Abstract: A method for tuning one or more sensor devices is provided, wherein each sensor device comprises one or more proof masses configured to move in response to an external stimulus of interest, and the one or more proof masses are also susceptible to move in response to one or more stimuli other than the external stimulus of interest. Each sensor device also comprises one or more pick-off mechanisms respectively associated with each of the one or more proof masses. The one or more pick-off mechanisms is proportionally responsive to a motion of the sensor device. The method for tuning includes adjusting gain of one or more of the pick-off mechanisms to reduce an output of each sensor device when the one or more proof masses move in response to the one or more stimuli other than the external stimulus of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to integrated circuits, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of integrating a gyro sensing circuit with a gyroscope to detect a shock or a disturbance, and accurately differentiate rotation-based sense signals from noises introduced by the shock or disturbance. The gyro sensing circuit may be implemented in a differential or non-differential demodulation scheme, and comprises at least one demodulation unit and a peak detector. The at least one demodulation unit demodulates a gyro output signal provided by the gyroscope with a reference signal. In a demodulated gyro output signal, a shock signal or a gyro disturbance signal is substantially isolated out from interested gyro sense signals that are used to sense a rate of rotation. A peak detector samples the modulated gyro output signal, determines whether the signal exceeds a threshold level VTH and outputs a shock flag indicating a corresponding determination result.

Abstract: A pneumatic vibration isolating suspension is disclosed for supporting a payload on a moving carrier while suppressing the transmission of vibrations in the 1 to 50 Hz band between the carrier and the payload. The disclosed invention can be deployed in the air in a towed carrier or sonde, and operated from aircraft power, making it a suitable platform for airborne geophysical instrumentation. It also has particular application to airborne electromagnetic surveying operating in the same frequency band because the sensor vibrations that result in noise created by the modulation of the sensor coupling with the earth's magnetic field are suppressed. Furthermore, the invention can be constructed from resistive composite materials and non-magnetic metals, so it can be operated without producing significant modification to the ambient electromagnetic field being measured.

Abstract: A method of actuating a system comprising a movable component and an actuator configured to move the movable component comprises providing a control signal representative of a desired motion of the movable component. The control signal is supplied to one or more resonators. Each of the one or more resonators has a mode of oscillation representative of at least one elastic mode of oscillation of the system. The control signal is modified by subtracting from the control signal a signal representative of a response of the one or more resonators to the control signal. The actuator is operated in accordance with the modified control signal. Thus, undesirable elastic oscillations of the system which might occur if the system were operated with the original control system can be reduced.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an acceleration sensor, which enables highly accurate detection and has an extremely compact size. The acceleration sensor of the present embodiments is provided with a substrate, a anchor portion formed on the substrate, a support beam, which has one end connected to the anchor portion and extends across a space from the substrate, and a proof mass which is connected to the other end of the support beam and held across a space from the substrate. The acceleration sensor is further provided with first and second piezoelectric bending resonators, a comparison unit, and a calculation unit. The first and second piezoelectric bending resonators have one end connected to the anchor portion and the other end connected to the proof mass or the support beam and have a stack of a first electrode, a first piezoelectric film, and a second electrode.

Abstract: A stabilized field sensor apparatus collects field data, in particular magnetic field data, with reduced motion noise. The apparatus includes a tear drop shaped housing, a tow frame in the housing, a plurality of vibration isolating dampers spaced around the frame, a base assembly mounted to the dampers, a support pedestal having a bottom end fixed to the base assembly and an upper free end, a single spherical air bearing connected to the upper free end of the pedestal, an instrument platform with a lower hollow funnel having an upper inside apex supported on the air bearing for a one point support, principal and secondary gyro stabilizers for maintaining pivotal and rotational stability, and at least one field sensor mounted to the instrument platform for collecting the field data while being stabilized against motion noise including vibration, pivoting and rotation from the base assembly, from the tow frame and from the housing.

Abstract: A servo system is provided for controlling movement of a flexible structure having multiple masses and elements. Each element couples a respective two of the masses and functions as a spring when the flexible structure is subject to a linear or rotational input at or above a frequency at which the respective element exhibits flexure. The servo system includes multiple sensors, where each sensor is disposed relative to a respective one of the masses to sense a respective acceleration. A motor having a torque input may operatively be configured to output one of a linear or rotational force on the first mass based on a torque signal present on the torque input. A servo controller that receives each sensed acceleration from each sensor may generate a compensation feedback signal based on a sum of sensed accelerations. The torque signal may be output to the motor based on the compensation feedback signal.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates a simulated vibration pattern in a computer subsystem. During operation, a vibration pattern is monitored at a location in the computer subsystem, wherein the vibration pattern is monitored while the computer subsystem is incorporated into the computer system and the computer system is operating. Then, the vibrations of the computer subsystem are mimicked by generating the simulated vibration pattern at the same location in the computer subsystem based on the monitored vibration pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus compensates for vibration rectification error present in a MEMS gyroscope output signal. The MEMS gyroscope has an axis of rotation normal to an operative plane. The apparatus includes at least one accelerometer situated to generate an acceleration signal indicating acceleration along the axis of rotation. A processor generates a compensation signal based upon the acceleration signal. An output stage amplifies the gyroscope output signal according to the compensation signal. The processor retrieves compensation data from a processor-readable memory according to the acceleration signal. The compensation signal is further based upon the compensation data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining and/or monitoring a process variable. The aim of the invention is to provide a cost-effective, user-friendly device for determining and/or monitoring a process variable. The inventive device comprises the following elements: a sensor, a measuring/regulating/control unit which pre-defines at least one event to be determined or monitored, and at least one memory unit which stores data according to the at least one pre-defined event. The sensor, the measuring/regulating/control unit and the memory unit form a compact unit or an independent field appliance.

Abstract: A micro machined accelerometer package including:

Abstract: A data processing system including a data storage device having data stored on a data storage medium. Within said data processing system, a system electronics is operatively coupled to a sensor and to said data storage device. When the sensor senses a change in gravitational or inertial acceleration of said data processing system, it alerts system electronics to temporarily park a read/write head in a safe position.

Abstract: A deformation indicator is disclosed for repeatably adjusting the fasteners on a flange assembly to maintain a leak-free joint. The indicator is mounted on one of the fasteners used for fastening together the flange members, and extends to a predetermined distance from the adjacent flange member. When the flange fasteners must be adjusted to account for creep in the packing material in the flange, they are adjusted to restore the distance between the indicator and the adjacent flange member to the predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a section of pipe for leaks, includes mirror-image first and second portions each having an attachment assembly for attaching the portion to the section of pipe to be tested, an enclosure device for enclosing the section of pipe, and a sealing element for sealing the attachment assembly to the pipe. Also included is a resilient expansion device for permitting movement of the first portion relative to the second portion to accommodate expansion of the pipe, the expansion device being secured to the first portion and to the second portion.

Abstract: A vibration control apparatus that can impart self-induced vibration by stabilizing the vibrator at a frequency in near agreement with its mechanical resonance frequency vibration f.sub.s is provided. A vibrator has a pair of piezo-electric elements on the side surface of vibration member having a resonance point. A drive apparatus has signal output terminal that outputs the drive signal of vibrator. First and second feedback amplifiers each have feedback input terminals. A third feedback amplifier has a feedback input terminal and a signal input terminal. The feedback input terminals of the first and second feedback amplifiers are connected to one electrode of each of the piezo-electric elements. The feedback input terminal of the third feedback amplifier is connected to the other electrodes of the pair of piezo-electric elements. The signal input terminal is connected to signal output terminal of drive apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile pipe testing system. The system carries its own supply of a test fluid and an independent power source. During operation, a pipe is lifted by an inbound conveyor and is delivered to a pre-test station, from which it is lifted by the arm and deposited into a testing cradle. The ends of the pipe are sealed by test plugs which are moved into engagement with the pipe ends, and a pressure is applied to the interior of the pipe to test the pipe for possible leakage. Once the test is complete, the test plugs are moved away from engagement with the pipe, and the lifting arm moves the pipe segment into a holding station, wherein the pipe is allowed to drain, while the fluid is filtered, collected and recycled back into a fluid container. The lifting arm then transports the pipe to the outbound conveyor which off loads the pipe.

Abstract: A device and method for containing spills and leaks from fuel handling equipment is provided in which differential sensing means detect the presence of hydrocarbons and nonhydrocarbons such as water. Signals and the responses generated according to them may depend upon the nature and quantity of the substance contained in the device. Signalling may be conducted remotely and excavation and reconstruction of service station grounds is minimized with these devices. In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of unitary construction with the differential sensing means formed as a portion of the surface of a containment vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile pipe testing system. The system carries its own supply of a test fluid and an independent power source. During operation, a pipe is lifted by an inbound conveyor and is delivered to a pre-test station, from which it is lifted by the arm and deposited into a testing cradle. The ends of the pipe are sealed by test plugs which are moved into engagement with the pipe ends, and a pressure is applied to the interior of the pipe to test the pipe for possible leakage. Once the test is complete, the test plugs are moved away from engagement with the pipe, and the lifting arm moves the pipe segment into a holding station, wherein the pipe is allowed to drain, while the fluid is filtered, collected and recycled back into a fluid container. The lifting arm then transports the pipe to the outbound conveyor which off loads the pipe.

Abstract: Hydrostatic pressure testing apparatus for sealing and delivering fluid into a pipe wherein the pipe wall is maintained in tension. A pair of cam actuated movable jaws are mounted on a body for engaging the outer wall of the pipe. A seal ring on a mandrel is positioned to expand into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the pipe. A shaped passage in segments of a split die block lock behind the upset portion on the end of the pipe.

Abstract: A leak test port plug device is disclosed which includes a resilient plug having a first portion which is substantially cylindrical and a second portion which is generally conical and formed in integral one-piece relationship to the first portion. When the first portion is inserted into a port of a component to be tested and the plug is compressed, the first portion radially expands in the port and the second conical portion moves into the end of the port to effectively seal the port against fluid leakage.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the gas-tightness of a joint between hollow members which has, in one aspect, a mechanism for applying a test gas to the outside of a joint, detection apparatus for detecting the gas inside the hollow members, and wherein the mechanism for applying the test gas to the outside of the joint has a gas testing chamber, a sealing ring for hermetically sealing the gas testing chamber, a casing enclosing the sealing ring, apparatus for applying pressure to the sealing ring, and apparatus for supplying test gas to the gas testing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention features a vibration attenuation assembly designed for the protection of single axis instruments such as accelerometers. The assembly includes an inner cylinder housing one or more single axis accelerometers co-aligned with a principle axis of the cylinder. The inner cylinder is suspended by three or more equally spaced springs at each end. The springs also function as electrical conductors for transmitting power and signals to the accelerometer. The inner cylinder is longitudinally shiftable within the outer cylinder and a main fluid cavity exists between the exterior surface of the inner cylinder and the inner surface of the outer cylinder. A rigid outer cap is provided at both ends of the outer cylinder and a rigid inner cap is provided at both ends of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention features a vibration attenuation assembly designed for the protection of single axis instruments such as accelerometers. The assembly includes an inner cylinder housing one or more single axis accelerometers co-aligned with a principle axis of the cylinder. The inner cylinder is suspended by three or more equally spaced springs at each end. In one embodiment, damping fluid is maintained between the inner cylindrical surface of the housing and the suspended cylinder to provide damping and a thermal path. The springs also function as electrical conductors for transmitting power and signals to the accelerometer. Damping fluid retention between the inner and outer cylinder can be accomplished by use of a diaphragm or bellows as a physical barrier. Alternatively, retention of the damping fluid can be accomplished without a physical barrier by use of fluid adhesion which has particular applicability in low gravity environments such as space.

Abstract: A traveling seal system for blocking a predetermined section of fluid transmission pipeline for repair or modification or for pressure testing the pipeline includes two seal devices which are interconnected by a flexible cable and are supported for traversal through a pipeline by spaced apart resilient support members supporting respective body members. Each of the seal devices includes radially extensible brake pads which are actuated by annular pistons slidable on the body of the seal devices, respectively, and are disposed in annular pressure chambers formed by the body. Each of the seal devices includes an onboard hydraulic pump for actuating the brake pads between extended and retracted positions and at least one of the seal devices includes an onboard pump for pumping pressure fluid into the space between the seal devices.

Abstract: A pressure vessel fatigue test system has an adjustable mounting arrangement for a pressure vessel that can have open ends or closed ends, and which is to be subjected to a very high value, short duration pressure pulses, under controlled test conditions, to determine fatigue life of the vessel. In order to provide a pulse of high pressure that smiulates pulse pressures that may be present in the vessel, a cylinder having a bore filled with hydraulic oil is open to the interior of the vessel, and the vessel is also filled with hydraulic oil. A pressure generating piston is slidable in the bore or the cylinder and has a substantial mass that is attached to it. The mass is accelerated rapidly under control of an actuator in response to a control signal. When the piston first moves from a retracted position the oil in the cylinder bore is displaced into a low pressure accumulator.

Abstract: A wheel speed control system incorporating in-gear vibration detection and elimination means for use in a vehicle includes wheel speed detectors for detecting the speed of a wheel, a wheel speed control section such as an antiskid control and/or brake traction control, an in-gear wheel speed control section, and an in-gear vibration detector. When the speed of a drive wheel deviates excessively from the speed of the vehicle as measured by a non-drive wheel, the wheel speed control is operated to control the speed of the drive wheel to become nearly equal to the vehicle speed. A differential circuit is provided for taking a second order differential excess the reference level, indicating that the in-gear vibration is present, the in-gear vibration detector generates as in-gear vibration signal, which substitutes the in-gear wheel speed control for the wheel speed control to eliminate the in-gear vibration possibly caused by the wheel speed control.

Abstract: A hydraulic flange seal clamp for sealing a flanged valve opening, to permit hydrostatic pressure testing of the valve, includes a pivotable connection structure between a seal member which overlies and seals the flanged opening, and a moveable piston which causes the seal member to assume the desired sealing relationship with the flanged valve opening.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to hydrostatically test tubular members including a housing to enclose each end of the tubular member, which housing supports a unitary seal-lock ring assembly, the assembly having an annular resilient body with non-resilient L-shaped segments adjacent at least one end, anti-extrusion means adjacent the other end and an adjacent inner surface of the resilient body to close, seal and lock either or both the housings, selectively, about the open tubular member ends without closures engaged in or on the tubular member ends and without an axial end compressive force on the apparatus during hydrostatic test procedures.

Abstract: A method of performing hydraulic pressure test of tubes includes the step of performing hydraulic pressure test of the tube. The ends of a test tube are sealed by using closing caps at the respective opposite ends of the test tube which has been filled with water under a completely air-purged condition. The closing caps are held in place during conveyance of the test tube with the opposite ends thereof sealed by the closing caps, to a position at which the test tube is subject to the steps of a hydraulic pressure test including sealing to prevent the filled water from leaking; introducing high pressure water in the hydraulic pressure test step with the closing caps attached to the test tube; maintaining the inner high pressure of the test tube due to the high pressure water; reducing the inner pressure of the test tube through the closing caps, upon the completion of the hydraulic test; and removing the closing caps from the test tube.

Abstract: A hydrostatic pipe tester is especially designed for testing pipe at high pressures safely. Threaded tension rods are supported on both sides of the pipe under test such that their axes are coplaner with the pipe under test, and coupling assemblies couple the pipe under test to the threaded tension rods within the plane. A novel bleeding assembly and a novel check valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic pressurized connecting device having a wide angle of attachment and in which thermal seizure is eliminated. The device includes a main frame mounted on wheels which run on rails, a rotary shaft fitted on the main frame, a first bracket mounted on the rotary shaft, and the body rockably coupled to the first bracket. A main shaft is inserted into a central portion of the body and the high pressure water supplying rotary universal joint is coupled to a front end portion of the main shaft. A seal plug is coupled to a front end portion of the universal joint. A motor is provided on a second bracket for rotating the main shaft. A high pressure water supplying port in the body communicates with a water supplying port formed in a front end portion of the main shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrostatically testing pipe is disclosed. Means are provided for externally exerting a force against test plugs sealing the ends of a pipe being tested to oppose forces tending to push the test plugs out of the ends of the pipe. Means are provided for controlling the amount of tension present in the pipe and, alternatively, for creating and maintaining a net compressive force on the pipe during the testing process in order to test characteristics of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for the pressure testing of tubing has two support members which can be urged towards one another, one of which forming a counterbearing for the tubing and the other having a spigot with a conical face which is at least partially insertable in one end of the tube under test to seal it. The support member with the spigot is connected to an actuating spindle which is coaxial with the axis of the spigot and between the actuating spindle and the support member there is a pressure drive including a cylinder and a piston which is connected in tandem with the actuating spindle to bring the spigot into engagement with the tube. The spigot has a duct through which a test medium can be introduced into the tubing.

Abstract: The invention contemplates removable end-closure structure for sealed application to the end of a pipe of given outside diameter for hydrostatic pressure-testing the pipe. In the form disclosed, a circumferential wedge clamp is applied to the outer surface of the pipe end to be closed; a closure plate is applied in axial abutment with the pipe end; and a hydraulic flat jack is interposed between the closure plate and an outer reference or backing plate having circumferential connection to the wedge clamp. All parts may be in unit-handling relation, even when not mounted to a pipe end.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for internally applying fluid pressure in order to determine the leak resisting characteristics of pipe, by gravitating a pipe into an elongated upwardly opening trough filled with a noncompressible fluid, such as water. The pipe is supported submerged within the trough and below the liquid level thereof such that opposed seals can be lowered into the trough, reciprocated towards one another and into engagement with the opposed ends of the filled pipe. Hence, the seals isolate the pipe interior after the pipe has been filled with the non-compressible fluid. The internal pressure of the pipe is increased and held for a finite period of time, thereby determining the rate at which the noncompressible fluid escapes from the pipe interior. The seals are released from the pipe ends, the fluid drained from the pipe and back into the trough, and the tested pipe is then removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: The output of the accelerometer is sent to a pulse width modulating digitng circuitry which consists of a comparator to generate the PWM signal, a flip-flop steering circuit, an "H" switch to toggle the torquer constant current either positive or negative, and an AND gate to gate the clock pulses for the output.

Abstract: An elongate hydrostatic tester that includes two longitudinally spaced resilient packers, and a pair of oppositely disposed, pivotally supported rigid wings that are spring-loaded, and which wings at all times tend to pivot outwardly from a first position in which they are substantially parallel to the tester to a second position in which they are normal thereto. The pair of wings prevents the tubing tester from dropping downwardly by gravity in a tubing string when the tester is otherwise supported in the upper portion thereof.

Abstract: A transducer control arrangement in a hydrostatic pipe testing machine or pipe tester, for preventing a change in the positioning of the pipe relative to a testhead seal as testing fluid is introduced into the pipe. A transducer signal activates at least one pump to operate a piston cylinder assembly connected to the testhead to reduce or eliminate any relative movement between the testhead seal and the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe testing machine wherein clamping pressure on the ends of a plastic pipe being tested under internal water pressure is maintained proportional to the internal pressure so as not to crush the ends of the pipe.

Abstract: An arrangement in a testhead of an hydrostatic pipe testing apparatus for tripping a limit switch, which is connected to a control for a main hydraulic piston cylinder assembly for the testhead, upon the pipe's contact with the arrangement thereby interrupting the travel of the testhead. This tripping action is indicative that an end of the pipe is in proper engagement with a seal in the testhead prior to the introduction of the pressurized testing fluid into the interior of the pipe.

Abstract: A high-pressure joint tester includes a pair (or two pairs) of plugs, each plug having an annular rigid channel containing an inflatable elastomeric annular tube. The spaced, parallel plugs are joined together by a rigid cylindrical wall extending between inner sides of the channels. The tubes are inflated at preselected pressures to seal against interior pipe walls on opposite sides of a locus where two pipe ends meet at a joint, and fluid is introduced under pressure through the cylindrical wall to the outer surface thereof. Rollers support the device for movement through the pipeline to be tested.