Abstract: A key with one or more movable elements that slide within the blade of a substantially flat key for operating a lock includes a blade configured to be inserted into a keyway of a lock and including contour features formed on an outer surface of the blade that mate with corresponding contour features of the keyway. The key includes at least one movable element disposed within a recess formed in the blade and including a contour surface exposed to the exterior of the key blade. The contour surface may include external contour features that correspond in shape to at least a portion of the contour features of the keyway. The movable element may be movable within the recess, when it engages a blocking member within the keyway, and after such movement, the element will engage a locking element within the lock.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of organic materials raw waste and other marine plants and animals into a stable powder form, without high heat or cooking A raw waste is ground and then optionally hydrolyzed or enzymatically reduced to form a hydrolysate and transferred to a blender for nutrient mixing, to form a raw product that is dried in a high velocity air dryer and micronizer, which can simultaneously dry and grind the raw product within a ball mill's work chamber with a high velocity exhaust stream from an inline pulse engine. The finely ground raw fish or animal waste may be pressed or blended with other nutrients to satisfy feed and fertilizer requirements. The final product may be further milled, granulated, pelletized or classified to meet market suspension standards for drip, pivot, and other applications for feeding plants and animals.

Abstract: A method of altering the composition of animal waste including introducing internally to an animal one or more treatment substances that can directly or indirectly affect the conversion of nitrogen containing compounds in animal waste, such that animal waste acts as a carrier so that the one or more substances affect the conversion of nitrogen containing compounds once the waste has been excreted from the animal.

Abstract: To compete with the increasing global food demand, it is necessary to increase the food production. Fertilizers which are in practice now a days has major disadvantage that 50% of nutrient contents loss due to leaching and also leads to ground water contamination. Slow release nitrogenous fertilizers are good in this regard in that they have minimum nutrient loss due to leaching. Potassium aluminium silicate (Leucite) nanoparticles occluded by calcium ammonium nitrates are slow release fertilizers and are synthesized by hydrothermal method. Its application as slow released nitrates fertilizers was determined by observing nitrate release for 16 days.

Abstract: The invention relates to a potassium sulphate powder wherein about 80 wt % or more of the powder has a particle size of about 0.2 mm or lower, preferably about 0.13 mm or less. The particle size preferably is such, that about 80 wt % or more is about 0.02 mm or higher, more preferably about 0.04 mm or higher. This potassium sulphate powder dissolves easily in water, more in particular, 50 gram of said potassium sulphate powder dissolves in 1 litre of water without stirring within 1 minute, preferably within 30 sec. This potassium sulphate powder is very suitable as foliar fertilizer, in particular for broad acre crops. Further, the invention relates to the use of foliar potassium fertilizer, to enhance the uptake of potassium from the soil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating deviations in a deforming operation between two beams of a press, comprising of arranging one or more compensating element at a suitably chosen location in the press, detecting the deviations and moving the compensating element(s) relative to the beams by (electro) mechanical means during the deforming operation such that the detected deviations are compensated. The compensating elements can be moved here to an over-compensating position prior to the deforming operation and pressed out of their over-compensating position during the operation by the load on the beam, wherein each compensating element exerts an adjustable resistance force on surrounding parts of the press. It is conversely possible for the compensating elements each to be pressed stepwise to a position compensating the detected deviations during the deforming operation. It is possible to use (piezoelectric) actuators to exert the resistance force and/or to move the compensating elements.

Abstract: A process is described in which non-structural galvanized steel studs are sequentially chemically treated with a permanganate coating to improve oxidation resistance, followed by treatment with a silicate coating sealant, optionally with zinc surface activation using an acid treatment.

Abstract: A guide wire for use in a medical procedure having a shapeable tip integral with and made from the distal end of a superelastic nitinol distal section of the guide wire, wherein the shapeable tip can be finger kinked. Such a guide wire includes an elongated core made from a superelastic nitinol alloy at the distal end, the distal end of the elongated core having a tapered section leading to a shapeable distal tip. The shapeable tip is an extension of the distal end of the nitinol distal section, and includes permanent strain hardening from at least two different radial directions imparting crystallographic texture in the radial directions that eliminate superelasticity so that permanent deformation can be achieved with finger pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a wing panel having improved formability at the time when the wing panel is curvedly formed by the peen forming method, and an aircraft main wing provided with the said wing panel. For a stringer member 20, a base part 21 is formed, and the neutral axis position N in the cross-sectional direction is located on the wing panel 11 side from the center position C in the height direction of a web part 22. When the peen forming method is carried out by projecting metal shots to a portion near a flange part 23 in the tip end portion of the stringer member 20, the tensile strain developing in the portion near a flange part 23 acts in a state in which the moment length around the neutral axis position N is kept long.

Abstract: A strip processing device includes a strip processing cartridge and is intended for a rolling mill, and relates to a method for removing the strip processing cartridge from the strip processing device. The strip processing cartridge is mounted on a bearing region on one or more rockers on a frame. The bearing region is open for insertion or removal of the strip processing cartridge sideways and/or upwards out of the frame. A fixing mechanism fixes the strip processing cartridge on the bearing region.

Abstract: A metal mold for hot pressing according to the present invention includes a fixed mold and a movable mold disposed such that molding surfaces of the fixed mold and the movable mold face each other. The metal mold sandwiches a heated workpiece between the fixed mold and the movable mold to press the workpiece while, at the same time, cooling the workpiece by keeping the molding surfaces of the fixed mold and the movable mold in contact with surfaces of the workpiece. A layer formed by a shape-memory alloy is formed at least at a portion, on which fitting during pressing is tight, of the molding surface of the fixed mold. According to the metal mold for hot pressing of the present invention, formation of a gap between the metal mold and the workpiece is suppressed and uniform contact between the metal mold and the workpiece can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method that is used to produce a press-hardened molded part (3) having at least two regions that differ regarding the strength of the regions by means of a press-hardening tool. A blank heated to a forming temperature is formed in the press-hardening tool and held in the press-hardening tool during the cooling for the purpose of heat-treating. In order to set the regions of lower strength, said regions are cooled more slowly than the other regions. During the forming step, the entire blank and thus also the regions of the blank intended to be set to a lower strength are in contact with a molding surface of the tool (1). After the conclusion of the forming step, the tool surface (2) in contact with the molded part is changed in such a way that the one or more regions to be set with lower strength have no tool contact during the cooling step that follows the forming step.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a container body from a metal blank has a ram, a blank holder, an annular die, an annular die holder, an insert and a plurality of ironing rings. The ram is centered about a longitudinal axis. The blank holder has an aperture through which the ram passes, The annular die is substantially axially aligned with the ram and adapted to allow the ram to pass therethrough. The annular die holder has a recessed portion adapted for receiving the annular die therein. The recessed portion has an annular, arcuate concave surface. The insert is located within the recess between the annular, arcuate concave surface and the annular die. The insert has a support surface for supporting the annular die thereon opposite an annular, arcuate, convex surface in operative engagement with the annular, arcuate concave surface and swivelable thereon. The plurality of ironing rings is substantially axially aligned with the ram.

Abstract: A feeding device (10) comprises: a support frame (12); an annular-shaped rotary frame (13); paired feeding rollers (15, 161) for nipping a strip-shaped member therebetween; a rotating motor (M1) for rotating the rotating frame (13); a feeding motor (M2) for rotating at least one (15) of the feeding rollers; and a driving force transmission mechanism (17) comprising a rotatable member relatively rotatable with respect to the rotating frame (13). The rotating frame (13) is rotated by driving of the rotating motor (M1) through a roller or a gear, and the at least one feeding roller (15) is rotated by the feeding motor (M2) through the driving force transmission mechanism (17), so that the strip-shaped member (100) is fed out in the form of a given helical configuration.

Abstract: An output specification calibrating apparatus for a capacitive pressure sensor. The output specification calibrating apparatus enables adjustment of non-linearity, offset, and gain of the capacitive pressure sensor in a software manner at the time of shipment. Accordingly, it is feasible to easily adjust output specifications of the capacitive pressure sensor and to thereby meet various needs of customers.

Abstract: A vibratory meter (5) is provided, including one or more flow conduits (103), one or more pickoff sensors (105, 105?), and a driver (104). Meter electronics (20) is configured to vibrate the one or more flow conduits (103) using a drive signal including an initial vibration frequency and to receive a pickoff sensor signal from the one or more pickoff sensors (105, 105?) in response, iteratively offset a phase difference between the drive signal and the pickoff sensor signal by a predetermined phase increment and measure a resulting vibrational frequency and amplitude, with the offsetting operatively sweeping the vibration frequency over a predetermined vibration frequency range and therefore generating a plurality of vibration amplitudes and a corresponding plurality of vibration frequencies, and determine a substantially maximum amplitude response in the plurality of vibration amplitudes and designate the corresponding vibration frequency as comprising the resonant frequency.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a corrosive environment monitoring apparatus and a corrosive environment monitoring method for evaluating the corrosiveness of an ambient environment simply and accurately in a short time period. The corrosive environment monitoring apparatus (1) of this invention has at least one vent duct (3a, 3b, 3c) in which specimens (2a, 2b, 2c) are installed so that the corrosiveness of the ambient environment is measured from the corroded conditions of the specimens (2a, 2b, 2c). The regions of the specimens (2a, 2b, 2c) in one vent duct (3a, 3b, 3c), which are subject to measurement, are made of the same metallic material. If a plurality of vent ducts (3a, 3b, 3c) are provided, these vent ducts (3a, 3b, 3c) are arranged in parallel with one another.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and device for detecting clogging of a filter. The method comprises obtaining an ambient parameter, obtaining a threshold associated with the ambient parameter, and obtaining a speed of a fan which is located near the filter. The method further comprises comparing the fan speed with the threshold and outputting an alarm signal indicative of the clogging if the fan speed exceeds the threshold. The ambient parameter may comprise at least one of ambient temperature, atmosphere pressure and supply voltage.

Abstract: A battery pack with a drain plug and a circuit to detect when a liquid coolant has entered the battery pack. The drain plug includes a carrier defining a cavity internal to the carrier, an inlet disposed on a first surface of the carrier and an outlet disposed on a second surface of the carrier where the first surface and the second surface fluidly displaced from one another and coupled to the cavity. A soluble plug may be disposed within the cavity of the carrier; the soluble plug is configured to at least partially dissolve when fluidly coupled with a coolant allowing a portion of the coolant to flow between the inlet and the outlet and out of the battery pack. A strain gauge cooperative with the carrier such that a measured resistance change in the strain gauge corresponds to the soluble plug in contact with the liquid coolant. An associated circuit with the drain plug provides notification of the activation of the drain plug to the on-board computer systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using sample test container filled with beverage, a penetrator holder, a penetrator and release means is disclosed. In the method a sample, is drawn into the test container and the penetrator dropped into the sample, and a reading of the stiffness of the sample is made based on the depth of penetration of the penetrator onto the sample.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrophotometer according to the present invention includes: a light source 1; a sample cell 3; an excitation-side light-dispersing system 2 for dispersing a light from the light source 1 and for casting a desired wavelength of light into the sample cell 3; an emission-side light-dispersing system 4 for dispersing a light emitted from the sample cell 3, the emission-side light-dispersing system 4 being located off an optical path of a transmitted light exiting from the sample cell 3 after being cast from the excitation-side light-dispersing system 2 into the sample cell 3; and a photodetector 5 capable of detecting, among the light from the emission-side light-dispersing system 4, an emission light having the same wavelength as the light cast from the excitation-side light-dispersing system 2 into the sample cell 3.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the average molecular weight of a complex mixture from a plurality of test samples of the complex mixture are disclosed. The method includes a) providing a chamber having two fixed conditions and one variable condition selected from three state variables of temperature, pressure and volume; b) introducing a test sample of known mass into the chamber; c) setting operating conditions of the state variables such that the test sample will be fully vaporized into a gaseous state without decomposition or chemical reaction; and d) measuring the change of the variable condition after full vaporization of the test sample is achieved. Steps b-d are repeated for several test samples having different masses. The average molecular weight of the complex mixture is determined as a linear gradient (slope) of the relationship for the change of variable condition as a function of test sample mass.

Abstract: Processing a liquid sample (204) having an analyte (206) by reducing a pressure in a container (200) including the liquid sample to less than atmospheric pressure and maintaining a reduced pressure in the container. Reducing the pressure in the container (200) and optionally agitating the liquid sample increases an amount of vapor-phase analyte (206) above the liquid sample. In some cases, a concentration of the vapor-phase analyte is further increased, for example, with a chemical trap (502). The vapor-phase analyte can be provided to a chemical analyzer (302).

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a component failure in a saddle-type fuel tank assembly is provided. The method includes a) updating a maximum amount to a subsequent amount of fuel if the subsequent amount of fuel is greater than the maximum amount, b) updating a minimum amount to the subsequent amount of fuel if the subsequent amount of fuel is less than the minimum amount, c) determining a fuel consumption amount, and d) determining that one or more of a first fuel level sender and a second fuel level sender have failed if the difference between the maximum amount and minimum amount is less than a first threshold, and the fuel consumption amount is greater than a second threshold.

Abstract: A device and method for testing a fibre-composite component, which is to be processed by means of bonding, for the presence of at least one substance out of a selection of possible contaminants. A surface heating device for regional heating of a part-zone of the fibre-composite component to be bonded is performed for desorption of contaminants. A sensor array with a plurality of sensors detects contaminants in the gas phase, and a control device ascertains and signals contaminations which are found. An extractor device can be employed to extract machining dust from the fibre-composite component to a desorption device.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a data collection method and apparatus comprises at least one sensor that may be configured as a mobile data collection apparatus, which sensor may be in communication with a controller. The data collection apparatus may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to air pressure, air humidity, air temperature, road surface temperature, lightning distance, light level, precipitation rate, ozone level, carbon dioxide level, nitrous oxide level, and methane level; all of which may be in communication with a controller. One or more sensors may be positioned on or within a main assembly.

Abstract: A device for estimating a stream of urine entering a toilet or urinal includes a measuring unit configured to estimate an amount of the stream of urine, and an indicator to provide an indication to an individual of the amount of the stream of urine.

Abstract: A fire hydrant water meter having a flow restricting device that creates back pressure to restrict the flow of water through the fire hydrant water meter. The flow restricting device includes a plurality of flexible vanes that combine to define a variable orifice. As the flow of water through the meter increases, the individual flexible vanes move away from each other to expand the size of the flow orifice. The flow restricting device provides a source of back pressure to water flowing through the meter to restrict the flow rate of water and thus protect the metering device contained within the fire hydrant water meter.

Abstract: This invention is related to a microfabricated microelectromechanical systems (a.k.a. MEMS) silicon thermal mass flow sensor integrated with a micromachined thermopile temperature sensor as a flow inception detection sensor. The micromachined thermopile sensor is used to detect the inception of mass flow and therefore to trigger the operation of mass flow sensor from its hibernating mode. By this method, the battery-operated flow speed measuring apparatus can save great deal of electricity and significantly extend the life span of battery. A new design of micromachined thermopile sensor with serpentine shape is used to reduce the complexity of microfabrication process and to increase the flexibility and options for material selection. In order to enhance the sensitivity of the thermopile temperature sensor, a method to maximize the quantity of the junctions is provided as well.

Abstract: A silicon mass flow sensor manufacture process that enables the backside contacts and eliminates the conventional front side wire binding process, and the assembly of such a mass flow sensor is disclosed in the present invention. The achieved assembly enhances the reliability by eliminating the binding wire exposure to the flow medium that may lead to detrimental failure due to the wire shortage or breakage while the miniature footprint could be maintained. The assembly further reduces flow instability from the flow sensor package including the bump of wire sealing. The invented mass flow sensor assembly can be a flow sensor module if the supporting sensor carrier is pre-designed with the control electronics. Without the control electronics, the said mass flow sensor assembly is easy to install into desired flow channels and connect to the external control electronics.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer which performs a suction operation a plurality of times on a same sample has a sample dispensing unit 9, a liquid level sensor which detects the liquid level of the sample in a sample vessel 8, an arithmetic unit 5 which computes a liquid level height h1 at the end of a first suction operation of the two consecutive suction operations from a liquid level height h0 and a sample suction volume V1 detected at the start of the first suction operation, a storage unit 7 which stores the liquid level height h1 computed by the arithmetic unit 5, and a determination unit 18 which compares a liquid level height h2 detected at the start of a second suction operation following the first suction operation with the liquid level height h1 at the end of the first suction operation.

Abstract: A cold atom gravity gradiometer system includes a laser source that generates a laser beam that propagates along a propagation direction. The system further includes a reflector that reflects a portion of the laser beam and transmits another portion of the laser beam (the transmitted portion). A second reflector spatially separated from the first reflector along the propagation direction reflects the transmitted portion of the laser beam.

Abstract: A method and system provide the ability to measure relative displacement and rotation. A first light is continuously shined from a first light source that is fixed on a first entity to a first two-dimensional (2D) plate fixed on a second entity. The first direction of propagation of the first light does not change relative to the first entity. A second light is shined from a second light source that is fixed on the first entity to a second 2D plate fixed on the second entity. A second direction of propagation of the second light does not change relative to the first entity and is different from the first direction of propagation. The displacement of the lights on plates is directly monitored to determine a 3D displacement vector that represents a relative displacement between the first entity and the second entity. Thus, a three dimensional gravity gradient tensor is constructed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibratory gyro sensor system, including: a driving unit shifting a signal output from a first sensing element of a gyro sensor by a preset shift phase, amplifying the phase shifted signal to a preset gain, and self-oscillates the amplified signal to generate and feedback a driving signal; an automatic gain control unit converting and amplifying capacitance output from a second sensing element of a gyro sensor into voltage; and a signal detection unit converting and amplifying the capacitance output from the first sensing element and the second sensing element into voltage.

Abstract: A method of using a MEMS gyroscope is disclosed herein, wherein the MEMS gyroscope comprised a magnetic sensing mechanism. A magnetic field is generated by a magnetic source, and is detected by a magnetic sensor. The magnetic field varies at the location of the magnetic sensor; and the variation of the magnetic field is associated with the movement of the proof-mass of the MEMS gyroscope. By detecting the variation of the magnetic field, the movement and thus the target angular velocity can be measured.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes: a mass, which is movable with respect to a supporting body; a driving loop for keeping the mass in oscillation according to a driving axis; a reading device, which supplying an output signal indicating an angular speed of the body; and a compensation device, for attenuating spurious signal components in quadrature with respect to a velocity of oscillation of the mass. The reading device includes an amplifier, which supplies a transduction signal indicating a position of the mass according to a sensing axis. The compensation device forms a control loop with the amplifier, extracts from the transduction signal an error signal representing quadrature components in the transduction signal, and supplies to the amplifier a compensation signal such as to attenuate the error signal.

Abstract: A tunneling accelerometer that can be implemented as a MEMS micro sensor provides differential sensing that minimizes large forces resulting from undesired environmental effects. Used as a seismic sensor, for example, the accelerometer exhibits maximum sensitivity for small seismic waves and suppresses very large seismic activities occurring at shallower depths. In one embodiment, detected current decreases from its maximum for stronger forces and is maximized for small vibrations. In another embodiment, separation of columns of top and bottom tunneling tip pairs, one column from the next, increases gradually so that the tunneling accelerometer suppresses sensitivity to large accelerations such as large seismic activity. A manufacturing process for the accelerometer provides reduced complexity for better yield.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a MEMS apparatus comprising a substrate with an etched area, a proof mass disposed at the center of the etched area, and beams supporting the proof mass. The beams are disposed between peripheries of the substrate and the proof mass. The substrate comprises first and second electrodes that are parallel to an axis and extend respectively from opposite regions on the substrate. The proof mass comprises third and fourth electrodes that are parallel to the axis and extend respectively from opposite edges of the proof mass. The first and third electrodes are opposite to and interlaid with each other. The second and fourth electrodes are opposite to and interlaid with each other. With the proof mass constructed as an oxide layer optionally enclosing a connecting layer or as a silicon substrate optionally with a covering layer, the MEMS apparatus is not susceptible to the variation of temperature.

Abstract: According to an example, a fan vibration testing apparatus includes a beam. The fan vibration testing apparatus further includes a fan mounting head disposed at a first location on the beam and including a cut-out, and a rod including first and second opposite rod ends. The rod may be attached at the first rod end to the fan mounting head, and the second rod end may be exposed to retain a fan within the cut-out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding device for an ultrasound inspection system, with means for transporting a test object (7), in particular a pipe, into an ultrasound inspection chamber of the ultrasound inspection system, comprising at least one guiding unit (1) for the test object with at least one, preferably three, still more preferably six elastically biased counter bearings (2) resting against a jacket surface (8) of the test object (7) via a contact part (4) in order to guide the test object during transport.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acoustic fluid valve calibration are disclosed herein. An example method involves rotating a closure member of a valve to a involves rotating a closure member of a valve to a plurality of positions along a valve stroke, obtaining acoustic emission signals generated by a fluid passing through the valve using a sensor when the closure member is in the positions, and identifying, using a processor, a zero position of the closure member based on the acoustic emission signals.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly detects a characteristic of a pipe. The ultrasonic sensor assembly includes first and second transducer rings spaced apart along a length of the pipe. Each of the first and second transducer rings can transmit a first wave longitudinally along the pipe and receive a reflection of the transmitted first wave from the characteristic. The first transducer ring can use results related to the reflection of the transmitted first wave to guide a second wave along the pipe that is received by the second transducer ring. Methods of detecting a characteristic of the pipe are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a monitoring system for operating equipment is provided. The monitoring system includes a first sensor having first operating parameters. A first printed circuit board includes an electrical circuit and signal processing hardware. A first sensor is in electrical communication with a second printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board includes signal processing hardware configured to process the signal. The second printed circuit board is in electrical communication with the first printed circuit board through a connector. The connector is configured to permit insertion and removal of a third printed circuit board to operate a second sensor having second operating parameters that differ from the first operating parameters of the first sensor. In another aspect, the first printed circuit board includes no processing circuit, the first printed circuit board includes an analog-to-digital hardware circuit, processor, controller or microprocessor and an output circuit.

Abstract: Vibration sensing wear for soldiers or law enforcement officers include at least one sensing system having vibration sensors, at least one processing unit, and a user interface unit capable of altering the wearer of surface vibration (e.g., ground, walls, floors, ceilings, etc.), object size, and direction.

Abstract: The fastener tension monitoring system provides for automatic notification when a structural tensile fastener, such as a bolt, is loosened. The system incorporates piezoelectric material in the core of the fastener shank or deposited around the shank. The piezoelectric material communicates electrically with an electrical storage device, a microprocessor, and a transmitter installed on the fastener head. Vibration or other changes in the tensile force developed by the fastener result in electrical impulses being generated by the piezoelectric material, generating electrical energy that is stored in the storage device and used to operate the microprocessor. In the event that an out of tolerance condition is sensed by the microprocessor, the transmitter is activated to send a signal to that effect. A receiver and computer are provided to monitor any such signals. The piezoelectric material may include pyroelectric material as well for the generation of electrical energy due to temperature changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the fatigue capital of a cable supporting a civil engineering structure, the method including: a measuring step (S1, S2) during which the normal tensile stress in the cable and the bending stress in the cable are measured in a synchronized manner so as to obtain the compound stress in the cable; a counting step (S3) during which a count of the number of stress cycles, depending on the amplitude of the stress, is carried out from the measured compound stresses; and a step (S4) of assessing the fatigue capital of the cable during which the fatigue capital of the cable is determined by comparing the count, carried out in the counting step, with a pre-set Wohler curve for the cable.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing the strength of a material connection to a substrate. A drive mechanism couples a test tool mount to a main body and allows for relative movement between the test tool mount and the main body in an axial direction. A biasing element is coupled between the main body and the test tool mount, that, in operation, biases the test tool mount relative to the main body in an axial direction. The biasing element is switchable between a first state in which the test tool mount is biased either toward or away from the substrate and another state in which the biasing element provides one of: no biasing force to the test tool mount toward or away from the substrate, or a biasing force in a direction opposite to the direction of bias applied in the first state.

Abstract: Gas flow rate measuring apparatus comprising resistive element disposed in a gas flow path, a gas flow rate detection circuit, and a gas temperature detection element or a substrate temperature detection element. The detection circuit detects a current flowing through the resistive element, or a voltage generated in response to the current to output a gas flow rate detection signal in accordance with a flow rate of gas flowing. The apparatus corrects characteristics of the gas flow rate detection signal on the basis of a temperature detection signal obtained from these elements and includes signal conversion means for correcting a characteristic bend displaced by more than a certain fixed amount from target characteristics.

Abstract: A method to determine a mass proportion of a first component of a multi-component fluid is provided that includes separating the first component in a separation step at least in part from the multi-component fluid, determining at least two reference flow rates, selected from a flow rate of the multi-component fluid supplied to the separation step, a flow rate of a residual fluid resulting from the separation of the first component, and a flow rate of a separation fluid accumulating in the separation step, and determining the mass proportion of the first component from the selected reference flow rates, taking into account a non-separated residual content of the first component in the residual fluid. An extraneous content of an additional separated component of the multi-component fluid is additionally taken into account.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a flow conditioner for displacing and mixing fluid flow to minimize the effects of thermal gradients on the accuracy of a transit time ultrasonic flowmeter and defines an envelope in a cross sectional direction in a pipe having a first ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in a downstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. The conditioner has a second ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and in juxtaposition with the first ramp, the second ramp extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in an upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe having ultrasonic transducer sites. A method for determining fluid flow in a pipe.