Abstract: The invention relates to a valve (10, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 210), comprising a first valve element (12, 42, 62, 82, 102, 122, 152, 212) and a second valve element (14, 44, 64, 84, 104, 124, 154, 214), wherein the first valve element comprises a first carrier part (13, 43, 63, 83, 103, 123, 153, 213) which is made of plastic material and a first surface element (16, 46, 66, 86, 106, 126, 158) which is made of silicon or silicon oxide and is fastened to the first carrier part, and the second valve element comprises a second carrier part (15, 45, 65, 85, 105, 125, 155, 215) made of plastic material and a second surface element (18, 47, 67, 87, 107, 127, 159, 218) which is made of silicon or silicon oxide and is fastened to the second carrier part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the composition of medical liquids with regard to their fraction of electrolytes and non-electrolytes, comprising the steps of: determining at least one first physical parameter of the medical liquid for unambiguously determining the fraction of non-electrolytes in the medical liquid; simultaneously determining at least a second physical parameter of the medical liquid for determining the fraction of electrolytes in the medical liquid; and determining the fraction of electrolytes and non-electrolytes in the medical liquid based on the first and second physical parameter.

Abstract: Monitoring of transient operation of a turbine includes identifying a start condition and a stop condition for the transient operation and defining a path from the start condition to the stop condition wherein the path comprises a plurality of sequentially arranged sub-segments. Also, a respective value is obtained of each of a plurality of operating parameters for each respective sub-segment of the path and, then, for each of the respective sub-segments, a determination is made if the respective value of each of the plurality of operating parameters matches a respective predetermined allowable value for that particular operating parameter.

Abstract: In a method for detecting the operational readiness of a jump lambda sensor associated with an internal combustion engine the internal resistance of the sensor is determined as the criterion for the operational readiness of the sensor. The internal resistance is measured by applying a pulsed current to the sensor, the frequency of the current being selected as a function of the state of the sensor (1, 2, 3, 4).

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a blowoff valve in an engine system having a supercharged internal combustion engine, the blowoff valve being situated in a blowoff line around a compressor of a supercharging device, by performing the following: detecting a compressor rotational speed indication of the supercharging device; and determining a malfunction of the blowoff valve if the compressor rotational speed indication includes an oscillation after the blowoff valve is activated for opening the blowoff valve.

Abstract: A transmission includes sensors positioned adjacent respective pairs of magnetized bands on a shaft of the transmission for detecting magnetic flux emanating from the bands in response to torque on the shaft. The transmission further includes an electronics interface assembly configured to respectively provide drive signals to the sensors and to receive from the sensors, in response to the drive signals, output signals indicative of the torque on the shaft as detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating the inflation pressure of a tire in which data representative of the deformation undergone by the tire on a rolling surface are obtained. The obtained data are processed so as to obtain a first quantity representative of the extent of the deformation within a first deformation region substantially corresponding to the footprint between the tire and the rolling surface and a second quantity, different from the first quantity, representing the extent of the deformation in a second deformation region, said second region including the first deformation region and having a circumferential extension greater than the circumferential extension of the first deformation region, the second quantity being obtained starting from at least a part of the obtained data, which corresponds to a portion of said second deformation region that is external to the footprint. The pressure is estimated based on the first quantity and the second quantity thus obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining a volume of liquid in a sample tube, comprising the steps of capturing an image of the sample tube, determining a first region of interest within the sample tube based upon pre-stored information concerning dimensional properties of the sample tube, scanning the first region of interest to detect the position of a meniscus indicative of an upper extent of the liquid, and using said meniscus position together with certain pre-stored properties of the sample tube to determine a volume of liquid in the tube and outputting said volume. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: A method for determining the level of fuel in tanks otherwise un-modified is provided. The method is based on the variation of the acoustic frequency response of the tank in the sonic range with the fuel level in the tank. In a preferred embodiment, the tank is a reservoir for propane used as fuel for preparing food. The operator, such as a homeowner, attaches the tank to his/her grill. The operator engages the proposed new art by tapping the tank and receiving the acoustic signal emanating from the tank with a microphone such as one embedded in a smartphone. The smartphone examines a cluster of peaks in the sonic frequency spectrum between 0 Hz and 20 kHz. By capturing the frequency of the first large peak above 900 Hz in the frequency spectrum, the smartphone converts the frequency into an estimate of the amount of fuel remaining in the tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of particle or cell characteristics, such as mass, in Suspended Microchannel Resonators (SMR's). Apparatus include in particular designs for trapping particles in SMR's for extended measurement periods. Methods include techniques to provide differential measurements by varying the fluid density for repeated measurements on the same particle or cell.

Abstract: A passive dynamic inertial rotor balance system including a plurality of balancing members fitted onto a rotor shaft at locations of predicted maximum shaft modal deflection. Each of the balancing members has at least one chamber and located within the at least one chamber is a plurality of movable weights and a viscous fluid. As the shaft accelerates toward an unbalance point, the weights move within the at least one chamber to a location which is opposite from the unbalance point. The viscous fluid provides damping for the movable weights to prevent excess movement within the chamber and to provide lubrication thereof. A system for self-correcting an unbalance of a turbomachinery rotor during rotation of the rotor and a method for balancing a rotor in a turbomachinery is also provided.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a first sensor element which detects an angular velocity around z axis and a second sensor element which detects an angular velocity around x axis, the relationship fd1>fd2 and fm1<fm2 is satisfied, when the drive frequency of the first sensor element is set to fd1, the drive frequency of the second sensor element is set to fd2, the mistuned frequency of the first sensor element is set to fm1, and the mistuned frequency of the second sensor element is set to fm2.

Abstract: A physical quantity detection device includes a base; a movable body that is supported by the base, and is displaced depending on a physical quantity; a physical quantity detection element that is laid between the base and the movable body; a support unit that is provided on at least one side of both main surfaces of the movable body; and a mass body that includes a first opening part, and is supported by the support unit in such a way that an inside of the first opening part is filled with the support unit.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes: a substrate; a movable body including, with a first axis as a boundary, a first movable electrode portion disposed in a first region, a second movable electrode portion disposed in a second region, and a damping adjusting portion disposed in at least one of the first region and the second region; beam portions supporting the movable body; a first fixed electrode portion; and a second fixed electrode portion. A first through-hole is disposed in the damping adjusting portion. Second through-holes are disposed in the movable electrode portions. The area of a region where the first movable electrode portion overlaps with the first fixed electrode portion is the same as the area of a region where the second movable electrode portion overlaps with the second fixed electrode portion. The width of the first through-hole is greater than the widths of the second through-holes.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes a substrate, a mass having a first and second set of elongated mass fingers extending from the mass, and a support structure supporting the mass on the substrate. The support structure may include at least one anchor and a plurality of springs that allow movement of the mass relative to the substrate. The MEMS device may also include a first set of sensing fingers for sensing movement of the first set of mass fingers relative to the first set of sensing fingers, and a second set of sensing figures for sensing movement of the second set of mass fingers relative to the second set of sensing fingers. The first and second sets of sensing fingers may have different size finger gaps between the sensing fingers and the respective mass fingers.

Abstract: A gyro sensor includes a first detection mass unit provided with a drive mass unit, a drive unit, a first detection unit and a first vibrating body; and a second detection mass unit provided with a second detection unit and a second vibrating body, the first vibrating body extends in the direction of the first axis and one end thereof is connected to the first detection mass unit, the second vibrating body extends in a direction that is opposite to an extension direction of the first vibrating body, and one end thereof is connected to the second detection mass unit, and the vibrating bodies vibrate in the direction of a third axis, along with the vibration in the direction of the first axis.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for a front-end charge amplifier. In certain examples, a front-end charge amplifier for a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device can include a charge amplifier configured to couple to the MEMS device and to provide sense information of a proof mass of the MEMS device, a feedback circuit configured to receive the sense information and to provide feedback to an input of the charge amplifier, and wherein the charge amplifier includes a transfer function having a first pole at a first frequency, a second pole at a second frequency, and one zero at a third frequency.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the leak-tightness of a tank, which is filled with a liquid with a lower density than water. The system has a liquid drain pipe, with a container that has a bottom, which is integrated horizontally in the liquid drain pipe with a damming element, which divides the container into a partial area on the supply flow side and partial area on the drain side. A first vibronic measuring device with a first vibrating unit protruding into the supply flow side partial area of the bottom determines whether the density of the medium undershoots a specified limit. A second vibronic measuring device with a second vibrating unit, at a position not exceeding the level of the first vibrating unit, which detects whether the vibrating unit are covered with medium, and with an evaluation unit uses the measured values of measuring devices to determine whether there is liquid from the tank in the container.

Abstract: Pipeline wall thickness is measured as a function of position using ultrasound propagation. A series of predictive models is used, which define predictions of the ultrasound response signals as a function of different sets of parameters. The different sets that are determine of position dependent ultrasound speed at different sound frequencies and different spatial resolution. Successive iterative fitting process are executed, each fitting a combination of values of a successive set of parameters to the detected ultrasound response signals according to a respective model, using the values fitted values from the previous fitting process to initialize the next set of parameters for iterative fitting.

Abstract: An acoustic probe and an acoustic diagnostic system. The acoustic probe includes a housing; a transducer, which is arranged inside the housing, transmits an acoustic wave to a target object, and receives an acoustic echo signal from the target object; and a magnetic field generator, which is arranged inside the housing and generates a magnetic field to the target object.

Abstract: A probe is provided where a problem of reduction in a reflective performance of an optical reflection layer due to the surface roughness of a support layer of an optical reflection member provided on an element for reflecting irradiation light onto an object or scattered light thereof is solved. The probe includes an element including cells. The probe further includes: an optical reflection layer 108 that is provided closer to the object than the element is; a support layer 104 supporting the optical reflection layer 108; and a smooth layer 106 that is provided between the support layer and the optical reflection layer, and has a smoother surface than the surface of the support layer 104.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pressure sensor, comprising: providing a ceramic platform, a ceramic measuring membrane, and an intermediate ring; providing an active braze material by means of gas phase deposition at least on a first surface section of a first surface and on a second surface section of a second surface. The first surface is a platform surface, which is to be connected with the intermediate ring by means of the active hard solder, or braze, or a surface of the intermediate ring, which is to be connected with the platform by means of the active hard solder, or braze. The second surface is a measuring membrane surface, which is to be connected with the intermediate ring by means of the active hard solder, or braze, or a surface of the intermediate ring, which is to be connected with the measuring membrane by means of the active hard solder, or braze.

Abstract: A fluid pressure spike attenuation device and a method of attenuating a fluid pressure spike are provided. A fluid channel extends through an inlet body from a first open end to a second open end. The inlet body can be connected to a fluid pressure source and receive a fluid from the fluid pressure source. The fluid channel has an increased cross-sectional area to attenuate a fluid pressure spike entering the fluid channel at the first open end. A sensing element is in fluid communication with the second open end. The sensing element senses a property of the fluid in the fluid channel. The method includes providing an inlet body defining a fluid channel. The method also includes attenuating a fluid pressure spike by dissipating a pressure wave as it moves through the increased cross-sectional area of the fluid channel.

Abstract: An anti-entrapment system for preventing an object from being entrapped by a translating device such as a vehicle window includes a capacitance sensor and a controller. The sensor has a jacket with a cavity, a dielectric element within the cavity, and first and second electrical conductors. The conductors are within the cavity on opposite sides of the dielectric element such that the conductors are separated from one another by a separation distance. The capacitance of the sensor changes in response to an electrically conductive object moving in proximity to at least one of the conductors. The controller is configured to control a translating device as a function of the capacitance of the sensor. The jacket is attachable to a seal configured to receive the translating device.

Abstract: A method for testing compressive strength of multiple molds filled with a liquid settable grout wherein samples of the liquid settable grout are taken at selected filling intervals and poured into a container, and the container is sealed and the time, date and location information regarding the mold then being filled is recorded on the container. The sample container is then left in the same environment as the mold being sampled. A curve is generated which projects a final compressive strength based on compressive strengths at various cure times. The sample is removed from its container after a selected cure time and subjected to a series of Schmidt hammer tests, and these compressive strength readings are used to determine the projected final compressive strengths of the sample based on the cure time from the established curve.

Abstract: A tube or pipe clamp incorporates a clamping force measurement device. A support body is disposable around a threaded bolt of a locking assembly of the tube or pipe clamp. At least one spring element is held by the support body, a compression member being disposed in operative contact with the spring element for compressing the same in a clamp tightening operation. A scale is provided on one of the support body and the compression member for indicating a degree of compression of the spring element and concomitantly a magnitude of compressive force exerted by the compression member and the bolt on the tube or pipe clamp.

Abstract: A flow meter apparatus comprising: at least two magnets polarized in substantially opposite directions, mechanically coupled to a mechanical element mounted in a flow conduit and movable by a substance flowing through the flow conduit, for imparting movement from the mechanical element to the magnets, and at least two magnetic field sensors, each of the sensors deployed in a respective position next to the magnets, configured to sense a direction of a magnetic field in the position and to generate a signal indicative of the direction.

Abstract: A magnetic-inductive flowmeter (1) for measuring the through-flow of a flowing medium (2), with a measuring line (3), a magnetic field generating device (4) and two electrodes (6) for picking off a measuring voltage induced in the flowing medium (2). In the case of the flowmeter in question a supplementary magnetic field generating device (7) is provided for generating a supplementary magnetic field at least partially passing through the measuring line (3), the supplementary magnetic field at least partially extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (5) of the measuring line (3) in the region of the measuring line (3) in which the two electrodes (6) are located.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic flow meter capable of detecting a flow rate using measurement flow channel including layered flow channels and a pair of ultrasonic sensors and disposed on a wall surface on the same side of measurement flow channel so as to form a propagation path of ultrasonic waves utilizing reflection on flow channel inner wall surface on an opposing side, and control rod as fluid control means is disposed on an upstream side of separation plates that form a multilayer section.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to diaphragm assembly for a pressure sensor, including a multi-layered assembly of an outer diaphragm and an inner diaphragm, and an intermediate layer between both diaphragms, the intermediate layer being made of a solid material which is permeable to air.

Abstract: A force gauge assembly used to measure forces or spring rate of an object utilizing a diaphragm strain gauge for mechanically compensating for loads not being centrally applied to the gauge. The construction of the gauge provides readings that will be substantially the same as if the load were applied in perfect alignment. The gauge utilizes internal components that remain the same even though the force gauge is adaptable for measuring different objects.

Abstract: The device for sampling and vaporizing liquefied natural gas includes a circuit provided at one end with a device for collecting a sample of liquefied gas and conveying the sample to a measurement device. The circuit includes and passes through a device for vaporizing the sample. The device for vaporizing includes at least one vaporization chamber having a first convergent section portion and a second divergent section portion being consecutive along the circuit and shaped so as to vaporize all of the sample under supercritical conditions at a pressure of greater than 80 bar without fractionating. The vaporization chamber includes, at the entrance of the first convergent section portion, a port with a variable opening. The port is sized so as to limit the vaporization pressure to a maximum of 90 bar in conjunction with a fixed opening at the outlet of the second divergent section portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydroplaning debris-flow simulation apparatus which includes an inclined flume provided with a plurality of water permeation units.

Abstract: An automated manual transmission may include a first input shaft and a second input shaft disposed in parallel with each other to form a plurality of stages with a common output shaft, a first switching mechanism that directly transmits or cuts power provided from a flywheel of an engine to or from the first input shaft or the second input shaft, and a second switching mechanism that transmits or cuts power provided from the flywheel through the clutch to or from the first input shaft or the second input shaft.

Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission of a vehicle includes an engine control module that generates a command, while the vehicle is rolling in either a forward or reverse direction, to change a transmission of the vehicle from a reverse drive gear to a forward drive gear. The transmission includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, and a fourth clutch. A transmission control module, in response to the command, maintains a first clutch in an engaged state, releases a second clutch and a fourth clutch, with the first clutch in the engaged state and the second clutch and the fourth clutch released, applies a third clutch with a synchronizer to engage the third clutch, and, after the third clutch is engaged, reapplies the fourth clutch to engage the fourth clutch.

Abstract: A sector plate assembly for a shift mechanism in an automotive vehicle includes a first sector plate being rotatable about an axis and including a peripheral edge having a camming surface. A second sector plate is rotatably coupled to the first sector plate for rotation about the axis. The second sector plate includes an arcuately contoured slot. A biasing member is connected to the first and second sector plates to urge the sector plates toward a predetermined relative position.

Abstract: A flexible wrist-type element, comprising: a base housing extending along a first longitudinal axis towards a base end; an operational housing extending along a second longitudinal axis towards an operational end; an operational element moveably connected to the operational housing; a joint assembly movably connecting the base housing and the operational housing; wherein the joint assembly allows relative movement of the operational housing and the base housing between a first position and a second position, wherein a point of intersection between the second longitudinal axis and the first longitudinal axis moves during movement between the first position and the second position; a driver assembly moveably supported by the base housing and the operational housing; and wherein the driver assembly is configured to actuate the operational element relative to the operational housing.

Abstract: A steering device includes a housing constituted by an enclosing main body section, a separation section formed on two sides of on the lower side of the enclosing main body section along the axial direction thereof, and clamping sections formed respectively on two sides of the enclosing main body section so as to face each other in the lateral direction of the separation section; a fixed bracket having fixed side sections that clamp the housing at two sides in the lateral direction; a clamp that clamps the two clamping sections of the housing and the two fixed side sections of the fixed bracket; an outer pipe having at the axially front side thereof a slit formed in the axial direction; and an inner pipe inserted into the inner circumferential side of the outer pipe.

Abstract: An automatic tensioning device for a parking brake actuator that according to one implementation includes a support, a first regulating element, and a second regulating element movable with respect to the support between a rest position and a block position. The second regulating element includes an inner thread, a first stop surface for contacting the support, and at least one stop for contacting the support and/or the first regulating element. In the rest position, the first regulating element is moved with respect to the second regulating element by means of rotation of the second regulating element when the first stop surface contacts a first stop surface of the support. In the block position, the stop blocks the rotation of the second regulating element with respect to the first regulating element.

Abstract: A clevis pin (connecting pin) (26) is inserted into a clearance hole (72), and is displaceable relative to an operating pedal (16). A pivotal moving link (68) is disposed between the clevis pin (26) and a sensor pin (64) of a load sensor (30). A reaction force applied from the clevis pin (26) to the load sensor (30) always acts in a substantially constant direction (substantially leftward in FIG. 1A) even if the operating pedal (16) and an operating rod (22) are pivoted relatively around the axis of the clevis pin (26) in accordance with the depressing operation of the operating pedal (16). Thus, the detecting accuracy of the load sensor (30) is heightened, and variation in detecting accuracy is prevented, rendering the high reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bike stem and more generally to a stem for connecting a steering bar to a steering tube. The stem body is substantially hollow allowing the use of a locking member to engages the handlebar on one end and the steerer tube on the other end and can be secured by tightening bolts on only one end of the bike stem, thereby exerting pressure on the handlebars and to the locking member, which thereby applies a force to the steerer tube, securing the steerer tube to the bike stem without the need for bolts on the steerer tube side of the bike stem.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a steering wheel can comprise: a plastic top armature portion comprising a top rim portion and a top spoke portion, the top spoke portion extending radially inward from the top rim portion; and a plastic bottom armature portion comprising a hub, a bottom rim portion, and a bottom spoke portion, the bottom spoke portion extending radially inward to the hub. The top armature portion can be attached to the bottom armature portion with a plurality of snap mechanisms, wherein each snap mechanism comprises a snap fit protrusion that engages an aperture. The armature can be configured to attach to a vehicle steering column.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided that may include a central member, a rim, a structural member, a switch-frame and a switch assembly. The rim may be spaced apart from the central member. The structural member may extend between the central member and the rim. The switch-frame may be secured relative to the structural member and may include first, second, and third members cooperating to define an opening. The first member may be disposed between the central member and the rim and may extend laterally across the structural member. The second and third members may be spaced apart from each other and may extend from the first member toward the rim. The switch assembly may be mounted to the switch-frame and may at least partially extend through the opening.

Abstract: The present Invention relates to a cam roller (1) for a cam mechanism, a cam control and/or a roller track, comprising a roller bolt (3) and a roller body (2) which is rotatable about the latter and which is guidable on a groove cam of the cam mechanism, the cam control and/or on a roller track, wherein a lubricant carrier (4) retained on the roller bolt (3) is provided for the release of lubricant onto the tread (20) of the roller body (2).

Abstract: According to the invention this object is attained by a rocker arm for actuating at least one gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine having an elongated lever body with a floor and with side walls angled away therefrom, wherein a first end section of the lever body has a cup formed in the floor for a support element, and in that a section near the center is provided with a cam engagement surface and in that a second end section of the lever body has a bottom contact surface for a valve stem end of the gas exchange valve, wherein a crossbar extends between the section near the center and the second end section, and wherein the bottom contact surface for the valve stem end has a first stamping toward the top side of the rocker arm for a direct fine enclosure of the valve stem end, and wherein the crossbar has a second stamping whose shape is matched to the valve stem end.

Abstract: A lever-type cam follower for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, the cam follower having two side walls which are connected to each other through a crossbar on whose underside, on one end, a support for a gas exchange valve is disposed, the crossbar having a recess through which a roller extends, the roller is supported via a bearing on a pin seated in the side walls, wherein the roller is so narrow that outer front ends of the roller are clearly spaced from and out of contact with longitudinal surfaces of the recess, one guide extension projects from each of the longitudinal surfaces towards a central longitudinal plane of the cam follower, and the roller is guided on inner sides of the at least one guide extension.

Abstract: The drive for a pedal vehicle, particularly for children, comprising a drive axle having two drive wheels, further comprising a pedal crank the pinion of which is connected via a chain to a further pinion which is firmly seated on the drive axle, is characterized in that the one drive wheel is connected via a freewheeling mechanism in both directions to the drive axle, and that the other drive wheel is freely rotatably seated on the drive axle and is drivable by an electric motor.

Abstract: A driving apparatus, an electromechnical actuator and a clutch driver are disclosed. A variable-speed gear disk module and an electric driving component are linked, and a one-way bearing is installed between the variable-speed gear disk and a pedal driving module, such that a user can selectively use the electric driving component to drive a gear disk in order to drive a bicycle body to move forward, without driving a pedal module by a feed-back link. When the pedal module is used to drive the bicycle body to move forward, the electric driving component will not be driven by the feed-back link, so as to prevent accidents caused by the pedal module that is rotated with the gear disk at a high speed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating fine reduced iron powders comprises the following steps: heating fine iron oxide powders having a mean particle size of smaller than 20 ?m to a reduction temperature of over 700° C. to reduce the fine iron oxide powder into iron powders that are partially sintered into iron powder agglomerates; and performing a crushing-spheroidizing process on the iron powder agglomerates to obtain individual iron powders having a mean particle size of smaller than 20 ?m. The method can reduce iron oxide powers into iron powders having a rounded shape and a high packing density and a high tap density, which are suitable for the metal injection molding process and the inductor fabrication process. The reduced iron powder may further be processed using an annealing process and a second crushing-spheroidizing process in sequence to further increase the sphericity, packing density, and tap density of the reduced iron powder.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for recovering rare earth particulate material from an assembly comprising a rare earth magnet and comprises the steps of exposing the assembly to hydrogen gas to effect hydrogen decrepitation of the rare earth magnet to produce a rare earth particulate material, and separating the rare earth particulate material from the rest of the assembly. The invention also resides in an apparatus for separating rare earth particulate material from an assembly comprising a rare earth magnet. The apparatus comprises a reaction vessel having an opening which can be closed to form a gas-tight seal, a separator for separating the rare earth particulate material from the assembly, and a collector for collecting the rare earth particulate material. The reaction vessel is connected to a vacuum pump and a gas control system, and the gas control system controls the supply of hydrogen gas to the reaction vessel.