Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for in vitro testing of medical device thrombogenicity includes an enclosure; a heating element thermally coupled to the enclosure; and a temperature feedback circuit operably coupled to the heating element and configured to control the heating element to maintain an interior of the enclosure within a preset temperature range. Positive, negative, and intermediate control rods are provided as standards against which to compare a medical device test article. Multiple blood test loops can be established through the enclosure using a common blood supply. The medical device test article can be placed in one of the loops, while the remaining loops can contain controls. Blood can be circulated through the test loops at a flow rate similar to that encountered in vivo, and thrombus formation can be assessed thereafter.

Abstract: A rheometer includes a measuring shaft unit being rotatably mounted in a stationary support unit and having a measuring shaft carrying a measuring part. Transmitting units having optical transmitters are disposed on the support unit and receiving units having optical receivers are disposed on the measuring shaft unit for data transmission therebetween. A measuring sensor disposed on the measuring shaft detects at least one parameter. The transmitting and receiving units are disposed between the measuring shaft unit and the support unit and are associated with one another for exchanging data. The optical transmitters on the support unit transmit data and energy to the optical receivers on the measuring shaft unit. The transmitting units feed or transmit to the optical receivers at least energy required by the optical transmitters on the measuring shaft unit and the measuring sensor to output or transmit data to the optical receivers.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided for measuring mechanical properties of a solid material using standard ultrasonic wave modes propagated in the solid material, which forms a waveguide, where the waveguide is encased a fluid media. The method and system can be at high temperatures. The system includes an ultrasonic transducer placed at one end of the waveguide that generates multiple wave modes, which travel in different paths along a length of the waveguide and are reflected. The system includes a set of corresponding sensors for detecting the amplitude and time of flights, and includes a processor means to analyze the detected signals.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor assembly is for an electrical system. The electrical system includes a sensor attachment assembly and a number of electrical conductors. The sensor attachment assembly includes a sensor housing and a fastening member for fastening the sensor housing to a corresponding one of the electrical conductors. The piezoelectric sensor assembly includes a processor enclosed by the sensor housing, a piezoelectric sensor element, a wiring assembly electrically connecting the piezoelectric sensor element to the processor, an insulating member coupled to the piezoelectric sensor element and being structured to extend outwardly from the sensor housing to engage the corresponding one of the electrical conductors, and a mounting enclosure structured to mount the piezoelectric sensor element and the insulating member to the sensor housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a fraction of each component of a fluid of interest flowing in a cased borehole and a property of the fluid includes an acoustic waveguide sensor having a waveguide configured to guide an acoustic signal along a waveguide path and an array of acoustic transducers coupled to the waveguide for transmitting and receiving an acoustic signal, the acoustic waveguide sensor being configured to transmit and receive a compression-wave acoustic signal that is reflected off of the casing and transmit and receive a shear-wave acoustic signal that propagates along the path. A controller is coupled to the waveguide sensor and configured to perform a compression-wave acoustic measurement on the fluid using the acoustic waveguide sensor in order to estimate the fraction of each component of the fluid and to perform a shear-wave acoustic measurement in order to estimate the property of the fluid.

Abstract: A vibrating applicator is provided for applying a dental composite material onto a tooth. The applicator has an elongated body and a tip that is coupled to the elongated body to apply the dental composite material onto the tooth. The applicator further has a vibrating apparatus for vibrating the tip and a sensor for sensing a condition of the dental composite material. A controller is operatively coupled to the vibrating apparatus and to the sensor and is configured to automatically vary an output frequency of the vibrating apparatus in response to the condition sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A sealless die assembly with a backing element is disclosed. A first die assembly cooperates with a second die assembly to form a sample-holding chamber. At least one of the die assemblies includes a die and a housing that are separated from one another by a radial gap such that the die is rotatable relative to its housing. A thin film is positioned to bridge the gap between the die and its housing to maintain pressure in the sample-holding chamber. A backing element cooperates with the die housing to interface with the film, and the backing element is spaced from its corresponding die. The backing element helps to transfer torque from the sample to the torque transducer. The die assembly may be incorporated into a rheometer or other sampling measuring apparatus for testing process characteristics of a material.

Abstract: The viscometer provides a viscosity value (X?) which represents the viscosity of a fluid flowing in a pipe connected thereto. It comprises a vibratory transducer with at least one flow tube for conducting the fluid, which communicates with the pipe. Driven by an excitation assembly, the flow tube is vibrated so that friction forces are produced in the fluid. The viscometer further includes meter electronics which feed an excitation current (iexc) into the excitation assembly. By means of the meter electronics, a first internal intermediate value (X1) is formed, which corresponds with the excitation current (iexc) and thus represents the friction forces acting in the fluid. According to the invention, a second internal intermediate value (X2), representing inhomogeneities in the fluid, is generated in the meter electronics, which then determine the viscosity value (X?) using the two intermediate values (X1, X2).

Abstract: Device and associated methods for detecting a property of a fluid. The device includes a body region and a first flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element includes at least a first layer having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second layer having a second, different coefficient of thermal expansion. An electrical heater element can be arranged to heat the flexible element to induce bending of said flexible element. The resistance of a first portion of the electrical heater element adjacent the first end can be greater than the resistance of a second portion of the electrical heater element further from the first end. The device can include a heater controller arranged to supply an electrical pulse having a duration less than 5 ms to the electrical heater. The device can include a second, reference flexible element having a first end and a second end, with the first end fixedly located on the body region.

Abstract: A viscosity measuring instrument for measuring ceramic slurries, e.g. in a casting tank, with a probe having an elbow and presenting a transducer part in substantial alignment with a flow direction of the ceramic slurry relative to the active part and a barrier orthogonal to such relative movement direction is interposed in front of the transducer part by one or more stand-off rods to form a partial enclosure that moderates flow to the active part and provides a long term stable measuring capability.

Abstract: A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices to measure physical characteristics of sample fluids. Samples are introduced into a sample chamber in contact with a mechanically oscillating working member. The vibrations are received by a piezoelectric sensor transducer and correlated to a sample characteristic, such as viscosity or density. The devices include a sample chamber in contact with one or more working members actuated by a piezoelectric actuator and/or monitored by a piezoelectric sensor.

Abstract: Method for rheological characterization of a viscoelastic medium, with the following steps: (a) an excitation step during which a vibratory excitation is generated in the viscoelastic medium leading to a deformation of the medium, (b) a deformation measurement step during which the deformation of the medium caused by the excitation is observed, (c) and a characterization step during which at least one non-zero power parameter y is determined such that a rheological parameter of the medium x is equal to x(f)=a+b·fy, where f is the frequency, a is a real number and b a non-zero scale parameter. It is thus possible to obtain mapping of the power parameter y.

Abstract: Vibrating wire viscometers are described. Some example vibrating wire viscometer housings include a flowline through the housing to expose a first wire to a downhole fluid, a cavity in the housing to hold a magnet and to conduct one or more additional wires from the flowline to a signal generator, first and second electrically conductive posts mechanically coupled to the housing to hold the first wire in tension within the flowline, and a seal mechanically coupled to the housing to prevent access to the magnet by the downhole fluid.

Abstract: Vibrating wire viscometers are disclosed. An example vibrating wire viscometer includes first and second electrically conductive tubes, where the first tube is at least partially inserted into the second tube, and where the first and second tubes are coupled via an electrically insulating bonding agent. The example viscometer further includes first and second electrically conductive pins inserted into respective ones of the first and second tubes, and an electrically conductive wire fastened to the first and second pins to vibrate in a downhole fluid to determine a viscosity of the downhole fluid.

Abstract: A device for measuring the properties of a fluid, a method of manufacture, and a method of operation is described. The device includes a body region, a first flexible element and a second flexible element. Each flexible element has a first end and a second end, the first end being fixedly located on the body region. Each flexible element is moveable from at least a first respective configuration to a second respective configuration via bending of the element. The first flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The second flexible element includes an integral movement sensor for sensing movement of the flexible element. The first flexible element is coupled to the second flexible element at a position distant from the body region. Only the actuating portion of the first flexible element is operable to move the first and second flexible elements.

Abstract: Viscosity and elasticity of a liquid are measured by immersing and vibrating a liquid tester in the liquid to be tested and measuring three frequency values that are a resonance frequency value on an amplitude characteristic curve obtained through vibration of the liquid tester in the liquid being tested, a low frequency value lower than the resonance frequency value on the amplitude characteristic curve at a phase angle smaller than a phase angle of 90 degrees at a resonance point on a phase angle characteristic curve obtained through the vibration in the liquid being tested, and a high frequency value higher than the resonance frequency value on the amplitude characteristic curve at a phase angle larger than the phase angle at the resonance point on the phase angle characteristic curve.

Abstract: A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for measuring and detecting properties of a variety of particles or cells in suspension. Properties, such as, for example, velocity of particles, concentration and/or size may be measured according to the methods of the invention. Acoustic energy may be introduced to a focal zone and narrow band interrogating signals may be used. The acoustic energy may cause movement or streaming of the fluid or suspension. The acoustic streaming may allow a Doppler effect measurement without any other source of velocity.

Abstract: The viscometer provides a viscosity value (X?) which represents the viscosity of a fluid flowing in a pipe connected thereto. It comprises a vibratory transducer with at least one flow tube for conducting the fluid, which communicates with the pipe. Driven by an excitation assembly, the flow tube is vibrated so that friction forces are produced in the fluid. The viscometer further includes meter electronics which feed an excitation current (iexc) into the excitation assembly. By means of the meter electronics, a first internal intermediate value (X1) is formed, which corresponds with the excitation current (iexc) and thus represents the friction forces acting in the fluid. According to the invention, a second internal intermediate value (X2), representing inhomogeneities in the fluid, is generated in the meter electronics, which then determine the viscosity value (X?) using the two intermediate values (X1, X2).

Abstract: A dual mode measurement system with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is provided, which includes a quartz sensing component, a first measurement circuit, a second measurement circuit and a switch unit. When the first measurement circuit is selected through the switch unit, the first measurement circuit and the quartz sensing component form an oscillation circuit and output a resonance signal. When the second measurement circuit is selected through the switch unit, the second measurement circuit outputs a frequency scanning signal to scan the quartz sensing component, so as to output an impedance sensing signal.

Abstract: A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for analysing a biological fluid sample to determine a disturbance of haemostasis resulting in a change of viscosity.

Abstract: Method for measuring a rheological transition level between a first layer with first rheological properties, typically a fluid mud layer, and a second layer lying thereunder and having different, second rheological properties, typically a solid mud layer, wherein using a cable an object is lowered through the first layer into the second layer lying thereunder. A dynamic quantity of the moving cable with object, influenced by the rheological properties, or a change of this quantity, is measured. It is determined on the basis of this measurement when the object is located at the rheological transition level.

Abstract: An oscillating rheometer adapted for use in measuring rheological properties of blood or the propensity of blood to clot, the rheometer including at lease two surfaces between which a blood sample is introduced, said surfaces being provided as: A first surface, providing a sample receiving member defining a surface for receipt of a blood sample; A second surface, providing a sample contact surface in movable relationship to said first surface. Wherein in use, said first and second surfaces move towards each other so as to sandwich said blood sample between the first and second surfaces, with the blood sample being subjected to a controlled environment provided by way of one or more of the surfaces in contact with the blood to allow for measurement of the rheological properties of the blood or the propensity of the blood to clot.

Abstract: A field device for monitoring and/or determining a process variable of a medium, wherein the process variable preferably is fill level, viscosity or density of the medium. The field device includes: an oscillatable unit; a driving/receiving unit, which excites the oscillatable unit to oscillate, or which receives the oscillations of the oscillatable unit, as the case may be; and a control/evaluation unit, which controls the oscillations of the oscillatable unit, or which evaluates the oscillations of the oscillatable unit, control/evaluation unit produces an accretion alarm, when the oscillation frequency (f) of the oscillations of the oscillatable unit falls below an adjustable limit value (G; GMinimum; GMaximum). The limit value (G; GMinimum; GMaximum) is determinable and/or calculable at least from measured and/or calculated dependencies of the oscillation frequency on process conditions and/or on the process variable to be monitored and/or determined.

Abstract: A nanoliter rheometer is capable of operating over a wide range of temperatures and permits visual observation of extremely small amounts of various often complex and/or expensive small nanoliter size fluids over a wide viscoelastic regime. The nanoliter rheometer comprises two very thin fibers, the ends of which are in close proximity to one another and desirably parallel to one another with one fiber being moved by a drive system and the remaining fiber desirably being stationary and capable of measuring a force transferred through a nanoliter size fluid located between the two fibers ends. The transferred force can be measured either by an LCR meter or a piezoelectric crystal and recorded as by a lock-in amplifier.

Abstract: A method for the characterizing a fluid containing particles reflecting ultrasounds wherein a sample of fluid placed between two surfaces (5, 6) in a rheometer (1) undergoes stress in order to measure the rheological characteristics of the sample (8) during relative movement of the two surfaces (5,6) in relation to each other. Local ultrasound data relating to the sample (8) deformation is collected by ultrasonic-wave-measuring means (2,3,4). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A symmetrical viscosity sensor for measuring the viscosity of fluids such as transmission oil or engine oil. Torsion oscillators are arranged symmetrically on both sides. The viscosity sensor includes a coupling shaft; a torsion oscillator coupled symmetrically to both ends of the coupling shaft; at least one insulator coupled to a center portion of said coupling shaft; a plurality of oscillation means arranged between each torsion oscillator and the insulator; a signal transmission/reception line for transmitting and receiving a driving and detection signal of said oscillation means; and a control unit for controlling said driving and detection signal via said signal transmission/reception line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing, e.g., identifying or determining, at least one parameter of a fluid moving through a fluid channel using a vibrating wire in contact with the fluid moving through the fluid channel that is clamped under tension. The vibrating wire is actuated by an actuating device capable of displacing the vibrating wire from an initial position. An interpretation element further is utilized to provide a parameter of the fluid moving through the fluid channel based upon data from the vibrating wire following actuation by the actuation element.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a highly sensitive Langevin type quartz sensor which is easy in assembling, is less likely to cause damage to a quartz resonator during the assembly work, and is easy to perform a measurement work. As a specific means to solve the problem, a recess is formed in a quartz holding member made of, for instance, rubber, and an airtight space is formed by holding the quartz resonator with the quartz holding member so as to cover the recess. In the meantime, a hole is provided in a circuit board and a projected portion which projects toward back side of the recess in the quartz holding member is fitted into this hole.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for measuring and detecting properties of a variety of particles or cells in suspension. Properties, such as, for example, velocity of particles, concentration and/or size may be measured according to the methods of the invention. Acoustic energy may be introduced to a focal zone and narrow band interrogating signals may be used. The acoustic energy may cause movement or streaming of the fluid or suspension. The acoustic streaming may allow a Doppler effect measurement without any other source of velocity.

Abstract: The present invention recited a method and apparatus for providing a parameter of a fluid within a fluid channel using a MEMS resonating element in contact with the fluid moving through the fluid channel. Additionally an actuating device associated with the MEMS resonating element is further provided, such that the actuating device can induce motion in the MEMS resonating element. In communication with the MEMS resonating element is an interpretation element capable of calculating a parameter of the fluid moving through the fluid channel based upon data from the MEMS resonating element upon actuation by the actuating device.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one physical or chemical, process variable of a medium and includes at least one mechanically oscillatable unit and at least one driving/receiving unit. The mechanically oscillatable unit includes a tube and an internal oscillator. The tube is connected to a securement unit with an end turned away from the process and the end of the tube turned toward the process is embodied as a free end. The tube surrounds the internal oscillator and the internal oscillator is secured to the end of the tube turned toward the process with an end turned toward the process. The driving/receiving unit excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to oscillate, respectively it receives the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit. The internal oscillator has at least one groove/neck, which determines at least the oscillation frequency of the mechanically oscillatable unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for monitoring the viscoelastic properties, of a liquid film (e.g. coating). The apparatus includes a substrate for supporting a liquid film and a T-bar probe that is partially submerged in the liquid film. The apparatus is designed to be attached to a conventional rheometer equipped with a means for effecting relative movement between the probe and the substrate and means for monitoring the resistance to movement of the probe in contact or partially submerged in the film to obtain a measurement of the solidification properties of the liquid film. This apparatus and method are particularly useful in comparing the effects of film formers, viscosity modifiers, solvents, and minerals on the drying rate of coatings at the early stage of film formation.

Abstract: A process and a device for determining the viscosity of a fluid are proposed. Very simple and accurate determination is enabled in that the magnetic particles in the fluid are set into vibration by a magnetic field which varies over time. A measurement of the amplitude and/or phase of particle vibration is used to determine the viscosity or an associated quantity, such as the coagulation of blood or the glucose content.

Abstract: A rheometer and method of making rheological measurements are disclosed, in which a sample is supported between plates and an alternating movement is applied by a driver, support rod and plate. Force and displacement measurements are taken and the property determined from those measurements. The vibrating signal which is applied is in the form of a frequency sweep signal having a monotonic group delay function. The top plate is provided with a surface which causes a meniscus to form up a side edge of the plate to reduce the spring nature of the sample when the movement is supplied to the sample, and a supporting rod which supports the top plate is preferably formed from a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion so that the gap between the plates is maintained substantially constant if the sample is heated to take measurements at different temperatures.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a fluid composition include placing a mechanical resonator in the fluid composition and oscillating the resonator. The resonator can be a tuning fork resonator having tines oscillated in opposite directions and in opposite phases. A variable frequency input signal can be varied over a predetermined frequency range and oscillate the mechanical resonator at less than 1 MHz. A frequency-dependent resonator response curve can be stored in a computer memory and fitted to a model curve to monitor the fluid. The resonator can be coated with a protective coating. The resonator can be treated with a functionality designed to change a resonance frequency of the resonator after being exposed to a selected target chemical and the resonance frequency monitored to detect presence of the target chemical.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the viscosity of a fluid having a first rigid member extending from a body of semiconductor material and provided with a first conductive path and a second resiliently flexible member provided with a second conductive path and arranged in cantilever fashion over the rigid member. At least one of the conductive paths may be selectively energized to brig about relative movement between the rigid and flexible member. Subsequent deenergization of the path causes the resiliently flexible member to return to its initial position, the rate of return being measured to derive a signal representative of the viscosity. Also described are methods of carrying out the measurement and of fabricating the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, and a sensor for scanning engine oil of a vehicle. An apparatus for scanning engine oil according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an oil property measuring part for measuring physical and chemical properties of engine oil; a driving condition measuring part for measuring a engine driving condition; a control portion where predetermined values about conditions of engine oil according to engine driving conditions are stored as set values, for selecting a set value corresponding to a measured engine driving condition and calculating a result value about a quality of engine oil on the basis of comparison with a measured value determined according to an engine driving condition inputted from the driving condition measuring part and the set value; and an output part for outputting the result.

Abstract: A miniaturized sensor device comprises at least one pair of active projecting elements or cantilevers, which are set parallel to one another and at a micrometric or sub-micrometric distance apart and are designed to be submerged at least partially in a fluid. Each pair comprises a first cantilever, equipped with actuator means, and a second cantilever, equipped with sensor means. The actuator means can cause a movement of the first cantilever, whilst the sensor means can detect a movement of the second cantilever, induced by the movement of the first cantilever, for generating accordingly a measurable signal, which represents the lubricating capacity of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the shear rate at which an acoustic wave device measures viscosity, by utilizing an automatic level control or an automatic gain control circuit to control power input to the sensor as a function of the sensor's output power. Further improvement is provided by measuring the input power and combining the input power and output power measurements, preferably by averaging, to control the input power to the sensor. A method is also provided for characterizing the fluid under test by providing a set of viscosity measurements at various shear rates.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting oil quality. The quality of engine oil can be determined utilizing an acoustic wave sensor to obtain viscosity and corrosivity data associated with the engine oil. The acoustic wave sensor is coated with a material that selectively reacts to at least one type of an acid in order to provide data indicative of the presence of the acids in the engine oil. The etch rate or the corrosivity of the engine oil can be determined based on the frequency data obtained as a result of the frequency measurement utilizing the acoustic wave sensor. The viscosity of the engine oil can additionally be obtained based on a measurement of phase and amplitude obtained from the data utilizing the acoustic wave sensor. The etch rate and the viscosity measurement provide data indicative of the quality of the engine oil.

Abstract: A viscosity and corrosivity sensor apparatus includes a substrate upon which one or more electrodes are configured. The electrode(s) are exposed to a liquid, such as automotive oil. An oscillator can be connected to the electrode, wherein the oscillator assists in providing data indicative of the corrosivity and data indicative of the viscosity of the liquid in contact with the electrode(s). A viscosity and corrosivity sensor is therefore provided in the same package.

Abstract: A vibration meter and a method of measuring a viscosity of a fluid flowing through a pipe are disclosed. The vibration meter comprises meter electronics and a transducer assembly with an electromechanical excitation arrangement and with a flow tube which oscillates in operation. A sensor arrangement produces sensor signals representative of inlet-side and outlet-side deflections of the flow tube. An evaluation circuit derives from said sensor signals and from an excitation current generated by an excitation circuit for the excitation arrangement a viscosity value representative of the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: A method for controlling the shear rate at which an acoustic wave device measures viscosity by calculating the shear rate as a function of the characteristic rate of quartz movement in response to a given input transducer power level and the viscosity of the fluid and then by adjusting the input transducer power level to obtain the desired shear rate for the viscosity measurement by optimizing the power level. Related aspects of the invention provide for methods for characterizing viscoelastic fluids at a plurality of predetermined shear rates using a plurality of optimized power levels, a plurality of sensor designs, or a plurality of both optimized power levels and sensor designs.

Abstract: The viscometer provides a viscosity value (X?) which represents the viscosity of a fluid flowing in a pipe connected thereto. It comprises a vibratory transducer with at least one flow tube for conducting the fluid, which communicates with the pipe. Driven by an excitation assembly, the flow tube is vibrated so that friction forces are produced in the fluid. The viscometer further includes meter electronics which feed an excitation current (iexc) into the excitation assembly. By means of the meter electronics, a first internal intermediate value (X1) is formed, which corresponds with the excitation current (iexc) and thus represents the friction forces acting in the fluid. According to the invention, a second internal intermediate value (X2), representing inhomogeneities in the fluid, is generated in the meter electronics, which then determine the viscosity value (X?) using the two intermediate values (X1, X2).

Abstract: A processing terminal 10 includes a writing implement (ball point pen) 30. The writing implement 30 is provided with a tilt change detecting mechanism for detecting a change in a tilt with respect to a writing implement main body of a lead and a vibration detecting mechanism for detecting the change in the vibration of the vibrated lead at the time of handwriting. The processing terminal 10 produces handwriting motion information based on both of the detected changes in the tilt of the lead and in the vibration. A handwriting identification organization 20 compares handwriting motion information with inherent information stored previously to identify handwriting. Thereby it can achieve high reliability in an authentication system with a simple structure.

Abstract: Fluid flow properties often dictate the performance of processing operations. The present invention relates to a system for evaluating properties of a fluid flowing in a pipe. A test cell (20) which includes two parallel surfaces (5, 6) which are positioned in the flow. One of the surfaces is moveable relative to the other, to a position in close proximity to the other, to create a stagnant flow region between the surfaces. The system further includes a test input device (10) to apply input motion to one of the surfaces, and a test output device (13) to measure output motions from the cell in response to input motions. Furthermore, the system includes a processing device (9) to calculate rheological parameters of the fluid from signals produced from the test input and test output device. There is also a process for evaluating properties of a flowing fluid.