Abstract: A device, particularly a microfluidic system, is proposed, in which two cavities are arranged spatially close to one another and are sealed off from one another by a common cover. A fluidic connection can be produced between the cavities by movement of a pin-shaped body towards the cover. In this way it is possible to release a reagent in controlled manner without having to put it under pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flowmeter for regulating and monitoring the flow of sealing fluid to be conducted to a seal of a rotating shaft, the meter including a sealing fluid metering channel, a sealing fluid inlet, and a connection towards the seal for regulating the flow of sealing fluid, a non-return valve for preventing the sealing fluid from flowing back to the flowmeter, a regulating and monitoring mechanism, whereby the sealing fluid flows through the opening, and a cleaning mechanism, which is movable by an actuator. The non-return valve is arranged as an extension of the metering channel at the meter outlet side end, coaxially with the metering channel, whereby the metering cone is in mechanical contact with the non-return valve, and thus it is also possible to clean the non-return valve with the cleaning mechanism.

Abstract: A pressure sensor (30) for harsh environments such as vehicle tires, the sensor having a chamber (58) partially defined by a flexible membrane (50), the chamber containing a fluid at a reference pressure. In use, the flexible membrane (50) deflects due to pressure differentials between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure, so that, associated circuitry (34) can convert the deflection of the flexible membrane (50) into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure. The sensor is a MEMS device whereby the recess, the flexible membrane and the associated circuitry are formed using lithographically masked etching and deposition techniques. MEMS fabrication techniques can produce the sensor in such high volumes that the unit cost of each sensor is very low. The MEMS sensor is so small that it can be installed in very restricted areas such as the stem of the tire valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuous, passive detection and measurement of tensile and compressional strain in a structure utilizing a shielded optic fiber, the optic fiber having one or more Bragg gratings thereon, the gratings and shield being disposed in a curved path on the structure and a baseline response for the grating is made using an optical source and detector. Changes in tensile or compressional forces on the structure will result in changes in the curve of the grating, resulting in a frequency shift for the returned light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuous, passive detecting and measuring of compressional strains in real time, without physical intervention, which comprises:

Abstract: A fluid flow measuring device having a positive displacement piston in a precise bore glass flowtube, with flexible diaphragms at opposite ends of the flowtube, to seal the flowtube from the ambient environment. The flowtube is filled with a pure fluid or gas for uncontaminated operation of the piston. Movement of the piston within the sealed flowtube is controlled by controlling the movement of each diaphragm. The diaphragms are supported in a housing connected to each opposite end of the flowtube, with a plenum chamber in communication with each diaphragm, and with means for the ingress and egress of the fluid under flow measurement with the plenum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus which functions as a combined outlet valve and a meter for a fluid. The apparatus comprises a space (2) in which a piston means (3) is reciprocatable and which is in connection with an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit on each side of the piston (3), each of said conduits being provided with a shut-off valve (5a, b; 6a, b). According to the invention the adjustment of the shut-off valves (5a, b, 6a, b) is effected by means (4, 8-14) acting by vacuum and/or atmospheric air.

Abstract: A slow flow meter having a free piston slideably mounted in a cylinder with a non-contact type detector measuring movement of the same. A bypass is provided between fluid inflow and outflow pipes connected to opposite ends of the cylinder. A forcible returning device is operatively associated with the bypass controller to return the free piston to its original position after measurement.