Abstract: In a system for a material testing machine, a computer attached to a material testing machine is connected to an outside provider, and test information by the material testing machine is periodically sent from the computer to a web site to update the information. By accessing the web site from any cellular phone or another personal computer, test status or test result by the material testing machine can be checked at any place. Accordingly, without forming a large-scaled system, the test status or the like by the material testing machine can be obtained while an operator is far away from the material testing machine.

Abstract: This remote control qualifier, typically a radio frequency (RF) qualifier, is an apparatus for monitoring a mechanical torque wrench with torque switch. The torque wrench includes a means for stimulating the torque switch wherein the torque switch can provide an electrical signal upon reaching target torque. The torque wrench also includes a transmitter for sending the electrical signals to a receiver. The RF qualifier is remote and includes a receiver for receiving the electrical signals from the transmitter of the torque wrench. The remote qualifier also includes a means for electrically computationally processing the electrical signals into other signals.

Abstract: A computer assisted system predicting adhesion energy at an interface between dissimilar materials, and an associated adhesiveness includes units for inputting given compositions and crystal structure of the dissimilar materials; like-atom and two unlike-atom interatomic interaction energy parameters on the dissimilar materials; and material interface atomic structure model information into a computer. The computer calculates a material interface total energy relative to a distance between surfaces of the dissimilar materials on the basis of the sum of the two like-atom and two unlike-atom interatomic interaction energies and evaluates the adhesion energy from the distribution of the calculated material interface total energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processing machine having the function of sensitively detect collisions or other abnormalities to prevent the machine from being operated under abnormal conditions. Means 22 is provided for detecting a load on a drive source 1 for driving a movable member 2. Abnormality determining means 23 is provided for determining the load is abnormal if the lead as detected by the abnormality means 22 exceeds an abnormality determination level (Lb). The abnormality determining means 23 sets the abnormality determination level (Lb) on the basis of the load as measured during the preceding driving operation of the movable member 2 or the average of loads as measured during several past driving operations that are temporally close to the current one.

Abstract: According to the method suggested, the mast is submitted to an increasing force, and both this force and the deflection path are correlated to establish a characteristic load line. After it has been loaded, the mast is again relieved from the load, a characteristic load relief line is determined and the return force is correlated to the decreasing return path. The finds related to the mast solidity and anchorage are based on the tracing of the characteristic load relief line and the comparison with the characteristic load line.

Abstract: A location-force target path creator creates a smooth target path function from target values among values of location, position, force and moment given for a force control system. The target values are set as nodes together with times for which the target values are applied. The nodes are projected onto a time axis having a time region which is divided into a series of time regions. A target path function is calculated for an element motion by applying a boundary condition to each of the time regions.

Abstract: The invention detects the loft time and/or speed of a vehicle, such as a sporting vehicle, during activities of moving and jumping. A loft sensor detects when the vehicle leaves the ground and when the vehicle returns to the ground. A microprocessor subsystem converts the sensed information to determine a loft time. A display shows the recorded loft time to a user of the system. In addition, a speed sensor can detect the vehicle's speed for selective display to the user. The invention could be used in sporting activities such as snowboarding where users loft into the air on ski jumps and catch “air” time but have no quantitative measure of the actual time lapse in the air. Therefore, users in skiing can use invention to record, store, and playback selected information relating to their sporting day, including the total amount of “air” time for the day and information such as dead time, i.e., time not spent on the slopes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a linear vibratory output force having a variable amplitude. The force is generated by the cooperation of four rotating eccentric masses that are grouped in two pairs of two masses. The masses in each pair are counter-rotating (i.e., they rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions). The phase relationship between the two pairs is adjustable. For example, the phase of one pair can be advanced while the phase of the other pair is retarded by an equal amount, thereby changing the amplitude of the output force without changing the direction along which the force acts, and also without changing its frequency if desired.

Abstract: A device for determining the resistive torque of an item of equipment driven by an asynchronous electric motor operated by a control unit delivering to the motor an alternating voltage for controlling the rotational speed of the motor includes a measuring unit for measuring the rotational speed, a calculator for calculating the motor slip from the said rotational speed and the synchronous speed of the magnetic field generated by the power-supply voltage and a comparator for comparing the calculated value of slip and a set of predetermined slip values each corresponding to a resistive torque value, so that the resistive torque of the item of equipment can be determined.

Abstract: A variable rate test joint comprises a housing and a shaft mounted within the housing. A hexagonal head is provided for coupling a tool to be tested to the shaft. In use a frictional braking torque is applied to the shaft. A computer controls the magnitude of the braking torque applied to the shaft as a function of time.

Abstract: An unsteady signal analyzer for detecting a defect in a monitored object through the analysis of an unsteady signal generated by the monitored object has a wavelet transform calculating device which produces a wavelet spectrum data through a wavelet transform of the unsteady signal, a state variation function setting device which sets a state variation function representing a variation of a specific state variable of the monitored object with time, and a time coordinate nonlinear transformation device which transforms a time coordinate of the wavelet spectrum data nonlinearly into a coordinate of the specific state variable by using an inverse function of the state variation function.

Abstract: In an external measuring apparatus, a past zero signal value V0 is first read out. A subtracted value obtained by subtracting the zero signal value V0 from a read signal value Vin from an angular velocity detector is compared with a preset first threshold value &Dgr;V1. If no angular velocity is being applied, then the read signal value Vin is updated and set to the zero signal value V0 in which a drift component is canceled. In addition, the subtracted value obtained by subtracting the zero signal value V0 from the read signal value Vin is further compared with a second threshold value &Dgr;V2 so as to perform the zero adjustment of the subtracted value. This makes it possible to eliminate the drift component and the random noise component from the detection signal, enabling accurate angular velocity to be obtained.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for checking a wrapping state of a wrapped roll having end face covers by detecting the force required to press-fit a bushing into a cylindrical core tube and comparing the detected force with a threshold value which is based on the correlation between the force required to press-fit the bushing into the cylindrical core tube and the state of tucking of the end face covers.

Abstract: An insulation displacement terminal of a high quality and high performance produced by designing the terminal in accordance with data measurement under a condition similar to an actual insulation displacement connection. An extent of insertion of insulation sheath electric cable 6, a distance between a pair of metal blocks 11 and 12 parallel to each other; and a reaction force and a contact resistance acting between cable 6 and spaced metal blocks 11, 12 is measured while inserting cable 6 into a gap between metal blocks 11 and 12 which have a tapered portion on an end of each block. After completing insertion, the extent of insertion of cable &Dgr;2, gap distance WS2, reaction force F2, and contact resistance R2 are obtained and, at the same time, the presence of broken wires (if any) in the cable is determined. These steps are repeated while changing initial gap WS between metal blocks 11 and 12.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining valves in a water distribution system is the subject matter. A description is prepared of each valve in the system. An individual identifying symbol is assigned to each valve. The identifying symbol and the valve individual description and location, is loaded into a computer database. A group of valves in the system is selected to define an inspection route. A portable computer is loaded with the information regarding each valve along the inspection route. A valve turning machine is positioned adjacent to a selected valve. The valve turning machine includes an identification reader, a timer and the portable computer. A reader identifies a select valve by means of its symbol and the symbol is recorded in the portable computer. The turning machine is connected to the stem of the selected valve to turn the stem in a selected direction. The number of revolutions of the valve stem is counted and recorded in the portable computer.

Abstract: This counting apparatus is a tool monitor and assembly qualifier that verifies that the correct number of fasteners have been properly installed into an assembly. When used in conjunction with a pressure tool, proper fastener torque and count can be verified. The device monitors internal tool pressures and has the ability to "learn" the pressure characteristics of the tool during the assembly process. This assembly qualifier is a device that monitors either the pressure of an air tool, the current of an electrical tool or the torque of a mechanical wrench to determine if the tool shut off at a target torque. The qualifier also determines if some unknown means shuts off the tool.

Abstract: Torque is distributed by calculating first and second torque commands using a requested torque and a ratio of speeds of first and second wheels and limiting them in accordance with respective torque command approved ranges and approved change rates; converting the limited torque commands to horsepower commands and limiting them in accordance with respective horsepower command approved ranges and approved change rates; and converting the limited horsepower commands to present torque commands. Maximum horsepower available is determined by using an engine speed to determine a nominal amount of available horsepower; applying a desired load status signal and an actual engine load status signal to a proportional-integral regulator; and using the nominal amount of available horsepower and an output signal of the regulator to determine the maximum amount of available horsepower.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring camber of a web material. As the web material is transported across a conveyance roller, a load cell disposed at each end of the conveyance roller measures the force applied by the web material to the conveyance roller for a particular width location of the web material. An electrical signal corresponding to the applied force is transmitted to a computer and manipulated to a camber measurement.

Abstract: Techniques for the determination of mechanical properties of homogenous or functionally-graded materials from indentation testing are presented. The technique is applicable to indentation on the nano-scale through the macro-scale including the geological scale. The technique involves creating a predictive load/depth relationship for a sample, providing an experimental load/depth relationship, comparing the experimental data to the predictive data, and determining a physical characteristic from the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for nonobtrusively determining one or more parameters, such as dead band, dead time, or response time of a process control device that is connected on-line in a process control loop includes a measurement unit and a processing unit. The measurement unit is coupled to the process control loop to detect stochastic changes in a control signal sent to the process control device and to detect an indication of the response of the process control device to the changes in the control signal while the process control device is operating on-line. The processing unit calculates the device parameters from one or more sets of the detected changes in the control signal and the detected response indication.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method which is provided for controlling coordinate measuring apparatus wherein a probe head (2) is moved and has a movably attached probe unit (24) attached thereto. The probe unit (24) is charged with a measurement force Fmeas relative to the probe head (2). The measurement force Fmeas operates against the mass inertial forces Fzp which occur because of acceleration of the probe. The measurement force Fmeas is comprised of a desired measurement force Fdes and a corrective measurement force Fcorr. The desired measurement force Fdes is constant in magnitude and is directed perpendicularly to the surface of the workpiece (15) to be measured. The corrective measurement force Fcorr at least partially compensates for the mass inertial forces (Ftr, Fzp) which occur because of the acceleration of the probe unit (24).

Abstract: During dozing operation, the amount of earth (i.e., load factor) accumulated on the front face of a blade is automatically detected independently of the operator's perception and, based on the detection, the dozing operation is automatically shifted from digging to carrying. The load factor is calculated by obtaining a horizontal reaction force and a vertical reaction force exerted on the blade during digging and by calculating the ratio of the vertical reaction force to the horizontal reaction force. When the load factor reaches a specified value, the blade is automatically controlled to incline backward to hold the earth.

Abstract: This counting apparatus is a tool monitor and assembly qualifier that verifies that the correct number of fasteners have been properly installed into an assembly. When used in conjunction with a pressure tool, proper fastener torque and count can be verified. The device monitors internal tool pressures and has the ability to "learn" the pressure characteristics of the tool during the assembly process. This assembly qualifier is a device that monitors either the pressure of an air tool, the current of an electrical tool or the torque of a mechanical wrench to determine if the tool shut off at a target torque. The qualifier also determines if some unknown means shuts off the tool.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and a method to prevent RSI symptoms when keys are operated, and it contains a measuring device (4) to determine the force acting on the key, a device to compare the measured force with a finger stress model, and a device to make critical finger impact values (14, 16) perceptible. The inventive device may be positioned directly on the keyboard (2) as a stand-alone device, or it may be designed as part of a data processing system.

Abstract: A circuit (31) for use with a torque transducer (32) is provided. The torque transducer (32) generates a signal in response to an applied torque. A data processor (100) connected to the torque transducer (32) receives the signal. The data processor (100) and the torque transducer (32) are both contained within a torque transducer housing (15).

Abstract: A force transducer includes an elongated lever arm attached to a substrate having a central portion and substantially planar tab regions that project outwardly from the central portion along first and second orthogonal force-detecting axes. The substrate undergoes localized strain approximately at the junctions of the tab regions and the central portion when an external force is applied to the free end of the lever arm. A thick film strain gauge material is screen printed directly onto the substrate in at least a first location and a second location and conductive pads on the substrate are electrically coupled to the thick film strain gauge material at each location to define a first strain gauge oriented along the first force detecting axis and a second strain gauge oriented along the second force detecting axis. The lever arm can be of a compliant construction to provide proprioreceptive feedback to a user.

Abstract: A method is provided for tightening up threaded members with proper tightening torque free of unequivalent tightening. In tightening a plurality of threaded members by drive means, the amount of tightening and tightening torque of each threaded member are detected as the members are progressively tightened, and when the tightening amount of each member has reached a value within a specified range, the difference in tightening torque between the threaded members is checked as to whether it is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A percussion system including at least one force transducer developing a variable resistance output based upon a force exerted upon its surface, an interface providing an interface output based upon the analog output of the force transducer, and a digital processing system coupled to the interface. The analog input is preferably a variable resistance, and the interface output is preferably a pulse having a width related to the variable resistance. The interface preferably includes a capacitive member to form an RC circuit with the force transducer, and circuitry responsive to the RC circuit to produce a digital output. The digital processing system stores the digital output of the interface in memory and processes the digital output with other digital outputs of the interface to perform a computer implemented process such as producing a synthesized drum sound.