Abstract: A method and apparatus (40) for testing an occupant position sensing system (12) of a vehicle (10) includes a motor (42) having a stationary portion (44) and a movable portion (46). A test object (90) is fixed relative to the movable portion (46) of the motor (42). A motor position sensor (64) senses a position of the movable portion (46) of the motor (42) relative to the stationary portion (44) and for providing a motor position signal indicative thereof. Motor drive electronics (58) are responsive to the motor position signal for controlling the motor (42) for moving the test object (90). A data recorder (80) is adapted to receive and record data from the occupant position sensing system (12) and is adapted to receive and record the motor position signal provided by the motor position sensor (64).

Abstract: A method of automatically configuring an Advanced Process Control (APC) system for a semiconductor manufacturing environment in which an auto-configuration script is generated for executing an auto-configuration program. The auto-configuration script activates default values for input to the auto-configuration program. The auto-configuration script is executed to generate an enabled parameter file output from the auto-configuration program. The enabled parameter file identifies parameters for statistical process control (SPC) chart generation.

Abstract: A valve testing device and method for determining whether a fluid control valve, such as an automatic transmission valve, is operating acceptably. The device and method of the present invention passes pressurized fluid through the valve and to a flow measuring means where the flow rate of fluid through the valve can be measured. Because contamination within such a valve can contribute to unacceptable flow rate measurements, the device and method of the present invention can also pass purge fluid through the valve in a direction that is opposite to the normal flow of working fluid through the valve.

Abstract: An instrument mounting system for repeatable field testing of equipment or other test object, comprising a frame and an inner surface defined at least in part by the frame. Exactly three object contact points are disposed upon the inner surface, the three object contact points defining a plane.

Abstract: A method of simulating life of a rotor blade mounting feature mounted in a complementary rotor disc mounting feature comprises the steps of providing two specimen mounting features (37) each having portions defining pressure faces matching in profile respective faces of the rotor blade mounting feature; providing a fixture (38) having two opposed mounting features (39) each having portions defining pressure faces (78) matching in profile respective faces of the rotor disc mounting feature; mounting the specimen mounting features (37) in the fixture mounting features (39); applying a first load to the specimen mounting features (37); measuring a strain in a region (86) of the fixture (38) between the fixture mounting features (39); applying a second load to the fixture (38), the second load being substantially perpendicular to the first load; and controlling the second load in response to the measured strain. A high cycle load may simultaneously be applied to the specimen mounting features (37).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for testing attachment features (26,28,30,32) of components (12,14) comprises a first member (16) having a first end (18), a second end (20), a first edge (22) and a second edge (24). The first edge (22) has a first firtree slot (26) to receive a first component (12) and the second edge (24) has a second firtree slot (28) to receive a second component (14). The first component (12) has a firtree attachment feature (30) to fit the first slot (26) and the second component (14) has a firtree attachment feature (32) to fit the second slot (28). The first end (18) of the first member (16) has flanges (34,36) extending laterally and the second end (20) of the first member (16) has flanges (38,40) extending laterally such that the first member (16) is substantially H-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: A rotation angle sensor includes: (a) a multi-resolver housing with a high precision structure; (b) stator terminals that do not cause deformation or loosening of terminal pins from the substrates to which they are attached; and (3) a signal line connection structure that is not affected by thermal stress. The housing (10) includes divisional housings (10a, 10b), and one resolver is installed in each of the divisional housings (10a, 10b). The divisional housings (10a, 10b) are assembled by aligning respective openings therein in an axial direction. The lead lines of stator windings are connected to printed circuit substrates (51) installed on insulators (20a, 20b), and pins (54) connect the printed circuit substrates (51) to a connecting signal output line via flexible connectors (61, 64).

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and method can use an eddy current monitoring system and an optical monitoring system. Signals from the monitoring systems can be combined on an output line and extracted by a computer. A thickness of a polishing pad can be calculated. The eddy current monitoring system and optical monitoring system can measure substantially the same location on the substrate.

Abstract: A position sensor monitors relatively fast moving objects with signal conditioning for reduced power and reduced wiring. A transducer and related circuitry generate a dynamic signal proportional to a position of a moving object and also generate one or more low frequency or static (DC or zero frequency) error signals. The low or zero frequency error signals are removed and a position signal is generated using only two connections to a remote sensor monitor, thus allowing ease in multiplexing and reduced wiring.

Abstract: A fault diagnosis section activates a driving component alone, measures an operation state signal and a paper passage time, and stores feature values (Vm, ov, Tqs, ots) extracted as a determination reference in a storage medium. A paper passage fault determination section determines whether or not a fault has arisen on the basis of the paper passage time when an apparatus is under normal operating conditions. A diagnosis target block determination section determines an order to operate a detail fault diagnosis when it is determined that there is a plurality of diagnosis target blocks.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for controlling writing instruments, in particular ball-point pens, on paper, which consists in guiding the writing instrument relative to the paper plane in a repeated movement and displacing the paper in forward direction. The movement are thus coordinated so that the line obtained forms a meandering pattern which consists in rectilinear trajectories. The invention also concerns the device for implementing said method.

Abstract: System events preceding occurrence of a problem are likely to be similar to events preceding occurrence of the same problem at other times or on other systems. Thus, the cause of a problem may be identified by comparing a trace of events preceding occurrence of the problem with previously diagnosed traces. Traces of events preceding occurrences of a problem arising from a known cause are reduced to a series of descriptive elements. These elements are aligned to correlate differently timed but otherwise similar traces of events, converted into symbolic representations, and archived. A trace of events leading to an undiagnosed a problem similarly is converted to a symbolic representation. The representation of the undiagnosed trace is then compared to the archived representations to identify a similar archived representation. The cause of the similar archived representation is presented as a diagnosis of the problem.

Abstract: A test system is provided for simulating pre-tensioner systems that use pyrotechnic gas generators. In a preferred form, the test system includes a pneumatic cylinder energized by pressurized air from an accumulator and passing through a fast acting ball valve. A substantially linear relationship is established between accumulator pressure and the time rate of change of acceleration of a piston in the pneumatic cylinder. Use of the test system allows improved evaluation of seat belt systems employing pre-tensioners with pyrotechnic gas generators.

Abstract: A method of testing a system including a plurality of modules, each of which in use, produces from an air supply, a product gas which is one of oxygen gas and oxygen enriched gas, the method including providing to an inlet to at least one of the modules, when the module is not in use, a restricted air supply, and at an outlet of the module, sensing at least one of the oxygen concentration and product gas pressure, and analysing the sensed oxygen concentration and/or product gas pressure during a test period to determine the potential performance of the module in use.

Abstract: In a torsion angle measuring method and device for a magnetic-disk suspension, a datum surface of the suspension is fixed to a fixture under pressure, the fixture being provided with a smooth criterion surface having known torsion angles set for the suspension datum surface. A roll angle and a pitch angle of a slider loading surface of the suspension to the datum surface when the suspension is fixed to the fixture are measured.

Abstract: A method for processing semiconductor wafers includes processing a semiconductor wafer in a processing chamber having upper and lower chambers, decoupling the upper chamber from the lower chamber, cleaning the upper chamber, determining, while decoupled, that a leak rate and a particle count for the upper chamber meets predetermined criteria, and coupling the upper chamber to the lower chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for mounting an interposer in a chassis. An apparatus can include a spreader frame attached to an interposer, and supporting means attached to the spreader frame for supporting the spreader frame within a chassis. The supporting means can include a first extendable arm and a second extendable arm supported by the spreader frame and biased in opposing directions such that opposing ends engage surfaces of opposing sidewalls of the chassis when the adjustable support structure is installed in the chassis. A method for mounting an interposer within the chassis can include adjusting a distance between opposing ends of the first extendable arm and the second extendable arm to engage inner surfaces of the chassis and hold the interposer and support structure in a static position within the chassis.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method for determining a system integrity of an oilfield machine operatively coupled to a magnetic drive, wherein the magnetic drive is configured to provide a controlled operational speed, comprising adjusting a control on the oilfield machine such that the oilfield machine operates at a baseline speed, recording a raw system integrity measurement while the oilfield machine is operating at the baseline speed, and calculating the system integrity using the raw system integrity measurement and a baseline system integrity measurement.

Abstract: Head stack fixtures for securing head stack assemblies to spin stand testing systems, and spin stand testing systems incorporating such fixtures, are disclosed. Exemplary head stack fixtures comprise a base supporting a piezoelectric actuator. The base includes an attachment mechanism for securing the HSA in such a way that the HSA will pivot relative to the base. When the HSA is secured to the base, the piezoelectric actuator engages the HSA. The piezoelectric actuator is therefore able to pivot the HSA relative to the base for fine positioning of a head of the HSA.

Abstract: A dust testing facility for static dust testing of a motor vehicle, wherein actual road dust is utilized, which dust is fully recirculated and reused, and wherein the dust testing of the motor vehicle suitably approximates a dynamic road dust test of the motor vehicle. The dust testing facility includes a dust testing chamber which receive thereinside a motor vehicle to be tested and is integrated with four major component systems: an air supply system, a dust supply system, a dust spray system interfaced with the dust supply system, and a dust recapture system interfaced with the air supply and dust supply systems. The dust testing chamber preferably includes, for purposes of dust testing of a motor vehicle, a leak detection system selectively interfaced with a motor vehicle being dust tested.

Abstract: A method for selecting a sleep system comprises positioning a person on a mattress in a lying position. One of the person's arms extends generally perpendicular to the person's torso. A first pillow is positioned underneath the person's head, and a force is applied to the person's arm in a direction generally toward the person's feet. An amount of resistive force supplied by the person's arm is estimated and used to determine whether the proper combination of mattress and pillow is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus to test a servo mechanism that has an electric, servo controlled motor includes a portable frame, a fluid source carried by the frame, a mounting station carried by the frame and adapted to receive a servo mechanism. The mounting station has a power connector through which electric power is suppled to a servo mechanism, a resolver connector for connection to the servo mechanism, a fluid inlet connector through which fluid from the fluid source is provided to the servo mechanism and a fluid outlet connector through which fluid can be discharged from the servo mechanism. Each of the power, resolver, fluid inlet and fluid outlet connectors are preferably blind mate quick connectors adapted to be interconnected with corresponding connectors on the servo mechanism upon installation of the servo mechanism in the mounting station.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting flow in a mass flow controller (MFC). The position of a gate in the MFC is sensed or otherwise determined to monitor flow through the MFC and to immediately or nearly immediately detect a flow failure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a novel MFC is provided. The MFC includes an orifice, a mass flow control gate, an actuator and a gate position sensor. The actuator moves the control gate to control flow through the orifice. The gate position sensor determines the gate position and/or gate movement to monitor flow and immediately or nearly immediately detect a flow failure. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gate position sensor includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal and a receiver for receiving the signal such that the receiver provides an indication of the position of the gate based on the signal received.

Abstract: Strategies are described for analyzing test data received from tests performed on a fire pump, and then automatically computing an overall grade (e.g., excellent, good, fair, or poor) which reflects how the analyzed test data compares with reference data. A standard curve or a manufacturer's curve can serve as the baseline reference data. The output grades can be conveyed in tabular form or graphical form. In the graphical form, the analyzed test data can be plotted for comparison with plural reference curves, where the reference curves demarcate ranges associated with the possible grades.

Abstract: A method for servicing companies associated with a spray device operating under guidelines of a regulatory body includes capturing in vitro actuation data associated with operation of the spray device and distributing the data to a company associated with an aspect of the spray device. The company may use the data for testing the spray device to ensure continued compliance with prior approval of the spray device by the regulatory body. The method may also include converting the data to parameters and distributing the parameters. Capturing the in vitro actuation data may include sorting the data based on in vitro age groups. Distributing the data may include providing the data in a format executable by an automated actuation system. The company receiving the data may be a drug development company, spray device manufacturer, or testing service. The regulatory body may be the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Abstract: The pipeline locator/coordinate mapping device is a tool to be utilized for the location of pipeline coordinate data points via a Cartesian coordinate system. The device will initiate from a known origin or datum with horizontal, X coordinate; longitudinal, Y coordinate; and vertical, Z coordinate respectively being equal to zero. As the device traverses internally through the pipeline, away from the origin or datum, a time increment will correspond to the recorded data, pressures and accelerations, and hence allow the positional coordinate points along the pipeline to be derived in three dimensional space for incremental positions versus time. By analysis of the data displacements from the origin or datum in succession, the pipeline may be located and mapped in an as-built position from a frame of reference, i.e. longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates along the earth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring plasma uniformity and RF uniformity within a plasma chamber. A measurement device is provided within the plasma chamber, where the measurement device includes an electrically conductive surrogate wafer (10) including a planar end wall (12) that is exposed to plasma within the plasma chamber and a printed circuit substrate (20) positioned within the surrogate wafer. The end wall has an aperture (18), and the printed circuit substrate has an ion current collector (26) aligned with the aperture in the end wall. The ion current collector preferably extends within the aperture in the end wall, and the ion current collector has an exposed planar surface that is coplanar with an outer surf of the planar end wall. The device measures ion current flux using the ion current collector, and transmits data from the ion current collector to a receiver located outside of the plasma chamber.

Abstract: Vehicles equipped with air brake systems and onboard vehicle management computers may be programmed to determine normal operating variables for the air compressor system used for maintaining air brake system pressure. The algorithm used determines normal compressor cut-in and cut-out pressures and actual rise times from cut-in to cut-out by compensating for periods of exogenous air pressure demand.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting rubbing inferiority of an alignment film of a liquid crystal display device by spraying moisture particles, the apparatus including a moisture storing unit for storing moisture, and a moisture particle generating unit for pelletizing moisture ejected from the moisture storing unit and spraying on a substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing seed singulation of a seed meter. The apparatus includes a frame which supports the seed meter to be tested above a track within which is disposed a continuous flighted belt. A drive system is provided to drive the flighted belt and the seed meter at a preselected speed and seed discharge rate, respectively. In operation, seeds supplied to the seed meter are dispensed by the seed meter in its normal mode of operation onto the moving flighted belt. A sensor disposed along the path of travel of the belt detects the seeds within each passing cell. A computer records and registers data relevant to the singulation accuracy and efficiency of the seed meter.

Abstract: In order to be able to operate a sensor device on a feed pipeline carrying high voltage without using batteries or storage batteries, the sensors are connected for supply purposes via an electrical isolating stage to a mains voltage source and for signal purposes to an evaluation circuit.

Abstract: A process for learning the pressure and volume characteristics for a given torque-transmitting mechanism is established on the final assembly line wherein a powertrain incorporating the desired transmission learning is installed within a vehicle. During the test process, the vehicle speed is generally maintained at Idle and the vehicle shift mechanism is maintained in Park, thereby mechanically locking the transmission output shaft. The torque-transmitting mechanisms to be learned are then engaged and disengaged in a predetermined sequence and the volume of the torque-transmitting mechanisms and the pressure characteristics of the controlling solenoid are learned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inspecting the mechanical fastening of a component including an electrical conductor to a base body including an electric conductor. According to the method, the electric conductors for mechanically connecting the component to the base body such that an electric connection between the component and the base body is formed when a rigid mechanical connection is established, such that the resistance between the conductors is measured and a resistance value which lies below a predetermined value attests the existence of a rigid mechanical connection.

Abstract: A testing stand for a helicopter transmission is arranged in a testing stand (20) capable of swiveling deflection around a rotor shaft (4) with one output side rotor shaft (4) and at least one drive side input shaft (6, 8). Actuators (28, 30) are provided around the rotor shaft axis (4) for swiveling deflection of the helicopter transmission (2) to equalize shifts on connection couplings (14, 16, 22) occurring under load. It is suggested that the helicopter transmission (2) be clampable in the testing stand (20) by connection elements (24, 26) elastic with respectable to swiveling deflection.

Abstract: A test fixture for testing directional pilot valves as used in connection with turbine engine thrust reversers, and an associated method of use. In a particular embodiment, the test fixture has a base and at least one support mounted to the base to support the directional pilot valve. At least one fastener permits attachment of the directional pilot valve to the support. An adjustable actuator is also mounted to the base and is capable of stroking the directional pilot valve to simulate valve positions that may be encountered in operation of the valve. The adjustable actuator is also capable of maintaining a force, as set by a technician, against the directional pilot valve.

Abstract: A method for evaluation whether oscillations in a control process depend on static friction in an actuator. A signal from the actuator or the signal from the process is measured. The measured signal is signal processed for the purpose of detecting whether the measured signal comprises abrupt inclination changes. It is decided whether there is static friction in the actuator based on whether the signal comprises abrupt inclination changes.

Abstract: A go no-go gauge and method for verifying whether a process kit part used within a plasma chamber of a plasma processing tool has accumulated excessive wear or deposits. The gauge includes a component for verifying whether a dimension of a process kit part feature violates a prescribed size tolerance, the violation indicating that the process kit part has accumulated excessive wear or deposits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for determining characteristics of substrates, such as the presence of contaminants, shape, as well as the spatial relationships between spaced-apart substrates. The spatial relationships include distance and angular orientation between first and second spaced apart substrates.

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: Method for measuring the bearing play in a highly dynamic mechanical transmission chain between a setting member and a functional member on which it acts, wherein a control unit actuates the setting member with a square-shaped desired signal of at least half a period and a measuring device is provided with a sensor for sensing the position of the functional element measures its distance from a reference point of the functional element, and the bearing play is determined from the comparison of the actual deflection with the command signal of the setting member.

Abstract: A testing apparatus which, when resuming a test after interruption, makes it possible to determine whether or not an apparatus to be tested is the one for which the test has been interrupted. A controller acquires identification information for identifying the apparatus to be tested. The controller carries out a test comprised of a plurality of testing items to be executed on the apparatus to be tested. When the test is interrupted, a recording section is operable to record resuming information for carrying out the test on unexecuted testing items among the plurality of testing items, and the acquired identification information.

Abstract: A method of making a golf club includes making a first determination of the location of the effective seam in a shaft and then more precisely locating the seam before attaching a golf club head with the face of the club head facing in a neutral direction.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a wafer examination stand configured to securely receive a wafer carrier. In addition, the apparatus may include a measurement device suspended above stand. In some cases, the stand may include a means for positioning the wafer carrier relative to the measurement device such that a portion of the measurement device is directly above the wafer carrier in a first predetermined position and directly above the microelectronic wafer in a second predetermined position. In any case, the stand may be used for the examination of a microelectronic wafer for any circumstance in which the wafer is placed within a wafer carrier ring. For example, the stand may be used for, but not limited to, measuring the protrusion of a microelectronic wafer relative to a carrier ring. Consequently, a method for measuring a protrusion of a microelectronic wafer relative to a carrier ring is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a test mechanism for testing a connection port of an electronic apparatus comprising a support platform on which at least one slideway is disposed, two mobile grasping components mounted respectively on these slideways such that these grasping components are able to push against both sides and one corresponding surface of the electronic apparatus and fix the electronic apparatus onto the support platform, for testing and estimating whether the connection port with a load object connected thereto in various angles meets with anticipated quality requirement.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.

Abstract: A system for actuating a spray pump assembly comprises a reference platform, a motor, a drive transmission, a spray pump holder, a force coupler, a force transducer, and a system controller. The motor receives a power and control input, and produces a rotary drive output. The drive transmission receives the rotary drive output and produces a linear drive output. The spray pump holder secures the spray pump assembly. The force coupler couples the linear drive output to the spray pump, and applies a force to the spray pump. The force transducer produces a force signal proportional to the force applied to the spray pump. The system controller receives a set of test inputs and provides the control input to the motor as a function of the set of test inputs. The system actuates the spray pump mechanism according to an actuation profile defined by the set of test inputs.

Abstract: A stationary arranged sensor (4) is provided in the region of one of the dead centers of the piston movement to monitor the position of the path of motion of a piston (1) relative to a cylinder (2) whereby the sensor (4) measures the lateral distance (a) to an indicator unit (6) arranged on the piston (1). The sensor (4) is arranged in a recessed position relative to the inner surface of the cylinder (2) and is sealed toward the cylinder chamber (9) by means of a cover (8), and the indicator unit (6) on the piston (1) is designed as an anomaly (10) that is non-sensitive to contaminating deposits in the area of the face (11) of the piston (1).

Abstract: A sinusoidal signal is added to the notch filtered micro-actuator control signal stimulating the micro-actuator. The voice coil control signal is notch filtered to remove the frequency component of the sinusoidal signal before it stimulates the voice coil motor. The micro-actuator control signal is notch filtered to remove the frequency component of the sinusoidal signal before it stimulates the micro-actuator. The response of the system is measured as the Position Error Signal (PES), for the magnetic head moved by the micro-actuator. The measured PES is then demodulated at the frequency of the sinusoidal signal to create a measured amplitude. The stroke sensitivity is then calculated from the measured amplitude and amplitude of the sinusoidal stimulus. The frequency of the sinusoidal signal and notch filters is essentially the same, chosen away from significant excitation frequencies and outside the bandwidth of the servo system.

Abstract: A method for selecting a sleep system comprises positioning a person on a mattress in a lying position. One of the person's arms extends generally perpendicular to the person's torso. A first pillow is positioned underneath the person's head, and a force is applied to the person's arm in a direction generally toward the person's feet. An amount of resistive force supplied by the person's arm is estimated and used to determine whether the proper combination of mattress and pillow is achieved.

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.