Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooled fixture for high temperature acerometer measurement. The fixture includes a collar mounted to a pipe and a block mounted to the collar to which one or more accelerometers may be connected. The block is provided with a cooling system for controlling the temperature of the accelerometer(s) mounted to the block and maintaining the temperature at a level at which the accelerometers will survive.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor unit for detecting acceleration has pendulums each with a spiral spring and a seismic mass. Supports each being connected to a respective one of the pendulums, and position sensors, each two of the position sensors is associated with a respective one of the pendulums. Each position sensor and an associated pendulum form a switch with a defined triggering threshold and at least two switches respond to the same direction of acceleration. At least one switch is a safing sensor with a separate tap of a sensor signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a sensor in a vehicle in a manner to properly orient the axis of sensitivity of the sensor includes a lead frame having a substantially planar base portion with a plurality of leads extending from opposing ends thereof. The lead frame comprises a support plate portion extending perpendicularly from the base portion. A sensor and optional integrated circuit chip are mounted on the support plate portion. The lead frame further includes at least one support leg extending angularly between the base portion and support plate portion for rigidly supporting the support plate portion with respect to the base portion. Accordingly, a sensor, such as an accelerometer, may be positioned in the vehicle in a position mounted perpendicularly with respect to the mounting surface of the assembly in the vehicle for properly orienting the axis of sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: An operation condition detecting system for an automobile vehicle includes a fifth wheel rotatably connected to a shaft protruding downward from the bottom center of an automobile chassis. A first sensor is installed around the fifth wheel's axle to measure an actual vehicle velocity and a bar extending from the fifth wheel's axle is connected to the shaft. The system also includes a yawing sensor provided at one end of the bar near the shaft to measure a yaw motion of the automotive vehicle. The yawing sensor includes a light emitting element and a light-receiving element and cooperates with reflectors reflecting the light from the light emitting element onto the light receiving element.

Abstract: Packages (7) are conveyed through at least one, and preferably two, test stations (14, 16). At each station there is a test head (7) which is urged towards the conveying path, preferably by gravity. As a package (7) is conveyed through a station it displaces the head away from the path. The displacement is monitored. Preferably, subsequent displacement towards the path due to leakage of the package is also monitored.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensor provided with a planar circuit board and a resin package for protecting the circuit board. Further, a sensing element is mounted on the circuit board and outer electrodes are attached to a side edge portion of the circuit board. Moreover, includes the resin package, a groove, in which the circuit board is disposed. Thus the semiconductor sensor can be easily fabricated. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of a product or sensor can be reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing watertightness of a railcar comprises a blower fan apparatus with an exhaust duct and an exhaust outlet that can be sealed against an aperture in the railcar. The fan blower of the apparatus is capable of providing an airflow to the railcar to provide a pressure differential of between about 0.5 to about 2.5 inches of H.sub.2 O between an interior of the railcar and an exterior of the railcar. The blower is operated to provide air to the railcar to provide a pressure differential, causing bubbles to form in a liquid solution applied to the exterior surface of the railcar. The railcar is marked for subsequent repair at locations where bubbles are detected.

Abstract: An impact sensor 10 has mounting pins which are strongly fixed to a housing body 11 without having to increase the outside dimensions of the housing body. The impact sensor includes the housing body 11, which has a hollow space 12 for accommodating a sensing mechanism, and a mounting arrangement 17 for fixing the housing body 11 to a wiring board 13. The mounting arrangement 17 includes a first pin portion 17a, a second pin portion 17b extending from the first pin portion at right angles with the longitudinal direction thereof, and a third pin portion 17c extending from the first pin portion 17a in the opposite direction from the extending direction of the second pin portion. On each side of the housing body 11, a press-fit recess 16 is formed into which the first and second pin portions 17a and 17b are press-fitted. The housing body 11 is fixed to the wiring board 13 by those portions of the third pin portions 17c of the mounting arrangement 17 which protrude from the housing body 11.

Abstract: An internal pressure inspection is simply conducted for cans of types different in dimension and for assuredly removing defective cans. The inspection apparatus comprises first and second can barrel pressure detectors and a can cover pressure detector for detecting the internal pressure of a can, and a can sensor for sensing a can, which underwent the detection of the internal pressure, to output a can sense signal. In the inspection apparatus, a control unit decides the acceptance or failure in the can internal pressure and, when the failure decision is made, starts a defective can removal unit on the basis of the can sense signal from the can sensor. An apparatus body has a separation change mechanism including a width variable gauge which is placed between first and second movable frames and which can change its own width in accordance with its own rotation. The first and second movable frames and which can change its own width in accordance with its own rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a closed container having a substantially flexible wall structure wherein a compressive force is applied to the wall structure such that the wall structure is displaced from a first position to a second position. The compressive force is maintained for a pre-determined first period of time to stabilize the container wall structure. After the stabilization period, the compressive force is released wherein the wall structure commences recovery from the second position toward the first position. The wall structure recovery from the second position is measured at a pre-determined second period of time.

Abstract: A measuring element (26) for detecting the movement of a vehicle to be monitored and an electrical circuit (35) for evaluating the measuring signals of the measuring sensor (26) are disposed in a housing (10) of a rotation rate sensor. The circuit (35) is connected with the measuring element (26) with the aid of a flexible printed circuit board (36). The printed circuit board (36) is bent 90 degrees in the area of the measuring element (26) in order to make possible a compact and space-saving construction in the housing (10, 11, 12). The printed circuit board (36) has a cutout (39) and two strips (40, 41) extending parallel with the cutout (39) in the bending area in order to make simple bending possible. It is furthermore possible in a simple way to insert a temperature sensor (45) into the one end (38) of the printed circuit board (36) in order to make possible a simple compensation of the deviation of the temperature.

Abstract: Sensor (41) is held between its arms (63) and nubs 60 in cover (31). A circuit board (57) on which the sensor is mounted remains outside of the cover, and panels (55) of the sensor (41) extend upward to prevent the circuit board (57) from collapsing leads (45, 53) which connect the sensor to the circuit board. Reliable operation is obtained without narrow tolerances.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a sealed package, wherein whether the sealed package has any pinholes or not can be efficiently determined without damaging the sealed package packaged with electrically insulating films and without any dangers caused by a voltage applied to electrodes in the inspection. A sealed package 3 in which electrically conductive contents 1 such as fluid are wrapped with electrically insulating films 2 is sandwiched between a pair of electrode plates 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2 facing each other, which are connected with a capacitance meter 10. An end portion 3a to be inspected which is most liable to have pinholes in the sealed package 3 is immersed in salt water (one percent sodium chloride solution) 5 with which a stainless tank 6 connected with one electrode plate 4.sub.2 of the pair is filled, and the capacitance between both the electrode plates 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2 is measured.

Abstract: A sensor is provided with a rib that extends from its sensing face. The rib is arcuate to conform to a surface of a rotatable object. The rib can be a continuous arcuate rib attached to the sensing face or two or more disconnected sections that together define an arcuate rib. The arcuate rib is shaped to conform to a surface or effective surface of a rotatable object, such as a gear or other rotatable target.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for electrically connecting a printed circuit board to an airbag accelerometer. The adapter includes a leadframe housing to which is joined a leadframe, as, for example, by embedding the leadframe within the leadframe housing during insert molding thereof. The leadframe includes connector tails which extend in a first direction for connection to a printed circuit board and facing segments which face in a second direction for connection to an airbag accelerometer. The first and second directions are angularly disposed relative to each other. An adjuster assembly which includes such an adjuster is also provided.

Abstract: A circuit board has an arcuate array of conductor segments each subject to a digital waveform differing in phase for the various segments, and a concentric pickup conductor. A rotary encoder disk has a conductive pattern which sums and couples the waveforms from selected segments, depending on rotary position, to the pickup conductor. A synchronous phase detector generates a phase signal from the summed waveforms and the zero crossing of the phase signal is detected. A counter develops count signals used to generate the digital waveforms. The count signals are input to a latch which is clocked at the zero crossing point to latch the count value which is a digital measure of the encoder angle. Two encoders mounted on orthogonal horizontal axes are used as an accelerometer or attitude sensor. Each disk is eccentrically weighted to seek a position vertically below the axis to serve as an attitude sensor when the unit is stationary.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor having a piezoelectric sensor element, which is supported as a flexural resonator in a holding module and whose electrodes are connected to an evaluation circuit. The holding module mechanically fixes the sensor element in position and provides, at the same time, for its electrical contacting.

Abstract: A leakage gas detector for a semiconductor device includes a plurality of inflow apertures into which leakage gas flows. A detector sequentially detects the leakage gas in each of the inflow apertures via a plurality of valves, so as to leak test each of the plurality of inflow apertures for presence of possible leakage gas. Each of the plurality of valves are connected to corresponding of the plurality of inflow apertures to control the suction of the leakage gas into the detector. A controller selectively opens and closes each of the plurality of valves.

Abstract: In order to secure a cylindrically shaped inertial instrument transducer such as an accelerometer within a cylindrically shaped housing so as to minimize thermal and mechanical stresses on the transducer, a disk of thermally conductive, compliant adhesive film is used to bond one end of the transducer to the bottom of the housing. The disk can also be composed of a ceramic layer of alumina interposed between two layers of the adhesive film. To provide additional strength, a series of micro dots of epoxy resin located around the periphery of the upper surface of the transducer can be used to bond the transducer to the inner sidewall of the housing.

Abstract: Plastic tube sections are connected together by providing a pair of tubes each of which is inserted into the holder of a welding device in a bent condition so that each tube has a primary tube section and a secondary tube section with the primary tube sections being aligned with each other and the secondary tube sections aligned with each other. The tubes are heated by a wafer to create four separate tube sections which are then joined together in a dual weld wherein one of the welds joins the primary tube sections together and the other of the welds joins the secondary tube sections together. The welded primary tube sections are then separated from the secondary tube sections. Communication between each pair of tube sections is achieved by pressing the tube section open at the weld.

Abstract: A method of analyzing internal pressure of a closed container includes inducing vibration in a surface of a closed container; detecting sound resulting from the vibration; deriving information representing the detected sound; and determining whether the information corresponds to a predetermined spectral frequency condition and a predetermined spectral amplitude condition. The surface is at least partially conductive and inducing includes imposing a magnetic field on the surface. The predetermined spectral frequency condition and the predetermined spectral amplitude condition correspond to ranges of acceptable values. The detected sound is used to determine whether the closed container contains a pressure level within a predetermined range of pressure levels.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes a vibrator. The vibrator is installed on a work plate via supporting members. A work cover is installed on the work plate so as to cover the vibrator. The vibrator, the work plate, and the work cover are installed on one main surface of a circuit board. Both end portions of the work cover and both end portions of the circuit board are surrounded by two cushion members. The work cover, the circuit board, and the cushion members are contained in a case. Though bottom faces and top faces of the cushion members respectively touch a surface of a packing on a bottom board of the case and an inside face of a case body, the work cover and the circuit board do not touch the case.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensor in a sealed cap package includes a sensing device for transducing a physical quantity into an electrical signal, a stem on which the sensing device is mounted, the stem including through holes in which electrically conducting leads are respectively mounted with electrically insulating sealing members, a cap covering the sensing device and mounted on the stem, and at least one rod extending from a back surface of the stem parallel to the leads for securing the semiconductor sensor to a mount.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a case having a bottom part, a pair of opposed walls substantially perpendicular to the bottom part, and a pair of first projections located on the bottom part. The sensor further includes a detection section attached to the case via the pair of first projections for detecting an acceleration and outputting a signal indicating the acceleration, and a spacer located on the bottom part of the case. In addition, the sensor includes an amplifier circuit board attached to the case in the state of being opposed to the detection section with the spacer interposed therebetween and having an amplifier on a substrate thereof for amplifying the signal output by the detection section. Relay terminals are provided for electrically connecting the detection section and the amplifier circuit board, together with output terminals electrically connected to the amplifier circuit board for supplying the amplified signal to an external circuit.

Abstract: A microaccelerometer package is provided for housing a microaccelerometer and its associated signal conditioning circuitry. The microaccelerometer package is constructed to be suitably rugged for use in on-board automotive safety control and navigational systems, so as to be capable of isolating the microaccelerometer from extraneous vibrations and package-induced stresses, yet also be small, lightweight, and amenable to mass production techniques. To achieve the above, the microaccelerometer package employs a leadframe which is initially a one-piece strip frame that is integrally molded with a plastic housing to form the primary structure of the package. The leadframe enhances the rigidity of the package so as to result in a high natural frequency of the package, thereby enabling the microaccelerometer to properly respond to the frequency range of interest, while also minimizing the influence of extraneous road and vehicle vibrations on the microaccelerometer.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope 10 includes a piezoelectric vibrator 12. The piezoelectric vibrator 12 includes a vibrating body 14 having a regular triangular prism shape. Grooves 16 are formed on one side face of the vibrating body 14 along its width direction. The grooves 16 are formed at portions corresponding to nodal points of the vibrating body 14. Piezoelectric elements 18a, 18b and 18c are formed on three side faces of the vibrating body 14. An M-shaped supporting members 26 are attached to the vibrating body 14 at portions in grooves 16.

Abstract: A semiconductor type acceleration sensor comprises a flexible printed circuit board on which a semiconductor type detector chip section is mounted. The detector chip is formed with openings therethrough overlapping an opening formed in a rear-side base plate of the flexible printed circuit board such that the detector chip section is supported only by a bridge portion. In case of excess input in an acceleration direction, elastic deformation of the bridge portion and a bending portion of the flexible printed circuit board provide absorption of the excess input for protecting the detector chip section.

Abstract: A pinhole inspecting apparatus is provided which can accurately and speedily inspect a pinhole on a closed container.

Abstract: A piezoelectric acceleration transducer characterized by a flexible element formed of a piezoelectric material with two external electrodes, a support member having two plate-type supporting components between which the flexible member is arranged, and a carrier plate to which the support member is mechanically and electrically connected such that the principal axis of sensitivity of the flexible element lies in the same plane as the carrier plate. The supporting components may be formed of a nonconducting material with a electrically conductive coating on the side facing the flexible element and at a point of contact with the carrier base. Alternatively, the supporting components may be made from an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: Micro-machined accelerometer chips have a sensitive axis perpendicular to the principle surface of the device. In an application where the desired sensing direction is in the plane of a supporting printed circuit board, the accelerometer cannot be mounted directly on the printed circuit board and instead is mounted on a wall perpendicular to the printed circuit board. This requirement to wall-mount the sensor is eliminated by using an accelerometer chip packaged with a signal conditioning circuit in a multi layer ceramic chip carrier. Electrical connections are contained within the layers of the ceramic and terminate at a side surface of the chip carrier. Thus the accelerometer chip sits perpendicular to the printed circuit board and the ceramic chip carrier is attached directly thereto.

Abstract: A capacitance acceleration sensor includes a movable electrode etched from a silicon plate which is clamped between two solid dielectric plate members of glass, silicon oxides, or oxygen oxides. Static electrodes are secured to surfaces of the dielectric members facing opposite the movable electrode, thereby providing easy manufacturing assessibility for leadout wires from these electrodes. In certain embodiments, the movable electrode is formed integrally with a monocrystalline silicon plate member which also contains an integrated circuit for generating an output acceleration signal in response to movement of the movable electrode when the assembly experiences acceleration forces.

Abstract: The testing of containers for leaks is accomplished solely by means of volumetric compression of air trapped within the container interior during a stroke of a top cuff forming mandrel. Upon sensing the presence of a defective container, a container transfer chute is activated so as to remove the defective container from the container-making machinery and thereby separate it from those containers determined to be acceptable. In the event that a number of containers per predetermined unit time period (e.g., at least 10 containers per minute) have been determined to be defective, a controller will initiate a machine self-diagnostic mode. Once a first threshold number of defective containers per unit time is sensed, then a complete machine shut-down will occur if a second threshold number of defective containers is sensed in the next subsequent unit time period (e.g., greater that 10 containers during the next successive minute of operation).

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting leaks in hydrogen-generating electric storage batteries including suitable enclosure for the battery, means for overcharging the battery to generate hydrogen pressure therein, and a sensor for detecting the presence of hydrogen in the enclosure. The battery's vent will be suitably plugged or routed to divert any hydrogen escaping through the vent from contaminating the air in the enclosure. A hydrogen accumulator/separator attached to the enclosure concentrates the hydrogen at the hydrogen sensor.

Abstract: Method for detecting leaks in hydrogen-generating electric storage batteries including placing the battery in a suitable enclosure, overcharging the battery to generate hydrogen and analyzing the gas in the enclosure for hydrogen. The battery's vent will be suitably plugged or routed to divert any hydrogen escaping through the vent from contaminating the air in the enclosure. A hydrogen accumulator/separator concentrates the hydrogen at the hydrogen sensor.

Abstract: A system is provided for containing material leaks which occur while a shipping container is being loaded or unloaded. The system includes portable dome that is placed on top of a shipping container, covering the container's inlet or outlet valves. If a leak is detected, the flow of material is stopped, and the leaked material is either absorbed or neutralized.

Abstract: In an angular velocity sensor device, a vibration isolation member, a sensor support plate on which a tuning fork unit functioning as a vibrating type angular velocity sensor is mounted, a collar, a circuit board on which a circuit pattern is formed for driving the tuning fork unit and processing a signal output therefrom are provided by having a plurality of pins inserted, in this order, which extend from the bottom surface of a concave-shaped case. The circuit pattern and the tuning fork unit are connected with each other via a flexible printed circuit board. These components are accommodated inside the concave-shaped case. A cover is fitted in an open top of the case so as to completely seal the case. The angular velocity sensor device with the aforementioned arrangement does not suffer variation in the operational properties due to disturbance vibration and deterioration in the vibration isolation property.

Abstract: An acceleration detecting device, which can be constructed simply and allow compactness, is disclosed. A cover is installed on a housing-body portion to form a hollow portion, and a sensor chip which is subjected to acceleration and displaced is bonded and fixed within this hollow portion. This housing-body portion has a flat end face, and electrical wiring leads and electrically connected to the sensor chip is formed on the end face via the interior of the housing-body portion. This end face is electrically and mechanically connected to a circuit board by a bonding agent, and the housing-body portion is fixed to the circuit board substantially perpendicularly.

Abstract: A micromachined measuring cell is adapted to be mounted on a support and has a measuring sensor (121) and an assembly structure (120) distinct from one another and associated with each other by a connecting arm (128). At least one part element (103b) of the assembly structure, one part (133) of the connecting arm and one part (103a) of the sensor (121) are produced as one single piece. The assembly structure (120) of this measuring cell is preferably in the shape of a frame surrounding the sensor (121).

Abstract: A semiconductor type acceleration sensor comprises a flexible printed circuit board on which a semiconductor type detector chip section is mounted The detector chip is formed with openings therethrough overlapping an opening formed in a rear-side base plate of the flexible printed circuit board such that the detector chip section is supported only by a bridge portion. In case of excess input in an acceleration direction, elastic deformation of the bridge portion and a bending portion of the flexible printed circuit board provide absorption of tile excess input for protecting the detector chip section.

Abstract: A semiconductor type acceleration sensor comprises a flexible printed circuit board on which a semiconductor type detector chip section is mounted. The detector chip is formed with openings therethrough overlapping an opening formed in a rear-side base plate of the flexible printed circuit board such that the detector chip section is supported only by a bridge portion. In case of excess input in an acceleration direction, elastic deformation of the bridge portion and a bending portion of the flexible printed circuit board provide absorption of the excess input for protecting the detector chip section.

Abstract: The sealing integrity and/or the proper filling of sealed packages is determined by conveying them continuously along a path and applying loads to them. The loads have package contacting surface portions that travel in the conveying direction, e.g., provided by driven belts or arrays of free-running rollers. Preferably each package is subject to a first load and to a second load greater than the first, and two values related to the effective package thickness under the loads are derived and compared by a computer system. The difference value is indicative of package seal quality.

Abstract: A sensitive to a change in the physical dimension(s) of the exterior surface of a pressure vessel transducer and attached to the exterior surface thereof the pressure vessel may be a vacuum chamber. The transducer measures exterior dimension change, representing interior pressure change information, without intrusion. The measurements are displayed using distinctive lights or audible alarms which signal if the pressure inside the vessel is within a predetermined range. If the pressure within the vessel varies outside of the predetermined range, a more precise display device such as a meter, is provided to aid facility personnel in deciding when repairs are necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing for leaks in the bodies of sealed containers.

Abstract: A silicon capacitive microsensor which is sensitive to acceleration forces includes a silicon capacitive sensing element 10 comprising three silicon layers 12,16,26 having glass dielectric layers 14,24 between each pair of silicon layers with the middle silicon layer 16 consisting of a proof mass 18 suspended between the two glass dielectric layers 14,24 by a silicon hinge 20 which is connected to a slightly thicker silicon support layer 17 around the periphery (FIG. 3 ) between the glass layers 14,24 (FIG. 1 ). Three metallic bond pads 40,42,44 on the surface 45 of the silicon layers 26,16,12, respectively, are soldered to circuit trace pads 108 on a circuit board 100 which has a glass upper layer 104 and a silicon support layer 102. The thermal expansion coefficient between the glass layer 104 and the sensing element 10 are substantially the same, thereby minimizing thermally induced stresses on the sensing element 10 and minimizing inaccuracies associated therewith.

Abstract: A process for testing seal quality and height of flexible packages in accordance with the invention includes the following steps. Positioning a package to be tested at a test station. Initially moving a loading device into contact with the flexible package in a direction which applies an increasing load to a fluid within the package with the load applied to the package being sensed with a sensing device. Moving the loading device an initial distance in the direction which causes the sensed load to equal a set load. Defining as a reference position of the loading device an actual position of the loading device when the set load is sensed by the sensing device. Stopping movement of the loading device when the set load has been sensed by the sensing device for a time interval sufficient to permit the package to expand at the test station which drops the load sensed by the sensing device below the set load.

Abstract: A package is conveyed to a test station where a friction roller is pressed against the package and urged to rotate relative to the package. The amount of rotation urgeable for a preset torque is indicative of package seal quality. This rotation is automatically detected and compared with a preset value to determine the quality of the package seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the seal between a container and a flexible lid by measuring the lid's deflection. In the disclosed embodiment, an actuator impacts the lid and activates an alarm if the lid is not securely attached to the container.

Abstract: An evacuator housing ( 14) of a gas tank evacuator (10) receives a gas tank (12). A valve seal of a movable seal head (34) and a puncture seal (66) of the evacuator housing are clamped onto the gas tank at opposite ends by a hollow threaded shaft (32) to form a sealed test space (58) exteriorly of the gas tank at a valve (22) and a sealed evacuation space (68) exteriorly of the gas tank at a puncture spot (24). A pressure gauge (60) coupled to the test space rides on the seal head and a valve actuator in the form of a rod (40), passes through the hollow threaded shaft into the sealed test space. A puncturing mechanism (18) punctures the gas tank at the puncture spot. The sealed evacuation space is positioned vertically below the puncture spot and communicates with a carbon filter positioned vertically above the evacuation space so as to form a U-shaped trap (90).

Abstract: A stress and motion gauge formed in a unitary housing has a free field sts gauge and a velocity gauge formed in the housing in proximate side by side arrangement. The stress and velocity gauge of the invention measures, in a single package, both normal stress and material velocity at essentially the same location in a material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for testing the tightness of foil bags (10). In order to test the tightness of foil bags (10), mechanical testing members are used which act upon the foil bag (10) in the region of a cavity (15) formed above the packaged goods. Testing rams (18) are pushed against a bag wall (16, 17) with a given testing pressure. The depth of impression is indicative of the airtightness of the foil bag ( 10). The size of the cavity (15) which can be used for testing is reduced by clamping members (26) and, as a result, a residual cavity (25) is formed next to the clamping members (26). Consequently, an increased pressure is present within the residiual cavity, that is to say within the foil bag (10), which facilitates testing.