Abstract: The present invention discloses a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System, MEMS) device with a deformation protection structure. The MEMS device is located on a substrate, and it includes: a movable part; and a deformation protection structure, which has: a fixed plug, which is fixed on the substrate; multiple metal layers, including a top metal layer; and multiple plugs connecting the multiple metal layers. From top view, the top metal layer overlaps a portion of the movable part, and from cross section view, the bottom surface of the top metal layer is higher than the top surface of the movable part by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for non-destructive in-line pipeline inspection utilizing electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) technology wherein the EMATs are arrayed circumferentially in a belt around the body of the tool and wherein the EMAT belt includes a plurality of EMAT clusters, each cluster including a transmitting EMAT essentially sandwiched between a pair of receiving EMATs. The EMAT arrangement enables a single receiving EMAT to monitor both the test signal and the returning reflection from the pipewall defect thus providing each signal with its own internal reference. The number of transducers and their positional relationship limits the generation of interference signals, is conservative in power consumption, and provides a tool having enhanced negotiability through the pipeline.

Abstract: The metallization system of complex semiconductor devices may be evaluated in terms of mechanical integrity on the basis of a measurement system and measurement procedures in which individual contact elements, such as metal pillars or solder bumps, are mechanically stimulated, while the response of the metallization system, for instance in the form of directly measured forces, is determined in order to quantitatively evaluate mechanical status of the metallization system. In this manner, the complex material systems and the mutual interactions thereof may be efficiently assessed.

Abstract: A measuring probe is provided for measuring and taking samples in a metal melt. The probe has a measuring head arranged on a lance, wherein the measuring head carries at least a temperature sensor and a sampling chamber, and wherein the sampling chamber is surrounded, at least partially, by the measuring head and includes an intake duct that extends through the measuring head. The intake duct includes an inner section, which extends in the measuring head and has a length L and a minimum diameter D at least at one site in the inner section. The ratio L/D2 is less than 0.6 mm?1.

Abstract: A pressure transducer arrangement and method of operation is provided. The pressure transducer and methods of operation reduce error in determining an offset value by eliminating error relating to fluid flow through the transducer arrangement when the offset value is determined. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus and method includes a lockout valve that prevents fluid flow between first and second fluid pressure sources when the offset value is determined.

Abstract: A device for measuring fluid pressure, includes at least one flexible layer having a first surface adapted for fixing the layer to a structure, and having a second surface having at least one recess; at least one pressure sensor, provided in the at least one recess; and at least two wires connected to the at least one pressure sensor for connecting the at least one pressure sensor to a signal receiving unit. Further, a method for measuring fluid pressure is provided.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter includes a sensor assembly having a hollow body housing a pressure sensor. The pressure transmitter also includes a support body which is made of a first material, and an interface body which is connected to the support body and which is made of a second material different from the first material. A first isolation diaphragm is fixed onto the interface body and is made of the same material of the interface body. The first isolation diaphragm is in fluid communication with the pressure sensor and is configured for interfacing with a process fluid.

Abstract: A quasi-static bend sensor is taught that comprises a layering of a plurality of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) sections with intervening dielectric sections in a vertical stack configuration. The IPMC sections are electrically connected in parallel. The surface of the stack is coated with high-purity synthetic isoparaffins for polymer hydration to increase step response consistency. Finally, the vertical stack configuration is electrically connected to an electric field measurement device and a linear quadratic regulator based controller for reducing settling time.

Abstract: There are provided a temperature compensation method for a force sensor and the force sensor which can perform temperature compensation in not only the steady range where the output by the force sensor is stable but also the transient range where the output is unstable.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a pressure sensing/force generating device comprising a non-planar substrate, a printed pressure sensitive element comprising (a) a piezoelectric material containing ink composition capable of producing a piezoelectric effect/piezoresistive effect and/or (b) a dielectric material containing ink composition capable of producing a capacitive effect. It also includes a first printed electrode comprising a conductive ink composition, and a second printed electrode comprising a conductive ink composition. The first and second electrodes are in electrical contact with the printed pressure sensitive element. The first and second printed electrodes and the printed pressure sensitive element collectively form a pressure sensitive junction, which is coupled to the non-planar substrate. The present invention further relates to medical devices comprising the pressure sensing/force generating device and methods of making such devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for fatigue or mechanical friction damping measurement testing a specimen the apparatus including a body having opposing arms defining between them a space for receiving the specimen, one of the opposing arms having a fixture for securing the specimen, another of the opposing arms having a further fixture for securing the specimen, the fixture and the further fixture being adjustable to increase or decrease the relative distance therebetween, wherein the body includes an assigned vibration location to which excitation signals are applied during testing.

Abstract: A method for indicating fatigue damage rate of a hardened metal object in relation to load cycles, N, exerted on the hardened metal object, wherein the hardened metal object presents a temperature essentially corresponding to the operating conditions of the hardened metal object is disclosed. It comprises calculating the fatigue rate based on an effective activation energy parameter for the dislocation climb process, Q, shear stress amplitude, T, the absolute local temperature of the hardened metal object, T, and load frequency, f. Methods for indicating fatigue and predicting life of a metal object are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for three-dimensional crack propagation, morphology, and initiation suited to directed surfaces, or stacks of directed surfaces. An external damage measure and failure criteria can be incorporated, as well as a rule-based crack direction and morphology capability. This method is ideal for laminated composites. Further, the use of external damage and failure, and rule-based crack propagation, this method is ideal for multi-scale modeling and use in applications where knowledge and rules are necessary or desirable for guiding, driving, or influencing failure modes, directions, or other situations that are not directly incorporated into the governing mechanical equations.

Abstract: A method of predicting sheet formability at a microscale level includes the steps of providing a grid pattern on a test sheet, bulging the test sheet to a hemispherical shape until a crack is initiated on the surface of the test sheet, detecting the initiation of the crack, acquiring two images of the surface adjacent to the crack and calculating surface strains on the test sheet.

Abstract: A system for detection of stress and deformation in a structural asset, for instance, one of reinforced concrete. An area on the asset may have a structure interface, such as a patch, attached to it with a fastening mechanism which may be a layer of an epoxy or other material, or be items such as screws, bolts, welds, or the like. One or more surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensors may be attached to the interface with an adhesive layer of epoxy or other material, or with mechanical items. Stress may be transmitted by the interface to the strain sensors. The sensors may be interrogated with a wire or wireless reader to obtain strain measurements. The measurements may indicate stress and deformations such as bulges and breaks in the asset. The measurements may also be a basis for determining location and extent of the stress and deformations.

Abstract: Gripping claws and pairs of arched angular profiles are arranged along the perimeter of a cylindrical surface segment so as to grip the edges of a fuselage panel, closing the opening of a pressurizable chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide field test devices and methods for testing the compressive gradient strength of installed vehicle arresting systems, such as those installed on airport runways. Current methods of testing such arresting systems are conducted on sample materials in-house, and these methods are not applicable or useful when tests need to be conducted on currently-installed systems in the field.

Abstract: A system(s) and method(s) of testing the foam delivery system(s) of fire suppression systems. Systems are adapted to test the foam delivery system of a fire suppression system under test while minimizing the release of foam to the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the slip resistance of a wrench includes a base, at least one first threaded fastener, and at least one second threaded fastener. Both the first threaded fastener and the second threaded fastener are threaded into the base, wherein the roundness of the first threaded fastener and the roundness of the second threaded fastener are different.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a beam and a sensing element disposed on the beam. The sensor assembly also includes a loading member to deflect the beam in response to a force applied to the sensor assembly. The loading member has a feature that prevents deflection of the beam when the force applied is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: Device for sampling a liquid in a tube by means of a hollow needle (10) passing through the closing cap (12) of the tube (14), means (18, 20) with rack and toothed wheel being provided to oppose the rising of the tube (14) when the needle is extracted from the cap (12).

Abstract: A soft-sided thermal test chamber that is readily mountable upon/over a shaker test table. The test chamber includes four interconnected insulated side walls and a top which define an enclosure. A two-piece bottom receives the side walls to fully enclose the test object upon the table. The two-piece bottom includes an interchangeable center piece which is sized to accommodate various tables or test objects. The side and top pieces are hung from a frame that is readily lifted using an overhead crane or chain fall hoist to allow easy access to the table during set up. The bottom and side walls are interconnected via hook and loop fasteners, which allows for rapid alteration of the set up of the test equipment while maintaining a thermally sealed chamber.

Abstract: A probe or sonde (1) comprising a plurality of sensors (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) for sensing different parameters, at least one sensor being mounted on or at one end of the probe or sonde (1), and at least one sensor being mounted on or at the, or one, side of the probe or sonde (1). The probe or sonde further comprises a centrally positioned stirrer (7) and in constructed from plastics discs bonded together or separated by gaskets. Sensors are used for measuring different water quality parameters, flow and temperature.

Abstract: A starter for an internal combustion engine includes a power transmission mechanism. The power transmission mechanism has an outer race plate fastened to a crankshaft, and a ring gear coupled to a rotational shaft of an electric motor for starting the engine. The power transmission mechanism further has a one-way clutch for permitting torque transmission only from the ring gear to the outer race plate, and two sealing members. Lubricant is supplied from the cylinder block to the interior of the power transmission mechanism for lubricating the power transmission mechanism. The outer race plate has a groove on its contact surface of a contact portion between the crankshaft and the outer race plate. The groove extends in the entire circumferential direction of the crankshaft. This maintains the coupling strength between the outer race plate and the crankshaft, while enhancing the sealing performance of the power transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A bi-directional rotary actuator causing the output shaft thereof to output two or more kinds of bi-directional and rotational driving forces. A bi-directional rotary actuator includes a rotary solenoid (101) serving as a driving source, a link body (104) engaged with a shaft (132) such that a rotational force can be transmitted to the shaft, an output element (105) connected to the link body, and switching operation means (106) for selecting connection between the link body and the output element. Transmission of a rotational force between the link body and the output element can be appropriately switched to either gear drive performed by meshing of gears or link drive based on a link ratio, and this allows the actuator to output bi-directional rotary driving forces having two or three rotational angles. The switching described above is performed by movement, in the direction of the axis of the shaft, of the link body by utilizing the repulsive or attractive action of an electromagnetic force.

Abstract: A gearless transmission mechanism includes a plurality of identical linkages, each having an off-center center of rotation, an input end and an output end. The linkages being connected to each other such that the input end of one linkage is connected to the output end of another linkage. When force is applied to the input end of one linkage an output force results in the output end of the other linkage, which is not connected thereby resulting in force reduction.

Abstract: A transmission connectable to an input member and having an output transfer gear, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, an idler shaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of 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 transmission input members and the output member.

Abstract: In a twin-clutch type transmission in which an electric motor is connected to one of transmission shafts, when downshifting is executed during EV running, a braking force is ensured by controlling in a cooperative fashion a regenerative brake and wheel brakes B1 to B4 so as to compensate for the loss of braking force during downshifting by the wheel brakes B1 to B4 or a braking force is ensured by making use of engine braking effects.

Abstract: A multiple-ratio transmission with countershaft gearing with dual power input clutches. Ratio changes are made from each of several ratios to a preselected ratio by alternately engaging and disengaging the power input clutches. A robust bearing arrangement provides high torque transmitting capacity. An optimum number of transmission ratios are available with a minimum number of gear meshes.

Abstract: A rotary-to-linear mechanism including an elongate linearly-moveable first member having a longitudinal first axis, and rotatably-moveable second and third members. The second member is rotatably disposed about the first member and defines a second axis about which it is rotatable. The third member encircles the first axis and is operatively engaged with the first member. The third member is disposed in a central cavity of the second member and has an axial surface superposing a second member interior surface, the superposed surfaces each defining one of a pair of corresponding grooves each encircling the first and second axes.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to a self-locking gear that includes an input shaft, a collar, a locking mechanism, and an output member. The collar is positioned eccentrically about the input shaft, and the locking mechanism prevents the collar from rotating. As a result, rotation of the input shaft causes the collar to gyrate about the input shaft, and the gyrating collar engages with the output member to turn the output member in the same direction as the input shaft. Torque applied to the output member with cause the output member to attempt to rotate the collar. However, the locking mechanism prevents the collar from rotating, thus locking the output member from rotation.

Abstract: A work transfer apparatus includes a work carrying mechanism, a driving source that drives the work carrying mechanism, a sealed box that accommodates the driving source in a hermetically sealed state, and a coolant circulation path provided in the sealed box for cooling the driving source. The sealed box includes a box body with an opening, and a partition lid for closing the opening. The partition lid includes an outer plate member and an inner plate member superposed on the outer plate member. The coolant circulation path is disposed at the interface between the outer plate member and the inner plate member.

Abstract: A brake booster for a motor vehicle brake system of the brake-by-wire type, which can be activated both by means of a brake pedal and as a function of a driver's request, as well as independently of the driver's wish by means of an electronic control unit, wherein the coupling of the brake pedal, or of a force transmitting part which is permanently connected to the brake pedal, to an input member of the brake booster is embodied in such a way that the brake pedal or the force transmitting part can carry out a limited relative movement with respect to the input member. In order to minimize the friction which occurs between the force transmitting part and the input member when the brake booster is activated, the force transmitting part, and/or the input member of the brake booster are/is provided in the region of the relative movement of the two parts with respect to one another with means which reduce friction which occurs during the relative movement of the parts with respect to one another.

Abstract: A wall-mounted faucet control device includes a control handle and two transforming heads, wherein the control handle has two wedging ribs cross each other at the periphery of an opening of the control handle, and two transforming heads have an inserting slot on one side and a connecting surface on the other side. Two connecting slots cross with each other are recessedly formed at the connecting surface, and the connecting slots are engaged with the wedging ribs of the control handle. According to the disclosed structure, since the control handle's receiving space has detachable transforming heads, the faucet handle in the present invention can be used in different water control bases with different sizes to increase the practicability of the faucet handle, and further increase the convenience during the assembly process.

Abstract: A right crank arm assembly for a bicycle, comprises a right crank arm and at least one front sprocket coupled with the crank arm at least one coupling portion of the crank arm. The front sprocket has an inner side adapted, in use, to face towards the frame of the bicycle and an outer side opposite the inner side. The assembly comprises at least one first crank arm element which acts in contact with the front sprocket on one of said sides and at least one second crank arm element which acts in contact with the front sprocket on the other of said sides. The contact action of the crank arm elements on the two opposite sides of the front sprocket prevents the twisting deformation of the front sprocket during pedaling. Such a deformation would cause a reduction in the transmission efficiency of the right crank arm assembly.

Abstract: An improved corkscrew includes a unidirectional clutch mechanism that enables the user to grasp the corkscrew handle, place the screw tip impinging on the cork, and to rotate the handle reciprocally to advance the screw unidirectionally and embed it in the cork. The mechanism features a clutch spring that transfers rotation of the handle to the screw in one direction only, and rotates freely in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A hammer device is provided for facilitating the driving, countersinking, and removal of relatively small fasteners, such as penny nails. A hammer includes a handle that can define an on-board tool storage area. A nail start accessory can include a tool portion and a nail holder portion. The tool portion can have a first end and a second end, with the nail holder portion being arranged at one of the first end and the second end. The on-board tool storage area of the hammer can be configured to removably store the nail start accessory substantially within the handle.

Abstract: This fastening tool supports a key wrench such that it cannot rotate at a location where a hexagonal hole on the tip end part comes in contact with a nut, so that even though the key wrench is pressed backward as a pin is screwed into the nut, a key wrench holder remains in a state of contact with the nut. After the pin has been screwed into the nut, the nut is twisted off at a weak section. The further the pin is screwed into the nut, the key wrench holder supports the key wrench at a location closer to the pin, which keeps the amount of torsional deformation of the tip end part of the wrench small, and thus makes it possible to securely engage with the pin, and in the final state of the fastening work, it is possible to completely twist off the twist-off type nut, which requires a large torque.

Abstract: A power tong jaw comprising a jaw body having upper and lower flange sections with flange apertures formed through the upper and lower flange sections. The power tong jaw will further have a jaw roller including a pin aperture and a roller pin positioned through the pin aperture in the jaw roller and through at least one of the upper or lower jaw flange apertures. The power tong jaw will further include a flexible retaining mechanism (i) positioned between outer surfaces of the upper and lower flange and (ii) engaging the roller pin.

Abstract: A wrench comprising an elongated handle having a proximal end and first and second pivots at a distal end, and a spring-loaded latch pivotally connected to the second pivot, the latch being movable about the second pivot from an unlocked position to a locked position. The wrench includes a first clamping jaw having a first end pivotally connected to the handle at the first pivot and having a second end that includes a third pivot. A second clamping jaw is pivotally connected to the first clamping jaw via the third pivot to constitute with the first clamping jaw an articulated clamping jaw. The second clamping jaw has a free end for displacing the spring-loaded latch from the unlocked position to the locked position. The latch locks the free end of the second clamping jaw when the free end of the second clamping jaw has pushed past the latch.

Abstract: A driving device includes a driving shank, a magnetic member mounted in the driving shank, a stop ring secured in the driving shank to stop the magnetic member, and an elastic member biased between the driving shank and the magnetic member. The driving shank has a first end provided with a mounting post and a second end formed with a mounting hole and a receiving chamber. The stop ring has an inner wall formed with a through hole and an outer wall provided with a toothed portion engaging a peripheral wall of the receiving chamber. The magnetic member has a peripheral wall formed with a stop flange that is movable to abut the stop ring. Thus, the elastic member provides a buffering effect to the magnetic member to reduce the pressure applied on the magnetic member.

Abstract: A tool for torquing a regulator onto a cylinder of a portable cylinder assembly. The tool includes a nut and a socket. The nut is configured to fit around a body of a regulator of a portable cylinder assembly. As such, the nut has a first set of grooves that avoids one or more valve assemblies on the body of the regulator. The socket has a cavity extending therethrough such that the cavity consists of three sections: a top section, a middle section and a bottom section. The top section of the socket is configured to be coupled to a device that applies a torque force on the socket. The middle section of the socket is configured to avoid a case of the regulator which is disposed above the body of the regulator. The bottom section of the socket is configured to be coupled to the nut.

Abstract: The pair of locking pliers contains a seesaw member pivotally joined to a back end of a first handle; and an adjustment member capable of sliding up and down within the first handle. The adjustment member contains an adjustment body and an adjustment bolt axially and rotatably threading through the adjustment body. The seesaw member contains a seesaw handle and a torsion spring engaging the seesaw handle so that a first chain of teeth of the seesaw handle engages or disengages a second chain of teeth along the adjustment body to lock the adjustment body or to allow the adjustment body to slide up and down. When the adjustment body slides, a spacing between the jaws of the locking pliers are adjusted quickly. When the adjustment body is locked by the seesaw handle, the adjustment bolt is twisted to fine-tune the jaw spacing.

Abstract: The invention provides for an improved screw and screwdriver. The self-locking screw and screwdriver, the JacLock™ Screw and JacLock™ Screwdriver, is designed to improve insertion and/or removal of a screw. The new screw head differs from normal horizontal cut/slotted screw heads and cross cut/slotted screw heads. The invention calls for a standard vertical cut/slot in the screw head along with two cross cuts/slots in the head of the screw equi-distant from the center of the horizontal standard slot. The screwdriver has a redesigned head that will fit into the three cuts/slots in the new screw. Once the screwdriver is inserted into the screw head it will lock in place making it easier to insert or remove the screw. The design results in improved torque and eliminates the possibility of the screwdriver slipping off the head of the screw and possibly damaging the head of the screw.

Abstract: A torque-setting device includes a shank, a handle provided on the shank, a driving unit attached to the shank, a strain gauge connected to the driving unit, a spring abutted against the strain gauge, a pusher abutted against the spring, an axle engaged with the pusher, a restraining element connected to the axle, a C-clip provided on the restraining element, and a knob. The knob is operable to rotate the axle relative to the pusher, thus moving the pusher relative to the spring to set a value of torque. The knob is movable between a position where teeth thereof are in grooves of the handle to avoid rotation of the axle and another position where the tooth are out of the grooves to allow rotation of the knob and the axle. The C-clip is located against an annular rib formed on an internal face of the knob.

Abstract: In an internal machining apparatus for machining an internal surface of a hollow workpiece, a machining unit holding a cutting blade is configured to be inserted into the hollow workpiece. A pair of unit holding arbors which are capable of non-rotatably holding the machining unit, inserted in the hollow workpiece, at both sides thereof are respectively supported by a work head and a foot stock to advance and retract in an axial direction thereof. A turning mechanism is provided to be supplied with a drive power transmitted through the interior of one of the unit holding arbors for turning the cutting blade held on the machining unit about an axis orthogonal to an axis of the unit holding arbors.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly for boring and internal grooving operations includes a tool head having a removably secured cutting insert at a forward insert receiving end and a rear mating end with a male or female type tool holder coupler in the form of an engagement protrusion or cutting holder receiving pocket. The tool head is fixed to a tool holder with a front mating end having a female or male tool head coupler in the form of a tool head receiving pocket or engagement protrusion. Following assembly, at least three abutting wall surfaces and an adjacent support surface of the tool holder coupler are in contact with at least three non-coplanar abutment surfaces and an adjacent supporting surface of the tool head coupler, respectively, and a fastening screw member extends through a through bore in the tool holder coupler engaging a threaded screw bore in the tool head coupler.

Abstract: A system and method for slicing and separating a food product into two pieces is described, where the system and method employ a pneumatically controlled cutting mechanism to slice and separate the food product.

Abstract: A shaver that includes a cartridge with one or more razor blades and a source of RF energy operative to apply RF energy to one or more of the blades. The cartridge can be attached to a handle for moving the cartridge along the surface of the skin. The cartridge may include a variety of configurations including one or more electrodes and one or more blades with the RF current conducting through any subset of the electrodes and blades, through the skin, thereby heating the skin to help facilitate the engagement of the blade with the hair on the skin surface.

Abstract: A method of making a tube sump with integral clips from a single material modifies multiple lumen tubing of any material that allows for two or more lumens. Preferably, the tubing is a plastic polymer with dual lumens. One lumen functions as a suction tube and the other lumen undergoes modification to form tubular clips. The modification removes a pattern of tubing opposite the suction tube to form integral clips that retain the tube sump upon an existing endotracheal tube. The removed sections of lumen may have any length or number. Common methods to remove the lumen sections include mechanical cutting, sawing, laser cutting, thermal cutting, melting, ablating, and shearing. Alternatively, the clips may be formed during the manufacture of the multiple lumen tubular product.