Abstract: An apparatus for stability testing of a wheeled assembly includes a straight fulcrum fixed relative to a horizontal surface. The straight fulcrum includes a straight edge parallel to the horizontal surface and located a first height above the horizontal surface. A first position mechanism includes a first position angle. The first position mechanism and straight edge define the first position angle as an obtuse angle and define a test area. A force mechanism vertically offset from the straight edge. The force mechanism applies a force to the wheeled assembly so when the wheeled assembly is positioned in a first position with one side of the wheeled assembly parallel to the first position angle, the force mechanism pulls the wheeled assembly in a direction toward a second position and the wheeled assembly rotates on a vertical axis. The second position includes a portion of the wheeled assembly contacting the straight edge.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a system for actuating variable geometries of a turbojet engine, the actuation system including a control device, a servovalve, and an actuator controlled by the servovalve, the control device configured to determine a control current according to a set position value and to a measured position of the actuator and to provide the control current to the servovalve. The monitoring method includes: detecting a stabilized condition; determining an average value of the control current during the detecting the stabilized condition; and comparing the average value with a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A glow plug with a pressure sensor including a heater member (4) having a heating element (9) disposed therein and projecting from a forward end of a metallic shell (2), a center rod (3) having, at its forward end, a connection portion (3A) to which a rear end portion of the heating element (9) is connected, and an annular clearance CR formed between the metallic shell and the heater member in a region located on the forward end side of a junction portion (14A) of a deformable member (14) joined to the heater member. A portion of the heating element located on the forward end side relative to the forward end of the connection portion is at least partially located on the radially inner side of the clearance CR, and the forward end of the connection portion is located on the forward end side relative to the forward end of the junction portion.

Abstract: A system for sensing soot of a diesel engine includes a combustion element which is a porous ceramic structure and to which a catalytic substance that is combustion-reacted with the soot is fixed, a comparison element which is the porous ceramic structure and to which a stable substance that is not combustion-reacted with the soot, and a detection section for detecting the temperatures of the combustion element and the comparison element and for deducing the soot formation amount among exhaust gas by using the temperature difference of the respective element.

Abstract: A brake abnormality diagnosis device which diagnoses an abnormality in a brake of a brake-equipped motor provided in a robot or a machine tool, includes: an abnormality diagnosis unit which performs a diagnosis as to whether or not there is an abnormality in the brake, while the motor is excited and the brake is activated; and an output unit which, if it is diagnosed that there is an abnormality in the brake, notifies the abnormality in the brake without interrupting the excitation of the motor and without releasing the brake.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a tape adhesion test system. The test system applies a pulling force to an outer layer of tape adhered to an inner layer of tape through an adhesive bond, while the inner layer of tape is secured to a portion of the test system. The pulling force is measured when the adhesive bond between the outer layer of tape and the inner layer of tape breaks.

Abstract: A method for estimating properties of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore provides for injecting a fluid with the plurality of tracer agents wherein each tracer agent is an object of submicron scale, into the wellbore and formation, flowing the fluid back from the subterranean formation and determining the properties of the formation. The properties are determined by analyzing changes in the tracers size and type distribution function between the injection fluid and produced fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for calculating pore pressure in a porous formation such as shale gas having substantially disconnected pore spaces. In some described examples, an NMR logging tool with at least two depths of investigation (DOIs) is used. The deeper DOI can be used to sample the shale gas that has not been perturbed by the drilling process, for example, and contains the gas at connate pressure. The shallow DOI can be used to sample shale gas that has been perturbed, and has lost at least part of its gas content. The micro cracks that have been formed in the shallow location (closer to the borehole) allow for injection of gas into the formation at known pressures while measuring the NMR response. The connate pore pressure can then be calculated for the deeper location based on the NMR response to the known pressure increase.

Abstract: An operating mode for a thermal anemometer flow sensor is provided so the flow sensor is operable in the presence of a high level of liquid mist without a significant error in flow reading from the liquid mist.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring sanitary sewer systems designed to carry away wastewater through a system of buried pipes, often referred to as “sewer lines”, to a sewage treatment facility, the apparatus and method use a weir which facilitates the collection of flow rate data in the sewer lines which in turn facilitates the determination of infiltration and inflow (“I/I”) of rain water, or clear water, into the sewer system in a manner which further allows the identification of specific I/I locations so that repair and construction of sewer systems can be efficiently coordinated.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame that has a bottom bracket and a crankset attached to the bottom bracket. The crankset includes a sprocket assembly and a spider that has a flexible arm coupled to the sprocket assembly. The bicycle also includes a pedal coupled to the crankset and operable to propel the bicycle in response to a force acting on the pedal, and a sensor apparatus. The sensor apparatus has a sensor element positioned to sense a force transferred from the pedal to the sprocket assembly and indicative of the force acting on the pedal.

Abstract: A gravity gradiometer having at least three differential accelerometers with a low response to linear accelerations and at least six angular accelerometers that give it the capability of measuring angular rates by integrating the angular accelerations. Both types of accelerometers are based on a compliant mechanism with very low and adjustable stiffness that is achieved by using flexures under compressive load that contribute a negative stiffness to the total elastic response of the mechanism. Both types of accelerometers are operated in a servo-compensation feedback mode so that at no time is the mechanism far from its equilibrium position.

Abstract: A method by which a vehicle wheel service system, having at least one load roller for applying a generally radial load to a wheel assembly mounted on a driven spindle shaft during rotation thereof, provides a measurement which is representative of the loaded rolling resistance of the wheel assembly undergoing testing. In order to rotationally drive the spindle shaft with the vehicle wheel assembly mounted there on, energy is supplied to a drive motor operatively coupled to rotationally drive the spindle shaft. By monitoring the amount of energy or drive torque required to rotationally drive the spindle shaft and achieve and maintain a desired rotational speed for the wheel assembly when engaged with the load roller, a measurement which is related to the loaded rolling resistance of the wheel assembly is obtained by the vehicle wheel balancing system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a hybrid analog to digital converter and a sensing apparatus using the same. The hybrid analog to digital converter includes: a continuous time modulator amplifying and outputting an analog differential signal; a discrete time modulator amplifying and outputting again the analog differential signal that is amplified and output by the continuous time modulator; and a comparator performing 1 bit ADC function of representing an analog signal output by the discrete time modulator to be High or Low.

Abstract: An improved sensing device comprising micromechanical gyroscope and a feed-back loop with a controller for creating a damp control signal. A frequency generator generates a drive signal for drive mode vibration and a reference signal that is in quadrature-phase in relation to the drive mode vibration. The quadrature reference signal is summed with the damp control signal of the controller. The resulting transducer control signal is fed to the second mechanical resonator. Stable cancellation of the actual mechanical quadrature motion is achieved already at the sensing element level, before the detection of the Coriolis signal.

Abstract: A sensing device comprising a micromechanical gyroscope, the gyroscope comprising an improved sensing device with a micromechanical gyroscope, where the resonance frequency of the first mechanical resonator and the resonance frequency of the second mechanical resonator are adjusted to essentially coincide. The device comprises a feed-back loop connected to the second mechanical resonator, the quality factor of the combination of the feed-back loop and the second mechanical resonator being less than 10. More accurate sensing is achieved without essentially adding complexity to the sensor device configuration.

Abstract: Spring set configurations that include an advantageous combination of spring geometries are disclosed. Spring elements having curved and straight sections, orientation of spring element anchor points with respect to the common radius, orientation of spring element segments with respect to a specific axis, balance of the length of spring elements about the common radius, and mass balance about the common radius can be used to mitigate unwanted out of plane motion. The spring set provides planar motion while reducing undesired out of plane motion making MEMS devices substantially insensitive to the process-induced etch angle variations of the spring elements. The spring set can be used in a MEMS gyro device which maintains the desired resonant modes and consistently low quadrature error even with process variations in manufacturing causing undesirable etch angles.

Abstract: A dynamic sensor includes a weight having an H shape in a plan view. The weight includes a first weight portion and a second weight portion which have substantially rectangular parallelepiped shapes and are aligned in a short side direction at an interval and a bridge portion which connects the first and second weight portions and extends in the aligned direction. The bridge portion connects the first and second weight portions at an approximate center thereof in a long side direction. Supports are located in a region between the first and second weight portions where the bridge portion is not provided. The first weight portion is connected to a first support via a first beam and to a second support via a second beam. The second weight portion is connected to the first support via a third beam and to the second support via a fourth beam.

Abstract: A method of measuring a crystallographic orientation of an object using an ultrasonic transducer and a detector array including a plurality of ultrasonic detectors includes: determining a minimum distance between the transducer and the detector of the detector array closest to the transducer; placing the transducer and the detector array in contact with a surface of the object such that the transducer and the detector of the detector array closest to the transducer are separated by at least the minimum distance; using the transducer to generate an ultrasonic surface wave pulse in the surface of the object, the ultrasonic surface wave pulse having a pulse duration and including a longitudinal surface wave and a Rayleigh wave; and measuring a time of flight of a surface wave generated by the transducer between the transducer and each detector of the array to determine the crystallographic orientation of the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning a workpiece (100) comprises providing an insert (120) insertable within a countersunk bore (106), the insert (120) being acoustically mounted to the workpiece (100) in order to scan regions below the countersunk area.

Abstract: A test head for testing a workpiece has an ultrasonic transducer configuration with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The test head further contains a carrier matched to a surface contour of the workpiece, a damping layer arranged on the carrier, and a flexible conductor foil configuration, which is arranged on the damping layer and has a number of electrically separated conductor tracks which corresponds to the number of transducer elements. The transducer elements are arranged on the conductor tracks alongside one another in at least one row, and in each case are electrically contact-connected to one of the conductor tracks.

Abstract: To test transverse flanges terminating at a cylindrical wall of a workpiece, an installation includes a structure in a form of a U-shaped or C-shaped stirrup whose opposite branches carry respectively an ultrasound emitter transducer and receiver transducer, aligned with respect to one another, while leaving between them an internal space for relative passage of the flange to be tested, and whose base is mounted articulated at an extremity of a mobile control arm. The installation also includes an immersion canister including two parts assembled together by a closure mechanism, one of the parts exhibiting cutouts for engaging the transverse flange and for overlapping, with the other part, the flange up to the cylindrical wall of the workpiece.

Abstract: A measuring and transmitting bolt or threaded element for a railway bogie comprises a head defined in which is a seat, and a threaded stem defined in which is a hole, a miniaturized vibration sensor, a transmitter, a battery for supplying said MEMS vibration sensor and said transmitter, and a miniaturized converter for converting into electrical energy the mechanical energy from the vibrations in order to recharge the battery. In particular, the transmitter and the vibration sensor are housed in the seat, and the miniaturized converter and the battery are housed in the hole.

Abstract: A measuring transducer having exactly four flow openings, and an outlet-side housing end formed by means of an outlet-side flow divider having exactly four flow openings. A tube arrangement has exactly four curved or bent measuring tubes connected to the flow dividers for guiding flowing medium along flow paths connected in parallel. Each of the four measuring tubes opens with an inlet-side measuring tube end into one of the flow openings of the inlet-side flow divider, and with an outlet-side measuring tube end into one of the flow openings of the outlet-side flow divider. A first coupling element for adjusting eigenfrequencies of natural oscillation modes of the tube arrangement. An electro-mechanical exciter mechanism of the measuring transducer serves for producing and/or maintaining mechanical oscillations of the four measuring tubes.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly comprises a fluid channel having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, wherein the outlet portion is larger than the inlet portion.

Abstract: A pressure sensing element may include a diaphragm and a stepped cavity. The pressure sensing element may include a plurality of piezoresistors, which are operable to generate an electrical signal based on an amount of deflection of the diaphragm in response to a sensed pressure of the fluid. The pressure sensing element may be mounted onto a housing substrate using an adhesive so that a portion of the adhesive is attached to walls of a first cavity and to a step surface of the stepped cavity to redistribute thermally induced stresses on the pressure sensing element. The stepped cavity may be included in a MEMS pressure sensing element to reduce or eliminate thermal noise, such as temperature coefficient of offset voltage output (TCO).

Abstract: A semiconductor package having an air pressure sensor and methods to form a semiconductor package having an air pressure sensor are described. For example, a semiconductor package includes a plurality of build-up layers. A cavity is disposed in one or more of the build-up layers. An air pressure sensor is disposed in the plurality of build-up layers and includes the cavity and an electrode disposed above the cavity. Also described are various approaches to fabricating a semiconductor package having a hermetically sealed region.

Abstract: There is provided a differential pressure sensor capable of measuring a pressure fluctuation with a simple structure. The differential pressure sensor includes a main body formed with an air chamber, and an opening that causes an interior of the air chamber to be in communication with an exterior, and a detector provided at the opening. The detector includes a cantilever provided in a manner tiltable so as to block off the opening, and the cantilever is formed with a Piezo resistor layer.

Abstract: A gasification reactor comprising a pressure vessel encasing a gasifier. Strain gauges are provided in the space between the gasifier and the pressure vessel on one or more parts loaded by weight of slag within the gasifier, e.g., at the exterior surface of the gasifier wall and/or coolant supply lines. Formation of slag deposits and/or pressure within the gasifier is monitored by measuring strain development in parts exposed to stress induced by weight of the slag deposits or induced by internal pressure, respectively.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring geometry deformations of a turbine component, rotor groove or blade root. The method includes providing the turbine component, rotor groove or blade root, respectively, with at least one measuring mark; using the at least one mark as a reference point in determining, in a first measurement, a length on the turbine component or rotor groove or blade root, respectively, before placing the turbine into service. The method also includes operating the turbine for a period of time; determining, in a second measurement, the length on the turbine component, rotor groove or blade root, using the at least one measuring mark as a reference point, after said operating period; comparing the measured lengths of the first and second measurements; and determining an amount of creep deformation in the turbine component, rotor groove or blade root, respectively, based on a difference between the measured lengths.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a planking panel (B) for a structural component (1) that is realized in the form of a sandwich component in its inner region (BI) that extends in a planar fashion and features a first skin section (11), a second skin section (12) and a core section (13) that is situated between these two skin sections, wherein the core section (13) connects the first and the second skin sections (11, 12) to one another in a planar fashion, with the invention being characterized in that a plurality of monitoring lines (14) is provided that extend over a planar section of the core section (13) to be monitored in order to detect damage in the core section (13) and respectively feature a first connection point (15) on a first end (14a) and a second connection point (16) on a second end (16a) in order to apply a monitoring signal (UK), wherein the monitoring lines (14) have a tear strength that lies in the range between 50% and 100% of the tear strength of the core section (13).

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow meter provided with a resin lining portion in which resin is lined in a measuring pipe by pressure molding, including the measuring pipe to flow liquid to be measured, a lining locking frame provided in the measuring pipe composed of a cylindrical plate with openings and a plurality of divided belt-like ring plates, and the resin lining portion formed by embedding the lining locking frame. Here, in case of pressure molding the resin lining portion, the resin to be lined can be filled easily in gaps between the measuring pipe and the lining locking frame via gaps formed by a first gap provided between the inner face of the measuring pipe and the outer circumference face of the cylindrical plate with openings and second gaps of the adjacent divided belt-like ring plates in the outer circumference direction of the measuring pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring transducer of the vibration-type for a fluid flowing in a flexible hose. The measuring transducer includes, in such case, a hose carrier unit, which has at least sectionally a loop-shaped outer contour, around which a flexible hose can be led. Furthermore, the measuring transducer includes a clamping unit, by which a flexible hose led in use around the loop-shaped outer contour is tightenable against the loop-shaped outer contour, at least one exciter coupled to the hose carrier unit, by which the hose carrier unit is excitable to execute mechanical oscillations, which are accompanied by alternating elastic deformation of the hose carrier unit, and at least one oscillation sensor, by which mechanical oscillations of the hose carrier unit and/or a flexible hose installed in use in the measuring transducer are registerable.

Abstract: A method and system for taking a sample of ballast water. The method includes withdrawing a sample of ballast water via a tube inserted in a ballast water pipe, wherein the tube includes a sample inlet, and isokinetic flow is achieved via a pump that controls the flow of the sample ballast water through the tube inlet by comparing a flow of the ballast water pipe with a flow of the sample ballast water through the tube; and controlling the flow of water through the sample tube inlet when a flow of the ballast water pipe is sensed to be different; withdrawing a portion of the sample ballast water for testing; and returning remaining sample ballast water to the ballast water pipe.

Abstract: A force sensor has an input part, a base part, an intermediate part and a sensor element. The external force to be sensed is applied to the input part. The input part transmits the external force to the base part via the intermediate part. The base part is fixed to a frame of reference and exerts a reaction force on the input part via the intermediate part. The intermediate part deforms as a result of the external force and the reaction force. The deformation of the intermediate part causes the input part to change its position or orientation relative to the base part. The sensor element senses this change and supplies an output signal representative of the change.

Abstract: A wireless torque measurement system includes a rotor, a rotor antenna, rotor electronics, a signal processing module, and a single ear antenna. The rotor antenna is attached to the rotor. The rotor electronics are attached to the rotor, and are configured to generate signals that indicate an amount of strain in the rotor and to transmit, via the rotor antenna, digital data representative thereof. The signal processing module is configured to generate signals that provide power and data to the rotor electronics module and process the digital data transmitted by the rotor electronics. The single ear stator is antenna coupled to the signal processing module and is configured to be inductively coupled to the rotor antenna.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deflection measuring device for measuring differential vertical deflection between first and second discrete points in response to the application of force to the device, the device comprising a transducer attachable to a structural member and comprising at least one strain responsive element, the transducer being operable to resolve any force applied thereto into a differential vertical deflection between a first point and a second point on the transducer when a load is applied thereto; the strain responsive element being operable to measure the differential vertical deflection in the transducer.

Abstract: A force sensor that detects external force includes a sheath, a pressure member configured to be provided on the sheath, a sensor unit configured to detect force applied to the pressure member, and a slip ring unit configured to supply power or transmit signals through a contact between a brush and a ring. The sensor unit and the slip ring unit are stored in the sheath, and power is supplied or signals are transmitted between the slip ring unit and the sensor unit.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis cartridge stores a plurality of dry analysis elements corresponding to a plurality of measurement items necessary for measurement of samples and supplies the dry analysis elements to a biochemical analysis apparatus. The biochemical analysis cartridge is equipped with a memory element that stores calibration curve data for all dry analysis elements which are within their effective lifetimes at the time of manufacture or shipment of the biochemical analysis cartridge.

Abstract: A device for manual fine metering of a substance, in particular in powder form, provided with a manual transport tool (24), also having a movable part (32) configured to be induced to vibrate by a motor and wherein the transport tool (24) is held against the movable part (32) in order to induce the transport tool (24) to vibrate. An electronic scale (10) provided with a device of this type enables better manual metering.

Abstract: A vessel including an identification region may be placed in a holder. Through interaction of a positioning feature on the vessel and an orientation feature on the holder, the vessel can be placed into an alignment orientation, e.g., such that the identification region may be reliably read by a reader. The identification region may provides information related to the sample, such as vessel identity, sample volume, processes to be performed on the sample, and so on.

Abstract: The field of the present invention pertains to a controlled transfer biological collection device using a dry solid storage and transfer medium and a method for the collection of biological material of interest (genetic or proteinaceous material) in a form suitable for storage and/or subsequent analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides for a sampling device that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium by holding the storage medium and a moveable sample collection member having an analyte collection surface. The invention further provides for a method not only for storing a biological analyte on this collection device but also for analyzing the stored biological analyte using methods that are suited for automated analyzing systems.

Abstract: A chain positioning system is disclosed that has a chain that contains a plurality of links joined together, end-to-end, with a plurality of pins. The chain can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. The links of the chain limit rotation about the pins in one direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driving device which is composed of a rotary drive assembly and a spindle drive assembly which are both removed from a modular system which comprises at least two rotary drive assemblies and at least two spindle drive assemblies which are formed with coupling elements which are compatible with one another. The invention also relates to a driving device, of which the rotary drive is received in a housing tube which is closed at its end remote from the spindle drive by a base piece, wherein the base piece and the housing tube are manufactured from plastics material and are connected to one another by cohesive bonding. Finally, the invention also relates to a modular system from which the rotary drive assembly and a spindle drive assembly are removed.

Abstract: Spindle drive (1), in particular for a linear actuator, having a spindle (3), a spindle nut (7) which interacts with the spindle (3), and a lubricating channel outlet (20) which opens into an intermediate space between the spindle (3) and the spindle nut (7) for lubricating the spindle (3) and the spindle nut (7), the spindle drive (1) comprising, moreover, a stationary channel system and a rotatable channel system which is connected to the stationary channel system for feeding lubricant to the lubricating channel outlet (20).

Abstract: A solenoid assembly for an automatic transmission according to one embodiment includes a monolithic bushing coupled to a coil assembly; a plunger received in an inner channel of the bushing; and a variable force valve being selectively actuated by the plunger.

Abstract: A gear pair for a motor vehicle climate control system door drive mechanism includes a drive gear and a driven gear. The drive gear and the driven gear cooperate to form a gear pair, wherein the gear pair is constructed so that a gear ratio of the gear pair transitions from a linear gear ratio to a non-linear gear ratio. The non-linear gear ratio may be proportional to an exponential function. The gear pair is applied to linearly control a climate control door rotation speed when there is a need to meet temperature door linearity performance, and is applied to increase the climate control door rotation speed to meet total temperature door rotation time performance.

Abstract: A compliant gear assembly includes a hub subassembly including a first hub component defining a first axis and a second hub component movable relative to the first hub component in a controlled direction perpendicular to the first axis. A gear ring, which is rotatably mounted on the hub subassembly and defines a gear ring axis of rotation, is coupled to move with the second hub component between a biased position in which the gear ring axis of rotation is coaxial with the first axis and a translated intermediate stop position in which the gear ring axis of rotation is parallel to but not coaxial with the first axis. A spring component is coupled between the first and second hub components, biases the second hub component toward the biased position, and provides a variable spring force that increases as the second hub component is moved toward the translated intermediate stop position.

Abstract: A motor actuator includes a housing, and a plurality of output mechanisms accommodated in the housing. The housing includes a fastening unit that fastens a first case and a second case. Each of the plurality of output mechanisms includes a motor and a plurality of deceleration gears. The motor is supported by the housing. A final state deceleration gear is rotatably supported by the housing. The fastening unit is arranged in a first fastening unit formation range. The first fastening unit formation range is a range formed by connecting contours of a plurality of motors and contours of a plurality of final state deceleration gears, and is a range that surrounds the plurality of motors and the plurality of final stage deceleration gears.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a housing defining an interior cavity for a motor assembly including a rotatable motor pinion and a stator, a gear assembly including a plurality of rotatable gears, and a sensor assembly including a substrate. The motor pinion includes a yoke, a motor magnet surrounding the yoke, and a sensor magnet. In one embodiment, the second gear is located between and coupled to both the motor pinion and the first gear. Each of the motor pinion and the plurality of gears is mounted for rotation on respective shafts. In one embodiment, each of the shafts includes a stop that limits the axial travel of the motor pinion and the plurality of gears. The motor pinion and the plurality of gears are positioned in the housing in a longitudinal, co-linear, and side-by-side coupling and meshed relationship.