Abstract: The invention relates to a method (30) of and an apparatus (1) for determining a flow rate of a fluid and detecting gas bubbles or particles in the fluid. In order to provide a method (30) and an apparatus (1), which can be used to perform more precise measurements and to provide a better safety, the invention provides that a collapse of an amplitude of an ultrasonic signal is used for detecting gas bubbles or particles.

Abstract: To address this and/or other needs, the present inventor devised, among other things, a passive moisture detection probe that can be installed and left in place to continuously indicate whether the moisture-content in the wall-cavity of a building is below or above a desirable level. One exemplary moisture detection assembly includes a moisture-absorbent sensor element and an indicator. The sensor element, which can be placed in contact with the inner surface of a home's exterior sheathing, expands and contracts in response to the moisture content of the sheathing. The indicator, for example a rod, moves in responsive to the expansion and contraction of the sensor element, with its relative position corresponding to the moisture in the exterior sheathing and thus providing an on-going and observable sign of moisture intrusion.

Abstract: A device for measuring a part in a turbine engine, including a rod including a portion with a profile that corresponds to a profile of a portion of a calibration part of a same type as a part under examination, the portion of the rod further including visible marks for remote measurement arranged along its length.

Abstract: An oscillating device for a fill-level measurement system includes a drive element in operative connection with a diaphragm. The drive housing receives the drive element at an open-ended front side and includes a first housing part and a second housing part in an operative axially interfitting arrangement proximate the drive element. A flexible conductor in operative connection joins the drive element and extends in a sung-fit arrangement between the first housing part and the second housing part providing improved operative performance.

Abstract: A fluid level measurement system for sensing fluid level in a tank is disclosed that includes a float that moves vertically in the interior of the tank, and a force measuring mechanism coupled to the float that generates an output based on the upward force on the float. The system can include an outer tube where the float is contained in the outer tube. A microcontroller can compute fluid level using the force measuring mechanism output. Altitude and other factors can be accounted for. Exemplary force measuring mechanisms can include a Hall Effect sensor sensing position of a magnet coupled to the float, or a force sensor coupled to the float. The length of the float, or the float and uncompressed spring can be substantially equal to the height of the tank. The float can have a generally uniform or non-uniform outside diameter.

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

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for measuring the density of a material. According to one aspect, a material property gauge includes a nuclear density gauge for measuring the density of a material. A radiation source adapted to emit radiation into a material and a radiation detector operable to produce a signal representing the detected radiation. A first material property calculation function may calculate a value associated with the density of the material based upon the signal produced by the radiation detector. The material property gauge includes an electromagnetic moisture property gauge that determines a moisture property of the material. An electromagnetic field generator may generate an electromagnetic field where the electromagnetic field sweeps through one or more frequencies and penetrates into the material.

Abstract: A semiconductor detector of gravitational waves of a first frequency may include an oscillator having a metal coated oscillating member over a metal coated semiconductor substrate to be subjected to a Casimir attraction force towards the semiconductor substrate. The oscillator may be configured to exert a force to counterbalance the Casimir attraction force causing the oscillating member oscillates with a main harmonic resonance frequency equal to the first frequency. A displacement sensor may be coupled to the substrate and oscillating member and configured to sense oscillations and to generate corresponding sense signals. A pass-band filter may be tuned to the main harmonic resonance frequency and configured to generate band-pass replica signals of the sense signals, and an airtight package may be configured to keep a vacuum between the oscillating member and the semiconductor substrate. An array of semiconductor detectors and a method of detecting gravitational waves are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed towards a physics package of an atomic sensor. The physics package includes a frame composed of metal and including a plurality of slender support members extending between one another in a three dimensional structure. The support members define boundaries between adjacent apertures defined in the frame. The plurality of support members include a plurality of mounting surfaces adjacent to the apertures. The physics package also includes a plurality of panes attached to the mounting surfaces of the frame. The plurality of panes cover the apertures such that the frame and the plurality of panes define a vacuum chamber and provide three light paths that cross within the vacuum chamber at 90 degree angles with respect to one another. The physics package also includes a chamber evacuation structure for evacuating the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A measuring system including a sensor positioned to a belt to measure an oscillation or vibration of the belt based at least in part on a trigger threshold. Also, the measuring system may include a diagnostic tool coupled the sensor to receive a plurality of measurements of the oscillation or vibration of the belt, wherein the diagnostic tool may determine a tension of the belt based at least in part on an average of the plurality of measurements of the oscillation or vibration of the belt.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor device includes a housing, a transducer, a securing unit, a circuit board and a sealing cap. The housing includes an enclosing portion. The enclosing portion has a first opening and an opposite second opening. The transducer is secured to the enclosing portion at the second opening. The securing unit secures the transducer to the enclosing portion of the housing, and includes at least one securing rib that extends toward the first opening of the enclosing portion. The circuit board is disposed in the enclosing portion. The sealing cap is disposed to cover the first opening of the enclosing portion and has an inner cap surface that abuts against the securing rib of the securing unit.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound probe including a bonded chemical barrier. The chemical barrier is manufactured between a matching layer and a lens layer by cross-sectionally applying a sputtering layer formed of a nichrome (NiCr) layer and a titanium (Ti) layer onto polyetherimide (PEI) to thereby completely prevent lifting of the lens layer or rising of the matching layer. In addition, as the chemical barrier is attached between the lens layer and the matching layer by using an epoxy adhesive, or a urethane adhesive, the ultrasound probe is fully resistant to long time soaking in an antiseptic, an abstergent, a gel, or the like.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement (10) has a vibration sensor (11), which includes a cable (13) and is free of a metal housing, and a holding device (12), which is joined detachably to the vibration sensor (11) and is configured and arranged to protect mechanically and fix in place the vibration sensor (11).

Abstract: A vibration detection system is provided. The vibration detection system includes a radio frequency (RF) source, a vibration sensor coupled to the RF source and configured to receive an RF signal supplied by the RF source and radiate RF energy, and a computing device coupled to said RF source and configured to calculate vibrational energy induced to the vibration sensor based on an impedance of the vibration sensor.

Abstract: Hydrogen which has entered into a pressure/differential pressure transmitter from external or internally generated hydrogen and hydrocarbons are converted to air bubbles within pressure guide paths. As a result, the indicated value drifts and an accurate numerical value is not output. A pressure/differential pressure transmitter includes a space formed between a diaphragm and a main body side wall face, pressure guide paths connected to the main body side wall face, a sealed liquid sealed in the space and the pressure guide paths to transmit a pressure received by the diaphragm to a sensor, and a hydrogen absorption material provided at least in the sealed liquid, on the main body side wall face, or in a part of a path between the main body side wall face and the sensor to absorb hydrogen atoms in the sealed liquid.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a gas gauge for use in a vacuum environment having a measurement gas flow channel. The gas gauge may comprise a measurement nozzle in the measurement gas flow channel. The measurement nozzle may be configured to operate at a sonically choked flow condition of a volumetric flow being sourced from a gas supply coupled to the measurement gas flow channel. The gas gauge may further comprise a pressure sensor operatively coupled to the measurement gas flow channel downstream from the sonically choked flow condition of the volumetric flow to measure a differential pressure of the volumetric flow for providing an indication of a gap between a distal end of the measurement nozzle and a target surface proximal thereto.

Abstract: A pressure transducer using a ceramic diaphragm which is not easily damaged so that there is no risk of leakage of a target medium to be measured, having a superior mass-production capability and a reduced volume and enabling low-price by simplifying a flexible cable and a printed circuit board (PCB) to connect the transducer and a signal processing chip. The pressure transducer includes the ceramic diaphragm formed as a rectangular planar ceramic diaphragm and having a surface having formed thereon a pattern made of an electrically conductive material and strain gages; a base plate configured to face the surface of the ceramic diaphragm having formed thereon the pattern; and an adhesive layer configured to be formed along edges of a contacting surface of the ceramic diaphragm and the base plate so as to bond the ceramic diaphragm and the base plate and form a space for the strain gages.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible display device for sensing bending that includes forming a lower electrode layer, which includes a plurality of lower electrodes spaced apart from each other on a substrate, forming an insulation layer on the lower electrode layer, forming holes in the insulation layer to expose at least a part of each of the plurality of lower electrodes, and forming an upper electrode layer, which includes a plurality of upper electrodes that are spaced apart from each other on the insulation layer and that fill the holes in the insulation layer. At least two conductive units including the lower electrode layer, the insulation layer, and the upper electrode layer are formed to face each other on a substrate of a non-display unit that is arranged near a boundary of the display device.

Abstract: An educational force application and force measurement apparatus is with a plurality of interchangeable workpiece mounting components is disclosed. The apparatus securely accepts a model structure (workpiece), secures a force measurement component between the model structure and a force application component, and applies an incrementally increasing force until the workpiece fails. A series of interchangeable upper workpiece mounting components allow the apparatus to measure the failure load on several different types of model structures.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing the apparatus, the apparatus including: a duct; and a non-return valve; wherein the duct has a first portion and a second portion; the first portion has a first end and a second end; the first end is open to a fluid (e.g. air); the second end is connected to the second portion such that fluid is permitted to flow between the first portion and the second portion; the non-return valve is positioned at or proximate to the second end; and the non-return valve is arranged such that, upon application of a suction force to the first portion at the first end, fluid flows into the first portion via the non-return valve from outside the duct, and through the first portion from the second end to the first end.

Abstract: A Fluid turbine flow meter, including a measurement chamber, a turbine body that is displaced axially, as a function of the fluid flow rates, between a high position and a low position in the measurement chamber and having a rotation axis, a centering bearing for the rotation axis in the measurement chamber that has a longitudinal body with a longitudinal passage supporting and passed through by the rotation axis, the rotation axis pivoting by being held axially in the measurement chamber, by a first axial end stop in the high position and by a second axial end stop in the low position, the centering bearing having, in the longitudinal passage, at least two cylindrical longitudinal support centering walls for the rotation axis.

Abstract: A pressure compensated sensor assembly for determining loads near a drill bit may include a body member having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a sleeve member having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the sleeve member being coupled to the body member, a first gap having a thickness and a length dimension formed between the body member and the sleeve member, and one or more sensors coupled to the sleeve member. The one or more sensors may measure axial and torsional loads on the sleeve member without measuring parasitic strain induced on the body member.

Abstract: Force and torque sensors (10, 10a) include a load-bearing element (12), and strain gauges (20, 22, 23) mounted on the load-bearing element (12) so that the strain gauges (20, 22, 23) generate outputs responsive to external forces and moments applied to the load-bearing element (12). The strain gauges (20, 22, 23) are configured, and the responsive outputs of the strain gauges (20, 22, 23) are processed such that the force and moment measurements generated by the sensors (10, 10a) are substantially immune from drift due to thermally-induced strain in the load-bearing element (12).

Abstract: To provide a film laminate body for a pressure sensitive fingerprint sensor that can provide an accurate pressure distribution corresponding to the degree of ridges and valleys of a fingerprint, and thereby can clearly recognize the shape of the fingerprint. A film laminate body for a pressure sensitive fingerprint sensor containing a base film with a first surface and a second surface, and a conductive layer formed by a dry film forming process provided on the first surface, and an elastic layer provided on the second surface, which is a side opposite the first surface of the base film, wherein the base film has a thickness of 6 ?m or less, and the elastic layer has a thickness no less than the base film, and has elasticity of 108 Pa or less.

Abstract: Apparatus for a cotton sample acquisition and tracking system. The system includes a loading station in which a pair of primary sample halves are loaded in a carrier. The primary samples are identified and transported to a sub-sample station that extracts a sub-sample from the primary sample. The sub-samples are conditioned and transported to various testing stations. The primary samples are transported via a conveyor system. The sub-samples are transported through a pneumatic system. The sub-sample station advances the primary sample against a pick drum that pulls tufts from the primary sample. The tufts flow through a cotton containment system into an indexer that collects, conditions, and routes the tufts as a sub-sample. The sub-samples are staged in a carousel for continued conditioning and storage until the test equipment is ready to process the sub-sample.

Abstract: A system for sampling a surface includes a sampling probe having a housing and a socket, and a rolling sampling sphere within the socket. The housing has a sampling fluid supply conduit and a sampling fluid exhaust conduit. The sampling fluid supply conduit supplies sampling fluid to the sampling sphere. The sampling fluid exhaust conduit has an inlet opening for receiving sampling fluid carried from the surface by the sampling sphere. A surface sampling probe and a method for sampling a surface are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample substrate configured for samples of biological material is provided. The sample substrate has a dual chambered sample well separated by a wall that may be punctured or otherwise breached to allow mixing of material contained in the two initially separate chambers. The chambers are connected by channels to fluid reservoirs, wherein the channels can be staked to prevent further fluid flow into and out of the chambers. Methods of loading a sample substrate are also provided.

Abstract: A system to determine the mass of a precious metal existing with an alloy specimen where the purity concentration of the precious metal within the alloy is known by a user is provided. The system includes an assembly for weighing the alloy specimen, the assembly including an adjustable setting to permit the user to input the known purity concentration, a processor programmed to calculate the mass of the precious metal based upon the weight of the alloy and the purity concentration, and a display for visually displaying the precious metal mass to the user.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement (10) includes a sensor (11) for a mechanical quantity or a thermal quantity, a processing circuit (12), which is connected at the input end to the sensor (11) and provides an output signal (SRF), which is processed for wireless transmission, and a cable (13), which is coupled to the processing circuit (12), to which the output signal (SRF) or a signal derived from the output signal (SRF) is supplied and which delivers a power supply to the processing circuit.

Abstract: Surface wettability of a material is determined by placing at least one sample of this material in at least one sealed calorimeter cell. Then a contact is provided of the at least one sample with a first wetting fluid and with a second wetting fluid at the same temperature and pressure. Heats of immersion are measured of the at least one sample in the first and the second wetting fluids and a wettability parameter is calculated for a solid/fluid/fluid system.

Abstract: A method and structure for a device including a non-contact gap control device for maintaining a distance between surfaces can include a pliable platform, a frame to which the pliable platform is secured, an aerodynamic floating (AF) head attached to the pliable platform and a probe for measuring, testing, and/or characterizing a substrate adjacent to the AF head. A pressurized gas source can be coupled to the AF head, such that a pressurized gas is ejected onto the substrate to maintain a distance between the substrate and the AF head during measurement. While the frame can be held immobile, the pliable platform can react in response to irregularities in the substrate to maintain a generally constant distance between the AF head and the substrate.

Abstract: An improved drive dog for an imaging machine has a central opening. At least one internal ramp radiates from the central opening of the drive dog whereby a tooth of the imaging machine drive mechanism is centered and directed into the drive dog seat. The leading edge of the drive dog seat contacts the base of the imaging machine drive mechanism thus making full contact between the drive dog seat and the imaging machine drive mechanism tooth.

Abstract: Sloped-for-rain urban sidewalks are horrible for wheelchair users because of the constant veering-off threat caused by gravity. Anybody who tries to self-propel a wheelchair on a city sidewalk for the first time is in for a rude awakening—the user must use one hand to steer by retarding one wheel, and that makes propelling inefficient, difficult and frustrating, to say nothing of the dangerous veering-off threat. Applicant's solution is to provide joining means to couple and uncouple the drive wheels. The joining means, when coupled, causes the two drive wheels to rotate in unison preventing the wheelchair from veering-off so that it travels straight when traversing a sloped surface, and when uncoupled allowing the two drive wheels to rotate at different speeds to allow turning. Joining means comprises: slip-clutch, gear configuration or the like, and may be automatic or user controlled.

Abstract: A gearbox for a tap changer. The gearbox has an input drive shaft arranged to be connected to a motor. The gearbox also has a diverter switch drive output with a diverter shaft. The diverter switch drive output is arranged to be connected for actuation of breakers in a diverter switch of the tap changer. The gearbox further has first and second selector arm drive outputs arranged for actuation of a tap selector of the tap changer. It also has reduction gear means connecting the input drive shaft to the diverter switch drive output and to each of the selector arm drive outputs. Further the gearbox has timing connection means arranged to connect the reduction gear means to each of the selector arm drive outputs. The invention also relates to a tap changer having such a gearbox and to a transformer provided with such a tap changer.

Abstract: A ball screw device includes a screw engaged into a nut member for forming an endless ball guiding passage and for receiving bearing members, the nut member includes a thickness reduced barrel for forming a peripheral surface in the nut member, a tubular member is engaged onto the barrel of the nut member, a number of bearing elements are engaged onto the nut member and the tubular member, a sleeve is engaged onto the nut member and includes an inner peripheral protrusion having two curved side surfaces for engaging with the bearing elements and for solidly and stably anchoring and retaining the bearing elements between the sleeve and the tubular member and the nut member.

Abstract: A ball screw nut of a ball screw device is fastened to a motor shaft by engaging a male thread portion thereof with a female thread portion of the motor shaft. In a case where, in a movement pathway for balls, an area where the balls roll under load from a rack shaft and the ball screw nut is set as a load area, an area that does not receive the load is set as a no-load area, and areas for transition from the load area to the no-load area are set as transition areas, the male thread portion is formed such that the transition area on the nut-side joint portion-side closest to a seating surface does not overlap phase ranges of cut portions in a state where the ball screw nut is fastened to the motor shaft.

Abstract: A tractor steering and braking arrangement has a substantially vertically extending structural support column 11 for connection at a lower end 12 to a floor 13 of a tractor cab and carrying means 18 to support a steering wheel 15 at its upper end. At least one hydraulic master cylinder 29, 30 for operation of brakes of the tractor is supported within the column 11. The master cylinder 29, 30 includes an operating rod 27, 28 and an associated piston which is moved substantially vertically by an associated brake operating pedal 19, 20. The pedal is positioned at one side of the structural support column 11 and supported for pivoting from the column. Where separate left and right brakes are used, separate left and right master cylinders are mounted vertically within the support column 11. Both pedals are also mounted for pivoting from the column at a position 21 inside the column.

Abstract: A rotating shaft has: a first shaft member that includes a rail member and a first connecting portion which is disposed at the rail member; and a second shaft member that includes a slider which is movably installed to the rail member, a tubular unit which is secured to the slider, and a second connecting portion which is disposed at the tubular unit. The slider includes a plurality of roller type rolling elements. The plurality of roller type rolling elements includes: first roller type rolling elements which roll along a rolling path and when torque in a first direction is inputted, transfer running torque between the slider and the rail member; and second roller type rolling elements which roll along a rolling path and when torque in a second direction, which is opposite of the first direction, is inputted, transfer running torque between the slider and the rail member.

Abstract: A remote control for controlling machinery that includes a multifunction identifier device incorporating key and starter button functions, the multifunction identifier device including a central body, in which electronic elements are housed, which is assembled with a bearing, the central body including a central part which is closed in the lower portion by an additional part inside which there is housed a magnet, the multifunction identifier device being coupled to an external push button panel by an adjustment ring.

Abstract: A lock for an adjustable steering column includes a rotatable locking lever to actuate the lock between an unlocked position and locked position, a lock plate including plate lock teeth and a first slot, and a slider including slider lock teeth and a second slot angled relative to the first slot. The slider teeth are received between respective plate lock teeth. A lock bolt rotates with the locking lever and extends through the first and second slots, and has a retainer on one end. A cam positioned on the lock bolt applies or releases a force to the slider in response to rotation of the locking lever to actuate the lock. In the locked position the slider lock teeth lockingly engage between the plate lock teeth, and in the unlocked position, the slider lock teeth are released from locking engagement with and are positioned between the plate lock teeth.

Abstract: A first coil spring urges a shaft in an accelerator closing direction. A support member has a space, in which a first center line of the first coil spring is convexly curved when the shaft is rotated in an accelerator opening direction. The first center line is straight or is convexly curved toward the space when the limiting portion contacts the support member.

Abstract: A relief spring stop bolt assembly for shallow bowl coal pulverizing mills and a method of using the same to smooth operation of such a pulverizer during low load operation is described. The subject relief spring stop bolt assembly is sized to be used with or for “retrofit” within existing journal space and existing journal opening cover space of a shallow bowl mill to effectively smooth rough operating conditions.

Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle includes a first motor, a first case, a second motor, a second case, a right-and-left communication passage, and a sensor. The first case houses the first motor and has a left reservoir to store liquid fluid. The second case houses the second motor and has a right reservoir to store liquid fluid. The right-and-left communication passage communicates with the left reservoir and the right reservoir. The sensor is configured to detect a property of the liquid fluid and disposed in the right-and-left communication passage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a starter comprising a motor comprising a drive shaft, a pinion, and a clutch. In some embodiments, the starter includes a planetary gear coupled with the clutch. Some embodiments include a pinion speed sensor assembly configured and arranged to provide a signal related to the rotational speed of the pinion based upon a speed of a component of the starter that is coupled to the pinion. Some embodiments of the starter include a pinion rotational speed sensor located within the drive-end region of the starter, and configured and arranged for direct or indirect monitoring of the pinion. Some embodiments include a sensor that is configured and arranged to monitor one or more components of the clutch assembly, the drive-shaft, the pinion, the output shaft, or a planetary gear. The speed sensor can be a magnetic-field flux sensor assembly or an optical sensor assembly.

Abstract: There are provided a method for desulfurizing molten steel, characterized in that a sample taken out from molten steel after the tapping from a converter or during the secondary refining is analyzed rapidly in a high accuracy by a method comprising a high frequency induction heating step wherein the sample is combusted and oxidized under the high frequency induction heating in a pure oxygen atmosphere to convert S in the sample into SO2 and an analyzing step wherein SO2-containing gas produced in the high frequency induction heating step is analyzed through an ultraviolet fluorescence method to quantify S concentration of the sample, whereby S concentration of molten steel after the tapping from the converter can be controlled in a high accuracy to prevent failure of S concentration and also desulfurization time in the secondary refining can be shortened and the amount of the desulfurizer or the like used can be reduced, and a method of manufacturing molten steel by using such a method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for melting aluminum uses a dense metal salt of Rubidium, Cesium, or Strontium. The salt is melted by a stinger and then superheated by AC applied to electrodes immersed in the salt. Aluminum in contact with the salt melts and floats on the salt. In continuous scrap melting, inflows and outflows of aluminum are comparable and may be shielded by inert gas. The superheated salt may be purified and may be heated in a separate reservoir and pumped to and from another reservoir containing salt and/or metal. The salt may be used to supplement the heating of an existing furnace.

Abstract: A method for removing a surfactant from a palladium nanoparticle includes exposing the palladium nanoparticle to hydrogen and removing the surfactant from the palladium nanoparticle. A method includes synthesizing a palladium nanoparticle using a surfactant. The surfactant influences a geometric property of the palladium nanoparticle and bonds to the palladium nanoparticle. The method also includes exposing the palladium nanoparticle to hydrogen to remove the surfactant from the palladium nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment method of spent uranium catalyst, and more specifically, to a method which can considerably reduce the volume of the spent uranium catalyst to be disposed of and simultaneously minimize secondary wastes that can be generated during the process of treating the spent uranium catalyst.

Abstract: There is provided a process for recovering AB5 alloy from spent nickel hydride storage batteries and/or their cells without thermal melting or dissolving the AB5 alloy. The process comprises a step of dissolving the Ni(OH)2 and separating AB5 alloy and still containing the lanthanum metal.

Abstract: A method for controlling A-shaped segregation of steel ingot. The method includes: 1) controlling a content of phosphorus in liquid steel at less than or equal to 0.005 wt. % upon tapping from an electric furnace, preventing steel slag from entering a ladle, controlling content of harmful elements at less than or equal to 100 ppm; and adding between 3 and 15 kg of calcium oxide and less than or equal to 0.5 kg of aluminum to each ton of the liquid steel; 2) pre-deoxidizing the liquid metal using vacuum carbon deoxidation; 3) de-sulfurizing, controlling content of oxygen, and controlling the content of sulfur in the liquid steel at less than or equal to 0.005 wt. %; and 4) performing vacuum degasification, controlling the total oxygen content at less than or equal to 15 ppm; and casting the steel in the presence of inert gas or in vacuum.