Abstract: Packaging machine and discharging device for a packaging machine, and a method for filling bags by means of a packaging machine, wherein a bag to be filled is filled by means of a filling element and the filled bags are taken off by means of a bag take-off device and transferred to a discharging device. The discharging device comprises a conveying device for conveying off the bags filled with bulk goods, wherein at least one monitoring device for monitoring the tightness of the filled bags is provided which is associated with the conveying device. Said monitoring device comprises a weight sensor which captures a measure for the bulk material escaping from a bag to determine a parameter for the bag leakiness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status of a steam trap include a device for sensing a process condition of the steam trap and a device for processing the sensed condition. The apparatus can include a processor positioned on a steam trap. The connection of the monitoring device to the steam trap can be to the trap itself or to an adjacent pipe or other apparatus.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting defects in a tubular string while positioned in the well includes a sensor tool (10) comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced sensors (40) arranged in two or more axially spaced rows. A plurality of sensors are positioned in each row, with each sensor positioned on one of a plurality of sensor support pads. Sensors within a row may include sensors with axes inclined at different angles, and each of the plurality of sensor pads may move from a radially retracted run-in position to a radially extended sensing position. A flexible line (50) may be used for lowering a sensor tool in the well and retrieving the sensor tool from the well.

Abstract: Described are devices for retaining a nonporous substrate, as well as methods for their use, the devices comprising a housing for receiving the nonporous substrate, a removable well insert attached to the housing and adjacently coplanar to the substrate, the well insert having at least one opening that, together with the substrate, defines a well, and means for exerting a force against the substrate such that the substrate engages the well insert with sufficient force to attain a fluid-tight seal in the well.

Abstract: A device and related method for monitoring, detecting and/or controlling pests such as rodents and insects, including termites, are disclosed which comprises: (a) encouraging a first characteristic behavior by the pests that is indicative of the presence of one or more of the pests; (b) discouraging a second characteristic behavior by the pests that at least partially interferes with detection of the first characteristic behavior; and (c) observing, detecting or sensing an occurrence of the first characteristic behavior by one or more of the pests. In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one photonic device; a light conductive assembly in optical association with the at least one photonic device, the assembly comprising first and second spaced apart components having first and second opposed light transmitting surfaces forming between them a spatial region adapted to contain a pest bait member comprised of one or more materials susceptible to consumption or displacement by the pests.

Abstract: An impact elastic wave test is conducted to measure propagating waves in a pipe to be examined, a frequency spectrum of the propagating waves is analyzed, and at least a spectral area value in a first frequency region and a spectral area value in a second frequency region of the frequency spectrum are evaluated, thereby determining a type of a deteriorated state of the buried pipe.

Abstract: In a method and a device for testing a weld seam (8), located on the inner surface of a reactor pressure vessel (2), by which the outer circumference of an instrumentation nozzle (4) leading into the interior of this reactor pressure vessel (2) is welded onto the reactor pressure vessel (2), an ultrasound test probe (20) with a linear ultrasound transducer array (30) is inserted into the instrumentation nozzle (4), which ultrasound transducer array (30) is parallel to the central axis (12) of the instrumentation nozzle (4) in terms of its longitudinal direction, and is used to couple a transmitted ultrasound signal (S) into the instrumentation nozzle (4) in the region of the weld seam (8) and to receive a reflected ultrasound signal (R).

Abstract: A substrate inspection device includes a substrate rotating device for holding a substrate on a holding surface and causing rotation, a disk having a disk body rotatably supported on a base and three lift cams fixed to an upper side of the disk body and formed with cam faces that are inclined surfaces inclined in the rotational direction, and a lifter having a lifter body with a support surface on which the substrate is mounted and guiding in the vertical direction and lifter driven sections respectively projecting to and fixed to a lower side of the lifter body, where lower sides of the lifter driven sections respectively contact the cam faces in a sliding manner at contact points, and if the contact points are moved to an upper side of the inclined surfaces the support surface becomes higher than the holding surface.

Abstract: A remotely controlled unit providing three degrees of actuation (rotational, perpendicular to a long axis, parallel to a long axis) of a variety of attachments to assist in the inspection, measurement, lining, and repair of pipe lines. The degrees of actuation are accomplished using a hydraulic system having a hydraulic pump, reservoir, solenoid actuated automatic valves, pistons, and cylinders inside the body of the unit. The components are designed to operate in a partially to fully submersed environment. The unit has an on board camera system that allows an operator the ability to monitor the attachments. In addition to the degrees of actuation, the unit carries a hydraulic clamp that secures the robot in the pipe during its various operations. The unit is controlled and cameras viewed through a control cable that connects the unit to an above ground control station consisting of micro control boards controlled by a CPU.

Abstract: An inspection head for an air gap inspection device. The inspection head may include a pair of expandable shoes, an inspection device attached to the pair of shoes, and a transducer assembly attached to one of the pair of shoes.

Abstract: A testing device for roller coaster tracks has a carriage adapted to move along tracks of a roller coaster and at least one multi-axis robot mounted on the carriage. The robot has at least one testing element. The at least one robot has at least six axes and is rotatably supported on the carriage on an axis that is transverse to a plane of the tracks.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring shapes of both sides of a plate, a measuring apparatus body includes a reference plane of a longitudinal surface plate disposed in an almost vertical state at one end on a metallic bed, a holding mechanism for holding a plate to be measured in almost parallel therewith, and a displacement gauge scanning column. The displacement gauge scanning column includes a first air slide for mounting a first (second) displacement gauge and a second air slide for mounting a third displacement gauge, and is moved in a horizontal axis direction along a pair of V grooves. Moreover, the first (second) air slide is moved in a vertical axis direction. A shape of one of plate surfaces of the plate to be measured is measured by the scan of the first (second) displacement gauge, and at the same time, a shape of the other surface of the plate surface is measured by the scan of the third displacement gauge.

Abstract: A sensor producing apparatus comprised of an extractor for extracting a nano fiber from a solution and a driving device to relatively move the substrate and the extractor, a method for forming a sensor, and a sensor with a nano structure are provided.

Abstract: To provide a filter test apparatus that can easily and efficiently test parallel filters in a clean room, a plurality of filters for purifying air supplied into the room are disposed in parallel, and a moving frame oriented along the exit surfaces of a filter group is disposed in the clean room, in which the exit surfaces of the filter group are used as the ceiling surfaces or side surfaces of the room, so as to allow movement in the direction along the exit surfaces of the filter group in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the moving frame. The moving frame is disposed so as to span opposing room walls and in a position near the exit surfaces of the filter group in the room. A filter test device is movably mounted on the moving frame in the longitudinal direction of the moving frame.

Abstract: A shaped-seal for sealing an annular gap between an outer peripheral wall and an inner peripheral wall against a medium, including: an elastic, radially clampable, annular sealing element having an annular, radially outer, sealing surface for contacting the outer peripheral wall, an annular, radially inner, sealing surface for contacting the inner peripheral wall, an annular, media-side, ceiling surface, which extends between the radially outer, sealing surface and the radially inner, sealing surface, an annular base surface, which extends on the side facing away from the ceiling surface, between the outer sealing surface and the inner sealing surface, and at least one annular cavity in the base surface for accommodating an anchoring ring, wherein the cavity has at least one undercut.

Abstract: The instant application relates to an X-ray sensitive battery separator for a secondary lithium battery and a method for detecting the position of a separator in a secondary lithium battery. The X-ray sensitive battery separator includes a microporous membrane having an X-ray detectable element. The X-ray detectable element constitutes less than 0.1% by weight of the microporous membrane. The method for detecting the position of a separator in a battery includes the following steps: (1) providing a battery including an X-ray sensitive battery separator; (2) subjecting the battery to X-ray radiation; and (3) thereby detecting the position of said separator in said battery.

Abstract: In a method for the processing of fish, poultry or other meat products being conveyed in a plurality along a processing line (10), components which are to be excluded from consumption are separated and edible products (7) obtained as a result for consumption are checked with an automatic inspection device (3) for residues left behind. Separation takes place in such a way that, in the case of a number of edible products (7), minimised residues of at least one kind are deliberately permitted and induced for further processing of the edible products, in particular to optimise the edible product recovery. The automatic inspection device (3) is adjusted to detect the minimised tolerance residues, and inspected edible products (71, 72) with and without the tolerance residues are separated from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device of inspection of a rolled band, wherein a band sample (M) is inspected on a first face then turned over for the inspection of a second face. According to the invention, by running parallel to its longitudinal axis, the band sample (M) is brought between two spaced apart grips (6, 6?) (7, 7?) which are clamped respectively on each transversal end (M1, M2) of the sample (M), both grips (6, 6?) (7, 7?) are spaced apart longitudinally from one another so as to stretch the sample for visual inspection of a first face, then the sample is turned over, by simultaneous rotation of both grips (6, 6?) (7, 7?) around the longitudinal axis O, while holding the tension applied, so as to proceed to the inspection of the second face, such tension being sufficient to conduct the inspection without the sample contacting a table. The invention enables, in particular, the inspection of a band at the exit of a continuous rolling line.

Abstract: A foreign matter detecting method of detecting foreign matter attached to a peripheral edge of a substrate, which makes it possible to accurately detect foreign matter attached to the peripheral edge of the substrate even if the foreign matter is of a minute size below the detection limit of an existing measuring instrument, and which is highly versatile and suitable for mass production of substrates. The substrate is cooled to condense moisture around the foreign matter attached to the peripheral edge of the substrate, and then the condensed moisture is iced to grow an ice crystal. Then, the foreign matter attached to the peripheral edge of the substrate, which is emphasized by the ice crystal, is detected.

Abstract: There is provided a container for transporting objects. The container has an interior to hold at least one object. An exemplary container comprises an inner box and an outer box. The exemplary container also comprises at least one sensor for detecting measured data relating to the object, the at least one sensor being located between the inner box and the outer box. The exemplary container additionally comprises at least one transponder connected to the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A base unit for integrating an imaging device, such as an atomic force microscope, and a manipulation device, such as a nano-manipulator. The integration of the two devices permits one device to perform both imaging and manipulation simultaneously. The simultaneous execution of these two tasks increases the rate at which experiments can be conducted, thereby improving the throughput of the device. Also, the simultaneous execution of these two tasks allows imaging during manipulation, which may be desirable or beneficial in some circumstances.

Abstract: Techniques for bisecting a symmetric, substantially transmissive two-port network (a THRU structure) through an optimization solution of the relevant equations defined by transmission matrix mathematics are described. Bisect de-embedding may be performed using a single substantially symmetric THRU structure, a first half of a first substantially symmetric THRU structure and a second half of a second substantially symmetric THRU structure, and by combining bisect de-embedding with conventionally known de-embedding techniques.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for testing batches of tips for pipettes, the method comprising the steps of calibrating a pipette to be tested with a recommended reference tip, fitting the pipette with a tip to be tested and performing a second calibration and recalibrating the pipette with the reference tip.

Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting a processing accuracy of a work piece is provided. The inspection system includes a supporting mechanism which supports the work piece in a same posture as a posture in which the work piece is assembled to a body; a load reproduction device which applies a load to the work piece along a substantially vertical direction; and a measurement device which measures positions of at least one characteristic portion of the work piece while the load is being applied to the work piece.

Abstract: A printed wiring board including a rigid multilayer board, a first substrate having multiple conductors, and a second substrate having multiple conductors electrically connected to the conductors of the first substrate. The conductors of the second substrate have an existing density which is set higher than an existing density of the conductors of the first substrate, and the first substrate and/or the second substrate is embedded in the rigid multilayer board.

Abstract: A testing method and apparatus for determining whether surgical cartridges have excess drivers. A blade is disposed in the slots of the cartridge and displaced while it contacts the floor of the slot. If an excess driver is encountered, the blade is displaced away from the floor and this movement is detected, preferably by an electronic sensor. The apparatus includes a base plate to which a carriage is mounted, either directly or through other structural members. The carriage is configured to slide along a pair of parallel shafts, and is driven by a pneumatic ram or other linear prime mover. A tooling plate is moveably mounted to the carriage, and the blade is mounted to the tooling plate. Movement by the blade due to excess drivers results in movement by the tooling plate relative to the carriage, which is detected and recorded, such as by a computer.

Abstract: An inspecting device with an identification function is provided to identify and analyze different types of test specimens. (The test specimens include information to be measured and/or identification information.) In order to enable the inspecting device to identify the test specimen, an appropriate electrode pattern corresponding to an electrode in a specimen connection port of the inspecting device is arranged on one end of the test specimen. During a process of inserting the test specimen from an open end of the specimen connection port to reach a bottom end thereof, a logic change based on the electrode pattern detected by the connection port is utilized to identify the type of the specimen or read the information to be measured. A method for identifying different types of test specimens and a multifunctional test specimen is also provided.

Abstract: The invention offers an anisotropic electroconductive sheet suitable for connecting with pin electrodes of a through-hole-mounting type. The sheet has electrical conductivity in the direction of thickness. The sheet comprises a base film formed using a porous film (1) that is made of synthetic resin and that has electrically insulating property. The porous film (1) is provided with a plurality of holes (3) that are formed in the direction of thickness so that pin electrodes (2) can be through-hole-mounted. The inner walls of the holes (3) are coated with metals (4). The inserted pin electrodes (2) become electrically continuous, through the metals (4), with the surface opposite to the surface from which the pin electrodes (2) are inserted.

Abstract: One provides (101) a plurality of one-way degassing valves (202) that are to be installed on corresponding containers and places (102) a viscous liquid (such as silicon oil) (205) in each of the plurality of one-way degassing valves to provide a corresponding plurality of installable one-way degassing valves (208). These teachings then provide for automatically and non-destructively determining (103), prior to installation of these valves on the corresponding containers, whether the viscous liquid has been properly placed. By one approach, this can comprise using a captured image (210) of at least a portion of each such one-way degassing valve to make this determination.

Abstract: A flaw Z with a long probing length inside a probing target is allowed to be probed. The waves other than the probing target waves are removed or reduced, so that the individual difference in the sizing result due to the ability of the measuring personnel is eliminated to improve the precision of the probing. A transmission probe 31 and a receiving probe 32 for transmitting and receiving a wide band ultrasonic wave are included. Each time the positions of the probes 31 and 32 are moved, a received wave Gj(t) is obtained. From a spectrum Fj(f) corresponding to the received wave Gj(t), a narrowband spectrum FAj(f) is extracted. A component wave GAj(t) corresponding to the narrow band spectrum FAj(f) is obtained by inverse Fourier transformation. The component wave GAj(t) is provided for a comparative display using a predetermined sizing coefficient.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) including: (a) a group definition module adapted to accept a user input defining groups; (b) a data receiver operable to receive a plurality of individual measurement input datum indicative of status of a substrate; (c) a grouping module configured to assign each of said individual measurement input datum to one of said groups to produce grouped data; and (d) an output module adapted to output the grouped data.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring system including at least one underwater measurement device and a transmitter for transmitting data from the measurement device to an above water station using a magnetically coupled antenna.

Abstract: Robotic external pipeline crawler system employs the use of logic control to provide a system capable of constantly and accurately maintaining a position at the vertex of the pipe. This apex positioning can be maintained as it traverses the length of the pipe being inspected. This system is adaptable to both straight and curved pipe, multiple pipe diameters, and will substantially reduce set up time and vertical pipeline support crossing time. The crawler system also employs an advanced bracketry system which allows quick disconnecting and auxiliary powered movement allowing for decreased cycle time across pipe supports. The unique tire interface allows for additional surface area contact making extreme environmental conditions possible.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimal inspection schedule for a structure is described. The method includes determining a crack size distribution table for the structure, determining a plurality of risk values, each risk value for a different estimated usage hours of the structure and based on said crack size distribution table, estimating a first inspection interval based on a predetermined risk value threshold, and determining a second inspection interval based on analyzing the rate of increase of risk value and probability of detection of a crack in said first inspection interval.

Abstract: An inspection assembly adapted to traverse an inspection surface, the assembly includes: a crawler body including a first side and a bottom side, wherein the first side is adapted to face a first inspection surface and the bottom side is adapted to engage a second inspection surface separated from the first inspection surface by a gap; a suction module in the crawler body adapted to create a suction between the first inspection surface to bias the crawler body against the first inspection surface; at least one roller mounted in the crawler body adapted to engage the first inspection surface, and at least one mast having a mount to receive a sensor, wherein said mast extendable from the crawler body into the gap.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system comprising an integrated sensor for measurement of permeate flow and permeate conductivity of individual membrane elements while they are in operation in an RO unit. The flow and conductivity measuring integrated sensor is of a small size that enables it to be inserted into the permeate tube of connected membrane elements during RO unit operation. Measured flow and conductivity information is transferred to the recording device through electric wires or through wireless transmission.

Abstract: A metal element inspection device comprising a conveying portion for sequentially transporting a plurality of metal elements, wherein a flank side recessed part formed in a metal element for a Continuously Variable Transmission belt is placed on a rail and travels along that rail; and an inspection rod inserted in noncontact with an opposite side recessed part of that metal element in the conveying state. The inspection device inspects for the existence of foreign matter being present as a result of interference by an uplifted portion of a metal element from the rail due to foreign matter lodged between a flank side recessed part of a metal element and the inspection rod, or interference by foreign matter lodged between an opposite side recessed part of that metal element and the inspection rod.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a turbine nozzle segment includes positioning the turbine nozzle segment on a base of a tool, with the outer forward face and the inner forward face of the turbine nozzle segment contacting a surface of the base. The outer wall is positioned between a first pedestal outer stand and a second pedestal outer stand of the tool, and the inner wall is positioned between a first pedestal inner stand and a second pedestal inner stand of the tool. At least one of a position, a depth and a width of a seal slot formed in a side edge of the outer wall and/or the inner wall is measured. At least one axial dimension of the turbine nozzle segment and at least one radial dimension of the turbine nozzle segment are measured.

Abstract: A missing hole detector to detect a missing or misplaced hole in a (e.g., sheet metal) workpiece. The missing hole detector is preferably located at a punching station within the upper turret of a CNC punch press. A pushing force generated during the downstroke of a ram causes a test probe of the missing hole detector to move towards the workpiece under test. A switching circuit connected to a transmitter is responsive to the movement of the test probe. If the test probe is moved into a hole so as to penetrate the workpiece, the switching circuit is opened and the transmitter is disabled. If the test probe is otherwise moved into contact with but fails to penetrate the workpiece because a hole is absent or misplaced, the switching circuit is closed and the transmitter is energized. The transmitter now transmits a stream of data by way of an RF wireless communication path to a receiver.

Abstract: A method for assessing metal vapor arcing risk for a component is provided. The method comprises acquiring a current variable value associated with an operation of the component; comparing the current variable value with a threshold value for the variable; evaluating compared variable data to determine the metal vapor arcing risk in the component; and generating a risk assessment status for the component.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: An in-line inspection tool comprising a sensor suite, a processor processing the signal generated by at least one sensor of the sensor suite, and a canister housing the processor is disclosed. The canister may comprise a canister body formed as a hollow cylinder extending along a central axis from a first end to a second end. The canister may further comprise a canister lid inserted within the first end of the canister body. An alignment mechanism may prevent rotation of the canister lid with respect to the canister body about the central axis. A retaining ring may threadedly engage the first end of the canister body to maintain the canister lid within the first end of the canister body.

Abstract: A method controls a welding apparatus by using a neural network to recognize an acceptable weld signature. The neural network recognizes a pattern presented by the instantaneous weld signature, and modifies the instantaneous weld signature when the pattern is not acceptable. The method measures a welding voltage, current, and wire feed speed (WFS), and trains the neural network using the instantaneous weld signature when the instantaneous weld signature is different from each of the different training weld signatures. A welding apparatus for controlling a welding process includes a welding gun, a power supply for supplying a welding voltage and current, and a sensor for detecting values of a plurality of different welding process variables. A controller of the apparatus has a neural network for receiving the welding process variables and for recognizing a pattern in the weld signature. The controller modifies the weld signature when the pattern is not recognized.

Abstract: A method monitors a weld signature of a welding apparatus by processing the signature through a neural network to recognize a pattern, and by classifying the weld signature in response to the pattern. The method determines if the weld signature is sufficiently different from training weld signatures stored in a database, and records the weld signature in the database when sufficiently different. The method tests a weld joint to determine values of different weld joint properties, and then correlates the signature with the weld data to validate the database. An apparatus monitors a weld signature during a welding process to predict welding joint quality, and includes a welding gun, a power supply, and a sensor for detecting welding voltage, current, and wire feed speed (WFS). A neural network receives the welding process values and classifies the signature into different weld classifications each corresponding to a predicted welding joint quality.

Abstract: Provided is a device for use in locating the origin of a phenomenon of interest, including a sensor capable of detecting the presence of the phenomenon of interest and generating a detection signal in response thereto. The device also includes a phenomenon origin locator to monitor the detection signal and project light toward the origin when the detection signal satisfies a selected criteria level, thereby indicating the origin of the phenomenon of interest.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a wafer and a system. The system includes: a chuck; and a robot that includes a movable element connected to a detachable adaptor selected from a group of diced wafer detachable adaptors and non-diced wafer detachable adaptors; wherein a diced wafer detachable adaptor is shaped such to partially surround the diced wafer and comprises at least one vacuum groove adapted to apply vacuum on a tape that supports the diced wafer; and wherein the robot is adapted to fetch the wafer from a cassette and to place the wafer on the chuck.

Abstract: An input device that inputs a failure signal of a flat panel display in which a failure is found in a process of inspecting flat panel displays of a mother substrate state is provided. The input device includes an input unit that is positioned in the front of a mother substrate and spaced apart from the mother substrate and that has a plurality of labels in which a kind of a failure is written and at least one selection button to generate a failure selection signal, a guide unit that includes a first guide rail that guides horizontal movement of the input unit and a second guide rail that guides vertical movement of the input unit, a position detector that detects a position of the input unit to generate a position signal, and a controller that receives a failure selection signal from the input unit and receives a position signal from the position detector to map failure information of the mother substrate.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a heat exchanger for pressure resistance. The heat exchanger includes plural hollow refrigerant channel portions arranged in parallel and each having joints inside thereof, air passing clearances between respective adjacent pairs of refrigerant channel portions, and fins in the respective air passing clearances. The heat exchanger interior is pressurized, irradiated with light from one side, and a monochromatic image of the exchanger is captured by CCD cameras from the other side before and after the pressurization. Each image is divided into dots, luminance data of the dots of each image is converted into binary data items of white areas and black areas with reference to a threshold value, and the number of black areas is counted. The pressure resistance of the heat exchanger is judged based on an increase in the number of black areas after pressurization from the number of black areas before pressurization.

Abstract: An air gap inspection device. The air gap inspection device may include a substantially rigid rail, a cart positioned on the rail, a drive system for maneuvering the cart along the rail, and an inspection head positioned on the cart.

Abstract: Fluid permeation testing involves filling a first cavity of a test cell with a test fluid and filling a second cavity of the test cell with a challenge fluid. The challenge fluid comprises at least one analyte useful for testing permeation of the challenge fluid through a test film that separates the first and second cavities. Samples of the test fluid in the first cavity are introduced to a mass spectrometer, such as in a pulsed manner, without substantially changing the total pressure in first cavity. Samples of the test fluid in the first cavity may be introduced to the mass spectrometer while maintaining substantially balanced total pressures in the first and second cavities.