Abstract: A process for adjusting a device including a first piece and at least one second piece, wherein the at least one second piece is fixed to the first piece by a joint made from a first material arranged between the first and second piece. The first material is an at least partially amorphous metal alloy. The process further includes: heating at least the joint to a heating temperature in a range of between a glass transition temperature and a crystallisation temperature of the first material; modifying a position of the at least one second piece until a desired determined position is obtained; cooling at least the joint so that it retains its at least partially amorphous state.

Abstract: A three-dimensional guide for a wire for forming a pedicle screw insertion hole is produced based on a CT image of a spine, and includes a contact surface section that comes in surface contact with a morphological surface of a bone at an insertion site, and a guide block section that is provided upright from the contact surface section. The guide block section has a guide hole that restricts the insertion direction of the wire. The guide hole has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the wire. The guide hole has a length of 15 to 30 mm to restrict the insertion position and the insertion direction of the wire.

Abstract: A method for measuring a concentration of at least one gas component in a measurement gas, wherein light of a light source is guided along a light path through a measuring volume containing the measuring gas to a detector unit, and the concentration of the gas component is determined from the wavelength-dependent absorption of the light detected there. The light path is guided outside of the measuring volume through a substitute gas held in a closed volume. A substitute gas comprising a substitute gas component in a predetermined concentration is used, and the concentration of the substitute gas component is monitored based on the detected wavelength-dependent absorption, and if the decrease in the concentration exceeds a predetermined degree, then an error message is generated.

Abstract: A method of operating a process a combustion analyzer having a measurement cell is provided. The method includes exposing the measurement cell to exhaust of a combustion process where fuel and oxygen are combined in a burner to produce a flame. The measurement cell is heated to a temperature above a flashpoint of the fuel. When a condition is detected, such as a fault or abnormal situation, gas is directed to the measurement cell to form a gaseous barrier between the measurement cell and unburned fuel while the detected condition exists.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reliably detect clogging in a cover even during a period corresponding to a dead zone of a detection apparatus. A PM sensor includes an element section, an element temperature detection section, a heater, and an element cover. An ECU detects clogging in the element cover based on a difference between an element temperature and an exhaust temperature when the exhaust temperature rises. Furthermore, the ECU detects clogging in the element cover based on temperature rising characteristics of the element section observed when the element section is heated by the heater. Thus, even during the period corresponding to the dead zone of the PM sensor, clogging in the element cover can be reliably detected, thus improving the reliability of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a flow meter is provided. The method initiates with identifying a calibration fluid for a processing fluid. The calibration fluid has physical properties in common with the processing fluid with the exception of an outgassing characteristic. The method includes adding the calibration fluid to a vessel, where the vessel is in fluid communication with the flow meter and a withdrawal unit. The vessel is pressurized and the calibration fluid is withdrawn from the vessel through the flow meter and into the withdrawal unit, where the withdrawing performed by the withdrawal unit. A withdrawal volume per unit time measured by the flow meter is compared to a withdrawal volume per unit time controlled and set through the withdrawal unit.

Abstract: A flow sensor with h no moving parts and which is suitable for miniaturization into a probe for fluid measurements in remote, hostile environments. It comprises an isolation torque tube to isolate a high pressure media from an instrument environment. and a highly sensitive disc torque sensor to measure the values of torque generated by flow across a static impeller. A proportionalized electric property signal is transmitted to a value reading station.

Abstract: A sensor unit for attachment to a container such as a bag or other vessel used to retain material includes a clamping mechanism for attaching the sensor unit to the container. The clamping mechanism may be configured to break or provide an indication that the connection between the sensor and container has broken that is visually detectable before a leak of material occurs or is detectable by a person visually monitoring the container or sensor. Such an indication can also indicate that the sensor was previously used and should not be used again for single use applications. Such a visual indicator is separate and different from seeing an actual leak and permits an event that may desterilize material within the container or lead to other problems to be corrected prior to use of a single use reaction system.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to measure gaseous hydrogen concentrations in a mechanical vacuum pump (MVP) gas stream includes connection ports adapted to allow the apparatus to be connected to an MVP system and allow a gas stream sample to be taken from the MVP gas stream. The apparatus further includes a hydrogen concentration analyzer to measure H2 concentrations of the gas stream sample taken from the MVP gas stream.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting at least one electrical component to a portion of an aftertreatment module, the arrangement including; at least one standoff member coupled between the electrical component and the portion of the aftertreatment module, and an enclosure substantially surrounding at least three sides of the electrical component.

Abstract: A particulate matter (PM) sensor unit may include an exhaust line where exhaust gas passes, and a PM sensor that may be disposed at one side of the exhaust line and that generates a signal when particulate matter included in the exhaust gas passes the vicinity thereof, wherein the PM sensor may be an electrostatic induction type that generates an induction charge while the particulate matter having an electric charge passes the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: A method and a system for estimation of a soot load in a particle filter in an exhaust cleaning system, which estimation involves using a pressure drop across said particle filter in order to determine the soot load. Measurement of the pressure drop across the particle filter and therefore the estimation have to take place at a time when an exhaust mass flow of the exhaust cleaning system exceeds a flow threshold value, the particle filter is substantially free from water and a temperature of the particle filter exceeds a first threshold value. The result is a robust estimate of the soot load in the particle filter.

Abstract: A system and method for taking a sample of hydrogen gas and conditioning that sample so that extremely low levels of contamination can be more accurately detected. Initially a sample of hydrogen gas is captured and isolated in a collection chamber. A hydrogen permeable membrane is provided having a first side and a second side. The first side of the hydrogen permeable membrane is exposed to the gas sample held within the collection chamber. The hydrogen gas contained within the gas sample begins to permeate through the hydrogen permeable membrane and exit the collection chamber. This causes the pressure of the gas sample within the collection chamber to decrease. Since contaminants remain in the collection chamber, the concentration of contaminants within the remaining sample increases exponentially. The residual pressure within the collection chamber is measured and converted into a contaminant level reading.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pollution measurement apparatus which measures a pollutant concentration and a pollutant component in gas, and more particularly a pollution measurement apparatus for easily exchanging a sensor, which can facilely exchange only desired sensors when it is required to exchange part of multiple sensors for sensing pollution.

Abstract: A method for leak-testing a fuel supply system has been provided, wherein the fuel supply system comprises a fuel tank, a fuel injection valve, fuel lines between the fuel tank and the fuel valve, and a control valve controlled by a diaphragm, and wherein the diaphragm bounds a control chamber on one side, the method comprising: acting upon the portion of the fuel supply system upstream of the control valve with a predetermined pressure level, acting upon the side of the diaphragm facing away from the control chamber with a counterforce, wherein the counterforce is equal or greater to the predetermined pressure level. A device for leak-testing a fuel system according to the above method, wherein the device comprises a test pressure unit with at least one test pressure line, wherein said test pressure line is connectable to the fuel supply system.

Abstract: A leak detection sensor includes a transducer, the transducer including a base, a piezoelectric layer, and a conductive layer and at least two leads connected to the transducer. A method of making a leak detection sensor includes obtaining a transducer, the transducer including a base, a piezoelectric layer, and a conductive layer; and effecting a mounting hole such that the mounting hole is defined in the transducer. A jig includes a support and a punch.

Abstract: In some variations, this disclosure provides a method of verifying the presence of an admixture in association with a solid base material, by combining the admixture with a stable inorganic tracer. A sample of the solid base material may be analyzed, using suitable analytical techniques, to detect the presence of the inorganic tracer in excess of any native inorganic tracer. When the inorganic tracer is positively detected, it is confirmed that the traceable admixture has been properly dosed within the base material. The inorganic tracer may comprise a rare earth metal, such as selenium, molybdenum, bismuth, and combinations, alloys, or oxides thereof, for example. The solid base material may be a cementitious material, in some embodiments. The traceable admixture may be a water-repellent admixture, in some embodiments. The principles of the invention, however, are widely applicable.

Abstract: To provide a column packing, a separation column, an analysis device, and an analysis method to reduce the analysis time without deteriorating the separation of multi-component amino acids. Disclosed are a column packing comprising a core portion made of a styrene-di-vinylbenzene copolymer having a cross-linkage degree of 50% or more and a shell portion made of a styrene-di-vinylbenzene copolymer having a cross-linkage degree of 20% or less; a separation column using the column packing; and a high-speed liquid chromatography analysis device and a analysis method using the separation column.

Abstract: In the dihedral sensor system, two flat plates are secured to a dihedron so that the distance (L) between the edge and the meniscus and the spacing between the plates (a) on the meniscus will be a function of the dihedron tangent (?). Thus, for pure water the tension (?) is equal to the potential (T) and given by T=?2?/[L tg(?)], wherein ? is the water surface tension. In order to measure water tension in the soil, the system is coupled to porous elements, while the sensor edge is pressed directly against roots and other plant organs. Water potential, instead, is measured with the edge positioned at a few micrometers from the sample and the response takes place after the exchange of a few picoliters of water, when the condition of balance of temperature and water vapor is approached. Visually, with a sliding gauge, one measures water tensions between zero and 0.3 MPa, while with the aid of a microscope the reading extends up to 3.0 MPa. The water activity corresponding to water potentials lower than ?3.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation diagnosis device may include an EGR module that supplies an intake manifold with exhaust gas from an exhaust manifold, a MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor that measures pressure of the intake manifold, and a control portion that controls the EGR module such that the flow rate of the exhaust gas that is supplied from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold is controlled by stages and monitors the value of the MAP sensor in a fuel cut off condition to diagnose whether the EGR module is faulty. The exhaust gas recirculation diagnosis device uses MAP sensor to perform exhaust gas recirculation and to diagnose the fault of the exhaust gas recirculation device.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring exhaust gas recirculation are provided that measures a state of an engine, judges an applied system between a high-pressure EGR system and a low-pressure EGR system according to the measured state of the engine, and judges whether a system is erroneous by measuring the position of an EGR valve of an unapplied EGR system and comparing the position with a predetermined reference position.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing a multi-mode valve train device which selectively provides high lift and low lift to a combustion valve of an internal combustion engine having a camshaft phaser actuated by an electric motor. The method includes applying a variable electric current to the electric motor to achieve a desired camshaft phaser operational mode and commanding the multi-mode valve train device to a desired valve train device operational mode selected from a high lift mode and a low lift mode. The method also includes monitoring the variable electric current and calculating a first characteristic of the parameter. The method also includes comparing the calculated first characteristic against a predetermined value of the first characteristic measured when the multi-mode valve train device is known to be in the desired valve train device operational mode.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that comprises severing an I/O channel between a brake system controller and an aircraft component; sending a test signal to the brake system controller; receiving, from the brake system controller, a feedback signal to the test signal; and determining an appropriateness of the feedback signal. A system is disclosed that comprises a brake system controller wrapped in a BITE region, wherein the BITE region comprises a testing module, a safety interlock region having an I/O channel between the brake system controller and another system, and a testing module capable of sending a test signal to the brake system controller.

Abstract: An improved hand-held tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) tool for communicating and transferring data between the tool and an onboard vehicle TPMS. The improved tool includes absolute air pressure and temperature compensation components and processes which improve the accuracy of service on a vehicle tire equipped with TPMS sensors and diagnosing TPMS error codes generated by the vehicle TPMS.

Abstract: Position detection apparatuses of TPMS sensors and a method thereof are provided. One aspect of the invention provides a position detection apparatus for tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors mounted on each wheel of a vehicle. The apparatus includes: a receiver programmed to receive TPMS signals from each TPMS sensor; and a controller programmed to (i) sequentially arrest rotation of each wheel of the vehicle and (ii) detect a position of each TPMS sensor by associating a TPMS signal that is not received at the time of arresting a specific wheel with a position of the specific wheel that is arrested at that time.

Abstract: A probe for measuring a local angle of attack designed to be fixed to a wall and a method implementing the probe are provided. The probe comprises at least three pressure sampling ports disposed over a nose of the probe body, pressure measurement means associated with the pressure sampling ports and calculation means capable of determining an angle of attack of the flow with respect to the main direction of the probe body as a function of the pressures measured by the pressure measurement means. The calculation means are configured for choosing from amongst the pressure sampling ports those allowing the best measurement precision of the local angle of attack to be obtained and for calculating the local angle of attack with respect to the main direction using the pressure measurements carried out in the chosen pressure sampling ports.

Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.

Abstract: A downhole sensor to detect characteristics in a borehole comprises at least one sensing unit to sense a characteristic in the borehole and a metallic layer covering at least a portion of the sensing unit exposed to an interior of the borehole.

Abstract: In a method for detecting rain on a windshield, whose degree of wetting is determined with at least one sensor value, it is provided that the sensor value is determined piezoelectrically, wherein vibrations on the windshield are detected, which change depending on the degree of wetting or raindrops hitting the windshield. As a result, the entire windshield serves as a detection surface, thereby yielding a high accuracy.

Abstract: Measuring flow rate of gas based on amount of heat transfer from gas to temperature-sensing resistors, comprises: substrate having hollow space formed therethrough; an insulating film deposited on the substrate so as to cover the hollow space; a heat-generating resistor formed on the insulating film; temperature-sensing resistors arranged adjacent to the heat-generating resistor; electrodes arranged at an edge of the semiconductor substrate so electrodes are parallel to the edge; and wiring connecting the electrodes and heat-generating resistors. Thermal resistance of a first area is made almost equal to thermal resistance of a second area, first area is defined by the side of the heat-generating resistor closer to the electrodes and by the side of the hollow space closer to the electrodes, and the second area is defined by the opposite side of the heat-generating resistor and by the opposite side of the hollow space.

Abstract: A liquid level determination system comprises pressure determination components that include an interference dampener to mitigate interference originating from a bubbler air compressor. The system may include a pressure pipe with a pressure sensing pipe end located adjacent to the pressure determination components and a bubbler pipe end locatable at least partially in a wet well. The wet well may include a pump that has a volute. The pressure pipe may further comprise layered pipe sections, and the position of the bubbler pipe end may be calculated so that it is not lower than a level substantially equivalent to a center line through the volute. The bubbler air compressor may provide air pressure to the pressure pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel technique for canceling substantially the effects of dispersion when two speed of sound (SOS) measurements are required on the materials within a pipe to perform a calculation or derive certain characteristics about the materials flowing in the pipe. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus may comprise a signal processor configured to receive signals containing information about two speed of sound measurements having two sets of data related to materials within a pipe; and process the two sets of data simultaneously and determine a ridge point by point difference in order to cancel substantially effects of dispersion.

Abstract: A method for determining the density of cement slurry in undersea drilling is disclosed. The method uses the reflection of acoustic waves from the slurry in order to determine its acoustic impedance and thus its density.

Abstract: A sensor module and method for producing the sensor module including a chip carrier and a sensor chip disposed thereon. The sensor module includes at least one partial cover having a recess on a second face of the chip carrier, such that heat from the chip carrier and/or the sensor chip can be dissipated to the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas sensor housing (1), comprising: a gas sensor (3) held by a housing body (11) below a primary gas permeable membrane (2); at least one connector element (10) moulded into the housing body (11) such that the respective ends thereof enable connectivity to the gas sensor (3) such that signals may be carried from the gas sensor (3) to the connector element (10); a sensor envelope (9) providing an enclosure for the housing body (11); means for retaining the primary gas permeable membrane (2) in place above the gas sensor (3); a spacer section (7) providing a separation distance (X) between the gas sensor (3) and the primary gas permeable membrane (2).

Abstract: A method of balancing tires on a wheel for passenger vehicles, trucks, and the like includes positioning one or more balancing weights in a groove in the tire tread. A novel weight that locks within the groove is also described.

Abstract: A speed sensor target includes a target body, the target body defining a central cavity disposed to receive a shaft of a motor, the target body includes a cylindrical outer surface having a plurality of asymmetrically spaced grooves arranged thereon, and the target body is formed of a magnetic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dimensions of a micro-scale object includes a movable stylus, a probe and at least one acoustic emissions sensor. The movable stylus is positionable to contact an object to be measured. The probe is rotatably coupled to the stylus and has a distal end that circumscribes a circle when rotated. The acoustic emissions sensor is operatively coupled to the probe. The sensor is operative to detect acoustic emissions generated from contact between the distal end of the probe and the object, thereby allowing dimensions of the object to be determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating and/or quantifying damage to wire strands of a wire caused during installation of a crimped wire connector, involves launching an ultrasonic wave having known characteristics into a wire at a location that is either the crimp or is adjacent the crimped wire connector, and detecting changes in the characteristics (e.g., amplitude and/or phase shift) of the wave as it is propagates along a length of the wire.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of a robotic inspection system that uses a pair of multi-axis robotic devices to perform an ultrasonic scan of a part. Each of the multi-axis robotic devices can comprise an end effector that can transmit and/or receive an ultrasonic signal to perform the ultrasonic scan. In one embodiment, the robotic inspection system includes a linear slide assembly that can translate the multi-axis robotic devices independently from one another on either side of the part.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive phased array transducer for transducing shear horizontal bulkwaves including a plurality of magnetostrictive members each having a bottom surface of a plate-shaped structure made of a ferromagnetic material, which is mounted to be adhered closely to the surface of a mounting place; an insulator disposed on a side surface of each magnetostrictive member; a meander coil having a plurality of coil lines extended in the direction parallel with the bottom surface on each insulator, wherein adjacent coil lines are connected so that current flows in the opposite directions to each other, thereby generating a dynamic magnetic field with respect to each magnetostrictive member; and a magnet mounted to generate a static magnetic field perpendicular to the dynamic magnetic field. When the current is supplied to the meander coil, a plurality of magnetostrictive members generate a plurality of shear horizontal bulkwaves while being deformed by the magnetostriction effect.

Abstract: The present application provides a fiber optic sensor system. The fiber optic sensor system may include a small diameter bellows, a large diameter bellows, and a fiber optic pressure sensor attached to the small diameter bellows. Contraction of the large diameter bellows under an applied pressure may cause the small diameter bellows to expand such that the fiber optic pressure sensor may measure the applied pressure.

Abstract: A fluid pressure measurement sensor (11) comprises a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) chip (23). The MEMS chip (23) comprises two lateral walls (56), a sensitive membrane (49) connected to said lateral walls (56) and sealed cavity (9). The exterior surfaces of the lateral walls (56) and the sensitive membrane (49) are exposed to the fluid pressure. The lateral walls (56) are designed to subject the sensitive membrane (49) to a compression stress transmitted by the opposite lateral walls (56) where said lateral walls (56) are connected to the sensitive membrane (49) such that the sensitive membrane (49) works in compression only. The MEMS chip (23) also comprises a stress detection circuit (31) to measure the compression state of the sensitive membrane (49) which is proportional to the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A gage/differential pressure transducer assembly having enhanced output capabilities, comprising a first pressure port adapted to communicate a first pressure to a first sensor, the first sensor comprising a first Wheatstone bridge adapted to output a first signal indicative of the first pressure, wherein the first pressure is a main pressure; and a second pressure port adapted to communicate a second pressure to a second sensor, the second sensor comprising a second Wheatstone bridge adapted to output a second signal indicative of the second pressure, wherein the second pressure is a reference pressure; and an output port connected to the first Wheatstone bridge and the second Wheatstone bridge for outputting a third signal representative of the difference between the first and second pressures.

Abstract: A testing apparatus includes a securing member, a first clipping panel, a second clipping panel, two mounting members, and a sliding member. The securing member includes a screw pole. The first clipping panel is secured to the screw pole. The second clipping panel is moveably attached to the screw pole, and the first clipping panel and the second clipping panel are attached to opposite side plates of an electronic device. The two mounting members are attached to the screw pole and located on opposite sides of the second clipping panel, for preventing the second clipping panel from disengaging from the electronic device. The sliding member is slidably attached to the screw pole and located between the first clipping panel and the second clipping panel, for moving the electronic device.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for reference is provided inside a housing in such a state that preload is imposed thereon. A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for detection is also provided inside the housing in such a state that preload is imposed thereon and an external load acts thereon. A load detecting circuit applies voltage to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubbers to determine the external load based on a difference between a detected value corresponding to electric current flowing through the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for reference and a detected value corresponding to electric current flowing through the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for detection.

Abstract: Methods for sensing a mechanical stress and methods of making stress sensor integrated circuits. The sensing methods include transferring the mechanical stress from the object to one or more nanowires in a stress sensor or stress sensor circuit and permitting the nanowires to change in length in response to the mechanical stress. An electrical characteristic of the stress sensor or stress sensor circuit, which has a variation correlated with changes in the magnitude of the mechanical stress, is measured and then assessed to determine the stress magnitude. The manufacture methods include electrically connecting nanowire field effect transistors having, as channel regions, one or more nanowires of either a different crystalline orientation or a different body width for the individual nanowires so that an offset output voltage results when mechanical strain is applied to the nanowires.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a system for applying a displacement, strain, stress or load to a test specimen. The system includes an interface manufactured from a deformable material which is connected to an actuator and to the test specimen. Application of a displacement by the actuator causes the test specimen to displace in multiple directions.

Abstract: A test fixture for applying a prescribed displacement to a material includes a first and a second portion, a first and second adjustable pin, and an actuator. The first portion includes a first pin that engages the material at a first location on the material. A second pin engages the material at a second location on the material. A third pin engages the material at a third location on the material. The first adjustable pin holds the material against the second pin at the second location. The second adjustable pin holds the material against the third pin at the third location. The actuator is adapted to configure a relative position between the first pin and the second and third pins.

Abstract: A testing apparatus includes a retaining panel, a screw pole, two securing panels moveably attached to the screw pole, and two mounting members. Each of the two securing panels is slidably attached to the retaining panel. Each of the two mounting member is engaged with each of the two securing panels. The two securing panels are moveable relative to the screw pole for sandwiching an electronic device, and each of the two mounting member is engaged with the screw pole, for prevent the two securing panels from disengaged from the electronic device.