Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the simultaneous forming of a plurality of shaped articles from plural sheet metal blanks. First and second sheet metal blanks are arranged between upper and lower forming dies, and a nozzle body having a generally diamond-shaped cross-sectional profile, transverse to an insertion direction, is inserted between the sheet metal blanks. When the forming tool is closed, upper and lower sealing surfaces of the nozzle body press the first and second sheet metal blanks, respectively, against sealing beads that are arranged one each within peripheral areas of the upper and lower forming dies. Opposite side edges of the nozzle body converge one toward the other so as to facilitate forming a seal along each of the side edges of the nozzle body. A pressurized fluid is introduced via the nozzle body for forming the sheet metal blanks within a die cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roller hemming device capable of maintaining performance to hem a work at low cost. Specifically disclosed is a roller hemming device for performing preliminary bending to a work placed on a bottom die along a guide surface formed on the bottom die, which includes a roller for hemming the work, and a guide member protruding radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the roller. The guide member is in contact with the guide surface of the bottom die during the preliminary bending.

Abstract: An equal channel angular extrusion tool comprising a punch assembly, a die set assembly, a base assembly, and a bottom slider assembly. The punch assembly comprises a punch, a punch nose, and a punch trolley. The die set assembly comprises an inlet channel and a removable core. The base assembly comprises a lifting mechanism which further comprises a die lift cylinder and a hold down ram. The bottom slider assembly comprises an ejection ram. The tool also includes a billet. The billet may be disposed in the bottom slider assembly. Severe plastic deformation is applied to the billet in the bottom slider assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of expanding a vehicle for extracting a person trapped therein by providing a multi-part structural bar with a plurality of receiving points, securing the structural bar to the vehicle such as by placing against the back seat of an interior of a vehicle or by chaining to structural elements of the vehicle. One end of an expansion ram is then set into one of the receiving points of the multi-part structural bar with the other end of the ram set into a point in the vehicle to be expanded, or against a structural plate placed in a vehicle. The ram is then activated or expanded, thus resulting in an expansion of the interior of the vehicle to permit a person trapped therein to be extracted.

Abstract: A method of reshaping a portion of a plate-like workpiece lying on a workpiece support of a machine tool, with the workpiece being movable with respect to the workpiece support. The method comprises folding the portion of the workpiece such that the folded portion of the workpiece has several sides and it is only folded at a side connected to a residual portion of the workpiece lying on the workpiece support, and the folded workpiece portion is raised at a predetermined angle with respect to the residual portion, and reshaping the folded portion of the workpiece to have a segment directed downwardly with respect to the folded portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel having a top surface, a bottom surface and flat ends. The floor support has a plurality of flanges and notches disposed within the top surface and a plurality of openings disposed through the sheet of galvanized steel. Positioned between each opening is a first bend. Positioned on either side of selected first bends is a second bend thereby forming a z-shaped floor support.

Abstract: A press including a number of pairs of dies each clamped by a driving source to press set work pieces in a vertical direction, and a revolver holding the pairs of dies and rotatable around a vertical axis, wherein the revolver by rotating moves any pair of dies to a pressing position where pressing process is performed.

Abstract: A die locking device including a press having a top end, a bottom end and a plurality of channels disposed around a perimeter of the press. The device also includes a plurality of actuators, each of the plurality of actuators affixed to a first end of one of a plurality of locking arms that are each at least partially disposed in one of the plurality of channels. The device also includes a plurality of locking clips, each affixed to a second end of each of the plurality of locking arms and each affixed to one of a plurality of hinges. The plurality of hinges is configured to receive and secure a die stack to the top end of the press.

Abstract: Validation systems and methods are described. Specifically, the disclosed validation system has the ability to simultaneously or sequentially analyze the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) or any other property of process samples taken from the same or different sources. The validation system is scalable to validate with multiple reference samples to one or multiple analyzers. The system is also scalable to operate multiple streams of a single or multiple fuels to multiple analyzers.

Abstract: A calibration tool and method of using the tool to calibrate a fiber optic needle oxygen sensor. The tool includes at least a vial sealingly covered by a septa and containing a supply of particulate oxygen getter within the chamber of the vial. The vial has an open top and is constructed from an oxygen impermeable material. The septa is resealing, needle-penetrable and oxygen impermeable. The supply of particulate oxygen getter is retained within an oxygen permeable sachet.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to an optical gas analyzer device that includes at least one measuring chamber in the form of a tubular measuring cuvette through which measuring gas flows. The measuring chamber is illuminated longitudinally by a radiation source that is arranged at an input end thereof and the light beam of which weakened by absorption losses is detected for gas concentration analysis by at least one detector arranged at an output end. The measuring process is calibrated using a reference spectrum. A special optical filter can be inserted into the measuring process in place of the measuring cuvette. The filter material of the filter generates a plurality of strong absorptions across the entire wavelength range of the measuring spectrum in order to cause attenuations that in the particular spectral position correspond to those of the gaseous measuring medium in greater concentration.

Abstract: Self calibrating micro-fabricated load cells are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a self calibrating load cell comprises a resonant double ended tuning fork force sensor and a phase locked loop circuit for detection of frequency changes upon external load application to the resonant double ended tuning fork force sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing effects of friction on process control devices are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining a value corresponding to friction of an actuator and a process control device to be operated by the actuator, and determining a value indicative of an effect of the friction on operation of the process control device via the actuator based on the value corresponding to the friction and a predetermined value.

Abstract: A portable gas analyzer comprising an integrated micro-flame ionization detector (micro-FID), a micro-gas chromatograph (micro-GC), an electrolyzer, and a flame-shaped electrode are provided. The components of the portable gas analyzer can be integrated into a single “lunchbox” sized housing with all the peripherals required to operate the micro-GC/FID without an external power and gas supply.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to methods for identifying the presence of kidney disease, determining the level of kidney disease, or the progression of kidney disease, in a subject that has or has not been diagnosed with diabetes. The technology further relates to methods for determining the targets for therapy for kidney disease, the efficacy of a treatment for kidney disease, and methods for determining the toxicity of a therapeutic in a subject with kidney disease. The technology relates in part to methods for identifying the presence of kidney disease, determining the level of kidney disease, or the progression of kidney disease, in a subject that has or has not been diagnosed with diabetes. The technology further relates to methods for determining the targets for therapy for kidney disease, the efficacy of a treatment for kidney disease, and methods for determining the toxicity of a therapeutic in a subject with kidney disease.

Abstract: According to the method for controlling a filter (3) for an air intake duct of a turbine: the filter (3) is exposed to an incident flow of sprayed salt water; and parameters of the flow on either side of the filter, which are representative of the salt retention capability of the filter, are measured.

Abstract: A measuring device (10) for dust (S0) in flue gas, includes a housing (10) and at least one sensor (45) arranged in the housing (11) for obtaining measuring data of the withdrawn sample. During operation, samples of the dust (S0) can be taken continuously. The sensor (45) is sensitive for gas (G), which arrives in the housing (11) accumulated on the dust (S1).

Abstract: An actuator system includes a piston-cylinder arrangement including a piston that is movable with respect to a cylinder. A first flow path is in fluid communication with the piston-cylinder arrangement and a second flow path is in fluid communication with the piston-cylinder arrangement. A control system is operable to fluidly connect the first flow path to a source of high-pressure fluid and to connect the second flow path to a drain to move the piston in a first direction. A pressure sensor is fluidly connected to the first flow path and is operable to measure sufficient pressure data during the movement of the piston to generate a pressure versus time curve. The control system is operable to compare the generated pressure versus time curve to a known standard pressure versus time curve stored in the control system to determine the condition of the piston-cylinder arrangement.

Abstract: A gas-leak detector includes a suction pump that sucks sample gas and reference gas, two gas detection sensors, and a cell block having a cell therein. The cell receives the gasses and has two suction-gas introduction channels and a single gas discharge channel opening thereinto. The gas-leak detector detects a gas leak on the basis of outputs from the sensors. The introduction channels and the discharge channel open into the cell at a first one of opposing surfaces of the cell, the opening of the discharge channel being arranged between the openings of the two introduction channels. The sensors are on the same plane as a second one of the opposing surfaces and are arranged between the opening of the discharge channel and the openings of the introduction channels. The suction pump is arranged on the cell block and communicates with the opening of the discharge channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of determining fluid properties by using a micro-machined suspended plate. The plate is suspended by a plurality of springs and the plate is in contact with the fluid. The power to move the plate and the phase angle between the driving frequency and the actual frequency that the plate moves changes as the plate is moved while in contact with the fluid. The device can measure clotting time, stiffness, damping ration, velocity, and viscosity of the fluid by comparison with standards.

Abstract: Methods for chromatography for metal compounds are disclosed herein. These methods relate to introducing an analyte solution into a chromatographic system comprising a liquid phase flowing through a solid stationary phase, wherein the solid stationary phase comprises graphitic carbon; and eluting compounds from the stationary phase with a retention factor greater than zero, wherein a chromatogram of the eluted compounds shows that the compounds are substantially resolved. Methods for determining the purity of mixtures of metal compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve includes a stator that has fluidic ports in a seal surface, and a rotor that has a seal surface contacting the stator's seal surface. The rotor has through-holes that extend from the seal surface to a back surface, providing fluidic communication with a conduit disposed adjacent to the back surface of the rotor. A chromatography apparatus includes a sample source, a solvent source having a higher operating pressure than the sample source, and an injector valve. A method of performing chromatography includes loading a sample with a valve in a load-state configuration that disposes a sample source in fluidic communication with a conduit disposed adjacent to a back surface of the rotor, and injecting the loaded sample with the valve in an inject-state configuration that disposes a solvent source in fluidic communication with a column via at grooves adjacent to a front seal surface of the rotor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mobile hand held miniature laboratory system in general, and to fluid testing apparatus for performing a parameter measurement in a fluid sample and methods of use thereof in particular. The apparatus comprising: A strip adapted to absorb a fluid sample and to produce a signal indicative of said parameter level in said sample; and an adaptor adapted to connect said strip to a smart phone to thereby allow delivery of the produced signal or a correlated signal to said smart phone for obtaining a measurement of said fluid parameter displayed on said smart phone, wherein said testing apparatus relies on said smart phone at least for power supply and display means.

Abstract: The principal object of the invention is a method for managing the operation of a metering unit of a turbomachine fuel injection system, characterised in that a channel of the metering unit is selected according to the reliability of the injection system's flowmeter, determined by reliability conditions of the flowmeter providing information as to whether or not there is confidence in the flowmeter.

Abstract: A sensor mounting arrangement of a wheel assembly having a spindle defining an elongated cavity is provided. The spindle rotatably supports a wheel. The sensor mounting arrangement comprises a tube, a wire harness, and a sensor assembly. The tube is configured to be partially received in the elongated cavity of the spindle. The wire harness is routed through the tube. The sensor assembly is connected to a leading end of the wire harness wherein the leading end is configured to be disposed proximal to the wheel.

Abstract: Methods of volume measurement of a liquid are described. During extraction or feed of the liquid, at least two time points of the altered volume of the liquid is measured. Respective hydrostatic pressures are measured at these time points. The pressure difference is determined and the current volume of the liquid present in the container is determined.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining an adhesion condition of a friction clutch operated with specified slip between an input part and an output part. In the case of rotational speed differences in the range of noise in the latter, a mean value and its variance are continuously derived from measurements taken by an unfiltered rotational speed difference between the input part and the output part, and when the mean value falls below a specified threshold and simultaneously the variance exceeds the mean value, the adhesion condition is recognized.

Abstract: A sheet thickness detection apparatus includes a bracket, a power device, a first linking lever, a second linking lever, a sheet pressing part, and a sensing device. The bracket has a base with a perforation. The sensing device includes a supporting part and a sensor. The power device, the first linking lever, the second linking lever and the sheet pressing part are disposed on a first surface of the bracket. The sensor is fixed on the supporting part. When the supporting part is connected to a second surface of the base, the sensor is penetrated through the perforation and exposed to a lateral side of the first linking lever. Moreover, the supporting part is movable, so that the position of the sensor relative to the first linking lever is adjustable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter (27) comprising a housing (28) defining at least one crankcase (29) and two cylinders (25, 26), a crankshaft (11) disposed in the crankcase (29), two pistons (3, 4) respectively mounted in the cylinders (25, 26) for reciprocal movement, a first connecting rod (12) connected to one of the pistons (3) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the one piston (3), and a second connecting rod (13) connected to the other piston (4) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the other piston (4), wherein the first and second connecting rods (12, 13) have yoke slots (16, 17) for receiving a crank pin (19) radially offset from the crankshaft (11).

Abstract: A fluid meter (27) comprising a housing (28) defining at least one crankcase (29) and two cylinders (25, 26), a crankshaft (11) disposed in the crankcase (29), two pistons (3, 4) respectively mounted in the cylinders (25, 26) for reciprocal movement, a first connecting rod (12) connected to one of the pistons (3) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the one piston (3), and a second connecting rod (13) connected to the other piston (4) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the other piston (4), wherein the first and second connecting rods (12, 13) have yoke slots (16, 17) with a circumferential periphery (62) for receiving a crank pin (19) radially offset from the crankshaft (11).

Abstract: A method for determining the fill level of a medium, wherein a transmission signal is transmitted, a return signal is received, and the return signal is evaluated in view of the process variable in a manner which allows a general and flexible handling of interfering signals in the received signals. This result is obtained by filtering at least one of the return signal, a signal derived from the return signal and an envelope curve formed from the return signal into at least one sub-signal, and using said at least one sub-signal for evaluating the return signal for at least determining the fill level.

Abstract: A water level measuring system (10) has: a riser piping section (3) connected to a plant device (20) and extending to above the plant device (20); an upper piping section (4) connected to the riser piping section (3); a connection piping section (5) having an upper end connected to the upper piping section (4) and extending downward; a lower instrumentation piping (2b) connected to the plant device (20); a water level gauge (1) provided with a first connection section (31) which is connected to the lower end of the connection piping section (5) and also with a second connection section (32) which is connected to the lower instrumentation piping (2b), the water level gauge (1) measuring the differential pressure between the first connection section (31) and the second connection section (32); a vent pipe (12) branched from the connection piping section (5); a control valve (11) installed in the vent pipe (12); and hydrogen concentration detectors (6) mounted to the riser piping section (3), the upper piping se

Abstract: A fuel delivery unit in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, having a surge pot, a fuel pump is arranged in the surge pot fuel out of the surge pot to an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle, a pump holder for fastening the fuel pump in the surge pot, and a fill level sensor for determining the fill level in the fuel tank. The fill level sensor (13) is arranged on the pump holder.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring device may comprise a fuel tank that stores fuel, a fuel pump that sucks the fuel in the fuel tank and pumps the fuel toward a combustion apparatus, a fuel discharging portion that discharges the fuel from the fuel pump into the fuel tank, a ease that receives the fuel discharged from the fuel discharging portion and a pair of liquid level-sensitive electrodes that is accommodated in the case so as to measure capacitance that changes with the liquid level. The case may have a fuel permeating property to equalize the liquid level inside the case and the liquid level outside the case.

Abstract: The concerns a measurement device and system utilizing the same for precise measuring the fluid level in a container, the measurement device (10) being located outside of the container (12) and comprising a predetermined number of basic blocks of a predetermined geometry, the basic blocks comprising at least one pair of capacitors with a predetermined relation between their capacitance a differential change in said relation along the device (10) being indicative the fluid level condition in the container (12).

Abstract: A fully adjustable liquid tank float incorporates a float for use for gauging the amount of fuel or other liquid contained within a storage tank, the float being connectable to an adjustable lateral arm, which pivotally connects to a vertical structure, which secures to an adaptor that is mounted onto the top of the storage tank. The adaptor connects a transparent housing, which discloses an indicator of the amount of fuel remaining in the tank. The vertical structure is likewise adjustable in length. A flexible linkage connects with the indicator, and is adjustably secured with the lateral arm, to provide for a precise indication as to when the tank is full, partially full, or approaching empty.

Abstract: An electronic device is presented including a fingerprint collecting module for collecting fingerprint information and a chemical analysis module for performing a chemical analysis of the fingerprint information to create a chemical profile for identifying at least a select number of molecules and/or organic compounds for deriving distinguishing characteristics from the fingerprint information. The electronic device may also include an evaluating module for evaluating the distinguishing characteristics of the fingerprint information to provide at least one response formulated from the distinguishing characteristics derived from the select number of molecules and/or organic compounds.

Abstract: A gyro sensor includes: a base body; a vibrating body; a driving portion driving the vibrating body in a direction of a first axis; a movable electrode portion displaceable, according to angular velocity about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, in a direction of a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis; a first spring portion connected to the vibrating body and a first side surface of the movable electrode portion, the first side surface intersecting the first axis or the second axis; a second spring portion connected to the vibrating body and a second side surface of the movable electrode portion, the second side surface being parallel to the first side surface. The first spring portion and the second spring portion have portions extending in the direction of the first axis and portions extending in a direction of the second axis.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor element for detecting lateral acceleration, having at least two boundaries situated essentially orthogonally with respect to one another, and also having at least one spring element, in which the spring element is oriented at an angle relative to at least one of the boundaries.

Abstract: A non-powered impact recorder is disclosed. The non-powered impact recorder includes a resonator tuned for a resonant response within a predetermined frequency range. A reduced cross-sectional area portion is formed within the resonator and configured to structurally fail when the resonator experiences the resonant response. Additionally, the non-powered impact recorder includes an electric circuit element disposed about the reduced cross-sectional area portion of the resonator. Upon structural failure of the resonator, the electric circuit element is broken to cause a discontinuity in the electric circuit element. Interrogation of the discontinuous electric circuit element facilitates approximation of impact frequency and/or impact energy.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing method to evaluate the structural integrity of pre-stressed concrete railroad ties in track to identify deterioration and the eventual loss of bond between the reinforcing wires and the surrounding concrete. The application of an impact echo system to the end of each railroad tie will identify ties that have deteriorated to the extent that structural cracks have formed. The method includes employing a tool having a plurality of transducers and a single impinger to impart sound waves through a top surface of the railroad tie and to receive and evaluate the echoes of the sound waves to determine if the tie is structurally sound or structurally unsound.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe disposed under an end portion of a pipe laid in the horizontal direction to face the pipe end portion. The probe transmits ultrasonic waves to the end portion of the pipe and receives the ultrasonic waves therefrom. A probe holder housing the probe includes a coupling medium reserver part which surrounds a space between the probe and the end portion of the pipe to contain a coupling medium W. The coupling medium reserver part includes a part body 21 into which the coupling medium is supplied; an annular bellows part, which is attached to the upper side of the part body to internally communicate with the part body, and an annular spacer 23 attached to the upper side of the bellows part, the upper surface of the annular spacer being a flat horizontal surface.

Abstract: A compact vibration meter has at least two vibration sensors which sense vibrations at regions of a support element, the detected vibrations being adjusted to the frequency range to be sensed by the respective sensor.

Abstract: An optoacoustic system includes first and second light sources capable of generating pulse of light at first and second wavelengths, first and second electrically controlled optical attenuators, first and second light sync detectors, and a combiner. A power meter that is calibrated to determine power at the first and second predominant wavelength measures power at the first wavelength after the first light sync is detected and measures power at the second wavelength after the second light sync is detected. The system includes a calibration mode wherein it electrically attenuates the first optical attenuator when the power measured by the power meter at the first wavelength after the first light sync is detected is above a first level, and electrically attenuated the second optical attenuator when the power measured by the power meter at the second wavelength after the second light sync is detected is above a second level.

Abstract: An excitation system includes a pair of piezoelectric elements configured to apply respective excitation forces to a test structure, a clamp including an adjustable arm, the adjustable arm being configured to capture the test structure between the pair of piezoelectric elements, a controller coupled to the pair of piezoelectric elements and configured to generate a respective excitation control signal for each piezoelectric element, each excitation control signal being configured such that the respective excitation forces are matched to one another, and a pair of sensor film structures to generate respective output signals indicative of the excitation forces applied to the test structure, each sensor film structure being disposed between a respective one of the pair of piezoelectric elements and the test structure.

Abstract: A MEMS pressure sensor may be manufactured to include a backing substrate having a diaphragm backing portion and a pedestal portion. A diaphragm substrate may be manufactured to include a pedestal portion and a diaphragm that is mounted to the diaphragm backing portion of the backing substrate to form a stress isolated MEMS die. The pedestal portions of the backing and diaphragm substrates form a pedestal of the stress isolated MEMS die. The pedestal is configured for isolating the diaphragm from stresses including packaging and mounting stress imparted on the stress isolated MEMS die.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a workbench, a loading mechanism fixed to the workbench, a deformation measuring mechanism, and a stress meter. The deformation measuring mechanism includes a slide beam, and a displacement meter. The loading mechanism includes a guiding shaft extending through a to-be-tested coil spring. A measuring pole of the stress meter, the sliding beam, and the guiding shaft are coaxial. Opposite ends of the coil spring are respectively abutted the slide beam and the loading mechanism. A measuring pole of the displacement meter is connected to the sliding beam. When the stress meter slides towards the slide beam, the displacement of the detecting pole of the displacement member is equal to a change of a length of the coil spring, and recorded by the displacement meter, and a value of a force applied to the coil spring is recorded by the stress meter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for non-destructive quantitative determination of the internal microstresses of type II and/or III which are based on subtraction of the maximum values of the load stress dependency of the maximum Barkhausen noise amplitudes on a test piece before and after hardening of the test piece in specific thermal hardening states. The present invention hence enables independent determination of the internal microstress of type II or III, simultaneous and resolved determination of the internal microstresses of type II and III and also determination of the sum of both types of internal microstresses.

Abstract: A flow rate meter comprises a disposable fluid transport portion and a reusable interface connector removably attached to the transport portion. The transport portion includes a flow conduit having an input and an output, while the interface connector provides feedback to a desired location. First and second portions of control circuitry are, respectively, associated with the transport portion and the interface connector. The first circuitry portion includes a plurality of electrodes and derives flow rate. The device measures a range of flow rates and is adapted, for example, for use in micro-fluidic systems including fluids administration to a patient's body.

Abstract: A system and a method to measure the material discharge from a mill for grinding ore in real time, wherein the system includes: at least of a strain gage (16) located on at least one insert (13), where said insert (16) is located in the pulp lifter (8) or discharge chute (9), and wherein said strain gage (16) is connected to an adaptor unit of the strain gage (22); a wireless transmitter (19) connected to said strain gage adaptor (22), wherein said transmitter transmits the signal from the strain gage (16); a wireless receiver (20) receiving the signal from the wireless transmitter (19); and a signal reader (21) connected to said wireless receiver (20) which processes the signals received from the accelerometer.