Abstract: Described are methods for pressurizing elastic support structures or balloons in sensor probes used for the inspection of components having areas of limited access. When inflated, the balloons press flexible sensors against the surface of the material under test. When deflated, the balloons permit easier insertion of the probes into the component and reduce the mechanical stresses on the sensors, thereby extending the sensor lifetime. By sequentially partially inserting the sensor into a limited access area from either side of the limited access area and scanning in opposite directions, the entire surface of the test material can be inspected.

Abstract: A cover for use on an electric meter is disclosed which includes an optical port which aids in transmission of optical signals from an optical transmitter, such as a light emitting diode, to an optical receiver, such as a photodiode or similar. The optical port further includes lenses located in the optical transmission path to focus the optical signal, either convergently or divergently, proximate to the optical receiver thereby improving signal reception.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive application probe is disclosed wherein the probe includes a preassembled sensor element mounted as an application housing installation as an installable unit. The modular nature allows interchanging with various electronic assemblies, and may be an explosion proof installation.

Abstract: A modular reed switch assembly and method for making the same are provided. A switch assembly (101) includes a reed switch (206, 106) that is enclosed between a primary reed switch cover (208) and a reed switch base (104) wherein the reed switch cover and reed switch base are recessed to accommodate the reed switch. A secondary reed switch cover (102) further covers the primary reed switch cover (208) and the secondary reed switch cover (102) connects with the reed switch base (104). A protrusion (106) provides access to the electrical contacts (302) of the reed switch (206, 106) through the primary reed switch cover (208) and secondary reed switch covers (102).

Abstract: A magnetic detection apparatus includes a first block, a second block, and an exterior resin covering the first block and the second block. The first block includes a magnetoresistive element for detecting a change in a magnetic field that varies in accordance with movement of a rotating member, electronic components forming a protection circuit against external noise, a first lead frame electrically connected with the electronic components, and a first base in which the electronic components, the first lead frame and the magnetoresistive element are sealed with a resin. The second block includes a magnet arranged in opposition to an object to be detected for generating a magnetic field, a second lead frame electrically connected with the first lead frame and having a connector terminal for outputting an output signal of the magnetoresistive element to an external member, and a second base in which the second lead frame is sealed with a resin.

Abstract: A rotation sensor comprising: a stator of the rotation sensor; a rotator arranged around the stator in a rotatable manner relative to the stator, so as to detect a rotated-angle variation of a detection target correspondingly to an overlapped state of the rotator with the stator; and a casing for accommodating the rotator therein; wherein at least a part of an outer peripheral surface of the rotator is slidable relative to an inner surface of the casing for accommodating the rotator and stator therein, so that the rotator is constantly smoothly rotated, to thereby accurately detect the rotated-angle variation of the measurement target.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.

Abstract: In a portable measuring apparatus, a sensor holder for holding a sensor is fixed at an end of a main body, and a fitting member is fixed at the end of the main body. The fitting member has a groove formed on its outer periphery. A cap for encapsulating preserving liquid is provided and has a protrusion corresponding to the groove.

Abstract: An adjustable gauge mounting cup with interchangeable mounting pedestals that provide a maximum number of mounting locations within a vehicle. The gauge mounting cup allows the operator to easily adjust the viewing angle of the gauge after the cup is mounted in the vehicle. The cup can also have replaceable mounts that have various types of mounting footprints and sizes. The gauge mounting cup mounts on a ball and socket or other adjustable mounting means. This allows the cup to be swiveled on three axes after the base pedestal is mounted and also allows the cup to be moved forward and backward on the pedistal mount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making in situ measurements of process parameters in the adverse environment of manufacturing processes such as silicon wafer processing. Rather than using surrogate “smart wafers” that limit the ranges of processing parameters to those that allow the measuring circuitry to survive the process, the present method mounts, on the actual wafer, an enclosed, shielded apparatus in which the electronic circuitry is protected from the adverse effects of conditions such as high temperatures, electromagnetic radiation and plasmas. The wafer plus the mounted apparatus is then transported through the entire process cycle and measurements are made and recorded.

Abstract: A monitoring system, such as used to monitor the presence and/or concentration of gases or other such fluids, includes a housing through which fluid is permitted to pass and which includes a heater element. The housing includes one or more vent hole/vent plug combinations and fluid, including gas and/or liquid, passes through the vent hole/vent plug combinations to flow into, through and/or out of the housing. A heater element is located in the housing and maintains the housing interior above the dew point to facilitate proper operation of the sensor element. The heater element, in conjunction with the vent hole/vent plug combinations, facilitates a heated-air plume through the housing to avoid the build up of moisture therein and to expose the sensor element to a steady stream of ambient atmosphere for monitoring the gas concentrations in same.

Abstract: A pressure sensor of a pressure-sensor module is connected to a wet space in a vehicle door by a through-passage channel of a sealing cushion and a connecting branch, which is guided with sealing action through a partition. A housing of the sensor module is located in a dry space. An interior of the housing and the dry space are sealed in relation to the interior of the connecting branch, with the result that a water-tightness of the housing, in which a printed circuit board and electronic components are accommodated, does not have to meet high requirements.

Abstract: A modular dynamometer can assembly defining an interior region sized to house and support a dynamometer. The can assembly is formed from two modules: a main can form module and a separate and discrete motor end module. The main can form module is adapted for prefabrication at a first location and transportation in a disassembled state to a second installation location. Similarly, the motor end module is adapted for prefabrication at the first location and transportation in a disassembled state to the second installation location. The main can form module and the motor end module are assembled and engaged, forming the modular dynamometer can, at the second installation location.

Abstract: A portable gas detector comprises a casing proper 1 adapted to be attached to the human body. The casing proper 1 has multiple openings to accommodate gas sensors 5 on one side and charging terminals 38 and a communication window 14 on the other. Calibration of the gas sensors and securing of power supply are easy to achieve.

Abstract: A sensor has a housing, in which there is arranged a thermosetting molding compound which is encapsulated in a linear region in the longitudinal direction of the housing by a thermoplastic molding compound. The two molding compounds meet at a conical contact surface. An electrical terminal element is electrically connected to a printed-circuit board via lines. The printed-circuit board is embedded into the two molding compounds at the level of the center line, the thermosetting molding compound enclosing all the electrically active components and conductor tracks of the printed-circuit board. Annular grooves are arranged on the outer side of the thermosetting molding compound. Due to the encapsulation, the thermoplastic molding compound engages in these annular grooves in a positively and non-positively engaging manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure housing for in-water pressure based systems and to a method for improving the life of the transducers and electronics of underwater systems by maintaining a humidity-free and clean environment around them by avoiding the entry of humidity, dust, or any suspended particles in the air during occasional data offloading and battery replacement in a humid and dust-laden field station; improving the ease of closing and opening of the pressure housing by the use of a novel arrangement thereby avoiding the use of conventionally employed cumbersome protruding and corrosion-prone locking devices such as screws, bolts, or clamps; and implementing reliable transmission of water pressure to the pressure port of the transducer, simultaneously minimizing the errors arising from dynamic pressure effects, preventing its chemical corrosion from saline water, and arresting bio-fouling in the vicinity of the pressure inlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a finite clearance space between two parts under blind assembly conditions involves threading an elongated sensor into a housing containing the part to be sensed by first placing a spacer element on an operative surface of the sensor wherein the spacer element has a radial thickness equal to the finite clearance space. The sensor is screwed unto the housing in a radial direction towards the operative surface of the sensor until the spacer element engages the operative surface, thereby specifically locating the operative surface a precise radial distance from the operative surface.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use with a separate control unit has a housing with a cradling bracket, a sensor, and a connection socket. The housing has a sensor face, sides, a cradling bracket and a lid. The sensor face defines a sensor opening and a flange connection surface. Sides extend from the sensor face and attach at adjacent edges to form an enclosure with a lid opening. The cradling bracket is within the enclosure. The lid is sized to fit the lid opening and adapted for releasable attachment to the enclosure. The sensor has a sensing element, a flange member, and electrical leads. The sensing element senses a parameter through the sensor opening. The flange member extends from the sensing element and is fixedly attached to the sensing element. The flange member attaches the sensor to the flange connection surface of the housing. Electrical leads extend from the sensing element and terminate in terminal ends. The connection socket is attached to the terminal ends of the electrical leads.

Abstract: A sensor which includes a sensor section and an electronics section. The sensor section includes a sensor element. The electronics section includes a insert containing electronics. A passageway extends between the sensor section and the electronics section, through which the electronics section is connected to the sensor section. A connection element for the electrical connection of the sensor element of the sensor section to the electronics of the electronics section, which is an integral part of the insert, extends into and seals the passageway. With a sensor in accordance with the present invention, the sensor element is permanently protected against moisture.

Abstract: A transducer protection device, particularly for hemodialysis processes, which comprises a first element and a second element made of plastics which are coupled coaxially with respect to a common axis and respectively comprise a first tubular connector and a second tubular connector which are blended with respective flanges which are coaxial to the common axis; the flanges are coupled to each other along their peripheral region by ultrasonic thermal bonding; the device has a recess formed frontally on a first one of the flanges, the recess being coaxial to the common axis and being suitable for accommodating, in a fixed arrangement, a semipermeable membrane by imbibition of melted plastics along a circular border region by the thermal bonding provided on a circular ridge which is shaped complementarily to the border region and protrudes frontally from the second flange so as to achieve bonding between the first and second flanges and the membrane.

Abstract: A monitoring system, such as used to monitor the presence and/or concentration of gases or other such fluids, includes a housing through which fluid is permitted to pass and which includes a heater element. The housing includes one or more vent hole/vent plug combinations and fluid, including gas and/or liquid, passes through the vent hole/vent plug combinations to flow into, through and/or out of the housing. A heater element is located in the housing and maintains the housing interior above the dew point to facilitate proper operation of the sensor element. The heater element, in conjunction with the vent hole/vent plug combinations, facilitates a heated-air plume through the housing to avoid the build up of moisture therein and to expose the sensor element to a steady stream of ambient atmosphere for monitoring the gas concentrations in same.

Abstract: A substrate-container measuring device has a kinematic plate 10 having securing pins 12 provided at positions defined by the SEMI standards. There is provided an optical distance-measuring sensor 14, in which a relative position between the optical distance-measuring sensor 14 and the kinematic plate 10 is fixed. A substrate-container measuring jig 20 is placed on the kinematic plate 10. The substrate-container measuring jig 20 has a base plate 22 to be placed on the kinematic plate 10, and a slide plate 24 that is slidable over the base plate 22. The base plate 22 has a group of grooves which uniquely determine a relative position between the base plate 22 and the kinematic plate 10 as a result of being fitted with the corresponding securing pins 12.

Abstract: A sensor mounting assembly includes a housing having a sensor bore formed therein. An annular groove is formed in a surface of the sensor bore. A retainer is mountable in the sensor bore. The retainer has a C-shaped body and an end of the body has a lip projecting radially outwardly therefrom. A plurality of spaced apart fingers extend axially away from the C-shaped body and away from the lip. Each finger has a plurality of retainer teeth formed thereon. The lip is received by the groove as the retainer is moved axially into the sensor bore. The sensor has a cylindrical sensor body on which are formed teeth for interlocking with the finger teeth. The sensor body is inserted into the retainer when the retainer is mounted in the sensor bore, and the sensor body engages the retainer body to hold the lip within the groove, and the sensor teeth interlock with the retainer teeth to releasable hold the sensor in a mounted position within the retainer and within the sensor bore.

Abstract: A cover or housing for marine instruments in which a rectangular opening giving access to the instrument is closed by a curved cover or door which rotates about the axis of the curves between open and closed positions. In its closed position are four edges of the rectangular opening are sealed relative to the cover to protect the instrument from air bourn sea spray or rain.

Abstract: The shock protection device prevents damage to optically and micromechanically acting gyroscopes. The gyroscope or precision instrument to be protected can be located in an inner housing shell which is spaced apart from an outer housing shell by elastic elements, and is thereby protected against shock. The inner housing shell can be brought temporarily into accurate mechanical contact with the outer housing shell by an electromechanical device. The spatial orientations of the inner and outer housing shells then correspond with high precision. In a further embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical device can be used precisely conversely to deactivate an existing shock protection and temporarily to bring about direct contact between a sensing element and an object to be checked on the occasion of a measuring operation.

Abstract: A housing for a sensor to prevent condensate from collecting in the sensor. The housing includes a deflector to channel condensate forming in the housing away from the sensor. A notch is provided at the base of the sensor to ensure any condensate forming on the sensor itself does not collect at the sensor base. Further the interior of the housing is roughened and treated with an antifogging agent to ensure any condensate falls continuously so droplets do not form.

Abstract: A pressure sensor unit which comprises (i) a housing, (ii) pressure sensor members installed therein including a mount, the bottom of which is fixed to the inner base of the housing by means of an adhesive, a sensor chip firmly bonded to the top of the mount, terminals disposed on the inner base of the housing and bonding wires connecting the sensor chip to their respective terminals, and (iii) a sealant filling the housing so that all the pressure sensor members are completely buried therein; with the terminals being covered with a fluorinated polymer-containing composition functioning as adhesive in at least an upper part thereof and with the sealant being a fluorinated polymer-containing gel material, wherein the composition as adhesive is similar in fluorinated polymer to the gel material.

Abstract: A shell structure of a signal sensing and transmitting device adapted to be used with a wireless speedometer for a bicycle is provided. A main body of a signal sensing and transmitting circuit and a battery is received within the shell structure. The shell structure includes a shell body including an opening for being inserted therethrough the main body of the signal sensing and transmitting circuit and the battery, and a receiving space for receiving therein the main body of the signal sensing and transmitting circuit and the battery; and a fastening lip for covering the opening of the shell body and fastening the main body of the signal sensing and transmitting circuit and the battery within the shell body.

Abstract: A pressure sensor of a pressure-sensor module is connected to a wet space in a vehicle door by a through-passage channel of a sealing cushion and a connecting branch, which is guided with sealing action through a partition. A housing of the sensor module is located in a dry space. An interior of the housing and the dry space are sealed in relation to the interior of the connecting branch, with the result that a water-tightness of the housing, in which a printed circuit board and electronic components are accommodated, does not have to meet high requirements.

Abstract: One embodiment of a gas sensor shield comprises: an elongated body comprising solid sides and a tip disposed across one end of said shield; and an opening disposed within said tip, wherein said opening comprises at least two elongated apertures.

Abstract: In a portable measuring apparatus, a sensor holder for holding a sensor is fixed at an end of a main body, and a fitting member is fixed at the end of the main body. The fitting member has a groove formed on its outer periphery. A cap for encapsulating preserving liquid is provided and has a protrusion corresponding to the groove.

Abstract: A housing for flammable gas detector comprises a housing body and a flame arrestor element (14 and 15). The housing body has an aperture (27) in which the flame arrestor element is located through which the interior of the housing body communicates with the outside. The housing body surrounding the aperture is molded from plastic material. The portions of the housing body that form the aperture (27) are molded around the flame arrestor element with the flame arrestor element in situ. A flammable gas detector of the type which employs a heated sensing element to oxidize any flammable gas present may be located in the housing body. Any flame front present in the housing body due to oxidation of any flammable gas is prevented from progressing to the surrounding environment by the flame arrestor element.

Abstract: In order to improve a sensor assembly comprising a sensor which can be fixed in position on a functional unit and has a sensor housing, in which a sensor element with evaluation electronics is arranged, in such a manner that as simple and universal a fixing of the sensor as possible on the functional unit is feasible it is suggested that the sensor assembly comprises a sensor holder which can be brought into a position following the sensor housing in longitudinal direction and can be detachably connected to the sensor housing in this position by means of form-locking elements and that the sensor be fixable on the functional unit by means of the sensor holder.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sensor and a method of its manufacture. The sensor is used to sense position shifts, motional velocities or rotational speeds of an encoder and comprises a housing which accommodates electric components. The housing is made up of a first housing part of plastics which is at least in part enwrapped by a second injection-molded housing part that is also made of plastics. The first housing part is designed integrally with at least one positioning element molecularly interfaced with the second housing part.

Abstract: A flexible substrate transducer assembly integrates a transducer or transducer system with built-in signal processing capability, and a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate provides connectivity between the transducer system and electronic equipment which house the transducer assembly. This assembly is adapted for use in compact equipment such as mobile phones and hearing instruments that benefit from the small outer dimensions achievable for the assembly.

Abstract: Dial face insert properly indexed or keyed so as to tightly fit into a correspondingly indexed or keyed housing. In a preferred embodiment, the dial face includes one or more reference scales printed thereon, such as a temperature scale. The housing to which it is indexed may be the gauge body, the gauge face or the gauge cover.

Abstract: A gauge assembly is provided including a terminal carrier including a base portion, a head portion extending from a first side of the base portion, and a plurality of legs extending from a second side of the base portion. The head portion includes a twist lock locking element disposed on a side thereof. A bobbin and coil assembly is supported by the terminal carrier. The bobbin and coil assembly rotatably supports a spindle and magnet. A plurality of electrical terminals extend through the base portion of the terminal carrier and terminate at one end into a bent contact portion adjacent to the head portion which engage electrical contact pads disposed on the printed circuit board. The electrical terminals have a second end electrically connected to a coil of the bobbin and coil assembly.

Abstract: A gas sensor assembly is provided with a non-conductive housing portion and a plurality of conductive housing portions, each of which are conductively separated from each other, and the conductive housing portions are composed of a conductive plastic material. A gas-sensing agent is disposed in a receptacle formed in the housing, and a plurality of electrodes are disposed in conductive contact with the gas-sensing agent. The gas sensor has an electrode support sheet with a plurality of electrodes formed thereon, and a seal is formed between the electrode support sheet and the housing, the seal being formed by the sealing of a portion of one of the electrodes to a portion of the housing.

Abstract: A fluid flow system, casing and method according to which a chamber is formed in the casing and at least one conduit is coupled to the casing so that fluid passes from the conduit and into the chamber and so that forces acting on the conduit creates stresses on the casing that causes flexure of the casing. At least one groove is formed in the wall of the casing defining the chamber, and is configured and located relative to the chamber to direct the flexure away from the wall of the casing defining the chamber.

Abstract: A pipe stand instrument heater system for heating an instrument within an enclosure supported by a pipe stand. The heater system includes a housing mounted to the pipe stand and a heater unit in the housing. A bracket is provided for mounting the instrument to the housing. The heater unit can be powered by electric, steam or other fluids.

Abstract: The control device has a control circuit and a pressure sensor for measuring the hydraulic pressure in the gearbox. The control circuit and the pressure sensor are accommodated in a common housing. The housing has a metallic baseplate which is connected in a pressure tight fashion to a hydraulic unit of the gearbox and is provided with a bore hole through which pressure is applied to the pressure sensor. A carrier for the pressure sensor has a cylinder-like projection which is pressed into the bore hole in such a way that a pressure tight and frictionally locking connection is produced between the carrier and the baseplate as a result of the displacement of material. The pressure sensor can also be used to measure the intake vacuum of an engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting humidity sensing equipment within an enclosure that can be mounted in the return airflow of a furnace duct. The humidity sensing equipment is mounted on a printed wiring board, which is protected between a mounting base and an operational cover. The mounting base includes a protective shield which allows the humidity sensing equipment to protrude into the furnace duct and prevents damage to the humidity sensing equipment during installation.

Abstract: A gauge mounting assembly (10) for mounting a gauge (12) to a vehicle instrument panel (18) includes a gauge (12) disposed within an annular gauge housing (14) and an annular gauge bracket (16) for securing the gauge (12) to the instrument panel (18). The gauge bracket (16) includes ratcheting surfaces (22) for retaining the housing (14) to the bracket (16) in any one of various positions. The ratcheting surfaces (22) are disposed upon flexible tabs (24) extending from the bracket (16). The gauge housing (14) includes a plurality of annular and parallel ribs (26) for engaging the ratcheting surfaces (22) on the tabs (24).

Abstract: A pipe stand instrument heater system heats an instrument within an enclosure supported by a pipe stand. The heater system includes a housing mounted to the pipe stand and a heater unit in the housing. A bracket is provided for mounting the instrument to the housing. The heater unit can be powered by electric, steam or other fluids.

Abstract: A dial gauge case, which has a bottom and a peripheral wall surrounding the bottom, the bottom and the peripheral wall defining a recess for accommodating a dial gauge mechanism therein. The peripheral wall is provided with a pair of bearings for slidably supporting a spindle of the dial gauge. The peripheral wall and the pair bearings are formed together as a one-piece molding of a plastic material. With the peripheral wall and the bearings formed together as a one-piece molding, the number of dial gauge components can be reduced, and the operation of assembling the dial gauge is simplified.

Abstract: An improvement in the enclosure assembly for automated testing devices. The enclosure includes various modular components, such that one components contains common elements and another component contains unique elements. The common elements may be elements found in a design family and the unique elements may be the unique feature of a device in a design family. The customized and common components are mounted in a chassis and enclosed with a cover.

Abstract: A two-part housing (1) for pressure sensors, with a bottom part (2) as the process connection and a top part (3) as the component receiver which contains at one-half of the electrical and electron components. Joining of the bottom part (2) and the top part (3) of the described housing (1) is especially simple and reliable in that the bottom part (2) and the top part (3) are connected to one another by an elastic press fit and in the area of the press fit there are straight surfaces (6) and curved surfaces (7).

Abstract: A non-destructive inspection device has an inspection unit body and a support casing which is used as a set-up type device by combining the inspection unit body and the support casing in ordinary inspection, and is used as a portable type device by separating them for special inspection situations involving narrow places or high places. The support casing can be freely combined to or separated from the inspection unit body. When combining the two components, the non-destructive inspection device can carry out the inspection based on a stable set-up mode in the same way as conventional devices. When separated, the inspection unit body is used as a portable device.

Abstract: A sensor mount for mounting a sensor to a substrate having a support member, a substrate attachment surface, and a sensor attachment surface. The support member can be attached to the substrate at the substrate attachment surface and the sensor can be attached to the support member at the sensor attachment surface. The sensor mount is shaped so an oblique angle is formed between the plane that includes the substrate attachment surface and the plane that includes the sensor attachment surfaces. Preferably, the support member has a wedge shape.

Abstract: A sensor subassembly contains a base part that is formed of plastic and has a sensor holding region with sensor connections provided therein and a connection region with plug connections provided therein. A sensor element with electrical contacts is electrically conductively connected to the sensor connections. Fastened to the base part is a printed circuit board, via which an electrical connection between the sensor element and the plug connections is made.