Abstract: The invention proposes a sensor element (5) for detecting a physical measurement variable such as a pressure, a temperature, a capacitance, or a gap width between two bodies (10, 20) that move in relation to each other during operation and experience high tribological stress. In certain areas between the surfaces of the bodies (10, 20) that move in relation to each other, in a surface region of at least one of the bodies (10), a sensitive layer (13, 30), in particular a sensor segment (13), is provided, which is separated from the body (10) by an insulation layer (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an intrusion of an environmental substance into an environmentally sealed electronic components package. The electronic components package generally includes a plastic coated or plastic enclosed electronic component, that includes a printed circuit board and/or integrated circuits. The intrusion of the environmental substance into the electronic components package can be measured by one of a plurality of monitors. The monitors can detect the presence of the environmental substance and alert a user that a break in the seal of the electronic components package has occurred.

Abstract: Supply of a wire electrode, application of a detection voltage, and binarization and sampling of the detection voltage are started, so as to start advance of the wire electrode from the position A toward a workpiece. The position of the wire electrode when a sampling value (low level) is detected for the first time is designated as a position B, and the wire electrode is advanced from this position by a predetermined distance P1, and is stopped at a position C. Retreat of the wire electrode is started from the position C, and a position Q where the sampling value has changed from the high level to the low level is stored as a contact/noncontact boundary position. Further, retreat of the wire electrode is continued, and the wire electrode is stopped at a predetermined separating position D, to thereby finish the processing.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a milk tank. The device is provided with a monitoring unit comprising a computer and a memory for at least temporarily storing data, a thermometer for measuring the temperature of a fluid present in the milk tank, and for supplying to the monitoring unit a temperature signal that is indicative of the measured temperature, and with a meter for measuring an electrical parameter, such as the conductivity, of the fluid present in the milk tank and for supplying to the monitoring unit a parameter signal that is indicative of the measured electrical parameter.

Abstract: A clamping element for the transport of a substrate in a predefined transport direction comprises a first and a second leg with a first and second clamping jaw for clamping a substrate. Each of the two clamping jaws has a clamping plate which is movable in transport direction relative to the corresponding leg. A sensor measures the deflection of the first clamping plate relative to the first leg. As soon as the measured deflection exceeds a predefined threshold value, the clamping element is opened.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultrasonically scanning cylinders are provided. The methods and apparatus employ as few as one ultrasonic sensor for full immersion scanning and defect detection. Self-centering fixturing spins the cylinder, reducing vibration, allowing for fast ultrasonic scans. To create the 45 degree angle beam shear waves for the circumferential scans, the ultrasonic sensor is offset from the centerline of the cylinder, creating the correct angle for excitation of the shear wave.

Abstract: A synthetic wave is obtained which represents the synthesis of a transmitted wave radiated from a sensor and a reflected wave returned from a breathing human body, and the presence or absence of a human in the vehicle is detected from the envelope of the synthetic wave. When the presence of a human is detected continuously for a predetermined length of time, it is determined that a human is present in the vehicle.

Abstract: A NoFoam system which permits the testing of the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle's foam delivery system.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting measurements on the geometry of the suspensions of a motor vehicle, to be applied to a vehicle lift, characterised by comprising on at least one runway (4), in a position corresponding with at least one wheel (12, 4 0), a pair of rollers (20, 22; 50, 52) which substantially do not project from the runway surface when at rest, but can be raised to adhere to said wheel (12, 40) on opposite sides of the region of contact with said runway, said pair of rollers (20, 22; 50, 52) being associated with means (26, 36; 42, 68) for causing them to translate, when raised, along the corresponding runway (4).

Abstract: In evaluating whiteness of light from a light source or a luminaire, whiteness W is given by the following equation,

Abstract: Device for the dynamic measurement of an object's relative position, with respect to a mobile reference system, which comprises an articulated mechanical arm with five degrees of freedom and with five angular position sensors that allow the measurement of the three spatial coordinates of a point on the object and the two inclination angles (&agr; (convergence) and &ggr; (descent)) that define a plane of symmetry for the measuring object with respect to a reference point, said device being particularly applicable to the dynamic measurement of the relative position of a vehicle's wheel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to preventing calibration of a device to exceed the full design travel, for instance, during aggressive operation or play. A limiter is coupled to the rotational sensor to limit the full travel output signal to a fixed and repeatable maximum value no matter how aggressive the operation or play becomes. The limit is desirably set at such a point as normal operation or play will always reach. In this way, the automatic calibration of the device will not exceed the full design travel. In one embodiment, an input device comprises a user manipulable object configured to rotate around a rotational axis relative to a base. A rotational sensor includes a sensor body coupled with a sensor shaft which is rotatable relative to the sensor body around the rotational axis. The sensor shaft is connected with the user manipulable object to rotate with the user manipulable object around the rotational axis.

Abstract: A rotation-sensored rotary connector includes: a rotary connector for electrically connecting an electrical component installed on a steering to a vehicle-body side; and a rotation sensor for detecting a rotational angle of the steering; wherein the rotation sensor includes a rotor to be directly mounted on a steering shaft, and the rotary connector includes a rotor to be rotated in compliance with the rotor of the rotation sensor, thereby allowing to detect the rotational angle of the steering with an excellent precision.

Abstract: A filter soil detecting device includes a chamber provided in communication with an air channel at an air inflow side or outflow side of a filter provided in a pneumatic device. The chamber has a lens and a diaphragm to move toward or away from the lens by pneumatic pressure. The diaphragm has a mark on the surface opposite to the lens. The diaphragm moves toward or away from the lens by pressure variation at the air inflow side or outflow side of the filter, so that the image of the mark seen from the outside of the lens is varied to allow the determination of degree of soiling of the filter.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing the transfer of motion to a subject on a sleeping surface. A mattress is positioned on a frame, and a subject is positioned on the mattress. A sensor is placed in communication with the subject. The surface adjacent the subject is moved by means of a moving mass, and the sensor detects the motion of the subject. Motion transferred to the subject as a result of the mattress moving is measured and recorded.

Abstract: An inspection method is provided which can achieve sufficient reliability of a continuously variable transmission belt without spending much working time. The inspection method of the continuously variable transmission belt assembled through supporting an element laminated body constituted of a number of metal elements on a belt laminated body constituted of a plurality of steel belts comprises: a trial step of trial use with a load applied on the continuously variable transmission belt in the assembled state; a separation step of separating the belt laminated body and the element laminated body from each other after completion of the trial step; and an inspection step of inspecting whether there is any damage on a surface of the steel belt positioned in a first layer of the belt laminated body separated in the separation step.

Abstract: A test measurement of the universal hardness is carried for a fixing belt (20) formed by sequentially coating an elastic layer (22) and a separation layer onto a base element (21), in which case, the universal hardness is determined for each of indentation depths of 1 &mgr;m and 4 &mgr;m from the surface side of the separation layer (23). The fixing belt (20) can be regarded as a standard product, when the universal hardness HU for the indentation depth of 1 &mgr;m satisfies the relation, HU≦30 [N/mm2], and, at the same time, when the universal hardness HU for the indentation depth of 4 &mgr;m satisfies the relation, HU≦12 [N/mm2].

Abstract: A detection method of coating film thickness and an ion implantation equipment using the detection method. The detection method comprises providing on a surface of materials, such as disk (11) of a wafer support on which a coating film comprising a low conductive material, an electrical measurement sensor (18) having a coating film comprising the same material, and detecting thickness change of the coating film on the surface of the materials by irradiation with particle beams in the form of a signal from the sensor (18). The ion implantation equipment comprises an electrical measurement sensor provided on a disk and having a sample piece that forms a coating film of the same material as that of a surface coating of the disk, and means to monitor thickness change of the coating film by sensor signal from the measurement sensor.

Abstract: A model (1) is obtained by dividing a golf ball into meshes. The model (1) comprises a large number of elements (3). An outermost layer of the model is wholly formed by fine elements (3a) . The outermost layer is wholly formed by a fine element region. A number (Na) of divisions in the fine element region is larger than a number (Nb) of divisions on an inner layer in the fine element region. A ratio (Na/Nb) is 1.1 to 15.0. The fine element (3a) and an element (3b) on the inside of the fine element (3a) are tied to each other. A physical property value of the golf ball is analyzed by a finite element method using the model (1).

Abstract: A scanner assembly for dovetail inspection of the wheels of a turbine rotor includes a series of circumferentially pivotally connected links: a motor link, transmission links, an encoder link, an adjustable link, free links and a base link mounting a transducer. The motor link mounts a motor for driving rollers on the transmission links and rotating the scanner assembly about the rotor shaft. The encoder link mounts an encoder for determining the circumferential position of the transducer about the shaft. The adjustable link enables the assembly to be tightened or loosened about the rotor shaft. The free links and base link complete the circular scanner assembly about the shaft. A single scan for a full 360° investigates the plurality of hooks on the side of the wheel opposite the transducer.

Abstract: A sensor device, for diagnosing a processing system, generally includes a support platform and one or more sensors mounted on the support platform. The sensor senses a condition, such as direction or inclination or acceleration in one or two axes, of the sensor device and outputs a signal indicative thereof, which is then sent to a transmitter, also mounted to the support platform, for wireless transmission of the signal to a receiver mounted on or near the processing system. The support platform generally has physical characteristics, such as size, profile height, mass, flexibility and/or strength, substantially similar to those of the substrates that are to be processed in the processing system, so the sensor device can be transferred through the processing system in a manner similar to the manner in which production substrates are transferred through the processing system.

Abstract: A product contact sensor of the type shown and described herein.

Abstract: A standard medical or surgical tool's axis is located by attaching to the tool a plurality of a location indicating elements or markers having a known geometric relationship, and placing the tool in a tool calibrator that supports the tool in a manner that allows tools of different diameters to be rotated while maintaining the tool's axis in a fixed or stable orientation. As the tool is rotated, a marker locating system tracks the positions of the markers on the tool and then extrapolates or determines the axis of rotation with respect to the markers clamped to the tool. The tool calibrator has a second set of position indicating elements or markers with fixed geometric or spatial relationship with one another and with respect to a stop, against which the end or tip of the tool is placed.

Abstract: A shaped charge tubing cutter performance test apparatus and procedure comprises a plurality of test coupons, preferably fabricated from a pipe wall section of the test subject. The coupons are configured with a height greater than the axial length of the shaped charge device and a width greater than the nine wall thickness. These coupons are secured around a circular perimeter with the width plane radiating from the perimeter and the thickness edges in parallel alignment. The circular perimeter diameter corresponds to the shaped charge diameter. A shaped charge cutter is centrally positioned within the coupon encirclement and discharged. Penetration of the cutter plasma into the coupons is measured directly. In variation, the entire assembly is encased, subjected to hydraulic pressure corresponding to a desired well depth and discharged.

Abstract: On a machine tool (1) in which a first element (2) intended to support a machining tool, and a second element (3) intended to support a workpiece, are mutually movable, a special test arrangement (6) may be placed between the first element (2) and the second element (3). During a mutual displacement between the first and second elements, this test arrangement (6) can apply a predetermined force between these elements while at the same time making it possible to record the resulting shift between them. The measured results may be used for analysis of the machmie's condition.

Abstract: A sensor device, for diagnosing a processing system, generally includes a support platform and one or more sensors mounted on the support platform. The sensor senses a condition, such as direction or inclination or acceleration in one or two axes, of the sensor device and outputs a signal indicative thereof, which is then sent to a transmitter, also mounted to the support platform, for wireless transmission of the signal to a receiver mounted on or near the processing system. The support platform generally has physical characteristics, such as size, profile height, mass, flexibility and/or strength, substantially similar to those of the substrates that are to be processed in the processing system, so the sensor device can be transferred through the processing system in a manner similar to the manner in which production substrates are transferred through the processing system.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the normal operation of weighing instruments (X1, X2, and X3) for chicken eggs used in a weight grading apparatus A for chicken eggs has a judging device 12 for monitoring the normal and abnormal operation of the weighing instruments (X1, X2, and X3) depending on whether or not the weight detected by the weighing instruments (X1, X2, and X3) indicates a predetermined state, as well as a display 13 for outputting a result of judgement by the judging device 12.

Abstract: A rotating mechanism 18 according to the present invention is a mechanism for reversibly rotating a chuck top 11, on which a wafer to be inspected is mounted. The rotating mechanism is provided with a linearly driving mechanism 181 arranged on one side of the chuck top 11, a nut 182 which is linearly moved by the linearly driving mechanism, a guide rail 183A for linearly guiding the nut 182, and a link mechanism 184 for coupling the nut 182, which moves along the guide rail 183A, to the chuck top 11.

Abstract: Pneumatic sensing elements are provided on the leading edges of power operated vehicle doors. If an obstruction is encountered on closing the doors, the sensing elements are compressed to cause a pressure increase which is sensed and is used to open the doors. Each time the doors are opened, operation of the system is tested by applying a gas pressure pulse to the system. The pressure pulse is gradually vented through a fixed orifice. The pressure in the system produced by the pressure pulse is sensed and is applied to a controller which compares the pressure pulse information with information for known pulses for a normally operating system and for system failures caused, for example, either by a leak or by a blockage in the system.

Abstract: System, Position Transmitter and a Receiving Device for Reliably Transmitting the Position of a Control Element, and the Use Thereof.

Abstract: A system for carrying out research on a drivable vehicle or a component thereof, comprising: a test stand on which the vehicle or the component can be positioned, which vehicle or which component is provided with at least one sensor for receiving signals from the environment of the said vehicle or of the said component, at least one object which is situated in the vicinity of the test stand, means for generating a relative movement between the test stand and the at least one object, and a control computer for coordinating the relative movement between the test stand and the object.

Abstract: A contraction unit with a contraction tube (10) that extends between two spaced head pieces (11,12) and that contracts in length when pressure builds up on the inside is proposed, which is provided with a position sensor device for detecting the distance between the head pieces (11,12) based on the expansion of an elastic measurement object (16) with the help of an expansion measurement device (18), wherein the measurement object (16) extends between the head pieces (11,12) or in or on the wall of the contraction tube (10).

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an apparatus for testing hydraulic components. The apparatus includes a test fixture for housing a hydraulic component to be tested, a first fluid reservoir containing fluid substantially free of contaminants, contaminant monitoring and pressure monitoring systems for monitoring the respective contaminants at, and the pressure drop across, the inlet and the outlet of the test fixture. The apparatus includes a plurality of second fluid reservoirs. Each second fluid reservoir can contain a slurry consisting of a known volume of fluid mixed with a charge of contaminants of known mass and can discharge this contaminant slurry into the inlet of the test fixture. Each second reservoir can be filled with fluid from the first fluid reservoir. One second reservoir can discharge its contaminant slurry into the inlet of the test fixture while one or more other second reservoirs receives fluid from the first reservoir.

Abstract: A method of testing a switch looks at the second derivative of the resistance force to movement. The second derivative is most indicative of the feel the operator will experience when utilizing the switch. It is desirable to keep the second derivative to a minimum for the switch at locations other than end of travel or detent positions. By investigating the second derivative, one is provided with feedback of areas on the switch that might require further investigation or re-evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting a slip (s) of a belt part of a belt transmission, especially of a CVT transmission, having a transmission rpm ratio (ji).

Abstract: A measuring device for setting up powered wood tools and the like includes an elongated body defining a straight edge adapted to abuttingly support the measuring device on a bed of the wood forming machine adjacent the cutter head of the machine. The measuring device further includes a blade that is movably mounted to the elongated body adjacent an end thereof. The blade has a sharp edge configured to engage a cutter head. The measuring device also includes digital display operably connected to the blade and providing a visual readout corresponding to the position of the blade relative to the straight edge of the elongated body.

Abstract: A throttle-opening detecting apparatus has a case mounted on a handle bar of a vehicle, a throttle grip mounted on a leading end side of the handle bar so as to be rotatable with respect to the handle bar, a throttle-opening sensor incorporated in the case for detecting a rotation angle of the throttle grip and, a friction plate applying a frictional force in an opposite direction with respect to the rotation of the throttle grip to the throttle grip while the throttle grip is rotated so as to provide a throttle-opening detecting apparatus which not only can omit the throttle wire but also can obtain the rotation load of the throttle grip similar to the conventional throttle-opening detecting apparatus to thereby permit execution of the operation of the throttle grip without giving the driver a strange feeling.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method is proposed for determining the rail pressure of an injector having a voltage-controlled piezoelectrical actuator, the piezoelectrical actuator (2) actuating a nozzle needle (11) using hydraulic coupler (4). As a result of the pressure in the high-pressure channel (13), a coupler pressure (Pk) is built up via the hydraulic coupler (4), the coupler pressure inducing a piezovoltage (Ui) in the actuator (2). Because this voltage value is redundant with regard to the pressure value in the high-pressure channel (13), which is measured by a pressure sensor (D), the voltage value can be used for monitoring the functioning of the pressure sensor (D). In the event of the failure of the pressure sensor (D), emergency operation can be built up for the injector (1) with the assistance of the induced voltage (Ui). The injector (1) advantageously functions for injecting fuel in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hybrid stabilization system for isolating a pointing vector of a gimbal from the motion of a vehicle base is provided. The hybrid stabilization control system includes a rate feedback loop generating a rate feedback compensation value in response to a measured rate difference between a pointing vector rate of motion and a vehicle base rate of motion, a rate feedforward loop generating a rate feedforward compensation value in response to a measured inertial vehicle base rate of motion, a position feedback loop generating a position feedback compensation value in response to a measured position difference between a pointing vector angular position and a vehicle base angular position, a position feedforward loop generating a position feedforward compensation value in response to a measured inertial vehicle base angular position.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring anchoring strength of liquid crystal through measurement of magnetic-field-induced torque, which, unlike the strong electric-field method or the like, uses a strong magnetic field, is therefore based on a clear principle, does not require bias correction, and enables measurement for liquid crystal of an arbitrary shape, as well as a measurement system for the measuring method.

Abstract: Dynamic force measurement methods and systems for measuring forces applied to a structure by use of accelerometers attached to masses of the structure supported by one or more load cells. A load cell signal is combined with a summation of the accelerometer readings multiplied by the corresponding attached masses to produce a measurement of a force applied to the structure. An unknown applied force f(t) is determined by summing the load cell measured force with all other forces that exist between the load cell and the unknown force. The methods and systems can be employed in any type of load or force measuring machine or device.

Abstract: Provided is a modified configuration that permits operation of instrumentation onboard platforms that may experience severe environmental conditions. The instrumentation permits autonomous acquisition of performance data. Acquired data may be recorded for later playback as well as provided to the platform's operator in real time in multiple formats, such as warning lights, digital displays, video, or audio. An application would be for sensor systems used on an automobile to record performance data, providing a warning when routine maintenance is due or a catastrophic failure is imminent. A specific application uses a flight-certified missile launcher pod on an F/A-18 aircraft, as incorporated in the aircraft's wingtip and modified to hold instrumentation conforming, at least in part, to the launcher pod's internal dimensions.

Abstract: A component position indicating system which provides an indication when a first component is at the same position relative to a second component as it was at some historical reference time has a cable (11) fixed to the first component and a sheath (6) which surrounds part of the cable (11) and is connected to the second component. In this way relative movement between the first and second components produces movement of the cable within the sheath. One end of the cable (6) is wound around a cable drum (7) which is freely rotatably mounted in a chassis (2) such that movement of the cable (11) within the sheath (6) causes cable to wind onto or off of the drum (7), causing rotation of the drum (7) in the process. Sensing means senses the resulting movement of the drum (7) and records an output characteristic indicative of the position of the drum (7) relative to the chassis (2) so as to enable a particular relative position between said first and second components to be identified and accurately reproduced.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the unlatching torque of a cassette pod door in order to determine whether a cassette pod door is completely unlatched by latch keys of a door opener in a loadport. When a failure of unlatching operation is indicated, the apparatus reverses the rotational direction of the DC motor and thus, turning the latch keys in an opposite direction to re-latch the cassette pod door onto the cassette pod so that the pod can be securely removed from the loadport without danger of accidental opening of the door.

Abstract: A support system for ground vibration testing of a large flexible structure. The system includes a plurality of light weight lifting mechanisms that impart an upward force sufficient to lift the flexible structure off the ground. The system also includes a plurality of lift beams coupled to the lifting mechanisms in a pendulous manner. Each lift beam attaches to the flexible structure at one of a plurality of designated jack points, and lifts the flexible structure off the ground when the upward force is imparted by the lifting mechanisms. Thus, the flexible structure is thereby pendulously suspending above the ground such that rigid body mode test data is decoupled from first flexible mode test data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for attenuating magnetic interference in a test room (1, 2, 8, 9) equipped with a shield of ferromagnetic material, in which method the interfering magnetic field is measured and a compensating field is generated on the basis of the measurement result. According to the invention, the interfering field to be measured is resolved in three magnetic field components oriented in different directions, each one of said magnetic field components (x, y, z) is measured with the help of coils (3, 4, 5, 6) wound about the wall elements (1, 2, 8, 9) made from said ferromagnetic material in a manner wherein a flux component passing through at least one of the wall element (1, 2, 8, 9) made from said ferromagnetic material that is oriented parallel to one of said magnetic field components (x, y, z) is measured with the help of coils wound about said wall element.

Abstract: Method for determining a grease condition in a bearing (10), comprising the steps of measuring at least one operational parameter of the bearing (10) and determining the grease condition by inputting the measured at least one operational parameter into a model. The model interrelates the at least one operational parameter and the grease condition for a specific combination of a predetermined type of grease and a predetermined type of bearing (10). The present invention also relates to a bearing (10) provided with a processing unit (13) and at least one sensor (11, 12), in which the processing unit (13) implements the present method.

Abstract: Two groups of test weights are stacked on a horizontal base frame transported to an aligned position underlying a crane to be tested for loading capacity. Such base frame is loaded with the test weights stacked thereon after assembly into a test apparatus by removable attachment through intermediate lift beams to an upper main lift beam through which such loading is transmitted directly to the crane.

Abstract: Personal watercraft to be test is set in a water tank. Water flow guide plate is positioned, rearward of the stern of the watercraft, for guiding a water jet from the watercraft to make a U-turn toward a front portion of the watercraft. Vertical partition plate is positioned, centrally of the width of an underwater portion of the tank, for directing the water jet to horizontally circulate around the partition plate. In another example, water flow guide plates are provided, at four corners of the underwater portion, for sequentially guiding the water jet from the watercraft to form a vertical circular water flow, and a horizontal partition plate is provided, centrally of the height of the underwater portion, for directing the water jet to vertically circulate around the partition plate.

Abstract: In a light-emitting-diode lamp, there is provided an input impedance-changing circuit for establishing a low input impedance circuit when the light-emitting-diode lamp is missingline turned off. This input impedance-changing circuiting comprises Shunt circuit section, and a detector circuit section. The shunt circuit section includes a low impedance element and a controllable switching device connected in series. The detector circuit section detects turning off of the light-emitting-diode lamp and, in response to such detection, close the switching device to thereby cause electric current to flow through the shunt circuit section in order to simulate lower input impedance of the light-emitting-diode lamp. When the light-emitting-diode lamp replaces a conventional traffic signal incandescent lamp, the input impedance-changing circuitry prevents the conflict monitor of the already installed traffic-light lamp system to detect a high lamp impedance and accordingly a faulty lamp.