Abstract: An object of the present invention is to effectively reduce mixing of bubbles into a spun glass fiber. A glass-melting device 10 for producing glass fibers includes; a first glass-melting tank 12 exposed to a reduced-pressure atmosphere; a second glass-melting tank 14 and a third glass-melting tank 16 arranged below the first glass-melting tank 12; an ascending conduit 18 that sends up molten glass resulting from melting in the second glass-melting tank 14 to deliver the molten glass to the first glass-melting tank 12; a descending conduit 20 that sends the molten glass down from the first glass-melting tank 12 to deliver the molten glass to the third glass-melting tank 16; a decompression housing 22; and a bushing 24. The glass-melting device 10 further includes heating means for separately heating the first glass-melting tank 12, the second glass-melting tank 14, the third glass-melting tank 16, the ascending conduit 18, the descending conduit 20 and the bushing 24.

Abstract: A washer/extractor having a one-piece plastic water hose connecting fitting having a base plate, a tubular hose connection portion that defines a passageway communicating between a hose connected to the fitting and an opening in the wall to which the fitting is mounted, and a pair of clamping members disposed in parallel relation to a rear side of base plate. The wash tub opening has a key hole configuration which enables the arms of the fitting to be positioned into the opening in a first position of the base and upon rotation of the base plate to a second position locates the clamping arms behind mounting portions of the wall for securement by respective fasteners extending through the base plate, wall mounting portions, and clamping arms.

Abstract: A vandal guard for a utility enclosure includes a cover with a cover plate and a shackle cover on top of the cover plate. The shackle cover is located over a slot in the cover plate for receiving a staple. When the staple is secured with a lock, the shackle of the lock is shielded by the shackle cover to protect it from tampering.

Abstract: A safe is provided for securely storing property that may be accessed quickly. A biometric scanner is coupled to a latching mechanism which may be actuated upon input of a recognized pattern, such as a fingerprint. The safe door may be spring actuated to automatically open upon release of the locking mechanism. The latch positively locks the door so that it resists opening from sharp blows to the safe.

Abstract: Introducer Device comprises (a) Housing including (1) Housing Lumen sized and shaped to slidably receive a visualization device therein and (2) Slot sized to receive therein a projection extending from visualization device received in Lumen radially away from Lumen; (b) Sheath extending distally from handle and being sized and shaped for insertion through a natural body opening into a hollow body organ, Sheath including a fluid delivery lumen delivering heated fluid to the organ and a fluid return lumen withdrawing the fluid after it has been circulated through the organ; (c) Connector including Connector Lumen aligned with Lumen and sized and shaped to slidably receive therein visualization device; (d) Locking arrangement movably coupled to Housing, movement relative to the housing opening and closing Slot; and (e) Adjustment mechanism moving Connector relative to Housing to adjust distance between a proximal end of Connector Lumen and a distal end of Sheath.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-theft device for the steering column of a motor vehicle, comprising a locking device including: a sensor (4) located close to the input of the rotor (2) such that it can be biased by the key (3) once it has been introduced into the rotor (2), and a retractable retaining member which can move between a locked position in which it acts on the control finger (7) in order to prevent the longitudinal movement of the slide (6) in the direction of the cam (8) counter to elastic means and an unlocked position in which the slide is released and can move under the action of the elastic means. In addition, coupling means between the sensor (4) and the retaining member enable said retaining member to be moved into: the locked position when the rotor (2) is in the rest position and the key (3) is engaged therein, and the unlocked position when the rotor (2) is in the rest position and the key is removed therefrom.

Abstract: An electrical lock system comprises an electric motor, a remote control unit for authenticating authorized users prior to granting permission and communicating such information to a motor (5) driver circuitry wherein said motor (5) is built-in in a doorknob whose axis of rotation is arranged coaxial to said cylinder's longitudinal axis such that said motor's shaft extend along a cylinder adaptor region integrating said doorknob to said lock cylinder. Said adaptor portion is coupled to a mechanical bloc connecting said adaptor region to a battery bloc and to said motor (5) through an intermediary body integral to said doorknob enclosing said motor (5) and gear mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc tumbler cylinder lock and a key for it. The key according to the invention comprises a groove that is transverse to the key shank. The groove comprises a bottom section and side sections that are transverse to the bottom section between the bottom section and the outer surface of the key shank. The bottom section of the groove is the key's main driving surface used to transfer turning force to the disc tumbler cylinder lock. This reduces wear on the O-surfaces of the key because the O-surfaces do not transfer the majority or any of the key turning force to the disc tumbler cylinder lock.

Abstract: A thin key that is thin but includes serrations on each of two opposite sides of a blade (42, 72). The key is associated with a cylinder lock including a rotor (13) with tumblers (21-28) retained in the rotor. The blade, which is for insertion into the rotor of the cylinder lock, includes opposite first and second wide sides (F1, F3; F2, F4) and opposite first and second narrow sides (51, 74; 52, 75). A first notch (54, 76) is formed in the first wide side and a second notch (64, 86) is formed in the second wide side. The first and second notches each have a serrated wall (54a, 76a; 64a, 86a) engageable with the tumblers. The first notch and the second notch are spaced apart so that they do not overlap each other. The sum of the depths of the first and second notches (L1, D1; L2, D2) is greater than or equal to the thickness of the blade (L3, D3).

Abstract: This ring rolling mill includes a main roll and a mandrel that are brought close to or separated from each other, and roll a peripheral portion of a ring-shaped body in a radial direction of the ring-shaped body while the ring-shaped body is rotated along its peripheral direction in a state where the peripheral portion of the ring-shaped body is pinched in the radial direction between an outer peripheral surface of the main roll, and an outer peripheral surface of the mandrel. This ring rolling mill further includes a mechanism which inclines and supports the mandrel with respect to the rotation axis of the main roll such that the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel and the outer peripheral surface of the main roll differs on one side and on the other side as seen in a direction along the rotation axis of the main roll.

Abstract: A method of forming a tenon on one side of a metal plate member by means of punching the wall of one side of the metal plate member with a punch or punches to form a protrusion and then punching the protrusion with a punch rod to extend the height of the protrusion and to deform the protrusion into a tubular configuration.

Abstract: A system for repairing a pipe including a tool, a programmable logic controller and a patch. The tool includes a clamp base having an opening, a first jaw coupled to the clamp base with a first linkage, a second jaw coupled to the clamp base with a second linkage, an operating mechanism carried by the clamp base and operably coupled to the first and second jaws via one or more adjusting links and a junction box carried by the clamp base and operably connected to the controller, wherein the one or more adjusting links are coupled at a first end to either or both of the first and second jaws and at a second end to the operating mechanism, and wherein the first and second jaws are adapted to move, under force of the adjusting links. Methods of repairing pipes are disclosed.

Abstract: In a wedge drive (1) with a first part (20) which can be provided with a machining tool and a second part (30), wherein the two parts (20, 30) are arranged movably relative to each other, and there is provided at least one positive-action return device which engages or can engage both parts (20, 30), and a third part (10) which is connected to the first part (20), the at least one positive-action return device is return spring-free and has at least one device for causing and/or supporting the return of the one part (20) and/or for increasing the retraction force which can be applied in the return of the one part (20) in the upward stroke movement of the third part (10).

Abstract: An assembly includes a debris monitor mount, a motor, and a particle belt. The particle belt carries one or more metallic particles. The particle belt is driven by the motor. The particle belt extends proximate the debris monitor mount when driven by the motor.

Abstract: A hazard detector assembly for attachment to a surface within a protected zone comprises a detector unit and a test stimulus generator unit.

Abstract: A control system and associated methods for an air treatment system. In one aspect, the present invention provides a control system and method for controlling blower speed as a function of separately determined smoke and dust concentrations. In one embodiment, the control system and method provides a variable delayed between changes in motor speed to address undesirable rapid changes between speeds. In another aspect, the present invention provides a system and method for calibrating a sensor to provide more uniform operation over time. In yet another aspect, the present invention provide a system and method for calibrating motor speed to provide more consistent and uniform motor speed over time. The present invention also provides a system and method for tracking filter life by as a function of time, motor speed and/or a sensed variable, such as particulate concentration in the environment.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a transducer and transducer circuitry and additional elements useful in testing the transducer and transducer circuitry. A first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal are for being directly connected to an external power supply terminal. A power bus is connected to the first power supply terminal. A logic function is for determining if the second power supply terminal is receiving power and if an automatic calibration test of the transducer and transducer circuitry has been run. An automatic calibration is for running an automatic calibration test on the transducer and transducer circuitry if the logic means determines that the second power supply terminal is receiving power and the automatic calibration test of the transducer and transducer circuitry has not been run.

Abstract: A method of operating a process a combustion analyzer having a measurement cell is provided. The method includes exposing the measurement cell to exhaust of a combustion process where fuel and oxygen are combined in a burner to produce a flame. The measurement cell is heated to a temperature above a flashpoint of the fuel. When a condition is detected, such as a fault or abnormal situation, gas is directed to the measurement cell to form a gaseous barrier between the measurement cell and unburned fuel while the detected condition exists. Once the condition abates, the gas flow is disengaged and process combustion gas measurements are provided.

Abstract: A sensor chip (1030) for gas has cells (200) for emitting and receiving ultrasound and is configured for a sufficiently large frequency range and for measuring concentration of at least one of the gas components based on at least two responses within the range. The frequency range can be achieved by varying the size of cell membranes (230), varying bias voltages, and/or varying air pressure for an array (205) of cMUTs or MEMS microphones. The sensor chip can be applied in, for example, capnography. A measurement air chamber (515) is implemented in the respiratory pathway (400), and it and/or the pathway may be designed to reduce turbulence in the exhaled breath (120) subject to ultrasound interrogation. The chip (1030) can be implemented as self-contained in the monitoring of parameters, obviating the need for off-chip sensors.

Abstract: A photoacoustic detector includes first and second microphones carried by an acoustic sensing chamber. Signals from the microphones are processed using lock-in detection to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. An acoustic pressure generator can be incorporated to calibrate the microphones.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-responsiveness and high-accuracy thermal gas sensor configured to enable gas to be analyzed based on a variation in heat conductivity. The thermal gas sensor includes a substrate 2 with a cavity portion 5, a thin-film support 6 stacked in the cavity portion and comprising a plurality of insulating layers 8a and 8b, and a first heating member 3 and a second heating member 4 both sandwiched between the insulating layers in the thin-film support. The second heating member is located around a periphery of the first heating member. The first heating member is controlled to a temperature higher than a temperature to which the second heating member is controlled. The concentration of ambient gas is measured based on power applied to the first heating member.

Abstract: The gas sensor includes: a cylindrical member which includes a gas detection chamber therein and extends along an axial thereof; a base member which closes an opening of a first axial end of the cylindrical member; a status sensor which is disposed at a substantially central portion of the base member, and detects at least the temperature or the humidity in the gas detection chamber; a gas detection element disposed around the status sensor on the base member; a lid member which closes an opening of a second axial end of the cylindrical member; and a gas inlet port which penetrates the lid member at a location not coinciding with the status sensor and the gas detection element when seen from the axial direction, and enables the introduction of an inspection target gas from an outside into the gas detection chamber.

Abstract: An improved method of testing the integrity of a porous filter is provided. The test method is an improvement over a gas-liquid diffusion test wherein the improvement comprises providing a conduit downstream of the filter and filling the conduit with a liquid, the conduit having a length to cross sectional area ratio selected to substantially resist diffusive flow of the gas through the liquid downstream of the filter material.

Abstract: A system for detection of a leak at a leakage testing point of a test object by a tracer gas. A positionable tracer gas mediating unit has a tip. A marker is attachable at the leakage testing point. A marker detector is associated with the positionable tracer gas mediating unit. The tip of the tracer gas mediating unit is arranged to be positioned within a predetermined distance interval from the marker during a leak detection test. The marker detector is arranged to detect the marker when the tip is positioned within the predetermined distance interval so as to certify a correct positioning of the tip.

Abstract: A pressure-based tester for testing an integrity of a printhead integrated circuit (IC) carrier includes a housing assembly; a cradle assembly coupled to the housing assembly and adapted to receive the printhead IC carrier, the cradle assembly further defining spouts adapted to engage with the printhead IC carrier; a regulated gas supply arranged in the housing assembly; a first gas supply line in fluid communication with the regulated gas supply; a pneumatic retaining mechanism in fluid communication with the gas supply via the first gas supply line, the pneumatic retaining mechanism for retaining the carrier in fluid communication with the spouts during testing of the platform assembly; a second gas supply line in fluid communication with the regulated gas supply, the second gas supply line being separated from the first gas supply line by a pressure regulator, the second gas supply line for supplying gas to the spouts; a pressure sensor for measuring a gas pressure at each spout and generating a signal ind

Abstract: A vapor management system (10) includes a fuel tank (12), a canister (14), a pressure control valve (16) between the tank and canister and defining a high pressure side (34) and a low pressure side (32), a vacuum source (18), a purge valve (19) between the canister and vacuum source, a leak detection valve (20) connected with the canister and including a processor (30). A pressure sensor (24) and a temperature sensor (26) are disposed in a fuel vapor cavity of the fuel tank, with signals from the sensors being received by the processor. Based on an absolute temperature measured by the temperature sensor, the processor compares a predicted pressure in the fuel tank to the measured absolute pressure, and identifies a leak on the high pressure side if the predicted pressure is outside a tolerance range, while maintaining pressure in the fuel tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the real-time continuous monitoring of a change or density and/or viscosity within a test sample. Such methods can be used to determine the occurrence of a chemical reaction within a test sample where the same causes and increase or decrease in the density and/or viscosity of the sample due to, for example, a gelation, precipitation or coagulation occurring within the test sample. There is further provided a multi-resonator apparatus for use in measuring the density and/or viscosity of a test sample in which the multi-beam resonator is immersed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence or absence of bubbles inside pipes in a dispensing apparatus and a dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A sensor device where a jig is engaged to an engaging part formed in the housing, and the housing is rotated by the jig and screwed into the member to be mounted. A position in the rotating direction of the housing is configured to have a substantially constant position at the time the screw-fixing of the housing and the member to be mounted is completed. A shape of the engaging part when seen along a direction of a rotational axis X of the housing is formed into a non-regular polygon, and the engaging part and a mold IC are shifted and disposed to a side that has a margin in a space in the housing or around the mold IC so that the space around the sensor device is used effectively.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing each of a plurality of engine cooling system components including various valves and grill shutters. Each valve may be individually closed and opened for a specified duration, and corresponding changes in coolant temperature may be monitored. If all the components are functional, the various valves may be adjusted to stagnate coolant at the engine and expedite engine warm-up during a cold-start.

Abstract: Dynamometer testing of a vehicle comprising, with only a first wheel shaft connected to a dynamometer test unit, including the steps of applying a first power to the first wheel shaft, determining a representation of the first power using the dynamometer test unit, determining a second power, different from the first power, being applied to one or both of the first wheel shaft and the second wheel shaft, the second power being a virtual power represented by a virtual representation of second power, and, based on the representation of the first power determined by the dynamometer test unit and the virtual representation of the second power, determining a first speed which is a representation of the speed of the vehicle driven on a road and subjected to the first and second power.

Abstract: A wind tunnel device defines a cyclical tunnel to receive continuous airflow. Airflow is delivered through the tunnel to a testing region that includes a first portion carrying an arm including a spray tip configured to spray particulates in the testing region at an angle, and a second portion including an enlarged cutout region configured to receive the angled sprayed particulates. As airflow carries the angled spray particulates into the second portion, the enlarged cutout region enables the spray particulates to pass through and exit the second portion of the testing region. Analysis in the second region may be conducted through transparent walls free of openings to minimize exposure of the spray particulates to the exterior of the device. A scrubber is adapted to extract spray mist from the airflow as the airflow exits the testing region and is re-circulated through the cyclical tunnel.

Abstract: A pressure balancing device for a transducer is provided. The pressure balancing device comprises: a pressure transmission device having a cross-sectional area and arranged, in use, to be exposed to a fluid; and a fluid chamber having a hollow shaft, the fluid chamber being arranged to be acted on by the pressure transmission device; wherein the cross-sectional area of the hollow shaft is less than the cross-sectional area of the pressure transmission device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to monitor parameters outside the wellbore casing of a well includes a Wireless Sensor Unit located outside a section of a non-magnetic casing of the well. The Wireless Sensor Unit includes a sensor device to measure parameters of the surroundings. The apparatus further includes an internal Sensor Energizer Unit inside the wellbore casing used for power and communication with the Wireless Sensor Unit. The Sensor Energizer Unit and the Wireless Sensor Unit are arranged to be at the same elevation, and they communicate data using electromagnetic modulation techniques.

Abstract: A system for detection of turbulent air flow across a sail of a sailboat, comprising at least one base module arranged to be attached to said sail; an elongate body arranged to move in said air flow, which is attached to said at least one base module at one end; a power source on said at least one base module; at least one sensor on said at least one base module arranged to detect movement of said elongate body; and a signalling device arranged to output signals to a sailor on said sailboat in response to signals received from said at least one sensor; wherein said base module comprises at least one radiator which is arranged to transmit electromagnetic or optical radiation in the direction of said elongate body moving in said air flow; and said at least one sensor on said base module is arranged to detect reflected radiation from said elongate body moving in said air flow.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first substrate has a pair of thermosensitive films, a heater film, and a passage protective film having corrosion resistance in a passage forming region on a first main surface, and has a metal sealing film having corrosion resistance in a region other than the passage forming region. A second substrate has a groove formed in the passage forming region on a second main surface and a side wall forming portion separating other regions other than the passage forming region from the groove and protruding beyond the other regions. A fixing member fixes the first substrate to the second substrate. The side wall forming portion of the second substrate is compression bonded so that the side wall forming portion is located on the metal sealing film on the first substrate.

Abstract: A level sensor system according to the present invention includes a controller and a sensor assembly defined by a transducer assembly and a mounting assembly configured for a quick connection or non permanent attachment of the transducer assembly to the tank or container. The ultrasound transducer assembly emits ultrasound pulses in the tank along a detecting path, receives ultrasound echoes indicative of at least one of the first and second fluids and produces echo signals representative of the at least one of the first and second fluids. The mounting assembly is configured for receiving the ultrasound transducer assembly and for operatively mounting the ultrasound transducer assembly to the tank for ultrasound measurement. The controller is coupled to the ultrasound transducer assembly, receives the echo signals and determines the position of the fluid interface therewith; the level of the first fluid being defined by the position of the fluid interface.

Abstract: A device and a method are used for measuring the filling level of a fluid for monitoring a dispense/aspirate process in reaction vessels, including at least one cavity for dispensing and aspirating the fluid, where the cavity is provided with a filling level sensor whose signals, transmitted to an evaluation unit, are evaluated to determine the filling level, the at least one cavity is assigned a receiving body which is closed at the bottom and is separated from the cavity for receiving the fluid, the filling level sensor is at least one thermistor extending along the outside of a wall of the receiving body without coming in contact with the fluid, the evaluation unit evaluates the temperature influence of the thermistor in dispensing, aspirating and in retention of the fluid in the receiving body to detect the filling level, in this way the process monitoring in washing the reaction vessels is improved.

Abstract: A pressure sensor including a body, device for receiving pressure associable with a tube connected to a fluid-filled tank of an electric household appliance, wherein the level of the fluid is to be measured. It further includes a device for emitting electric frequency signal proportional to the pressure received; a device carried aboard the body, on which a plurality of response frequency values emitted by the emitting means associated with corresponding pressure values at the pressure receiving means, were recorded. The pressure sensor is used with a pressure reading system carried by the device for receiving pressure. The pressure reading system includes two devices for reading values recorded on the pressure sensor, i.e. pressure and frequency values; and electric frequency signals. The pressure reading system further includes a processing device for interpolating the pressure value associated with every signal on the basis of the values read by the reading device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a low liquid level detecting device comprising a float sensor and a casing. The casing has first to third chambers formed between an upper wall and a bottom wall. The top portion of the first chamber is formed with a top opening. The bottom portion of the first chamber communicates with the bottom portion of the second chamber. The top portion of the second chamber communicates with the top portion of the third chamber. The bottom portion of the third chamber is formed with a bottom opening. A float sensor is mounted inside the third chamber. A drain hole is formed through the bottom part of a chamber wall surrounding the third chamber. A method for detecting a low liquid level using the above low liquid level detecting device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dust-proof structure for a measuring tool, includes: a case provided with an opening formed through a surface opposed to a protection plate thereof; a solar panel accommodated in the case through the opening of the case; an intermediate panel pressing an outer circumferential portion of the solar panel against a bottom wall of the case; a display device disposed at an inward portion of the intermediate panel and opposed to the solar panel with a gap; a cover attached to close the opening of the case; a screw used to secure the cover and the intermediate panel to the case; and a temporary-fixing unit disposed between the intermediate panel and the case, the temporary-fixing unit temporarily fixing the intermediate panel to the case while the outer circumferential portion of the solar panel is pressed against the bottom wall of the case.

Abstract: A sensing unit for a bicycle speedometer is disclosed. The bicycle speedometer has a meter body and the sensing unit for detecting pedaling and generating a signal related to bicycle pedaling. The sensing unit includes a sensor mounted on a bicycle frame and a fixture for carrying a sensed member. The fixture has a fixing end coupled with a bicycle crank and a coupling arm for carrying the sensed member. The fixture allows positional adjustment of the sensed member with respect to the bicycle crank, thereby facilitating aligning the sensed member with the sensor, so as to ensure proper sensing of the sensor to the sensed member.

Abstract: A detecting element for an inertial force sensor includes a mass section, an excitation section, and a detecting section. The excitation section excites the mass section along a third direction among a first direction, a second direction, and the third direction that are perpendicular to each other. The detecting section outputs a signal corresponding to displacement of the mass section along at least one of the first direction and the second direction. Resonance frequencies of the first direction and the second direction are set greater than a resonance frequency of the third direction.

Abstract: A gyroscope comprising: a multi-layer substrate, comprising drive spring and sense spring layers; a rigid support structure formed from the substrate; a plurality of drive springs formed in each drive spring layer wherein each drive spring is operatively coupled to the support structure; a drive mass formed from at least one layer of the substrate, wherein the drive mass is coupled to the support structure via the drive springs; a drive mass driver operatively coupled to the drive mass and configured to cause movement of the drive mass with respect to the support structure; a plurality of sense springs formed in each sense spring layer, wherein each sense spring is operatively coupled to the drive mass; and a sense mass formed from at least one layer, wherein the sense mass is coupled to the drive mass via the sense springs.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer (400) is adapted to use lateral axis vibration of the drive mass (210) to generate non-planar oscillations of a coupling mass (220) in response to Coriolis forces created from in-plane rotation, which in turn generate non-planar motions of a symmetric teeter-totter sense mass (230) which are detected as a capacitive difference signal by capacitive electrodes (403, 404) formed on the substrate (402) below the sense mass (230).

Abstract: A micromechanical system includes a first movable element, which is connected to a substrate via a first spring element, and a second movable element, which is connected to the substrate via a second spring element. The first movable element and the second movable element are movable in relation to the substrate independent of one another. Furthermore, the first movable element and the second movable element are situated one above the other in at least some sections in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application can provide systems and methods for mode shape identification of turbine buckets. According to one embodiment, a system can be provided. The system can include a turbine bucket having numerous trigger patterns disposed at a distal end of the turbine bucket. A sensor is disposed adjacent to the distal end of the turbine bucket for detecting the trigger patterns. The trigger patterns are patterned to identify at least one mode shape of the turbine bucket.

Abstract: An automatic operation method for setting temperature compensation coefficients of a digital pressure gauge is revealed. Primarily, a microcontroller unit (MCU) in the pressure gauge is equipped with built-in calibration procedures. The gauge is placed into a temperature-controlled chamber in order to obtain the temperature coefficient of offset (Tco) and temperature coefficient of span (Tcs). This method is the automatic measuring outputs of zero pressure/full scale at two temperatures to calculate the temperature coefficients Tco/Tcs. The two temperature compensation coefficients are stored in the MCU inside the pressure gauge. As the pressure gauge operates in any working temperature environments, the gauge based on a certain algorithm formula with the two stored temperature coefficients shows an accurate pressure reading.

Abstract: A method and device for continuously testing the tensile strength of an optical fiber, wherein the incoming optical fiber is wrapped at least partially around a payout capstan, to an intermediate payout pulley, at least partially around the intermediate payout pulley, and back to the payout capstan. The optical fiber is then wound from the payout capstan to a tensile testing measurement component, and then to an uptake capstan. The optical fiber is wrapped at least partially around the uptake capstan, to an intermediate uptake pulley, at least partially around the intermediate uptake pulley, and back to the uptake capstan. The payout capstan and uptake capstan are operated at a desired rotational speed to continuously advance the optical fiber for tensile strength testing.

Abstract: Maximum allowable load values of a welded portion in respective fracture modes of a load fracture, a moment fracture, and a nugget interior fracture are found based on at least one of a sheet thickness t, a tensile strength TS, an elongation El, and a chemical composition of a nugget portion in each of spot-welded steel sheets, a nugget diameter d of a welded portion, an effective width B of the welded portion determined by a distance between adjacent welded portions, edges or ridge lines, and a sectional height H. Then, according to these fracture modes, an allowable load value at every moment after the maximum allowable load value of the welded portion is reached is found, and a displacement or a time at which the allowable load value becomes 0, that is, at which a complete fracture occurs is found, thereby finding a fracture limit.