.

Abstract: A steering shaft component (10) comprises a first and a second steering shaft section (12, 14) and at least a first bending section (28x) extending between the first and the second steering shaft sections (12, 14). The first bending section (28x) is formed integrally with at least one of the steering shaft sections (12, 14), but has a different cross section from this steering shaft section (12, 14). Furthermore, a mechanical stop for limiting the maximum angle of rotation of the two steering shaft sections relative to each other is provided.