Abstract: A method for determining or improving running characteristics of a vehicle wheel (tyre/rim assembly), comprising supporting the wheel axis of the vehicle wheel with at least a single degree of freedom of vibration perpendicular to the wheel axis. In the interior of the tyre at least one amount of a compensating substance which initiates in its flowing state a compensating effect on the rotating vehicle wheel can be disposed, and the vehicle wheel can be rotated while the compensating substance is brought into the flowing state such that the compensating substance is distributed inside the tyre during the rotation of the vehicle wheel to improve the running characteristics of the vehicle wheel, wherein the running speed of the rotating vehicle wheel is kept in a range different to the natural frequency of the rotating vehicle wheel and its suspension or supporting means.

Abstract: A flexible and/or stretchable “test data sheet” is provided for recording technical parameters associated with various industrial equipment. The test data sheet includes a flexible and/or stretchable substrate, a microprocessor disposed on the substrate, a memory disposed on the substrate, a power source disposed on the substrate, and one or more sensors of various types disposed on the substrate (e.g., temperature sensors, photodiodes/imaging sensors, impact/force sensors, accelerometers, etc.). The test data sheet optionally may include one or more ports or communication interfaces to facilitate wired or wireless communication to/from the data sheet. The test data sheet is coupled (e.g., applied to) an arbitrarily-shaped surface associated with a piece of industrial equipment, a tool, a pipe, etc., and the test data sheet conforms to as to facilitate intimate proximity to the surface. In this manner, the test data sheet may be in the form of an electronic sticker or decal.

Abstract: Job monitoring methods and apparatus for logging-while-drilling equipment are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes identifying a downhole scenario based on a property of an underground geological formation, selecting a first telemetry frame type based on the identified downhole scenario, conveying an identifier representative of the selected first telemetry frame type to a downhole fluid sampling tool, and receiving a first telemetry data frame from the downhole fluid sampling tool, the telemetry data frame containing fluid analysis parameters for a fluid, and being constructed in accordance with the selected first telemetry frame type.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing lost circulation materials (“LCMs”) for use in a formation is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a LCM cell that contains at least one formation simulation component. A pressurized tank may be in fluid communication with the LCM cell, and may force a sample LCM slurry into the LCM cell. An LCM receiver may also be in fluid communication with the LCM cell, and may receive the LCM slurry that flows through the LCM cell.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method an article, may operate to move a borehole seal in space with respect to the wall of a borehole while monitoring borehole seal contact quality data, which may comprise borehole seal contact pressure data and acoustic data. Operations may further include adjusting the movement of the borehole seal based on the borehole seal contact quality data. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: System, methods and devices for analyzing drilling fluids are presented herein. A fluid analysis system for determining at least one characteristic of a drilling fluid is disclosed. The system includes a pump and two reversible fluid ports each configured, when in a first state, to intake drilling fluid into the fluid analysis system and, when in a second state, to expel drilling fluid from the fluid analysis system. A valve fluidly couples the reversible fluid ports to the pump. The valve controls the respective states of the reversible fluid ports. At least one measurement module is fluidly coupled to the pump to receive drilling fluid therefrom. The at least one measurement module is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the drilling fluid. Filters can be fluidly coupled with each of the reversible fluid ports. The filters prevent solids of a predetermined size from entering the fluid analysis system.

Abstract: A sensor system having a sensor element, a housing in which sensor element is situated and which seals the sensor element from the outside world, at least one first electrical contact element which is electrically coupled with the sensor element; a plug connector, which has at least one second electrical contact element, and at least one spring element which is coupled between the at least one second electrical contact element and the at least one first electrical contact element for electrical contacting, so that the sensor element is electrically connected to the second electrical contact element of the plug connector.

Abstract: A MEMS structure comprises an anchor, a spring, and a seismic mass that is suspended to the anchor via the spring to pivot around an axis of rotation. Errors from unwanted vibration modes are reduced by including in the MEMS structure a spring structure that extends from the seismic mass to the anchor. Said spring structure comprises a side arm that is connected to the seismic mass or the anchor. At least part of the spring structure is formed by a side arm that extends in the spring structure in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the seismic mass; and is attached to one end of the spring.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer (100, 700) is adapted to use lateral axis vibration to generate non-planar oscillations in a pair of teeter-totter sense mass structures (120/140, 720/730) in response to rotational movement of the transducer about the rotation axis (170, 770) with sense electrodes connected to add pickups (e.g., 102/107, 802/807) diagonally from the pair of sense mass structures to cancel out signals associated with rotation vibration.

Abstract: This document discusses among other things apparatus and methods for a proof mass including split z-axis portions. An example proof mass can include a center portion configured to anchor the proof-mass to an adjacent layer, a first z-axis portion configure to rotate about a first axis using a first hinge, the first axis parallel to an x-y plane orthogonal to a z-axis, a second z-axis portion configure to rotate about a second axis using a second hinge, the second axis parallel to the x-y plane, wherein the first z-axis portion is configured to rotate independent of the second z-axis portion.

Abstract: A monolithic triaxial gyro includes a mass block, a number of electrode groups and a drive comb group. The mass block includes main masses and a coupling mass coupled with the main masses. The main masses are positioned on opposite sides of the coupling mass and are symmetrical with each other along a Y-axis. The electrode groups include a first electrode group within an orthographic projection of the mass block, a second electrode group within an orthographic projection of the coupling mass and a third electrode group including a group of immovable slender flat plates and a group of movable slender flat plates. The drive comb group is connected to the main masses for driving movement of the main masses when signals are inputted into the drive comb group.

Abstract: An inertia force sensor that shortens a time from power activation until inertia force can be detected includes an oscillator, an oscillation circuit unit, and a detection circuit unit. The oscillation circuit unit functions as a closed loop self oscillation circuit with the oscillator as a resonant element, and includes a CV conversion circuit converting a monitor signal based on electrostatic capacitance according to an oscillating state of oscillator into a monitor signal based on a voltage corresponding to an amount in change of the electrostatic capacitance, and an automatic gain control circuit controlling gain based on the monitor signal converted at the CV conversion circuit to generate a driving signal, and supplying the driving signal to the oscillator. The CV conversion circuit includes an amplifier that amplifies a monitor signal with an amplification factor for a predetermined period after power activation.

Abstract: A first support portion, which is connected to a first beam extending from a vibrating body and supports the vibrating body, and a detection signal terminal and a detection ground terminal, which are provided in the first support portion and are arranged in parallel so as to be separated from each other along a direction crossing an extending direction of the first beam, are provided. The first beam and the first support portion are connected between the detection signal terminal and the detection ground terminal. A thin portion formed to have a small thickness in a top to bottom direction of the first support portion or a penetrating portion formed by removing the first support portion so as to be penetrated in the top to bottom direction is provided between the detection signal terminal and the detection ground terminal.

Abstract: A silicon MEMS gyroscope is described having a ring or hoop-shaped resonator. The resonator is formed by a Deep Reactive Ion Fitch technique and is formed with slots extending around the circumference of the resonator on either side of the neutral axis of the resonator. The slots improve the Quality Factor Q of the gyroscope without affecting the resonant frequency of the resonator.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an inertial sensor including a single proof-mass formed in an x-y plane of a device layer, the single proof-mass including a single, central anchor configured to suspend the single proof-mass above a via wafer. The inertial sensor further includes first and second electrode stator frames formed in the x-y plane of the device layer on respective first and second sides of the inertial sensor, the first and second electrode stator frames symmetric about the single, central anchor, and each separately including a central platform and an anchor configured to fix the central platform to the via wafer, wherein the anchors for the first and second electrode stator frames are asymmetric along the central platforms with respect to the single, central anchor.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a substrate, an oscillating member that is disposed over the substrate, support portions that support the oscillating member and that are disposed along a first axis, and detection electrodes that are disposed on the substrate so as to oppose the oscillating member. The oscillating member has a pair of side faces intersecting a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in a plane, and a protrusion is formed on at least one of the pair of side faces.

Abstract: A MEMS-sensor structure comprising first means and second means coupled for double differential detection and positioned symmetrically to provide quantities for the double differential detection in a phase shift. If the sensor deforms, due to a specifically symmetric positioning of the first and second means, the effect of the displacement is at least partly eliminated.

Abstract: Device for the measurement of at least one physical variable, comprising at least: a first and a second resonant sensor, one of the two resonant sensors being sensitive to a variation of the physical variable to be measured and the other of the two resonant sensors not being sensitive to a variation of the physical variable to be measured; means capable of imposing the same resonant frequency on the first and the second resonant sensors; means of measuring a phase shift between the output signals from the first and the second resonant sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a tension wave. A beam of coherent light is directed to an absorber surface of a transducer structure. A compression wave is generated within the transducer structure. The compression wave is reflected on a reflecting surface of the transducer structure to form the tension wave. The tension wave is directed through a test object in a desired direction using a configuration of the reflecting surface relative to the test object.

Abstract: A system for ultrasonic inspection of a structure includes a transducer located at a first surface of the structure to transmit an ultrasonic signal from the transducer through the first surface to a second surface of the structure located substantially opposite the first surface. A plurality of retroreflector elements are located at the second surface to reflect the ultrasonic signal back toward the transducer. A method of ultrasonic inspection of a structure includes transmitting an ultrasonic signal from a transducer located at a first surface of the structure toward a second surface of the structure located substantially opposite the first surface. The ultrasonic signal is reflected back toward the transducer via a plurality of retroreflector elements disposed at the second surface.

Abstract: A void detection system for detecting voids in fresh concrete is disclosed. The void detection system includes at least one probe disposed on a vibrator and adapted to detect voids in the fresh concrete, and an indicator in communication with the at least one probe and adapted to receive real-time data from the at least one probe. Upon receiving the real-time data, the indicator relays information to a user indicative of the fresh concrete's consolidation.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor system includes a first plurality of acoustic sensors, and an acoustic transmitter structured to generate acoustic noise to mimic acoustic noise induced by an electrical conductivity fault. A smaller second number of acoustic sensors of the first plurality of acoustic sensors are structured to identify a plurality of locations in an electrical distribution system having a plurality of electrical joints, in order that the smaller second number of acoustic sensors can monitor the plurality of electrical joints of the electrical distribution system.

Abstract: An implantable sensor module includes a housing having an inner shell and an outer layer formed to extend over and enclose the inner shell to form an outer wall of the housing, the inner shell having a thickness extending between an inner wall of the inner shell and an outer wall of the inner shell, the outer layer having an inner side engaged against the outer wall of the inner shell and having a thickness extending between the inner side and the outer wall of the housing, wherein the inner shell and the outer layer form a substantially flat portion. A flexible diaphragm is formed within the inner shell and extends between a first edge and a second edge, and a shoulder extends adjacent to the first edge to extend the outer layer laterally away from a central medial line extending between the first and second edges of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An MEMS pressure sensor is designed to reduce or eliminate thermal noise, such as temperature offset voltage output. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensing element having a diaphragm, and a cavity formed as part of the pressure sensing element, where the cavity receives a fluid such that the diaphragm at least partially deflects. The pressure sensing element also includes a plurality of piezoresistors, which are operable to generate a signal based on the amount of deflection in the diaphragm. At least one trench is integrally formed as part of the pressure sensing element, and an adhesive connects the pressure sensing element to the at least one substrate such that at least a portion of the adhesive is attached to the trench and redistributes thermally induced stresses on the pressure sensing element such that the thermally induced noise is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes a base including a radially offset pressure port. An electronics package may be included within a housing generally alongside the offset pressure port. Accordingly, the pressure sensor assembly exhibits a substantially smaller diameter than previously achieved. Methods of fabrication are provided.

Abstract: A pressure sensing assembly for an infusion pump, including: a tubing guide arranged to receive tubing; a displaceable load assembly at least partially disposed within the tubing guide and with a first surface facing in a first direction; a load cell facing the load assembly in the first direction; and a displacement assembly engaged with the tubing guide, facing the first surface in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and exerting a first force on the load assembly in the first direction. The load cell is arranged to detect a second force, greater than the first force, acting on the load cell in the second direction.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a repair patch that can be placed on or in a wall of an aircraft to repair a defect has a sensor device for detecting properties of the repair patch placed in the wall, an energy supply device for supplying energy at least to the sensor device, and a communication device so as to read out the sensor data. A repair kit that can be placed in or on a wall of an aircraft to repair defects comprises a repair patch for repairing a defect in or on a wall of an aircraft and also comprises a monitoring device. A method for monitoring a repair patch in or on a wall of an aircraft by means of a monitoring device comprises the steps of detecting a measurement phase on the basis of the amount of energy provided by the energy supply device, measuring load parameters in and/or on the repair patch during the measurement phase, and reading out the load parameters.

Abstract: A method for testing a curing composition, comprising includes a curing composition; injecting the curing composition into a mold; curing the curing composition into a cured composition, in the mold at a controlled curing pressure; measuring at least one physical or mechanical property of the cured sample at a controlled test pressure, in the mold; the mold being rigid relatively to the cured sample during the curing step.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for testing sediment submerged in liquid and manufacturing the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for testing the tensile strength of a material, particularly an electrically nonconductive material, at a temperature above ambient temperature. The test method is useful for determining the potential suitability of a material for use as a development medium in a thermal development process for preparing relief printing forms. One embodiment of the method includes mounting the strip between upper and lower chucks of a tensile test machine; positioning a means for generating a hot air stream adjacent the strip so that the stream does not impinge the strip; heating the hot air stream to a predetermined temperature above ambient temperature; repositioning the hot air stream so that the stream impinges the strip; and starting the tensile testing when the hot air stream at the predetermined temperature begins heating the strip.

Abstract: A technology to measure the mass flux distribution of liquid spray to evaluate droplet dispersion of a spray device for liquids such as fuel, paints, or coating agents, is disclosed. The apparatus for measuring spray mass flux to evaluate the droplet dispersion of the spray device includes a liquid spraying part including a spray nozzle to spray liquid, a spray collecting part to collect the liquid sprayed from the liquid spraying part, a transfer tube to transfer the liquid collected in the spray collecting part, a multi-cylinder part including a plurality of cylinders to receive the liquid collected in the spray collecting part, a movable mass measurement part to measure amass of each cylinder of the multi-cylinder part, and a mass flux calculating part to calculate a distribution graph of mass flux of the sprayed liquid.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for an ultrasonic flow measuring device, comprising a first housing part having an ultrasonic window and adjoining, rotationally symmetric walls, wherein there adjoins on the walls of the first housing part, coaxially with the walls of the first housing part, a first ring as resonator, which forms an end of the first housing part.

Abstract: In a flow sensor, a horizontal dimension Xt between short side wall portions facing respective sides of a vortex generator is longer than a vertical dimension Yt between long side wall portions facing respective ends of the vortex generator. The short side wall portions are formed linearly or in straight lines along the vortex generator, whereas the long side wall portions are curved at a predetermined radius of curvature.

Abstract: Technique of suppressing performance variations for each flow sensor is provided. In a flow sensor FS1 of the present invention, a part of a semiconductor chip CHP1 is configured to be covered with resin (MR) in a state in which a flow sensing unit (FDU) formed on a semiconductor chip CHP1 is exposed. Since an upper surface SUR(MR) of the resin (MR) is higher than an upper surface SUR(CHP) of the semiconductor chip (CHP1) by sealing the resin (MR) on a part of the upper surface SUR(CHP) of the semiconductor chip CHP1 in a direction parallel to an air flow direction, the air flow around the flow sensing unit (FDU) can be stabilized. Further, interface peeling between the semiconductor chip (CHP1) and the resin (MR) can be prevented by an increase of contact area between the semiconductor chip (CHP1) and the resin (MR).

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of a screw joint tightening process performed by means of a torque impulse wrench, comprising clamp load determination via calculation of the time of flight for ultra sonic waves induced into the screw joint, and comparing of a total rotation movement of the screw joint with predetermined angle limit values as a target axial load level has been indicated by the time of flight of ultra sonic waves induced in the screw joint. Occurring discrepancies between the obtained total rotation movement of the screw joint and the angle limit values would indicate a faulty screw joint and/or a malfunctioning ultra sonic wave flight time measurement, which means an unacceptable tightening process quality.

Abstract: A torque detection device includes: a magnetic flux collecting unit, and a sensor housing. The magnetic flux collecting unit includes a holder, first and second magnetic flux collecting rings, and a magnetic shield. The holder has upper and lower through-holes. The first and second magnetic flux collecting rings are fitted to an inner periphery of the holder. The magnetic shield is fitted to an outer periphery of the holder so as to cover the through-holes. The sensor housing is formed integrally with the magnetic flux collecting unit by supplying resin onto an outer periphery of the magnetic flux collecting unit. The holder has a resin flow passage in its outer periphery. Resin that is supplied at the time of forming the sensor housing flows into the through-holes through the resin flow passage.

Abstract: A robotic end effector for collecting frozen aliquots from an array of frozen samples in a plurality of containers has a coring bit for taking frozen sample cores from the frozen samples and a frozen sample core extraction system adapted to extract frozen sample cores from the frozen samples. A fill level detection system is adapted to detect the positions of the surfaces of the frozen samples. A processor is adapted to receive signals from the fill level detection system and use the signals and information concerning operation of the frozen sample core extraction system to determine at least one of the following: (a) the amount of material contained in a frozen sample core obtained by the coring bit; and (b) the number of frozen sample cores needed from a particular frozen sample to obtain a predetermined amount of material from that frozen sample.

Abstract: A polyacrylamide tissue phantom embedded with multi-formulated thermochromic liquid crystals for use in the evaluation of RF ablation therapies is provided. The tissue phantom approximates the properties of biological tissue, and therefore provides a suitable substitute for use in testing the effects of RF and other energy-emitting devices on biological tissue. Also provided is a system for using the tissue phantom in the evaluation of RF therapies.

Abstract: A meter for reading measured values at remote distance comprises a meter and an image reading device. A display screen for displaying measured values is disposed on the meter. The image reading device is coupled on the meter for capturing the measured values displayed on the display screen of the meter and transmitting the image to an external display device for a user to read or store at a remote distance.

Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system designed for use with optical devices, such as video cameras. The camera suspension unit includes a platform, outer and middle frames, with the orthogonal intersecting axes of rotation at the midpoint of the unit, rotating drives to rotate the unit about the X, Y and Z axes all controlled by a control unit. The middle frame of the suspension unit is designed as a mechanical parallelogram, having a movable jointed foot, a piston-rod and two cranks, as well as two mechanical links, all of which have an axis of rotation parallel to the middle frame axis of rotation, which is parallel to the Y axis. The outer end of each mechanical link is fastened to a crank while the inner end is fastened to the frame. The inner ends are fastened in a rotatable manner, allowing for the rotation about an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of the cranks.

Abstract: An actuating device includes a first actuating device mounted to a second actuating device. Each of the first and second actuating devices includes a base link, a first link, a second link, a translating link, a shaft, and a drive. The base link includes a first joint, a second joint, and a base plate extending between them. The first link is mounted for rotation to the first joint, and the second link is mounted for rotation to the second joint. The translating link includes a third joint, a fourth joint, and a translating plate extending between them. The drive includes an arc surface and is mounted to the translating link such that, when operating the actuating device, a position of the arc surface is fixed relative to the translating plate. The shaft is mounted to the arc surface to cause translation of the translating link as the shaft rotates.

Abstract: A transmission capable of triple overdrive includes a main box section connected to a first input shaft. The main box section comprises clutch collars which are connected to the main shaft and axially movable by an operator to selectively couple one main shaft gear to a main shaft via a countershaft gear fixed on a countershaft. An auxiliary section is connected to the main box section and contains a splitter section and a range section. An output shaft is connected to the auxiliary section The transmission is selectively configured to operate in a plurality of gear combinations. At least three of the gear combinations are configured for overdrive. The main box section is connected directly to the splitter section.

Abstract: A dual clutch apparatus for a dual clutch transmission having a first input shaft and a second input shaft includes: a first clutch of generally annular shape; a second clutch of generally annular shape disposed coaxially with the first clutch; and, a plurality of first and second clutch levers received in a clutch retaining housing in a circularly arranged pattern with the first clutch levers alternately interleaved with the second clutch levers; in which the first clutch includes a clutch finger plate of generally annular shape, the clutch finger plate having a plurality of fingers extending in the axial direction of the first clutch and through an outer circumference of the second clutch and configured to push a first clutch application plate of generally annular shape which is coupled with the first clutch levers for clutch application of the first clutch, and a friction plate arranged next to the first clutch application plate and coupled with a hub of the first clutch, the hub of the first clutch couple

Abstract: An energy storage and recovery system device (2) for a vehicle, comprising a flywheel (4), a first and a second set of gears (4; 6), and multiple wet multiplate clutches (10, 12, 14), wherein one of each gear set (4; 6) is arranged coaxially along a clutch shaft (34, 36, 38) with one of the clutches (10, 12, 14), and wherein the device (2) is coupled to the vehicle transmission, such that actuation of a clutch redirects the torque path via the gears, thereby enabling multiple ratios and therefore multiple speeds.

Abstract: An electric vehicle drive system in which an electric motor is accommodated within a motor chamber that is formed so as to be separated from a gear chamber by a partition within a case, and a transmission device that transmits power from the electric motor to an axle is accommodated within the gear chamber includes a rotation member that is disposed apart from the partition with a predetermined clearance within the gear chamber, and connected to an output shaft of the electric motor. The partition has a first communication hole that is formed at a position radially inward of a most outward point of the rotation member in a radial direction, and that provides communication between the gear chamber and the motor chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bevel gear wheel of a bevel gear mechanism, the teeth of which bevel gear wheel have in each case a load flank and a rear flank, wherein the rear flanks have an engagement region for rear flanks of the meshing gear wheel, wherein the outer region, which surrounds the original maximum possible usable engagement region which normally comes into engagement, of the rear flank and an outer edge region of the original engagement region are reduced in terms of the face height thereof such that said reduced regions always remain free from contact and only the remaining, inner, raised region which is reduced in size comes into contact.

Abstract: A driving apparatus includes a rotary member and a gear member. The rotary member rotates about an axis of its own. The gear member includes an inner peripheral surface which forms a space corresponding to a shape of the rotary member and an outer peripheral surface on which gear teeth are formed. The gear member is fitted to the rotary member by press fit. The outer peripheral surface includes, in a direction of an axis of rotation of the gear member, a toothed region in which the gear teeth are formed and a non-toothed region in which no gear teeth are formed.

Abstract: Gear wheel and method for reducing vibrations transmitted by a rotating shaft. The gear wheel includes an inner part, which is connectable to a cause of vibration, a connection element and a ring gear. The connection element is structured and arranged to reduce vibrations.

Abstract: A joystick control is disclosed for a change speed gearbox in which two selector are separately controllable remotely. The joystick control comprises a support body, an axle rotatably supported by the body, and an operating lever connected to the axle by a pivot pin such that the operating lever is rotatable about the axis of the axle in one plane and is pivotable relative to the axle about the axis of the pivot pin in an orthogonal plane. Two actuating members are rotatably supported by the axle and arranged one on each side of the operating lever. Each actuating member is connectible by a respective Bowden cable to one of the selectors of the gearbox and extends and retracts the cable in response to rotation of the actuating member about the axle.