Abstract: A method of determining wettability of a rock sample, such as from a core sample is described. The sample is preferably crushed or comminuted to a particulate size where micro fractures have been eliminated, but where the particles are still large enough to represent the native rock matrix and texture. The comminuted core sample is exposed to a test fluid for a given period of time. The rock sample can be split into many separate aliquots, and a series of tests is performed using a series of different fluids and/or the same fluid for different exposure times. The excess test fluid residing on the surfaces of sample particles is removed. The test fluid imbibed into the interior of the particulate sample is then measured. The test fluid can be, for example, water, a non-aqueous fluid, and/or a solution of miscible solvents. The technique used to measure the imbibed fluid depends on the solvent (imbibing fluid) being studied.

Abstract: A method is provided for ascertaining the setting of an exhaust gas flap, which is situated so it is adjustable in an exhaust system of a motor vehicle, by which a combustion gas flowing through an exhaust tract can alternately be supplied to a heat exchanger branch and/or a bypass branch, a pressure prevailing in the heat exchanger branch and/or in the bypass branch being measured to ascertain the setting of the exhaust gas flap, and a current position of the exhaust gas flap being ascertained by a comparison of the measured pressure to a reference value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing drilling fluids laden with LCM (Lost Circulation Material) and other solid materials are disclosed. A test cell for analyzing a fluid is provided with a first conical inner portion and an axial positioning device positioned along an axis of the test cell. A first conical plug is coupled to the axial positioning device and is movable in and out of the first conical inner portion along the axis of the test cell. A fluid inlet is positioned at a first location on the test cell and a fluid outlet at a second location.

Abstract: A sensor array for viscosity measurement includes the following: a carrier substrate formed with an opening; a metal plate-shaped oscillating element disposed on a surface of the carrier substrate and parallel to the surface over the opening; at least two metal contact electrodes disposed on the carrier substrate; at least two metal spring elements, wherein each of the contact electrodes is connected to the oscillating element by way of a spring element such that the element is mounted on the carrier substrate by way of the spring elements; and a magnet, which is disposed in the vicinity of the carrier substrate such that the magnetic field lines penetrate the plate-shaped oscillating element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable digital reader for urinalysis. The portable digital reader for reading an analysis target chip including a plurality of test areas, comprises: a main body including a light emitting section having light emitting elements for radiating light, an integral optical splitter for uniformly distributing the light from the light emitting section to each test area of the analysis target chip, a light receiving section for receiving light reflected from the each test area so as to convert the same to electric signals, and a measuring section for measuring concentration according to the electric signals obtained from the light receiving section; a main supporting body having the analysis target chip and assembled with the main body; and an auxiliary supporting body assembled between the analysis target chip and the main supporting body, including a groove for assembling the analysis target chip, and assembled with the main supporting body to be exchanged after use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, to a device for electronic characterisation, and to a measurement cell and support for monitoring a chemical or physical process with results that can be assessed in terms of the weight variation of a coating deposited on a piezoelectric sensor, exposed to a fluid medium with stable physical properties. The invention uses the deduction of an analytic expression establishing a simple connection between the phase variation of a fixed-frequency signal, which queries the piezoelectric resonator, and the variation in the bulk density of the coating. The invention is suitable for implementations that use piezoelectric resonators for characterising biochemical and electrochemical processes, such as, inter alia: piezoelectric biosensors and immunosensors, process and material characterisation by AC electrogravimetry, detection of dissolved chemical or biological substances.

Abstract: The invention described herein, is a design that allows the amount of any liquid which is to be filtered, to be monitored while submerged yet remain contactless to the liquid in its measurement to indicate how much liquid has passed through the filter inside the jug/container or cartridge. It can indicate when a filter used in the container/jug holding the liquid has expired or can indicate how much liquid has been through the filter so the user can decide when it requires replacing. The status indication is displayed by using a motion sensor to give a user interaction display based on movement rather than direct contact of user. Currently all water utilize external indicators located on the jugs to monitor the usage of the filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing levels of insoluble fluids within a storage vessel utilizing an array of main capacitive sensors having differing geometries. The array of main capacitive sensors gives the ability to measure the levels of insoluble liquids in a vessel. Each of the main capacitive sensors include at least one pair of conductive plates capable of submersion in the at least three insoluble fluids, and the geometries of the pair of conductive plates differ and are distinct, such as in distance or in width, in each of the main capacitive sensors. In addition, the apparatus and method may include at least one reference sensor placed intermittently along the height of the vessel to provide input as to the permittivities of the insoluble fluids.

Abstract: A microfluidic device, for analysis, comprising: a chip (1) comprising a cavity (3); a light emitting diode or a laser which emits a first electromagnetic radiation (4) for heating a sample placed in the cavity in use; and an analytical assembly (7) configured to record a change in the sample arising from an interaction of the sample with the first source of electromagnetic radiation.

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

Abstract: A wireless tire pressure sensing device, a method for setting a standard tire pressure thereof and a wireless tire pressure sensing activation device adjust the tire pressure of each tire in a vehicle to a standard tire pressure according to a requirement of the vehicle after the wireless tire pressure sensing device is mounted in each tire, maintain each tire at the standard tire pressure for a preset time period or employ the wireless tire pressure sensing activation device to transmit a setup instruction to the wireless tire pressure sensing device to set a current tire pressure as the standard tire pressure. The wireless tire pressure sensing device can be set up with the standard tire pressure and conveniently modified. As no threshold value of tire pressure needs to be pre-stored, wireless tire pressure sensing devices with different threshold values are not necessarily prepared beforehand, thereby effectively lowering the stocking pressure on inventory management.

Abstract: A tire pressure gauge includes a holder, an air intake seat, and a detection device coupled with the air intake seat. The holder and air intake seat have respectively a first positioning ring and a second positioning ring. A fastening and unfastening tool of the tire pressure gauge includes an outer barrel and an inner barrel held in the outer barrel. The outer barrel has a first anchor portion to latch the first positioning ring. The inner barrel has a second anchor portion to latch the second positioning ring. The outer barrel and inner barrel respectively drive the holder and air intake seat to be fastened to an air nozzle of a vehicle tire, and the holder and air intake seat are butted tightly to allow the tire pressure gauge to be securely installed on the air nozzle of any type of vehicles through the fastening and unfastening tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a stress field in a subterranean formation include deploying a stress measurement tool on a tubular string, opening at least three fractures in three different radial directions in the subterranean formation, and closing the at least three fractures. The at least three fractures are reopened while measuring stress and strain conditions. From the reopening, a tangential stress component for each of the at least three fractures is determined. From the tangential stress components and radial directions of the at least three fractures, the stress field of the subterranean formation is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the effects of mud chemistry and bit design on bit balling is disclosed The apparatus includes a replica bit coupled to a rotary drive and having at least one nozzle, a test container, a test formation located within the test container through which the replica bit will be drive, wherein the test formation includes a plurality of layers of pre-manufactured cuttings The apparatus further includes a lifting device applying a force to the bottom of the container to drive the test formation into the replica bit while the replica bit is rotating, a second container within which is a drilling fluid, and a pump for communicating drilling fluid from the container through a conduit to the replica bit.

Abstract: A method of determining the surface level of an area subject to flood, furrow or surface irrigation. The method includes the steps of providing at least one measuring cup positioned below the surface level but within the area and providing a water level sensor within or integrated with the at least one measuring cup. The levels provided by the water level sensor are used to calculate the surface level by determining the inflection point between the rapid increase of the monitored levels when the front of irrigation water passes the water level sensor. A further aspect of the disclosure is the provision of a soil moisture sensor, said sensor comprising an auger adapted to be inserted into the ground with minimum soil disturbance, said auger having means for measuring soil moisture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring acceleration waveform measurements while deploying a tool along a borehole. A conveyance and a sensor section are configured to deploy the sensor section in the borehole. At least one multi-axis receiver is configured to detect acceleration waveform signals while the sensor section is being deployed in the borehole.

Abstract: A sensor having a sensor bridge supported above a substrate is disclosed. A number of thermally isolating apertures are provided in the sensor bridge to help increase the thermal isolation of the sensor bridge from the substrate. In one illustrative embodiment, a heater element, an upstream sensor element, and/or a downstream sensor element are provided on the sensor bridge. A plurality of apertures may extend through the sensor bridge to thermally isolate the heater element, the upstream and/or downstream sensor element from the substrate and/or from each other. In one illustrative embodiment, the plurality of apertures may be provided at spaced locations adjacent a first lateral side of the sensor bridge, adjacent the second lateral side of the sensor bridge, between the heater element and the upstream sensor element, and/or between the heater element and the downstream sensor element. In some cases, the plurality of apertures may be substantially round, oval, rectangular and/or any other suitable shape.

Abstract: An ultrasound sensor arrangement for determining a fluid level includes an elongated housing with a lid and a floor, and a measuring chamber in the housing, in which a fluid has the same level as the fluid outside the measuring chamber, and an ultrasound transmitter/receiver on the floor within or outside the housing in the area of the measuring chamber. Transmitted sound signals from the ultrasound transmitter/receiver reflect from the fluid surface and are received by the ultrasound transmitter/receiver to determine the fluid level from the signal transit time. At least one further chamber is arranged at least partially in front of or around the measuring chamber. The outermost chamber forms the inlet chamber. The several chambers are connected to each other for fluid flow.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a phase separation float assembly, a phase separation detection system, and a method for detecting phase separation. One embodiment comprises a first float subassembly comprising a first float adapted for vertical travel along a fuel level probe shaft and a magnet. This embodiment also comprises a second float subassembly comprising a second float adapted for vertical travel along the shaft. The first float has a first density and the second float has a second density greater than the first density. The second float subassembly further comprises at least one stop feature which engages the first float subassembly when the first float subassembly travels vertically a predetermined distance along the fuel level probe shaft. The first float density is selected such that the first float subassembly travels vertically along the shaft to engage the at least one stop feature in the presence of phase separation.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a capacitor, a signal generator, a digital counter, counter register, a digital clock, a digital timer, and a data register. The sensor of the measurement system is the capacitor. The measurement system generates a repeating signal having a measurement cycle that corresponds to the capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitor comprises more than one capacitor mechanically in series. Electrically, the capacitor comprises more than one capacitor in parallel. In one embodiment, the capacitor includes a dielectric layer comprising polyimide. A force, pressure, or load is applied to the capacitor that elastically compresses the device.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure estimation method is disclosed. The method includes: controlling an oscillation frequency of a predetermined oscillator to match an oscillation frequency of an atmospheric pressure measurement oscillator; detecting a phase difference between an oscillation signal of the predetermined oscillator and an oscillation signal of the atmospheric pressure measurement oscillator; and estimating atmospheric pressure using the oscillation frequency of the predetermined oscillator and the phase difference.

Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor is described as having a substrate which has a main plane of extension for detecting a yaw rate about a first axis extending parallel to the main plane of extension is provided, the yaw-rate sensor having a first rotation element and a second rotation element, the first rotation element being drivable about a first axis of rotation, the second rotation element being drivable about a second axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation being situated perpendicularly to the main plane of extension, the second axis of rotation being situated perpendicularly to the main plane of extension, the first rotation element and the second rotation element being drivable in opposite directions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inertial sensor. There is provided an inertial sensor 100, including: a plate-like substrate layer 110, a mass body 130, a post 140, a support part 150 extending in the central direction of the mass body 130 from the post 140, and a detection unit 170 detecting the displacement of the displacement part 113. The inertial sensor adopts the support part 150 limiting the downward displacement of the mass body 130 to prevent the support portion of the mass body 130 from being damaged.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic imaging comprises: emitting Doppler pulses to a target to be detected; performing a Doppler scan with Doppler pulses; receiving echo signals from the target, wherein the echo signals include Doppler pulse echo signals; processing the echo signals, wherein processing comprises an imaging step, the imaging step comprising parallel processing steps including a 2D image processing step, a flow image processing step, and a spectrum image processing step, wherein the 2D image processing step is configured for processing the echo signals to obtain 2D image signals, the flow image processing step is configured for processing the echo signals to obtain flow image signals, and the spectrum image processing step is configured for processing the echo signals to obtain spectrum image signals; and displaying the processed echo signals.

Abstract: An ultrasound-based measuring device includes a measurement body, at least one ultrasonic transmitter for coupling ultrasonic measurement signals into the measurement body, and at least one ultrasonic receiver for detecting the ultrasonic measurement signals reflected at an end face of the measurement body. The at least one ultrasonic transmitter emits both a longitudinal and a transverse measurement signal. The influence of a physical disturbance variable on the measurement section traversed by the measurement signals during a determination of a measurement pressure prevailing at the end face and/or of a measurement temperature prevailing at the end face can be taken into account on the basis of the propagation times and a difference between the propagation times of the longitudinal and transverse measurement signals reflected at the end face.

Abstract: Vibration test arrangements incorporate an isolation device. In order to allow the isolation device to operate on one side only of a component subject to vibration testing a clamp association is provided between isolation elements. An abutment pressure to retain and present the component is generated between the isolation elements utilising the clamp association and an appropriate displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism is controlled by a controller in a control loop incorporating a sensor to determine operational characteristics of the arrangement and appropriate drivers for the displacement mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing fluid flow within a conduit using a Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) system. The DAS system may lower production costs and may offer some technical advantages over fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based flowmeters such as auxiliary measurement of strain from the wellhead down to the flowmeter. The DAS system may also simplify multiplexing multiple flowmeters on a single fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for mapping pipeline for use in a fluid pipeline, comprising: a pressure gauge that measures the pressure of the fluid in the fluid pipeline; a gyroscope that measures the angular velocity of the apparatus for mapping pipeline in the fluid pipeline; a processing module that collects and converts the pressure of the fluid and the angular velocity to a pressure data and an angular velocity data, respectively; and a data output module that outputs the pressure data and the angular velocity data. The present invention also provides a method for mapping pipeline and a system using the same that obtain the spatial layout of the fluid pipeline by analyzing the pressure data and the angular velocity data.

Abstract: A gage pressure transducer comprising a first pressure sensing assembly exposed to a main pressure and a second pressure sensing assembly exposed to a reference pressure. The pressure sensing assemblies comprise half-bridge sensors and means for using an alignment glass plate with each sensor which reduces the amount of oil required for operation, which consequently reduces the back pressures caused by large volumes of oil. The pressure sensor assemblies are hermetically sealed using glass frits, therefore enabling the gage pressure transducer to robustly and accurately measure pressure in harsh environments.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor has a magnetized piston free to move in a cylinder. Magnetic endcaps seal the ends of the cylinder, forming chambers on either side of the piston. The moveable magnetic piston is constrained by the opposing magnetic fields of the endcaps. The piston is covered with magnetic ferrofluid, providing a low friction gas-tight seal around the piston. The cylinder has two pressure input lines, one being connected to the chamber on either side of the piston. The relative pressures of the input lines cause the piston to move to a position of equilibrium within the cylinder, with the magnetic fields of the endcaps holding the piston in place against the pressure. A magnetic field angle sensor detects flux lines on the outside of the cylinder, and the reading is correlated with the pressure differential between the two input lines.

Abstract: Disclosed are a slim self-powering power supplier using a flexible PCB for a wireless sensor network and a sensor node using the same, and a fabrication method thereof. An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a self-powering power supplier including: a flexible PCB; a lower electrode positioned on the flexible PCB; a piezoelectric body having a cantilever structure deposited on the lower electrode; and an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric body.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor pressure sensor, a multilayer structure including a polysilicon diaphragm, a polysilicon gauge resistor formed on a side of a space which is to serve as a vacuum chamber below the polysilicon diaphragm, and a group of insulating films containing the polysilicon diaphragm and the polysilicon gauge resistor and having an etching solution introduction hole in contact with a sacrificial layer is formed on the sacrificial layer. Then, an etching solution is supplied through the etching solution introduction hole and the sacrificial layer is etched with the etching solution, to thereby obtain a diaphragm body formed of the multilayer structure, which functions on the vacuum chamber, and a surface of a silicon substrate below a first opening of a first insulating film is etched to thereby form the space which is to serve as the vacuum chamber and a diaphragm stopper disposed in the space, protruding toward near the center of the diaphragm body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring a deformation ratio of a structure and a method of measuring a deformation ratio of a structure using the same. More specifically, the device for measuring a deformation ratio of a structure according to the present invention comprises a photonic crystal layer containing nanoparticles aligned at a certain interval. According to the present invention, when various industrial structures are deformed by a working load, and the like, presence of deformation and the correct deformation ratio in the structures may be simply and easily measured by measuring the change of structural color or magnetic flux in the corresponding part, and this measurement of deformation may also prevent accidents due to excessive deformation in structures.

Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.

Abstract: A low power, low cost system and method for the detection of flow disturbances in a fluid dripping system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a light source and a light detector configured to monitor the amount of light passing through a droplet while the droplet is suspended and later falls from the tip of a tube. In another embodiment, dripping fluid is monitored from a system maintained part of the time in a sleep mode to conserve power, the system waking up at predetermined times to determine from detected light whether the monitored system is functioning properly.

Abstract: A chain force measuring device for measuring a chain force of a bicycle includes a dropout body unit having frame and axle connecting portions which are respectively connected to a frame fork and a wheel axle to define an accommodation space therebetween, and a hall sensing unit having a sensor extending from the frame connecting portion to spacedly confront a magnetic element which is disposed on a slidable carrier. By shifting of the magnetic element with the carrier due to the chain force exerted on the wheel axle, a magnetic field generated thereby is changed so as to give off a signal indicative of the magnitude of the chain force.

Abstract: A sensor system has a rotational angle sensor for detecting a rotational angle and a torque sensor for detecting a torque. The rotational angle sensor has a rotatable rotational angle transmitter having index elements. The torque sensor has a rotatable torque transmitter having magnets, which generate a magnetic field, and a magnetic flux unit for amplifying the magnetic field. The index elements and the magnetic flux unit are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner.

Abstract: A non-contact measurement signal transmission system for a wheeler device includes a detection device, a magnetic coupling device, and a pressure sensing device. The detection device is disposed on a body of the wheeler device, and is used for generating an alternating current (AC) signal. The magnetic coupling device includes a first primary side and a first secondary side. The magnetic coupling device receives the AC signal at the first secondary side and emits a magnetic coupling signal from the first primary side. The pressure sensing device disposed on a rotator receives the magnetic coupling signal, and includes a forced portion and a base. The pressure sensing device responds a feedback signal according to a relative displacement between the forced portion and the base after receiving a press of a user. The detection device outputs a forced signal according to the feedback signal.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a capacitor, a signal generator, a digital counter, counter register, a digital clock, a digital timer, and a data register. The sensor of the measurement system is the capacitor. The measurement system generates a repeating signal having a measurement cycle that corresponds to the capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitor comprises more than one capacitor mechanically in series. Electrically, the capacitor comprises more than one capacitor in parallel. In one embodiment, the capacitor includes a dielectric layer comprising polyimide. A force, pressure, or load is applied to the capacitor that elastically compresses the device. The capacitor is shielded from parasitic coupling and parasitic capacitance.

Abstract: A force sensor is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the force sensor may include a sensing die mounted to a substrate and an actuation assembly for transmitting an external force to the sensing die. The sensing die may include a diaphragm and one or more sensing elements (e.g. piezoresistive elements) positioned on the diaphragm. The actuation assembly may include a spherical member or object (e.g. ball bearing) in contact with the diaphragm, a pin member having a first end coupled to the spherical object and a second end coupled to a button member. The actuator assembly may transmit a force applied to the button member to the diaphragm via the pin member and spherical member. In some cases, the front side of the sensing die may be mounted to the substrate with an adhesive, such as a pattern of conductive adhesive and nonconductive adhesive to electrically connect one or more bond pads of the sensing die to one or more bond pads of the substrate without the need for wire bonds.

Abstract: A device for sampling surfaces for the presence of compounds is provided, the device comprising a housing having a proximal end adapted to receive a negative pressure gradient and a distal end adapted to contact the surfaces; a heating element spaced medially from the distal end, the heating element positioned within the housing; a primary filter spaced medially from the heating element, the primary filter encased by the housing; and a secondary filter spaced medially from the primary filter, the secondary filter removably received by the housing.

Abstract: A transfer device (10) which comprises an outer housing (24), an inner body (26) formed within the housing (24), the inner body (26) having a conduit (66) extending therethrough to provide fluid communication between upper and lower chambers, the conduit (66) having a piercing tip (68) at a lower end, a cap (54)having a top wall and a downwardly extending wall (58), the cap being retained in position such that access cannot be had to the inner body (26), and a pushing member (44) which has at least one leg (48) extending upwardly, the pushing member having an activated position where the leg (48) will extend upwardly to the upper chamber and move the cap (54) such that access may be had to the inner body (26).

Abstract: A sampling system for quantifying the amount of contaminants in a controlled environment within a facility, the controller having a plurality of ports, each port having a timer circuit, a flow rate circuit, a flow switch, and a vacuum tube, wherein the flow rate circuit controls the flow switch and maintains a fluid flow through the vacuum tube at about 1 cfm. The system also includes a plurality of air sampling device located within the controlled environment, each connected to one of the plurality of ports by way of the vacuum tube. A touchpad input/output device is connected to a base station, wherein the base station comprises a communications device for wirelessly sending a start and stop signal from the touchpad to the controller.

Abstract: A simplified sample preparation on a sample support for ionization with laser desorption (MALDI or LDCI, for example) includes depositing an analyte material onto a deposition site, providing a sample site which is intended as the substrate for a matrix crystal layer at a distance from the deposition site, and establishing a liquid communication between the deposition site and the sample site. A device for the preparation of samples for ionization with matrix-assisted laser desorption, and a sample support for use with the inventive method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A micro driver includes a translational unit, an actuating unit and a rotational unit. The translational unit includes translational elements movable relative to one another. The actuating unit includes two opposite actuators connected to each of the translational elements. The actuators are operable to move the translational elements relative to one another. The rotational unit includes a frame and semi-spheres each located in an aperture defined in the frame and in contact with the uppermost one of the translational elements so that the uppermost translational element rotates the semi-spheres on the frame when the actuators causes the translational elements to move relative to one another.

Abstract: An easily switchable automatic transmission eccentric shaft includes an input shaft over which a movable centrifugal saddle is fit. An elastic body is arranged between the centrifugal saddle and the input shaft. The centrifugal saddle is provided at one side thereof with an openable weight assembly, which selectively moves the centrifugal saddle with respect to the input shaft. A balance weight is coupled to one side of the weight assembly. The balance weight forms a limiting structure that includes two retention members and an elastic element between the retention members. The limiting structure helps controlling preciseness of variable transmission, helps increasing available transmission positions, facilitates the weight assemblies returning back to home positions, and is suitable for high horsepower applications.

Abstract: A water flow detector has a gear driven timer responsive to the movement of a lever. The lever is connected to a paddle and the paddle is responsive to the flow of water in a pipe. The detector via the gear driven timer responds to the flow of water in the pipe.

Abstract: A remote control actuator includes a spindle guide section (3), a distal end member (2) fitted to the tip of the spindle guide section for alteration in attitude, a tool (1) provided rotatably in the distal end member, a tool rotation drive source (41) for rotating the tool, and an attitude altering drive source (42) for altering the attitude of the distal end member. The spindle guide section has therein a rotary shaft (22) for transmitting a rotation of the tool rotation drive source to the tool, and an attitude altering member (31) capable of being selectively advanced or retracted by the attitude altering drive source for altering the attitude of the distal end member. A position detector (47) is provided for detecting the advanced or retracted position of the attitude altering member at a site distant from the attitude altering drive source.

Abstract: A gear with an annular member disposed alongside a side wall of an inward protrusion in a manner turnable relative to the side wall. The annular member is formed with abutment projections with inclined surfaces extending in circumferential directions and engaged by engaging pawls. The annular member is urged by return springs in such a manner that the portion of each abutment projection, at least other than the inclined surfaces, overlaps each engaging projection as viewed in axial direction. Each inclined surface of the abutment projection is made up of a bottom-side inclined surface having an inclination angle allowing abutment by the engaging pawls, and a top-side inclined surface having an inclination angle not allowing abutment by the engaging pawls but causing sliding movement of the engaging pawls. The engaging pawls are prevented be imposed with excessive local load when the engaging pawls engage the engaging projections of the gear.

Abstract: A braking device for a rotating shaft and a gear motor system using the same. The braking device includes a brake subassembly, a rotating shaft, and a sleeve. The rotating shaft is sheathed with the sleeve. The brake subassembly includes an adjustable screw, a spring, and a brake disc. One end of the spring presses on top of the brake disc and the other end presses at the bottom of the adjustable screw. After the adjustable screw is fixed, the bottom surface of the brake disc is tightly against the outer surface of the sleeve. When the adjustable screw is adjusted, the amount of compression of the spring is changed and the pressure imposed on the brake disc by the spring varies accordingly such that the friction between the brake disc and the sleeve is changed.