Abstract: A method of generating an axial shear wave in a formation surrounding a wellbore comprising urging a clamp pad into contact with a wall of the wellbore, and applying an axial force to the clamp pad to impart a shear force into the wall of the wellbore to generate a shear wave in the formation.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a handheld probe (HHP) of an Acoustic pulse reflectometry (APR) system are disclosed. Embodiments of the HHP can comprise a loudspeaker and microphone that are vibration isolated from each other and from the tube under test. In some embodiments the microphone can be isolated from the housing of the HHP. In other embodiments the housing of the HHP can be isolated from the loudspeaker. In another embodiment the housing of the probe can be isolated from the tube under test. Yet, some embodiments combine all of this isolation options. In such embodiment the loudspeaker is isolated from the housing, the housing is isolated from the tube under test, and the microphone is isolated from the housing, and so on. Isolation can be achieved by using materials that absorb vibration, material such as but not limited to rubber, foam, silicone, etc.

Abstract: A rail scanning system and certified method of use thereof are described. The rail scanning system comprises a control unit, a probe carriage, and an encoder. The probe carriage comprises two or more phased array probes. The control unit is communicatively coupled with the encoder and phased array probes of the probe carriage.

Abstract: A system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises at least two electrodes coupled to an electromagnetically sensitive bio-organism and control logic configured to predict an earthquake based upon signals produced by the electrodes in response to an electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: A fiber optic acoustic sensor system. The fiber optic acoustic sensor system includes an optical source, and a fiber optic acoustic sensor array configured to receive an optical signal from the optical source. The fiber optic acoustic sensor array includes a core, a first polymer layer disposed on the core, an optical fiber wound around the first polymer layer, and a second polymer layer disposed on the first polymer layer such that the optical fiber is between the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer.

Abstract: There is described a miniature fiber optic pressure sensor design where sensitivity around specific biased pressure is optimized. In an embodiment, the pressure sensor is a Fabry-Perot (FP) sensor which comprises a substrate; and a diaphragm mounted on the substrate. The diaphragm has a center and comprises: a first layer comprising a first material; and a second layer comprising a second material. The second layer forms a dot or a ring. The dot or ring is mounted on the first layer and is centered about the center of the diaphragm. The second material comprises internal pre-stresses to cause the center of the diaphragm (in the case of a dot) or the peripheral area about the center of the diaphragm (in the case of a ring) to camber away from the substrate upon relaxing the internal pre-stresses.

Abstract: A very versatile testing module includes a main body, a drive module, a sliding module, a transmission module, and a frictional member. The drive module is positioned in the main body. The transmission module includes a rotational plate and a connecting plate. The drive module drives the rotational plate to rotate. One end of the connecting plate attached to the sliding module, and the other end thereof adjustably attached to the rotational plate. The frictional member is mounted to the sliding module.

Abstract: A load-measuring coupling device for rock anchors comprises a body having a threaded section for receiving a bearing plate and a nut, and a hollow section having a threaded hole to allow a threaded rock anchor head to be fitted thereinto. The body has a central blind hole extending from the threaded section for receiving a strain gauge lengthwise therein, to sense the axial stretch induced in the gauge due to applied loads on the rock anchor head. The strain gauges are attached to a connector located at the threaded section, which permits the transmission of the strain gauge signal to a reader unit. The coupling device is attached to the rock anchor and the assembly is inserted in a hole in a mine. The rock anchor can be pre-tensioned with a shear pin in the hollow section or a jamming nut in the threaded section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test apparatus and a test method for the testing of samples by mechanical action upon the sample. The test apparatus comprises a sample region and a cylinder, which is movable in relation to the sample region, and at least two linear drives, each with a first drive part, which is fixed in place with respect to an end of the sample region, which faces it, and with a second drive part, which is movable in relation to the first drive part and is driven and which is fixed in place with respect to the cylinder. Advantageously, the movement axes of the linear drives run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, a test set-up of the test apparatus has a rigid load frame.

Abstract: A device, assembly and method for clamping single fibers that utilizes snubbing surfaces simultaneously with magnetic gripping action are described. The device can be fabricated at miniature sizes with very low mass and volume, which are desirable requirements for testing of small fibers in highly sensitive force-transducing load frames. Advantageously, the combined use of snubbing surfaces and magnetic gripping greatly reduces the probability of slippage or fiber failure at the grip during testing.

Abstract: A device for estimating a stream of urine entering a toilet or urinal includes a measuring unit configured to estimate an amount of the stream of urine, and an indicator to provide an indication to an individual of the amount of the stream of urine.

Abstract: An adapter assembly that works with a standard utility meter to wirelessly transmit data about consumption. The adapter assembly generates information about consumption by cooperating with a pointer of an index of a utility meter. In some embodiments, the adapter assembly includes an upper portion and a clip that interface together. The upper portion and the clip are configured to maintain alignment with the pointer and not create stress on the index.

Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter in which common or even great forces for oscillation excitation can be guaranteed, and at the same time, with which the risk of flashover is reduced in explosion-proof surroundings is implemented in that the actuator assembly (4) has at least a first conductor (11) with windings (12) and at least a second conductor (13) with windings (14), the windings of the conductors being arranged parallel to one another. Also, the first conductor (11) and the second conductor (13) are insulated from one another at least in the area of their windings (12, 14) and the first conductor (11) and the second conductor (13) are connected in such a manner that the first conductor (11) and the second conductor (13) can be supplied with a current in the same manner in the operating state so that a common magnetic field is created.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic force sensor that can precisely detect and correct variations in a magnetic field generated by a magnetic flux generating source. Therefore, a displacement magneto-electric transducer, which detects a change in the magnetic field caused by an external force, and a fixed magneto-electric transducer, where the change in the magnetic field caused by the external force does not occur, are provided to face end sides of magnetic poles of the magnetic flux generating source. The fixed magneto-electric transducer detects a variation of the magnetic field caused by, for example, changes with time and environmental variations such as a temperature rise in the interior of the sensor. On the basis of a detection amount thereof, an operational section performs a correction operation, so that a sensitivity coefficient or an offset of the displacement magneto-electric transducer is corrected.

Abstract: A rotor includes a cylindrical magnet having a plurality of magnetic pole pairs. There are two types of the magnitude of magnetic force in the magnetic pole pairs, that is, a relatively large first magnetic force and a second magnetic force that is smaller than the first magnetic force. Three magnetic sensors are arranged around the rotor. A rotation angle computing device detects the peak values of output signals of the respective magnetic sensors. Then, the rotation angle computing device identifies the magnetic pole pair, sensed by the first magnetic sensor, based on a combination of the local maximum values of the three output signals.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade tester includes a pair of linearly reciprocable actuators, such as hydraulic actuators. Each of the actuators is arranged to deliver a stroke to a wind turbine blade being tested. The stroke delivered by each of the actuators provides a controlled force in both the edgewise and flapwise directions. A method for testing a wind turbine blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support assembly (1) for an ink-jet printing device, comprising a support (3) with a guide track (2), which runs in the longitudinal direction of said support, for a moveable unit that travels along said guide track (2). A supporting element (4), which likewise extends in the longitudinal direction, is associated with the support (3) of the support assembly (1) and the ends (10, 11) of said support element (4) are supported on the support (3) against the effective gravitational direction. In addition, the support (3) and the supporting element (4) are tensioned with respect to one another along their longitudinal extension by means of at least one adjusting element (13).

Abstract: A bearing device for coupling a position indication device to an apparatus for measuring a position of the apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a first connecting member. The bearing device includes a bearing housing including a first opening defined therein configured to receive the first connecting member and a second opening defined therein configured to receive at least a portion of the position indication device. The bearing device also includes a grommet configured for positioning within the first opening and for positioning around the first connecting member.

Abstract: An adapter assembly that works with a standard utility meter to wirelessly transmit data about consumption. The adapter assembly generates information about consumption by cooperating with a pointer of an index of a utility meter. In some embodiments, the adapter assembly includes an upper portion and a clip that interface together. The upper portion and the clip are configured to maintain alignment with the pointer and not create stress on the index.

Abstract: The general field of invention is electrical connectors and their actuating mechanism. This invention teaches a novel mechanism for mating two parts of a register-free electrical connector. Although this invention can benefit many connector designs and applications, it is particularly beneficial when applied to hands free connectors for charging electric vehicles—also known in the industry as the Electric Vehicle Charge Couplers. The mechanism taught in this patent provides ability to bring two objects such as two sides of a connector together with following benefits: ability to stop the motion after reaching the target location, slide the two objects with respect to each other after mating, maintain a steady contact force, align the two sides of the contactor with respect to each other.

Abstract: An orbital motion attachment for a die grinder includes a flexible collar mounted at a first end to a locating support ring and the locating support ring being removably secured to the die grinder. A collet has an offset bearing shaft extending from a first end. The collet is connected at a second end to an output shaft of the die grinder and the offset bearing shaft is connected at a second end to an applicator tip. An indexing ring is affixed to a second end of the flexible collar to secure the applicator tip to the offset bearing shaft.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism. At least one guide track is connected to a base. At least one spring is fit on the guide track. A slider is fit on the guide track. The spring is abutted between the base and the slider. A fixed member is fixed to the base. The slider is slidably disposed between the spring and the fixed member. A displacement adjustment bolt is screwed in the fixed member. A first rotator is fit in the slider and includes a section. A second rotator is fit on and engages the first rotator. The second rotator abuts the slider. A fixing bolt detachably abuts the second rotator and is detachably fastened to the first rotator. An adjuster is connected to the first rotator, adjusting the position of a target.

Abstract: A high-load linear actuator includes a driving mechanism, a worm shaft, a worm wheel assembly, a lead screw, a telescopic pipe and an outer pipe. The driving mechanism includes a base and a motor. The base has a supporting portion and an accommodating portion. The motor is fixed to the supporting portion. The worm shaft extends from the motor into the supporting portion. The worm wheel assembly comprises a worm wheel and two bearings for supporting the worm wheel in the accommodating portion. The worm wheel is drivingly engaged with the worm shaft. The lead screw is disposed through the worm wheel and driven by the motor for rotation. The telescopic pipe slips on the lead screw to be threadedly connected therewith. The outer pipe slips on the telescopic pipe. The rotation of the lead screw drives the telescopic pipe to linearly extend or retract relative to the outer pipe. By this structure, the present invention can be used in a medical apparatus capable of supporting a heavy load stably.

Abstract: A shifting apparatus including a base, first and second shifting elements, a pushing element, a fixed portion, and two screws is provided. The fixed portion fixed on the base has two trenches extending along first and second directions perpendicular to each other. The first shifting element is slidably disposed on the base along the first direction. The second shifting element is slidably disposed on the first shifting element along the second direction. The pushing element is slidably disposed in the two trenches. One screw screwed on the fixed portion along the second direction is capable of pushing the pushing element to move along the two trenches, such that the first shifting element is pushed by the pushing element to shift along the first direction. Another screw screwed on the first shifting element along the second direction is capable of pushing the second shifting element to shift along the second direction.

Abstract: An electric actuator has a housing (2), an electric motor (3), a speed reduction mechanism (6), a ball screw mechanism (8) and a rotation sensor (9). The ball screw mechanism (8) has a screw thread shaft (23) that moves axially but cannot rotate relative to the housing (8). A nut (24) is inserted over the screw thread shaft (23) and can rotate relative to the housing (2), via a rolling bearing (11), mounted on the housing (2), but cannot move axially. A swing link (13) is arranged to perform the pendulum motion interlocked with the linear motion of the driving shaft (7). A magnet (18) is mounted on the end of a pivotal shaft (17) to form the reference point of the pendulum motion. The position of the driving shaft (7) is detected by the rotation sensor (9) arranged opposite to the magnet (18) via a predetermined air gap.

Abstract: The invention provides a double clutch transmission (100B), wherein for each of the countershafts (6; 7), between the corresponding driving gear (23; 24) of the corresponding countershaft (6; 7) and at least one of idler gears (8, 9, 10; 11, 12, 13, 14) of the corresponding countershaft (6; 7), there is disposed a bearing (33A; 35A) of the corresponding countershaft (6; 7). The construction of the transmission can be allowed to be more compact according to the invention.

Abstract: The wear-compensation device for a gear comprises a fixed support capable of being fixed axially on an external element in order to keep the device on the said external element, a bearing designed to be mounted on a shaft comprising one of the wheels of the gear, an eccentric mounted on the bearing and designed to be in contact with the external element, the said eccentric being able to move angularly relative to the fixed support. The device also comprises a torsion spring mounted axially between the fixed support and the eccentric and capable of exerting a circumferential preload force on the said eccentric, the said spring comprising a first end mounted inside a recess of the eccentric and a second end interacting with the fixed support.

Abstract: An impact absorbing mechanism for absorbing impact generated upon meshing of gears by starting or stopping an electric motor, for example, in a speed reduction gear train of a disk grinder, has the problem that its ease of manufacture and the durability are lowered because small elastic components are located between a driven gear and a driven shaft when an impact absorbing action occurs in the rotational direction in the related art. The present invention is aimed to improve the ease of manufacture and the durability of the impact absorbing mechanism. It is configured to absorb impact by displacing steel balls in a diameter expanding direction by relative rotation of a driven gear and a driven shaft due to rotational power generated upon meshing and by displacing an axial displacement member in an axial direction against an axial elastic member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a stirring system has a stirring assembly, a threaded leadscrew, and a multi-motion assembly adapted to travel along the leadscrew and accompanying parallel guide rods. The multi-motion assembly (i) has a timing pulley for powering the stifling assembly via a timing belt and (ii) converts the rotation of the leadscrew into either travel along the leadscrew in an engaged state or rotation of the timing pulley in a disengaged state. The multi-motion assembly includes (i) a screw-nut having an inside thread matching the leadscrew's thread and (ii) a clutch sub-assembly. The clutch sub-assembly (i) prevents the screw nut from rotating with the leadscrew in the engaged state, such that leadscrew rotation causes linear movement of the multi-motion assembly and (ii) allows the screw nut to rotate with the leadscrew in the disengaged state, such that leadscrew rotation causes corresponding rotation of the screw nut and timing pulley.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention relates to an intermediate bearing device (1) for a cranking apparatus, in particular for a starter for cranking an internal combustion engine, comprising a toothing region (3) with a base section (4) and toothing sections (5) formed thereon, for receiving gearwheels in a bearing manner, wherein the toothing region (3) is formed as a composite toothing region (8), in which means for increasing a toothing strength are integrated, a cranking apparatus, in particular a starter for cranking an internal combustion engine, comprising an intermediate bearing device (1) according to the invention and a system comprising an internal combustion engine and a starter for cranking the internal combustion engine with a cranking apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface densification of a work piece that comprises at least one toothed section made from sintering material, wherein a first surface of the work piece is densified using a different from a second surface of the work piece.

Abstract: A telescopic tilting device 12 comprises a telescopic arm 14 which is extendable and retractable along an arcuate path 16. Preferably, the telescopic arm 14 includes two arcuate members 22, 24 which are telescopically slidable relative to each other. More preferably, the device further comprises a drive unit 20 having a flexible belt 43 for moving the telescopic arm 14. There is also provided an endoscope holding device 10 which has such a telescopic tilting device 12.

Abstract: A parallel mechanism with three-dimensional translation and one-dimensional rotation include a fixing rack, a mobile platform and four chains of the same structure which are symmetrically set between the fixing rack and the mobile platform. Each chain has a near rack rod and two parallel far rack rods. The mobile platform includes a main platform and an assistant platform connected by a revolute joint and perpendicular to each other. Each end of the main platform and the assistant platform is connected with a corresponding lower connecting shaft separately.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes an operator compartment, a steering control device mounted for access from a first selectable operator position located outside of the operator compartment, and a steering column supporting the steering control device. The steering control device configured to rotate about the steering column and provide steering control from the operator compartment in a second selectable operator position opposite the first selectable operator position.

Abstract: Lockout devices for use with rotary actuators are described. An example lockout device for use with a rotary actuator includes an insert including a first portion to be inserted into a lever of the rotary actuator, the insert to interact with one or more features of the lever to enable rotational movement of the lever to be transmitted thereto. The lockout device includes a second portion of the insert to extend from the lever, the second portion defining an opening through which an object is to be inserted to rotationally fix the insert and the lever in a first position relative to a housing of the rotary actuator.

Abstract: An operating unit is provided for a motor vehicle with a steering wheel that is rotatable about an axis. A finger-actuatable input unit is arranged on an arc extending around the axis.

Abstract: A solution is provided for tuning the frequency of a rotating body. A sectioned tuning ring is mounted to a flange coupling that couples a first part and a second part of a rotating body together. The sectioned tuning ring adjusts the frequency of the rotating body. The sectioned tuning ring can be bolted on to the rotating body as it is in an operating position within the machine, thus eliminating the need to remove the rotating body from the machine.

Abstract: A flywheel assembly includes a flywheel rotatably mounted on an exercise and a magnetic control device is centrally received in the flywheel for providing damping to the flywheel. The magnetic control device includes two discs abutted each other. Each disc has a wiggle seat rotatable mounted thereon and each wiggle seat is formed with a sector shoe. Each sector has multiple magnets peripherally secured thereon such that the damping acted on the flywheel is adjusted due to the magnets when the two wiggle seats are synchronously wiggled relative to a corresponding one of the two discs.

Abstract: A connecting rod including a connecting rod body and a cap attached to the connecting rod body by a plurality of bolts. The connecting rod body includes a shank having a centerline. Two of the bolts are positioned at a first distance from the centerline and two of the bolts are positioned at a second distance from the centerline that is greater than the first distance. The plurality of bolts may be disposed symmetrically about a centroid of a planar face of the connecting rod.

Abstract: A PTO shaft is disclosed that includes an inner shaft having a first spline gear at the proximal end, and a notch proximate to the distal end. The PTO also includes a hollow outer shaft removably disposed over at least a portion including the notch of the inner shaft. The outer shaft comprises a second spline gear configured to mate with the first spline gear. The PTO also includes a self-lubricating sleeve disposed on the notch of the inner shaft and configured to contact both the inner shaft and the outer shaft. The PTO also includes a seal disposed on the inner shaft between the first spline gear and the notch to resist movement of a lubricating oil from the proximal end of the inner shaft to the notch.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle starting system includes a pinion gear driven by a starter motor, and a drive plate having a set of teeth in constant meshed engagement with the pinion gear. A one-way clutch drivingly interconnects the drive plate and an engine crankshaft and includes an inner race fixed for rotation with the crankshaft, an outer race fixed for rotation with the drive plate, and a plurality of rollers positioned radially therebetween. A cage positions the rollers in circumferentially spaced apart alignment with outer cam surfaces. A split ring is positioned within grooves on each of the inner race and the outer race. The split ring is fitted within one of the grooves at a first clearance and fitted within the other of the grooves at a predetermined second clearance at least ten times the first clearance to isolate the outer race from vibrations of the inner race.

Abstract: A starting system for a hybrid vehicle includes a pinion gear driven by a starter motor and a drive plate having a set of teeth in constant meshed engagement with the pinion gear. A one-way clutch assembly drivingly interconnects the drive plate and an engine crankshaft and includes an inner race fixed for rotation with the crankshaft, an outer race coupled for rotation with the drive plate and a plurality of rollers positioned radially therebetween. The outer race includes a first set of teeth drivingly engaging a second set of teeth on the drive plate and arranged to allow the outer race to rotate about an axis misaligned with an axis of rotation of the drive plate. A spring engages the drive plate and the outer race to urge the first and second sets of teeth into alignment with one another.

Abstract: A semi-liquid metal processing and sensing device comprising a crucible that is at least partially encircled by at least one induction coil. The one or more induction coils can be water cooled. The one or more induction coils can be designed to generate a variable power and/or variable frequency magnetic field which can be modulated to control the cooling of a molten metal charge in the crucible from the liquidus temperature to a selected heat content, resistivity and/or viscosity. The magnetic field can be designed to induce toroidal agitation of the metal charge in the crucible. The semi-liquid condition is sensed and can be actively controlled by the induction power supply via real time or non-real time analysis of electrical feedback signals that are obtained from the induction coil.

Abstract: This invention refers to a pyrometallurgical method for the continuous reduction of oxidized copper through combustion gases in countercurrent to the continuous gravitational flow of liquid copper that disperses through a reactor with a bed covered with ceramic grains.

Abstract: A unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process includes adding a Lewis acid component and an Arrhenius base compound to a molten lead bullion. The Lewis acid component and Arrhenius base compound are added in stoichiometric amounts that preferentially remove lighter amphoteric elements from the molten lead bullion, and promote reactions with amphoteric p-block elements in the lead bullion to form over the lead a slag of Lewis bases, thereby forming a slag layer incorporating the metal salts of the amphoteric p-block elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the recovery of precious metal/s from a precious metal-containing material in an aqueous leach slurry or solution. The process includes the step of contacting the precious metal/s in the leach slurry or solution with a ligand selected from dithiooxamide (rubeanic acid), or a substituted dithiooxamide. The leaching of PGMs, gold and silver from their ores using the ligand of the present invention may take place under aqueous alkaline conditions, avoiding both corrosive acidic conditions and the use of cyanide.

Abstract: A system and method for friction stir processing of a hand-held cutting edge, wherein friction stir processing techniques are used to modify the properties of the hand-held cutting edge to obtain superior edge retention and superior resistance to chipping of the hand-held cutting edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing reversible knives (W) with profiled cross section, in particular for a use in chopping machines for wood chipping, composed in cross section of a proximal support part (2) with at least one fitting means (21, 22) for fastening the knife (W) in a detachable and displacement-proof manner and on both sides on the support part (2) a distal chipping region (5) containing the cutting edges (52) , wherein a preliminary material (1) with large longitudinal extension is subjected to a surface processing (11) and a support profile (2) is formed therefrom by rolling.

Abstract: A one-way wrench includes a head, a wheel, a pawl, a spring-biased detent assembly, a handle, a grip, a shaft and a transmission unit. The wheel includes a rack extending thereon. The pawl is for engagement with the wheel. The spring-biased detent assembly pushes the pawl against the wheel. The handle is connected to the head. The grip is rotationally located on the handle. The shaft is rotationally inserted through the handle and includes a first end fit in the grip and a second end located outside the handle. The transmission unit includes a first gear connected to the second end of the shaft, a second gear engaged with the first gear, a third gear engaged with the second gear, and a fourth gear connected to the third gear on one hand and engaged with the rack of the wheel on the other hand.

Abstract: A hand-held tool includes a shaft, a grip movably sleeved on the shaft, a pivot seat pivotally mounted to a rear end of the shaft, a first positioning set is mounted into a terminal of the shaft relative to the pivot seat, a second positioning set embedded into an interior of the grip, an end-piece mounted onto a rear end of the grip, a tubular element rotatably mounted onto a front end of the grip and a limit set extending through the front end of the grip for limiting a rotating range of the tubular element. The total length and the shape of the hand-held tool is changeable sue to the relation between the grip and the shaft.