Abstract: Semiconductor devices, chromatography devices and integrated circuits for detecting one or more molecules and methods for forming a semiconductor device for detecting one or more molecules are presented. For example, a semiconductor device for detecting one or more molecules includes a channel formed within a semiconductor structure, and at least one detector formed within the semiconductor structure. The at least one detector detects the one or more molecules in the channel. The semiconductor device may optionally comprise one or more additional channels formed within the semiconductor structure. The semiconductor device may, for example, be operative to detect a single molecule.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing analyte is provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of sensor array columns, each sensor array column including a plurality of sensors, each sensor being adapted for sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and output a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter, a heating element for selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns, a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) array including a plurality of VCOs, each VCO adapted to receive an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays and for and generating an output oscillation frequency in accordance with the level of the received output current, and a counter array including a plurality of counters, each counter adapted to receive an output from a corresponding VCO and count a number of oscillations over a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns by a heating element, and receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.

Abstract: A device for directing combustion anomalies of an internal combustion engine, comprising at least one power supply, at least one ion current amplifier, at least one signal filter, at least one ion current signal output, at least one ignition coil actuating electronic system, at least one ignition coil, at least one ion current adapter, and at least one ion current sensor.

Abstract: Liquid leak detection systems, and fuel cell systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems containing the same. The liquid leak detection systems are adapted to detect liquid leaks from the fuel cell and/or fuel processing systems and to respond thereto, such as by interrupting the delivery of liquid reactants, by generating an alert, by transitioning the fuel processing system to a different operating state, and/or by shutting down the fuel processing and/or fuel cell system. The liquid leak detection systems may include a controller and at least one liquid detector, and in some embodiments may include a cover. In some embodiments, the liquid detector includes a signal emitter and a signal detector. In some embodiments, the liquid detector includes at least a pair of spaced-apart conductive members that nominally define an open circuit. In some embodiments, the cover is adapted to repel water and/or includes conductive particulate.

Abstract: A leak detector (1) adapted to detect a leak (40) of a first material by detecting a change in a physical/chemical property of a second material. The leak detector includes a quantum cascade laser (5) and a detector (35).

Abstract: A device for detecting an air leak in a tool comprises a vacuum bag and a leak detection film disposed along an inside face of the vacuum bag. The leak detection film may include oxygen sensitive material configured to change physical appearance at a location of an air leak in the tool. A breather layer may be interposed between the tool and the leak detection film for facilitating air flow therebetween.

Abstract: A shear valve for use in a high performance liquid chromatography system, the shear valve comprising a first shear valve member and a second shear valve member, wherein at least one of the first and second shear valve members is adapted to be moved with respect to the other, one of the first and second shear valve members comprises a plurality of ports, and the other comprises at least one fluid path for fluidly coupling respective ones of the ports in dependency on a relative movement position of the first and second shear valve members with respect to each other, wherein the first shear valve member is at least partially coated with an adhesion-promoting layer and a diamond like carbon layer on the adhesion-promoting layer.

Abstract: A method of determining a leak in a pumping system includes determining a metered flow rate of a fluid through a first channel, determining a measured flow rate within the channel, and identifying an amount of a leak in the pumping system as the difference between the metered flow rate and the measured flow rate.

Abstract: A detection device (10) includes: covers (1-3); an oscillator (4); antennas (9, 11, 12), a testing space (13), and a minute space (14). The testing space (13) and minute space (14) are formed in the covers (1-3). The minute space (14) is open to the testing space (13). The oscillator (4) is disposed in the testing space (13) such that its edge portions are inserted into the minute space (14). The antenna (9) works together with the antenna (12) to apply an electromagnetic field to the oscillator (4). The antenna (11) works together with the antenna (12) to receive a reception signal composed of a vibration signal from the oscillator (4).

Abstract: A clog resistant wing union pressure sensor is provided that includes a transmitter housing and a flange section. The flange section is coupled to the transmitter housing and has a pressure port formed therein that includes an open first end, a closed second end, and an inner surface that defines a bore between the open first end and the closed second end. The closed second end is defined by a pressure sensitive diaphragm and has a diameter. The pressure port has a depth defined between the open first end and the closed second end, the bore is tapered between the open first end and the closed second end, and is further defined by a rounded transition between the inner surface and the closed second end, and the diameter of the closed second end is greater than twice the depth of the pressure port.

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: A fluid testing apparatus for performing fluid flow analysis on a gas turbine engine component having a plurality of fluid cooling circuits each defining one or more openings in the component includes a first sealing insert configured to create a seal at an interface of the first sealing insert to the component to seal off one or more openings of a first fluid cooling circuit of the component and a generic insert separable from the first sealing insert. The first sealing insert is configured as a substantially flat sheet having a shaped perimeter, and the component is clampable to the generic insert to hold the first sealing insert against the component.

Abstract: A meter apparatus is mountable on a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine having an output shaft that rotates at a predetermined idling speed during idling of the engine. When the vehicle satisfies a predetermined stop condition during rotation of the output shaft at the idling speed, the rotation of the output shaft is stopped temporarily. The meter apparatus includes a pointer needle that moves according to a rotation speed of the output shaft to indicate the rotation speed. The amount of movement of the pointer needle with respect to a change in the rotation speed of the output shaft is less when the rotation speed is in a low speed range below the idling speed than when the rotation speed is in a high speed range above the idling speed.

Abstract: Methods for long-term gravimetric monitoring of carbon dioxide stored in a geological formation are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the testing of downhole an injection assembly prior to installation of the injection assembly in the completion string is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised an injection tubing, an injection sub, an injection valve, an injection sub test block, a pressure foot, a pressure foot test block, and means for introducing pressure at a desired level. The injection sub test block, pressure foot, pressure foot test block are interchangeably engageable with the injection sub for testing in a sequence to allow the pre-testing of the connections of components of the injection assembly at the surface of the well.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing system including a housing configured to hold a liquid, a first temperature sensor connected to the housing and configured to output a first signal representing a first temperature measured at the first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor connected to the housing and configured to output a second signal representing a second temperature measured at the second temperature sensor, and a circuit configured to receive the first and second signals as input and to provide an output signal proportional to the time rate of change of the difference between the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: An assembly structure of a liquid level detecting apparatus includes a sliding arm having a junction for electrically contacting a resistor and an arm holder attached to the sliding arm. The sliding arm moves according to a liquid level so that the junction slides on the resistor. The sliding arm includes a sliding portion extending in a direction from a base end portion of the sliding arm to the junction, and a pawl portion extending from the base end portion. The arm holder includes a slit into which the pawl portion is inserted and a face on which the sliding portion is mounted. The face is inclined at an angle with respect to an insertion direction of the pawl portion.

Abstract: A measurement container with any number of graduated scales based upon total volume of application or based upon standardized consumer sized product vessels, with the adaptability to measure large or small amounts. The container will have a pour spout to ease introductions into batches. The measurement container will also include a handle and hand grab, to ease lifting and pouring with both hands.

Abstract: Each of first and second oscillators includes a detector portion and a driver portion. The detector portion includes a stationary detector electrode and a detector weight, which includes a movable detector electrode opposed to the stationary detector electrode. The driver portion includes a driver weight having a movable driver electrode, which oscillates the detector portion, and a stationary driver electrode opposed to the movable driver electrode. The driver weights of the first and second oscillators are directly connected through a driver joint beam. The detector weights of the first and second oscillators are directly connected through a detector joint beam.

Abstract: A MEMS device has a mass supported at least in part by a spring. Among other things, the spring has first and second layers, and first and a second electrodes. The first and second layers are between the first and second electrodes, and the first and second layers, which are oppositely polarized, form a bimorph.

Abstract: A method for accurately calculating the thickness of deposited thin film layers onto a piezoelectric crystal blank in which dissimilar materials can be utilized, enabling determinations for various applications employing exotic materials. Additionally, the specific acoustic impedance (or equivalent z-ratio) of an unknown deposited material can be determined. The exact analytical solution nearly eliminates thickness errors when several layers of different materials are sequentially deposited on the same monitor quartz crystal.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for determining and monitoring the state of a rolling bearing, wherein a first sensor signal is captured in the form of a sound emission signal in a first frequency band in the ultrasonic range during operation of the rolling bearing, a second sensor signal is captured in a second frequency band of lower frequency in the ultrasonic range, a first characteristic value for recently occurred damage is determined from the shape of the first sensor signal, a second characteristic value for recently occurred damage is determined from the shape of the second sensor signal, and the state of the rolling bearing is determined by comparing the first characteristic value to a reference value dependent on the speed of the rolling bearing and dependent on the second characteristic value to at least one second reference value dependent on the speed of the rolling bearing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method which allows simply, easily and accurately evaluating the fastening state of shoulder parts of a threaded joint for use as a joint of pipes or tubes, such as OCTG, during fastening or after fastening. The fastening state evaluation method for a threaded joint 100 of pipes or tubes according to the present invention is characterized in that it transmits ultrasonic surface waves from the internal surface of either one of the pin 1 and the box 2 toward the internal surface of the other one of the pin 1 and the box 2 through the shoulder parts 13, 23 of the pin 1 and the box 2, and on the basis of the transmitted wave intensity or the reflected wave intensity thereof, determines whether or not the fastening state of the threaded joint 100 is satisfactory.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a sample is described. The system may include, for example, a light source and a scanning probe microscope probe. The light source may generate a coherent laser beam that is modulated by a waveform of a lower frequency. The modulated laser beam is absorbed by the sample causing thermally induced expansion and resulting in an excitation of acoustic waves. The probe is locally deployed near the sample and detects, in real time, perturbations in the excited acoustic waves to detect surface and buried structures of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention is related generally to the field of non-destructive materials testing using ultrasonic devices, more particularly, ultrasonic devices in a phased array and includes a wedge for conducting pitch-catch ultrasonic phase array testing of materials wherein the wedge includes a liquid column and is manufactured with specific angles so as to control the angle at which the ultrasonic waves pass into the wedge and then are refracted when passing from the liquid in the liquid column into the material being analyzed, thus providing a wider range of analysis via sweeping the beams from the wedge than was possible with known wedges.

Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic testing system for examining discontinuities in turbine or generator rotor bores formed within turbine or generator rotors of a turbine or generator rotor assembly. The system includes a phased array ultrasonic transducer structured to be coupled to a surface of the rotor bore at a first location in order to emit an ultrasonic beam toward a second location of the rotor bore which is to be examined. The system further includes a control system with a computer and a controller for programming, emitting, and steering the ultrasonic beam via at least one, two-dimensional phased array transducer, thereby precisely and accurately inspecting the area of interest. Computer control of the beam permits the number of inspection locations and the number of different transducer wedges to be reduced providing for an efficient, timely inspection.

Abstract: A liquid/gas interface pressure accumulator and mechanical filter device is especially adapted for use within a propellant utilization monitoring system of a space launch vehicle. The device provides a retrofit solution for overcoming problems associated with liquid entering a pressure sensing lines and pressure noises that collectively harm the ability to accurately measure fuel and oxidizer levels. One device is attached to each fuel and oxidizer tank of the launch vehicle. Each device includes a housing and an internal sensing chamber that is used to accumulate liquid before it can enter a pressure sensing communication line connected to a pressure sensing transducer. The construction of the device also allows filtering of undesirable pressure noises due to vibration, pressure pulsations, and other vibratory events that occur during operation of the space vehicle. The device is also selectively tunable to filter out certain frequencies and frequency ranges/bands.

Abstract: A semiconductor strain sensor having a strain sensor chip composed of a semiconductor substrate having a piezoresistive element as a strain detection section. The semiconductor strain sensor has a stable characteristic for a long period of time and a stable conversion factor of a strain generated in the strain sensor chip corresponding to a strain of an object to be measured, within a strain range of a size to be measured. The strain sensor chip is bonded to a metal base plate with a metal bonding material. The metal base plate has two or four extending members, which protrude from a side of the strain sensor chip for attaching the strain senor chip to the object to be measured. Preferably, a groove is arranged between a metal base plate undersurface area, which corresponds to the bonding area where the strain sensor chip is bonded to the metal base plate, and the undersurfaces of the extending members, and a protruding section sandwiched by the grooves is arranged on the undersurface of the metal base plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for measuring torsion moment per a single-pole cylindrical foundation, including: a force-applying means that applies horizontal force to structures protruding from the ground; a tension means that is connected with the force-applying means to apply tensile force to the structures; a measuring unit that is disposed inside the structures to measure strain per depth and portion due to force applied from the force-applying means and the tension means; and a controller that analyzes moment per depth of the structures from horizontal force measured by the measuring unit.

Abstract: An acoustic displacement flowmeter for determining flow rate of a fluid has a fluid flow line defining a flow path for the fluid. The fluid flow line has an inlet and an outlet. A controllable valve is positioned along the fluid flow line for opening and closing the flow path as desired, and an acoustic displacement transducer having a fluid port is coupled to the fluid flow line upstream from the controllable valve. The outlet of the fluid flow line extends through a wall isolating fluid exhausted from the outlet of the fluid flow line from electrical and/or mechanical components residing inside the flowmeter, thereby preventing the exhausted fluid, if explosive, from contacting such electrical and/or mechanical components which may act as potential ignition sources. Preferably, a manifold having a rigid body is provided in which the fluid flow line is formed.

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: An apparatus for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe includes an ultrasonic flowmeter having a plurality of transducers. The apparatus includes a flow element having a completely smooth bore through which the fluid flows, and a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities has one of the plurality of transducers disposed in it and which is in communication with the fluid flowing through the bore. An apparatus for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe includes an ultrasonic flowmeter having a plurality of transducers. The apparatus includes a flow element having a bore with an internal diameter and a surface through which fluid flows, a plurality of cavities each of which has an opening in the surface. Each of the cavities has one of the plurality of transducers disposed in it.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use with a fluid transport system is provided. The sensor assembly includes at least two sensors that are configured to measure a rate of flow of a fluid channeled through a pipeline of the fluid transport system. Moreover, the sensor assembly includes an annular collar that is coupled to the two sensors. The collar includes at least a first opening and at least a second opening defined therein. The first opening and the second opening are each sized to receive the two sensors therein such that the two sensors are substantially coaxially aligned with each other. A first sensor of the two sensors is positioned downstream from a second sensor of the two sensors.

Abstract: Sensors for outputting signals indicative of a rate of change of torque experienced by a magnetized member in response to a change in torque experienced by the member are described. Such sensors include at least one sense element capable of detecting a change in a magnetic parameter of a magnetized region of the member positioned proximate to the sense element in response to a change in torque applied to the member. Devices for detecting and/or measuring rates of changes in or of torque that employ one or more of these sensors are also described, as are various applications for such devices.

Abstract: A load cell in accordance with the present invention comprises an insert defining a hub having a central opening dimensioned to receive a shaft. The insert is removably fixed to the shaft, and a cylindrical sleeve is configured and dimensioned to surround the insert. The sleeve is machined with interior notches. The insert is suspended and rotatably fixed within the sleeve by flanges which are integral with and project from the insert's hub into the sleeve's interior notches. The flanges are configured to respond with deformation to forces applied to the shaft, and strain gauges bonded to the flanges exhibit changes in resistance according to the degree of flange deformation.

Abstract: A sample introduction system provides mixing of a sample and a diluent within the container via gas injection. In one or more implementations, the sample introduction system causes a probe of an autosampler to be inserted into a container containing a sample and a diluent so that an end of the probe is submerged beneath a surface of the diluent and the sample. Gas is then injected through the probe to mix the sample and the diluent within the container. An aliquot of the mixed sample and diluent is then withdrawn through the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for simulatively measuring an environment in a microspace between human skin and a wound dressing. The simulative environment-measuring apparatus includes a constant temperature-and-humidity chamber (14); a heat exchanger (12) disposed in the chamber; a constant temperature water bath (10) and a pump (11) for supplying warm water to the heat exchanger; and a container (1) set on the heat exchanger. The container holds a water retentive member (2) therein, and is covered with a water vapor diffusion-controlling member (4). A microspace (6) formed between the water vapor diffusion-controlling member and a wound dressing (5) is a simulatively reproduced space between human skin and the wound dressing. A thin temperature-and-humidity sensor (7) is set in the microspace to measure temperature and humidity. When plural containers are used, the environments of plural wound dressings can be measured at once.

Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission comprises a locking mechanism selectively preventing an at least one shift drum disposed on a shift drum shaft from rotating. The locking mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the locking mechanism prevents the at least one shift drum from rotating in the first direction to engage a first locked position. When in the second position, the locking mechanism prevents the at least one shift drum from rotating in the second direction to engage a second locked position. The second locked position is sequentially before the first locked position in the first direction.

Abstract: A shift mode system and method of operating includes a switch assembly that selectively and alternately connects a shift selector to one of the steering column and the steering wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch assembly has a first locking member to connect the shift selector to the steering column, and a second locking member for connecting the shift selector to the steering wheel. A lever has first and second operative positions to selectively engage the first and second locking members or pins from the shifter into operative engagement with one of first and second cable reels, respectively.

Abstract: A telescope lock mechanism for a steering column includes a plurality of strap teeth located at an upper jacket of the steering column, each strap tooth of the plurality of strap teeth having a strap tooth peak. A plurality of lock teeth are located at a lower jacket of the steering column. The plurality of locking teeth are rotatably secured at the lower jacket, such that when the plurality of locking teeth are rotated into an engaged position with the plurality of strap teeth, a plurality of lock teeth peaks are substantially non-parallel to the strap tooth peaks of the plurality of strap teeth.

Abstract: An electronic organ type accelerator pedal apparatus, may include a pedal housing having a pedal arm receiving space therein and a carrier fitting hole, a pedal pivotally hinged to a hinged portion of the pedal housing, a pedal arm pivotally mounted to an inner surface of the pedal housing, wherein one end portion of the pedal arm is elastically biased by an elastic member and the other end portion of which is pivotally coupled to the pedal through the carrier fitting hole to transfer an activating force of the pedal to the other end portion of the pedal arm, and a damping stopper fixed to the inner surface of the pedal housing in the pedal arm receiving space and selectively engaged with the other end portion of the pedal arm to limit a rotation of the pedal arm when the pedal arm is rotated by the elastic member.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a handlebar assembly for a bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a handlebar assembly comprising a hollow body in which are routed control cables needed for breaking and gear shifting.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm has a body member and a cover member that at least partially overlies a peripheral surface of the body member. The body member includes a crank axle attachment portion that has a crank axle receiving opening. A slit extends from the peripheral surface of the body member to the crank axle receiving opening. A fastener bore extends transversely through the slit for adjusting the crank axle receiving opening in size. The peripheral surface of the body member has abutments located on opposite sides of the slit. The abutments are arranged relative to the slit such that the abutments move closer together as the crank axle attachment portion is squeezed to decrease the crank axle receiving opening in size. The cover member contacts the abutments and moves with the abutments as the crank axle attachment portion is squeezed to decrease the crank axle receiving opening in size.

Abstract: A vehicle drive including a transmission-engine arrangement with two drive units that are operatable independently of each other and include drive shafts arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and with two transmission units, a respective one of the drive units forming a partial drive train with one of the transmission units, and a respective clutch device being arranged between the drive units and the transmission units within the partial drive trains. The clutch devices of the two partial drive trains are arranged to be offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be capable of being arranged with an overlap as viewed in the transversal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotator drive connection for a gas turbine engine accessory box has a shaft connected to be driven by a main shaft in a gas turbine engine through a gear train. A first drive connection allows selective drive of the shaft. A biased drive member includes a second drive connection selectively brought into contact with the first drive connection to allow rotation of the main shaft. The biased drive member biases the second drive connection out of contact with the first drive connection. A gas turbine engine accessory box and a method of borescopic inspection are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The shank (12) of a disposable rotary cutting tool (10) comprises a pipe section (16) cut from a drawn metal pipe. The tool head (14) is formed from a cut-out (18a, 18b) of a drawn metal sheet or a section of a metal tube by non-cutting machining. The pipe section (16) and the tool head (14) are advantageously attached by force fitting.

Abstract: A pill bottle opener including a base, a utility ring, and a cap. The utility ring includes two tabs positioned in its inner portion. The cap has a hollow, cylindrical body open on one end and has a dome-shaped top on its other end. The utility ring and cap may be interlocked by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A cut and strip machine (1) for producing cable-sections by processing a passing cable, especially coaxial or optical cable (2). Cable-sections are cut off from the cable, and on both ends of each cable-section at least one insulating layer can be notched/cut and stripped off. The machine comprises at least one cable feeding device (3, 4), and a cable processing unit, preferably cutting unit (6) arranged adjustably transverse to a cable axis, as well as a first cable guiding unit arranged—in a feeding direction (5) of the cable (2)—in front of said cable processing unit (6). A second cable guiding unit is arranged behind said cable processing unit (6). These first and second cable guiding units may be formed as fixed, non-rotating first and second cable centering units (7, 8). These are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the cable processing unit (6), and are suitable for centering, preferably straight-line centering, of the cable (2) on both its sides.