Abstract: The invention relates to diagnostic methods according to the preamble of the equivalent claims 1 and 2, with which the state of a poppet valve in the course of the switching cycles and/or events thereof, such as the occurrence of pressure shocks or surges during continuous operation is/are monitored continuously, the measured signals are stored and the stored measured signals are interpreted in a targeted manner and early indication of cases of damage is carried out.

Abstract: A method for checking the functioning of a ventilation apparatus for ventilating a crankcase connected via the ventilation apparatus to an air supply system of the internal combustion engine includes: determining a pressure difference between an ambient pressure and a crankcase pressure in the crankcase; identifying a fault in the ventilating apparatus as a function of the pressure difference if an enabling condition is met; the enabling condition being met if an air mass flow in the air supply system, filtered by a low-pass filter, exceeds a first threshold value in terms of absolute value.

Abstract: In a method for detecting a replacement of sheathed-element glow plugs in an internal combustion engine, an electrical parameter of the sheathed-element glow plug is determined during a driving cycle and is compared with a stored value of the same electrical parameter of the sheathed-element glow plug that was determined in a preceding driving cycle. In the driving cycle, the same electrical parameter is determined for all sheathed-element glow plugs installed in the internal combustion engine, and the determined pattern of the electrical parameter is compared with a pattern that was ascertained in a preceding driving cycle, a replacement of a sheathed-element glow plug being detected if the pattern of the driving cycle deviates from a pattern of the preceding driving cycle.

Abstract: A catalyst determining device includes an oxidation catalyst disposed in an outlet passage in an engine, the oxidation catalyst including an adsorption substance for adsorbing and desorbing an exhaust component in exhaust and a catalytic substance capable of oxidizing the exhaust component, a calculating unit for calculating a difference in oxygen concentration between upstream and downstream of the oxidation catalyst, and a determination unit for determining the deterioration of the oxidation catalyst through comparison of a plurality of the differences in oxygen concentration obtained at different temperatures of the oxidation catalyst by the calculating unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine brake pad wear are provided. A linear enclosure may include an opening and a cap proximate the opening. The cap includes a cap surface. A slide bolt may be configured to move in a first direction within the linear enclosure. A shaft may be in axial alignment with the slide bolt. A biasing mechanism may bias the shaft in the first direction towards the slide bolt. Sensor circuitry may generate a first signal indicative of brake pad wear in response to movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A meteorological measurement system is disclosed having a meteorological mast which extends upwards from a base and supports one or more wind gauges. At least one of the wind gauges is disposed in the region of the upper tip of the mast and is designed as a remote wind gauge for measuring wind conditions at one or more remote measurement locations situated above the mast tip at a distance from the remote wind gauge. At least another wind gauge is disposed in the region of the upper tip of the mast in close spatial proximity to the remote wind gauge and is designed as a local wind gauge for measuring wind characteristics at the location of the remote wind gauge.

Abstract: A microwave window (1) for spatial separation and microwave connection of a first space (2) from or with a second space (3) having an at least partially microwave-transparent pane (8) with two sides (6, 7) opposing one another. To provide a microwave window, which allows for an alternative reduction of the reflection of waves, the pane (8) is provided with at least one indentation or recess (9) on at least one side (6). The window (1) is incorporated into a fill level measuring system (10) using the radar principle.

Abstract: An inertial force sensor includes a detecting device which detects an inertial force, the detecting device having a first orthogonal arm and a supporting portion, the first orthogonal arm having a first arm and a second arm fixed in a substantially orthogonal direction, and the supporting portion supporting the first arm. The second arm has a folding portion. In this configuration, there is provided a small inertial force sensor which realizes detection of a plurality of different inertial forces and detection of inertial forces of a plurality of detection axes.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a base section, a movable body having a movable electrode section, pivot sections connected to the movable body, and forming a pivot axis of the movable body, a fixation section fixed to the substrate, and adapted to support the movable body via the pivot sections, and a fixed electrode section disposed on the substrate so as to be opposed to the movable electrode section, and the fixation section is provided with opening sections disposed on a line of the pivot axis.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement means and a method for measuring and/or acquiring layer thicknesses and/or voids of one or more layers of a wafer stack on a plurality of measuring points distributed on the wafer stack and a corresponding wafer processing device.

Abstract: In a vibration information detection step, a probe is inserted into a food sample, and any one of the displacement, the velocity or the acceleration of a vibration occurring on the probe by the insertion is detected as vibration information (step S1). In a frequency band dividing step, the vibration information is divided by a band pass filter into individual pieces of vibration information in each of a plurality of frequency bands (step S2). In a food texture index calculation step, a food texture index value based on vibrational energy per unit time in each of the frequency bands is calculated using a computer from the vibration information in each of the frequency bands and the center frequency of the corresponding frequency band (step S3).

Abstract: A seismic vibrator has a baseplate composed at least partially of a composite material. The baseplate has a body composed of the composite material and has top and bottom plates composed of a metallic material. The top plate supports isolators for isolating the vibrator's mass and frame from the baseplate. Internally, the composite body has a central structure to which couple stilts for supporting the mass and a piston for the vibrator's actuator. A lattice structure surrounds the central structure. This lattice structure has radial ribs extending from the central structure and has radial ribs interconnecting the radial ribs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for measuring the pressure of a fluid carried in a conduit. The device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a nanoassembly of conductive or semi-conductive nanoparticles in contact with the two electrodes, and a measurement device. The measurement device provides proportional information with respect to an electrical property of the nanoassembly. The electrical property is measured between the first and second electrode, and the electrical property is sensitive to the distance between the nanoparticles of the nanoassembly. The nanoassembly is mechanically linked to a flexible substrate having a mechanical linkage with the fluid carried in the conduit such that the distances between the nanoparticles of the nanoassembly are modified by a pressure variation in the fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for testing a cement by applying force in a first direction until the first portion of the cement sample fails in compression or tension; and applying force a second direction opposite the first direction until the second portion of the cement sample fails in tension or compression.

Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to a flow meter comprising a flow target arranged to be disposed in a fluid flow path in a conduit; a beam coupled to the flow target and arranged to extend outside of the conduit; a sensor having a moveable sensor part coupled to the beam at a position which in use is outside of the conduit, and a static sensor part, wherein displacement of the moveable sensor part with respect to the static sensor part generates a signal. In use, fluid flow acting on the flow target causes displacement of the moveable sensor part, thereby generating a signal which is representative of the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: In accordance with present invention, a load flexure assembly is provided. The load cell assembly includes a plurality of load cells (i.e., two or more) connected between a top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate and bottom plate can be arranged substantially in parallel, one above the other, with the plurality of load cells coupled in between the two.

Abstract: System and methods for silicon on insulator MEMS pressure sensors are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: applying a doping source to a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) silicon wafer having a sensor layer and an insulating layer comprising SiO2 material; doping the silicon wafer with Boron atoms from the doping source while controlling an injection energy of the doping to achieve a top-heavy ion penetration profile; and applying a heat source to diffuse the Boron atoms throughout the sensor layer of the SOI silicon wafer.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive keyboard includes multiple pressure sensors associated with the keys of the keyboard. In response to pressure applied to one or more keys of the keyboard, a determination is made as to whether the pressure applied is a key strike (a user selection of a key). Various different factors can be used in determining whether the pressure applied is a key strike, such as the amount of the pressure applied, a rate at which the pressure is applied, a number of keys to which pressure is applied, when the pressure is applied relative to previous key strikes, and so forth.

Abstract: A fingerprint analysis system is presented including a chemical analysis module configured to perform chemical analysis of received fingerprints to create a chemical profile and provide at least one response and a comparison module configured to compare the chemical profile and/or the at least one response. The chemical analysis involves at least identification of a select number of molecules and/or organic compounds for deriving distinguishing characteristics from the received fingerprints. The fingerprint analysis system may be in operative communication with at least one electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking gripping elements for containers may include a plurality of gripping elements for gripping a plurality of containers. Occupancy states of these gripping elements with containers are regularly detected and statistics regarding these occupancy states are formed. Based on these statistics, in particular a failure of individual gripping elements can be ascertained and can be output to the user in a targeted manner.

Abstract: A power steering system, and more particularly a power-assisted steering system for a vehicle, comprises a lead screw which is driven by a servo motor and is composed of a nut, which is mounted axially non-displaceably in a frame, and an axially displaceable component, the thread of which is engaged with a thread of the nut, and further comprising a belt pulley, which is non-rotatably connected to the nut and forms part of a traction mechanism gear between the servo motor and the nut, wherein the nut is mounted in the frame by a rolling bearing. So as to provide a power steering system which produces little noise and is easy to install, very precise in operation and also cost-effective to produce, the belt pulley is produced from plastic.

Abstract: The present invention is capable of suppressing gear shift shocks or delays in acceleration with no interruption of driving force and reducing the weight. Disclosed is a transmission which is provided, with multiple stage shift gears so arranged to shift a number of dog clutches to shift a gear to the upper stage of the multiple stage shift gears, and is characterized in that a guide part is provided to a shift operation section and the dog clutches on each of the sages so as to move the lower dog clutch in a neutral direction by a coasting torque acting on the lower stage by a shift rotation of the upper stage to release a meshing engagement when meshing engagements of the lower and upper dog clutches are simultaneously performed by an operation of the shift operation section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a worm wheel of a reducer of an electric power steering apparatus which is manufactured by integrally injection-molding a hub, a boss, and a gear forming part, thereby making it possible to increase a forming performance of the worm wheel and reduce an amount of material, and increasing a mechanical durability and frictional characteristics of the worm wheel to allow the reducer to be stably used for a long time, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A gear assembly including a main gear including a first hub, a first gear ring positioned about the first hub, and a first helically splined region. The gear assembly further includes a sub-gear co-axially disposed relative to the main gear with a resilient member disposed therebetween. The sub-gear including a second hub, a second gear ring positioned about the second hub, and a second helically splined region complementary to the first helically splined region.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a head array system for a power wheelchair, including a head array body and one or more lateral arms. The head array body includes shafts. Each of the shafts includes lateral arm receiving sections. The one or more lateral arms are detachably coupled to one of the lateral arm receiving sections of one of the shafts.

Abstract: The articulated multiple-axis robot structure according to the invention has a frame, an arm and a forearm, a shaft (15) for attaching a tool, an actuator commanding the pivoting of a slide-socket (14A), which is rotatable relative to the forearm and translatably connected to the forearm, an actuator commanding the pivoting a nut-socket (14B) that is rotatable relative to the forearm and connected in translation to the forearm and a coupling device capable of securing the sockets (14A, 14B) in rotation. This device comprises a coupling washer (18), arranged between the sockets (14A, 14B) and connected in rotation with a first socket from among the slide-socket (14A) and the nut-socket (14B).

Abstract: A steering device provides a driver operation feeling that lets the driver definitely feel that a movable tilt lock gear and a fixed tilt lock gear are securely engaged. Gear noise in tilt adjustment when the movable tilt lock gear and the fixed tilt lock gear are engaged halfway is prevented. As the control force of an operating lever is rapidly decreased when a fitting protrusion is fitted to a stepped part, a click and click stop feeling occur and a definite operation feeling that the clamping is securely performed is acquired. As the fitting protrusion is integrated with the operating lever and a sliding surface configured by a groove, an inclined face and the stepped part are also formed as an outside face of the fixed tilt lock gear, the number of parts and man-hours for assembly can be reduced.

Abstract: An inner column 2 is fitted in an outer column 1 in such a way as to be able to slide in the axial direction. The outer column 1 is mounted on a vehicle body 5 by a vehicle mount bracket 3. Fastening portions 65B, 65B of a right distance bracket 6B pass through through-holes 13, 14 respectively to be able to be in contact with the outer circumference 21 of the inner column and directly fasten the outer circumference of the inner column. Thus, there is provided a steering apparatus that is simple in structure without need to provide an additional mechanism for preventing rotation of an inner column and in which the magnitude of fastening force exerted on the inner column does not vary depending on the telescopic position of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve blank for producing a sliding sleeve for a steering spindle shaft of a motor vehicle steering spindle and the motor vehicle steering spindle assembly are provided. The sliding sleeve blank has a cylindrical form and has a section on one end, which has a collar, from which winged webs extending away radially extend in the direction of the second end. The sliding sleeve blank is a cold impact extrusion component, which, at the section has a preliminary toothing system extending over one part of the length of the section.

Abstract: An operating mechanism is disclosed for a Bowden cable which comprises a support bracket, an operating lever, a hub mounted on the support bracket for rotation about a first axis by the operating lever, a transmission lever connectable to the Bowden cable and mounted on the support bracket for pivoting about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and an actuating arm connected at one end to the hub and connected at its end remote from the hub by a sliding ball and socket joint to the transmission lever so that rotation of the hub about said first axis causes rotation of the transmission lever about the second axis to extend and retract the Bowden cable. In the invention, sliding axis of the ball and socket joint is inclined relative to both the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: A cable end fitting for use in a latch is provided including a sheath for surrounding a portion of a first cable and a second cable. A portion of the sheath, including a first end is positioned within a housing. A base plate is coupled to the second end of the sheath. A first bore and a second bore extend through the base plate and the sheath. The base plate retains the cable end fitting in a position in the latch.

Abstract: Ergonomic handgrip that enables comfortable manipulation of a moveable apparatus such as a cart, sled, or wheelchair without affecting the portability or compactness of the folding capability of the moveable apparatus. Improves the comfort and manipulative ability of the person moving the apparatus by providing an improved grip that enables the hands of the person to be used in a natural, untwisted and relaxed overhand position.

Abstract: A panel for a domestic appliance having a rotary switch, the rotary switch having a rotary element, a latching ring, at least one latching element and a rotation axis about which the rotary element rotates relative to the latching ring, wherein the latching ring has at least one latching lug on its inner face, said latching lug projecting radially toward the center the latching ring, wherein the latching element is held on the rotary element and is prestressed radially outward against the inner face of the latching ring, wherein the rotary element and the latching ring are arranged along the rotation axis, and wherein the latching ring is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the panel. A corresponding domestic appliance having a panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sliding cam system having sliding cams (1) which are arranged so as to be non- rotatable yet axially displaceable on a main shaft, preferably on a shaft serving as the camshaft of a reciprocating internal combustion engine, having a preferably electromagnetically operable device including at least one extendable actuator pin (6) for displacing the sliding cams into different axial positions via the displacement grooves (3) on the circumference of the sliding cams, wherein the displacement grooves interact with the actuator pin (6) and a displacement device (5) is fixedly arranged on a component of the internal combustion engine. The system has a device for locking the sliding cams (1) in different axial positions, and the locking device includes at least one recess associated with each axial position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flywheel having mass that is a function of its angular frequency.

Abstract: A system for absorbing vibration in a rotary member having a predetermined rotary speed of the present invention has a selectively moveable mass and a positioning mechanism. The mass is in communication with the rotary member having a predetermined position. The positioning mechanism exerts a force on the mass at least when the rotary member operates below the predetermined rotary speed. The force exerted by the positioning mechanism orients the mass at the predetermined position when the rotary member operates below the predetermined rotary speed.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the rotary kinetic power to drive the first transmission device (T101), and is individually installed with the output end transmission devices to the output end of the first transmission device (T101), so as to drive the loading wheel sets installed at the two sides of the common load body (L100), as well as installed with individually controlled output end clutch devices for controlling the driven wheel sets and the wheel shafts to perform engaging transmission or terminating transmission, and between the wheel shafts of the loading wheel sets at two lateral sides of the common load body (L100), a flexibility transmission device is installed, thereby through the flexibility transmission device performing the flexibility transmission with differential rotational speed from the engaging transmission side to the terminating transmission side.

Abstract: In a transmission series different versions of lubricant supply pumps have a uniformly designed and dimensioned coupling pin between lubricant supply pump and transmission drive shaft or take-off shaft. In addition different versions of lubricant supply pumps have a uniformly designed and dimensioned mechanical interface on their drive shaft-side housing end face side. This mechanical interface includes a centering shoulder radially surrounding the coupling pin and a circle of holes concentric to the centering shoulder provided with threaded holes for attachment screws on the drive shaft-side end face side of the lubricant supply pump.

Abstract: A composite product and a method of manufacturing the composite product are disclosed. The composite product includes (a) a polymeric material binder and a metal-bearing material or (b) the polymeric material binder and a carbon-bearing material. The 5 method includes heating and mixing the components of the composite product and thereafter forming the heated mixture into a final product shape, with the heating step being sufficient to melt at least a part of the polymeric material binder to facilitate forming the product.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus (high shear device) and method for treating liquid metals by intensive melt shearing. The apparatus comprises a stator and a rotor with a small gap between them to provide intensive melt shearing for dispersing efficiently and distributing uniformly gas, liquid and solid phases in liquid metals without severe turbulence at the melt surface. The device can be extended to a multistage high shear pump by arranging individual rotor/stator assemblies either concentrically (one in another) or vertically. The device and high shear pump can be readily integrated into existing casting processes. The device is suitable for use in casting processes including high pressure die casting, low pressure die casting, gravity die casting, sand casting, investment casting, direct chill casting, twin roll casting, and any other casting process which requires liquid metal as a feedstock.

Abstract: A pair of hose clamp pliers for clamping a hose is provided with two clamping plates. The pliers include two clamping ends capable of moving toward or away from each other. The two clamping plates are fixedly connected to the two clamping ends and provided with movement guide protrusions and movement stop protrusions. With the protrusions formed along the periphery of the two clamping plates and the gaps defined by the protrusions, the hose clamp pliers can clamp the hose clamp in different directions, so that it can be adapted to different work requirements or environments, for example, in a narrow space. Further, the movement guide protrusions and movement stop protrusions restrict the hose clamp in two different directions, so as to improve clamping stability.

Abstract: Multifunctional stripping/cutting pliers are provided for stripping and cutting multi-wire and multi-core electrical cable. The stripping/cutting pliers have plate like bodies that are pivoted in an opposing manner and form in pivot disks thereof a receiving slot in which a spring is received in a concealed arrangement. A stepped hole is provided to extend through a middle portion of the pivoted bodies at a lower side of the insertion site of the spring for receiving a positioning pin to extend therein so as to provide an easy depression operation from the outside of the bides to realize locking. Through the concealed and position-returning arrangement of the spring of the stripping/cutting pliers and assisted by simple depression that achieves locking, the cutting operation of the stripping/cutting pliers can provides the effects of being easy, being practical, and operation and locking safety.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench comprises a body, a ratchet, a first pawl, and a second pawl. Each of the first pawl and the second pawl can move between a first position and a second position relative to the ratchet. The first position is a position where the ratchet wrench can transmit torque to said driven element from respective first pawl or second pawl, and the second position is a position where no torque is transmitted from respective first pawl or second pawl. A control member can pivot or rotate to stay in one of a first position, a second position, and a neutral position for different operations. The body has an operating part comprising a groove. The groove comprises two accommodation chambers having inclined surfaces and can accommodate the first pawl and the second pawl.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes: a head portion defining a first compartment and a space below; a driving head having an annular driving tooth portion; and first and second detents, each having ratchet teeth to engage the annular driving tooth portion. The first and second detents move laterally between first and second sides of the space simultaneously. When the first and second detents are on the first side, the wrench idle rotates back-pulling along a first direction. When the first and second detents are on the second side, the wrench idle rotates back-pulling along a second direction. Radial alignment diverges between the ratchet teeth of the first detent and the second detent, so that only one of the detents engages the annular driving tooth portion. The other detent is urged against the annular driving tooth portion. When the wrench idle rotates back-pulling, the ratchet teeth of the first and second detents engage with the annular driving tooth portion alternately.

Abstract: An electric tightening head for tightening a lock nut of a single through shaft, comprising a supporting plate (1), sliding blocks (2), tightening jaws (3), springs (4), wedged pad irons (5), wedged pad iron connecting arms (6), a pulling rod (7), an initial position detecting bolt (8) and stop bolts (9), wherein the supporting plate (1) is connected with the sliding blocks (2), the tightening jaws (3) and the pulling rod (7); the springs (4) are connected with the stop bolts (9) mounted on the tightening jaws (3); the tightening jaws (3) are connected with the wedged pad irons (5); the wedged pad irons (5) are connected with the wedged pad iron connecting arms (6); and an upper end of the pulling rod (7) is connected with the initial position detecting bolt (8). The beneficial effects of the electric tightening head include simple and convenient operation and high tightening precision, and it meets the process requirements, improves the production efficiency and reduces the labor cost.

Abstract: A telescopic hand tool includes an outer tube, an inner rod and a positioning unit. The outer tube has an inner surface formed with opposite first and second grooves. The inner rod is inserted in and movable relative to the outer tube between retracted and extended positions, and has an outer surface that has a segment confronting the inner surface and formed with a furrow portion. The positioning unit is disposed in the outer tube and includes a positioning block corresponding in position to the furrow portion and a resilient member disposed in the furrow portion for biasing the positioning block toward the inner surface to engage releasably the first and second grooves.

Abstract: A returning device of a wrench tool contains a body including a tool segment disposed on at least one end portion thereof and having two jaws, an engaging face of at least one of the two jaws including a recessed section in which a receiving groove with a stop rim is formed, the stop rim including a slot fixed on an eccentric position thereof; an auxiliary retainer inserted in the receiving groove and having a retaining portion; a positioning shaft including a front end connected at an eccentric position of a rear end of the auxiliary retainer and including a rear end extending out of the slot and allowing to prevent the auxiliary retainer from disengagement from the receiving groove; a resilient element used to push the auxiliary retainer so that the retaining portion extends out of the recessed section of the at least one of the two jaws.

Abstract: A torque wrench includes a hollow main shaft, a tool member, an adjustable grip, a torque-adjustment elastic member, a clutch device and a functional lock including a locking ring defining therein a bevel groove, a through hole located at the adjustable grip and a positioning ball received in the bevel groove and insertable through the through hole into contact with the periphery of the hollow main shaft. Thus, the user can control the positioning ball to lock the adjustable grip to the hollow main shaft simply by pushing the locking ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for multi-track slicing of a plurality of food products, in particular food products of different types, into respective part portions including at least one product slice, wherein a respective product is supplied to a cutting plane in at least two parallel tracks of a slicing apparatus and is sliced by means of a cutting blade which can in particular be moved in a revolving manner, wherein the slices of the at least two products cut off by the cutting blade fall onto a common, movable storage table, wherein only one respective product supplied in one of the tracks associated with the common storage table is exclusively sliced at any one time so that a maximum of one slice of the just sliced product falls onto the common storage table at any one time.