Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for determining the play value of a playground, the challenge level of a playground, or both. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may propose modifications to a playground that would result in an effective and efficient increase in the play value of the playground, a desired increase or decrease in the challenge level of the playground, or both. Further, in some embodiments, the methods and systems may be configured to provide comparisons of various playgrounds in order to determine which playgrounds are of greatest play value. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be incorporated into software that is configured for the design of playgrounds.

Abstract: The accelerometer of the present application includes: a main body; a channel positioned in the main body and forming a predetermined movement space; a conductive droplet positioned in the movement space and moving in the movement space according to inertia; a conduction section correspondingly positioned to the movement space and coming in contact with the conductive droplet; and a resistance measurement section connected to the conduction section and measuring the electric resistance of the conduction section.

Abstract: A tennis swing movement analyzing apparatus of the present invention includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire sampling data obtained by sampling a swing movement of a tennis racket by a user; a calculation unit configured to, based on the sampling data, calculate an indicator selected from among the velocity, the acceleration, the angular velocity, and the position of the tennis racket or a ball hit by the tennis racket and an arbitrary combination thereof; and a screen creation unit configured to create a GUI screen displaying a graph area that is divided into a plurality of areas respectively indicating types of swings and displaying the indicator in the graph area.

Abstract: A mechanical position indicator for providing a visual indication that a first part of an aircraft landing gear has assumed a predetermined position relative to a second part, the position indicator being arranged to be coupled to a first one of the first and second parts and in a first state arranged to hold an indicator element in a deployed position, the position indicator being arranged such that upon the first part assuming the predetermined position relative to the second part, a second one of the first and second parts changes the position indicator from the first state to a second state in which the indicator element is displaced from the deployed position, the position indicator being arranged to inhibit the indicator element thereafter returning to the deployed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensor (1) comprising a housing (2) and a chamber (3, 31, 32) which is closed off from the exterior and filled with a fluid medium (5, 51, 52). At least one compressible element (6, 7) for overpressure protection is arranged inside the chamber (3, 31, 32).

Abstract: A measurement device comprising a curved container containing a liquid, a first indicator that is less dense than the liquid, and a second indicator that is more dense than the liquid, where the liquid substantially fills the container so that the position of the first indicator and/or second indicator in the container relative to the reference indicia may indicate an angle-related property of the device.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor is described. The method includes monitoring accelerations, and identifying a current user activity from a plurality of user activities based on the accelerations. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of user activities is associated with one of a plurality of types of periodic human motions that are detectable by the portable electronic device, and wherein the identification of the current user activity is made based on detecting two or more instances of the periodic human motion associated with the user activity. The method further includes counting periodic human motions appropriate to the current user activity.

Abstract: A method for monitoring motorized equipment components includes determining first acceleration values of at least one equipment component during an encoded presettable motion sequence of the at least one equipment component at a first time point. The method also includes determining second acceleration values of the at least one equipment component during the encoded presettable motion sequence of the at least one equipment component at a second time point. The method includes emitting an error signal when a presettable number of the second acceleration values lies outside a presettable tolerance range of the first acceleration values.

Abstract: An automatic tracking apparatus is provided, which is capable of solving a failure occurred in an automatic tracking operation in connection with a zooming operation, and capable of tracking an object in a stable manner, while a zooming-up operation, or a zooming-down operation is carried out in a high speed.

Abstract: A system for estimating motion parameters corresponding to a user. The system may generally include a receiver operable to receive a signal from an external source, an inertial sensor operable to be coupled with the user and arbitrarily oriented relative to the direction of user motion for generation of a signal corresponding to user motion, and a processing system in communication with the receiver and inertial sensor.

Abstract: A motion sensing apparatus generally comprising a housing unit operable to be attached to an object at an attachment position, an accelerometer operable to provide a signal corresponding to an acceleration measurement; and a processing system. The processing system is operable to acquire the signal corresponding to the acceleration measurement and analyze the acquired acceleration measurement to identify the attachment position of the housing unit.

Abstract: A system for estimating motion parameters corresponding to a user. The system may generally include a receiver operable to receive a signal from an external source, an inertial sensor operable to be coupled with the user and arbitrarily oriented relative to the direction of user motion for generation of a signal corresponding to user motion, and a processing system in communication with the receiver and inertial sensor.

Abstract: A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support (or a vehicle) near the first end. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of attachment with respect to the boom. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch is arranged to accept a command to move to a preset position from another position. A controller is capable of controlling the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within the target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within the target attachment angular range associated with the preset position in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.

Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support near the first end. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of attachment with respect to the boom. A second cylinder is associated with the attachment. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position from another position. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within a target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within a target attachment angular range associated with the preset position in response to the command.

Abstract: A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with a boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support (or a vehicle). An attachment is coupled to one end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position of attachment based on a second linear position of a second movable member of the second hydraulic cylinder. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch is arranged to accept a command to move to a preset position from another position. A controller is capable of controlling the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.

Abstract: A velocity measuring device is mounted to a support, optionally a wearable support such as a glove, watch, wrist or arm band, or the like. Alternatively, the support is a sports club or removably attaches to a sports club. The velocity measuring device includes a power supply, a velocimeter or accelerometer, and an output device for visually, aurally, or electrically outputting the measured velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering and recycling a tracer gas from a leak testing process. The apparatus comprises a leak testing section, a gas recovery/blending section, and a gas analysis/recycle section. The leak testing section operates to perform various leak testing functions and comprises a plurality of test parts, a plurality of gas supply valves, and a plurality of gas discharge valves. The gas recovery/blending section functions to blend gases together and comprises a virgin gas storage means associated with a flow control means and a recovered gas storage means having a pressure analysis means and recovered gas analysis means. The gas analysis/recycle section operates to analyze, store, and deliver a tracer gas and comprises compressor, blended gas storage means, blended gas analysis means, pressure analysis/adjustment means, and temperature analysis means.

Abstract: A portable air pressure decay test apparatus for leak testing of a sealed system includes a hollow housing, an air pump having an inlet and an outlet disposed in the housing, and a controller disposed in the housing and connected to the pump for controlling the operation of the pump. A test head is mounted on the housing for releasably attaching to an attachment point of a sealed system. The test head is in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump. When the test head is attached to the attachment point of the sealed system, the controller operates the pump to provide pressured air to the sealed system and raise the pressure in the sealed system to a predetermined value. After the predetermined value of pressure is reached, the controller stops the pump and monitors the air pressure in the sealed system for a predetermined time interval to measure an air pressure decay rate.

Abstract: A device for increasing and measuring the speed of a golf, tennis or batting swing comprising an elongated, hollow metal tube having a gripping portion provided at one end thereof. A swing speed or velocity indicator is positioned in the other end of the tube with the scaled thereof being visible through a slot formed in the wall of the tube.

Abstract: A vehicle behavior control device includes a turning limit state detecting device for detecting a turning limit state of a vehicle and an engine output control device for performing a torque-down control by decreasing an engine output when the turning limit state of the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: A method of analyzing force on a surface is described including providing a pressure-sensitive medium, applying the force to the medium, determining any change in the medium as a result of the applied force, correlating the change in the medium with a pressure value, and analyzing the force value. The pressure-sensitive film may be scanned, each shade or color on the film assigned a pixel value corresponding with pressure values, and the total pixel area values measured to determine pressure characteristics, such as average pressure or total pressure area.

Abstract: Method for the determination for an actual speed of a movable displacement element wherein an acceleration sensor is used to record an acceleration (a), and a position sensor is used to record a measured position of a displacement element. A model speed (vM) and a measured speed (v1) are determined by integration and differentiation, respectively. The model speed (vM) is used to determine an actual speed (v). The model speed (vM) and the measured speed (v1) are subtracted from one another. The difference is supplied to a controller (13) having an integral component, whose output signal is added to the acceleration (a).

Abstract: When a person wearing the wristwatch device (11) on his or her dominant arm has struck a blow, an acceleration sensor (12) senses acceleration at regular intervals of time, extracts accelerations x1 to x20 sensed at 20 points in front of the hit point H at which the sensed acceleration changes from positive to negative, and stores them in a RAM (20). The impulse force is calculated by multiplying the accelerations x1 to x20 at the 20 points in front of the hit point H by the weighting coefficients determined on the basis of the accelerations sensed in a trial performance and the actually measured impulse force and stored in a ROM (19). Therefore, the impulse force can be estimated accurately without actually striking a secured object.

Abstract: A vacuum conveyor for transporting articles across a space wherein the conveyor belt for the vacuum conveyor has a plurality of equally spaced apart fluid passageways formed therein and wherein a one way valve is installed in each fluid passageway so that when one of the fluid passageways is exposed to a vacuum source to hold an object on the conveyor belt the object will be held on the conveyor belt until a sufficient force is applied to the object to separate the object from the conveyor belt.

Abstract: In order to reduce the amount of air trapped in hydraulic assisted steering systems (1), a communication (13, 14) is established between the area of the oil expanding volume (8, 10, 11), which is the top area in the mounted position, and an open system (2), for example a tank volume.

Abstract: A plurality of test chambers or fixtures are operable for successively testing a plurality of condoms, respectively, in an automated manner. Each test chamber for testing a condom includes a housing containing a porous liner having an interior cavity conformed to the exterior shape of a condom to be tested, whereby a holder carrying the condom is inserted into the liner, a closed pathway for gas flow is provided between a gas port of the holder and the interior volume of the condom, for permitting the condom to be inflated with the gas, causing the exterior walls of the condom to be pushed against opposing inside walls of the liner, permitting gas passing through holes in the condom to flow through pores in walls of the liner to another gas port of the housing for detecting unacceptable holes in the condom using differential pressure techniques and/or gas tagging.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the presence of and confirming the correct orientation of an oil seal. The system comprises a sensor orifice, a flow regulator for regulating flow of air to the sensor orifice, a pressure regulator for regulating air pressure to the flow regulator, and an air supply means for supplying air to the pressure regulator. A vent orifice is also provided for allowing air flow to exit from the sensor orifice when the oil seal is incorrectly oriented. The system further comprises an air pressure sensor, whereby when the oil seal is correctly oriented, with its flat side blocking the sensor orifice, a back pressure of air is created in the sensor orifice and the air supply means, the back pressure detectable by the air pressure sensor to confirm presence and correct orientation of the oil seal.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel system has on-board diagnostics for leak testing with correction for different operating conditions. An electronic control unit (ECU) is arranged to carry out a periodic two stage leak test, when the engine is running. Stage A includes evacuation of the fuel tank, monitoring bleedup and recording the pressure rise dP.sub.-- A over a predetermined period A following increase of pressure to a predetermined value p2. Stage B includes measuring the amount dP.sub.-- B by which the pressure in the tank rises above atmospheric due to vapor generation over a predetermined period B following venting and closure fuel system. The ECU calculates a value X representative of leakage from the difference between dP.sub.-- A and dP.sub.-- B using a scaling factor K. The test duration is adjusted in accordance with measured values of fuel level and ambient temperature to ensure that the measured pressure changes are dependent on leakage over a range of operating conditions.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a device for diagnosing malfunction in a fuel tank. The fuel tank has a separator wall therein which separates an interior of the fuel tank into a fuel chamber and an air chamber. The separator wall is deformable according to an amount of fuel in the fuel chamber. The device comprises a device for detecting a change of at least one of a position of the separator wall, the pressure in the tank and the concentration of fuel vapor in the tank, and a device for diagnosing malfunction of the separator wall on the basis of the change to diagnose that the separator wall has malfunction when the change differs from a predetermined regular change.

Abstract: A leak detection system for detecting a fuel leak from a storage tank comsing a vertically positioned reference tube that spans the full useful length of the fuel tank which is generally located underground. The reference tube is filled and drained with the tank. The system also has a normally open pneumatic by-pass valve which when closed isolates the reference tube from the tank. A differential pressure gauge between the tank and reference tube reads zero pressure immediately after closure of the by-pass valve. A differential pressure reading between the tank and reference tube indicates the presence of fuel leakage from the tank. The inside of the reference tube is tapered at the top portion and bottom portion of the tube to match the cross sectional area of the tank upper dome and lower tank dome ends, while the outside diameter of the tube remains constant through out the length of the tube.

Abstract: A helium supply unit (1) supplies helium from a high pressure storage (21) to fill a test chamber (6) which encloses a sample holder (5) to be examined for leaks by measuring device (2) including a mass spectrometer (3) and a control unit (4). The test gas is recovered after the testing by a pressure difference between a low pressure storage (18) and the test chamber (6). The test chamber is evacuated prior to receipt of the test gas by a vacuum pump (27) and after testing by a vacuum pump (34) for more complete helium recovery. The recovered test gas is then transmitted back to the high pressure storage (21) through a compressor (19), which raises the pressure of the recovered gas to a predetermined pressure, from the low pressure storage (18). The control unit (4) also controls a pure test gas supply (37) and a release valve (44).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a first and a second cavity of a part. A fixture is provided for engaging and individually sealing the cavities of the part. Pressurized fluid from a pressure source is introduced into each of the cavities. The first cavity is allowed to stabilize and its leak rate is measured using a pressure-measuring device. The first cavity is then vented. Upon stabilization of the second cavity, the leak rate thereof is similarly measured. The second cavity is then also vented. The leak rates are then evaluated to determine if a leak is present in either of the cavities.

Abstract: A sewage structure in the form of a drain, inspection shaft or the like, consists particularly of one or several hollow concrete with at least one connection for a sewage pipe. The inventive sewage structure is provided at its inner wall with a contacting form region for supporting a test seal in a fluid-tight test position.

Abstract: A waste disposal site according to the present invention is provided with water-impermeable properties by water-impermeable materials covering a bottom surface and a sloped side surface of the waste disposal site. The waste disposal site is provided with a water-impermeable material damage-detecting system comprising electrodes for feeding electricity disposed above and below the water-impermeable materials for forming an electric field, and electrodes for measurement disposed along the water-impermeable materials. The system allows for detection of damages to the water-impermeable materials based on a potential variation at a damaged portion thereof.

Abstract: A method and device of measuring a water level of a frequency analysis type is disclosed. The device is consisted of a pipe type of which immersed length is in a proportion to the water level and which is installed in a container having a fluid, a signal detecting device which has an impact apparatus to provide a source signal periodically or continuously and a impact detecting sensor(s) which gets a response signal of the pipe by the impact apparatus, and a signal analyzer which processes the signal from the impact detecting sensor. The method comprises steps of: generating a source signal to the pipe by the impact apparatus; detecting the response signal of the pipe according the water level by the impact detecting sensor; analyzing the response signal to the frequency response spectra by the signal analyzer; and measuring the water level by comparing to the predetermined frequencies which was obtained by the signal analyzer.

Abstract: A leak detection system determines whether a container has a leak or an aperture by attempting to draw a vacuum in the container and determining whether a vacuum has been created in the container. If a vacuum can be created in a container, this indicates that the container has a leak. Conversely if a vacuum cannot be created in the container, this indicates that the container does not have a leak.The leak detection system preferably includes a conveyor system for moving a container and a sensor for sensing the pressure in the interior of the container through an opening in the top of the container. While the sensor is sensing the pressure in the interior of the container, a vacuum pump pulls air from the region around the exterior of the container. If the container has an aperture, a vacuum will be created in the container and will be noted by the sensor.

Abstract: A vessel such as a dairy pasteuriser having a path B for product and a separate path A for coolant in intimate relationship is tested for leaks by circulating a donor fluid under pressure in path A whilst a recipient fluid such as clean tap water is circulated in path B. The donor fluid is a gas, and leakage is detected using an ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A system for detecting fugitive emissions including emissions from valves and bolted flange connections. The system includes (1) enclosures for valves and pipe flange connections, and (2) an indicating cartridge (detector/signaler) in communication with said enclosures.

Abstract: The present invention integrates an inverse modeling technique and a field measurement system. The system uses inexpensive and non-hazardous gaseous tracers injected inside the contained volume of a barrier to quantify the location and size of any leaks in the barrier. The vapor sampling point installation, which allows the collection of soil gas samples from multiple points around the barrier installation, can be accomplished with conventional drilling or direct push techniques. The system uses a field-proven soil gas analyzer, incorporated in a sampling system capable of monitoring many sample points with relatively high time resolution. A rigorous inverse modeling technology is integrated with the data system for real time analysis.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a discharge of water such as a leak in a device containing a relatively large volume of water such as a hot water storage tank having a pressure relief valve and for shutting off the water supply to such device in response to such detection. The apparatus includes a relatively shallow pan located in proximity to the bottom of the device for collecting water discharged from the device either from a leak or from opening of the pressure relief valve, a float switch mounted in the pan for detecting the presence of water in the pan above a predetermined level and a shut off control valve for disabling the water supply to the device upon activation of the float switch.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a plastic or glass container and container closure member in a fixed position for measurement of the gases escaping through and around the closure member. A first clamp positions a closure cover over the closure member, and a second clamp positions a slidable yoke about the bottle neck, wherein the first and second clamps are sealably affixed together; the closure cover has a gas passageway for purging the gas from the chamber formed by the two clamps, and for collecting gas leaking through the closure member.

Abstract: A leak detection method for an on-board evaporative emission leak detection system that detects leakage from an evaporative emission space of a fuel system of an automotive vehicle. During a leak detection test, a vent valve closes, and a purge valve, that selectively communicates the evaporative emission space with the engine intake manifold, opens to cause vacuum to be drawn in the evaporative emission space. A vacuum regulator valve regulates evaporative emission space vacuum to a defined vacuum. Subsequently, the purge valve closes. Loss of vacuum, indicative of leakage, is signaled by a pressure sensor. An algorithm detects a substantially constant rate of vacuum loss and then measures the amount of loss over a defined time interval. That measurement is then compensated for volume of the evaporative emission space and rate of fuel volatilization to arrive at a value forming a basis for making a leakage determination.

Abstract: A system, container, and methods are provided for containing and handling a toxic gas. The system preferably includes a first container having toxic gas stored therein and a second container including a base and a lid mounted to the base when in a closed position. The base has an inner chamber formed therein, and the first container is preferably mounted in the inner chamber so that an interstitial space is formed around at least portions of the first container. The system also preferably includes a toxic gas use remover connected to the first container and extending through the second container for removing toxic gas from the first container for use and a toxic gas detoxifying remover connected to the second container for removal of toxic gas when located within the interstitial space of the second container and for detoxifying the toxic gas thereafter.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved bubble leak tester, and associated method for performing a leak test and operating the leak tester, to test for leaks in a test part. The apparatus and methods of the invention allow for simple, inexpensive, quick and accurate testing of the test part, provides a visual indication of a leak, and eliminates the part damage and clean-up associated with conventional water immersion tests. Further, the apparatus and methods in accordance with the invention control liquid backflow, so that contamination and damage to the device is reduced. In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, a leak tester is provided that is connectable to a reference volume and a test volume for determining the presence of a leak in the test volume.

Abstract: A device for confining leaks of one or more gases contained in a gas cylinder, which comprises a shroud made of a flexible and nonflammable material which is inert with respect to the gas or gases contained in the cylinder and designed to partially envelope said cylinder, wherein said shroud has an opening provided with means for sealing said shroud to the surface of the cylinder and wherein the shroud is provided with an outlet coupling connected to a line for removing one or more of the gases to a means for neutralizing said one or more gases.

Abstract: A leak test adapter system and method for using same are provided for leak esting a container. A test port is defined in the container to have a cylindrical portion accessible from within the container and a slot accessible from the cylindrical portion and the exterior of the container. A housing fitted over the test port from the exterior of the container defines a chamber in line with the test port. A plug has a first portion sealable within the cylindrical portion of the test port, a second portion extending axially from the first portion for engagement in the slot when the first portion of the plug is sealed in the cylindrical portion, and a third portion extending axially from the second portion. A control rod is attachable to the third portion of the plug.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the integrity of an access chamber system during or after installation thereof, includes a connection for making substantially fluid-tight connection with any part of the chamber system, evacuation device for evacuating the air within the chamber system to provide a vacuum therein, and an indicator for monitoring the level of vacuum over a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method for leak testing of a hermetic package closure comprises the steps of: creating a pocket in a lid; plating the lid; placing solder in the pocket; melting the solder in the pocket; drilling a hole through the solder and the plated lid creating an unplated area on the plated lid; testing the hermetic package closure for leaks through the hole; heating the solder reflow, wherein surface tension of the solder over the hole and the unplated area enable the solder to form a hermetic closure.

Abstract: A portable fuel dispensing system which eliminates the need for underground storage tanks that are subject to leaks resulting in contamination of the stored fuel, soil and ground water creating costly environmental hazards. A semi-tractor trailer supported fuel receptacle has a plurality of metered fuel dispensers along the sides thereof allowing several customers to park along side the trailer and fuel their vehicles. The trailer may be taken to a central location for filling and then transported to a convenient retail location for dispensing the fuel to customers' vehicles. When empty, the trailer is returned to the central location for refuelling. During this return trip, the tank may be connected to a fuel/air inlet of the tractor so fuel vapor remaining in the tank may be burned rather than escaping into the atmosphere. The system is a completely closed system with no venting of fumes into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A device for measuring pressure changes, and preferably for testing the tightness of a fuel tank, wherein a high-pass filter, the time constant of which is greater than the time constant of the pressure changes to be measured and less than the time constant of the pressure changes of the surrounding air, is arranged behind an absolute-pressure sensor pressure in the fuel tank.